Dr. Moody returns from a short break to begin his fifth year as Host of Optimistic Tales. He begins the prologue with a review of several interesting analytics from Season 8 and then discusses what’s on the agenda for Season 9. Please remember to Follow the podcast as he takes the first steps into the fifth year of his continuing search for a more humbled and empathetic world.

In this special holiday episode, Dr. Moody welcomes back Ms. Joni Hendee, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at the Dumas-Wesley Community Center (DWCC). Together, they unwrap the quiet power of empathy that fuels DWCC’s mission to Educate, Empower, and Enrich the community—highlighting the Annual Toy Store, where families experience the dignity of giving, and the Senior Activities Independent Living program, which nurtures community, purpose, and connection for older adults. Through heartfelt stories and shared reflections, this conversation reminds us that empathy is the thread that ties every act of kindness together. The joy of the season isn’t found in what we give or receive—but in how we understand, uplift, and walk alongside one another.  For more information about DWCC’s programs, visit dumaswesley.org. VClXoCKqevkPrzfrHkID

Dr. Moody talks with Lisa Geertsen, Co-Founder, Treasurer, and Governance Committee Member of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths. Lisa, an artist blacksmith and blacksmithing instructor with over two decades of experience, is also the owner of Firelight Forge in Seattle, WA.

Dr. Moody collaborates with Mr. Todd Shriver, to present their inaugural, cross-over episode of Dr. Moody’s newest “Beyond the Acts” series to mark the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, the global concert event that brought together the biggest names in music to fight famine in Ethiopia—and changed the way we think about music and activism forever. Their very special guest, who had a front-row seat to history, is Mr. Alan Hunter, original MTV VJ and pop culture icon.  In this exclusive episode, Alan not only shares his personal reflections on Live Aid’s seismic impact and his experience covering the event, he also reminisces about what it was like at the heart of MTV during the golden era of music television.  Whether you were there in person, glued to your set watching MTV, or are only now uncovering the magic of the moment, this crossover episode is your backstage pass to one of the most unforgettable eras in music history—revealed by someone who experienced every beat of it…as it happened.

Dr. Moody continues his talk with Jeremy Fogg, the Executive Pastry Chef for the French Truck Coffee Company in New Orleans, LA.  Jeremy shares more of the humble beginnings that led him to his unique and storied career in the Food Service industry.  [Introduction provided by Amanda Donaldson].

Dr. Moody talks with Jeremy Fogg, the Executive Pastry Chef for the French Truck Coffee Company in New Orleans, LA.  Jeremy shares the humble beginnings that led him to his unique and storied career in the Food Service industry.  [Introduction provided by Dr. Ahmet Hacikara].

Dr. Moody talks with Tamlin Allbritten, an Expressive Art Specialist and founder of the Art with a Purpose non-profit organization. Please visit their website at artwithapurpose.org to view the various works of art mentioned throughout this episode or to generously make a donation. [Introduction provided by Ms. J. Hendee]

Dr. Moody talks with a familiar guest of the podcast, Ms. Joni Hendee, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at the Dumas Wesley Community Center (DWCC).  Ms. Hendee once again discusses the continuing efforts of community engagement ongoing at DWCC.  Whether you wish to make donations or volunteer your time towards any of the numerous programs offered by DWCC, you can reach them at the following address, 126 Mobile Street, Mobile, AL 36607; by phone at 251-479-0649; or through their website at dumaswesley.org. [Introduction provided by Mrs. A. M. Single]

Dr. Moody returns from a five-month hiatus to reflect on his rekindled vision and revitalized focus for the podcast. But no worries...his theme remains the same: searching for a more humbled and empathetic world, one "Optimistic Tale" at a time.

Dr. Moody talks with a familiar guest of the podcast, Ms. Joni Hendee, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at the Dumas Wesley Community Center (DWCC).  Ms. Hendee once again discusses the continuing efforts of community engagement offered by DWCC, such as their Transitional Housing programs, After School Achievement program, The Joseph Project Community Food Pantry, and the 50th Anniversary of their Annual Toy Store, which provides eligible families the opportunity to purchase new toys at a fraction of the cost during the holiday season—exemplifying their “hand up versus hand out” philosophy of community engagement.  Whether you wish to make donations or volunteer your time towards any of the numerous programs offered by DWCC, you can reach them at the following address, 126 Mobile Street, Mobile, AL 36607; by phone at 251-479-0649; or through their website at dumaswesley.org.