On Life and Meaning

Catherine Horne is president and CEO of Discovery Place, a network of four science, natural history and children's museums located in Charlotte, North Carolina, that serves local, regional and national audiences. Discovery Place recently expanded it service to teachers and administrators with the opening of the Discovery Place Education Studio to provide Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) professional development. Prior to joining Discovery Place in 2014, Catherine was president and CEO of EdVenture Children's Museum in Columbia, South Carolina and served at the University of South Carolina in administration and as a member of the museum studies faculty. She earned a bachelor's degree in art history from Salem College and a master's degree in art history from the University of South Carolina.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in STEM education, science exhibits, science center spaces, and the work of bringing museums to as many people as possible.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Catherine describes how Discovery Place fulfills its mission.
• She discusses workforce development and how Discovery Place helps inspire future scientists and engineers.
• She addresses whether there is a crisis in science and math education and how Discovery Place is teaching teachers to be more effective STEM educators.
• She shares how Discovery Place has encouraged and provoked community conversations on science ethics and values.
• Catherine explains how decisions are made about what is exhibited at Discovery Place.
• She identifies what exhibit will never go out style and the next major exhibition.
• She assesses the Discovery Place Science and Nature buildings.
• She considers the relevance of physical exhibition space in the digital age.
• Catherine answers whether the Discovery Place Science building is what she wants it to be and whether a science center can ever get ahead of the innovation curve.
• She talks about growing up in South Carolina and how being an only child of older parents helped shape who she has become.
• She answers why she was drawn to art history and how art history informs her work leading a science center.
• She shares lessons she learned in her previous positions at the McIssick Museum at the University of South Carolina and at EdVenture Children's Museum in Columbia, South Carolina.
• Catherine describes herself as a leader and what she wants her life to have been about.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: As We May Think

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Fatma Mili is Dean of the College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte). Before joining the faculty at UNC Charlotte in 2017, Fatma was a professor of computer science at Purdue University, where she was the founder and director of the Center for Trans-Institutional Capacity Building and Educational Equity in STEM at the Purdue Discovery Park. She founded the Purdue Polytechnic Institute, an academic educational research institute to foster modern, transdisciplinary education. Her interests include spearheading new curricular innovations to equip students to shape the future. Fatma earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from Universite Villetaneuse and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Pierre and Marie Curie University in Paris, France.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in computer science, artificial intelligence, big data, and the values we need to shape the future.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Fatma describes the College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) at UNC Charlotte.
• She explains what she does as dean of CCI.
• She discusses the three transformative values at the core of CCI.
• She defines informatics, big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Fatma answers where we are right now in the development of artificial intelligence.
• She addresses machine consciousness and whether computers can feel emotions.
• She considers an argument made by Yuval Harari of Oxford University about how artificial intelligence can give rise to tyranny.
• She outlines two ways humanity can respond to disruption.
• Fatma talks about human biases programmed within computer systems, centralized versus decentralized processing of information, the transferring of human decision-making to algorithms, and the 'data industrial complex.'
• She answers whether CCI is contributing to the weaponization of data.
• She identifies what values should guide whether someone should do what they can do.
• She reflects on growing up in Tunisia and learning Arabic, French and English.
• Fatma remembers her time studying computer science in Paris.
• She talks about teaching at Oakland University in Michigan, her scholarship, and redefining computer science education at Purdue University.
• She answers why she came to work at UNC Charlotte.
• Fatma reveals what is most important to her.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: The Poetics of Data

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Hardin Minor is a performance artist and entertainer who embodies countless characters and enlivens spaces throughout the Charlotte community. He is co-founder of OMIMEO Mime Theatre, which presents a blend of mime illusion, circus arts, and special effects theater magic. He has performed for every kind of audience, from the classroom to corporate settings. Hardin has received numerous awards, including the Arts & Science Council's Creative Fellowship Award, the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Stage Award in recognition of longtime service to the arts in Charlotte, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte 2017 Distinguished Alumnus in Dance award. He received a Bachelor of Creative Arts degree in Dance and Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in mime and performance art, the physical nature of wisdom, the spirit of the clown, and widening cosmic circles.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Hardin describes his work as an entertainer and how he presents himself to the world.
• He explains why school children know him and the dynamic he applies to everything.
• He talks about our desire for creativity and being a 'cross-educational platform.'
• He discusses how he works with corporations and playing theater games with bankers.
• Hardin channels 'The Ballet Gourmet,' 'Barry Cantaloupe' and 'Banana Claus.'
• He reveals how he comes up with characters and what perspective informs his work.
• He discusses Commedia Dell'Arte and the roots of physical comedy.
• Hardin explains 'physical-osophy' and where and how we gain wisdom in life.
• He talks about the incarnation of the divine and becoming beams of light.
• He answers whether the life of a clown is a happy one.
• He considers where he is on the 'clown spectrum.'
• Hardin remembers his parents and the 'wild, wonderful' home he grew up in.
• He reflects on his time attending Woodberry Forest School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
• He discusses his experiences of 'direct action' in the early 1970s.
• He shares how he began his career in dance and the sudden revelation he had.
• Hardin talks about living and performing in New York City in the 1980s.
• He reflects on returning to Charlotte and creating shows and characters for 30 years.
• He discusses a new character that he is sharing with the world.
• Hardin reads a poem entitled 'I Live My Life' by Ranier Maria Rilke.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: A Rose Upon His Nose

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Michael DeVaul is Senior Vice President and Chief Social Responsibility Officer for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. He is responsible for strategic alliances, accountability and data measurement, advocacy & public policy, global partnerships, volunteerism, and diversity and inclusion strategies. He began his career at the McGaw YMCA in Evanston, Illinois where he served for just over 15 years before joining the YMCA of Greater Charlotte in 1999. Michael was most recently honored as a Champion of Change by the White House in 2014 for his efforts in community building. Michael earned a bachelor's degree in human services from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri.

data-pm-slice="1 1 []">This episode is perfect for anyone interested in the circumstances of black and brown boys, connecting dots, code-switching and a personal story of love and humanity.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Michael explains diversity and inclusion work at the YMCA.
• He identifies the issue on his mind and what he wants to focus on during his remaining years at work.
• He addresses the circumstances of black and brown boys in Charlotte.
• He shares how the YMCA is helping black and brown boys.
• Michael reveals what he is good at and the dots he connects at work.
• He discusses the historical wave we are undergoing and leaders who are emerging.
• He talks about the difference between charity and philanthropy.
• He addresses whether the YMCA is a Christian organization and the image of White Jesus.
• Michael reflects on growing up in Evanston, Illinois and what his neighborhood taught him.
• He remembers his parents and what he learned from them.
• He considers how public school integration shaped him.
• He shares a defining moment for him during his teenage years.
• Michael talks about being the ultimate code-switcher and having double-consciousness.
• He equates playing baseball in college with the work he is doing today.
• Michael explains what it means to be an Omega man.
• He reflects on working at the YMCA for 32 years and why he loves what he does.
• He talks about his marriage to his wife and how they met.
• He discusses the story of humanity and holding each other with love and affection.
• Michael reveals what he wants his sons to know.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: A Masculine Faith

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Quentin Talley or 'Q' is a poet, actor, writer, director, producer and musician. He is founder and artistic director of OnQ Performing Arts. OnQ started in 2006 with a mission to produce classic, contemporary and original performance works that reflect the black experience. As a poet, Q has performed throughout the country, sharing the stage with Nikki Giovanni, Amiri Baraka, MC Lyte, Sonia Sanchez and Tavis Smiley. As an actor, he has worked professionally with Children's Theater of Charlotte, Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, Winston Salem Arts Council, and New River Dramatist. His directing credits include: Rise For Freedom, Dutchman, In The Blood, Day of Absence, Rhyme Deferred and Miles & Coltrane: Blue (.) Q is the lead singer of Quentin Talley & The Soul Providers, a blues, funk and soul band. He earned a B.A. in Theatre Performance from Winthrop University.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in performing arts expressing the black experience in America.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Q breaks downs all his forms of creative expression.
• He shares his artist statement and personal mission.
• He explains what he means by being 'unapologetically human.'
• He describes 'OnQ Performing Arts' and what it is seeking to do in the community.
• Q discusses the artistic origins of 'Miles & Coltraine: Blue (.),' a show he produced about Miles Davis and John Coltraine
• He talks about how he accesses the emotions necessary to show addiction and depression on stage.
• He answers what is his 'Love Supreme.'
• He reveals when he feels most free and flowing as a creative person.
• Q describes his band 'Quentin Talley & the Soul Providers.'
• He shares a few of the songs his band sings and his band's encore.
• He talks about collaborating on the 'Intergalactic Soul' art and performance exhibit.
• He identifies the issues that are important to him in his work.
• Q reads a poem called 'Wait' and shares how he feels reading it.
• He addresses the appropriation of art and giving credit to artists of color.
• He talks about growing up in South Carolina and what his family taught him.
• He answers whether he has always been 'Q' and who he wanted to be growing up.
• Q reflects on his time in the theater department at Winthrop University.
• He remembers breaking into the arts scene in Charlotte.
• He discusses his feelings about receiving recognition and support as an artist.
• He answers whether a community has an obligation to support artists.
• Q reveals what's next for him.

plus Mark's personal word essay: Keeping it Real

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Rabbi Yossi Groner is senior rabbi and spiritual leader of Congregation Ohr Ha Torah, a Jewish Orthodox congregation in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is the founder and director of the Charlotte Chabad House, a Jewish educational resource and outreach center whose offerings include weekly lectures on the Bible, Talmud and Kabbalah. The Chabad House is an affiliate of the International Chabad-Lubavitch movement, with its headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. Rabbi Groner is co-founder of Charlotte Jewish Day School and The Jewish Preschool. He is a visiting rabbi at several correctional institutes, including the Mecklenburg County and Guilford County jails. Rabbi Groner leads the highly acclaimed Charlotte Jewish Learning Institute which provides professional courses on Jewish law, ethics and mysticism. Rabbi Groner was ordained with his rabbinic degree in Talmudic studies at the Central Lubavitch Yeshiva in New York.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, the coming of the Messiah, the Inner Torah, ethics and mysticism, and what God wants for us.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Rabbi Groner explains what different branches of Judaism have in common.
• He answers what makes someone a Jew.
• He discusses the founding of Hasidic Judaism by Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov in the 18th century.
• He talks about the origin and foundation of Chabad-Lubavitch Judaism.
• Rabbi Groner explains who is a rebbe and the role a rebbe plays in Chabad.
• He remembers the Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersen.
• He addresses whether there is a rebbe in Chabad today.
• He discusses the Jewish belief in the coming of a Messiah and whether the Rebbe was a messianic figure.
• Rabbi Groner tells a story about consensus among the Jews.
• He shares why he believes Chabad is the most dynamic force within Judaism today.
• He talks about the concept of Immanence, the nature of God, the inner Torah, and how humans are made in the image of God.
• He describes his childhood in Crown Heights in Brooklyn.
• Rabbi Groner talks about his parents and what was expected of him as a child.
• He shares when he knew he wanted to be a rabbi and how he found his way to Charlotte.
• He describes his work teaching Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) courses on Jewish ethics, law, philosophy and history.
• He addresses the connection between ethics and mysticism.
• Rabbi Groner reveals what God wants for us.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: The Kingdom of God

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Kathy Izard is the author of 'The Hundred Story Home, a memoir about finding faith in ourselves and something bigger.' The memoir tells the story of how Kathy listened to a whisper urging her to house the homeless. She launched Homeless to Homes, a Housing First proof-of-concept program, and led a capital campaign to build Moore Place, the first permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless in Charlotte. She has worked on numerous civic projects, including leading fundraising efforts for HopeWay, the first nonprofit residential mental health treatment center in the Charlotte region. Before these efforts, Kathy was a graphic designer and soup kitchen volunteer. She is a member of the Women's Impact Fund and serves on the board of directors of the Charlotte Urban Ministry Center, Moore Place, HopeWay, and the Crossnore School for foster children. Kathy earned a Bachelor's degree in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in a journey to build permanent housing for the homeless and finding meaning and purpose in life.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Kathy talks about how she feels receiving recognition for her book.
• She summarizes the story that The Hundred Story Home
• She shares the most meaningful story within The Hundred Story Home.
• She describes the household she grew up in West Texas.
• Kathy reflects on the importance of borders issues in her life.
• She explains what 'Do Good Love Well' means to her and answers which of the two is harder for her.
• She shares what she wished she had written that she did not in her book.
• She considers whether family and home are the same thing or something different.
• Kathy talks about how homeless people go about creating family.
• She answers what faith she is talking about when she talks about faith.
• She references the works of theology of Barbara Brown Taylor.
• She discusses how she sees faith in action and the God she believes in.
• Kathy explains what she means by 'God-instance' and addresses whether an agnostic or atheist could have accomplished the same work of funding Moore Place.
• She talks about her feelings of guilt and shame and gratitude about privilege.
• She reflects on what qualities account for her achievements.
• She reveals what she learned in therapy during the writing of the book.
• Kathy addresses projecting herself as a protagonist.
• She answers whether the search for meaning and purpose continues for her.
• She shares the message she wants to tell people and the whisper she is listening to now

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: The Starting and Finishing of Things

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Richard Pinder is a retired assistant professor of history at Johnson & Wales University. Richard taught courses on world history, leadership, religion and civil rights. He has presented extensively on the civil rights legislation. He had a 40-career in education teaching at all levels of instruction from elementary school to middle and high school to community college and private universities. Richard taught in the Michigan and Florida public school systems before relocating to North Carolina. He earned a B.A. in theology from Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, and a M.A.T. in history from Andrews University in Berrien Springs. Michigan.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in partisan news, faith in an evidence-based world, and the rewards of teaching.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Richard discusses the news cycle and how it impacts his passion for politics.
• He reflects on the many layers of his childhood growing up in Savannah, Georgia.
• He talks about how the way he was disciplined and the validation he received from his church shaped him.
• He notes the reverence he gained for sacred spaces and the sacraments.
• Richard remembers attending Pine Forge Academy boarding school.
• He answers whether he has gone through life resisting authority and discipline.
• He recalls his 'foolishness' as a young man and coming to find himself.
• He discusses wanting to become a minister and attending Oakwood College.
• Richard reveals what became his 'bread and butter.'
• He considers whether Christianity has held its adherents back.
• He states his view on faith in an evidence-based world.
• He shares what he likes best about teaching
• Richard answers what the level of education he enjoyed teaching the most.
• He describes the course on civil rights he developed.
• He reveals what he would want to do every day for the rest of his life.
• He reflects on the Black Lives Matter
• Richard answers what he wants his grandson to know.

plus Mark Peres' Personal Word Essay: Two Men Walk Into a Bar

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Josh Jacobson is managing partner of Next Stage, a firm that provides strategic counsel to non-profit organizations. Next Stage helps nonprofits develop the platform and tools necessary to support operations and fundraising activities. Josh has worked across non-profit sectors, offering strategic planning, volunteer development, annual and capital fundraising, executive and development search, case strategy, and succession planning. Before launching Next Stage, Josh served as a Senior Resource Development Director with Manhattan Theatre Club on Broadway and as a Senior Officer at The Juilliard School. He is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and 2018 Board president of the Charlotte chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). He earned a bachelor's degree in English and Journalism from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in providing counsel to non-profit organizations, curating community, and discerning a personal vision and mission.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Josh describes Next Stage and how it goes about its work.
• He explains what happens in a client engagement and the benefits of external counsel.
• He answers why he believes in the non-profit structure to address social issues.
• He clarifies what his firm promises.
• Josh addresses why expressing a vision can be so hard.
• He shares what founders of non-profit organizations need to know.
• He addresses why Next Stage dropped the word 'consulting' from its name.
• He states the vision and mission of Next Stage as a for-profit social entrepreneurial venture.
• Josh explains the portfolio of non-profit organizations he seeks to curate.
• He talks about Cultivate: an incubator of emerging new non-profit organizations.
• He shares what he finds thrilling and fulfilling about his work.
• He reveals the defining feature of his childhood.
• Josh reflects on being a big fish in a small pond at Flagler College.
• He discusses moments of clarity that changed his career.
• He describes living and working in New York City.
• He shares what he learned reinventing himself in Charlotte during the Great Recession.
• Josh considers how his life journey helps him better serve his clients.
• He connects craft beer to a curated community.
• He reveals what he is winning at and the pathway that is unfolding in his life.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Love is All You Need

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Lynne Conner is professor of theater arts and chair of the Department of Theater at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a theater and dance historian, cultural policy theorist and playwright. Lynne has written extensively on audience engagement and the creation of meaning in the arts, and has won numerous awards for her playwriting and directing. Her most recent book is Audience Engagement and the Role of Arts Talk in the Digital Era. Lynne's most recent play, THE MOTHER, is a 2018 Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center National Playwright's Conference Semi-finalist. Before joining the UNC Charlotte faculty in 2016, Lynne was professor and chair of the Theater and Dance Department at Colby College. She earned a B.A. in English Literature from Oberlin College, an M.A. in Theatre Arts from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and a Ph.D. in Theatre History and Performance Studies from the University of Pittsburgh.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in audience engagement, the history of audience behavior, meaning making, theater, and interpretation of the arts.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Lynne describes her work as a cultural historian, playwright and professor.
• She talks about applying the history of the arts to the practice of the arts.
• She discusses the assertion that drives her scholarship.
• She defines the terms social interpretation, arts experience and arts talk.
• Lynne explains how audience behavior has changedover time.
• She provides two reasons why audience behavior has changed.
• She explains the consequence of quieted audiences.
• She describes how the arts experience should be more like sports.
• Lynne answers whether she would prefer active audiences during performances.
• She addresses Miles Davis turning his back on the audience.
• She explains the difference between linear and circular patterns of communication.
• She notes criticism of white and black audience behavior.
• Lynne addresses whether any work of art can be considered great if audiences are not actively interpreting art.
• She considers whether the decline in audience interpretation makes art less meaningful.
• She shares what arts organizations can do to help audiences make meaning.
• She answers what was defining about her childhood.
• Lynne explains why she is attracted to theater and how her scholarship evolved.
• She talks about what meaning means.
• She connects interpreting the arts to interpreting the meaning of our lives.

plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Making Meaning

To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning