Stories of Impact
Religion & Spirituality
About
In every episode, we travel the world and dive deep into the intersection of spirituality and science on Stories of Impact, The American Writing Awards Science Podcast of the Year. Every first and third Tuesday of the month, writer, performer, producer Tavia Gilbert and journalist Richard Sergay bring you a new conversation that offers uplifting explorations about the art and science of human flourishing. This project was made possible through the generous support of a grant from Templeton World Charity Foundation.
Episodes
- Dr. Barbara Fredrickson: How Positivity Strengthens Us in Crisis
In this episode of Stories of Impact, host Richard Sergay talks with Dr. Barbara Fredrickson about the relevance of positive psychology during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Fredrickson shares advice on cultivating positive emotions, resilienc…
- Dr. David O'Brien: Protecting Democracy in the Digital Age
David O'Brien discusses how citizens can apply democratic values to social media platforms and the importance of online privacy for democratic citizenship. The conversation references his work and the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and…
- Dr. Packer, Dr. Van Bavel, Dr. Han, Evan Mawarire, Uriel Epshein & Joshua Fryday: What Fuels Political Division Part 2
Part 2 of a discussion on political division features researchers Jay J. Van Bavel and Dominic J. Packer, authors of The Power of Us. Guests include Dr. Hahrie Han, Uriel Epshtein, Joshua Fryday, and Evan Mawarire, who discuss historical p…
- Dr. Packer, Dr. Van Bavel, Dr. Han, Alison Taylor, Uriel Epshein, & Joshua Fryday: What Fuels Political Division Part 1
This episode of Stories of Impact defines political polarization, examines its causes and effects, and discusses lessons from history. It also covers research-backed antidotes to polarization and stresses the need for long-term investment…
- Dr. Sean Westwood: What Polarization Reveals About Democracy and the Human Spirit
This episode features Dr. Sean Westwood discussing his research on American politics, focusing on the origins and consequences of partisan conflict and what polarization reveals about democracy.
- What Polarization Teaches us About Harm and Human Understanding
We're back this episode for our second timely interview focusing on political polarization, wrapping up in conversation with Dr. Kurt Gray, professor of moral psychology and neuroscience at UNC Chapel Hill, and the director of the Deepest…
- The Global Flourishing Study: What the Data Reveals About Well-Being Across the World
Our intention on the Stories of Impact Podcast, whether flora, fauna, homo sapiens, or otherwise, the variety of subjects we've featured across 120+ episodes has underscored our commitment to people's progress and well-being. (It's certain…
- Dr. Joshua Plotnik: Inside The Elephant Mind
When Joshua Plotnik was a kid, he wanted to become a veterinarian and day dreamed of a future caring for animals large and small. By the time he got to college, he eagerly worked with every type of vet he could think of, from small animal…
- Dr. Colin Allen, Dr. Erica Cartmill, and Dr. Heidi Lyn: Animal Joy and the Science of Connection
Are animals capable of feeling joy? How do we know? What is joy? Dr. Erica Cartmill wants to find out. She's the Indiana University professor of cognitive science, animal behavior, and anthropology that long-time listeners to Stories of Im…
- Remembering Dr. Jane Goodall: The Wild Fight for Our Planet
In remembrance of Jane Goodall (4/3/34 - 10/1/25), we're bringing back our conversation featuring her life and legacy. Luminary Dr. Jane Goodall for decades made significant contributions to not only the scientific world, but arguably, to…
- Dr. Alison Gopnik: Why Care Is the Heart of Human Flourishing
"If you ask most people what's the most morally profound, significant, meaningful thing in your life, they'll say something about the way that they have been taking care of children or parents or friends, or people who are ill, or spouses.…
- Dr. Bahar Köymen on How Children Learn to Think Together
The world today is grappling with enormous challenges: how will we allow artificial intelligence to impact society? How hot will we let the planet get? How do we stop the conflicts making life for so many so painful? We are not powerless.…
- Nicole Bruskewitz and Henry May on Transforming Education Through Character
When Coschool founder and CEO Henry May began his career as a teacher, he learned that his job was not just about enriching the mind, but the soul and spirit of a student as well. He saw that part of excellence in education was helping sch…
- Dr. Glen Moriarty & Dr. Sarah Schnitker: Gratitude, AI, and the Gift Economy
In the societies in which most of us live, our capitalist economic systems run on transactions—on individual sales of goods and services. But are you aware that there are other infrastructures of support and help that meet our need for inf…
- Dr. Elizabeth Dowling & Dr. Richard Lerner: Transforming Community Futures Through a School of Love
Today's episode is full of beauty, hope, healing, community, and connection. In fact, it might be one of the most feel-good, good news stories we've ever gotten to tell. Meet Dr. Richard Lerner and Dr. Elizabeth Dowling, Director and Deput…
- Kurt Shaw and Rita da Silva: Brazilian Resistance and Renewal Through Playing Together
Over the last five years, we've explored stories with countless scientists whose thoughtful research reveals the way they're answering big questions and solving big problems. We've shared conversations about studies done in labs and out in…
- Dr. Eugene Ohu: Inspiring Empathy in Nigeria's Next Generation Leaders
Today, we're excited to bring you a hopeful and constructive perspective on modern technology — a story about gamified tech that's positively transformative. Dr. Eugene Ohu is a native Nigerian who grew up in this complex nation observing…
- Embracing Diverse Worldviews in the Classroom
Last week we introduced you to Dr. Berry Billingsley, in a conversation about her work studying Big Questions in Religious and Science Education, and her efforts to support multidisciplinary classrooms. This week we're back with the second…
- Dr. Berry Billingsley: Big Questions That Change How We Learn
Is science fundamentally in opposition to religion, or do they just have little to do with each other? Is the way you engage with science and religion in your life informed by your core beliefs, or are your core beliefs informed by them? D…
- Dr. Nicholas Bloom: What Remote Work Reveals About Equity and Innovation
Did you know that you are part of one of the most significant revolutions in the last 85 years? If you're one of the 180-million Americans in the labor force, and at some point since the 2020 pandemic, you joined the ranks of work-from-hom…
- Dr. Kurt Gray: What Polarization Teaches us About Harm and Human Understanding
We're back this episode for our second timely interview focusing on political polarization, wrapping up in conversation with Dr. Kurt Gray, professor of moral psychology and neuroscience at UNC Chapel Hill, and the director of the Deepest…
- Dr. Sean Westwood: What Polarization Reveals About Democracy and the Human Spirit
When we spoke recently with Dr. Sean Westwood, associate professor of government at Dartmouth College and the director of the Polarization Research Lab, we knew we wanted to share the conversation with you as quickly as possible, because i…
- Dr. Anna Corwin: Understanding Spiritual Intelligence Across Cultures
Today we wrap up an enlightening series of conversations on religious ritual as a pathway to human flourishing with Dr. Anna Corwin. When Dr. Corwin became connected to the Diverse Intelligences initiative and researchers who collaborative…
- Dr. Adam Cohen, Aliza Kline and Dr. Arielle Levites: Gathering at the Table for Connection and Belonging
Today we're back in conversation with Dr. Adam Cohen, social psychologist and psychologist of religion at Arizona State University, who shares another research project that explores the way religious ritual connects participants more deepl…
- Dr. Adam Cohen & Dr. Kathryn A. Johnson: Flourishing in the Yom Kippur Fast
In today's episode, we continue the discussion about fasting, as we hear from two scholars about research focusing on what is considered the holiest day of the year in Judaism: Yom Kippur. During the 25-hour Day of Atonement, observant Jew…
- Dr. Mostafa Salari Rad: The Hidden Powers of Ramadan Fasting
Meet Dr. Mostafa Salari Rad, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at the New School in New York City. Born in Iran in a Shia Muslim practicing family, he always had an interest in philosophy, psychology, social science. He wondered why peop…
- Dr. Santiago Tobón — From Gangs to Growth: Fighting for the Future of Medellín's Teens
Meet Dr. Santiago Tobón. Born and raised in Medellin, Colombia, Dr. Tobón grew up in the 80's and 90's while the country surged with gang violence. As a kid, young Santiago was lucky to have enough privilege to keep himself safe and to giv…
- Season 8 full length trailer: Stories of Impact
This season on Stories of Impact, we look through a new lens at old traditions, see new generations explore new solutions, and search for new ways to help kids make sense of modern life. Over the last seven seasons, Stories of Impact has b…
- Profs. Guy Itzchakov & Netta Weinstein: The Science of Listening
Please take our listener survey: https://bit.ly/3YxfDm2 THANK YOU! Today, we're in conversation about the act of listening. Our guests are researchers Netta Weinstein, Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of Reading, and Guy…
- Dr. Sue Fletcher-Watson & Dr. Catherine Crompton: Autism Belonging & Connection
Please take our listener survey: https://bit.ly/3YxfDm2 THANK YOU! In today's episode, we explore the social cognition found within our own species, and what the benefit to every person might be if we deepen our understanding of the wide v…
- Dr. Everett Worthington: The REACH Method of Forgiveness
Please take our listener survey: https://bit.ly/3YxfDm2 THANK YOU! Today's episode highlights Richard's conversation with Dr. Everett Worthington. Dr. Worthington is Commonwealth Professor Emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University. For…
- Dr. Nap Hosang: Pregnancy by Choice & a Vision for Modern Healthcare
Please take our listener survey: https://bit.ly/3YxfDm2 THANK YOU! Today, we meet Dr. Nap Hosang , a Jamaican-born obstetrician and gynecologist with a long, distinguished career focused on preventing unintended pregnancies in the United S…
- Dr. Hafsat Abiola: Rebuilding Africa One Woman at a Time
Today, we hear from Dr. Hafsat Abiola , native of Nigeria, President of the Women in Africa Initiative , Harvard-educated economist, expert in sustainable development, and civil rights and Democracy advocate. Dr. Abiola's father, M.K.O. Ab…
- Dr. David Addiss: Fighting Diseases Beyond Borders
In today's episode, we welcome Dr. David Addiss , an expert in public health and preventive medicine. Dr. Addiss has spent his career thinking not only about science, but about service. In his early career, he cared for the health of migra…
- Dr. Laurance Doyle & Dr. Fred Sharpe: Whales Sing, Do Aliens Listen?
Today's episode features the collaborative exploration of Dr. Fred Sharpe, an expert in humpback whales and the Principal Investigator with the Alaska Whale Foundation, and Dr. Laurance Doyle, astrophysicist and Principal Investigator of t…
- Dr. Mark Jordans: Healing in the Midst of War
Over our last couple of episodes, we've told the inspiring story of decades of positive transformation the nation of Rwanda has sustained since the catastrophic 1994 genocide against the Tutsis. We learned that Rwanda's peacemakers have fo…
- Freddy Mutanguha & Dr. Elizabeth Dowling: The Science of Forgiveness
In our last episode, we met Rwandan leader Freddy Mutanguha, who shared his remarkable journey to finding meaning and forgiveness after dozens of his family members, including his parents and sisters, were murdered during the genocide agai…
- Freddy Mutanguha: Forgiveness & Reconciliation in Post-Genocide Rwanda
Today's episode offers a powerful example of courage, peace, and forgiveness. Our story looks back thirty years, to one of the most violent periods in modern history — the genocide against the Tutsi — and to the resilience and wisdom of th…
- Dr. Miller, Dr. Muth, Dr. Falótico, & Dr. Cantor: Intelligence Across Species
In our last episode, we spent time with the extraordinary Dr. Jane Goodall, primatologist, writer, speaker, and conservationist. Dr. Goodall previewed today's episode, featuring the three recipients of the Wildlife Intelligence Project, a…
- Dr. Jane Goodall: The Wild Fight for Our Planet
In today's episode, we hear from leader and luminary Dr. Jane Goodall, who has, for decades, made significant contributions to not only the scientific world, but to, arguably, the entire planet. When 26-year-old, British-born Jane Goodall…
- Emma Black, Calum Irvine, Sean Spillane, & Students: Teaching Connection with Differences
Today we bring you a follow-up story about revolutionary education in Northern Ireland, this time exploring the impact of teaching young children to not just tolerate difference and diversity, but to seek it out, embrace it, and celebrate…
- Dr. Calvo, Dr. Magnasco, & Dr. Reiss: Listening to Minds Beyond Our Own
Today we're back for another exploration of the magnificence and mystery of the universe — talking with three researchers who share not only a passion, but a respect for the species in their decidedly non-human, wildly intelligent subjects…
- Dr. Frans de Waal & Dr. Michael Levin: Surprising Minds & the Nature of Intelligence
In today's episode, we meet Dr. Frans de Waal , Emory University and Utrecht University primatologist Dr. Frans de Waal, a trailblazer in the science of animal cognition, and Dr. Michael Levin, distinguished professor of biology at Tufts U…
- Dr. Erica Cartmill: How to Laugh Like an Ape
Any sentient, soulful being paying attention to the way humans are treating other humans has been feeling these hard times. But sometimes, amidst all this darkness, humor can offer a little bit of hope. Today we're back with a friend of th…
- Dr. Sinnott-Armstrong, Dr. Borg, & Dr. Conitzer: Can Machines Make Ethical Decisions in Healthcare?
Artificial intelligence is proliferating and entering new industries every day. And while it's been used in healthcare for 50 years, researchers continue to look for new ways to use it to improve care. Today, we're back in conversation wit…
- Virginia Cooper, Dr. Fiske, Dr. Kahneman, Dr. Koch, & Dr. Melloni: How Rival Collaborations Improve Science
In the dozens of episodes we've shared with you over the last four years, you've heard stories of experts examining the science behind everything from bees to whales, video games to dance, education systems to communication networks. Today…
- Nina Callaghan: The Ubuntu Spirit in Youth Radio
This week we're bringing back one of our favorite ever episodes. Today, we hear a fascinating and inspiring conversation having to do with the flourishing of young South Africans. Today's episode features Richard's conversation with Nina C…
- Dr. Jocelyn Dautel & Team: Reshaping the Legacy of Northern Ireland
War and conflict is raging across the globe. From Europe and the Middle East to Africa and the Americas, divisions between and within nations are leaving civilians dead and displaced. Northern Ireland has seen its fair share of violence an…
- Dr. Wendy Cadge: Chaplains at the Heart of Human Support
Before we ended 2023 we met two researchers, Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas and Dr. Timothy Lomas, who shared their research on human flourishing, and each touched on the importance of human connection and relationship as an antidote to lonelin…
- Dr. William Powell & Rex Mann: Bringing Back the American Chestnut Tree
We're celebrating the life of our friend Dr. William Powell, who passed away just before Thanksgiving. Dr. Powell's American Chestnut Tree episode was one of our favorites of last year. This episode is an inspiring story about how bringing…