Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast with Will Rucker
Society & Culture
About
Compassionate Las Vegas - The Podcast is part of the grassroots organization whose mission is to foster the Charter for Compassion and the movement of compassion in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. Compassion acts as our guiding principle. Nearly all moral and religious institutions suggest a version of the Golden Rule that we should "do to others as you would have them do to you", and yet we are a world divided. We believe the need for more compassion is the most pressing issue of our time. There is data to support that love and compassion are not luxuries but are necessities for human survival. We are here to host and inspire a network of compassionate businesses, government institutions, schools, groups, and individuals so that Las Vegas may be a more compassionate place to live, work and play.We are part of a network of 440 Compassionate Cities in 56 countries and growing daily. Mayor Carolyn Goodman affirmed the Charter on behalf of the City of Las Vegas in 2013. Compassionate Las
Episodes
- Can Compassion Be a Political Skill? How a Near-Death Experience Rewired This Politician's Brain
Will Rucker and Gabriel Cornejo discuss compassion as an actionable political skill, not merely a feeling. Cornejo shares insights on leading through adversity, drawing from his near-death experience and work founding a nonprofit during th…
- Compassion as Policy: How to Build Integrity in Government & Education
Special guest Cristina Gonzalez joins Will Rucker on Compassionate Las Vegas to explain how policy can be built on compassion, citing her work uniting government and education sectors. The episode highlights the role of empathy and integri…
- The Psychology of Fear & Conspiracy Theories w/ Dr. Lauren Chapple-Love
Dr. Lauren Chapple-Love joins Compassionate Las Vegas to discuss the psychology of fear and its link to conspiracy theories, the rejection of expertise, and the merits of rehabilitative justice over punishment in the prison system.
- Finding Compassion in "Survival Mode" w/ Dr. Dominique Hammonds
Dr. Dominique Hammonds joins the Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast to discuss how the pandemic's "survival mode" continues to affect people. The conversation covers the telehealth revolution, the importance of cultural competence in mental h…
- Why "Nice" Isn't Enough: The Uncomfortable Truth About Compassion (w/ Rich Harwood)
Rich Harwood discusses with Will Rucker how genuine compassion often requires confronting uncomfortable truths. They explore the concept of "Authentic Hope" versus "Utopian Fantasy" and Rich's strategies for initiating community change.
- The Future of Flourishing: Why We Need 'The Politics of Being' | Thomas Legrand
In this episode of "Compassionate Las Vegas," host Will Rucker speaks with Thomas Legrand about his book "The Politics of Being." They explore shifting societal focus from economic growth to human flourishing, the role of compassion in pol…
- Climate Crisis Confronted: A Pediatrician's Perspective with Dr. Debra Hendrickson
Dr. Debra Hendrickson, a pediatrician and environmental analyst, discusses the health effects of climate change on children, such as poor air quality and increased disease risk. She highlights practical family actions and advocates for ren…
- When the Bottom Falls Out: Building Inner Strength in Times of Crisis with Rick Hanson
In a lecture at UNLV, psychologist Rick Hanson shared strategies for building resilience in crisis, emphasizing the cultivation of inner strengths through positive neuroplasticity. Key takeaways included intentionally growing beneficial ex…
- Beyond Borders: Global Youth Leaders Shaping the Future
Will Rucker moderates a discussion with youth advocates Fajr DeLane, Hameeda Syed, and Luke Addison. They share their work on public health inequities, countering digital violence, and peace education through arts and intergenerational dia…
- Beyond Bias: Discovering Common Ground for Peace in Polarized Times
This episode explores how faith communities can promote peaceful political engagement and counter violence and misinformation during elections. Experts discuss strategies including a health-based approach to violence prevention, maintainin…
- Dismantling Systemic Violence Through Compassion: Real-World Strategies with Ann Helmke & Felipe Zurita
Guests Ann Helmke and Felipe Zurita join host Will Rucker on Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast to discuss how compassion can dismantle systemic violence. They explore real-world strategies for addressing issues like poverty, racism, and ineq…
- From Shame to Love: Finding Your True Self with Ole Kjörrefjord
Will Rucker interviews Ole Kjörrefjord, a global compassion advocate and member of the Global Charter for Compassion. Ole discusses his journey from a business career to advocating for a better world, inspired by a cancer diagnosis and vis…
- Reimagining Education: Why Gold Stars Shouldn't Define Your Worth with Pedro Silva II
Host Will Rucker welcomes back Pedro Silva II to discuss belonging, DEI, and "big love," exploring how societal norms and the fear of being wrong impact learning and education. Silva shares personal insights, including how he views autism…
- The Art of Belonging: How to Find Your Tribe with Pedro Silva II
Pedro Silva II discusses the concept of belonging and compassion, defining it through the Chinese term "da ai" or "big love." He shares insights from his diverse background in military service, corporate recruitment, and pastoral work to e…
- Cybersecurity for the Next Generation: Building Safe Online Habits with Arun Vishwanath
Cognitive behavioral scientist Arun Vishwanath joins Will Rucker on Compassionate Las Vegas to discuss cyber hygiene and digital safety for children. Vishwanath emphasizes integrating digital safety into education and shares insights from…
- Authenticity in Leadership: Inspiring Others to Find Their Voice with Erica Mosca
Erica Mosca, a community development and educational equity advocate, discusses her work with Leaders in Training and her experience as a Filipina legislator in Nevada. The episode highlights the importance of social capital, authenticity,…
- From Immigrant Roots to Public Service: Shelley Berkley's Inspiring Journey
Shelley Berkley shares her life story, emphasizing the importance of paying forward the gifts she received from her immigrant grandparents. She defines compassion as treating others as one wishes to be treated and actively helping those in…
- The Birthright of Healing and Love: Embracing Your Authentic Self with Lauren Sunshine
Lauren Sunshine shares insights on gender healing, self-alignment, and the transformative power of embracing one's authentic self. The episode highlights how living genuinely leads to healing and compassion, with discussions on forgiveness…
- The Power of Compassion in the Pursuit of Justice with Kara Jenkins
Kara Jenkins, appointed to the Nevada Equal Rights Commission, discusses the ongoing pursuit of justice and equity, focusing on the commission's work in investigating discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, reg…
- Tipping Points for Peace: How Small Actions Can Create Big Change with David Gershon
David Gershon rejoins the Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast to discuss his global peace initiative, aiming for a golden age by 2030. He outlines the "peace game," a seven-step framework focused on individual empowerment, oneness, and societa…
- Revolutionizing Hope: How Kathryn Goetzke Plans to Make Las Vegas SHINE Like Never Before
Kathryn Goetzke, founder of iFred, shares insights on cultivating hope as a mental health strategy. The episode covers the SHINE framework for hopefulness and Las Vegas's plan to become a hopeful city with educational resources.
- Finding Hope in a Divided World: Rick Hanson's Guide to Staying Optimistic
Will Rucker interviews psychologist Rick Hanson on the Compassionate Las Vegas podcast. They discuss the power of compassion and empathy, the challenges of division, and how individuals can create positive change and contribute to a more c…
- Revolutionary Initiatives in Anti-Human Trafficking and Security Operations
Joel Kisner, a former law enforcement officer, discusses his involvement in the Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) and System of Care initiatives. These programs aim to combat human trafficking and enhance counterterrorism intelligen…
- Navigating Grief During the Holidays: Finding Joy and Gratitude with LeAnzar Stockley
LeAnzar Stockley, a grief recovery specialist, explains how the holiday season impacts grief and offers strategies for healthy processing. He differentiates compassion from sympathy and highlights that joy and gratitude can coexist with gr…
- The Therapeutic Power of Self-Love: Healing the Heart and Finding Love Within
Tasha K, a certified love coach, shares insights on the importance of self-love and compassion, defining them as fundamental to healing and relationships. The episode covers forgiveness as a key step in the recovery process and encourages…
- Building Trust in a Virtual World: Safeguards and Strategies with Lisa Flynn
Lisa Flynn, an expert in generative AI and social engineering, explains how AI is used in social engineering and hacking humans. She discusses the dangers of voice phishing and deep fakes, highlighting the need for critical thinking and si…
- The Radical Idea of Putting People First: A Conversation with Marianne Williamson
Marianne Williamson joined the Compassionate Las Vegas podcast to discuss her presidential campaign, defining compassion as an aspect of love and advocating for progressive policies. She highlighted the need for disruptive change in the po…
- Redefining Representation: How Compassion Drives Rep. Susie Lee's Decisions
Congresswoman Susie Lee defines compassion as understanding people's burdens and offering grace. She advocates for constituents through legislation and direct support, prioritizing bipartisan solutions for lasting change. Lee finds persona…
- Scarlett Lewis on Choosing Love and Forgiveness After Tragedy
Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement, shares her personal experience after the Sandy Hook tragedy and discusses the importance of teaching children and adults courage, gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion to foster a world…
- Jeremiah Program: Disrupting Poverty and Empowering Single Moms with Maria Tucker
Maria Tucker, Executive Director of the Jeremiah Program in Las Vegas, explains how the organization helps single mothers and children disrupt poverty cycles via education. She shares personal experiences, emphasizes community support, and…
- Heatwaves & Hope: Co-Creating Las Vegas' Resilient Future with Ariel Choinard
Ariel Choinard discusses Las Vegas' status as the second fastest warming city, the urban heat island effect, and the disproportionate impact of extreme heat on vulnerable communities. The episode highlights the Southern Nevada Heat Resilie…
- Quentin Savwoir: Building Compassionate Communities and Fostering Democracy
Quentin Savwoir, President of the Las Vegas NAACP, joined Will Rucker on the Compassionate Las Vegas podcast to discuss fostering compassion and democracy. They covered community unity, combating extremism, collective action, and the NAACP…
- From Foster Child to Motivational Speaker: The Journey of Compassion with Lynne Jasames
Lynne Jasames, who aged out of foster care, now works as a foster parent trainer and recruiter. She shares her journey and emphasizes the importance of compassion and the need for more foster parents, especially within the African-American…
- Unveiling Resilience: Struggles, Soulful Melodies, and Steadfast Faith with Tymara Walker
Host Will Rucker interviews vocalist Tymara Walker on the Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast. Tymara shares her story of resilience, discussing her journey from Ohio, experiences with domestic violence, and challenges as a Black female artist…
- Compassionate Leadership in the AI-Driven Workplace: Future-Proofing Your Career through Connection with Cris Tietsort
Cris Tietsort discusses compassionate leadership, defining it as an action-oriented response to suffering that goes beyond sympathy and empathy. The episode highlights the importance of creating safe workplace environments, leader vulnerab…
- Where Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown Wants to Take North Las Vegas | City Cast Las Vegas
Vogue Robinson interviews North Las Vegas Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown, the first Black mayor in Nevada. They discuss her plans for downtown redevelopment, affordable housing, and the Windsor Park neighborhood.
- The Fabric of Democracy with Ro Khanna | Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast with Will Rucker S4 EP 12
Congressman Ro Khanna, Representative for California’s 17th District, discusses his legislative work, including the CHIPS and Science bill, climate action, and progressive policies like Medicare for All. His background includes teaching at…
- A Bold Path Forward with Andrew Yang | Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast with Will Rucker S4 EP11
Andrew Yang, entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, discusses his career, including founding Venture for America and his "Freedom Dividend" proposal. He also talks about his book "FORWARD," which addresses democracy reform to impr…
- How Christian Bishop is Improving Performance Across the Spectrum | Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast with Will Rucker
Christian Bishop, with experience in the video gaming and esports industries, shares his journey from developing esports programs to his current role as Director of Twitch Properties at Amazon. He discusses the potential of integrating gam…
- Max Berkley Serves Respect, Dignity, and Empathy | Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast with Will Rucker
Max Berkley, a Las Vegas native, shares his journey through education, including a stint on Capitol Hill, before returning to Las Vegas to attend law school. He details his extensive work as a Clark County Public Defender over the past dec…
- How Sondra Cosgrove is Healing the Political Divide | Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast with Will Rucker
Sondra Cosgrove, Executive Director of Vote Nevada and a history professor at the College of Southern Nevada, discusses community civics education and how civics can empower individuals through advocacy.
- Compassion is Service | Interview with Max Carter
Max Carter is interviewed by Will Rucker on the Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast. The episode is titled "Compassion is Service."
- Politics of Being (part 2) | Interview with Thomas Legrand
This episode features an interview with Thomas Legrand discussing the Politics of Being, continuing a previous conversation.
- A Step Beyond Empathy | Interview with Nick Christenson
This episode features an interview with Nick Christenson on the topic of A Step Beyond Empathy.
- Understanding Differences | Interview with Nicole Cannizzaro
This episode features an interview with Nicole Cannizzaro discussing understanding differences. The podcast is Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast with Will Rucker.
- Politics of Being (part 1) | Interview with Thomas Legrand
This episode features an interview with Thomas Legrand.
- Empathy in Action | Interview with Jennifer Schwartz
Jennifer Schwartz, granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, discusses putting empathy into action and her extensive community service. She shares her legal career path, including her current run for District Court 17, and her personal life.
- Compassion as a Foundation for Collective Leadership with Julian High of United Way | CLVP S3 E15
Julian High, President and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada, shares his extensive experience in nonprofit and for-profit leadership, focusing on community engagement, diversity and inclusion, and strategic initiatives to support the La…
- Compassion on a Global Scale with Cristina Gonzalez | Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast S3 E14
Cristina Gonzalez founded Ezer ABP, a volunteering center in Monterrey, which has expanded to 11 locations with 18,000 volunteers serving 384 NGOs. She also established Estima ABP for mental health support and led projects to help women ex…
- Principles of Prosocial Spirituality with Kate Sheehan Roach | Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast S3E12
Kate Sheehan Roach discusses Prosocial Spirituality training, which integrates scientific concepts and spiritual practices to help groups flourish and contribute.