The Compassionate Achiever Podcast

Tracy and Chris have some tips to help you survive your holiday gatherings compassionately, some new traditions you may want to try with your own families, and a homework assignment for our listeners. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at the Compassionate Achiever Podcast.

Cliffe Knechtle, the Pastor of Grace Community Church in New Canaan, CT and host of “Give Me An Answer,” is our guest for this episode. We discuss a wide range of topics ranging from the role of compassion in Christianity to how to maintain compassion for others while they are seemingly attacking you for your beliefs.

Elin Hilderbrand, The New York Times bestselling author of over 20 novels, is our guest for this episode. We explore the role that compassion can play in writing as well as explain the meaning of ‘Hilderbranders’ and #mamastrong. From overcoming writer’s block to confronting cancer, Elin’s interview is one filled with hope and inspiration.

Mr. Farooq Kathwari, CEO of Ethan Allen, is the guest for our first-ever “live audience” podcast. The students of the Kathwari Honors Program help Tracey and Dr. Kukk navigate—through their questions to Mr. Kathwari—a wide range of topics regarding the power of compassion in achieving goals on the personal, professional, and international levels. We had fun doing the episode and we hope that you have fun listening to it.

Marilyn Turkovich, the Executive Director of The Charter for Compassion International, is our guest for this episode

Jennifer Tejada, Police Chief of Emeryville, California (and Marin County’s first female chief of police), is our guest for this podcast episode. We discuss how the combination of mindful meditation and law enforcement training creates more effective, compassionate, and resilient police officers. Chief Tejada helps us write the “ticket” about mindful policing.

Dr. Jim Schmotter, the former President of Western Connecticut State University (2004-2015), is this week’s guest. Our show weaves the threads of education, economics, innovation, and compassion together in ways that reflect Jim’s careers and passions in life.

Jane Davis, the President and CEO of Ability Beyond, is the guest for this episode. We explore a purpose driven life where people come first through Jan’s work at Ability Beyond, a company that provides job training and placement for people with disabilities. If you are interested in what makes a determined, devoted, and meaningful life, then you’re in for a treat.

When was the last time that you had to deal with a difficult person? Do you wish you could have handled it a bit better? Our co-hosts talk about some different ways that you can walk a compassionate path when dealing with difficult people.

David Mitchell, the National Director of Philanthropy at World Vision U.S., is our guest for this episode. World Vision is one of the largest international humanitarian relief and development organizations serving people living in extreme poverty all over the globe. David discusses the role of compassion in not only building a strong community anywhere in the world but also how it can help to address political-economic problems. Get your virtual passport ready because David takes us on a world-wind tour of how one compassionate organization is trying to eradicate poverty.