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Recent episodes
SEASON FINALE: You Were Sold a Smaller God… and You Accepted It Without a Receipt.
May 31, 2026
31m 36s
We Never Completely Forgot Who We Were with Yaffah Batya DaCosta
May 24, 2026
1h 00m 43s
Raising Good Humans…Not Just "Successful" Ones with Rosemary Olender
May 17, 2026
1h 12m 31s
NEXT GEN: Your Life Is An Empty Canvas... Now What? with Max McGuire
May 10, 2026
1h 12m 15s
The Life Most People Only Dream About- Sailing The World with Alison Gieschen
May 3, 2026
53m 52s
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
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| 5/31/26 | ![]() SEASON FINALE: You Were Sold a Smaller God… and You Accepted It Without a Receipt. | What if the feeling you call “God” was never meant to be contained inside a building?In this Season 2 finale of The Story of Us, Jeff reflects on the moments that leave us speechless—the overwhelming awe of standing beneath the vaulted ceilings of Notre-Dame, the impossible beauty of La Sagrada Familia, the silence of a mountain range, the pull of a night sky filled with stars.Part travel reflection… part philosophical exploration… part deeply personal letter…this episode explores the human tendency to build institutions around mystery—and what may be lost when we outsource our search for meaning to them.Drawing inspiration from Mark Twain, Eastern philosophy, the great cathedrals of Europe, and the ordinary moments of everyday life, Jeff asks a difficult but essential question:What do you actually believe?And perhaps more importantly…Have you ever stopped long enough to truly feel it for yourself?🌍 In This EpisodeWhy ancient cathedrals evoke awe—even for nonbelieversThe emotional experience of visiting La Sagrada FamiliaHow religions evolved from stories into institutionsThe difference between spirituality and organized beliefWhat Eastern traditions understood about mystery and presenceWhy the sacred may live in ordinary moments—not sacred buildings🎯 Key ThemesAwe and wonderSpirituality vs religionHuman connectionPresence and attentionThe search for meaningThe beauty of existence🧠 Memorable Questions ExploredWhat do you actually believe?Has organized religion brought us closer to the divine—or further from it?What if you are not separate from the sacred… but an expression of it?What if wonder itself is the point?✨ Final InvitationThis episode is ultimately an invitation:To slow down. To pay attention. To stop outsourcing the search for meaning.And to rediscover the extraordinary hidden inside ordinary life.🌐 Explore MoreSubscribe to our free weekly blog:Letters From The Middle of It All👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-here📲 Follow The Story of UsInstagramFacebookBlueSky🎥 Full episodes, shorts, and spoken word reflections available on YouTube.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.❤️ Thank YouThank you for being part of Season 2.These conversations exist because people like you continue sharing them, discussing them, and helping us build a growing community centered around curiosity, connection, and what it means to be human.💬 Final ThoughtMaybe the sacred was never hiding inside the cathedral.Maybe it was waiting…in the moments you almost overlooked.🪨 The Story of UsFrom stardust to stillness.“I was here. My life was meaningful.” | 31m 36s | ||||||
| 5/24/26 | ![]() We Never Completely Forgot Who We Were with Yaffah Batya DaCosta | What happens when an entire people are forced to hide who they are… for generations?In this episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with Yaffah Batya daCosta—educator, speaker, and advocate for the descendants of the “Secret Jews,” families who were forced to convert during the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions while quietly preserving pieces of their identity in secret.But this conversation is about much more than history.It’s about memory. Identity. Belonging. And the human need to understand where we come from.Together, they explore the story of the Anousim (“the forced ones”), how ancient persecution still echoes into modern life, and what happens when someone begins rediscovering truths their family was never allowed to openly speak about.Along the way, the conversation widens into something universal:How fear divides people. How stories shape identity. And how understanding each other more deeply may be one of the few paths toward healing.🎯 What You’ll Take AwayWho the “Secret Jews” were and why their story still matters todayHow forced conversion and hidden identity shaped generations of familiesThe surprising connections between history and modern global tensionsWhy human beings are more alike than different beneath culture and beliefHow compassion and curiosity can lead to deeper understanding🌍 Key ThemesIdentity and ancestryGenerational memoryReligious persecution and survivalHuman connectionHealing through understanding👤 About the Guest – Yaffah Batya daCostaYaffah Batya daCosta is an educator, speaker, coach, and advocate working to support descendants of the Anousim—Jewish families forced to conceal their identity during the Inquisition.Drawing from her own ancestral journey, she has spent decades studying Jewish history, early Christianity, interfaith relations, and the roots of antisemitism in order to promote deeper understanding and reconciliation between communities.She is also the CEO of a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping descendants reconnect with their heritage and identity.🔗 Learn MoreWebsite: www.bneianousim.orgFacebook: Yaffah Batya daCosta🌐 Explore More from The Story of UsIf this conversation resonated with you, we invite you to explore more episodes, reflections, bite-sized clips, and shorts designed to help us better understand ourselves—and each other.👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-here🎥 Full episodes and clips available on YouTube 📲 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky🎧 Share the EpisodeIf you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who may need to hear it.Because stories like this remind us of something important:History may divide us…but understanding each other can still bring us back together.💬 Final ThoughtIdentity can be hidden.But somehow…the human spirit remembers. | 1h 00m 43s | ||||||
| 5/17/26 | ![]() Raising Good Humans…Not Just "Successful" Ones with Rosemary Olender | What does it really mean to raise a “good” human?Not a high achiever. Not a perfectly behaved child. But someone who is kind, grounded, resilient… and emotionally aware.In this episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with educator, consultant, and author Rosemary Olender—who has spent decades working inside classrooms, schools, and family systems—to explore what actually shapes a child.This conversation goes beyond parenting advice.It’s about the everyday moments… the conversations we have… the behaviors we model…and how those small things quietly shape who our children become.Drawing from over 20 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and director of special education, Rosemary shares what she’s seen change in today’s families—and what still matters most.Together, they explore:Why character matters more than achievementWhat emotional intelligence really looks like in real lifeThe biggest mistakes parents make (often without realizing it)How families and schools can work together more effectivelyWhat it means to raise children who are prepared for life—not just successThis episode isn’t just for parents.It’s for anyone who cares about the kind of humans we are raising—and the kind of world we’re creating.🎯 What You’ll Take AwayWhy children learn more from what you model than what you sayHow to build emotional intelligence in everyday interactionsWhat strong families do differentlyThe importance of communication between home and schoolHow to shift from reactive parenting to intentional guidance🌍 Key ThemesCharacter developmentEmotional intelligenceParenting with intentionFamily dynamicsHuman connection👤 About the Guest – Rosemary OlenderRosemary Olender, MS, CAS, is an educator, consultant, and non-fiction author with decades of experience supporting families and schools.Her career includes:17 years as a teacher of profoundly deaf childrenRoles as a junior high and elementary school principalDirector of special educationEducational consultant working with school districts across New York StateShe is the author of:Coffee and WisdomThe School-Home ConnectionHer work focuses on helping families and educators build stronger relationships, improve communication, and support children in reaching their full potential.🌐 Explore MoreIf this conversation resonated with you, we’ve created a space for you to go deeper.👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-hereExplore more episodes, reflections, and insights on what it means to be human—and how we shape the next generation.📲 Follow & ConnectFollow The Story of Us:FacebookInstagramBlueSky🎥 Full episodes, clips, and shorts available on YouTube.🎧 Share This EpisodeIf you know someone raising kids—or working with them—send this their way.Because the small things we do today…become the foundation for who they are tomorrow.💬 Final ThoughtWe don’t just raise children.We raise future humans.And that might be the most important work any of us will ever do. | 1h 12m 31s | ||||||
| 5/10/26 | ![]() NEXT GEN: Your Life Is An Empty Canvas... Now What? with Max McGuire | What does it actually feel like…to stand at the edge of your life…and try to figure out who you’re going to become?In this special NextGen episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with Max McGuire—recent University of Tennessee graduate, adventurer, artist, and someone stepping into adulthood in real time.This conversation is a little different.Max isn’t just a guest—he’s someone Jeff knows personally (yeah, it's his daughters BOYFRIEND). Which makes this episode feel less like an interview… and more like a real, honest conversation between two people at very different stages of life.And maybe that’s what makes it so powerful.Together, they explore the questions that don’t come with easy answers:What does it mean to find your purpose… before you’ve fully lived your life?How do you balance ambition with meaning?What are you willing to sacrifice—and what are you not?From working as a ranch hand in Aspen… to exploring the Amazon River Basin… to navigating creativity, relationships, and the uncertainty of what comes next—Max opens up about what he’s learning, what he’s still figuring out, and what matters most right now.This isn’t a conversation about having it all figured out.It’s about being honest enough to admit you don’t.🎯 What You’ll Take AwayWhy early adulthood is more about questions than answersHow real-world experiences shape identity and perspectiveThe importance of curiosity, creativity, and explorationWhat it means to build a life with intentionWhy honesty matters more than saying what people expect🌍 Key ThemesBecoming vs arrivingIdentity and self-discoveryPurpose and directionAdventure and growthLiving without a script👤 About the Guest – Max McGuireMax McGuire is a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in supply chain management.Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Max brings a unique blend of grit, creativity, and curiosity. From working as a ranch hand in Aspen to traveling into the Amazon, his experiences reflect a willingness to step outside the ordinary and into growth.He is an artist, an outdoorsman, and someone just beginning to shape the life he wants to build.🌐 Explore MoreIf this conversation resonated with you, we’ve created a space for you to go deeper.👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-hereExplore more full episodes, bite-sized clips, and conversations about what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world.📲 Follow & ConnectFollow The Story of Us:FacebookInstagramBlueSky🎥 Full episodes, clips, and shorts available on YouTube.🎧 Share This EpisodeIf you know someone navigating this stage of life…Send this to them.Because sometimes the most important thing you can hear is:You don’t need to have it all figured out.💬 Final ThoughtBecoming isn’t something that happens once.It’s something we all keep doing…no matter how old we are. | 1h 12m 15s | ||||||
| 5/3/26 | ![]() The Life Most People Only Dream About- Sailing The World with Alison Gieschen | Episode TitleShe Sold Everything to Sail the World… Here’s What She Found | Alison GieschenEpisode DescriptionWhat happens when you walk away from everything you’ve built…and choose a life most people only dream about?In this episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with Alison Gieschen—author, storyteller, and global sailor—who made a bold decision alongside her husband to sell everything they owned and circumnavigate the world by sailboat.Since then, they’ve traveled across five continents, visited over 50 countries, and lived a life shaped not by schedules… but by wind, water, and the unknown.But this conversation isn’t just about travel.It’s about what happens when you strip life down to its essentials.About the people you meet along the way. The perspectives that change you. And what truly matters when comfort, routine, and certainty are no longer part of the equation.From navigating storms at sea to navigating different cultures and ways of living, Alison shares what years on the ocean have taught her about humanity, connection, and the shared experience of being alive.What You’ll Take AwayWhy transformational travel is about people—not placesWhat Alison learned from communities living with far lessHow stepping outside your normal life reshapes your perspectiveThe difference between chasing experiences and finding meaningWhat really matters when everything else is stripped awayKey ThemesHuman connection across culturesSimplicity vs modern lifeAdventure and uncertaintyPerspective and gratitudeWhat it means to truly liveAbout the Guest – Alison GieschenAlison Gieschen is a former teacher, equestrian vaulting coach, and horse farm owner who chose a radically different path—selling everything to sail around the world with her husband aboard their 43-foot vessel, EQUUS.She is an author, travel blogger, and storyteller known as The Nautical Novelist, sharing her journey through books and her sailing blog.Her works include:Riding the Waves of RealityRiding the Waves of Reality IITHE SEVEN: An Odyssey of Seven Horses and Seven SoulsJulia’s Vaulting DreamConnect with AlisonWebsite: www.alisongieschen.comSailing Blog: www.sailmates.orgExplore MoreIf this conversation resonated with you, we’ve created a space for you to go deeper.👉 www.thestoryofusproject.comExplore more conversations, reflections, and stories about what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world.Listen. Reflect. Share.If this episode made you think, feel, or see the world a little differently…Share it with someone who needs to hear it.Final ThoughtSometimes the most powerful journeys…aren’t about where you go.They’re about how you begin to see. | 53m 52s | ||||||
| 4/26/26 | ![]() May The Schwartz Be With You - Chasing the Inexplicable Something with Calvin Schwartz | Some lives don't follow a script. They follow a feeling — an inexplicable something that whispers just loud enough to be heard over the noise of the ordinary. Calvin Schwartz has been listening to that whisper his whole life, and what it's led him to is nothing short of extraordinary.Calvin joins us today as the host of We the Species, a podcast over 700 conversations deep that explores the big, beautiful, unanswerable questions about humanity, connection, and what it means to be alive. If you haven't found it yet, consider this your sign.In this episode, Calvin takes us on a journey that winds through pharmacy school he never wanted, a 25-year career selling eyeglasses for one of the world's wealthiest men, a novel that arrived fully formed during a rainy morning rewatch of Casablanca, and a spiritual awakening that changed the entire trajectory of his life. Along the way we touch on bullying, reinvention, the paranormal, a mysterious healing in Nazareth, a five-roll car crash he walked away from without a scratch, and — not once, but twice — turning down Steven Spielberg. Almost, he'll tell you. Almost.Calvin is also the award-winning author of There's a Tortoise in My Hair: A Journey to Spirit, a novel that has drawn comparisons to Kurt Vonnegut, Philip Roth, and John Irving, and has collected over ten national awards. It is a book about meaning, mortality, and the unseen forces that seem to guide us — whether we believe in them or not.At 80-something and showing no signs of slowing down, Calvin is a living, breathing argument for staying curious, staying open, and never letting age write the final word on who you're still becoming.In this episode we explore:Leaving behind a career — and a whole identity — to follow something you can't quite nameThe spiritual thread that runs quietly through an entire lifeHow writing one novel unlocked an entire new world of possibilityThe paranormal experiences that changed how Calvin sees existenceWhat 700+ conversations about the human species has taught him about all of usThe gift of the antenna — and why Calvin believes we all have oneConnect with Calvin:🎙️ We the Species Podcast — available on all major streaming platforms📖 There's a Tortoise in My Hair — available at CalvinSchwartz.com💼 LinkedIn: Calvin Schwartz📘 Facebook: Cal SchwartzEnjoyed this episode?If something Calvin said today stayed with you, please take a moment to leave us a review on your streaming platform of choice — it helps more curious minds find their way to these conversations. And if you know someone who needs a reminder that it is never too late to begin again, share this episode with them. That small act might mean more than you know.Until next time — peace be with you. | 1h 03m 33s | ||||||
| 4/21/26 | ![]() SPECIAL EDITION: You Can Be a “Man’s Man” Without Being an Asshole | What does it actually mean to be a “tough guy”?Lately, that definition feels… off. Somewhere along the way, toughness has been confused with anger. Strength with cruelty. Confidence with tearing other people down.In this solo episode of The Story of Us, Jeff steps back and challenges that idea.This one is personal.Through the lens of his son Brady—a welder, diesel mechanic, and what most would call a “man’s man”—Jeff explores the difference between being disciplined, resilient, and capable… versus being closed off, hateful, or divisive.Because those aren’t the same thing.And they never were.This episode is a spoken-word reflection based on Jeff’s blog post:“You Can Be a Man’s Man Without Being an Asshole”It’s about redefining strength. Reclaiming character. And remembering that toughness and kindness were never meant to be opposites.🎯 What You’ll Take AwayWhy toughness and cruelty have been incorrectly linkedThe difference between strength and insecurityHow modern culture is distorting masculinityWhat real character looks like in everyday lifeWhy kindness is not weakness—and never has been👤 A Personal NoteThis episode is inspired by Jeff’s son, Brady—whose life reflects a powerful truth:You can be rough, tough, hardworking… and still be a good man to the people around you.🌐 Read the Full BlogWant to read the full written version?👉 https://thestoryofusproject.com/2026/04/16/you-can-be-a-mans-man-without-being-an-asshole/🔗 Explore MoreIf this episode resonated with you, we’ve created a space for you to go deeper.👉 https://thestoryofusproject.com/START-HERE/More conversations. More reflections. More of what it means to be human in a world that’s changing fast.🎧 Share This EpisodeIf you know someone who’s been wrestling with what it means to be a man today…Send this to them. Because the conversation matters.💬 Final ThoughtYou don’t have to change who you are to become a better man.You just have to remember:Tough doesn’t mean cruel. | 19m 10s | ||||||
| 4/19/26 | ![]() Is the World Falling Apart…or Waking Up? with Scott Paradis | Something feels… off.The world we thought we understood doesn’t quite make sense anymore. Institutions feel shaky. The rules seem unclear. And underneath it all, there’s this quiet, persistent question:Is everything falling apart… or are we being pushed into something new?In this episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with Scott Paradis—retired U.S. Army Colonel, Congressional Fellow, and National Security Fellow at Harvard—to explore one of the most important questions of our time.Drawing from decades inside systems of power, Scott offers a bold perspective:👉 What we’re experiencing may not be collapse… 👉 It may be revelation.Together, they unpack:Why so many people feel anxious, disconnected, and unsettledThe hidden “games” shaping our economy and societyHow our relationship with money distorts how we liveWhy this moment in history may be an evolutionary turning pointWhat it actually means to take ownership of your role in what comes nextThis conversation isn’t about politics or ideology.It’s about stepping back far enough to see the system… and then asking a deeper question:What kind of game do you want to play?🎯 Key TakeawaysWe are not just participants in the system—we are its creatorsThere are two forces at play: the making game (creating value) and the taking game (extracting value)“Apocalypse” doesn’t mean destruction—it means revealing what was hiddenToday’s anxiety may be the signal of a deeper transformationThe future is not predetermined—it’s shaped by individual choices👤 About the Guest – Scott ParadisScott F. Paradis is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, former Congressional Fellow in the U.S. Senate, and National Security Fellow at Harvard University.After a 30-year career inside military and government systems, Scott shifted his focus to understanding the deeper forces shaping human behavior, society, and personal development.He is the author of 11 books and creator of multiple educational programs exploring leadership, money, and human potential.His latest work, What’s Really Going On: Apocalypse or Evolution, challenges the idea that humanity is in decline—and instead suggests we are at a critical moment of transformation.🔗 Connect with ScottLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-f-paradis/YouTube Series: What’s Really Going On: Apocalypse or EvolutionBooks & Programs: Available via Amazon, Udemy, and Listenable🌐 Explore MoreIf this conversation resonated with you, we’ve created a space for you to go deeper.Visit our landing page to explore more conversations, insights, and resources designed to help you navigate this moment with clarity and intention.👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-here🎧 Listen. Reflect. Share.If you found value in this episode, share it with someone who’s been asking the same questions.Because maybe the real shift happening right now…isn’t just in the world.It’s within us. | 57m 22s | ||||||
| 4/12/26 | ![]() From The Big Bang to Space Colonies: 13.8 Billion Years (in 60ish minutes) with Richard Anderson | From Big Bang to Space Colonies (13.8 Billion Years in Under 90 Minutes) | with Richard AndersonWhat if the story of your life didn't begin when you were born — but 13.8 billion years ago in a single flash of energy that contained, quite literally, everything?In this episode of The Story of Us: From Cosmic Dawn to the Depths of Being, we sit down with Richard Anderson — molecular biologist, clinical scientist, and author of The Evolution of Life, Big Bang to Space Colonies — for a conversation that begins at the beginning and somehow still manages to feel personal by the end.Richard spent decades in laboratories doing the patient, rigorous work of understanding how life actually functions. Then he retired, traveled the world, came home to a pandemic, and wrote a book that traces the full arc of existence from the first cosmic moment to the far future of human civilization.In this conversation, we explore:Why carbon and water are the only possible building blocks for life — anywhere in the universeWhy intelligent life elsewhere is far less likely than the movies want you to believeHow predator and prey shaped the very way you think — and why your brain is wired for right now, not the long termThe role of mythology, religion, and science in the story of human civilizationWhy colonizing Mars may not be the answer — and what Richard thinks actually isArtificial intelligence, sentient beings, and what happens when the robots never dieThe hummingbird story — trust us, stay for the hummingbird storyRichard also answers the two questions we ask every guest: what would you whisper to your younger self, and what do you want to say to the future version of you listening back one day?His answer to the first one involves Tesla stock. His answer to the second is quieter, and worth the wait."Watch the movies. But read the books." — Richard Anderson📖 Richard's Book:The Evolution of Life, Big Bang to Space Colonies — available on Amazon🌐 Find Richard:richardandersonauthor.com | Facebook: Richard Anderson | Blog at his websiteThe Story of Us is a podcast exploring the big questions — who we are, where we came from, and what it means to be alive at this particular and unrepeatable moment. New episodes wherever you listen. Want to learn more? START HERE -- www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-here | 1h 12m 21s | ||||||
| 4/5/26 | ![]() The Fiercest Kind of Love with Shannon Carmicle Crawford | This episode carries a different weight—one built not on tragedy alone, but on quiet, relentless strength.Jeff sits down with Shannon Carmichael Crawford, a Louisville native, former record-breaking swimmer, teacher, mother, and now fierce advocate. Her story moves from a joyful childhood and deep-rooted friendships to a life reshaped by profound challenges—and purpose.Shannon and her late husband Scott built a life centered on family, raising their daughter Caitlin and son Chase. When Chase was diagnosed with profound autism, everything changed. What followed was a relentless journey through therapies, medical systems, and uncertainty—navigated without a roadmap, powered only by instinct, love, and grit.Then came another unimaginable blow: Scott’s diagnosis with stage IV colon cancer. Ten months later, at just 45, he passed away.Left to carry the weight of grief, motherhood, and caregiving, Shannon didn’t stop. She adapted. She fought. And she kept moving forward.Today, her advocacy is focused on a critical gap: families in Kentucky lack the resources needed to support individuals with profound autism. With no in-state facilities equipped for 24/7 care, Shannon made the heartbreaking decision to place Chase in a specialized center 700 miles away.Her mission now is clear—bring these children home.Key Themes:The unseen strength of caregivers and mothersNavigating autism, especially profound autism (24/7 care needs)Grief, resilience, and rebuilding after lossSystemic gaps in healthcare and disability servicesAdvocacy and creating change at the state levelImportant Insights:1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism; a significant portion are profoundly affectedKentucky spends over $14 million annually sending families out of state for careEarly intervention is critical—but long-term support is where systems failCaregiver mental health is often overlooked but essentialFor Families & Listeners:You are not alone—connection is criticalSeek community, ask for help, and share your storyAdvocacy starts with awarenessShannon’s story is ultimately about love—the kind that doesn’t quit, doesn’t ask for recognition, and doesn’t wait for perfect conditions.If this conversation moved you, share it. Stories like this don’t create change unless they travel. | 1h 12m 43s | ||||||
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| 3/29/26 | ![]() SPECIAL EDITION: The Stranger in the Mirror | You've changed. More than you know. More than you're probably comfortable admitting.Not gradually. Not just a little. Fundamentally. Repeatedly. And you're not done yet.In this rare and deeply personal solo episode, host Jeff Ellison steps away from the guest chair and turns the microphone — and the mirror — on himself. What begins with an ordinary Tuesday morning and a steamed-up bathroom mirror becomes something far more searching: a raw, honest, and at times uncomfortably beautiful meditation on identity, impermanence, and what it means to keep becoming someone new while carrying everything you've already been.This one is different. And if you're a human being in the middle of your own story — which you are — it may be exactly what you needed to hear today.In this episode, Jeff explores:The jarring moment he looked in the mirror and saw his father's face looking back — and everything that moment cracked openWhy we are, biologically and philosophically, never quite the same person twice — and why we fight it so hardThe Buddhist concept of Anicca — impermanence — and why the self is not a noun but a verb, an ongoing, never-finished becomingThe Ship of Theseus and what it means that your skeleton, your skin, your liver — your very body — quietly replaces itself while you're busy living your lifeThe pivotal moments that don't just change you gradually, but draw a hard line between the before and the after: graduation, travel, parenthood, turning 50, chronic pain, and the decision to build something that mattersWhy clinging to an old version of yourself isn't loyalty — it's grief dressed up as identityWhat exploring Buddhist philosophy and meditation revealed about the difference between the self and the weather passing through itHow launching The Story of Us Project gave Jeff not just something to do, but somebody to beThe two questions Jeff asks every guest — and why turning them on himself, and on you, may be the most important thing this episode doesWhy the panic of aging is not the enemy — it's information. The self, awake enough to feel its own impermanence, asking urgently: are you paying attention?The Two Questions — For You:Jeff asks every guest these questions before the conversation ends. This time, he's asking you.What does this version of yourself want to tell the younger version of yourself?Knowing that some future you will one day look back at this exact moment — what do you want them to know?Don't rush past them. Let them make you a little uncomfortable. That discomfort means they're working.Join the Conversation: Jeff wants to hear from you.What's been your biggest identity pivot? The moment that cracked you open and left someone slightly different standing in the rubble?Share your story with us:🌐 Visit our website: www.thestoryofusproject.com ✉️ Subscribe to our free blog: https://substack.com/@jeffrellison?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page ▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jeffellison-thestoryofus?si=apsFqObcwr1aGbK-💬 Find us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Blue Sky.The circle is always open. And your story belongs in it. | 20m 02s | ||||||
| 3/22/26 | ![]() Eyes, See Me Too: The Proverbs and Parables That Unite Us with Chris Morehouse | What if the world's great wisdom traditions aren't competing with one another — but have been quietly agreeing for thousands of years?In this episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with Chris Morehouse, author of the remarkable book Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible — a seven-year labor of love that places nearly 300 African proverbs alongside biblical scripture, not to blur their differences, but to illuminate their profound and often stunning similarities.Chris grew up in suburban Philadelphia, the son of theater people, raised with an open mind and a restless curiosity that led him — at just thirteen years old — to mail away for a "Teach Yourself Swahili" record set. That early fascination with African culture never left him. It quietly gathered force across decades of study, graduate research, personal moves, and life detours until it finally erupted into a book that may be unlike anything else in its category.In this conversation, Jeff and Chris explore:How a childhood obsession with African kingdoms and a graduate degree aimed at USAID gave birth to a decades-long passion projectWhy nearly 300 African proverbs were rejected from the global Golden Rule conversation — and what that omission might tell us about how we value different kinds of wisdomThe concept of Sankofa — the Akan word meaning go back and get it — and why it may be the most urgent idea of our timeThe proverbs that stopped Chris cold: "Compassion is a well." "The wealth that enslaves is not wealth." "Losing the way is one way of finding it."Why African oral traditions have been systematically excluded from interfaith wisdom conversations — and the role racism may have quietly playedThe Ethiopian proverb that mirrors Jesus' call to pray privately: "Singing hallelujah everywhere does not prove piety."The Namibian proverb "Eyes, see me too" — and why its construction is so arresting, so vivid, and so distinctly its ownWhat Chris would whisper to his younger self — and the urgent message he wants his future self to hearWhy Chris believes translation of this work into French, Portuguese, and Spanish could bring this wisdom to corners of Africa where it has never been seenThe Book: Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible by Chris Morehouse Available now — self-published with holy boldness, featuring contributors and artists from around the world.A Few Proverbs to Sit With:"Compassion is a well." — Hehe people, Tanzania"If you know what hurts yourself, you know what hurts others." — Madagascar"Eyes, see me too." — Ovambo people, Namibia"The wealth that enslaves is not wealth." — West African tradition"Losing the way is one way of finding it." — Swahili and Sukuma peoples, Tanzania"Singing hallelujah everywhere does not prove piety." — Ethiopian traditionMentioned in This Episode:Living Buddha, Living Christ — Thich Nhat HanhThe Hero With a Thousand Faces — Joseph CampbellThe Golden Bough — James George FrazerThe Parallel Sayings series (Jesus and Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, Jesus and Buddha)Archbishop Desmond Tutu's An African Prayer BookConnect With Us: 🌐 Visit our website: www.thestoryofusproject.com✉️ Subscribe to our free blog: www.thestoryofusproject.com/blog ▶️ Watch on YouTube 💬 Find us on social media and join the conversation. | 1h 04m 40s | ||||||
| 3/15/26 | ![]() We Will Fight on Forever: Delivering Packets of Hope with Jill Chalsty | What happens when the hardest moments of life become the seed for a lifelong mission?In this episode of The Story of Us, Jeff Ellison sits down with Jill Chalsty, founder of the global life-skills initiative Overcoming Obstacles and author of Packets of Hope. Jill shares the remarkable journey that began with childhood bullying and evolved into a curriculum that has reached over 180 million students in nearly 200 countries.Her story takes a powerful turn after the loss of her husband and her own battles with cancer. Facing grief and uncertainty, Jill embarked on a 107-day voyage across the globe—hand-delivering “packets of hope” to ministers of education in dozens of countries, spreading a message about life skills, resilience, and purpose.This conversation explores bullying, forgiveness, grief, courage, and the profound power of human connection. It’s a story about turning pain into purpose—and why one small step can change the course of a life.What We Discuss in This EpisodeHow childhood bullying shaped Jill’s life missionThe unexpected apology that sparked a global education movementBuilding the Overcoming Obstacles life-skills curriculumTeaching decision-making, empathy, and resilience to students worldwideJill’s work with gang members alongside NFL legend Jim BrownGrief, caregiving, and facing multiple cancer diagnosesA 107-day world voyage delivering “packets of hope” to education leadersWhy purpose and connection are essential for healingThe Maori phrase “Ake Ake Ake”—and how it became Jill’s mantra for resilienceWhy small steps can transform even the darkest seasons of lifeMemorable MomentsA childhood bully apologizes years later—and changes the trajectory of Jill’s life.Teaching life skills to gang members in Los Angeles alongside Jim Brown.A powerful moment in Samoa where strangers prayed for Jill’s healing.Delivering the most meaningful packet in Cape Town, honoring her late husband’s roots.Discovering that sometimes the people we hope to help are the very ones who end up healing us.About Jill ChalstyJill Chalsty is the founder of Overcoming Obstacles, a nonprofit that provides free life-skills curriculum to educators around the world. The program teaches decision-making, communication, goal setting, empathy, and resilience to students from kindergarten through high school.The curriculum has reached over 180 million students across nearly 200 countries through hundreds of thousands of educators.She is also the author of Packets of Hope: A Journey of Healing and Rediscovery, a memoir documenting a global voyage that helped transform grief into purpose.Resources & LinksPackets of Hope (free download): https://packetsofhope.comOvercoming Obstacles curriculum: https://overcomingobstacles.orgKey TakeawayOne small step—whether asking for help, starting a journey, or reaching out to someone else—can become the turning point that changes everything. | 1h 07m 36s | ||||||
| 3/8/26 | ![]() Don’t Hurt People: A Lesson Learned the Hard Way—War, Prison, and Divine Grace with Jack Hager | Jack Hager joins Jeff Ellison for a raw, wide-ranging conversation tracing his journey from a transient military childhood and early addiction, to combat in Vietnam, involvement in smuggling and organized crime, and a 10-year prison sentence. In a Texas jail cell—through boredom, books, and an unexpected encounter with the Gospels—Jack experiences a faith conversion that reshapes his worldview and sets him on a decades-long path of prison ministry.Along the way, Jack returns again and again to personal responsibility: “You make your choices, then your choices make you.” The episode explores war’s moral complexity, the scars of coming home unwelcome, what prison is really like, why forgiveness matters, and how suffering changes when viewed through faith.Key Themes / TakeawaysThe power of choice and personal responsibility in shaping identity and destinyVietnam’s lasting impact—combat, disillusionment, and the pain of returning homePrison as a crucible: danger, isolation, and the opportunity to “redeem the time”Faith without performance: Jack’s attraction to Jesus’ compassion for outsiders and critique of self-righteousnessForgiveness as freedom: “Unforgiveness builds a prison”Suffering and sovereignty: illness, aging, and how faith reframes hardshipNotable Quotes“You make your choices, then your choices make you.”“You can either do time or redeem the time.”“Unforgiveness builds a prison.”“He never had anything bad to say to the hookers… the only people he blasted were the religious people.”“Don’t hurt people.”“I’m indestructible until it’s time for me to go home.”Guest Links / ResourcesBook: Captured by Grace (available on Amazon and major retailers)Email: jack.hager@gmail.comMinistry work mentioned: Crossroads Prison Ministries; GroundWire; Behind the Walls (Bill Glass ministry)Listener Reflection PromptsWhere in your life are you telling yourself “it’s not my fault”—and what would ownership change?Who do you need to forgive—not to excuse them, but to free yourself?If you could tell your younger self one sentence, what would it be?What does it look like to “redeem the time” in the season you’re in right now?About the GuestJack Hager is a Vietnam veteran and former inmate who experienced a profound faith transformation while incarcerated. Since 1978, he has served in vocational Christian ministry with a long focus on prisons, jails, camps, and mentorship. He is the author of Captured by Grace. | 1h 10m 30s | ||||||
| 3/1/26 | ![]() Forged for Battle. Grounded in Peace with Jeff Patterson | What if becoming stronger has less to do with pushing harder… and more to do with yielding?In this conversation, Jeff Ellison sits down with Jeff Patterson—martial artist, meditation teacher, and author of The Yielding Warrior—to explore the surprising intersection of combat and consciousness.With 36+ years of training (and black belt equivalencies across multiple disciplines), Jeff could absolutely toss most of us like a beach towel in a hurricane… but he’s devoted his life to something quieter and far more powerful: breath, awareness, regulation, and intelligent response.You’ll learn why distraction isn’t failure in meditation, how to return to center in real time, and how “yielding” can transform not just your training—but your relationships, reactions, and inner life.Stay tuned for one of the most useful stories you’ll hear all week: the monk, the puddle, and the art of leaving it behind.Key Topics / What We CoverWhy meditation isn’t about “clearing your mind”Distraction as the rep—and the whole point—of the practiceThe three pillars of meditation: Ritual, Active, PhilosophicalThe power of a strong “why” (and why consistency beats hype)The concept of yielding: physical, mental, and emotionalHow to avoid conflict by noticing the first flicker of imbalanceParenting, presence, humility—and training as a lifelong pathThe “monk and the puddle” story (and why we carry things too far)Memorable Moments“It’s like seafood… but sifu.”The moment Jeff’s practice “clicked” after months of doubt“You’re still carrying that girl? I left her back at the puddle.”GuestJeff Patterson — Martial Artist, Meditation Teacher, Author (The Yielding Warrior)Links & ResourcesJeff Patterson’s website: theyieldingwarrior.comGet the book (free copy — pay shipping, US): theyieldingwarrior.com/bookFree breathwork course (“One Breath Away”): theyieldingwarrior.com/onebreathawayBook on Amazon: The Yielding Warrior (search on Amazon)Call to ActionIf this episode helped you take one deeper breath or choose one calmer response, please:Follow / Subscribe to the showLeave a rating + review (Apple Podcasts helps a ton)Share it with a friend who’s carrying something “two miles past the puddle.”Show InfoThe Story of Us: From Cosmic Dawn to the Depths of Being Website: thestoryofusproject.com | 57m 54s | ||||||
| 2/22/26 | ![]() SPECIAL EDITION: You Aren’t a Machine | In this special solo episode of The Story of Us, Jeff reflects on a truth many of us have forgotten:We are not machines.On the heels of his conversation with Melanie Love (Let It Be Enough), Jeff explores the deeper cultural and biological forces that keep us overworked, overstimulated, and overwhelmed.Why do we treat ourselves like devices — charging overnight, powering through daylight, running task after task until something inside us glitches?Why does modern life feel like an endless treadmill set a few speeds too high?This episode dives into:The concept of evolutionary mismatch — why our ancient nervous systems struggle in a hyper-digital worldThe role of dopamine in driving pursuit, ambition, and endless “more”The difference between wanting and liking (inspired by Daniel Lieberman’s The Molecule of More)How chronic stress traps us between fight-or-flight and total exhaustionWhy burnout is not weakness — it’s biologyThe power of slowing down, reclaiming presence, and letting it be enoughJeff also shares an original poem and reflects on the invitation to move from survival to fully inhabiting life.This episode is a gentle but urgent reminder:Rest is not a reward. Stillness is not laziness. And you don’t need to earn being enough.Key ThemesBurnout & OverwhelmDopamine & DesireEvolutionary MismatchNervous System RegulationPresence & MindfulnessHustle Culture & ProductivityLetting Go of PerfectionismReclaiming Humanity in a Digital AgeNotable Quotes“We aren’t machines. We’re humans.”“Desire isn’t the same as satisfaction.”“You don’t need to earn rest. You need it because you’re human.”“Enoughness can’t be achieved — it can only be realized.”Books & References MentionedThe Molecule of More by Daniel LiebermanRam DassReflection PromptWhere are you still holding on tight? What would it feel like — just for a breath — to soften?Connect with the ShowIf this episode resonated, share it with someone who might need the reminder that they are human — not a machine.Visit: www.thestoryofusproject.comSubscribe, listen, read, and join the conversation.Together we rise by remembering each other. | 23m 13s | ||||||
| 2/16/26 | ![]() Let It Be Enough with Melanie Love | In this Valentine’s Day episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with Melanie Love — a former investment manager turned chronic pain advocate and founder of (un)block — for a deeply honest conversation about reinvention, healing, and embodiment.Jeff first met Melanie at an event hosted by Season 1 guest Molly Jones. What began as an organic connection around chronic pain and shared purpose turned into a powerful dialogue recorded at Jeff’s kitchen table.Melanie shares her journey growing up in Calgary, Canada, the influence of her grandparents, and her impressive career in international energy finance. But the heart of this episode centers on her Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) diagnosis, multiple traumatic brain injuries, and the unraveling — and rebuilding — that followed.Together, they explore:What Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is and why it’s often misunderstoodThe connection between fascia, trauma, and nervous system regulationThe emotional and physical toll of chronic painWhy “no pain, no gain” might be the wrong framework for healingThe difference between life happening to us, by us, and through usThe power of surrender and the meaning behind “Let It Be Enough”Melanie also discusses how her personal healing journey led her to create (un)block, a fascia-based self-care tool designed to help people release tension, regulate their nervous systems, and reconnect with their bodies.This is a conversation about curiosity over collapse, presence over perfectionism, and learning to soften instead of force.If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your body — this episode is for you.Learn MoreVisit Melanie’s website: https://theunblock.shopExplore her fascia-based recovery tool and educational resources designed to support mobility, nervous system regulation, and embodied healing.Key ThemesChronic Pain & Ehlers-Danlos SyndromeTrauma & Nervous System RegulationFascia & Body-Based HealingReinvention & EntrepreneurshipEmbodiment & Emotional AwarenessLetting Go of PerfectionismSurrender & Self-TrustNotable Quotes“Love does not need to be earned.”“You’re not a machine. You’re a human being.”“Let the chapter you’re in be enough.”Connect with the ShowIf this episode resonated with you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need to hear it.Thank you for being part of The Story of Us. | 1h 09m 32s | ||||||
| 2/8/26 | ![]() Get Off The Bus: The Traveler’s Path with Doug Brouwer | What if travel isn’t about where we go — but about who we become along the way?In this episode of The Story of Us: From Cosmic Dawn to the Depths of Being, Jeff Ellison is joined by Doug Brouwer, Presbyterian pastor, author, and lifelong traveler, for a conversation that feels less like an interview and more like a shared walk on a winding path.Doug has spent more than four decades in ministry, serving congregations across the United States and Europe, learning new languages later in life, leading pilgrimages, and listening deeply — in sanctuaries, prison cell blocks, foreign streets, and quiet beaches along Lake Michigan. His latest book, The Traveler’s Path: Finding Spiritual Growth and Inspiration Through Travel, explores how movement through the world can awaken humility, empathy, and meaning — when we’re willing to “get off the bus” and truly encounter others.Together, Jeff and Doug explore:Why travel is part of humanity’s origin story, from Abram and Paul to modern migrationHow curiosity, beauty, and attention — learned on childhood road trips — can shape a lifeThe difference between tourism and transformation, and what makes a journey “worthy”Why learning even a little of another language can deepen empathy and humilityHow meeting one person can change how we see an entire culture or conflictDoug’s experience walking the Camino de Santiago, and what pilgrimage teaches that comfort cannotThe role of storytelling in healing division and restoring our sense of interconnectednessWhat prison ministry taught Doug about listening, humanity, and presenceHow Thomas Merton, Joseph Campbell, and Annie Dillard illuminate the inner and outer journeyLetting go of perfectionism, anxiety, and old betrayals — and aiming instead for peaceWhy Doug believes the final chapter of life may be our last worthy adventureAlong the way, Jeff shares his own love of “worthy adventure” — traveling lightly, seeking connection over checklists, and returning home each time a little clearer about his place in the world.This episode is an invitation to slow down, pay attention, and remember that the sacred is not confined to holy places — it often waits for us along the road.Whether you travel far or stay close to home, this conversation will leave you asking better questions about curiosity, compassion, and the shared human journey.📘 About the GuestDoug Brouwer is a Presbyterian pastor and author of The Traveler’s Path: Finding Spiritual Growth and Inspiration Through Travel. His writing explores faith, pilgrimage, curiosity, and what it means to live with openness in a complex world. | 1h 07m 46s | ||||||
| 2/3/26 | ![]() Season 2 Kickoff - Turning the Page | Welcome back to The Story of Us: From Cosmic Dawn to the Depths of Being.In this opening episode of Season Two, I want to slow things down for a moment and let you into the why behind this project—how it started, what Season One taught me, and why we’re continuing the journey together.This episode is part reflection, part gratitude, part gentle nudge forward.I share how turning 50, navigating chronic pain, watching my kids grow up and move outward, and feeling my own body push back forced me to finally open the box, dust off the microphones, and begin telling stories instead of waiting for the “right time.” What started as a Father’s Day gift (and a very loud bluff called by my family) became a creative lifeline—one rooted in curiosity, presence, and connection.We revisit the kitchen-table beginnings of Season One—the imperfect audio, the laughter, the vulnerability—and the themes that kept returning to us: that naming the struggle doesn’t weaken us, it frees us; that pain is universal, but so is compassion; that awe doesn’t disappear in midlife—it just learns how to whisper; and that our ordinary lives are far more sacred than we often realize.This episode is also an invitation.As we step into 2026 and into Season Two, I reflect on what it means to begin again—to write the next chapter without demanding perfection, to tell the truth kindly, to rest without guilt, and to choose courage more often than comfort.Season Two will bring better sound, deeper conversations, and new voices—but the same heart. The same curiosity. The same belief that your story matters.So pull up a chair. Put on some headphones. The page is blank—not because nothing has happened, but because it’s waiting for you.Here’s to listening a little better. Here’s to telling the truth. Here’s to Season Two.Peace be with you, my friends.Topics explored in this episode:Why The Story of Us beganTurning 50 and the sacred ordinariness of midlifeChronic pain, slowing down, and listening to the bodyMental health, compassion, and naming the struggleSeason One reflections and lessons learnedThe courage to begin before you’re readyWriting the next chapter with honesty and presence | 16m 49s | ||||||
| 12/28/25 | ![]() SEASON FINALE: What If Life Really Did Have An Easy Button? The Answer Might Surprise You. | We’re wrapping Season 1 of The Story of Us—and closing the book on 2025—with a cup of coffee (maybe the 12th), a little laughter, and a lot of heart.From an imperfect first recording around a kitchen table to conversations about pain, compassion, mental health, faith, and the sacred “middle lane” of life, Season 1 was about learning to listen—and remembering why stories matter.In this finale, Jeff shares his biggest takeaway from 2025: we may not get an Easy Button for life… but we can press what he calls the Easier Button—the practice of loosening our grip on what we can’t control. Along the way, he draws wisdom from Buddhism, the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, and the timeless refrain from the Beatles: “Let it be.”And to send you into 2026 (the “Year of the Fire Horse,” if you’re into that kind of thing), Jeff closes with an original poem: The Page of 2026—for anyone wondering what comes next.Pull up a chair. The table is still open.In this episode:A Season 1 reflection: why stories matter (especially when life feels heavy)The “table” metaphor: a place where questions are welcome and no one has to pretend they’re fineThemes from Season 1: survival, chronic pain, caregiving, mental health, faith, courage, and ordinary aweTurning 50 and learning to honor the “wonder years” in new formsThe Easier Button: how life becomes easier by changing how we meet difficultyA beginner-friendly crash course in Buddhism: pain vs. suffering, attachment, letting go, mindfulnessWhy Let It Be is more than a song—it’s a practiceA powerful teaching from a Tibetan Buddhist monk: “If there’s a solution, why worry? If there isn’t, why worry?”Practical ways to “bring it down from the mountain and into your Monday morning”A closing poem for the year ahead: The Page of 2026Memorable lines & moments:“Clarity comes from showing up, not from waiting until everything is fully polished.”“The Easier Button isn’t a button you push to fix life… it’s a button you press to soften your grip.”“Letting go doesn’t make the storm disappear. It means we stop screaming at the clouds.”“We don’t own the river… we’re just learning to float.”Try this (your Easier Button toolkit):Exhale on purpose (oldest spiritual technology on Earth)Name what you can’t control—say it, write it, release itCare deeply, but not desperately (open hands, not a chokehold)Swap “Why me?” for “What is this teaching me?”Trust the mystery (God, the universe, the cosmic traffic controller—your pick)Remember: impermanence works both ways—your struggle and your doubt won’t last foreverSeason 2 returns in late January. If something in this episode lands in your heart, share it with a friend—and come back to the table.Visit: www.thestoryofusproject.com Follow along for blog posts, episodes, and community updates. | 33m 51s | ||||||
| 12/15/25 | ![]() Under The Hood: Finding Peace in a Noisy World with Brady Ellison | “Some people become like a sunrise; others like a storm over the ocean. Both are beautiful in their own way.”In this deeply personal — and often hilarious — father-son conversation, Jeff sits down with his 23-year-old son, Brady Ellison, to reflect on the journey of becoming a man.Brady opens up about growing up a camo-clad, Lego-scattering, ninja-star-crafting kid who could break an AC unit faster than most people could turn one on… and the outdoor adventures, mishaps, and long list of injuries that shaped him along the way. From early mornings in deer stands to legendary fishing trips in remote Canada, Brady shares how nature gave him the stillness and peace his mind rarely offered on its own.We explore his non-traditional but deeply intentional path into the trades — welding certifications, diesel mechanic training, YouTube-enabled mastery, and the pride he takes in building a life with his hands. We also talk about the danger of welding in flip-flops (don’t do it), why his Boy-Scout-badges-for-injuries would fill a varsity jacket, and the highly questionable series of truck purchases that helped shape the man he’s becoming.Brady opens his heart as he reflects on living with bipolar depression, the challenges of finding peace in a noisy world, and the compassion those experiences have carved into him. His honesty will resonate with anyone navigating their own storms or supporting someone who is.And then — in the most tender arc of the episode — he tells the love story of meeting Sophie at 15, the ways she became a lifeline during the darkest days, and the shared compass guiding their dreams toward country roads, acreage, and a barn-dominium of their own.This episode is full of joy, vulnerability, humor, and the kind of generational storytelling that reminds us why The Story of Us exists in the first place. It captures a moment in time — Brady at 23 — before the chapters ahead unfold.If you're a parent, a young adult carving a non-traditional path, someone who loves the trades, or simply human enough to know what feeling different feels like… this one’s for you.Topics include:Growing up different — and embracing itHunting, fishing & the healing silence of natureWelding, diesel mechanics, and life in the tradesMental health, patience, and compassionSocial media “brain rot” and finding peaceFalling in love young & building a shared compassThe questionable truck era (seven trucks… enough said)Advice to younger self & future selfWhy becoming isn’t linearFather–son stories you’ll laugh and cry throughA warm, funny, and powerful exploration of becoming — through storms, sunrises, and everything in between. | 1h 12m 43s | ||||||
| 12/9/25 | ![]() SPECIAL EDITION: Be Patient With Me... I’m From the 1900’s | In this solo episode of The Story of Us: From Cosmic Dawn to the Depths of Being, Jeff Ellison pulls on his 1990 J-Town All-Stars gear, climbs into the time machine, and takes us from pay phones and Blockbuster late fees to the always-on, always-scrolling world we live in today.Born in 1975—the same year as Microsoft, home Pong, and the Betamax—Jeff and his buddies have lived through more technological shifts in 50 years than any generation in human history. From paper maps and pagers to AOL dial-up, smartphones, and rage-bait algorithms, he unpacks what this “technology tsunami” is doing to our nervous systems and our sense of reality.Using the metaphor of an information deluge, Jeff traces a short history of the “human data diet” in three acts—Oral & Local, Print & Broadcast, and the Digital & Omnipresent Deluge—then zooms in on what it feels like to be a modern human trying to stay afloat in 74 gigabytes of daily input, constant notifications, misinformation, and AI-accelerated chaos.Most importantly, he doesn’t leave us drowning. Jeff offers practical, compassionate ways to reclaim your attention and “learn to breathe underwater”:Starting your day in a positive way (instead of doom-scrolling in bed)Creating a low-friction “information diet” with deliberate check-in windowsUsing the 60-second SIFT method to quickly filter sketchy contentGoing “old school” with analog tools: paper, books, wristwatches, and walksChoosing a few “slow media” anchors—longform reads, meaningful podcasts, and book clubs that build depth instead of outrageAlong the way, he reflects on how misinformation outpaces truth, why our empathy gets weaponized by the feed, and how discernment has become a survival skill in the digital age.If you’ve ever felt like your brain is oatmeal in a steel cage by bedtime, this one’s for you.Connect & Go Deeper:Explore the companion blog post and more reflections at The Story of Us Project: www.thestoryofusproject.comIn a world overflowing with noise, choosing what—and who—you listen to might just be the most human act left. Let’s find the signal together. | 24m 41s | ||||||
| 11/9/25 | ![]() Love, Loss and the Light That Follows - The Story of Molly Cassaro Jones | Recorded at Jeff's kitchen table on a cold, rainy late October night, this conversation traces a lineage of people helping people. Molly Cassaro Jones—daughter of Irish and Italian second-generation immigrant families—grew up watching her grandfather defend dispossessed renters in Depression-era New York, her mother choose integration in 1960s Florida (“because I can make this choice now”), and her father welcome Iranian students during the hostage crisis. That inheritance of courage met an unthinkable loss when one of Molly’s 5 children, her son Pete, a gifted, big-hearted twin, elected to take his own life by suicide at the age of 23.Out of grief, Molly and her family built The Pete Foundation the very next day—turning sorrow into action, silence into language, and stigma into community. This episode is a hand on the shoulder and a lantern in the dark.What We Talk AboutA family legacy of standing up for others—and why it still matters nowPete’s life, laughter, and quiet way of making everyone feel seenThe moment grief became a mission: birthing The Pete Foundation overnightYouth mental health: giving kids the language to name what they feelFrom Chalk the Walk to Rock the Elephant: creativity as medicineThe Mental Health Flag: taking the conversation into public spacesTwo hard but vital questions parents can ask their kidsQPR training (Question, Persuade, Refer): a simple, life-saving startKey Facts (let’s make the invisible visible)~1 in 5 young people experience a mental health disorder.Suicide is the #2 cause of death for ages 10–34 in the U.S.In Kentucky, suicides outnumber homicides by nearly 2 to 1. Statistics aren’t stories—but stories give statistics a heartbeat. This is one of those stories.Resources & LinksThe Pete Foundation — programs, trainings, Mental Health Flag, and ways to help: thepetefoundation.orgQPR Suicide Prevention Training (free via The Pete Foundation): inquire on the siteMental Health Flag — fly it, post it, normalize it (available via The Pete Foundation and other public sellers)If You Need Help (now)Call or text 988 (U.S.) for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—24/7, free, confidential.If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.A Line to Carry With You“Truth wins out—and so does good.”Call to ActionIf this episode moved you, do one thing today:Schedule a QPR training for your school, team, office, or faith community.Buy and fly the Mental Health Flag.Share this episode with one person who needs to know they’re not alone. | 1h 01m 51s | ||||||
| 10/29/25 | ![]() NEXT GEN: Beyond the Scoreboard- Grit, Compassion and the Humanizing Heart of a Champion with Drake Ballard | Every now and then, a story steps out of the noise and reminds us what leadership really looks like. In this episode of The Story of Us, host Jeff Ellison sits down with Drake Ballard — a long time friend and former collegiate athlete whose life lessons on the baseball diamond have become a blueprint for compassion, grit, and human connection.Drake’s journey takes us from Little League dugouts in Kentucky to the quiet triumphs of helping children with disabilities find independence, joy, and dignity. Together, Jeff and Drake explore how empathy and expectation can coexist — how joy grows where they meet — and why real leadership isn’t about applause, but about presence.It’s a conversation about purpose over perfection, character over clout, and the kind of victories that never show up on a scoreboard.Key ThemesHow sports can teach emotional intelligence and resilienceThe transformative power of empathy in leadership and serviceRedefining “winning” through acts of kindness and inclusionTurning compassion into courage in the face of challengeThe quiet, daily work of helping children with disabilities thriveMemorable Quote“Joy grows where expectations and empathy meet. That’s where real leadership begins.”About the GuestDrake Ballard is a collegiate athlete turned mentor and advocate for children with disabilities. His work blends psychology, behavioral science, and lived empathy — helping young people build independence and confidence through small, meaningful victories.About the SeriesThe Story of Us: From Cosmic Dawn to the Depths of Being explores the luminous intersections of humanity — where science meets spirit, grit meets grace, and one person’s story helps us rediscover our own. | 43m 00s | ||||||
| 10/23/25 | ![]() Run to the Roar with Paul Osting III | Host Jeff Ellison sits down with longtime friend Paul Osting — athlete, engineer, entrepreneur, and founder of Peacemakers Elder Care — to explore faith, family, and the courage to “run to the roar.” Inspired by Mark Batterson’s Chase the Lion, Paul’s story reminds us that peace isn’t found in comfort, but in choosing to live with purpose and heart.Together, Jeff and Paul explore the power of mentorship, legacy, and “running to the roar” — facing life’s fears head-on with love and conviction. It’s a story that captures what The Story of Us Project is all about: discovering the sacred threads that connect us all.Featured Topics:Growing up in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, in a multi-generational family businessLessons from baseball that transcend the game — discipline, teamwork, and resilienceA 26-year career with UPS: from global engineering to personal callingFounding Peacemakers Elder Care and living out the Beatitude “Blessed are the peacemakers”How faith, family, and service shape a life of purposeReflections from Mark Batterson’s The Lion Chaser’s Manifesto:“Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Run to the roar.”Episode Themes:Faith as a compassThe courage to start againFinding purpose in serviceGenerational legacy and the ripple effect of dreams“Running to the roar” — the sacred act of facing fear with loveKey Quote:“Peace isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you make.” — Paul OstingIf Paul’s story moved you, share this episode with someone who needs to be reminded of their own courage.Every story told becomes a story shared — and that’s how The Story of Us continues.Keep listening deeply. Keep telling your story bravely.Together, let’s keep writing The Story of Us. | 1h 04m 48s | ||||||
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