Tzu Chi USA Podcast - Gratitude Talks

Tzu Chi USA
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Gratitude Talks is a Tzu Chi USA podcast that illuminates meaningful conversations across real humanitarian missions. Each episode shares stories of resilience, compassion, and hope, revealing the moments that both shape and strengthen communities.

  1. 6d ago

    Dr. Raymond Andry: Removing Barriers, Creating Futures

    In this episode of Gratitude Talks, Dr. Raymond Andry, Superintendent of Mountain View School District, reflects on how growing up in a low-income Los Angeles community shaped his commitment to education, empathy, and service. From his own journey into education to his belief in supporting the whole child, Dr. Andry explores how schools, healthcare providers, and community partners can work together to remove barriers and help children thrive, and why gratitude remains at the heart of how he leads.

    Dr. Raymond Andry: Removing Barriers, Creating Futures

  2. Sep 10

    Jennie Bridges: Finding Humanity in the Ashes

    For nearly 50 years, Jennie Bridges called Altadena home, until the Eaton Fire changed everything. Though her house was one of the few on her block left standing, the road to recovery brought loss, uncertainty, and unexpected challenges. In this episode of Gratitude Talks, Jennie shares how compassion from strangers, her community, and Tzu Chi USA opened her eyes to the kindness in the world and gave her hope to keep moving forward.

    Jennie Bridges: Finding Humanity in the Ashes

  3. Sep 2

    Serge Nelson: Finding Strength in the Way Forward

    When the Eaton Fire destroyed Serge Nelson’s Altadena home in January 2025, she faced an uncertain road toward recovery. In this episode of Gratitude Talks, Serge shares how faith, resilience, compassion, and her belief that “life continues” helped her navigate loss, accept support, and keep moving forward with hope.

    Serge Nelson: Finding Strength in the Way Forward

  4. Aug 27

    Oscar Soltero: The Helping Hands Along the Way

    After losing his family home in the 2025 Eaton Fire, Oscar Soltero faced the daunting task of rebuilding more than what the flames had destroyed. He shares how unexpected kindness, trusted relationships, and the support of Tzu Chi USA helped his family move forward, and how the experience deepened his appreciation for community, compassion, and helping others find their own way through difficult times.

    Oscar Soltero: The Helping Hands Along the Way

  5. Aug 19

    Eleanore Vega: A Symbol of Kindness

    In our first episode, host Eleanore Vega takes us back to the night the 2025 Eaton Fire swept through Altadena, forcing her to flee the place she had called home for decades. As she shares the long and uncertain journey that followed, Eleanore reflects on the people who stood by her, the strength she found in adversity, and how gratitude and hope continue to guide her toward a new beginning.

    Eleanore Vega: A Symbol of Kindness

  6. Apr 16

    不擅言詞做就對了——汪笑芬・義診行善圓志願

    在本集《美國大愛百寶箱》中，慈濟美國總會志工汪笑芬與主持人陳瑞苓深度對談，回顧她看似平凡的人生，卻在一次次把握因緣中走出不平凡的路。1950年生於香港，年少為照顧弟妹無法讀書深造。十九歲成家育有三子一女，兼顧家庭與生意。移民美國後，從快餐店打工到考取美容師執照，逐步站穩腳步。加入慈濟後，她投入義診，成為牙科助理，前往墨西哥、厄瓜多、海地等國進行國際義診服務。在資源匱乏、設備簡陋的環境中，只為減輕病人難以入眠的痛——牙痛。她說：「有機會就要把握，只要身體健康，能做就要做。」沒有豪言壯語，她以行動回應需要，讓生命走得踏實而安定。

    不擅言詞做就對了——汪笑芬・義診行善圓志願

  7. Apr 9

    廟口小幫手到慈濟香積——萬金利・推素大廚信願行

    在本集《美國大愛百寶箱》中，慈濟美國總會志工萬金利與主持人王惠平對談，回顧他一生與廚房相伴的歷程。他出生於中國東北瀋陽，四歲隨父母來到台灣，全家人在難以返鄉下落腳台灣。小學起他便在鄰里廟口的「辦桌團隊」（編註：傳統外燴筵席）當小幫手，十幾歲開始學做台菜，打工賺來的錢全數交給母親；之後讀軍校、服役、成家，始終未曾離開廚房。1982年，他以技術移民來到美國，在餐飲界深耕數十年；同時走入慈濟，成為香積志工，從最基礎的支援做起，以一道道料理與人結緣。這是一段守著灶台、在平凡中長年付出的人生故事。

    廟口小幫手到慈濟香積——萬金利・推素大廚信願行

  8. Apr 2

    命運多舛心不退——李寶桂・在佛法中安住身心

    在本集《美國大愛百寶箱》中，慈濟美國總會志工李寶桂與主持人黎艷娟對談，回顧她起伏跌宕的人生歷程。她從台灣成長，在經營美容院的家庭環境中長大，早婚創業，隨後陪伴先生赴美留學，在異鄉撐起一家生活；一路走來，歷經經濟壓力、婚姻轉折與親人離世，直至承受喪子之痛的人生重擊。 在人生低谷中，她走進慈濟、走進佛堂，從讀經聞法到付出行善，在承擔中學習與無常共處，慢慢放下內心的執著與傷痛，重新找回安住的力量與生活的方向。這是一段在困境中學會轉身，仍選擇繼續前行的生命故事。

    命運多舛心不退——李寶桂・在佛法中安住身心
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Gratitude Talks is a Tzu Chi USA podcast that illuminates meaningful conversations across real humanitarian missions. Each episode shares stories of resilience, compassion, and hope, revealing the moments that both shape and strengthen communities.

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