The Teaching Journeys Podcast

Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts ,MSW, LMSW is an adjunct professor of psychology child life at Utica University, an author a bereavement support specialist, and a parent who experienced the death of an adult child on March 1,2003. He was inspired to create The Teaching Journeys Podcast by two of his former Utica University students. Dave strives to have meaningful conversations with individuals , young and old, whose life journeys, life skills and challenges ,can teach us about addressing our own challenges. It is Dave's hope that the teachings from these conversations live on in future generations. Weekly episodes have featured guests from all walks of life, with diverse experiences and life skills to share . Dave hopes that his guests ‘experiences resonate with all who listen, both young and old. We are all students and teachers...... let's learn from each other. To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

  1. News Without The Noise: How informed.now is Changing the Way We Stay Informed

    17 HRS AGO

    News Without The Noise: How informed.now is Changing the Way We Stay Informed

    Is the news actually informing you — or just manipulating you? In this eye-opening episode, host Dave Roberts sits down with Kira Shishkin, CEO of the Informed Now Project, to unpack how modern media has traded truth for clicks, attention, and emotional triggers. Kira shares his remarkable journey — born in Ukraine, coming of age in Israel, and building a media reform movement in the United States — and explains why she believes the current news ecosystem is designed to harvest your attention rather than serve you. 🔍 In this episode, we cover: How sensationalism and clickbait have replaced real journalism Why critical thinking is in crisis in the age of social media and tribal politics The cognitive dissonance between media credibility claims and actual content How Informed Now is giving people back the power of attention, focus, and clarity Why American political tribalism now resembles a spectator sport Kira's personal philosophy: "Everything has the power to make you stronger, if you let it" Whether you're frustrated with the 24-hour news cycle or looking for a smarter way to stay informed, this conversation will challenge the way you consume media. About informed.now informed.now is your news concierge to beat information overload. It provides minimal, concise, and factual daily news briefings via SMS to keep you informed without the influence of bias, sensationalism, or advertisements. Know more, read less. Get www.informed.now About Kira Shishkin Kira Shishkin is the CEO of informed.now , the news concierge service to beat information overload. Kira is a 4-time serial entrepreneur, strategic advisor, and investor in the technology industry. His experience spans investment banking, corporate strategy, and private equity investments in category-defining ventures. His education includes University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, and Stanford. Kira was in Forbes 30 Under 30. Connect with Kira Shishkin: l.informed.now/kira Get www.informed.now To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

    50 min
  2. What Grief Does to Your Brain and Body, And How to Heal

    2D AGO

    What Grief Does to Your Brain and Body, And How to Heal

    Host Dave Roberts introduces the Teaching Journeys podcast and interviews grief coach Sylvia Wolfer, who works at the intersection of neuroscience, mindfulness, and movement, including Pilates. Wolfer shares a lifelong history of sudden losses—her father when she was seven, a younger brother at 17, an older brother in 2019, and later her mother—and describes carrying “unattended grief,” marked by outward functioning but internal bracing, triggers, sleep and digestive disruption, fatigue, and brain fog. She explains how grief is stored in the body and how “nailing the basics” (hydration, real food, sleep routine, daylight, breathing, and movement) can help regulate the nervous system before deeper emotional work. Wolfer also outlines a neuroscience view of grief as the brain recalibrating its map of time and space while closeness endures, emphasizing patience, sibling grief, and regaining agency so grief doesn’t “run the show.” Sylvia's Bio and Contact Information Sylvia Wolfer is a grief coach working at the intersection of neuroscience, mindfulness, and movement. Her work is shaped by both professional training and lived experience, having lost both parents and two brothers over the course of her life. After years of trying to “move forward” through grief using conventional approaches, it was the science of the brain and body that gave her a different kind of understanding — one that helped her regain a sense of stability and agency when everything felt disorienting. Alongside this, her long-standing practice of Pilates became a powerful anchor, helping her reconnect with her body and find a sense of steadiness from within. Today, Sylvia helps people who are outwardly functioning but internally struggling after loss to understand what grief is doing to their brain and nervous system, and to regain agency and rebuild capacity. Her work combines research-backed insights with a deeply human approach, offering digital courses, 1:1 support, and guided practices that meet people where they are. Links Website: https://sylviawolfer.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/_sylvia_wolfer_grief_support/ Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviawolfer/ To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

    46 min
  3. I Buried Her in a French Press: How Intuition & Progress Over Perfection Shaped One Woman's Journey

    4D AGO

    I Buried Her in a French Press: How Intuition & Progress Over Perfection Shaped One Woman's Journey

    Host Dave Roberts introduces Teaching Journeys and interviews Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and founder of the top 1% podcast Let’s Talk Supply Chain. Sarah discusses key obstacles that shaped her, including a 15-year struggle to diagnose lipedema and the loss of her dream when her family business closed 10 days before her 37th birthday, forcing her to rebuild through side hustles, part-time work, and continuing her podcast. They explore grief, acceptance without “closure,” therapy, self-sabotage, and the idea that strength and struggle (and emotions like fear and excitement) can coexist. Sarah explains her memoir title I Buried Her in a French Press, a real COVID-era burial story tied to intuition and resilience. She outlines her inclusion-focused Blended podcast and nonprofit Blended Pledge, emphasizing creating safe spaces, and advocates “be yourself,” grace, and progress over perfection. Sarah's Bio and Contact Information Sarah Barnes-Humphrey is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and fierce advocate for self-worth and authentic leadership. She’s best known as the founder and host of Let’s Talk Supply Chain™, one of the top 1% most downloaded podcasts globally — but her journey to becoming a voice in the industry didn’t come easily. After working in her family business for over a decade, Sarah lost her job, sold her house, and found herself at a personal and professional crossroads. Instead of staying silent, she picked up a mic. Since then, she’s built a powerful platform dedicated to amplifying voices that often go unheard — particularly women and underrepresented communities. Through her Women in Supply Chain™ series, Blended podcast, and nonprofit Blended Pledge, Sarah continues to create safe spaces where vulnerability leads to real transformation. Now, she’s sharing her personal story in a brand-new way — through her debut memoir and #1 Amazon Bestseller, I Buried Her in a French Press. The book is a raw, honest reflection on identity, loss, and finding your voice after you’ve lost it. It’s a story of self-worth, resilience, and learning that you are your best advocate. Whether she’s on stage, behind the mic, or writing her truth, Sarah is committed to helping others feel seen, heard, and empowered to tell their own story — unapologetically. ---- 📖 Get the book: Search "I Buried Her in a French Press" on Amazon 🎙️ Follow Sarah: Instagram & LinkedIn: @SarahBarnesHumphrey Website: sarahbarneshumphrey.com Podcasts: Let's Talk Supply Chain | Blended To connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com

    55 min
  4. No Evidence of Disease: How One Man Used the Mind Body Connection to Overcome Pancreatic Cancer

    6D AGO

    No Evidence of Disease: How One Man Used the Mind Body Connection to Overcome Pancreatic Cancer

    Host Dave Roberts welcomes Mark Ruegg, a healing advocate and creator of the “Healing Recipe,” who shares his journey from a stage four pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma diagnosis (with metastasis to lymph nodes and liver and a prognosis of four to six months) to living with no evidence of disease. Influenced by the documentary “Heal” and Dr. Joe Dispenza’s “Blessings of the Energy Centers” meditation, Ruegg describes a transformative meditation experience followed by a PET scan showing the pancreatic tumor gone, later confirmed by repeated scans; a physician at Cedars called it a miracle and removed his stent. Ruegg explains his seven-ingredient framework—belief, meditation, spirituality, increased positivity, decreased stress, diet, and exercise—emphasizing calm, reduced stress, and “borrowing belief.” Nark's Bio and Contact Information Mark Ruegg is a healing advocate and the creator of The Healing Recipe, a simple, belief-centered framework focused on helping the body feel safe so it can heal. After being diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma and told he had months to live, Mark took an integrative approach—combining conventional treatment with meditation, lifestyle changes, and a deep focus on mindset and belief. Today, he is living with no evidence of disease. With more than 20 years working as a professional child wrangler in the entertainment industry, Mark developed a unique ability to break down complex ideas into simple, practical steps. He now shares what he’s learned to help others move from fear to hope—and understand how healing can begin. Connect with Mark Ruegg: Instagram: @MarkAllenRuegg Healing Recipe on Substack (link in Instagram bio) To connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

    42 min
  5. The Spring Equinox Guide: Daily Practices For Consciousness Shift

    MAY 8

    The Spring Equinox Guide: Daily Practices For Consciousness Shift

    Host Dave Roberts welcomes return guest Sheila B. Tillich, a recovery meta physician and spiritual practitioner, for an organic conversation focused on the Spring 2026 equinox and a shift from old “duality” programming and fear into unity, community, and co-creation. Tillich says current changes are prophesized and also tied to scientific and astrological factors such as Earth’s electromagnetic field, solar flares, and planetary alignment, which she describes as affecting human physiology and consciousness. She suggests practical ways to align with the season’s “new beginnings,” including gratitude on waking, affirmations, grounding with bare feet on Earth, breathwork, limiting mainstream media, surrounding oneself with positive people, and “SIP” (sit in presence/prayer) to reflect, ask questions, and listen. They discuss compassion, anonymous giving, and using everyday interactions to project love and influence collective energy. Sheila's Bio and Contact Information Rev. Sheila B. Tillich has been openly and deeply committed to a spiritual path since 1985. As a Recovery Metaphysician, Sheila guides individuals in awakening to and aligning with their true self, empowering them to live the purposeful life they were divinely created for. Her healing practice facilitates a profound electromagnetic shift within the body, supporting transformation on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. As a Metaphysical Minister, Healer, and Galactic Grandmother, Sheila’s mission is to hold a sacred field of God-Consciousness Energy that nurtures healing and remembrance. Within this space, she works to gently merge the human energy field with the Consciousness of God—restoring harmony, clarity, and divine alignment. In February 2020, Sheila was called by the Galactic Star Mothers to transmit messages of unconditional love, guidance, and remembrance to those seeking answers. In her role as Galactic Grandmother, she supports emotional healing and offers soul-level solutions that help individuals step fully into their Divine Purpose, drawing nourishment from Mother Earth’s energy and the wisdom of their Galactic Lineage. Sheila is a Universal Master Healer, skilled in a wide range of healing modalities, as a practitioner and Master Teacher/Trainer, including Integrated Energy Therapy® (IET®), Unity Field Healing (UFH), HeartMath®, USUI Reiki, and Spiritual Counseling. She is also a Certified Hospice and Palliative Caregiver, an Ordained Metaphysical Minister, and an Experienced Metaphysical Practitioner, bringing compassion, integrity, and deep spiritual wisdom to all whom she serves. 🔗 Connect with Rev. Sheila B. Tillich: Visit her website https://sheilatillich.com/ to book a free clarity call or explore her mentoring programs. To connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com

    53 min
  6. Change Your Energy, Change Your Life: Energy Strategies with Dr. Cornelia Kawann

    MAY 6

    Change Your Energy, Change Your Life: Energy Strategies with Dr. Cornelia Kawann

    Host Dave Roberts welcomes Dr. Cornelia Kawann, an executive at the Swiss electricity regulator, founder of Energy on, and author of "Change Your Energy, Change Your Life," to discuss how her early fascination with electricity led to electrical engineering and later a shift from Newtonian science to personal energy work after illness and burnout in the male-dominated energy industry. Kawann explains parallels between electrical and human energy, including cell voltage, nervous-system currents, and electromagnetic fields, and outlines her client approach across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual layers. She describes an “energy survival kit” focused on awareness, cleaning energy, quick recharging practices, and setting energetic boundaries. The conversation covers emotions and thoughts as frequencies, sustainable frequency change beyond mindset work or meditation, “energy as a leadership skill” tied to authenticity and safe workplaces, and her key takeaway: personal energy is a valuable currency to spend wisely. Dr. Kawann's Bio and Contact Information Dr. Cornelia Kawann is an executive in the Swiss electricity regulator and the founder of energy-on! During her corporate career, she was working at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and has held various management positions in several energy companies in Europe, all the while founding two start-ups. She stems from an Austrian family of entrepreneurs, which is why building companies and problem solving is in her DNA. As a Personal Energy Strategist, Cornelia empowers ambitious entrepreneurs and businesses to reach their goals through energy management and energetic business strategies. She explains to her clients the world of quantum physics and shows them how to manage their energy to reaching their goals and to transform not only their lives but their businesses. As a public speaker and author of “Change Your Energy – Change Your Life”, Cornelia’s mission is to make the simplicity and magic of Personal Energy Management popular. https://www.corneliakawann.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornelia-energy-on/ Check out my book “Change Your Energy – Change Your Life” US: https://amzn.to/4ruhfub Get my complementary e-book: The 3-min Personal Energy Reset and discover 4 powerful Energy Rituals for immediate stress relief https://www.corneliakawann.com/e-book/ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cornelia.kawann.37/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cornelia_energy_on/ Website https://www.corneliakawann.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornelia-energy-on/ To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

    43 min
  7. Don't Walk Away: Finding Joy as  an Alzheimer's Care Partner

    MAY 4

    Don't Walk Away: Finding Joy as an Alzheimer's Care Partner

    Host Dave Roberts interviews Marilyn Raichle, author of “Don’t Walk Away: A Care Partner’s Journey,” who grew up in a family that viewed Alzheimer’s as worse than death and was taught to “walk away.” After earning an MPA from Harvard, she became caregiver for parents developing dementia, initially reluctant but later finding joy and meaning by focusing on her mother Jean’s enduring personhood and living in the moment. Jean developed an unexpected passion for painting in memory care, inspiring Raichle to found The Art of Alzheimer’s in 2010 to showcase creativity in dementia and reduce fear through art. Raichle discusses shifting from “caregiver” to “care partner,” the importance of community, and moments of humor and connection. She now leads Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care, distributing $100,000 annually and sharing a free handbook of innovations. Marilyn’s Bio and Contact Information Marilyn Raichle, author of Don’t Walk Away, grew up in the shadow of Alzheimer’s. Nearly everyone in her father’s family and many in her mother’s developed the disease. Her mother Jean told her, “When we get Alzheimer’s, walk away. There is nothing you can do, so live your life and don’t sacrifice it for us.” Instead, Raichle became transformed, embracing the value and joy of people who are living with, not suffering from, dementia. Marilyn Raichle began her career in the performing arts. She founded the Seattle International Children’s Festival, introducing children to world culture through the performing arts. In 2007, she received a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Upon returning to Seattle, her career was upended when she became the family caregiver for her parents, both of whom were developing dementia. It was a rocky journey, at first reluctant and ultimately joyous. In 2010, inspired by her mother’s newfound artistic ability, she founded The Art of Alzheimer’s, celebrating the creativity of people living with dementia and the power of the creative arts to enrich and empower their lives. She is now the Executive Director of Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care. https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynraichle/ www.facebook.com/marilyn.raichle instagram.com/raichlem/ Dontwalkaway.net/

    53 min
  8. Healing Trauma Through Biodynamic Breathwork: April Wyett on Body Based Recovery

    MAY 2

    Healing Trauma Through Biodynamic Breathwork: April Wyett on Body Based Recovery

    Host Dave Roberts interviews somatic performance coach April Wyett, founder of Living With Intention. April describes a traumatic car accident at age nine that led to parentification, hypervigilance, people-pleasing, and later relationship patterns, and explains how meditation, reiki, and biodynamic breathwork helped her recognize and release embodied trauma. She outlines biodynamic breathwork and trauma release system components—breath, movement, emotion, touch, and integration—emphasizing trauma stored in the body and fascia, the need for extensive practitioner training, and contraindications. April shares her work creating guided meditations, supporting clients with multiple modalities, and hosting Living With Intention Live. She discusses the Hounds of Business community and a restorative Bali retreat (Oct 10–17) focused on breathwork, meditation, and cultural excursions, urging listeners to pause, breathe, and set intentions daily. April's Bio and Contact Information April Wyett is a Somatic Performance Coach and the founder of Living With Intention. She supports professionals and leaders in reconnecting with their bodies and restoring their nervous system so they can move through life with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose. With more than 15 years in holistic wellness, April integrates emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and the BioDynamic Breathwork and Trauma Release System® (BBTRS®) to help people release stored tension and rediscover the wisdom of their own body. Her work focuses on helping individuals remember who they are beneath stress, expectations, and the constant noise of modern life. April is also the host of Living With Intention LIVE, where she brings together wellness practitioners, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs to explore self-awareness, leadership, and the human experience. These gatherings create space for meaningful dialogue and practical insights that support people in both their personal and professional lives. She also leads restorative retreats around the world, creating immersive environments where people feel safe, seen, and supported as they reconnect with themselves and one another. April believes that when people experience this kind of inner reset, it naturally creates ripples of change that extend into families, communities, and the wider world. Her mission is simple and powerful: helping people reset their nervous system so they can live and lead with clarity, confidence, and intention. Links: http://www.livingwithintention.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilwyett/ https://www.facebook.com/livingwithintention.co/ https://www.youtube.com/@livingwithintention.aprilwyett Ti connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com

    59 min

Ratings & Reviews

About

Dave Roberts ,MSW, LMSW is an adjunct professor of psychology child life at Utica University, an author a bereavement support specialist, and a parent who experienced the death of an adult child on March 1,2003. He was inspired to create The Teaching Journeys Podcast by two of his former Utica University students. Dave strives to have meaningful conversations with individuals , young and old, whose life journeys, life skills and challenges ,can teach us about addressing our own challenges. It is Dave's hope that the teachings from these conversations live on in future generations. Weekly episodes have featured guests from all walks of life, with diverse experiences and life skills to share . Dave hopes that his guests ‘experiences resonate with all who listen, both young and old. We are all students and teachers...... let's learn from each other. To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

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