What does it take to build resilience when the world isn’t built for you?

In this episode of The Caring Economy, host Toby Usnik sits down with veteran journalist and NewsNation anchor Leland “Lucky” Vittert to talk about his deeply personal new memoir, Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism.

This is not a conversation about labels or diagnoses. It’s a conversation about parenting, perseverance, character, and what happens when a parent refuses to give up on a child. Lucky shares stories from his childhood growing up with autism, including bullying, isolation, and the intensive “training sessions” his father designed to help him navigate a world that wouldn’t bend for him.

Together, they explore what resilience really looks like, why adversity can’t be edited out of life, and how discipline, love, and accountability shaped Lucky’s path from a misunderstood kid to a national news anchor reporting from conflict zones around the world.

At a moment when conversations about neurodiversity, mental health, parenting, and polarization are front and center, this episode offers something rare: honesty without victimhood, and hope without platitudes.

Toby Usnik speaks with Father Patrick Ryan about what leadership looks like when institutions face pressure.

Drawing from his childhood in a working-class Staten Island neighborhood, Father Ryan shares how community care shaped his early ideas about service. Together, he and Toby explore themes that mirror many of today’s cultural and political dynamics: the search for transparency, the need for inclusive spaces, immigration and community advocacy, and the tension between institutional authority and lived experience.

The episode stays close to the human side of leadership — listening, supporting, mentoring, and acknowledging complexity rather than rushing to certainty. In a moment defined by global conflict and shifting public trust, Father Ryan’s reflections offer a steady, practical view on what it means to lead with responsibility.

How do we tell stories that bring people together when everything else is pushing us apart?

Oscar and Tony-winning producer Bruce Cohen, whose credits include American Beauty, Milk, Silver Linings Playbook, and Big Fish, joins The Caring Economy to talk about storytelling as an act of public service.

In conversation with Toby Usnik, Bruce reflects on his life’s work — from mentorship under Steven Spielberg to receiving the National Medal of Arts from President Biden — and why he believes the arts are essential to democracy.

Cohen shares lessons from decades in Hollywood and on Broadway about collaboration, empathy, and the courage it takes to create something that matters. He also warns of what’s at stake as the arts face renewed political scrutiny and funding threats.

Tune in for a rare conversation on leadership, creativity, and how culture can still connect us in an increasingly divided world.

In today’s world of polarization, climate disruption, and rapid digital change, resilience is everything.

On this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with Asha Varghese, President of the Caterpillar Foundation and Head of CSR at Caterpillar. Asha reflects on her journey from Kerala, India, to rural Kentucky, and how those experiences shaped her approach to corporate leadership and purpose.

She shares how Caterpillar has given over $1 billion globally, supporting disaster recovery, education, and sustainability initiatives. We also discuss the future of work, the rise of AI, and why corporations must play a role in rebuilding trust and community resilience.

Asha’s story is a reminder that leadership isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about persistence, partnership, and impact over time.

Listen in for lessons on how business can become a force for resilience in a fragile world.

How do we secure the future of food in an age of climate chaos?

In this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with Dr. Cary Fowler — co-recipient of the 2024 World Food Prize and the driving force behind the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. From his roots in the Civil Rights movement to his global mission to protect crop diversity, Fowler takes us on a journey that connects justice, resilience, and survival.

We discuss:

• The story behind the so-called “Doomsday Vault” and why it’s humanity’s insurance policy.

• How climate change, biodiversity loss, and conflict are reshaping global food security.

• Why food policy is national security — and what leaders must do next.

• Life lessons on persistence, purpose, and building for generations to come.

This conversation is a wake-up call and a roadmap for anyone who cares about the future of food, climate, and humanity.

In this episode of The Caring Economy, we have a wide-ranging discussion with Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley President & CEO Laura Washington, who draws on her decades of experience to explore the vital role of community, local philanthropy, and collective care have in our society. She also reflects on how today’s media landscape shapes trust, power, and participation in civic life.Laura highlights the transformative power of grassroots initiatives and the critical need for collective action to support local communities. She reminds us that philanthropy is not just about funding; it's about building trust, fostering relationships, and creating opportunities for all.Join us for a conversation that inspires us to consider how we can actively contribute to the well-being of our communities

🎙 The Caring Economy welcomes chess educator and lifelong player Jon Rigai to explore what the game of chess can teach us about navigating an AI-driven world.

From training tournament players to helping 900-rated beginners find their stride, Jon’s philosophy is rooted in the power of slow, intentional thinking. In an era when AI engines can calculate the “perfect” move instantly, he reminds us that the real growth comes from trusting our instincts, embracing mistakes, and learning through the messy process.

We discuss:
♟ The impact of AI on chess and why over-reliance can dull creativity
♟ Life lessons from the board—patience, foresight, and resilience
♟ Why in-person chess communities still matter in a digital-first world
♟ How “the best defense is a good offense” applies far beyond the game

Whether you’re a chess player, a tech skeptic, or someone navigating a rapidly changing world, this episode will inspire you to think strategically—and stay human—in the age of algorithms.

📍 Listen now and discover how the timeless game of chess offers a blueprint for living with intention in our fast-paced, tech-saturated era.

#Chess #AI #Leadership #TheCaringEconomy #TechEthics #PersonalGrowth

Ross Dickman knows what it means to serve—with intention, with purpose, and with impact. As a U.S. Army veteran and now CEO of Hire Heroes USA, Ross is reimagining the transition from military to civilian life and building career pathways that uplift veterans, military spouses, and people with disabilities.

In this episode of The Caring Economy, Ross opens up about the gaps in our current workforce systems, the undervaluation of military skill sets, and why inclusive hiring isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart business. If you're looking for an honest, deeply human conversation about equity, leadership, and economic mobility, this episode is essential listening.

💼 Learn more at hireheroesusa.org

In this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with John-Michael Cortez, Head of Government and Community Affairs at GFiber (Google Fiber). With experience spanning local government, economic development, and grassroots community organizing, John-Michael shares why broadband access is no longer a luxury — it's a civil right.

From closing the digital divide to forming strategic public-private partnerships, this episode dives into how GFiber is working to make high-speed internet accessible for underserved communities across Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama. Learn why digital equity is central to education, healthcare, employment, and civic participation — and what must change to make access more inclusive and equitable.

Tune in to explore:

• Why broadband is a foundational equity issue

• How corporations can drive social impact through infrastructure

• What meaningful community engagement looks like in practice

If you care about equity, innovation, or the future of inclusive progress — this conversation is a must-listen.

#DigitalEquity #BroadbandForAll #JohnMichaelCortez #TheCaringEconomy #GFiber #CivicLeadership #TechForGood

How do you build trust in a world where proof matters more than promises?

In this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with MeiLin Wan, VP at GenuTrace, to explore how DNA technology is revolutionizing transparency in fashion, agriculture, and global supply chains. From verifying organic cotton to holding brands accountable for their sourcing claims, MeiLin shares how traceability is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Tune in to discover how science, sustainability, and ethics intersect—and why traceability is quickly becoming the gold standard for purpose-driven business.