Imam Usman Akhtar, the Imam/Director of Religious Affairs at the Danbury Masjid, is our guest for this episode. We explore the connections between Islam, compassion, and success as well as some misconceptions about living life as a Muslim. Usman shows us how the Quran offers one path to walking life as a compassionate achiever.

Jimmy Greene, a Grammy-nominated saxophone player, assistant professor of Music and coordinator of WestConn’s Jazz Studies program, arranges and performs an annual concert in memory of his 6-year-old daughter, Ana Grace-Marquez, who was murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He discusses preparations for the Dec. 9 “Love Wins Benefit Concert” as well as the approach he and his wife, Nelba, embrace as they celebrate Ana’s life.

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.

Dr. Gabe Lomas, a noted researcher into methods to stop and respond to violence, has won a $1.8 million grant – the largest academic grant in WestConn’s history – to train more mental health workers for the region. His goal is to reach and help people who experience mental health crises.

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.

WestConn Nursing Professor Dr. Mary Ellen Doherty and her sister have written two books about nurses who serve in war zones. What they reveal about the effects of war on nurses while overseas and upon returning home will surprise and inspire you. And, of course, Bharbara Viegas with some student event news...

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.

Three students who work on the award-winning election night report called Election Connection discuss how they keep track of the thousands of details of a live broadcast, their techniques to guide enthusiastic politicians, and how they plan to turn their experience into careers.

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.

WestConn helps students become anything they can imagine. Matthew Elmore is proof. He was a high school dropout who graduated from WestConn with a Biology degree. Today he is a major in the Air Force who flies U2 reconnaissance planes.