In the first episode, host Jim Schneider welcomes renowned columnist Heidi Stevens. Heidi is the Director of External Affairs at the University of Chicago’s TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health, a research institute that works to optimize brain development for all children. Prior to joining University of Chicago, Heidi worked at the Chicago Tribune for 23 years as a writer and editor. For the past decade she wrote a daily column called Balancing Act. She maintains a nationally syndicated column once a week and serves on the Board of Directors for FAN, a Chicago-area speaker series, and the Ross K. MacNeill Foundation, which works to raise money and awareness for pediatric brain cancer research.  

Heidi discusses her approach to writing about challenging societal issues with positivity and inclusivity. Their conversation touches on her experiences in journalism, her dedication to highlighting vulnerable populations, and the importance of maintaining hope in the face of adversity. Heidi shares personal anecdotes and insights on finding beauty and community in unexpected places, while advocating for a more empathetic and human-centered approach to societal challenges. The episode concludes with an invitation to follow Heidi’s work.

• Check out Heidi's columns at https://www.chicagotribune.com/author/heidi-stevens/.
• Join her Facebook group, Balancing Act.
• Take in amazing sunrise photos and insightful commentary by following Heidi on social media. 
  • Twitter: @HeidiStevens13
  • Instagram: @heidikstevens

"Half-Full Mic" concept and logo art by Artemis Sere of Seretic Studios.

Music by Roman Senyk from Pixabay