Power & Impact

In the concluding episode of our April series on faith, meaning, and human connection, I sit down with Francis Fallon, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Psychology at St. John's University. Born in Dublin and raised in Queens, Fallon shares his journey from Catholic school to Trinity College to his current interdisciplinary work exploring the nature of consciousness, representation, and the challenges facing education today.

We delve into his research on naturalistic explanations of the mind, intentionality, and teleology, discussing why the concept of "representation" is more significant than most realize. Fallon also opens up about what's being lost in today's education system, how technology is reshaping the way we learn and live, and why young people are facing a crisis of rootlessness.

We also explore why belonging and purpose are essential to real education, how AI could help and hurt how we teach, what students today are missing that no algorithm can replace, and why the past still matters even when the future feels overwhelming.

This conversation is about more than ideas. It's about how we connect, why we think the way we do, and what it means to belong to something bigger than ourselves.

As part of our special April series on faith, meaning, and human connection, I sit down with Dr. Michael F. Steger, professor of psychology and founding director of the Center for Meaning and Purpose at Colorado State University. A leading voice in positive psychology, Dr. Steger is known for his research on how people find meaning in life and work, including the development of the widely used Meaning in Life Questionnaire.

We explore what gives life meaning, why belonging matters, and how community shapes our sense of self. Michael reflects on growing up between Buffalo and rural Minnesota and how those experiences fueled his curiosity about culture, faith, and identity.

We also discuss how rituals, relationships, and shared purpose help us find stability in a chaotic world, and how social media can complicate our search for connection. At its core, this conversation is a reminder that even the smallest moments of community can help us feel seen, grounded, and purposeful.

We all reach a moment when we ask: What truly matters the most?

As part of our April series on spirituality and human connection, I spoke with Fr. James Dominic Brent, O.P., a Dominican priest and philosopher known for making the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas accessible and relevant.

We explore how faith, purpose, and grace intersect, not just in theology, but in daily life. Fr. James shares his own story of drifting from faith in college, rediscovering it through philosophy, and embracing the Dominican life of prayer, study, and preaching.

We discuss:

• Why Aquinas believed in the literal reunion of soul and body after death
• The surprising joy of confession
• The difference between faith and religion
• His recent visit to Cuba and the spiritual impact of witnessing profound poverty

Fr. James teaches at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC, and lectures widely through the Thomistic Institute. He holds a doctorate in philosophy from Saint Louis University and has published extensively on Aquinas and theology.

Is the way we approach death, grief, and suffering all wrong?

As part of our special April series on spirituality and human connection, I speak with Dan Ariely, renowned behavioral economist, bestselling author, and professor at Duke University. Dan's work has transformed how we understand decision-making, irrationality, and the hidden forces that shape human behavior. But this conversation goes far beyond theory.

Dan shares his personal story of a life-changing accident that left him severely burned as a teenager, and how that trauma led to decades of research into pain, healing, and what it means to be human. We talk about the psychology of grief, the rituals that help us process loss, and the small, symbolic choices that can lead to self-acceptance and deeper connection.

We also dive into:

• The surprising emotional impact of his half-beard, and how it became a public symbol of vulnerability and resilience
• Why pain is misunderstood, especially in medical settings, and how hospitals can improve care
• His current work improving the "last chapter of life" through end-of-life care, legacy, and love
• The role of optimism, faith (with or without God), and our shared responsibility to create meaning

Can a single digital artwork challenge how we see faith and the afterlife? This episode, the first edition in our special April series on religion and spirituality in honor of Easter and Passover, examines this question.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with artist Drue Kataoka. Drue is a globally renowned artist, technologist, and CEO of Drue Kataoka Art Studios, with clients in over 30 countries and artworks sent to space. Her work, rooted in Zen philosophy, spans sculpture, painting, virtual reality, EEG, NFTs, and art-science collaborations, with notable pieces featured at the International Space Station and auctioned by Phillips. Named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, she has presented at Davos, contributed to shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute Award for her community service. Through her work, Drue explores how belief systems and the sacred take shape in visual culture. From contemporary depictions of Jesus to broader themes of the divine, we discuss the evolving role of religious imagery in art, the personal inspirations behind Drue's creations, and what art can reveal about humanity's deepest spiritual questions.

On today's special episode, we're spotlighting a powerful conversation from the System Catalysts Podcast, a show dedicated to transforming the systems that shape our world. Hosted by my friend, Jeffrey Walker and English Sall, System Catalysts brings together activists, philanthropists, and change-makers who share their insights on collaboration and impact.

Last week on Power & Impact, I had the honor of chatting with Jeffrey Walker. This week, we're thrilled to bring you an episode from his show that dives deep into the Giving Tuesday movement, with Asha Curran, the CEO and co-founder. Asha shares how radical generosity and collective action sparked a global change, culminating in a record-breaking $3.1 billion raised in just 24 hours in 2022.

If you're inspired by today's episode, be sure to subscribe to the System Catalysts Podcast for more stories of impactful change.

If you enjoyed this episode, go check-out System Catalysts here:

To listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/system-catalysts/id1684414362

To listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Dc1V191lG7k11prHSJPCU?si=0bbc3e5574f84858

Their website: https://www.systemcatalysts.com/

Few people have redefined success quite like Jeffrey Walker, first as a trailblazer in private equity and now as a force for global good. From pioneering modern investment strategies to championing philanthropic initiatives, he has spent his life shaping industries and uplifting communities. A former leader at J.P. Morgan Partners, Jeffrey transitioned from a high-powered finance career to dedicating his life to driving meaningful change.

With over 30 years in philanthropy and social change, Jeffrey has led and supported numerous initiatives focused on impact and innovation. He is the co-author of The Generosity Network, Chair of New Profit, Founder of BridgeBuilders, and serves on the boards of Just Capital, Giving Tuesday, and the African Philanthropy Forum. Previously, he was CEO and Co-Founder of CCMP Capital and Vice Chairman of JPMorgan Chase & Co., where he helped shape the future of private equity and global investment.

In this episode, I sit down with Jeffrey to explore his incredible journey. We discuss his podcast, System Catalyst, the power of meditation and mindfulness, and how he continues to build impactful relationships that drive systemic change. Jeffrey's story is a testament to the idea that life isn't about slowing down, it's about expanding, growing, and giving back.

The push to return to the office is growing, but after years of remote work, not everyone is on board.

Dr. Angela Jackson is an author, researcher, and entrepreneur whose work focuses on how businesses can create thriving workplaces while driving financial success. From her early days in journalism to global roles at Nokia and Viacom, her career has been shaped by a deep interest in innovation, leadership, and the human aspects of work. Her latest book, The Win-Win Workplace, explores data-driven strategies that benefit both employees and businesses, challenging outdated management practices.

Jim joined by his co-host for today, Alexanda Lianos, and Dr. Angela discuss the shifting expectations around work, the role of AI in reshaping jobs, and how companies can adapt to build more engaged, productive teams in an era of rapid change.

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A live, on-air panic attack changed everything for Dan Harris.

As a war journalist, he thrived in high-stress environments—but beneath the surface, anxiety and undiagnosed depression led him to self-destructive coping mechanisms. In 2004, his breaking point came on Good Morning America when a panic attack forced him to confront his mental health in front of millions.

Initially skeptical of spirituality, he turned to mindfulness as a science-backed tool for resilience. His interest in meditation deepened into Buddhist philosophy, particularly the idea that the mind can be trained to reduce suffering and cultivate happiness. Through his bestselling book 10% Happier, his podcast, and his meditation app, Harris has helped skeptics embrace meditation as a practical path to mental clarity.

Jim and Dan discuss his journey from war reporting to mindfulness, the intersection of faith and mental health, and why meditation is more than just a wellness trend.

Imagine taking a high school job just to make some extra cash only to have it spark a passion that leads to a billion-dollar empire. That's exactly what happened to Alan Fuerstman, who started as a bellman at a local Marriott and went on to redefine luxury hospitality.

Now the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Montage International, Alan has built an empire with Montage Hotels & Resorts and Pendry Hotels & Resorts, setting new standards for high-end hospitality.

In this episode, Jim sits down with Alan to uncover the journey from his early days carrying luggage to leading a globally recognized brand. They discuss the entrepreneurial mindset that fueled his success, the power of company culture, and how he's expanding Montage International while staying true to his vision of approachable luxury.

Alan's Links:

https://www.montage.com/

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