OCT 27

Celebrating 80 Years of Magic: A Chance In Life’s Annual Gala

In this special episode, Peter and Wendy take us behind the scenes of A Chance In Life’s 80th Anniversary Gala—a magical evening inspired by L’Isola che non c’è, or Neverland, “the island that doesn’t exist.” Together, they reflect on how this theme captures the heart of A Chance In Life’s mission: guiding vulnerable young people toward a world of care, opportunity, and hope. Listeners will relive the celebration’s most inspiring moments, hear stories of impact shared from program graduates, and discover how the work of Gala honorees Dr. Joseph Conte, Judy Viera, Dan DiSano, Leila McKenzie-Delis, and Leo Rocco reflects the very essence of empowerment that defines A Chance In Life. It’s a heartfelt journey through eighty years of impact—spanning 14 countries and thousands of young lives transformed. So fasten your seatbelts and join Peter and Wendy as they celebrate this milestone moment, honor the dreamers and doers who make it possible, and remind us all that with belief and compassion, even “the island that doesn’t exist” can become a home for hope.

21 min

SEP 3

Back To School Around The World

In this heartwarming episode of Wings to Neverland, Peter and Wendy explore the many faces of back-to-school season and how it shapes children’s futures across the globe. They begin in Staten Island, New York, where A Chance In Life’s annual Back to School Distribution ensures hundreds of children step into the classroom with brand-new backpacks, supplies, and—most importantly—the confidence to succeed. From there, they journey to Emdibir, Ethiopia, where girls from rural communities are gaining access to secondary education for the very first time, breaking cycles of poverty and opening doors to leadership and opportunity. Finally, Peter and Wendy take us to Bethlehem, Palestine where students at the Ephpheta School for the Deaf are redefining what “back to school” means as they learn to communicate, connect, and thrive in an inclusive environment built just for them. Throughout these stories, Peter and Wendy highlight a universal truth: while “back to school” looks different in every community, it always carries the same promise of opportunity and hope. This episode is a moving reminder that education is more than notebooks and classrooms—it’s the key to unlocking potential, building stronger communities, and creating a future where every child can thrive. 🎧 Tune in to discover how back-to-school season is transforming lives from Staten Island to Ethiopia to Bethlehem—and how each of us can help children everywhere start their school year with confidence and hope. ✨

22 min

JUL 24

Zero Hunger to Climate Action: The SDGs in Focus

In this inspiring episode of Wings to Neverland, Peter and Wendy dive into five of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Climate Action—and explore how they are shaping a more just and sustainable future for children everywhere. They share eye-opening stories about communities and programs supported by A Chance In Life, from the soup kitchen at Colegio Sagrada Familia in Venezuela that’s boosting school attendance, to clean water tanks in Uganda that are providing safe drinking water and keeping kids in school. Listeners also meet Viviana, a young woman in Bolivia whose passion for technology flourished thanks to access to digital learning, and hear how girls in Colombia are gaining confidence and dreaming big through gender equity workshops. Peter and Wendy emphasize how these goals are deeply interconnected, and how poverty, health, education, and climate are all part of the same story. Most importantly, they remind us that small actions—like reducing plastic waste, mentoring girls, or supporting community initiatives—can ripple outward to create meaningful change. This episode is a hopeful call to action: when we invest in children’s well-being and education and protect our planet, we build a world where everyone has a chance to thrive. 🎧Tune in and discover how you can be part of this global movement—one step, one commitment, and one story at a time.🌍✨

32 min

JUN 20

Exploring Positive Youth Development

In this inspiring and heartwarming episode of Wings to Neverland, Peter and Wendy dive into the transformative power of Positive Youth Development—a philosophy that believes every young person has the potential to lead, grow, and give back. With stories from A Chance In Life’s global programs and a spotlight on Ivana, a once-shy teen who found her voice through The Youth Leadership Workshop, this episode brings to life what happens when young people are seen not as problems to fix, but as leaders in the making. Rooted in the visionary work of Monsignor Carroll-Abbing, who gave war orphans in post WWII Italy the gift of self government, the conversation explores how trust, mentorship, and opportunity can unlock competence, confidence, connection, character, compassion, and ultimately, contribution. With their signature mix of warmth, insight, and just the right amount of pixie dust, Peter and Wendy show us why youth don’t just need a helping hand—they need a chance. Join us for a journey into purpose, potential, and the ripple effect of believing in young people. Second star to the right… and straight on till transformation!

22 min

MAY 19

India – 12 Things You (Possibly) Didn't Know

In this vibrant episode of Wings to Neverland, Peter and Wendy take you on an unforgettable journey through India—the land of festivals, sacred rodents, twin villages, and 1.4 billion stories. This is the second stop in our ongoing series, “12 Things You (Possibly) Didn’t Know About…”, where we explore the wild, wonderful, and little-known facts about the countries where A Chance In Life works. Did you know India has a floating post office? Or a road where cars appear to roll uphill? Or a village with an unusually high number of twins—and no one knows why? From ancient cities and democratic superpowers to vegetarian megatrends, gravity-defying hills, and the birthplace of both chess and sugar, this episode is packed with surprises that will have you laughing, marveling, and possibly Googling “Magnetic Hill” by the end. But beyond the fun facts and fantastical stories lies a deeper truth: India is home to millions of children growing up in poverty, many without access to education or basic safety. That’s where A Chance In Life comes in—and why this episode introduces us to Binoj, a boy from Kerala whose transformation from a withdrawn five-year-old to a confident youth leader will leave you inspired. Through the incredible support of Savio Home—one of our local partner programs in India—Binoj found not just education, but healing, confidence, and the chance to become a mentor for others. His journey is a powerful reminder of what happens when you invest in a child’s full potential. So whether you’re sipping chai or dodging traffic, this episode is for you. It’s a celebration of culture, resilience, and the quiet magic of opportunity. Second star to the right… and straight on till Kerala.

41 min

APR 14

Ethiopia – 12 Things You (Possibly) Didn’t Know

In this eye-opening and laughter-filled episode of Wings to Neverland, Peter and Wendy take you on a journey to the heart of Ethiopia—a country that’s not just ancient, but absolutely extraordinary. This is the first installment of our new series, “12 Things You (Possibly) Didn’t Know About…”, where we uncover wild, wonderful, and unexpected facts about the countries where A Chance In Life works. Did you know Ethiopia has a different calendar and tells time differently? That it’s the only African country never colonized? That a goat accidentally discovered coffee? From lava lakes and rock-hewn churches to barefoot Olympic champions, ancient alphabets, and a national legacy of resilience, this episode is packed with awe-inspiring stories and fun facts that will leave you wondering, why didn’t I learn this in school? But we also go deeper—highlighting A Chance In Life’s impactful programs in Addis Ababa and rural Emdibir, where we’re supporting girls like Rehimush, who went from struggling to buy school supplies to earning her college degree and mentoring other young women. This episode is a celebration of culture, community, and the power of education to change lives—delivered with the usual Wings to Neverland charm, curiosity, and coffee-fueled enthusiasm. Listen now and take flight with us to Ethiopia—where history lives, futures are being built, and magic is real. Second star to the right… and straight on till Addis!

24 min

MAR 20

Celebrating Women Who Change the World

In this special episode of Wings to Neverland, Peter and Wendy celebrate International Women’s Month by diving into the history, impact, and legacy of extraordinary women throughout time. They explore the origins of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, highlighting why these global celebrations matter and how they continue to push for gender equality, education, and empowerment for women and girls everywhere. Then, they embark on a fun, insightful, and inspiring countdown of the 10 most influential women in history—sharing their remarkable stories, the obstacles they overcame, and the lasting impact they left on the world. From Cleopatra’s political genius to Rosa Parks’ fearless defiance, from Marie Curie’s groundbreaking scientific discoveries to Malala Yousafzai’s relentless fight for girls’ education, this episode is packed with incredible stories of strength and resilience. Naturally, there’s some humor along the way—Peter makes a passionate argument for Tinker Bell’s inclusion on the list, much to Wendy’s dismay. But the most powerful moment comes at the end, when Peter and Wendy introduce Rehimush, a young woman from A Chance In Life’s partner program in Ethiopia. Her story is a modern-day testament to the power of investing in young women. From facing financial hardship and societal expectations of early marriage to graduating with a degree in Management and mentoring other young women, Rehimush is living proof that when you educate a girl, you empower an entire community. As they wrap up, Peter and Wendy reflect on how education, leadership, and opportunity continue to transform lives—thanks to the support of A Chance In Life’s donors and partners. They take a moment to thank the incredible women who support A Chance In Life, recognizing their role in shaping a future where all women and girls have the chance to thrive. This episode is an inspiring reminder that history isn’t just about the past—it’s being written right now by women and girls around the world. Listen in and join us in celebrating the women who are changing the world—one act of courage, one step forward, one dream at a time.✨

43 min

FEB 14

Love, Service, and the Secret to Happiness

Happy Valentine’s Day from Wings to Neverland! In this special episode, Peter and Wendy look deeper at love—not just the flowers-and-chocolates kind, but the kind that changes lives. Inspired by Monsignor John Patrick Carroll-Abbing’s powerful words—"The great lesson of life, the secret of happiness, is to love. And the essence of love is to serve."—they explore how love, when combined with service, creates lasting impact. Join them as they share inspiring stories of how A Chance In Life continues to embody this philosophy 80 years after its founding, from The Village in Staten Island, where love is expressed through dignity and community, to international programs that empower young people to build their futures. But that’s not all—Peter and Wendy also take a fun dive into the history of Valentine’s Day, revealing the rebellious and courageous story of Saint Valentine, the priest who risked everything to defend love. They connect his legacy to Monsignor Carroll-Abbing’s revolutionary work and remind us that real love isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about showing up, serving, and making a difference. So whether you’re celebrating with someone special, cherishing the love of family and friends, or waiting for Cupid’s arrow to strike, this episode will leave you inspired to spread love in the best way possible—through action. Listen now, and remember: the greatest love stories are the ones we write with kindness and service.

18 min

JAN 29

80 Years of Magic: The Journey to Neverland IPO

In this exciting third episode of Wings to Neverland, hosts Peter and Wendy celebrate a major milestone: the 80th anniversary of A Chance in Life! With their signature mix of playfulness and heart, they dive into the organization's inspiring history, which has been transforming the lives of vulnerable youth since 1945. Peter and Wendy introduce the innovative Journey to Neverland Campaign, a creative and ambitious initiative to raise $2.5 million through an Initial Philanthropic Offering (IPO). Modeled after the corporate world’s stock offerings, this campaign invites donors to purchase symbolic "shares" in A Chance In Life's mission of investing in hope, sharing magic, and transforming lives. The hosts unpack the IPO concept with humor and clarity, explaining how supporters can participate by buying a $10,000 share or pooling resources with friends. They also highlight the incredible impact the funds will have, supporting programs in 12 countries and helping over 6,000 youth annually. Join Peter and Wendy as they reflect on A Chance in Life's legacy, share how listeners can become part of this historic moment, and encourage everyone to sprinkle a little pixie dust by supporting the campaign. This is a celebration of the past, a commitment to the future, and a call to action to help lost boys and girls find their wings. This episode is a magical blend of inspiration, humor, and heart, reminding us all that we can invest in hope and transform lives.

12 min

11/05/2024

The Lost Boy From Rome

In this touching second episode of Wings to Neverland, hosts Peter and Wendy dive into the transformative journey of Daniele, a young man from Italy who recently shared his powerful story at A Chance In Life's 79th Annual Gala in New York City. From his challenging early years in Rome, struggling with a broken family and his mother’s battle with depression and alcoholism, Daniele felt like a lost boy with no hope. But everything changed when he was welcomed into La Repubblica dei Ragazzi, one of A Chance In Life’s remarkable programs. Peter and Wendy recount Daniele’s path from shy introvert to a confident, self-assured young man who discovered his passion for art and leadership. Through the supportive community at La Repubblica, Daniele found his own version of Neverland—a place of growth, friendship, and empowerment. He even became the mayor of his own little world within this unique self-governing community! Join Peter and Wendy as they share Daniele’s inspiring transformation, reflecting on the magic of A Chance In Life’s mission, which creates safe havens for vulnerable youth around the world. It’s a story of hope, resilience, and finding wings to fly. Listen in to discover how Daniele’s story is not only a journey from hardship to hope but also a reminder of the incredible power of community and support in helping lost boys and girls find their own Neverland. Learn more about A Chance In Life by visiting our website and following our LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

14 min

10/23/2024

Finding Neverland

In this debut episode of Wings to Neverland, hosts Peter and Wendy introduce listeners to the heart and mission of A Chance In Life, an organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth around the world. Peter and Wendy explore the connection between Neverland—the magical place where lost boys and girls find hope—and the real-life transformation happening through this organization. They share how A Chance In Life helps young people discover their wings and take flight towards a brighter future. Join them as they kick off this inspiring journey, diving into the power of community, leadership, and the belief that every child deserves a second chance to dream. Learn more about A Chance In Life by visiting our website and following our LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

14 min

Wings To Neverland

Episodes

Celebrating 80 Years of Magic: A Chance In Life’s Annual Gala

Back To School Around The World

Zero Hunger to Climate Action: The SDGs in Focus

Exploring Positive Youth Development

India – 12 Things You (Possibly) Didn't Know

Ethiopia – 12 Things You (Possibly) Didn’t Know

Celebrating Women Who Change the World

Love, Service, and the Secret to Happiness

80 Years of Magic: The Journey to Neverland IPO

The Lost Boy From Rome

Finding Neverland

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