Dr. Blaise Aguirre is a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist who has dedicated his life to helping thousands of young people struggling with thoughts of suicide and self-hatred. As a father of four and the author of I Hate Myself, Blaise brings both clinical expertise and a compassionate presence to his work by offering hope and healing to those navigating deep emotional pain.

Today, Blaise shares why self-hatred isn't something we're born with, but rather a story we learn through life's painful seasons, why simply listening without judgment can be more healing than any advice, and how the erosion of extended families and supportive communities has left many of us feeling isolated and alone in our struggles.

My friends, if you've ever felt "not enough" or battled that critical voice in your head, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with practical tools to shift your inner narrative, and the courage to offer yourself more grace in the moments you need it most.

So many powerful stories go untold. Most books are never read, most scripts never make it to screen, and most independent films never find distribution. 

That’s why we’re especially excited to share the news about the SOUL ON FIRE movie... let me explain.

As a former elementary school teacher and founding member of Humans of San Quentin, Diane Kahn is a fierce advocate for second chances and shared humanity. By spending the past seven years working inside the walls of California’s most notorious prison, Diane empowers those incarcerated to earn their high school diplomas, tell their stories, and be seen not for what they’ve done, but for who they are.

Today, Diane shares what inspired her to launch the Humans of San Quentin platform and why storytelling can be the first step to healing. Plus, we talk about the powerful impact of empathy, the surprising kindness found in dark places, and the importance of truly seeing others as more than their past mistakes.

My friends, you’ll leave this conversation with a renewed sense of compassion, a deeper belief in the power of story, and the courage to see your own life through a more grace-filled lens.

It can be rare to receive – or maybe more importantly to give – meaningful recognition for the important work being done all around us.

In our race to the next activity, next location, next appointment, we often hurry right past the individuals providing worthy service directly in front of us. Rarely do we pause and thank the janitor for the clean bathroom, the cashier for taking the order, the driver for safe transport, or the hotel clerk for working the night shift.

By contrast, through a lot of grace, a ton of help from others and a bit of luck, I stumbled into a profession where I am frequently thanked with fancy dinners, standing ovations, and long lines with hugs and handshakes. This encouragement from others adds joy to my life and a reminder that my work matters. Let me explain.

Jeff Glasbrenner is a three-time Paralympian, two-time wheelchair basketball world champion, 25-time Ironman finisher, and the first American amputee to summit Mount Everest. And yet, beyond the titles and the records, Jeff is a man who’s said yes to life again and again, even when the odds were stacked against him.

Today, Jeff shares what it really means to overcome adversity, achieve the impossible, and say yes to big, mighty goals. He opens up about the farm accident that took his leg at age eight, the lessons from his father, the gift of finding purpose through sport, and resilience he’s learned from his daughter Grace in the face of her own medical challenges. From breaking sports records to skiing to the South Pole, Jeff’s story is packed with powerful lessons... and a whole lot of heart.

My friends, if you’ve ever felt held back by your circumstances and seek to find significance in the struggle, this conversation is for you. Jeff reminds us that we each have our own Everest, and with enough courage, community, and belief, we’re capable of climbing it.

I only cried once during high school.

No, it wasn't the first day when Mom dropped me off.

And it wasn't when I saw my first report card, received my first demerit, or experienced my first detention.

It wasn't even when a friend accidentally ran over my foot in the parking lot or when none of my friends stood up to a bully making fun of my hands.

Nope. The one time I cried during my high school career was in a theology class. That day, our teacher rolled a television and VCR into the room (for the younger readers, google it!) and the lights were dimmed as we watched a movie called The Mission. Let me explain.

Dr. Jessica Peck has spent more than two decades as a pediatric nurse practitioner, a professor, and a nationally recognized advocate for children and families. She’s treated teens battling anxiety, depression, and self-harm, helped parents navigate the challenges of raising children in a rapidly changing world, and fought to protect young people from modern-day dangers like cyberbullying and trafficking. But her most important role? A mom of four who has learned firsthand the power of forgiveness, resilience, and hope in parenting.

Today, Dr. Jessica Peck shares how her own struggles with perfectionism and family trauma shaped her journey, why healing isn’t just for you (it impacts generations to come!) and how healthy communication can transform our most important relationships. She also offers practical tools to help parents create safe spaces for tough conversations, set boundaries with love, and guide their kids through life’s biggest challenges with confidence and grace.

My friends, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressures of parenting, this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away with hope, wisdom, and real-life strategies to strengthen your relationships and support the young people in your life.

With so much negativity spewed by the media, each month we share examples of individuals who are grateful for all they have, joyful in all they do and profoundly impactful in the communities where they serve.

This month’s On Fire For Good honoree’s journey is remarkable and his professional impact is stunning, but what he celebrates most are the three letters signifying his achievements behind his name. Let me explain.

Carlos Whittaker, renowned thought leader and bestselling author of Reconnected, is on a mission to help us rediscover the art of real connection. In a world dominated by screens and constant noise, Carlos did something radical. For seven weeks, he lived among Benedictine monks and Amish farmers, immersing himself in silence, simplicity and the rhythms of deep, intentional connection.

Today, Carlos shares what happened when he stepped away from technology and into a world without distractions. He reveals how living screen-free transformed his relationships, deepened his mindfulness, and reshaped his understanding of presence. More importantly, he shows us what this means for all of us—how we can reclaim our attention, be more present with the people we love, and foster deeper, more meaningful connections, even in a world that often feels more divided than ever.

My friends, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise of social media, lost in the busyness of life, or just craving real, honest connection, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave inspired to rethink your relationship with technology, embrace the beauty of the world beyond your screen, and take simple yet powerful steps toward a more present, connected life.

What do you do when the weight of the world seems to fall directly on your shoulders? And how do you show up when you’re pulled in so many directions that it feels hard to do anything particularly well?

As I struggled with these questions in my own life, one person cruising past me showed me not only how to turn around my outlook but also revealed how to avoid the struggle in the first place moving forward. Let me explain.