You Matter!

Jodee Blanco is the author of seven books on bullying, including the seminal New York Times bestseller Please Stop Laughing At Me, a catalyst for the anti-bullying movement. As the movement's first voice, she travels to schools sharing her story to save lives and has spoken to thousands of people worldwide. CBS Evening News and USA Today featured her story, and she has written for CNN.com and The Huffington Post. Her anti-bullying program, It's Not Just Joking Around, has been implemented in hundreds of schools and her work is endorsed by the National Crime Prevention Council, Health and Human Services, American School Counselors Association, and scores of other organizations.

Karen opens Season 3 of You Matter! with former Rutgers football player, Eric LeGrand. After suffering a severe spinal cord injury in 2010, Eric became a motivational speaker and source of inspiration and hope for many. Eric speaks about his love of football, his injury and perseverance, and his foundation, Team LeGrand.

NYU Assistant Vice President, Professional Standards Heba Nassef Gore, Esq. visits with Karen to speak about the Clery Act, Timely Warnings, and Accreditation, and how they enhance the safety of the NYU community. Please note, this episode was recorded remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Retired New Jersey State Police Lieutenant Thomas Paret, formerly of the state police's polygraph unit, explains to Karen what a polygraph is, its purpose, and what it measures. Please note, this episode was recorded remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sergeant First Class Brian Doss from the Community Response Unit and Sergeants Gizelle Sanchez and Dan Gitter from the Investigations Unit visit with Karen and Sabah to explain the services they provide and how their teams enhance the safety of the NYU community.

Katie stops by to speak with Karen and Sabah about parenting her transgender daughter Sarah, who was designated a male at birth.

Maisie Breit from the NYC Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence meets with Karen and Presidential Scholar Karen Wang to discuss gaslighting: how to understand the signs, and the resources available in New York City that can help those affected.

Near-death survivor, heart transplant recipient, and Ambassador to Columbia University and New York Presbyterian Hospital Cherie Aimée shares her story about crossing into another realm after going into cardiac arrest.

Author, consultant, and thought leader Leslie Morgan Steiner discusses Women's Leadership, Overcoming Adversity and Surviving Violence Against Women speaks with Karen and Sabah about domestic violence and why women stay in those relationships.

Dr. Denise Paone and Angela Jeffers from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene speak about The Relay Program, a non-fatal opioid overdose response service for the New York City community.