The Uplifters

"Great stories are born of moments that have changed you."

-Kate Tellers

Imagine stepping onto a stage, a solitary spotlight illuminating your face as you prepare to bare your soul to a room full of strangers. Now imagine all of those strangers silently encouraging you, laughing and crying along with you, and cheering you on. This is the essence of The Moth, an organization that has captivated audiences worldwide with its celebration of raw, unscripted storytelling. Our guest today, Kate Tellers, reminds us of the transformative power of sharing our truths.

In this episode, Kate leaves us with these five Uplifting lessons:

1. Embrace vulnerability: It's the gateway to forging deeper connections and understanding ourselves and others.

2. Listen with intention: True listening is an act of generosity that creates spaces where people feel heard and valued.

3. Balance productivity and presence: Living fully means savoring the world around us, not just checking boxes.

4. Nurture your creative outlets: Exploration and expression in various forms can replenish and inspire us in unexpected ways.

5. Share your truth: The stories that have changed us hold the power to change others, reminding us that we're never alone.

Kate Tellers is a storyteller, Senior Director and Director of MothWorks at The Moth, host of their live events, podcast, and Peabody Award-winning Moth Radio Hour and co-author of their fourth book "How to Tell a Story” which debuted on the New York Times bestseller list. Her writing has appeared on McSweeneys and The New Yorker.

Kate was nominated by the fabulous storyteller, Susie Jaramillo from episode 2 of The Uplifters!

After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast, including Susie and Kate! Kate will host an interactive workshop on storytelling for real life and Susie will give a talk on the importance of risk-taking! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE. Check out all the fun we’re gonna have! ⬇️

You can always listen right here in your email, where you’ll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity). But please also subscribe directly to The Uplifters on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Just click one of those links to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The Uplifters is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Imagine stepping onto a stage, a solitary spotlight illuminating your face as you prepare to bare your soul to a room full of strangers. Now imagine all of those strangers silently encouraging you, laughing and crying along with you, and cheering you on. This is the essence of The Moth, an organization that has captivated audiences worldwide with its celebration of raw, unscripted storytelling. Our guest today,

Kate Tellers

, reminds us of the transformative power of sharing our truths.In this episode, Kate leaves us with five Uplifting lessons:

1. Embrace vulnerability: It's the gateway to forging deeper connections and understanding ourselves and others.

2. Listen with intention: True listening is an act of generosity that creates spaces where people feel heard and valued.

3. Balance productivity and presence: Living fully means savoring the world around us, not just checking boxes.

4. Nurture your creative outlets: Exploration and expression in various forms can replenish and inspire us in unexpected ways.

5. Share your truth: The stories that have changed us hold the power to change others, reminding us that we're never alone.

Kate Tellers is a storyteller, Senior Director and Director of MothWorks at The Moth, host of their live events, podcast, and Peabody Award-winning Moth Radio Hour and co-author of their fourth book "How to Tell a Story” which debuted on the New York Times bestseller list. Her writing has appeared on McSweeneys and The New Yorker.

Kate was nominated by the fabulous storyteller, Susie Jaramillo from episode episode 2 of The Uplifters!

After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast, including Susie and Kate! Kate will host an interactive workshop on storytelling for real life and Susie will give a talk on the importance of risk-taking! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE.

I don’t have room for fear on my plate.

-Kristy Jeansonne

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a screeching halt, but for Kristy Jeansonne, life took an even more unexpected turn. As the weeks of lockdown ticked by, her husband Brian's sprained ankle stubbornly refused to heal.

With doctor’s offices closed, it took a stroke of luck - a pediatrician friend's plea into the void of an online medical community - to finally get answers. But those answers knocked the wind out of Kristy, Brian, and their five children. Amidst the eerie silence of a shuttered hospital, a doctor delivered the life-altering diagnosis: Brian had ALS, a brutal neurodegenerative disease.

Though the Jeansonne family was shaken by Brian's ALS diagnosis, they didn't crumble - they rallied together with grit and grace. Kristy became her husband's fiercest advocate and caregiver. Her commitment was matched by their children, who stepped up with maturity beyond their years.

Rather than letting ALS rip them apart, the challenges drew the Jeansonne clan tighter. Kristy made space for deep conversations about embracing every moment and prioritizing quality time as a family. The kids soaked up the lessons of patience, empathy, and cherishing loved ones. Though exhausting, caring for Brian revealed their collective resilience. Together in the trenches, they were a unit - sharing laughter and tears and squeezing every drop out of each day.

5 Uplifting Lessons from the Jeansonne Family:

1. Adapting is Thriving: When ALS tried to strip away Brian's abilities, the Jeasonnes adapted finding new ways to share experiences and even a method for Brian to pen an 83,000-word book with just his eyes.

2. Love is Intentional: Facing mortality head-on, Kristy and Brian doubled down on quality time and communication.

3. Beauty Blooms Anywhere: Even in ALS's harsh landscape, the Jeasonnes found light, laughter, and reasons to smile every day. Joy is a choice.

4. The Present is a Gift: Forced to live one day at a time, this family unlocked the gift of being utterly present and slowing down life’s pace.

5. Hope is Resilient: When the deck seemed stacked against them, the Jeasonnes' hope just wouldn't break. Their story redefines the depths of the human spirit's resilience.

After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast, including Kristy! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE. Check out all the fun we’re gonna have! ⬇️

You can always listen right here in your email, where you’ll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity). But please also subscribe directly to The Uplifters on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Just click one of those links to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The Uplifters is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a screeching halt, but for Kristy Jeansonne, life took an even more unexpected turn. As the weeks of lockdown ticked by, her husband Brian's sprained ankle stubbornly refused to heal.

With doctor’s offices closed it took a stroke of luck - a pediatrician friend's plea into the void of an online medical community - to finally get answers. But those answers knocked the wind out of Kristy, Brian, and their five children. Amidst the eerie silence of a shuttered hospital, a doctor delivered the life-altering diagnosis: Brian had ALS, a brutal neurodegenerative disease.

Though the Jeansonne family was shaken by Brian's ALS diagnosis, they didn't crumble - they rallied together with grit and grace. Kristy became her husband's fiercest advocate and caregiver. Her commitment was matched by their children, who stepped up with maturity beyond their years.

Rather than letting ALS rip them apart, the challenges drew the Jeansonne clan tighter. Kristy made space for deep conversations about embracing every moment and prioritizing quality time as a family. The kids soaked up the lessons of patience, empathy, and cherishing loved ones. Though exhausting, caring for Brian revealed their collective resilience. Together in the trenches, they were a unit - sharing laughter and tears and squeezing every drop out of each day.

5 Uplifting Lessons from the Jeansonne Family:

1. Adapting is Thriving: When ALS tried to strip away Brian's abilities, the Jeasonnes adapted finding new ways to share experiences and even a method for Brian to pen an 83,000-word book with just his eyes.

2. Love is Intentional: Facing mortality head-on, Kristy and Brian doubled down on quality time and communication.

3. Beauty Blooms Anywhere: Even in ALS's harsh landscape, the Jeasonnes found light, laughter, and reasons to smile every day. Joy is a choice.

4. The Present is a Gift: Forced to live one day at a time, this family unlocked the gift of being utterly present and slowing down life’s pace.

5. Hope is Resilient: When the deck seemed stacked against them, the Jeasonnes' hope just wouldn't break. Their story redefines the depths of the human spirit's resilience.

After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast, including Kristy! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE.

If you know what you want, but you're not doing it, there's some exploration to be done. -Rahti Gorfien

Rahti Gorfien is a one-of-a-kind coach for creatives and adults with ADHD. From her hazy days as a young, mischievous actress to embracing her new identity as "Rahti" in an ashram to earning the impressive distinction of getting kicked out of a cult, her journey towards self-discovery and purpose is a wild and wonderful ride.

These days, Rahti spends her time guiding others to overcome the "Five Emotions That Stop Success" - shame, grandiosity, envy, boredom, and fear. Get ready for juicy storytelling and eye-opening insights as she joyfully calls out our self-sabotaging BS with her signature playful candor.

Whether you're a creative soul, a self-proclaimed weirdo, or just desperately seeking some clarity amongst the chaos, Rahti's take on unlocking your truest desires will leave you feeling uplifted and ready to embrace your beautiful imperfections.

5 Musings to Marinate On:

1. The uncomfortable pause after "I don't know" is where the magic happens. Stay there.

2. Negative emotions like shame, grandiosity, and boredom are just hauntingly fun masks. You decide if you want to keep wearing them.

3. FOMO on not completing that project? Just get 'er done, baby! Imperfect efforts still count as success. (She calls this “completing the gesture,” which I love!)

4. Wanting to be famous and wanting to be significant are two very different (and delicious) cookies. Which one are you actually craving?

5. Chocolate for breakfast, dancing with odd creatures, and sleeping 'til whenever - self-care is an art.

Rahti Gorfien was nominated for the Uplifters by Kym Dakin from episode 24.

After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast, including Rahti and Kym, who will be signing their books! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE. Check out all the fun we’re gonna have! ⬇️

You can always listen right here in your email, where you’ll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity). But please also subscribe directly to The Uplifters on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Just click one of those links to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The Uplifters is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Rahti Gorfien is a one-of-a-kind coach for creatives and adults with ADHD. From her hazy days as a young, mischievous actress to embracing her new identity as "Rahti" in an ashram to earning the impressive distinction of getting kicked out of a cult, her journey towards self-discovery and purpose is a wild and wonderful ride.

These days, Rahti spends her time guiding others to overcome the "Five Emotions That Stop Success" - shame, grandiosity, envy, boredom, and fear. Get ready for juicy storytelling and eye-opening insights as she joyfully calls out our self-sabotaging BS with her signature playful candor.

Whether you're a creative soul, a self-proclaimed weirdo, or just desperately seeking some clarity amongst the chaos, Rahti's take on unlocking your truest desires will leave you feeling uplifted and ready to embrace your beautiful imperfections.

5 Musings to Marinate On:

1. The uncomfortable pause after "I don't know" is where the magic happens. Stay there.

2. Negative emotions like shame, grandiosity, and boredom are just hauntingly fun masks. You decide if you want to keep wearing them.

3. FOMO on not completing that project? Just get 'er done, baby! Imperfect efforts still count as success. (She calls this “completing the gesture,” which I love!)

4. Wanting to be famous and wanting to be significant are two very different (and delicious) cookies. Which one are you actually craving?

5. Chocolate for breakfast, dancing with odd creatures, and sleeping 'til whenever - self-care is an art.

Rahti was nominated for the Uplifters by Kym Dakin from episode 24. After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast, including Rahti and Kym, who will be signing their books! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE.

You're capable of healing and you have the power to heal. Your body is waiting and ready to heal. It's just waiting on you. -Janelle Hill

April is Sexual Abuse Awareness Month- a time to raise awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it, honor survivors, and show those who have been impacted by sexual violence that they are not alone. Please share this story.

Violated by the adults she looked up to, emotionally abandoned by her parents, and failed by the institutions designed to keep her safe, trauma seeped into every corner of Janelle Hill’s existence.

Yet, Janelle embarked on an extraordinary journey, defying the odds and committing herself to healing with unwavering determination. Through therapy, extensive study, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, she transformed her pain into power, becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and the owner of Refuge Mental Health Services.

But Janelle's mission is more than personal triumph. As a board member of The Army of Survivors, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and promoting accountability for sexual violence against athletes, she is a signal of hope for others. She proves that even when healing seems impossible, we can come out stronger on the other side.

Please join us on this uplifting journey through pain to healing. I hope Janelle’s story ignites a spark of courage and resilience that emboldens us all to keep growing.

5 Key Uplifting Lessons:

1. Embrace vulnerability: Confronting our deepest wounds requires immense courage and vulnerability. By sharing our stories, we not only heal ourselves but also inspire others to embrace their own journeys of transformation.

2. Challenge limiting beliefs: Our beliefs shape our reality. Examine the thoughts and narratives that hold you back, and consciously rewire your neural pathways to align with your authentic self.

3. Seek support: Healing is a complex process, and seeking professional help and guidance from trauma specialists can provide invaluable support and resources on your journey.

4. Practice patience and self-compassion: Transformation takes time and self-reflection. Embrace the process with patience and self-compassion, acknowledging that healing happens at its own unique pace.

5. Ignite a ripple effect: Your personal growth and transformation have the power to positively impact future generations. Embrace change not only for yourself but also for those you love.

After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast, including Janelle, who will speak in our Mastering Meaning and Purpose panel discussion! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE. Check out all the fun we’re gonna have! ⬇️

You can always listen right here in your email, where you’ll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity). But please also subscribe directly to The Uplifters on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Just click one of those links to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The Uplifters is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

April is Sexual Abuse Awareness Month- a time to raise awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it, honor survivors, and show those who have been impacted by sexual violence that they are not alone. Please share this story.

Violated by the adults she looked up to, emotionally abandoned by her parents, and failed by the institutions designed to keep her safe, trauma seeped into every corner of Janelle Hill’s existence.

Yet, Janelle embarked on an extraordinary journey, defying the odds and committing herself to healing with unwavering determination. Through therapy, extensive study, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, she transformed her pain into power, becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and the owner of Refuge Mental Health Services.

But Janelle's mission is more than personal triumph. As a board member of The Army of Survivors, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and promoting accountability for sexual violence against athletes, she is a signal of hope for others. She proves that even when healing seems impossible, we can come out stronger on the other side.

Please join us on this uplifting journey through pain to healing. I hope Janelle’s story ignites a spark of courage and resilience that emboldens us all to keep growing.

5 Key Uplifting Lessons:

1. Embrace vulnerability: Confronting our deepest wounds requires immense courage and vulnerability. By sharing our stories, we not only heal ourselves but also inspire others to embrace their own journeys of transformation.

2. Challenge limiting beliefs: Our beliefs shape our reality. Examine the thoughts and narratives that hold you back, and consciously rewire your neural pathways to align with your authentic self.

3. Seek support: Healing is a complex process, and seeking professional help and guidance from trauma specialists can provide invaluable support and resources on your journey.

4. Practice patience and self-compassion: Transformation takes time and self-reflection. Embrace the process with patience and self-compassion, acknowledging that healing happens at its own unique pace.

5. Ignite a ripple effect: Your personal growth and transformation have the power to positively impact future generations. Embrace change not only for yourself but also for those you love.

After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast, including Janelle, who will speak in our mastering meaning and purpose panel discussion! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE.

Everybody expects me to quit. Everybody wants me to quit. If I quit that's what they're going to say all women do. I'm not going to quit.

-Kathrine Switzer

In 1967, a young runner named Kathrine Switzer made history by becoming the first woman to officially enter the Boston Marathon. Her defiant act of fearlessness paved the way for generations of female athletes.

As Kathrine took off down the marathon course, an infuriated official named Jock Semple realized she was a woman and tried to forcibly remove her from the race. In a dramatic scene captured in a series of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs, Semple lunged at Kathrine and tried to rip off her bib number. Her boyfriend at the time, a burly hammer thrower, shoved Semple away, allowing Kathrine to keep running and ultimately finish the race.

That pivotal moment sparked a lifetime journey for Kathrine to challenge gender barriers and create opportunities for women in running and beyond. From organizing some of the first women-only road races to helping lobby for the women's marathon to be included in the Olympics, her fearless determination left an indelible mark.

Now, 57 years later, Kathrine continues to inspire through her nonprofit 261 Fearless, emboldening women around the world to unleash their inner strength as runners, coaches, and human beings.

In celebration of this Monday's Boston Marathon, where half the runners will be women, here are 5 Uplifting Lessons from Kathrine Switzer that you'll hear in episode 55:

1. Fear can be a catalyst for courage. Kathrine used the opposition and doubters as fuel to propel her forward.

2. Create opportunities where there are none. When women were excluded, Kathrine organized new races and events to open doors.

3. Big dreams take persistence. It has taken decades to make running accessible to women globally, but Kathrine never gave up.

4. Pass the torch to the next generation. At 77, Kathrine is focused on empowering future leaders to carry her mission forward.

5. Fearlessness applies to all aspects of life. Kathrine's spirit extends beyond running into facing fears, pursuing potential, and living boldly.

Connect with Kathrine on Instagram and read more about 261 Fearless and the upcoming Every Women’s Marathon.

After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE. Check out all the fun we’re gonna have! ⬇️

You can always listen right here in your email, where you’ll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity). But please also subscribe directly to The Uplifters on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Just click one of those links to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

In 1967, a young runner named Kathrine Switzer made history by becoming the first woman to officially enter the Boston Marathon. Her defiant act of fearlessness paved the way for generations of female athletes.

As Kathrine took off down the marathon course, an infuriated official named Jock Semple realized she was a woman and tried to forcibly remove her from the race. In a dramatic scene captured in a series of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs, Semple lunged at Kathrine and tried to rip off her bib number. Her boyfriend at the time, a burly hammer thrower, shoved Semple away, allowing Kathrine to keep running and ultimately finish the race.

That pivotal moment sparked a lifetime journey for Kathrine to challenge gender barriers and create opportunities for women in running and beyond. From organizing some of the first women-only road races to helping lobby for the women's marathon to be included in the Olympics, her fearless determination left an indelible mark.

Now, 57 years later, Kathrine continues to inspire through her nonprofit 261 Fearless, emboldening women around the world to unleash their inner strength as runners, coaches, and human beings.

In celebration of this Monday's Boston Marathon, where half the runners will be women, here are 5 Uplifting Lessons from Kathrine Switzer that you'll hear in episode 55:

1. Fear can be a catalyst for courage. Kathrine used the opposition and doubters as fuel to propel her forward.

2. Create opportunities where there are none. When women were excluded, Kathrine organized new races and events to open doors.

3. Big dreams take persistence. It has taken decades to make running accessible to women globally, but Kathrine never gave up.

4. Pass the torch to the next generation. At 77, Kathrine is focused on empowering future leaders to carry her mission forward.

5. Fearlessness applies to all aspects of life. Kathrine's spirit extends beyond running into facing fears, pursuing potential, and living boldly.

Connect with Kathrine on Instagram and read more about 261 Fearless and the upcoming Every Women’s Marathon.

After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE. Check out all the fun we’re gonna have! ⬇️