The Grown-Up Table: Conversations On Character And Life

Prayer often feels instinctive when tragedy strikes, but is it truly a form of action or merely an emotional refuge? In this episode, Grant Swartzwelder sits down with The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata, Rector of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, to explore the deeper purpose of prayer and its role in shaping identity, inspiring community, and motivating meaningful action both in times of crisis and celebration.

On September 11, 2001, Darin Kinder, a young Secret Service agent stationed in the World Trade Center, found himself thrust into unimaginable chaos and danger. In this episode, Darin shares a gripping firsthand account of that day’s harrowing events, revealing how his faith, courage, and commitment shaped his response and inspired his lifelong mission captured in his book, Bury Me in a Dirty Suit.

Meredith Garcia joins Grant Swartzwelder to unpack the hidden types of clutter that bog down workplaces beyond just messy desks and storerooms. Drawing from her extensive experience in human resources and organizational management, Meredith reveals how people, processes, and paper (or digital files) contribute to inefficiency and shares practical strategies to identify, evaluate, and declutter these areas for healthier, more productive teams.

From reflections on enduring career choices to reimagining life’s next chapter, this episode captures a candid reunion of Harvard Business School friends navigating the questions and realities of turning 60 and beyond. Host Grant Swartzwelder and guests Blair Pomeroy, Peter Wilson, Jeff Sandler, Howard Hayes, and Will Richmond share insights on legacy, passion, relationships, and the evolving definition of success at this pivotal life stage.

Leslie Barker has dedicated over a decade to crafting accessible, uplifting habits designed to boost joy, health, and community connection. In this episode, she shares her annual tradition of creating 26 simple yet powerful ways to enhance well-being in the coming year, blending physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health tips with a focus on kindness and gratitude.

Regaining genuine, face-to-face connection in today’s digitally dominated world is no small feat. Host Grant Swartzwelder sits down with Katrina Watland, a seasoned clinical social worker and founder of True North Counseling, to explore how social media and electronic tracking impact our relationships with children and their personal growth. Together, they unpack strategies for parents and kids alike to reclaim meaningful interaction and independence beyond screens.

What does it really look like to raise a child with a significant disability in today’s world - emotionally, financially, spiritually, and practically?

In this episode of The Grown-Up Table, host Grant Swartzwelder sits down with attorney and mom Kayla Wood to talk about life with her 16-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, who has spina bifida. Kayla shares the raw, real journey from the shocking prenatal diagnosis to complex surgeries, school battles, insurance fights, and the daily work of raising a confident, joy-filled teenager who happens to use a wheelchair.

They cover how language and labels matter, why advocacy is a full-time job, what other parents don’t always see about special needs families, and why empathy (not pity) is the one thing our culture is still missing.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, medical professional, or just someone who wants to understand special needs families better, this conversation will challenge, encourage, and grow you.

Branding isn't just for companies—it's a reflection of life, character, and reputation on both corporate and personal levels. In this episode, Grant Swartzwelder sits down with Eric Bierbrier, a seasoned branding expert behind major Dallas-area brands like Container Store, Brinker (Chili's), and Neiman Marcus, to explore how brands are built, maintained, and sometimes destroyed, with powerful lessons that also apply to individuals managing their personal reputations.

Christie Linebarger draws from her personal experience with a sudden layoff and decades in talent acquisition to reveal how we can all transform challenges into growth through consistent effort and resilience. Her book, Stick Your Beak in the Ground, offers practical wisdom for navigating life's uncertainties, cultivating character, and pursuing excellence every day, no matter the obstacles.

Amy Downs shares her remarkable journey of survival and transformation after enduring the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. From being trapped under rubble to facing profound grief and loss, Amy’s story reveals how she harnessed faith, hope, and deliberate action to rebuild her life, ultimately becoming a triathlete and CEO. This episode offers powerful insights into resilience, purpose, and the meaning of hope as an active choice.