Better Place Project with Steve Norris

By Steve NorrisSociety & Culture

Better Place Project with Steve Norris episodes

August 02, 2022 Randall Wallace: Award-Winning Writer, Editor, and Pop Critic on the Power of Music
In this episode, Steve sits down with former LA Times Music Veteran Randall Roberts to chat about the power of music in our lives, why we should be carving out time to listen to music, and they even swap some behind the music scene stories as Randall shares what it's like to sit down with the likes of Mick Jagger, PJ Harvey, Danny Elfman and others.

Randall Roberts is an award-winning writer, editor, music freak and disc jockey who recently left his post covering music and culture for the Los Angeles Times. During his 12 years there -- at various points as music editor, pop critic and staff writer -- he explored the layered history of L.A. music, from Rosecrans to Sunset to Ventura Boulevard and beyond. His 2020 project on the early Southern California phonograph industry helped identify the first-ever commercial recording made in Los Angeles. For his acclaimed 2010 story for the LA Weekly, “On the Road to Burma,” Randall traveled to Myanmar with L.A. band Ozomatli and wrote about its role as State Department-sponsored cultural ambassadors. The story was included in the book Best Music Writing 2010.
A two-time Getty/USC-Annenberg Arts Journalism fellow, Randall has witnessed and adapted to the profound changes in journalism and storytelling since his start in the 1990s. He has edited and reported on quick-turnaround deadlines and in extreme conditions such as the backstage artists' camp at Coachella, behind the scenes at the Grammy Awards and in a terry-cloth-robed Axl Rose’s dressing room after a Guns ‘n Rose concert. Now editing and consulting for the University of Missouri communications department, Randall lives in Columbia with his wife Jenny and their daughter Liza.

For more information on Randall, please visit:
Ballparkvillage.com
Instagram: @Liledit

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/
Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve & Erin on Instagram:
@SteveNorrisOfficial
@Erinorris
Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/

Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve on Instagram
@SteveNorrisOfficial

Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]
55 min
July 29, 2022 Feel Good Friday! The "Mind the Gap" Love Story
In this weeks, episode, Steve tells the story of Dr. Margaret McCollum, who would go to the Tube Station in London, sit on a bench, and wait for the subway doors to open, so that she could hear the sound of her late husband on the recording warning the passengers to "Mind the Gap."

But one day, as the train approached and the doors opened, she was devastated to learn that they had replaced the technology and the recording made in the 1950s by her husband, Oswald Laurence was no longer being used.

So Dr. McCollum reached out to Transportation for London, (TFL) and asked if they could provide her with a recording of her husband saying the iconic phrase. The TFL authorities not only provided her a recording, but they also decided to bring back the recording and play it at Embarkment Station. Now, Dr. McCollum can sit on her favorite bench at her favorite station and hear the sound of her late husband once again.

Well done Transportation for London!

Tap the link in bio to listen to this short, inspiring 5-minute episode.

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/
Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve & Erin on Instagram:
@SteveNorrisOfficial
@Erinorris
Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/

Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve on Instagram
@SteveNorrisOfficial

Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]
6 min
July 26, 2022 Solo Episode: 100th Celebration - What A Brush with Death, Affairs, Divorces and Betrayal Have to do with the Launch of this Podcast!
In this week's episode, Steve reflects on the first 100 episodes and does a deep dive into what events in his life lead to the launch of Better Place Project.

Topics Covered:

* Podcast launch with Steve's daughter Erin
* History of the show
* Steve's childhood
* Falling in love
* Early Music Career
* Success in Business
* Divorce
* Betrayal by a business partner
* Behind the scenes trivia
* Compassion Prison Projects's Letter Writing Campaign
* Future Direction of the show

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/
Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve & Erin on Instagram:
@SteveNorrisOfficial
@Erinorris
Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/

Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve on Instagram
@SteveNorrisOfficial

Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]
49 min
July 22, 2022 Feel Good Friday! The Thing I Value Most
In this short, 6-minute episode, Steve tells the story of a young boy named Jack Bennett who befriended the man next store, Mr. Belser. Years later, after Jack had grown up and moved away, he receives a phone call from his mom letting him know that Mr. Belser had passed away.

Jack flies home for the funeral and discovers that a gold box that had been locked on the top of Mr. Belser's desk, was missing. That box was there for Jack's entire childhood and whenever he would ask Mr. Belser what was in it, he would always reply "The thing I value most."

Listen to this inspirational reminder of what’s really important in life, and find out exactly what was in the gold box.

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/
Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve & Erin on Instagram:
@SteveNorrisOfficial
@Erinorris
Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/

Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve on Instagram
@SteveNorrisOfficial

Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]
7 min
July 19, 2022 Omar Brownson: How to be Happier by Rewiring Your Brain with Fearless Gratitude
Did you know that a gratitude practice can actually rewire your brain, helping you to live a happier, more purposeful life? Do you know the difference between gratitude and fearless gratitude, and why the latter is so much more powerful?
Check out my conversation with Omar Brownson to find out. After listening, I’m quite confident that you will never look at gratitude the same way again!
Entrepreneur and public speaker, Omar Brownson inspires Fearless Gratitude, leadership and large-scale culture building.

Omar is a frequent guest speaker and storyteller, teaches Gratitude At Work on Simon Sinek Live Online, and co-hosts the Gratitude Blooming Podcast (ranked in the top five percent in the world). Having led a number of social impact initiatives, Omar brings a real world perspective to tackling leadership challenges, design thinking and culture change.

He recently launched Long Horizon to advise on and invest in web3 projects and is an advisor to Full Spectrum Capital.

Previously, Omar co-founded the gratitude app Gee Thanks, and was the founding executive director of RiverLA where he collaborated with architect Frank Gehry and local leaders to reimagine the 51-mile Los Angeles River.

He has held leadership positions across finance, land use, and social impact. Wherever he is, Omar makes sure to take a beat to notice beauty and share his joy.
Website:
GratitudeBlooming.com

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/
Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve & Erin on Instagram:
@SteveNorrisOfficial
@Erinorris
Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]
To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/

Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve on Instagram
@SteveNorrisOfficial

Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]
1 hr 8 min
July 15, 2022 Feel Good Friday! Positivity - 3 Scientifically Proven Ways to be Happier
In this episode, I showcase an article written by my friend Brad Aronson called Positivity — 3 Scientifically Proven Ways to be Happier.

Brad writes:
“Until recently, I had no idea that you could fairly easily teach your brain to be happier. As most of us could have guessed, researchers have found that positivity (having a positive outlook) makes us happier. I didn’t know that positivity is also proven to make people more successful.
Luckily for us, there are simple, proven ways researchers have found for us (even pessimists) to be happier by training our brains to think more positively.”

Research mentioned:
https://hbr.org/2010/11/why-a-happy-brain-performs-bet
https://www.livescience.com/4443-study-good-feel-good.html
https://www.spring.org.uk/2007/09/practicing-gratitude-can-increase.php

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/
Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve & Erin on Instagram:
@SteveNorrisOfficial
@Erinorris
Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/

Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve on Instagram
@SteveNorrisOfficial

Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]
8 min
July 12, 2022 Dr. Shad Helmstetter: The Power of Neuroplasticity and Positive Self-Talk: Encore Presentation
This is an encore presentation of one of our most popular episodes of 2021. I wanted to bring this episode back because the teachings of Dr. Helmstetter, one of, if not THE leading experts around the world in Nueroplasticity and self-talk, can literally change people's lives. I know this, because it changed mine!

Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D., is the author of more than twenty books in the field of self-talk and personal growth. His books include the classic self-talk best-seller, “What to Say When You Talk to Your Self,” "Negative Self-Talk & How to Change It,” and “The Power of Neuroplasticity.” His books are published in more than 74 countries worldwide. Dr. Helmstetter has appeared on over 1200 radio and television programs, including repeat appearances on Oprah Winfrey, ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN News.

For a free 30-day pass to listen to positive self-talk sessions, please visit https://www.selftalkplus.com/.

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/
Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve & Erin on Instagram:
@SteveNorrisOfficial
@Erinorris
Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]
To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/

Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve on Instagram
@SteveNorrisOfficial

Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]
56 min
July 08, 2022 Feel Good Friday! The Inspiring Real-Life Story of Colonel Sanders
This week’s story is about Harland David Sanders, or as most of us know him as, Colonel Sanders, the face of Kentucky Fried Chicken, or now known as KFC. What most people don't know though is what an interesting life, and what a difficult, traffic life filled with obstacles, that Harland Sanders lived.

Losing his father at the age of 6, was simply the first tragedy and setback that Sanders had to overcome. In this short, 10-minute episode, you'll hear just how many setbacks and failures Sanders had to overcome before launching one of the most successful fast-food restaurants of all time!

Website:
www.BetterPlaceProject.org

Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve & Erin on Instagram:
@SteveNorrisOfficial
@Erinorris
Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Email: [email protected]

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/

Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve on Instagram
@SteveNorrisOfficial

Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]
10 min
July 05, 2022 Fritzi Horstman: Founder of Compassion Prison Project and Creator of "Step Inside the Circle"
In this episode, I sit down with Grammy award winning producer, filmmaker and activist, Fritzi Horstman in a compelling conversation discussing her very powerful documentary "Step Inside the Circle." We discuss trauma, particularly childhood trauma, what it does to the brain, body and spirit, its horrific effect on incarcerated men and women as well as society as a whole.

We chatted about the Adverse Childhood Experience Survey (ACE Survey) that helps one discover how much trauma they experienced in their early childhood years. Childhood trauma is the primary reason why men and women end up in the prison system. Fritzi went over the benefits for us as a society to have a shift on how we view crime and punishment vs rehabilitation.

Other topics covered were:
* The power of healing circles
* The 13th Amendment and what changes are in order
* Increase in inmate wages
* Programs to increase a feeling of self worth and belonging
* The impact solitary confinement has on young minds.
* Gabor Mate's thoughts on why one man with an ACE 10 score ends up in prison, but another family member with a 10 score does not.
* Converting prisons to "Healing Centers"
* What constitutes "Violence?"
* The Compassion Prison Project Letter Writing Campaign

And Fritzi pressed me with some questions that forced me to take a hard look at some childhood trauma that I experienced and may still be showing up in areas of my life.
Fritzi Horstman is the Founder and Executive Director of Compassion Prison Project. She is a Grammy-award winning producer for her work on “The Defiant Ones”, has been a producer and post-producer on dozens of television projects and documentaries and has directed several films. She believes it is urgent to bring humanity and compassion to those living behind bars and these acts will help transform our society. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Vassar College.

Step Inside the Circle Documentary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVxjuTkWQiE&t=47s

Compassion Prison Project Website:
https://compassionprisonproject.org/

Follow Fritzi on Instagram:
@Fritzihorstman
@Compassion.prison.project

Website:
www.BetterPlaceProject.org

Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve & Erin on Instagram:
@SteveNorrisOfficial
@Erinorris
Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Email: [email protected]
To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/

Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve on Instagram
@SteveNorrisOfficial

Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]
1 hr 11 min
July 01, 2022 Feel Good Friday! The Inspiring Story of Hero Anthony Perry
Don’t let anyone ever tell you the younger generation in America is anything but impressive. In a week where we had a heroic barely 26 year old young woman, in Cassidy Hutchinson bravely testify in front of congress to protect our democracy here in the US, in today’s story, I introduce to you yet another young hero, Anthony Perry, a 20 year-old man from Chicago who saved a young man who was electrocuted and lying on the train tracks unconscious.

While others stood and video taped the poor man lying and convulsing on the tracks, this young man sprung into action and risked his life to save another. And it was all caught on tape.

And the story has not only the happy ending of the electrocuted man surviving, but also that Anthony was honored and surprised with a brand new car for his heroism (and he had been taking 2 buses and a train to get to work every day, 90 minutes each way)! But not until after the donor played a little trick on him. :)

Website:
www.BetterPlaceProject.org

Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve & Erin on Instagram:
@SteveNorrisOfficial
@Erinorris
Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Email: [email protected]

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:

Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/

Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj

To follow Steve on Instagram
@SteveNorrisOfficial

Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]
8 min

About Better Place Project with Steve Norris

From the publisher's feed

It started out with a simple question: How can we help make our world a better place? We’re holding this space for conversations about all the things, big and small, that we can do to create impactful…