You Matter!

You Matter! | Laurie Berkner: The Power of Music, Imagination, and Connection

This week on You Matter!, I'm thrilled to welcome Laurie Berkner, a singer, songwriter, author, and one of the most beloved voices in children's music.

For more than two decades, Laurie has inspired generations of children and families through songs that celebrate imagination, movement, confidence, and connection. Her music has become a trusted part of childhood for millions, creating moments of joy while helping children discover their own voices and the world around them.

In this episode, Laurie shares the experiences that shaped her life and career, from her early passion for music to the journey of becoming a pioneering figure in children's entertainment. We explore the importance of creativity, the value of meeting children where they are, and the lessons she has learned from helping so many young people feel recognized, understood, and empowered.

Join us for a warm and inspiring conversation about the role music plays in building confidence, strengthening relationships, and reminding us of something essential: every person, no matter their age, deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. Laurie's story is a celebration of authenticity, kindness, and the lasting impact one voice can have on generations.

You Matter! | Denise Brown: Turning Tragedy Into Advocacy and Awareness

This week on You Matter!, I'm honored to welcome Denise Brown, a nationally recognized advocate whose voice has helped reshape the conversation around domestic violence and intimate partner violence in America.

Denise's journey began with unimaginable loss. After the murder of her sister, Nicole Brown Simpson, Denise transformed her grief into a lifelong commitment to education, advocacy, and empowering others. For more than three decades, she has worked to ensure that Nicole's story is not remembered only through the tragedy that ended her life, but through the important lessons it continues to teach about abuse, warning signs, power, and control.

In this deeply personal conversation, Denise shares her perspective as a sister, a witness, and an advocate dedicated to creating awareness and change. She reflects on the impact of losing someone she loved, the importance of listening to survivors, and the responsibility we all share in recognizing the signs of abuse before it is too late.

Join us for a powerful and honest discussion about resilience, healing, and the courage it takes to turn personal pain into a mission that helps protect and support others. Denise's story is a reminder that advocacy begins with compassion, awareness, and the belief that every person deserves to be safe, heard, and valued.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, abuse, and homicide. Some listeners may find these topics emotionally challenging. Please listen at your own pace and prioritize your well-being. If you need to pause and return later, that's okay. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please reach out to a trusted person or contact your local crisis resources for support. Remember, you are not alone, and you matter.

You Matter! | Janetta Marbrey: The Human Side of Justice and Leadership

This week on You Matter!, I'm joined by Janetta Marbrey, a leader whose career reflects a lifetime of service, commitment, and dedication to the pursuit of justice.

We often experience the justice system through its outcomes, cases, decisions, and headlines. But behind every verdict, every policy, and every courtroom moment are people shaped by their experiences, values, and the defining moments that influence how they understand fairness, accountability, and humanity.

Janetta's remarkable career has taken her through every level of the legal system. She has served as an Assistant Prosecutor, First Assistant Prosecutor, Superior Court Judge, and now as the Prosecutor of Mercer County, New Jersey. Throughout each role, she has carried a deep commitment to public service and a belief that justice is not only about the law, but about the people impacted by it.

In this episode, we move beyond the titles and explore the human journey behind the work. Janetta shares how her early experiences, pivotal moments, and sense of responsibility have shaped her approach to justice, leadership, and serving the community.

Join us for a meaningful conversation about the intersection of law and humanity, and a reminder that behind every position of authority is a person whose story helps define how they lead, how they serve, and how they make a difference.

You Matter! | E. A. Hanks: Reclaiming the Past Through Storytelling

This week on You Matter!, I'm joined by E. A. Hanks, writer and daughter of actor Tom Hanks, whose storytelling is fearless, thoughtful, and deeply human.

In her memoir, The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road, E. A. transforms a road trip along Interstate 10 into a powerful exploration of memory, identity, family, and resilience. With honesty and compassion, she reflects on a childhood shaped by instability, grief, and the lasting impact of her mother's struggles.

In this episode, we discuss the courage it takes to revisit the past, reclaim your own story, and find meaning in even the most difficult experiences. E. A. shares how writing can create space for understanding, healing, and growth, reminding us that while our experiences shape us, they do not have to define us.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of childhood trauma, family instability, grief, and self-harm. Some listeners may find these topics emotionally challenging. Please listen at your own pace and prioritize your well-being. If you need to pause and return later, that's okay. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please reach out to a trusted person or contact your local crisis resources for support. Remember, you are not alone, and you matter.

You Matter | Kathleen Turner: Strength, Authenticity, and the Courage to Endure

This week on You Matter!, I'm honored to welcome Kathleen Turner, the award-winning actress whose unmistakable voice, commanding presence, and unforgettable performances have made her one of Hollywood's most respected and enduring talents.

Throughout a remarkable career spanning film, television, and the stage, Kathleen has captivated audiences with her extraordinary artistry. Beyond her celebrated performances lies a story of resilience. While facing significant health challenges, she continued to pursue her craft and became an outspoken advocate for health awareness, artists' rights, and the importance of speaking candidly about the obstacles we all encounter.

In this episode, Kathleen reflects on the experiences that have shaped both her career and her life. She shares thoughtful insights on perseverance, authenticity, and finding strength in the face of adversity. Her honesty and willingness to challenge expectations have inspired audiences far beyond the screen and demonstrate that true courage often comes from embracing vulnerability and remaining true to yourself.

Join us for a powerful conversation with a true Hollywood legend whose legacy extends well beyond entertainment. It is a reminder that resilience, purpose, and authenticity are among the greatest roles any of us can play.

You Matter! | Dr. Marc Siegel: Finding Meaning in the Moments That Matter

This week on You Matter!, I'm joined by Marc Siegel, a physician, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, and Senior Medical Analyst for Fox News. Known for helping the public navigate complex health issues with clarity and compassion, Dr. Siegel has spent his career guiding people through uncertainty.

In this conversation, we move beyond medicine to explore the inspiration behind his New York Times bestselling book, The Miracles Among Us, and the experiences that led him to reflect on resilience, hope, and the extraordinary moments hidden within everyday life.

Together, we discuss how trauma can reshape our perspective, why meaning is often found in life's quietest moments, and how gratitude, connection, and purpose can emerge even during difficult times. Dr. Siegel shares personal insights that remind us that healing is not always measured by physical recovery alone, but also by our ability to find strength, compassion, and possibility in the face of adversity.

This thoughtful conversation speaks to the very heart of You Matter!, creating space for honest dialogue about trauma, healing, and the shared human experiences that connect us all. Join us for an inspiring episode that encourages us to recognize the miracles around us and remember that even the smallest moments can have a profound impact.

Dr. Siegel will be releasing a sequel to The Miracles Among Us later this year titled, The Angels Among Us: How God's Messengers Play a Role In Healing.

You Matter! | Andrew McMahan: Building Resilience Through Communication

This week on You Matter!, I welcome Andrew McMahan, Associate Vice President for Global Resiliency and Security in NYU's Department of Campus Safety. Andrew leads the critical programs and technologies that help protect and support the NYU community around the world, including the Safe NYU app, NYU Traveler, and the university's mass communication systems.

At a global university where students, faculty, and staff study, work, and travel across multiple continents, effective communication is more than a convenience, it's an essential component of safety. Whether responding to an emergency, navigating international travel, or sharing timely information during evolving situations, these tools play a vital role in keeping the NYU community informed, connected, and prepared.

In this episode, Andrew offers an inside look at the technology and strategy behind NYU's global resiliency efforts. We discuss how emergency communication systems are developed and managed, the importance of preparedness before a crisis occurs, and the role innovation plays in strengthening campus safety on a worldwide scale.

Join us for an insightful conversation about the intersection of technology, communication, and leadership, and discover how thoughtful planning and timely information help create a safer, more resilient community for everyone.

You Matter! | Season 10 | Fountain Walker Returns

When Fountain Walker last joined You Matter!, higher education was navigating one of the most significant transformations in its history. Traditional notions of campus safety, centered on visibility, response, and enforcement, were being challenged by a growing expectation for care, accountability, transparency, and community engagement.

Now, Fountain returns to reflect on how that evolution has unfolded.

In this timely conversation, we explore the current state of campus safety, the lessons learned from years of unprecedented challenges, and how leaders are balancing security with belonging in increasingly complex campus environments. Drawing on his extensive experience overseeing global campus safety at New York University, Fountain shares insights into the importance of trust, preparedness, collaboration, and adaptive leadership in protecting diverse academic communities.

As colleges and universities continue to face emerging risks and evolving expectations, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what effective campus safety leadership requires today, and where the profession is headed tomorrow.

Join us for a conversation that reminds us that the strongest safety strategies are built not only on preparedness, but on relationships, empathy, and a shared commitment to the well-being of every member of the campus community.

Season 10 Premiere | You Matter! with Emma Wolfe, Chief of Staff to NYU President Linda Mills

After a meaningful pause, You Matter returns with a renewed purpose, a fresh perspective, and an exciting new season. In this special Season 10 premiere, host Karen Ortman welcomes Emma Wolfe for an engaging conversation about leadership, resilience, authenticity, and the power of meaningful communication.

Drawing from her remarkable career in public service, media, and strategic communications, Emma shares lessons learned from navigating high-pressure environments, leading through uncertainty, and staying true to your values while helping others find their voice.

As You Matter enters its next chapter, this conversation sets the tone for the season, exploring what it means to lead with purpose, build trust, embrace change, and recognize that every interaction has the potential to make a lasting impact.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that reminds us all that leadership begins with connection, and that no matter your role, your story, your voice, and your presence matter. Welcome to the Season 10 relaunch of You Matter!

On this episode, Karen speaks with Allen McFarlane, NYU Associate Dean of Students, Outreach and Engagement. Allen is here to talk about the ways in which the Office of Dean of Students supports students here in NYC and abroad.