Moral of the Story

Gabrielle Darbyshire's life is a whirlwind of daring ventures and groundbreaking achievements. Picture this: Gaby built an electric car, setting the stage for a career that would straddle media, technology, and law with aplomb. From co-founding Gawker Media to producing a documentary on Steve Jobs, Gabby's journey is a tapestry of audacious pursuits. Embark on a global adventure with her as she recounts the thrill of climbing Cotopaxi volcano, and find out how such experiences echo the entrepreneurial spirit.

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"Hey, this random dude I just met in the bathroom invited us to their table in the VIP section. Free drinks." 

Ahmed Al-khadri didn't have to say much more to his two female companions. As 20-somethings, they were ready to party and this was a shortcut. 

Little did they know that accepting the offer would lead them on the wildest night they had ever experienced.

Ahmed recounts the story.

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What if the secrets to crafting unforgettable stories lie in the hidden letters of a baseball legend? Join us on "Moral of the Story" as we sit down with bestselling author Jonathan Icke, who takes us on an enthralling journey from his early days as a newspaper writer to his celebrated career as a book author. Drawing inspiration from comics and sports, Jonathan shares how his love for storytelling was ignited and reveals the pivotal moment spurred by Laura Hillenbrand's "Seabiscuit" that set him on his path to authoring.

In an emotional recount, Jonathan delves into the arduous yet rewarding process of writing Lou Gehrig's biography. From the challenges of piecing together the life of a reclusive icon to the astonishing discovery of Gehrig's personal letters, listeners will gain insight into the meticulous research and emotional resilience required to humanize historical figures. Jonathan’s narrative transcends mere biography, offering a deeper understanding of Gehrig's battle with ALS and the universal themes of struggle and perseverance.

We also navigate the complexities inherent in long-term creative projects, tackling the emotional toll of unfinished works and the daunting mid-point of extensive research endeavors. Through personal anecdotes and practical strategies, Jonathan provides valuable advice on maintaining momentum and humanizing the subjects of our stories, whether they be sports legends or civil rights icons like Martin Luther King Jr. Join us for an insightful conversation that underscores the power of storytelling and the human connections that enrich our narratives.

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What if the obstacles you've faced could become the foundation of your greatest achievements? Join us as we uncover the compelling life story of David Kitchen, founder and president of Edge Leadership Academy. Growing up in Pennsylvania with no male role model and financial instability, David found his sanctuary in sports and weightlifting. Despite a knee injury that derailed his college football dreams, his perseverance led him to a successful coaching career at Robert Morris University, UNLV, and Georgia Southern. From the football field to founding a leadership academy during a pandemic, David's journey is a testament to resilience and grit.

Ever wonder what happens when high achievement meets personal demons? David takes us into his battle with depression and anxiety, challenges he faced after transitioning from coaching to entrepreneurship. Hear firsthand how a strenuous trip to Georgia turned into a wake-up call, revealing the depths of his mental health struggles. David's candid discussion about the physical manifestations of anxiety and depression serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health, especially in high-pressure environments. His story emphasizes the need to address these issues head-on and the profound impact it has on one’s overall well-being.

Imagine navigating life's toughest moments while pushing to achieve your highest potential. David shares his journey of confronting past traumas and the importance of adversity in shaping character. Reflecting on personal experiences, including his transformative shift from powerlifting to becoming a hybrid athlete, David illustrates how embracing discomfort can unlock true growth. We'll also explore the cultural pressures to overlook mental well-being and the role of authenticity in storytelling. This episode offers invaluable lessons on the significance of resilience, mental health, and the transformative power of facing one's fears.

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Long before his 27-year prison term and the creation of the award-winning Ear Hustle podcast, Earlonne Woods was a teenage gang member trying to survive the 1980s LA crack epidemic. 

One day, Earlonne's brother brought home two new guns. After shooting the weapons, Earlonne, unbeknownst to his brother, decided to clean one of the weapons. There was only one problem: he had no idea what he was doing. He did his best and returned the gun to his brother, who left the house with the weapon.

It would prove to be a fateful action in both brothers' lives. 

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Long before the sprawling culinary empire, the Emmy nominated TV shows, the award-winning cookbooks and the White House invitations, Rick Bayless was just a regular kid growing up in Oklahoma City and working at his parents' BBQ restaurant. He played by the rules and wasn't the rebellious type.

Until, one day, on his way home from work, he bought a pet monkey. 

It was an unprecedented act of rebellion that would forever change his family and teach him an indelible lesson on actions and consequences.

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While at the Moth, Terence Mickey split his time between teaching storytelling to Fortune 500 executives through the corporate program and helping at risk-youth and recovering addicts through the outreach program.

At first glance, the two programs were worlds apart. But one day, they would collide in spectacular fashion through a Vietnam vet's shockingly graphic recollection of a jungle encounter with the Viet kong. 

Terence had no idea just how much this collision would light up both programs, but, as he came to learn, the stories most difficult to tell are often the ones that truly connect us, and in doing so, reveal our collective humanity.

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Growing up in 1970s South Brooklyn (now Carol Gardens), Scott was surrounded by the mob. Wiseguys named Fat Freddie and Big Red drank their espressos and smoked their cigars at the social clubs on the corner. It was idyllic in its own way and he was safe as long as he didn't stray too far.

His uncle Frankie, a tough guy's tough guy, was like a father to Scott. Later in life, Frankie had a  quadruple bypass surgery and Scott came to visit. Frankie was frail and almost unrecognizable.

As Scott stood there taking it in, Frankie beckoned him over to the bed and whispered in his ear words that Scott would never forget.

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Danielle Juhre was in her first semester at Berklee College of Music.  Her parents were in town for freshman orientation week.

After the orientation, a jam session was held at Cafe 939.  New students had the option to sign up and perform with a band of legendary teachers of legacy.

Danielle's parents asked her if she would go up. Terrified of performing with world-renowned musicians in front of her peers, she emphatically declined.

But then, thinking of her parents' sacrifices to get her to Berklee, she put her name on the sign up sheet. It would prove to be  the most pivotal moment of her music career.

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Grammy-nominated recording artist Peter Himmelman was just a young boy when his father decided to take him on a canoeing trip. It was an early autumn day on Cedar Lake in Minneapolis. 

Hearing a party across the water, they approached to explore. It turned out to be a rowdy affair on Indian beach, named after the feared Lakota Sioux who would frequent the spot.

Suddenly, a muscular shirtless Lakota man dove into the water and began to swim furiously toward the canoe. Peter was terrified. His dad was smiling. 

The ensuing moments would be seared into Peter's memory, proving to be yet another formative experience with his larger than life father.

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