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Confronting Addiction and Reclaiming Sobriety Through Personal Transformation

Today, we’re talking about a topic that hits close to home for so many people—addiction, recovery, and the fight to reclaim control of one’s life. Joining me is someone who’s not only walked that difficult path but has turned his journey into a powerful message of hope and transformation. Ken Cox is the author of Reclaim Sobriety: The 12 Rounds of Sobriety, a guide for overcoming addiction and taking back your life, one step at a time. Ken’s story is one of grit, growth, and the relentless pursuit of a better self.

Ken is not just an author; he’s also the President of Hostirian and host of the award-winning Clicks and Bricks podcast. With a career rooted in creating value and solutions for others, he’s built a reputation as a successful entrepreneur and mentor. But today, we’re diving into his personal journey—how boxing, mindset work, and even redefining masculinity helped him rise from the depths of alcoholism and trauma to become a sober gladiator, as he calls it.

Ken’s commitment to youth mentorship and his work with transformative practices like EMDR therapy are inspiring. He’s not just helping others find their way out of addiction—he’s showing them how to reclaim their identity, build resilience, and create a life they can be proud of.

So, get ready for an incredibly impactful conversation about mindset, masculinity, recovery, and the power of personal growth.

Takeaways

• Reclaiming control over one's life is essential for recovery.
• Identifying as a 'sober gladiator' can change one's mindset.
• The journey of recovery often requires redefining personal identity.
• Boxing provided a crucial outlet for Ken's transformation.
• Youth mentorship can be a powerful tool for personal growth.
• Understanding microtraumas is important in helping others.
• Mindset work is critical for overcoming addiction.
• EMDR therapy can aid in processing past traumas.
• Creating a supportive environment for youth is vital.
• Sharing personal stories can help others in their recovery journey.

Learn more about and connect with Ken Cox by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!

Preparing Our Children with the Skills To Navigate Toxic Polarization

Today, we’re diving into one of the most critical topics of our time—how we can equip the next generation to navigate a world that often feels more divided by the day.

As someone who’s worked through my own journey from anger to understanding, I know firsthand the importance of teaching people to bridge divides. But what if we could start even earlier? What if we could teach kids—not just as they grow, but while they’re still forming the skills and perspectives that will shape their entire lives—to think critically, build empathy, and connect across differences?

Our guest today is Kent Lenci, a true pioneer in this space. Kent spent 20 years as a middle school educator, holding roles as a teacher, coach, and leader, before founding Middle Ground School Solutions in 2019. His mission is simple but powerful: to help prepare today’s students to ease tomorrow’s political polarization. From creating curriculum for the Better Arguments Project and the National Week of Conversation to writing his book Learning to Depolarize, Kent has been on the front lines, empowering educators to teach kids how to engage with empathy and civility in a divided world.

We’ll talk about Kent’s journey, the challenges today’s youth face, and why early intervention in education is key to countering the effects of divisive media and polarized environments. Kent will also share actionable insights on fostering emotional intelligence and media literacy in kids, along with the role human connection plays in creating lasting change.

This is exactly the kind of conversation that embodies the spirit of Derate the Hate—finding ways to turn tension into understanding and anger into action.

Takeaways

• Kent Lenci transitioned from teaching to founding Middle Ground Solutions.
• Early intervention in education can prevent polarization.
• Media literacy is essential for critical thinking in youth.
• Emotional intelligence helps children navigate complex social dynamics.
• Building connections across divides is crucial for understanding.
• Human connection is key to overcoming polarization.
• Organizations like Pro Human Foundation and Braver Angels work towards a better future. 

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!

Overcome The Overwhelm and Calm Your Inner Critic

Friends, how often do you feel like you’re juggling the impossible? Trying to balance the demands of work, family, and the pressures you put on yourself? It can feel overwhelming, right? But what if I told you there’s a way to find harmony—not just balance, but real, meaningful harmony—so you can lead a life that works and feels right for you?

Today, I’m sitting down with someone who knows this journey all too well: Arlene Cohen Miller. Arlene is the CEO of Jewel Consultancy and a Work-Life Balance & Harmony Coach with a powerful mission. With a background as a highly regarded attorney, an internationally certified coach, and even a certified meditation facilitator, Arlene brings a unique blend of experience and insight to help women—and really, anyone—lead with compassion, self-confidence, and clarity.

In this conversation, Arlene and I dive deep into what it takes to overcome the overwhelm, quiet that inner critic, and shift our mindset with practices like gratitude and self-compassion. She’s got practical strategies for setting priorities, celebrating your small wins, and even finding healing in something as simple as connecting with nature.

So, if you’ve ever felt like the weight of the world is on your shoulders or struggled to give yourself grace when you stumble, this episode is for you. Tune in, and let’s explore how we can each take one step closer to a life filled with balance, growth, and fulfillment.

Takeaways

• Gratitude can significantly enhance our happiness.
• Setting priorities is crucial for managing overwhelm.
• The inner critic often stems from childhood experiences.
• Self-compassion is essential for personal growth.
• Nature can provide a healing escape from daily stress.
• Celebrating small wins helps combat feelings of failure.
• We must train ourselves to listen to our inner dialogue.
• Mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth.
• Finding hope in nature can restore balance.
• Practicing gratitude can shift our focus to positivity.

Learn more about and connect with Arlene Cohen Miller online by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!

Bridging Divides Through The Universal Language of Music

Today, we’re diving into a topic that resonates deeply with our mission—using the universal language of music to bridge divides and foster understanding. Joining me is the incredible Jason Caplan, a pioneer in this space and someone whose work truly inspires. Jason is the Founder and President of The Bridge Institute, where he’s championing a groundbreaking approach to communication through the Universal Language Room. Since 2004, Jason has devoted his life to creating and teaching improvisational music as a tool for transcending barriers and fostering dialogue across cultures, religions, and perspectives.

Through the Bridge Institute, Jason’s concepts are being taught worldwide, from Uganda and Indonesia to Israel and Rajasthan. His work doesn’t stop there—Jason also leads Naqshon’s Leap, a multi-faith music group based in Memphis, Tennessee. Their music speaks to unity and shared humanity, as heard in their powerful single, Unity/One God, One Human Family, which even features jazz legend David Liebman.

On top of all this, Jason serves on the board of advisors at the ProHuman Foundation, an organization I’m proud to be connected with. Together, they’re exploring ways to integrate music into education and social initiatives, promoting empathy, understanding, and community building.

Takeaways

• Music can serve as a universal language that transcends barriers.
• The Universal Language Room aims to teach music as a real language.
• Engaging in music can help people forget their differences.
• Music creates a space for constructive dialogue rather than conflict.
• The process of musical permutations can be a fun and engaging way to learn.
• Collaboration with organizations like the Pro Human Foundation enhances outreach.
• Music can be a powerful tool for social change and community bu

So Meta
Inspiring stories of resilience: overcoming struggles, finding purpose, transforming lives

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!

What Unites Us Is Found Outside The Frame

Today, I’m joined by another remarkable guest and fellow member of the ProHuman Foundation board of advisors, filmmaker and journalist Rob Feld. Rob is a storyteller with an incredible ability to tackle some of today’s most divisive topics with insight, empathy, and—believe it or not—humor. His latest documentary, *Jesters & Fools*, is a must-watch. It brings together comedians like Colin Quinn, Mo Amer, Jim Norton, and others while interweaving the social science of Duke professor Chris Bail to reveal an uplifting truth: America isn’t as polarized as the media might have you believe. You can find it at jestersandfools.com, and I promise, it’s worth your time.  

Rob’s career spans an impressive range. From directing short films that have premiered at Tribeca and TIFF Kids to writing for outlets like *DGA Quarterly* and *American Cinematographer*, and even teaching screenwriting and directing at NYU—he’s done it all. Beyond the screen and the page, Rob serves on the Board of Advisors for the ProHuman Foundation, an organization committed to promoting our shared humanity amidst divisive narratives.  

In this conversation, we’re diving deep into polarization, how comedians can help bridge societal divides, and why emotional intelligence and critical thinking are more important than ever. Rob and I explore the impact of social media’s distorted realities and the urgent need for real-life connections and conversations.  

If you’re ready for another thought-provoking discussion that blends humor, wisdom, and a vision for a better tomorrow, stick around. This is yet another great DTH conversation you won’t want to miss!"

Takeaways

• We are not as divided as some believe.
• Comedians can help bridge societal divides.
• Online realities often distort our perceptions.
• E

So Meta
Inspiring stories of resilience: overcoming struggles, finding purpose, transforming lives

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!

The Importance of Intrapersonal Empowerment in Bettering Civil Discourse

Today, I’m excited to introduce Erec Smith, another fellow member of the board of advisors at the ProHuman Foundation and a powerful voice for true empowerment and personal accountability, especially in today’s social climate. Erec is a research fellow at the Cato Institute and a former Associate Professor of Rhetoric at York College of Pennsylvania. His work explores how rhetoric influences our perspectives on anti-racism, activism, and the foundations of a free, pluralistic, and civil society.

But Erec’s reach goes beyond the classroom. He’s a co-founder of Free Black Thought, a nonprofit that’s challenging the status quo by celebrating viewpoint diversity within Black communities. Through their Journal of Free Black Thought, they share everything from poetry to scholarly work—bringing out the voices of artists, writers, academics, and public intellectuals often overlooked by mainstream media.

In today’s conversation, Erec and I dig into some critical ideas about personal empowerment and the dangers of a victim narrative. One of Erec’s key messages is the importance of choosing to be a “victor” in our own lives, rather than seeing ourselves as victims. He’s observed that the victim narrative, while powerful, often breeds resentment rather than resilience, which ultimately disempowers us.

We also explore some big questions: What does real equity look like, and can some equity efforts inadvertently lead to more division? Erec shares how outreach programs, when done right, prepare young people to navigate and thrive in college—not just to check boxes but to actually feel empowered.

Erec’s insights on intrapersonal empowerment really hit home. He believes that the path to civil discourse—and to bridging divides—is through strengthening the individual first. It’s only

So Meta
Inspiring stories of resilience: overcoming struggles, finding purpose, transforming lives

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!

Self-Love & Breaking A Cycle Of Self-Sabotage

Today’s guest, Judith Costa, brings a unique and powerful approach to something so vital in our lives: love. But it’s not just about love in the romantic sense—it’s about unconditional love, self-love, and taking responsibility for the relationships we have with others and, most importantly, ourselves.

Judith is an Unconditional Love Coach, Happiness Trainer, and speaker who has spent years helping people remove those inner blocks that keep them from truly embracing who they are. With a master’s degree in Analytical Psychology and Psychotherapy, she’s also a certified teacher of the Akashic Records and a Reiki Master. Her work spans a variety of areas, including self-discovery, past life regression, and even astrology, all geared toward helping people achieve happiness, abundance, and genuine connection.

In our conversation, Judith and I dive into what it really means to love yourself—how it’s a state of being, a decision we make to live authentically and fully. We talk about how often we hand over our happiness to others, how self-sabotage keeps us stuck, and why forgiving ourselves is essential to moving forward. Judith’s approach isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about understanding that love is always within our reach. She teaches that when we take ownership of our happiness, embrace our mistakes as learning opportunities, and become our own best friends, we can transform our lives.

Takeaways

• Unconditional love is a decision, not just a feeling.
• Self-love is essential for happiness and success.
• We often put our happiness in the hands of others.
• Forgiveness is crucial for personal freedom.
• Relationships reflect our relationship with ourselves.
• Self-sabotage often stems from a lack of self-love.
• Authenticity is key to healthy relationships.
• Every mistake is an opportunity for learning.

So Meta
Inspiring stories of resilience: overcoming struggles, finding purpose, transforming lives

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!

Taking Back Your Health: Patient Advocacy in a Corporate Healthcare World

Today, I have another truly impactful guest joining me. Dr. Nikki Johnson is not only a physician with years of experience in pediatric critical care, but she’s also become a fierce advocate for patients navigating the modern healthcare system.

Dr. Nikki has seen firsthand how the doctor-patient relationship is often overshadowed by corporate healthcare interests and insurance demands. We’re diving deep today into some of the major challenges she’s witnessed – like how insurance companies and government policies are increasingly influencing which treatments patients receive. Dr. Nikki argues that these outside forces are eroding the core of patient care, where the focus should be on that personal bond between doctor and patient.

As the Interim Director of FAIR In Medicine, she’s leading efforts to educate and empower patients so they can take back control of their healthcare choices. We’ll be talking about her involvement with grassroots organizations like Free2Care and what it means for physicians and patients to unite against a system that can feel impersonal and, at times, restrictive. Through her work, Dr. Nikki is helping more people understand their rights and advocate for the quality, transparency, and choice that everyone deserves in their healthcare.

So, whether you've felt frustrated by healthcare decisions being made without you or just want to know more about reclaiming your power in medical care, stick around. This conversation with Dr. Nikki Johnson will leave you inspired and informed on what’s possible when we demand better from the system!

Takeaways

• Dr. Nikki Johnson emphasizes the importance of the doctor-patient relationship.
• Healthcare decisions are increasingly influenced by external forces, disrupting pat

So Meta
Inspiring stories of resilience: overcoming struggles, finding purpose, transforming lives

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!

Relationships Are The Foundation For Solving Our Common Problems

“Renewing our democracy has to start with rebuilding our relationships, and our trust, and our ability to lower the toxicity of our national conversation and our local conversations”

Friends, today I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation with someone who has spent decades working to bridge divides and bring people together—David Eisner. David’s career has spanned the worlds of business, government, and nonprofit leadership. He’s served as the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service under President George W. Bush, led the National Constitution Center, and formerly headed the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution. Throughout his career, David has been deeply committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration to tackle some of our nation’s most pressing challenges.

In our conversation today, David shares his journey into public service and why he believes that community engagement is essential in solving societal issues. We’ll also explore the role technology plays in polarization—it can connect us, but it can just as easily divide us—and discuss the erosion of trust in institutions as a result. David emphasizes the need for citizens to come together, build relationships, and work toward solutions, rather than relying on government alone.

We also touch on the unique role of faith leaders, who often find themselves navigating political divides, and the importance of their work in fostering dialogue and understanding. Ultimately, this is a conversation about rejecting toxic polarization, rebuilding trust through open communication, and finding hope in the growing movement against divisiveness.

Takeaways

• Community engagement is essential for solving common problems.
• Technology can both connect and divide communities.
• Polarization undermines trust in institutions and each other

So Meta
Inspiring stories of resilience: overcoming struggles, finding purpose, transforming lives

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!

Forgiveness Is A Personal Journey Not Dependent On Others

Part of the ProHuman Foundation Board of Advisors Series...
learn more about the Prohuman Foundation at ProHumanFoundation.org

Today I’m honored to sit down with a fellow member of the ProHuman Foundation’s board of advisors, Dr. Fred Luskin. It’s a privilege to be in conversation with someone whose work in the field of forgiveness and emotional well-being has touched so many lives, and whose insights are invaluable for anyone looking to cultivate deeper happiness and emotional resilience.

Dr. Luskin has dedicated his career to the science of forgiveness, serving as the director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects and authoring bestsellers like *Forgive for Good* and *Forgive for Love.* In our conversation, we’ll explore how forgiveness and gratitude—cornerstones of Dr. Luskin’s research—are not just abstract ideals but teachable, actionable skills that can transform your life. From breaking free of the victim mentality to fostering personal responsibility and emotional health, Dr. Luskin’s work shows us that we have the power to reshape our emotional reality.

In this episode, we’ll dig into the science behind forgiveness, the dangers of labeling others, and why humility and vulnerability are essential for genuine healing. Whether you’re dealing with personal struggles or just striving for a greater sense of well-being, Dr. Luskin’s approach offers practical steps to move forward.

So, join me as we dive into this transformative conversation with Dr. Fred Luskin, and discover how you can take control of your emotional well-being through the power of forgiveness and gratitude.

Takeaways

• Forgiveness is essential for emotional well-being.
• Gratitude is the genesis of happiness.
• Peopl

So Meta
Inspiring stories of resilience: overcoming struggles, finding purpose, transforming lives

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!