On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Shirin Behzadi, whose extraordinary life journey is nothing short of cinematic. As a teenager, Shirin fled post-revolution Iran alone, narrowly escaping imprisonment and persecution before arriving in the US with virtually nothing. Her early days were spent working at a gas station, but she held tight to a bold vision: to one day become the CEO of a major company—a dream she ultimately achieved.

Shirin’s resilience carried her through every twist along the way: earning a degree, rising through the corporate ranks, and ultimately serving as CEO of a billion-dollar franchise company. But life had another curveball for her—a diagnosis of a brain tumor that required a grueling 10-hour surgery and a difficult road to recovery. Rather than slowing her down, this experience deepened her strength, purpose, and commitment to doing good through business.

Today, Shirin is the author of the forthcoming book, "The Unexpected CEO," a board member, advisor, investor, and a fierce advocate for resilience, authenticity, and value-based leadership. In this conversation, she opens up about the trauma of growing up in revolutionary Iran, the lessons learned through adversity, and the practical steps we can take to cultivate hope and courage when life’s challenges seem insurmountable.

Get ready to hear a story about grit, belief, and what it truly means to heal and lead from a place of compassion.

What Listeners Will Learn:

• Shirin Behzadi’s remarkable journey escaping post-revolution Iran and navigating the trauma of arbitrary arrests as a teenager.
• How Shirin rebuilt her life from scratch in the United States, starting as a gas station cashier and ultimately becoming the CEO of a billion dollar company.
• Shirin faced a life-threatening brain tumor, endured extensive surgery and recovery, and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and resilience.
• The power of adversity as a superpower and how Shirin transformed obstacles into growth opportunities throughout her career.
• Listeners will also learn why belief, a strong sense of intention (“knowing”), and authentic vision are key to overcoming life’s hardships—no matter how daunting.
• Practical advice for building resilience, finding your personal “North Star,” and how to take actionable steps toward hope and healing—even in the face of overwhelming challenge.
• How to both seek and offer community support in times of crisis, and why “healing by moving” is a powerful lesson for anyone on a difficult journey.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Life Lessons from a Busy Childhood

(06:26) Government Control Through Intimidation in Iran

(11:11) Resilience Through Adversity

(15:48) Departure from Home at Seventeen

(18:23) Choosing Resilience Over Adversity

(20:32) From Gas Station to CEO in the U.S.

(25:25) Overcoming Surgery with Confidence

(28:55) Believe: Transforming Adversity Into Power

(30:31) Understanding Personal Trauma's Impact

(34:43) Embracing Resilience Through Trauma

(38:22) Flipping Low Odds Into Opportunities

(41:13) Finding Hope in Crisis

(44:04) Curveball Podcast Listener Feedback

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Carlin Isles, the man widely regarded as the fastest player in the history of rugby. But Carlin’s journey to the world stage is about so much more than speed. Growing up in Ohio, Carlin was confronted with unthinkable hardships: torn from his family at only six years old by law enforcement, he and his twin sister endured years in the foster care system, facing abuse, adversity, and a lack of basic education. Yet, against all odds, Carlin’s resilience transformed heartbreak into hope.

With faith, relentless discipline, and a burning desire to outrun his past, Carlin forged a new future. He became a collegiate athlete, a professional track star, signed with the Detroit Lions, and ultimately became a two-time Olympian and a viral rugby sensation. His story is one of breathtaking tenacity—of never giving up, of using every setback as fuel, and of the life-changing power of belief and mentorship.

Tune in as Carlin shares how he turned unimaginable pain into purpose, why he once walked away from a lifelong Olympic dream to pursue the unknown in rugby, and the personal philosophies that keep him pushing forward. This episode isn’t just about athletic greatness—it’s about what it truly takes to break through life’s biggest barriers and inspire others to do the same.

What Listeners Will Learn:

• How Carlin’s experiences in foster care shaped his approach to life
• Carlin describes refusing to let his turbulent childhood define his future. 
• Carlin talked about developing a strong “man in the mirror” mentality. 
• The support of mentors played a pivotal role in Carlin’s story. 
• Carlin made a bold decision to leave behind Olympic track trials and pursue rugby, a sport he’d never played before. 
• Throughout his life, Carlin set incredibly high goals for himself and worked relentlessly toward them. 
• Carlin emphasizes “seeing past what the eye can see” and having a vision beyond current circumstances. 
• After achieving so much, Carlin now focuses on giving back and inspiring others. 

Key Moments:

(00:00) Carlin Isles: Against All Odds

(03:27) Emotion-Filled Story of Empathy

(08:40) Remarkable Determination at Age Eight 

(09:55) Transformative Mindset and Pursuing Goals"

(14:20) Pursuing Dream to Train with the Best 

(16:44) Chasing Rugby Dreams

(22:19) Vision Beyond Hardships

(24:04) Resilience and Overcoming Adversity

(28:51) Visionary Pursuit

(31:13) Embracing Discomfort and Finding Faith

(36:21) Keep Moving, Breakthrough Awaits

(37:35) Carlin Isles: Grit and Success

In this special two-part episode, host Scott Reich sits down with the remarkable Aaron Lazar, a Broadway, film, and television star whose artistry and resilience have inspired countless fans. But beyond his career as an acclaimed performer, Aaron offers a deeply personal look at his journey living with ALS, opening up about loss, ambition, family, and the transformative power of vulnerability.

Together, Scott and Aaron explore what it means to chase impossible dreams, navigate trauma and setbacks, and intentionally reframe life’s curveballs as opportunities for growth. Both men share candid stories of wrestling with high expectations, personal and family health crises, and the internal work required to cultivate hope in the face of uncertainty. With warmth and honesty, Aaron describes how his diagnosis has reshaped the way he connects with his children, approaches fatherhood, and finds fulfillment—while Scott reflects on his own journey as a parent to a child with severe special needs.

Join us for an episode filled with grounded wisdom, actionable insight, and genuine connection as Aaron and Scott remind us all: while we can’t always control what life throws at us, we do have a choice in how we respond—and in the meaning we give to our experiences.

What Listeners Will Learn:

• Aaron Lazar talks about redefining success after his diagnosis with ALS. 
• Both Aaron and Scott discuss the idea of “chasing the next mountain.” 
• Aaron speaks openly about trauma, resilience, and the pressures of show business.
• Parenting dynamics come up several times in the episode, especially as Aaron’s children take on caregiving roles. 
• Aaron decided not to tell his children about his diagnosis for a significant period. 
• The theme of surrendering versus fighting comes up, particularly around illness. 
• Both speakers reflect on learning to savor everyday moments—the wind in the trees, being present. 
• Spirituality is a recurring topic, with Aaron discussing a shift from traditional religious views to a more expansive understanding of God and meaning. 
• Aaron mentions the power of belief and mindset in shaping one’s experience of illness and life’s hardships. 
• The episode is framed around turning curveballs—unexpected life events—into opportunities for connection and growth. 

Key Moments:

(04:37) Passion's Role in Success & Growth

(09:13) Chasing Success: The Endless Cycle

(10:45) Life-Altering Perspective Shift

(14:53) Impossible Dream: A Life Transformed

(16:16) Silent Struggle for Self-Healing

(19:59) Mission to Heal and Inspire

(24:48) Parenting Challenges and Role Reversal

(27:22) Redefining Disease Conversations with Kids

(32:42) Embracing Imperfection in Overachieving

(35:53) Seeing Life Through Fresh Eyes

(37:10) Embracing “Patient Acceptance”

(40:46) Learning Life's Lessons Without Suffering

(45:25) Patterns or Choices: Self-awareness Realized

(47:10) Faith, Doubt, and Understanding

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich talks with Paralympic gold medalist and six-time world champion racer, Josh George. At just four years old, Josh survived a harrowing 12-story fall that left him paralyzed from the waist down—an unimaginable curveball that instantly changed his life. In their heartfelt conversation, Josh shares how his resilient mindset, his parents’ unwavering support, and the power of sport helped him not only to adapt, but thrive. From racing around hospital hallways as a child to competing on the world’s biggest stages, Josh’s story is a testament to human adaptability, creativity, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about overcoming obstacles, redefining limitations, and finding opportunity and meaning in life’s greatest challenges.

Listeners Will Learn: 

• Josh describes his accident as happening at the "perfect time" in his life because of his young age of four.
• Josh credits his parents with focusing on what he could do, not what he couldn’t, from the very beginning. 
• The podcast highlights the absence of a “playbook” for dealing with major curveballs in life. 
• Josh talks about the importance of sports and athletics in his recovery and overall well-being. 
• Josh shares that he uses his limitations as springboards for creativity. 
• The episode discusses the contextual view of disability, contrasting it with the more static "medical" model.
• Josh has described his accident as a “blessing” due to the introspection and growth it brought. 
• The conversation touches on vulnerability and the process of accepting help from others. 

Key Moments:

(00:00) Child's Fall Incident

(05:55) Adapting to Life's Challenges

(07:43) Rediscovering Sports After Spinal Injury

(12:21) Heightened Awareness Through Parenting Challenges

(15:03) Competitive Spirit in a Wheelchair

(19:21) Maximizing Time Constraints

(22:35) Resilience Through Adversity

(23:40) Embrace New Challenges for Growth

(28:41) Fostering Understanding for Special Needs

(31:29) Perceptions of Help and Growth

(33:15) "Curveball: Perseverance to Gold"

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Scott Reich sits down with legendary diving coach Cliff Devries, whose story is as much about resilience as it is about the human spirit. Cliff was once on the fast track to becoming one of the top divers in the nation. But everything changed when a shocking diagnosis turned his world upside down.

At just 21 years old, Cliff was told he had a life-threatening spinal tumor with only months to live. His journey from a promising athletic career to a grueling surgery that lasted half a day and ultimately saved his life—but left him partially paralyzed—is one of the most dramatic turns in the world of sports. Featured in ESPN: Cliff Diving, Cliff’s story is a testament to unshakable faith in God, perseverance, and rediscovering purpose when everything seems lost.

Now a beloved diving coach known for his courage and yearly symbolic dive into the pool, Cliff shares his emotional highs and lows, the role of faith in his healing, and how he continues to inspire athletes and non-athletes alike.

This episode is a tribute to the power of the human spirit and a reminder that when life throws you a curveball, sometimes the most beautiful dives come after the fall.

Listeners Will Learn: 

• How Cliff rose through the ranks as a promising young diver
• The shocking moment he learned of his tumor — and the prognosis
• How his faith in God carried him through pain, paralysis, and fear to recovery
• The psychological battle of losing physical ability — and regaining purpose
• How Cliff turned personal tragedy into a source of inspiration for others
• The meaning behind his powerful annual dive into the pool
• Life lessons on humility, gratitude, and inner strength from a coach who never gave up

(00:00 – 03:00) Cliff reflects on growing up as the youngest sibling and how sibling rivalry and family dynamics shaped his drive and competitiveness

(03:00 – 06:00) Cliff’s first introduction to diving, his instant connection with the sport, and the early coaches who recognized his rare talent

(06:00 – 08:30) Being scouted and recruited to one of the nation's best diving programs and the excitement of becoming a Division I athlete

(08:30 – 11:30) Mysterious physical symptoms during training and the moment his parents sat him down and said he had months to live because of a brain and spinal tumor

(11:30 – 15:00) Undergoing a marathon 13-hour surgery at Mount Sinai in New York City when his heartbeat was lost on the operating table 

(15:00 – 18:00) Coming out of surgery and realizing he was partially paralyzed and the grief of losing physical movement—and identity as an athlete

(18:00 – 21:00) Choosing to return to the pool—not as a diver, but as a coach and the beginning of a new purpose: helping others achieve what he no longer could physically do

(21:00 – 24:00) Becoming one of the most inspirational coaches in the U.S.

(24:00 – 27:00) His powerful annual dive into the pool — performed with limited mobility

(27:00 – 30:00) A message to anyone facing a curveball: “There’s purpose in your pain.”

On this powerful episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Natalie Sanandaji, an American survivor of the Nova Music Festival massacre during the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel. Natalie recounts her harrowing escape—running for hours through Israeli farmland, making life-or-death “choiceless choices,” and ultimately surviving thanks to the bravery of strangers. Her story is not only a testament to resilience in the face of unimaginable trauma, but also a call to confront the reality of rising antisemitism, both globally and here in the United States. Join us as Natalie shares how her life changed in an instant, the lessons she’s learned, and how she is now channeling her experience into advocacy and action against hate. This conversation shines a light on survival, identity, and the fight against ignorance in today’s world.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Natalie mentioned living in a "Jewish bubble" in New York before October 7th. 
• The episode describes a unique security process for events in Israel, including vetting ticket buyers and withholding event locations. 
• Natalie talks about “choiceless choices” when running for her life during the attack. 
• She highlights how some of her friends at the festival did not survive. 
• After the attack, Natalie dedicated herself to combating antisemitism and educating others. 
• Natalie draws parallels between the rise of extremism in Iran and current trends she’s seeing among young people in the United States. 
• She argues that increasing Jewish history education in schools could reduce antisemitism. 
• As a Jew, Natalie expresses feeling safer in Israel during wartime than in many Western countries. 
• Throughout the ordeal, Natalie witnessed both the worst and best of humanity—tragic loss and incredible acts of bravery. 

Key Moments:

(00:00) Israel Festival Ticket Process

(04:44) Dance Interrupted by Rocket Attack

(09:11) Unexpected Danger at Israeli Festival

(10:43) Festival Ends in Tragedy

(15:08) Near-Escape During Gunfire Chaos

(19:45) Escape Through Farmland

(21:30) Festival to Fear: Terror Under Tree

(25:33) Awakening: Survivor's Perspective and Duty

(28:04) Education's Role in Combating Antisemitism

(31:57) Fear and Identity in Dubai

(36:03) Activist Transitions from Reality to Advocacy

(38:39) Survivor's Story: Antisemitism Exposed

Host Scott Reich speaks with Dr. Fred Luskin, director of The Stanford University Forgiveness Project, to explore the true meaning and power of forgiveness. Dr. Luskin shares his personal journey from bitterness and self-pity to healing, revealing the strategies he developed not only through research but through his own life experiences. Together, they unpack why forgiveness is often easier to understand than it is to practice, how self-pity and anger hold us back, and the concrete steps we can take to let go of old hurts. Whether you’re wrestling with a difficult relationship, personal disappointment, or just trying to move on from the past, this episode offers insight, practical tools, and hope for finding peace—and even growth—on the other side of pain. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how we can set ourselves free by changing the stories we tell and the way we relate to our struggles.

Our Guest:

Dr. Fred Luskin

Listeners will Learn:

● Fred Luskin speaks about the toxic combination of anger and self-pity.

● Fred’s personal journey with forgiveness began after a friend betrayed him and

his wife called out his bitterness.

● The discussion highlights that forgiveness is not about condoning the past but

about reclaiming the present.

● Fred mentions two critical insights: the power to choose what you pay attention

to, and accepting that relationships can change over time.

● Gratitude is described as the first key step towards forgiveness.

● Practical ways to calm your nervous system when you’re emotionally upset.

● The idea of changing your internal narrative from “victim” to someone with

“agency” is discussed as central to forgiveness.

● Fred said that “forgiveness is not the same as reconciling.”

● The episode touches on societal anger and divisiveness.

● For parents and mentors, Fred emphasizes that modeling forgiveness is far more

important than simply teaching it.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Forgiveness Transformed My Life

(04:30) Path to Forgiveness: A Personal Journey

(09:44) Redefining Friendship Through Adversity

(12:52) Let Go of Expectations

(15:46) Pathways to Forgiveness

(18:13) Gradual Recovery After Trauma

(22:59) The Physical Impact of Grudges

(26:04) Rethinking Forgiveness and Tolerance

(31:01) Mindful Forgiveness and Self-Awareness

(32:25) Power of Moving Past Pain

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with actor Cameron Mathison for a raw and emotional conversation about loss, resilience, and the challenge of starting over. Just a few months ago, Cameron lost his home of 13 years to the devastating California wildfires—an experience that forced him to confront memories and meaning tied to every possession. This disaster came on the heels of an already turbulent few years, including a long cancer battle, the death of his mother, the loss of his beloved dog, and a painful divorce. Cameron opens up about the difficulties of navigating grief while trying to support his children, and how “patient acceptance,” gratitude, and mindfulness practices have helped him sustain hope through a series of tough curveballs. Tune in for a heartfelt episode about facing the unimaginable, the power of community, and finding meaning even in life's darkest hours. 

Our Guest:

Cameron Mathison 

Listeners Will Learn: 

• Cameron speaks about the concept of "patient acceptance." 
• The loss of Cameron’s home to wildfires was the “straw that broke the camel’s back.” 
• Cameron shared that items lost in the fire were not just possessions, but also carried deep sentimental value. 
• The episode touches on the idea that curveballs in life often come in series, not just one-off events. 
• Cameron and Scott both talk about the impact their struggles have had on their children and families. 
• Cameron mentions Buddhist philosophy and meditation as tools for coping with adversity. 
• The discussion highlights how “societal curveballs,” like wildfires, can affect entire communities. 
• Gratitude was a recurring theme, even during hardship. 
• Cameron reflected with deep emotion on what he would do differently if he could go back five years. 
• The episode ends with the thought that sharing vulnerability helps build community. 

Key Moments:

(00:00) Unique and Unexpected Loss

(05:25) Life's Curveballs and Mindset Shift

(08:28) Evacuation During Wildfire Crisis

(11:51) Sudden Community Crisis Impact

(13:12) Parenting Through Grief and Loss

(17:49) Coping with Life's Curveballs

(22:59) Compassion Defeats Negativity

(26:03) Scientific Approach to Mindful Living

(33:15) Supporting Rare Disease Caregivers

(34:04) Meaningful Connection Over Solving Problems

(38:47) Acceptance and Gratitude

Host Scott Reich sits down with Dr. David Sandberg, a renowned pediatric neurosurgeon and author of Brain and Heart: The Triumphs and Struggles of a Pediatric Neurosurgeon. David offers a candid look behind the curtain of high-stakes medicine—sharing what it’s like to deliver both the best and worst possible news to families, the weight of those conversations, and the compassion that guides his daily life.

But this conversation takes a surprising turn when David opens up about his own personal curveball: at the height of his career, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Hear how a man who has spent decades helping families through unimaginable loss and uncertainty is now confronting his own life-altering diagnosis, and what gratitude, resilience, and meaning look like on both sides of the doctor-patient relationship.

This is an honest, moving discussion about empathy, the unpredictability of both the brain and life, and finding purpose in the face of adversity. You won’t want to miss it.

Our Guest: 

Dr. David Sandberg

What Listeners Will Learn:

 ●     Dr. David Sandberg talks about the importance of carefully choosing his words when giving families news about their child.

●     The episode highlights the unpredictable nature of the brain and medical outcomes.

●     David describes honesty, compassion, and listening as the foundation of his approach to delivering difficult news.

●     David mentions that there’s no true way to prepare for or predict how families will react to tragedy.

●     The episode delves into the resilience of both parents and children facing traumatic or chronic illness.

●     International medical work and teaching are a big part of David’s career.

●     How becoming a parent himself shifts David’s approach to patient and family interactions.

●     David shares his recent Parkinson’s diagnosis and the decision to step away from surgery.

●     Gratitude emerges as a major theme in both David’s outlook and the podcast as a whole.

●     The story of Marcela, the Honduran patient who became a medical student, had a profound effect on David’s life and even influenced his personal decisions.

 Key Moments:

(03:27) Parenting Anxiety: From Cold to Crisis

(09:10) Surgery Update: Urgent and Serious

(12:01) Developing Personal Style in Medicine

(13:48) From Homeless Aid to Neurosurgery

(17:15) Unexpected Trauma: A Surgeon's Perspective

(21:37) Embracing Optimism Amid Adversity

(24:53) Empathy Strengthens Human Connection

(28:57) Embracing Life's Unexpected Challenges

(30:30) Gratitude Amidst Life's Challenges

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Ken Feinberg, the man behind some of the most emotionally-charged and high-stakes victim compensation decisions in American history. From mediating the Agent Orange settlement, to administering funds for the victims of 9/11, Sandy Hook, the BP oil spill, and the Boston Marathon bombing, Ken has navigated the immense challenge of putting financial value on unimaginable loss. Together, they explore Ken’s unlikely journey from aspiring actor in blue-collar Brockton, Massachusetts, to becoming a trusted arbiter in moments of national tragedy. The conversation dives deep into the impossible decisions Ken has faced, the lessons he’s learned about fairness and empathy, and the personal toll these curveballs have taken—not only on him, but on the very fabric of American society. It's a raw, moving look at what it means to be fair in the aftermath of tragedy, and how one person’s adaptability and commitment to public service can help shape a nation’s recovery.

What Listeners Will Learn:

• Ken Feinberg describes being appointed to mediate the Agent Orange case as a major "curveball" that changed his entire professional path. 
• Ken shares his struggle with the emotional toll of meeting with 9/11 victims' families, conducting 950 hearings. 
• He mentions making mistakes during the administration of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, especially in how he showed empathy. 
• The episode explores the tension between fairness and practicality when distributing compensation—balancing the needs of victims’ families from diverse backgrounds. 
• Ken discusses how Congress designed the 9/11 fund to incentivize victims not to sue, leading to disparities in compensation. 
• Both Scott Reich and Ken Feinberg reflect on how unpredictable events—curveballs—force us to adapt. 
• The episode touches on the role of faith and belief systems when dealing with tragedy. 
• Ken underlines the importance of objectivity, yet admits the emotional impact is unavoidable. 
• Public service is a recurring theme. 
• Reflecting on the personal cost of his work—especially the absence from family—Ken credits his loved ones for their support. 

Our Guest:

Ken Feinberg

Key Moments:

(04:17) Agent Orange Mediation Appointment

(08:17) Reapplying Skills to Transform Careers

(12:10) Historic Deployment of Public Capital in the Wake of 9/11

(14:39) Valuing Lives: Balancing Compensation Inequality

(20:31) Unequal Victim Compensation Critique

(24:03) The Weight of Unintended Insensitivity

(25:09) Perceptions of Faith Amid Tragedy

(31:45) Embracing Present Over Future Plans

(33:24) Navigating Emotional Aftermath

(38:55) Shared Affinity for JFK’s Legacy