Conversations with Randi Shubin Dresner Conversations with Randi Shubin Dresner

 Through this lighthearted and fun CONVERSATION, my guests and I debunk the theory that all high school reunions are a potential pain-point and gatherings of people who don’t care about each other.  And while it might be true that you didn’t have relationships with many who might attend, something else might come out of the experience for you.  It did for me, every time!   In school, I wasn’t really in “a group”. I wasn’t friendly with the jocks, or the cheerleaders or the cool band kids or those who just hung out around the building.  And yes, that first 10-year reunion was a little awkward – we were all trying to prove that we “made it” in some way.  This episode of CONVERSATIONS dives into all of that, and the awkward experiences we had – but now 45 years later – our high school reunions are incredibly well attended and so much fun. My guests are the two people who are the glue to the connections of our past who bring us into the present day with fabulous engagement.  They share fun stories about how they keep us together.  Monthly birthday and life experience updates, Facebook posts and pictures.  And they also offer tips on how this work can be translated into other re-connection experiences – former co-workers, long-lost family, friends, etc. So, listen in to hear the fun stories and guidance of my guests - that with an open-mind, reunions can actually be something to look forward to – that’s a promise! 

 Gary brown, noted NFL and SUPER BOWL player is a native of Brentwood, Long Island, where he “escaped the evil call of the streets”.  He made it to the big leagues and got to experience things that most of us wouldn’t even know to dream about.  But then the worst happened.  After leaving a lifelong career and dream – he was lost and alone in his own despair,  fighting terrible paralysis and an uncertain future.  In this fascinating interview, you will hear Gary Brown’s amazing story and what motivated him to turn his life around. As he notes, “when the fame ends, there are a lot of emotions that arise.”  “When you shut down the pity party, it opens up a lot of room for positive energy.” Gary moved to a place he sees as a blessing in his life – giving back and helping veterans, kids, and families in his newfound life. 

Many of us are presented with challenges as we grow up.  As a young child, Norman found many barriers in his single-parent home.  It became more challenging when as a young child, he had to translate for his mom, as he was first learning English.    His mom found the right resources to give Norman access to mentors who would eventually give him a healthy, safe direction to follow.  At the young age of 28, Norman is now a former Marine, and a successful Insurance salesman. 

This weeks’ show will highlight how doing outreach in your local community can literally change your life and help you discover your “WHY” in your own life.  Randi is joined in studio by Rev. Jannie West-Mays of the St. John's Baptist Church of Westbury.