[10.00] The Power of Purpose, Service, and SMILE
- Barry Shore opens with high energy and the fundamentals of purposeful living: life has purpose, go MAD (Make A Difference), and the power of simple words.
- He shares his personal story of becoming a quadriplegic overnight, and how "SMILE" (Seeing Miracles In Life Every day) transformed his recovery and mindset.
- Barry emphasizes gratitude and miracles in everyday life, even the act of waking up and breathing.
- His niece inspires a new version of SMILE: Seeing Miracles In Everyday Life.
- The word "CREATE" becomes a mindset shift tool: Causing Rethinking Enabling All To Excel.
- Introduces the idea of a "shift" in perspective—and humorously warns not to drop the F in "shift."
- Choice, not chance, determines destiny: how we respond to life defines our path.
- He preps the audience for the arrival of his guest, Chief Gene Saunders, by highlighting the joy of service.
[14.00] Meet Chief Gene Saunders and the Origin of Project Lifesaver
- Barry welcomes Gene Saunders with reverence, calling him the embodiment of the American ideal: service.
- Gene shares how Project Lifesaver began from frustration during search-and-rescue missions for Alzheimer’s patients.
- Traditional search tactics failed, prompting Gene to seek better, faster solutions—eventually inspired by wildlife tracking tech.
- With skepticism from the tech company, Gene persisted and adapted the tech for human tracking.
- Project Lifesaver was born from the realization that cognitive conditions require a race against time—within 24 hours for Alzheimer’s patients.
- The project rapidly found support from the Sheriff and local communities.
- Emphasizes the shift in mindset from reactive to proactive in saving vulnerable lives.
- Barry praises the simplicity and genius behind naming it Project Lifesaver.
[19.00] From Local Idea to Global Mission
- Gene recounts the first successful rescue using Project Lifesaver—locating a man in just 90 seconds.
- Word spread rapidly, and other police departments started requesting the "thing" he was doing.
- Gene developed a training program, leveraging his role as Chief of Training in his department.
- Encouraged by fellow officers, Gene took Project Lifesaver on the road.
- After two years of traveling on days off, Gene retired to go full-time with the initiative.
- His wife Jean became a key part of the mission, taking on a leadership role.
- The program expanded beyond Virginia to all 50 U.S. states, 9 Canadian provinces, and Puerto Rico.
- Gene shares the joy and deep sense of purpose that drives him, even at age 80.
[27.00] Real Stories, Real Impact
- Barry shares a personal story of his father-in-law wandering and being lost for hours—a vivid example of the need for Gene’s work.
- Gene notes the average search time is 9 hours—and with children with autism, the critical window can be just 15–30 minutes.
- The danger of wandering toward water, especially for non-swimmers, underscores the urgency.
- Social media now helps expand search awareness, enabling community involvement.
- Project Lifesaver uses a bracelet that can alert authorities when someone is found.
- 100% success rate in returning people home, with over 5,000 documented rescues.
- The emotional impact of reuniting families is what keeps Gene going—he calls it the best feeling.
- Barry presents acronyms for Gene (Generating Encouraging Nobility Every day) and his wife Jean (Joyously Encouraging Active Nobility).
[35.00] Future Vision and Holistic Care
- Gene shares a heartfelt desire to make Project Lifesaver free and universally accessible.
- The team is always evaluating new technologies to improve rescue speed and accuracy.
- While radio telemetry remains reliable, they are exploring enhancements like drone-assisted locating.
- Collaboration with Alzheimer’s and autism organizations helps evolve their training and reach.
- Project Lifesaver hosts annual conferences to share best practices and address first responder wellness.
- Gene emphasizes the importance of taking care of the rescuers, not just those being rescued.
- His mantra from his SWAT days: "You're only as good as your last op" reminds teams to keep learning.
- Barry ends the episode with gratitude, praise, and a final hug: Heartfelt Unlimited Giving.
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