On Life and Meaning

Cyndee Patterson is president of the Lynwood Foundation that owns and operates the historic Duke Mansion and the Lee Institute. Both the Duke Mansion and the Lee Institute are devoted to community service, philanthropy and convening the civic leaders of today and tomorrow. The Duke Mansion is a 4-star inn and meeting event venue. The Lee Institute provides facilitation, consulting and training for nonprofit, government and community organizations across the country. Cyndee was previously president of Patterson Blake, Inc., a corporate meeting and event planning firm. She served as an at-large Charlotte City Council member from 1985 to 1993 and as Mayor Pro Tem from 1989-1991. She has served on several boards and has won numerous awards for community service. Cyndee earned B.A. with honors in psychology and business administration from Purdue University.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in civic engagement, dialog, leadership development, city politics, and serving the past, present and future.

IN THIS EPISODE

• ee describes the Lynwood Foundation and the work of the Duke Mansion and the Lee Institute.

• She explains how the Lee Institute goes about its work of building community leadership.

• She notes what the Lee Institute teaches that intersects leadership development, non-profit organizational support and civic engagement.

• She discusses listening and appreciative inquiry, and the tension between dialog and action.

• Cyndee talks about facilitating dialog around the issue of gentrification.

• She identifies two underlying causes of civic engagement issues in Charlotte.

• She considers how the leadership model in Charlotte must evolve to address stresses from growth.

• She addresses lack of trust as a barrier to civic engagement.

• Cyndee answers what can people to do improve civic engagement.

• She discusses growing up in Carol City, Florida and how it framed her life.

• She shares how her politics have come full circle and why she loves civic engagement.

• She reveals what she is a true believer about and what event rocked her world.

• Cyndee talks about how she went from supporting Bobby Kennedy to Nelson Rockefeller to Richard Nixon to George McGovern.

• She discusses moving to Charlotte, the first projects she worked on in the city, and bringing people together.

• She reveals why the chose to withdraw from her race for mayor.

• She compares civic leadership today to the civic leadership of the 1980's and 1990's.

• Cyndee talks about converting to Reform Judaism and recites the words of a sign in her office that guides her life.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: The Charlotte Way

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning.

Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr. is a photojournalist and image activist. He honed his craft on the front lines of America's social justice movements, documenting people and events in cities throughout the nation. His social documentary work has been featured most notably at exhibits at the Levine Museum of the New South and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture. His work includes professional sports, concert, portrait, editorial and fashion photography. He has taken photographs for the NFL, NBA and NASCAR, and commissioned to take concert photography at multiple record-breaking dates of Jay Z's 4:44 Tour. He is a recipient of Charlotte magazine's 2018 Charlottean of the Year Award.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in photography, image activism, social justice, and showing up for change.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Alvin discusses image activism and photographs taken 'through the lens of the people.'
• He shares why and how he documents certain moments.
• He describes the 'K(no)w Justice, K(no)w Peace' exhibit at the Levine Museum of the New South.
• He reveals what goes through his mind when he shooting photographs during street protests.
• Alvin addresses 'benefiting' from photographs of conflict and struggle that he has taken.
• He describes the 'Welcome to Brookhill' exhibit at the Harvey B. Gantt Museum of African American Arts + Culture.
• He talks about growing up in Rockford, Illinois, how the city has changed, and what living in Rockford taught him.
• He discusses his father, step-father and mother and his relationship with them.
• Alvin reflects on attending Keith Country Day School and Auburn High School in Rockford.
• He considers how becoming a father at a young age changed the trajectory of his life.
• He talks about the 'spaghetti junction' of his life took after high school.
• He shares why he is in a hurry to live.
• He addresses the consequences of maintaining street credibility.
• Alvin discloses what he wants his career to have been about.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: A Choice of Weapons

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Donald K. Jonas, Ph.D. is executive director of Care Ring, which provides primary care to persons with modest means. He previously served as executive director of the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation and as Senior Vice-President of Community Philanthropy at Foundation For The Carolinas. Don has written extensively on public policy, including the aging of our labor force and the future of America's health care system. He is a 2005 recipient of the Charlotte Business Journal's "40 Under 40" award, he is a German Marshall Fund Fellow, and he serves on a number of boards in the Charlotte region, including UNC Charlotte's Institute for Social Capital. Don received a bachelor of arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a master of arts from Appalachian State University and a doctorate in political science from the University of Kentucky.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in community health, medicaid transformation, human capital and singing in a band.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Don describes Care Ring and its mission of providing health care to persons with limited resources.
• He identifies the number one issue facing the patients of Care Ring.
• He explains the Physician's Reach Out and Nurse Family Partnership
• He answers how Care Ring is funded and whether Care Ring has the funds it needs.
• Don tells the story of Maribelle Connerat, the founder of Care Ring.
• He addresses medicaid transformation in North Carolina and how it might affect Care Ring's unique model of care.
• He discusses social determinants of health and how it its leading Care Ring in new directions.
• He shares his excitement and concerns about One Charlotte Health Initiative and a collective response to community health.
• Don describes the community health he envisions and what would have to happen for it to materialize.
• He reveals the personal challenges of leading Care Ring and how he feels about his work.
• He talks about growing up in Charlotte and the influence of his parents.
• He answers whether he wanted to run for political office.
• Don describes his Ph.D. dissertation on telecommunications and the work he did on the book Workforce 2000 and Workforce 2020.
• He shares how his interest in human capital and health care
• He discusses why and how he joined the Foundation For The Carolinas as Vice President of Community Philanthropy.
• He reflects on the influence of Joe Martin, a community leader and executive at Bank of America.
• Don shares what he learned about himself as executive director of Presbyterian Hospital Association.
• He talks about being the lead singer of a band, what he wishes he had more time to do, and why his band is called The Fidgets.
• He reveals what the lyrics of his songs are all about.
• Don answers whether he senses time passing and what matters most to him.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Black Mirrors and Frumious Bandersnatches

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Deborah Triplett is an image taker and garden maker. She is the principal photographer at Deborah Triplett Photography, where she has been a working professional photographer for over 25 years. Her work has been shown at 1650 Gallery, Diane Hughes Gallery, Spirit Square Gallery and at The Light Factory. Deborah was the primary photographer for Skirt Magazine and a contributing photographer for NFocus, Charlotte Viewpoint and Charlotte Magazine. She is the founder of Yard Art Day, a city-wide event in Charlotte held every Labor Day where neighbors place art of their own creation in their front yards. She is a gardener and caretaker of Flowerhead Farm, a private garden of whimsy and delight. Deborah studied photography at Artography in Los Angeles and earns her on-going education in the school of life.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in photography, what is beautiful, wabi-sabi, yard art, confronting cancer, and love of family and friends.

• Deborah describes the photographs she takes and what is most important in her work.
• She identifies what she looks for through the lens of her camera.
• She reveals the one thing she wants other people to know about her.
• She answers whether she thinks of her photography as art.
• Deborah discusses what is beautiful to her and how her sense of beauty has changed.
• She describes what someone would see in her garden and how it reflects who she is.
• She talks about Yard Art Day and how it makes her feel.
• She shares her love for 'outsider artists.'
• Deborah reflects on two of her own personal Yard Art Day projects.
• She reflects on growing up in Elkin, North Carolina, and the love and dysfunction of her family.
• She discusses repeating family patterns and what she learned in therapy.
• She reveals who she loved as a child and the person she daydreamed of being.
• Deborah recalls moving to New York City and her work as a stewardess.
• She remembers being the 'old lady' to the drummer of Blood Sweat & Tears.
• She tells the story of making the cover of Playgirl magazine.
• She describes her first marriage and what she learned.
• Deborah recalls how her second marriage led to her career in photography.
• She shares why she returned to North Carolina and the moment that shifted her life.
• She talks about being diagnosed with lung cancer and the choice she made.
• She answers why it is important to her to talk about cancer.
• Deborah reveals the most important thing in her life and what really matters.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Wabi-Sabi

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Dan Murrey is an orthopedic spine surgeon. He leads the Specialty Practice Division of OptumCare, a division of United Health Group, a healthcare provider and coverage company. Dan was previously founder and CEO of OrthoCarolina, an orthopedic practice and physician group. He led efforts in quality improvement, data management, corporate compliance, and customer service delivery and contracting innovation. His honors and awards include the Care Ring Maribelle Connerat Award, the Charlotte Center City Partners Special Achievement Award, and the Presbyterian Orthopedic Hospital Physician of the Year award. He served as a Mecklenburg County Commissioner and led the host committee for the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Dan received a B.A. in Religion from Davidson College, a Masters degree in Public Policy from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, and his M.D. from Harvard Medical School.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in heath care system reform, where God resides, confronting injustice and taking on difficult tasks.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Dan explains his work leading the Specialty Practice Group at OptumCare.
• He describes values-based care and distinguishes it from fee-for-service care.
• He answers why it is in the best interest of health care systems to move away from fee for service.
• He addresses whether the free market is a rational mechanism for health care delivery.
• Dan discusses why there is resistance to change within the health care system and whether he is optimistic about the future of healthcare.
• He talks about his home town of Pulaski, Tennessee and its notorious history that informed his childhood.
• He reflects on the values he learned at home and the impression his father's medical practice made upon him.
• He shares why he studied religion at Davidson College and what remains top of mind.
• Dan reveals where God resides for him.
• He discusses using his privilege to call out injustice and the work of undermining unjust power structures.
• He recalls his time at Harvard Medical School and the Kennedy School of Government.
• He answers what drew him to spine surgery and the surgeries he remembers.
• Dan shares what he set out to do as CEO of OrthoCarolina.
• He reveals what he was thinking when he entered politics and what he learned.
• He recalls how he managed his days as a surgeon, CEO and a county commissioner.
• He discusses chairing the host committee for the 2012 Democratic National Convention.
• He shares his passions for cooking, collecting pottery and civic debate.
• Dan answers what is most important to him and how he wants to be remembered.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Will and Grace

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Matt Cosper is founder and artistic director of XOXO, an experimental theater ensemble in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has created eight original works for the stage since 2009, winning Charlotte Magazine's Best of the Best Award for theater twice. His professional theater credits include acting and directing with the Children's Theatre of Charlotte, the Oregon Children's Theatre, Actors Theatre of Charlotte, Carolina Actors Studio Theatre and Theatre Charlotte. In addition to his work as a theater maker, he is a member of the Goodyear Arts collective, curating exhibitions and artist residencies in Charlotte. Matt is a member of the Network of Ensemble Theatres and the American Association for Theatre and Education. He is also Director of Theatre Arts at Charlotte Latin School, an independent day school. He earned a Bachelor's of Arts in Performance from Greensboro College.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in theater making, the fractal nature of existence, Zen koans, magical realism and accessing the sublime.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Matt explains the term 'theater maker.'
• He discusses theater as an art form and the role of the audience in witnessing theater.
• He describes his original work as a playwright and director.
• He talks about the presence of clowns and the absurd in his work.
• Matt discusses inviting people into a liminal space of reality and accessing the sublime.
• He connects the appeal of theater to the sacredness of the present.
• He shares what he asks of the audience in theater making.
• He answers whether he thinks of himself as a
• Matt talks about reconciling faith with skepticism in his work.
• He addresses the fractal nature of existence and eternal return.
• He responds to whether his work is similar to Zen koans.
• He answers whether he feels an obligation to entertain.
• Matt discusses the influence of David Lynch, Magical Realists and the Romantics.
• He talks about being born in California, his ancestry and his genetic predispositions.
• He reflects on having a 'Lucifer complex' and the guilt he carries.
• He recalls the biography that led him to read Symbolist poetry.
• Matt identifies the book that has everything that he can ask for in a work of art.
• He considers whether his plays are chapters from the same book.
• He talks about his spiritual teacher and mentor.
• He reveals the people who haunt his work and what his work is really about.
• Matt addresses what is beyond the veil.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Powers and Principalities

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Stephanie Ansaldo is founder and president of The Echo Foundation, an education foundation for humanity and peace. The Echo Foundation invites world-renowned humanitarians to deliver messages that inspire citizens to action on behalf of humankind. Stephanie previously served as a family therapist at Charlotte Latin School and led her own private practice in family therapy. She is a recipient of several honors and awards, including the Mayor's International Cabinet Richard Vinroot Achievement Award, the inaugural UNC Charlotte Bob Barrett Social Justice Award and the State of North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine. She earned a bachelor's degree in child development from Virginia Tech University and master's degree in clinical counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in humanitarian service, inspiring students to make a difference, bearing witness against inhumanity, and what one person can do.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Stephanie describes The Echo Foundation and its mission.
• She notes some of the humanitarians and laureates The Echo Foundation has hosted.
• She reflects on the impact of encounters with humanitarians and laureates.
• She discusses the experiential learning of the 'In the Footsteps' program.
• Stephanie talks about Elie Wiesel and his importance to The Echo Foundation.
• She tells how a challenge led to the founding of The Echo Foundation.
• She identifies the sentiment at the heart of The Echo Foundation.
• She explains the role Elie Wiesel played in The Echo Foundation over nearly 20 years.
• Stephanie shares how she learned about Elie Wiesel's death and how his death affects her and the future of The Echo Foundation.
• She discusses how she managed controversy over the presentation of former U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power to The Echo Foundation.
• She addresses where The Echo Foundation is going as it scans the world today.
• She considers the work of historian Yuval Noah Harari and the two most important things that we can teach students today.
• Stephanie talks about how does The Echo Foundation fit into a new emerging landscape.
• She tells the story of how her father and mother met in Dachau after World War II.
• She shares how she was raised religiously and the values she learned as a child.
• She remembers her time in college and changing her major to child psychology.
• Stephanie recalls her work as a family therapist at Charlotte Latin School.
• She answers how she bears the witness of crimes against humanity.
• She shares her three favorite quotes that guide her.
• Stephanie reflects on what can one person do.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Dreamers and Rebels

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Don Taylor is an assistant professor of sociology at Johnson & Wales University. He has worked in various human services positions, including the fields of mental health, child welfare, couples and families, and domestic and sexual violence. He has written a group treatment curriculum entitled S.E.E.D.: Self-Esteem and Expression Development for African-American Adolescents, which is used by several programs targeting adolescents who attend Alcoholics Anonymous. Don is author of the novel Buggin: A Brother's Tale and an accomplished jazz saxophonist. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science at Cheyney State College and a master's degree in social administration from Case Western University.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in sociology, turning a journal into a novel, playing the saxophone, and a career in human services and education.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Don talks about sociology and the classes he teaches.
• He addresses the challenge of having personal agency as we operate within institutional forces.
• He describes what people would see if they saw him teach.
• He answers why he is drawn to sociology as a field of study.
• Don shares what he wants his students to learn.
• He explains what his novel Buggin: A Brother's Tale is about.
• He reveals how he feels playing the saxophone.
• He identifies the music he would want to listen to as the final light in his life went out.
• Don remembers his childhood in Charles Town, West Virginia.
• He explains why he plays 'Amazing Grace' every time he plays the saxophone.
• He shares what changed his life in college.
• He remembers greeting Minister Farrakhan at Cheyney State College.
• Don tells a story about changing his name to 'Donald X.'
• He shares what led him to earn a masters degree at Case Western University.
• He discusses his career in human services and his focus on 'manhood' issues.
• He describes facilitating therapeutic group work with men.
• Don recalls participating in racial reconciliation work in Charlotte.
• He answers what matters most to him and what the poem 'Invictus' has to do with it.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Becoming X

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Marjorie Benbow is an intellectual property attorney. She focuses on technology transfer, licensing, corporate matters and distillery & brewery law. She is also a flower farmer, contractor/builder, scientist and educator. She serves on the board of trustees of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. Marjorie previously served as executive director of the Charlotte office of the North Carolina Center of Biotechnology and in the Office of Technology Transfer at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has been recognized as among Charlotte's 20 Most Dynamic Women, Charlotte's 50 Most Influential Women and as a Distinguished Rotarian. She earned a bachelor's of science degree in zoology and masters of science degree in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Masters of Business Administration degree and a Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in flower farming, a journey of science, education and the law, and lessons about love, grief and gratitude.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Marjorie explains farming zinnia and sunflowers and the business lesson she is learning.
• She talks about her work renovating a 90-year old home on 20 acres of property.
• She describes her legal practice and being a happy, drama-free lawyer.
• She reflects on growing up in Winston-Salem and what was important in her home.
• Marjorie shares a story of her father overcoming polio and what learned.
• She answers how her parents would have described her.
• She talks about studying zoology at UNC Chapel Hill and becoming a scientist researching virology and nerve regeneration.
• She tells a story of an unnerving double blind-date that led to marriage.
• Marjorie describes her relationship with Dr. Hector Henry and being imported to Concord, North Carolina.
• She discusses pursuing a MBA/JD program at Wake Forest University and synthesizing different ways of thinking.
• She describes her work leading the Charlotte office of the North Carolina Center of Biotechnology.
• She remembers the personal news she received that led to great grief in her life.
• Marjorie reveals what she learned from her husband's diagnosis and how she managed during his illness.
• She reflects on her husband's passing on Thanksgiving and the call she received on Valentine's Day.
• She shares what she has come to understand about grief.
• She explains why she is a 'merry widow.'
• Marjorie answers what's next for her.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: The Other Side of Grief

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Paula Broadwell is interim executive director of Wheelhouse Media Foundation, a non-profit arm of Wheelhouse Media, which creates original and branded content across media platforms. She is also director of the Think Broader Foundation. She leads the firm's branding, communications, business and executive leadership development practices, serving clients across the United States. Paula's experience spans the consulting, media, defense, academic and nonprofit sectors. Prior to her current work, she was a New York Times best-selling author and research associate at Harvard University's Center for Public Leadership. She also served as Deputy Director of The Fletcher School's Counter-Terrorism Center. Paula is a U.S. Army veteran with leadership experience in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe. She is a graduate of The U.S. Military Academy at West Point. She holds an M.A. in International Security from the University of Denver and M.P.A. in International Relations and National Security from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. She is pursuing a Diploma in Global Business from Oxford University.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in virtual reality immersion, addressing unconscious bias, a career in military intelligence and service to greater causes.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Paula shares her thoughts on Veterans Day and service to the nation.
• She discusses her contribution of a virtual reality immersion video to 'Vicarious,' an art exhibit on the veteran experience at Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art.
• She tells the story of Staff Sergeant Dale Beatty and producing a video dedicated to him that shows the challenges of being a disabled veteran.
• She reviews the potential uses and benefits of virtual reality technology.
• Paula describes the Think Broader Foundation and her work of addressing unconscious bias in the media.
• She answers why bias and equality issues are important to her.
• She talks about her experience pursuing a diploma in Global Business from Oxford University.
• She quotes from the poem 'Ulysses' by Alfred Lord Tennyson.
• Paula reflects on growing up the daughter of a teacher and cattle-rancher in Bismarck, North Dakota.
• She remembers her career in high school and being part of group called 'The Wholesomes.'
• She shares how she ended up at The U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
• She discusses her time at West Point and what branch and post she pursued after graduation.
• Paula answers what type of mission tested her during her military career and whether she was good at what she did.
• She reviews her career working in intelligence in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, supporting special operations command in Europe, and being part of an inter-agency special counter-terrorism task force.
• She remembers the morning of 9/11.
• She shares what was once her career ambition to serve at the highest levels of national service and she answers whether she ever wanted to be President of the United States.
• Paula reveals where she focuses her ambition now, the mantra that she follows, and what's important to her.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Ulysses

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning