The Daily Helping

Corporal Todd Nicely of the U.S. Marine Corps is one of the few modern veterans to survive catastrophic blast injuries that cost him both hands and both legs. Six months into his second deployment, an IED changed his life on March 26, 2010. Todd lets us in on what came next—first the grit of rehab fueled by a mission mindset, then the hard truth that life after the hospital brought isolation, grief he hadn’t processed, and a suicide attempt in 2016. What ultimately turned him around was a question he encountered at Focus Marines Foundation: “You knew what you were willing to die for—do you know what you’re willing to live for?”

Today, Todd is a mentor with Focus Marines and a devoted husband and father who’s learned to build structure, set boundaries, and ask for help. We explore how living for yourself first equips you to serve others, why purpose must be rebuilt—not remembered—and how paying it forward restores dignity. A forthcoming book will share more of his story, and donations to Focus Marines (focusmarines.org) help put other veterans in that lifesaving seat.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

Never give up—and always pay it forward. When we focus on doing good for others, the good in our own lives grows and the darkness loses its hold.

--

Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Focus Marines Foundation
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/todd-nicely

Produced by NOVA

We sit down with Joe Pardavila—radio veteran with more than 10,000 hours behind the mic on New York’s 95.5 PLJ’s Scott & Todd Morning Show and author of the bestseller Good Listen: Creating Memorable Conversations in Business and Life. Now a creator and producer of entrepreneur-focused podcasts, Joe brings a storyteller’s toolkit to modern communication: curiosity, humility, and genuine care for the person across from us.

Joe shows us why great conversations start with comfort, not ego. He shares how a misstep with a superstar guest taught him the cardinal rule: it’s not about the host—it’s about making the other person feel at home. We explore simple, repeatable moves—open with a short, relevant story of our own to let guests breathe; listen for the human behind the résumé; and use “boomerasking” (asking about something we also have experience with) to reveal real, two-way dialogue. In a selfie-first culture, Joe reminds us that everyone has a story worth hearing—and our job is to help them tell it.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

Give everyone grace. When we “give an inch,” it doesn’t mean they’ll take a mile—it can bring us one inch closer to each other, especially across differences.

--

Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at joepardavila.com
• Read Good Listen: Creating Memorable Conversations in Business and Life by Joe Pardavila
• Follow Joe on Instagram: @joepardavila
• Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: Joe Pardavila

Produced by NOVA

John O’Leary returns to The Daily Helping with a timely reminder born from extraordinary adversity. Burned across 100% of his body at age nine and given less than a 1% chance to live, John has since inspired millions as a keynote speaker and the bestselling author of On Fire and In Awe. Now, his story reaches the big screen in Soul on Fire, a feature film shot in the very St. Louis places where his life unfolded—starring Joel Courtney, John Corbett, and William H. Macy.

We explore how John’s recovery was never a solo act: it was powered by everyday heroes—family, broadcasters, nurses, custodians—whose ordinary courage changed everything. John challenges us to “say yes to being used for good,” to vote for hope with our attention and our dollars, and to recognize our own agency in a cynical age. What’s new here is the cinematic proof: real locations, real people, and a real throughline that our small, faithful actions matter. As he honors his late father’s example, John models humble leadership, grateful living, and a contagious belief that our best is still ahead.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

This too shall pass—both the mountaintops and the valleys. Stay grounded, choose to be used for good in this moment, and trust that the best is yet to come.

--

Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at johnolearyinspires.com
• Read On Fire: The 7 Choices That Will Ignite a Radically Inspired Life
• Read In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy
• Watch: SoulOnFireMovie.com
• Listen: Live Inspired Podcast by John O’Leary
• Follow John on Instagram: @johnoleary.inspires

Produced by NOVA

Ranae Van Roekel never imagined the word felon would be part of her identity. Yet after serving 36 months in federal prison for mail fraud, she refused to let that label define her. Instead, she used it as a turning point. A mother, grandmother, wife, and dog lover, Ranae is also the founder of Connecting to Cope, a platform designed to empower individuals with the tools, community, and support they need to heal from trauma and grow—no matter what’s in their past. Through her coaching, speaking, and advocacy for justice reform, Ranae has become a powerful voice for second chances.

Her journey to incarceration began long before the courtroom. When the weight of her choices became unbearable, Ranae reached a breaking point where she contemplated suicide. Instead, she chose to turn herself in, beginning a path toward accountability and healing.

Prison, rather than breaking her, became the place where Ranae finally confronted the pain she had buried for so long. With the help of therapy and a new dedication to self-care, she came to understand that everything in life is a choice—and that choosing to face trauma is the only way forward. Today, she channels those hard-won lessons into Connecting to Cope, encouraging others to uncover the roots of their pain and take small, consistent steps toward recovery.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

“I think the biggest thing that I tell people when I'm speaking to them, and I guess I'm speaking to all your listeners today, right, is that do the work. Find what is causing you pain in your world, whether that be trauma, sexual abuse, drug addictions, spousal abuse. There's so many things in our world today…that can cause PTSD and trauma for so many people in our country. Do the work. Go out, find out what's wrong with you, get help, whether it's by calling somebody like me on my platform and having me help you find the people who can help you, or if I can help you, I'd be glad to help you. But we do both avenues. And again, do the work, put the work in, make yourself healthier, find some good coping skills, and dedicate some time to self-care.”

--

Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Connecting to Cope Website
• Connecting to Cope on Facebook
• Connecting to Cope on Instagram

Follow Ranae Van Roekel on Instagram: @connectingtocope

Produced by NOVA

Margaret Andrews—leadership expert and longtime Harvard instructor—joins us to share the MYLO framework: Manage Yourself to Lead Others. Her executive program has run for years with a loyal waitlist, and she’s distilled those lessons into her book, Manage Yourself to Lead Others: Why Great Leadership Begins with Self-Understanding. We explore her journey from hard feedback about “self-awareness” to building a practical approach leaders can apply immediately.

At the heart of Margaret’s work is a simple truth: before we can lead anyone, we have to understand ourselves—our values, emotions, and the gap between our intentions and our impact. She offers six deep-dive reflection questions to surface what shaped us, what success really means, and which behaviors need to change. We also discuss her “best boss” exercise, where participants consistently prioritize interpersonal behaviors over IQ or technical skill—evidence that trust, clear communication (especially listening), and growth-minded feedback are what people remember and follow.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

We judge ourselves by intentions, but others judge us by behaviors—so align the two by building self-understanding and managing how you show up.

--

Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at margaretandrews.com
• Read Manage Yourself to Lead Others: Why Great Leadership Begins with Self-Understanding by Margaret Andrews
• Connect with Margaret on LinkedIn
• Follow Margaret on Instagram: @themargaretandrews

Produced by NOVA

We sit down with Wes Adams—CEO of SV Consulting Group and positive psychology researcher at UPenn—and Tamara Myles—speaker, author, professor, and researcher at UPenn—to unpack their new book, Meaningful Work. Together, they argue that what makes work feel worthwhile isn’t a lofty mission on a wall; it’s the daily experience we create. Their research shows leaders and environments account for nearly half of our sense of meaning at work, and they translate that into a practical playbook we can use right away.

We explore their three sources of meaning—community, contribution, and challenge—and how small actions compound. Ask about life outside of work and remember the answers to build real community. Tell impact stories so every teammate can see how their efforts help others. Pair stretch assignments with high support to create growth without burnout. And don’t overlook gratitude: a sincere “thank you” once a week can dramatically cut disengagement and burnout. This episode is a reminder that when we design for meaningful moments, performance follows.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

Meaning isn’t abstract—it lives in small, repeatable moments: connect with someone, notice the impact of your work, and seek growth; then amplify it with specific, weekly gratitude that tells people why their work matters.

--

Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at meaningfulwork.com
• Read Meaningful Work
• Connect with Tamara Myles on LinkedIn
• Connect with Wes Adams on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

Valerie J. Walsh is a bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and transformational leader whose work turns personal tragedy into a mission to help others rise. Through her memoir Shattered to the Core and her follow-up, CoreAgeous, she invites us into the real work of healing—naming trauma, telling the truth, and leading from the heart. We explore her journey from fitness professional to aviation leader and mental health advocate, and how journaling her way through loss and cancer recovery became the foundation for her books.

What resonated most was Valerie’s CORE philosophy of authentic leadership and the practical courage it takes to let go, say no, and pivot. We talk about moving from “work hard, play hard” to sober, intentional living; why language matters (she says “died by suicide” to reduce stigma); and how trauma shows up differently for everyone. Her stories remind us that our self-worth can’t live in any single role, relationship, or result—and that small daily actions change everything.

We left this conversation believing that reinvention isn’t a grand gesture; it’s a repeatable habit. If you’ve been waiting for permission to start over, this is it.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

It’s never too late to pivot. Begin with one small step every day toward who you want to become—and keep going.

--

Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at valeriejwalsh.com
• Read Shattered to the Core by Valerie J. Walsh
• Read CoreAgeous by Valerie J. Walsh
• Follow Valerie J. Walsh on Instagram: @valeriejwalshauthor
• Connect with Valerie J. Walsh on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

We sit down with Dr. Reza Zahedi—civil engineer, international real estate leader, and author of Self-Made Maverick—whose story begins as a child refugee from Iran and evolves into a career built from scratch across Europe. What struck us wasn’t the highlight reel, but the mindset shift he credits for everything: believing he could build something from nothing and change his destiny despite the doubters.

Dr. Reza challenges the Instagram myth of overnight success. He reframes failure as a daily teacher, not a verdict, and calls out five persistent myths that stall founders—from “you need rich parents” to “money is the most important thing.” We also explore how a clear why and a durable brand make sacrifices bearable, and why today’s entrepreneurs can’t hide behind screens: real-world reps, relationships, and proof of work matter more than ever. The throughline is gritty, values-driven execution—showing up when no one’s clapping so impact outlasts image.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

Never give up—treat failure as part of the path, keep showing up, and let persistence do the compounding.

--

Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at DrRezaZahedi.com
• Read Self-Made Maverick by Dr. Reza Zahedi
• Connect with Dr. Reza on LinkedIn
• Follow Dr. Reza on Instagram: @drrezazahedii

Produced by NOVA

Content Warning: This episode contains detailed accounts of domestic violence, emotional abuse, and the murder of a parent. It may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please use discretion and take care of yourself while listening.

In part two of our conversation with filmmaker, podcaster, and speaker Collier Landry, we continue the extraordinary story that began when he was just 11 years old. After testifying against his father for the murder of his mother, Collier was left without family support, navigating foster care and the painful isolation of being defined by tragedy. Yet rather than succumbing to the weight of trauma, he forged a path of resilience, action, and self-determination.

Collier reflects on testifying in court, confronting his father, and ultimately learning the power of forgiveness—not as a gift to the man who hurt him, but as a way to reclaim his own life. He also shares how he turned his pain into purpose, first as the subject of the acclaimed documentary A Murder in Mansfield and now through his podcast The Collier Landry Show, where he explores resilience, healing, and moving forward. His journey shows us that while violence leaves deep scars, it can also illuminate the strength of the human spirit.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

You have the power to construct your own narrative. No matter what happens to you, you are not defined by tragedy—you have the choice to move forward and build a life on your terms.

--

Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Collier Landry’s Website
• A Murder in Mansfield – Official Trailer
• The Collier Landry Show Podcast
• Finding Mom’s Killer Podcast
• Follow Collier Landry on Instagram
• Follow Collier Landry on X/Twitter

Produced by NOVA

Content Warning: This episode contains detailed accounts of domestic violence, emotional abuse, and the murder of a parent. It may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please use discretion and take care of yourself while listening.

At just 11 years old, Collier Landry’s life was upended when his father murdered his mother. Refusing to remain silent, he gathered evidence, testified against his father, and became the key witness in a case that would change his life forever. Abandoned by much of his family, Collier learned resilience and self-reliance at an age when most kids are thinking about school and friends—not survival.

Now a filmmaker, podcaster, and speaker, Collier uses his story to inspire conversations about perseverance, self-determination, and healing. His acclaimed documentary A Murder in Mansfield, directed by Oscar winner Barbara Kopple, and his podcasts The Collier Landry Show and Finding Mom’s Killer explore the journey of overcoming trauma and reclaiming personal power.

In this gripping first of a two-part conversation, Collier takes us back to 1989, walking us through the events leading up to his mother’s disappearance and the harrowing days that followed—days in which an 11-year-old boy had to choose between silence and the truth.

--

Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Collier Landry’s Website
• A Murder in Mansfield – Official Trailer
• The Collier Landry Show Podcast
• Finding Mom’s Killer Podcast
• Follow Collier Landry on Instagram
• Follow Collier Landry on X/Twitter

Produced by NOVA