Intrinsic Drive®

As an eight-year-old boy from a large family, living together in a Brooklyn tenement, Mike Lew had a singular goal—to meet every person on the planet. Today,  Mike and his Next Step Counseling, co-director Thomas Harrigan, travel the world providing individual therapy, couples counseling, group therapy, professional training, and public lectures around the globe.

Mike is a psychotherapist and cultural anthropologist, specializing in the field of culture and personality. Working in tandem with Margaret Mead and Colin Turnbull as mentors, he became a leading expert on sexual abuse recovery, especially with male survivors.

A turning point came when Mike made an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show, he returned home from the male survivor episode to an offer to write a book on recovery. Mike’s book, Victims No Longer Harper Collins 2004, now in its second edition (first edition published in 1990), is the classic guide for men recovering from childhood sexual abuse. The book continues to receive accolades for its clinical expertise and compassionate tone. This essential resource educates survivors and professionals about the recovery process, speaking to the pain, needs, fears, and hopes of the adult male survivor. 

Mr. Lew has assisted thousands of men and women in their recovery and healing from childhood sexual abuse, rape, physical violence, emotional abuse, and neglect. He has consulted with the United Nations, National Institute of Mental Health, National Resource Center on Child Sexual Abuse, National Child Abuse Hotline, and the U.S. Navy, among many others. 

Mike has taught at The University of California Santa Cruz, Quinnipiac College, The College of New Rochelle, and The City College of New York. His second book, Leaping Upon The Mountains: Men Proclaiming Victory over Sexual Child Abuse was published by Small Wonder Books in 1999. 

Thom and Mike host Leaping Upon Mountains a transformative annual  recovery summit retreat, at the Kirkridge Retreat Center in Bangor, Pa. We are thrilled to welcome this tireless champion for survivors of sexual abuse to this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®.

Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.  For more information on this and other episodes visit us at https://www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive.

It's hard to believe fourteen months are now in the rear view mirror of my podcasting odyssey. Like a long uphill climb at a steady pace, this season's guests inspired me upward--to discover what lies beyond the next bend in the road.  My thoughts turn toward lessons from season three: the opportunity to meet kindred spirits, guides known through their works, old friends, even my earliest mentor from high school and college in Florida. I hope you enjoy these messages from our guests this season:

Sara Slattery watched her father lose his entire business. Learning from her parents’ examples of resilience, she picked herself up, turning disappointment into a new opportunity to grow.

  John Lee Dumas leveraged his experience from a pivot to swimming in high school, after an injury benched his basketball dreams.  He applied the concept of putting in extra repetitions to his podcast career - over 3,600 episodes later hosting the world's leading daily entrepreneurial podcast. 

Growing up as a young black man in 1960’s Georgia was not just difficult; it was life-threatening. Benny Vaughn realized that all these experiences sharpened his resolve, defining his life. 

Once Becky Karush learned the principles and essential strategies of writing from Suzanne Kingsbury at the Gateless Writer’s Academy, she allowed her creative genius to flow. Today she teaches others to find their own creative force.

Rock Wilk remembered sitting with Jack Rollins on a park bench when Jack was 99 years old. Jack reminded Rock of life’s uncertainty, and the unknown around the next corner.  

Carwyn Sharp learned the value of clarity in communication, fostering an environment of trust. Vital feedback can be gleaned from mistakes, leading to an improvement system for his team.

Finding your tribe  - one that supports and challenges you, elevates your craft, and creates a nurturing environment - Molly Grant found this in the leatherworker’s community. 

Jerry Lynch ran straight toward his passions, not allowing initial rejection to derail his dream.   Through self-exploration, a totally new way of thinking about spirituality and sport awakened in him.

Dick Beardsley has not lived an easy life,  learning through faith and following his passions to find joy in the moment.  Dick’s attitude radiates hope for the survivor in all of us.

Please reach out, let us know what stories move you forward. What type of guests would you like to hear? We are grateful to those who listen, like, subscribe, rate, and review us. This show is for you.

Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton.  Continued gratitude to Andrew Hollingworth—master editor and sound engineer.  For more information on this and other episodes visit us at https://www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive

Music Credits:  Would if I Could by The New Fools from Epidemic Sound

In the early eighties Dick Beardsley was one of world’s most famous athletes. He is an American distance runner best known for his first-place tie in the 1981 London Marathon and his close finish with Alberto Salazar in the 1982 Boston Marathon— frequently referred to as The Duel in the Sun, compellingly told in the book by John Brant--where he ran 2:08:53 breaking the Boston course and American Records. 

After retiring from competition, he suffered a near fatal farming accident, requiring a five-month post-surgical recovery. From 1992-1995, he sustained three major car and cycling accidents, requiring over twenty surgeries. After each of his operations, pain medications were prescribed—to which he became severely addicted. 

It was a privilege to spend a moment with this inspirational speaker, fishing guide, iconic athlete, and champion of addiction recovery. I caught up with this native Minnesota outdoorsman away from his “floating office,” aboard his 19-foot fishing boat with his Dick Beardsley Fishing Guide Service.  He and his wife Jill are co-owners of the Lake Bemidji Bed and Breakfast.  Dick is a motivational speaker sharing his experiences of redemption, perseverance, and hope; he has spoken at fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, conferences, sporting events, prisons, and drug treatment centers.

I hope you enjoy Dick’s boundless enthusiasm, gratitude, and approach to Staying the Course, the title of his page turning book with co-author Maureen Anderson—a master class in overcoming life’s adversities. We warmly welcome Dick to this episode of  Intrinsic Drive™. 

A self-described gym rat from the age of five, Jerry Lynch was born in the pre-gentrified streets of Brooklyn. He went on to earn a doctoral degree in psychology and complete postdoctoral work in philosophy and religious studies. Dropping out of his professional career,  Jerry moved to Boulder, Colorado - reconnecting with his athletic dreams and becoming a national champion master’s runner.  In the high altitude of the Rocky Mountain foothills he sought to be the best version of himself, realizing he must first explore his inner world through self-examination.  He discovered the power of eastern thought as a way to teach himself to love his sport of distance running. Jerry began to write and merge these ideas of western sports psychology and eastern thought as a way to optimize focus, relaxation, compassion, and enjoyment of sport. 

Dr. Lynch tells us of his low points including the rejection of his first book, to his pivotal meeting with Al Huang who became the co-author of the bestselling book, “Thinking Body, Dancing Mind.”   Celebrating fifty-eight years of coaching, this humble giant and innovator of sports psychology and sport performance has influenced 115 championship teams, 55 Final Four’s resulting in 39 National Championships at the collegiate and professional levels.

Dr. Lynch has had extensive media interview coverage with CBS, NBC, and PBS national television, the New York Times, Oprah Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Baltimore Sun, and Outside Magazine. He co-hosts the Way of Champions Podcast, one of the top-rated podcasts in the world for coaches. The author of 13 books in over 10 languages, Dr. Lynch is the founder and director of The Way of Champions, a human potential and performance consulting group helping others master the deeper inner game for sports, business, and life. 

It was such an inspiration to host Jerry; it is our honor and privilege to welcome him on this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®.

Molly Grant, reconnected with the green leather and suede shoes from her childhood memory when she looked across the room at the League of New Hampshire Craftsman Show.  Spotting the bright colors and creative styles of the Cordwainer Shoes, she stopped in her tracks. This master fine-craft leather artist reconnected with the timeless design of the Pathfinder shoe which she first spotted during a trip to that same show at ten years old. 

 Molly, now in her thirties, gathered the courage to enter into a conversation with her future mentor, teacher, and husband—Paul Mathews.  During their meeting at the Craftsman Show, Paul invited Molly to apprentice and travel to gilded craft shows. Seizing the opportunity to learn the art of shoe-making, she closed her gallery, placing her handbags on the shelf.  Molly and Paul soon married, became partners in the Cordwainer Shop, and worked alongside each other at their farm. Creating wearable art, taking care of the land, and  “living the good life” as Paul would say. 

Paul’s father Edward Mathews designed the Pathfinder shoe in the 1920’s during the Great Depression. A shoe created for accessibility, practicality, and biomechanical correctness. High heels and rigid steel shanks were the only footwear options for women during the high fashion “flapper” era. After extensive research at Antioch College, Edward designed and patented a pliable deerskin moccasin of the Native American, and heel-less sandal of the ancient Greeks; becoming the first “style shoe” designed without high heels, providing a wide toe box.  After the stock market crash the shoe was sold as a kit to support the Mathews mission making ergonomically correct, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable footwear accessible to everyone.  Paul Mathews entered the business in 1933, developing the shoe construction process, renaming the former schoolhouse “The Cordwainer Shop”—in Deerfield NH. 

 Molly had always loved to sew as a youth;  Her mother bought her a piece of leather from one of her yard sale junkets, she was hooked. Following her passions, Molly then became a leather artist in her 20’s, refining her craft during an apprenticeship at the Black Swan Leather shop. She opened Molly Craft Designs, a fine craft gallery in Portsmouth, selling her work along with local artisan jewelry, pottery, and glass.  She transitioned full time to shoemaking after meeting Paul. 

Today Molly teaches workshops for students at craft and folk schools across the country, and at her Cordwainer Shop. Molly is also creating new shoe and handbag designs. I so enjoyed my conversation with this dedicated and talented artist. We are thrilled to welcome Molly to this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®.

Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton. Special thanks to Andrew Hollingworth, our sound engineer and technical editor. For more information on this and other episodes visit us at www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive   Follow us on socials (links below) including   Instagram  @intrinsicdrivelive     

Carwyn Sharp Ph.D. CSCS, emigrated from England to Australia with his family as a young boy.  Searching for new opportunities, Carwyn’s parents stressed the importance of education as a bridge over poverty and a gateway to an abundant life. Carwyn has followed his passions for sport, movement, and performance—fueling his personal life and extraordinary career. We follow this innovator in the field of human performance on his incredible odyssey from his research in sports nutrition, to working with professional, Olympic, and Paralympic athletes. 

Dr. Sharp holds a doctorate in clinical nutrition from the University of Texas at Galveston. Carwyn was the Exercise Countermeasures project scientist at the NASA Johnson Space Center, Director of Education and Chief Science Officer at the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Senior Sports Physiologist and Data Analyst at the United States Olympic and Paralympic committee in Colorado Springs. Carwyn is currently utilizing his vast education, knowledge, and experience as Head of Human Performance for the AS Roma futbol club. We recently caught up with Carwyn just off the pitch with the squad in Rome. We are excited to host Carwyn on this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®

Intrinsic Drive®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton. Special thanks to Andrew Hollingworth, our sound engineer and technical editor. For more information on this and other episodes visit us at www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive   Follow us on socials (links below) including   Instagram  @intrinsicdrivelive    

At five years old Rock Wilk realized he could sing, that same year his grandfather gave him a guitar. A self-taught musician, he spent hours alone in his room playing alongside jazz greats honing his craft. While a defensive back at Colorado State University, his creative writing teacher Bill Tremblay identified his immense talent telling his reluctant student he was a playwright.  

Rock left college deciding to pursue his music career and he enjoyed success in the music business, but something just didn’t feel right with the pop music direction he was advised to follow. Rock tells us of his lowest moment losing his marriage, adopted mother, and financial ruin all at once. 

He then takes us to his incredible pivot after reading at his first poetry slam at the Nuyorican poetry club. Rock then harnessed his ability to focus from his early years as an athlete and musician. He found a poetry club to perform in every night and wrote constantly for six years, releasing Broke Wide Open -  his independently produced album in 2007 - which became his first solo play-- enjoying a highly acclaimed run at NYC’s New Theater. 

In 2014 Rock appeared in his first feature film, Jamesy Boy, Starring James Woods, Mary Louise Parker, and Ving Rhames. Rock is the recipient of the 2106 BRIO award for acting presented by the Bronx Council on the Arts. This activist against social injustice, gun violence, and racism created The Brooklyn Quartet in collaboration with Greg E Gaines—Bring in ‘da Noise Bring in ‘da Funk. Rock’s current film, The Center of Distance, featuring a breathtaking soundtrack by Steve Peckman, won best Indie feature film at the 2022 Milan Gold Awards, a film shot entirely on his phone during the pandemic. The film is also an official selection at numerous film awards, including The Aphrodite Film Awards  and The IndieFest Film Awards. It’s my pleasure to welcome Rock to this episode of Intrinsic Drive ® .



Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton. Special thanks to Andrew Hollingworth, our sound engineer and technical editor. We are grateful to Rock for permission to use "Treat You Like My Own", from his 2007 album Broke Wide Open. For more information on this and other episodes visit us at www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive   Follow us on socials (links below) including   Instagram  @intrinsicdrivelive   

Comfortable with a pen and paper from an early age, Becky Karush grew up writing poetry, creating art, and telling stories. After early success with her writing and poetry, during college she experienced a  fifteen-year wilderness period, leaving her unable to write. This extremely talented poet who learned the power of systems from a childhood friend, longed to find a process to harness her muse. After four years of studying the Gateless Writing method,  Becky’s love of writing was rekindled during a Gateless Teacher’s training course with Suzanne Kingsbury. 

Becky is also the founder of the Read to Me Literary Arts website, where she teachers group writing salons, and individual coaching. Becky is the founder and host, of the Read to Me podcast, where you can listen to her magical, soothing, and healing voice—as she narrates stories, literary works, and poetry.

Becky is a certified teacher of the Gateless Writing method and has led more than 250+ writing salons. She graduated from Wesleyan University (B.A.) and Emerson College (M.A.), and she's worked as a teacher, farmer, journalist, Disney Magazine editor, and copywriter.  She lives in southwestern New Hampshire with her family and her cat Ranger and is working on a novel. It was such a joy to chat with Becky. We are honored to host this literary teacher and talent on this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®.

Intrinsic Drive ®   is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton. Special thanks to Andrew Hollingworth, our sound engineer and technical editor.  For more information on this and other episodes visit us at www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive   Follow us on socials (links below) including   Instagram  @intrinsicdrivelive   

The deep south was a dangerous and treacherous place for a young black man in the 1960’s; Benny Vaughn drank from “colored” water fountains, pedaled away from viscous dogs while passing through white neighborhoods, and rode in the back of buses. 

Benny turned hardships into opportunity through his actions. He was the first black athlete to win the Georgia state high school cross country championships and during the spring of his senior year, he won the 440, 880, Mile, and Mile relay—leading Baker High to its first ever state track and field championship by a two-point margin. 

One of the most highly recruited athletes in the country, Benny accepted a full  scholarship from the University of Florida, one of five African American athletes picked as ambassadors for racial equality in a slowly desegregating southern landscape. 

For over forty-six years, Benny has been internationally recognized as the father of sports massage therapy, supporting athletes at five Olympic Games. As medical liaison and manager of athlete services for the Atlanta Centennial Olympic games, he incorporated massage therapy into the medical provisions for the athletes. This iconoclastic trailblazer prepared his whole life to break stereotypes, oppression, and prejudice.

Through the mastery of his craft and the harnessing of his healing energy,  sharing his tactile intelligence, knowledge, education, and experience at his state of the art, Benny Vaughn Athletic Training Center. Benny continues to mentor athletes and massage therapists thorough his Benny Vaughn Life Coaching programs. 

Benny is the recipient of the American Massage Therapy Association Merit Award, the One Lifetime Concept Achievement Award, the Award of Excellence from the National Athletic Trainers Association, and an inductee into the UF Health and Human Performance Alumni Hall of Fame. In 2020 Benny gave the commencement speech at his alma mater, to graduates of the UF College of Health and Human Performance. It is such a joy, honor, and privilege to welcome my friend and earliest mentor Benny to this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®.

 Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton. Special thanks to Andrew Hollingworth, our sound engineer and technical editor.  For more information on this and other episodes visit us at www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive   Follow us on socials (links below) including   Instagram  @intrinsicdrivelive  

John Lee Dumas showed early signs of his dedication and commitment to process. He pivoted to swimming after injuries forced him to leave the soccer pitch and basketball court his senior year in high school. JLD quickly transformed one weakness in technique each day; in the final competition of the season, John touched the wall first, winning the Maine State Championship in the 50-yard freestyle.  

After graduation from Providence College, John served our country as an Army platoon leader in Iraq.  He continued searching for his purpose or "zone of fire" (to coin a phrase from John) -  a place where passion, expertise, and experience intersect  - and ditched law school, left the financial sector and real estate behind. He began devouring podcasts, quickly realizing the absence of a daily show dedicated to interviewing entrepreneurs and business leaders. John reached out to the host of his favorite podcast The Eventual Millionaire  and the host Jaime Masters became his podcast guide and mentor. 

Fast forward to today, JLD has interviewed over 3,600 of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs. John, his partner Kate Erickson, and their small virtual team are the highest-grossing daily affiliate and sponsorship show online. John and Kate are co-creators of Podcaster’s Paradise, an online course, community, and resource assisting fledgling beginners to seasoned broadcasting professionals to realize their podcasting dreams. In his new book The Common Path to Uncommon Success  John distills essential qualities, mutual habits, into 17 focused steps to success. 

We are honored, thrilled, and excited to welcome this podcast inspiration, John Lee Dumas, to this episode of Intrinsic Drive  ®.

Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton. Special thanks to Andrew Hollingworth, our sound engineer and technical editor.  For more information on this and other episodes visit us at www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive   Follow us on socials (links below) including Instagram  @intrinsicdrivelive