Curveball with Scott Reich

Scott Reich
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Life confronts us with the unexpected. Curveball is about facing an unimaginable life event and the human experience of responding to it—and how we can all hit life’s curveballs. Host Scott Reich was dealt a huge curveball when his infant son, Eli, was diagnosed in 2019 with a rare brain disorder called FOXG1 syndrome. Eli cannot walk, talk, or do anything independently while suffering seizures and other medical challenges. In response to Eli's diagnosis, Scott immediately launched a global nonprofit, Believe in a Cure, which is changing the future landscape of this disease while supporting the broader rare disease community. Scott's journey with Eli inspired this journey as the host of Curveball where Scott speaks to people whose lives were upended by unexpected challenges. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

  1. 2d ago

    #69 Carrying Eli’s Light: Hayley Friedman Morrison on Loss, Love, and the Eli Sunshine Fund

    On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Hayley Friedman Morrison, co-founder and executive director of the Eli Sunshine Fund—but more importantly, Eli Morrison’s mom. After her son Eli was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive pediatric bone cancer, Hayley and her family were thrust into a world of grueling treatments and unimaginable challenges. Through her journey alongside Eli—whose warmth, curiosity, and compassion touched everyone he met—Hayley uncovered the harsh realities of outdated therapies and insufficient research for kids battling this disease. After losing Eli at just nine years old, Hayley channeled her grief into action, founding an organization dedicated to funding innovative pediatric cancer research and bringing moments of sunshine to families facing similar hardships. In this moving conversation, Hayley shares Eli’s story, the enduring legacy he leaves behind, and her candid reflections on loss, resilience, and what it truly means to show up for loved ones in times of adversity. To learn more about the Eli Sunshine Fund, visit: elisunshinefund.org. Listeners Will Learn: Sharing memories and stories about a loved one, as Hayley Friedman Morrison does with her son Eli, is an important way to keep their legacy alive.Scott and Hayley discuss how community support plays a crucial role for families experiencing childhood illness or loss, and meaningful forms of support can include simple gestures like thoughtful messages or remembering special dates.The outdated treatment options for Ewing sarcoma highlight the broader challenges in pediatric cancer research and funding, which Hayley and her family are working to address through the Eli Sunshine Fund.Society could improve the way we approach conversations with those experiencing grief or hardship by being more mindful and asking sensitive, open-ended questions or simply acknowledging their pain.People often feel discomfort around grieving families, but taking concrete steps—such as mentioning the loved one’s name, sharing stories, or reaching out on significant dates—can provide meaningful support.Hayley finds the phrase “how are you?” problematic, instead recommending more thoughtful alternatives like “how are you today?” to express genuine care and concern.Siblings, like Harry, who lose a brother or sister to serious illness often experience profound and ongoing emotional impacts, shaping their outlook on life and relationships.There is a distinction between being perceived as “strong” and actually surviving an unimaginable loss; Hayley emphasizes that true resilience is simply continuing in the face of tragedy, not a superhuman feat.Milestone moments and daily routines take on new meaning for families living with or grieving childhood illness, serving both as reminders of loss and opportunities for connection and support.Organizations and individuals can avoid unintentionally minimizing grief by listening, remembering, and providing ongoing support without trying to find a silver lining or offer clichés. Key Moments: 00:00 Eli's story and legacy 06:21 Living with Ewing sarcoma 11:33 Keeping Eli’s memory alive 15:00 Supporting those grieving tragedies 17:50 Discussing coping with challenges 23:09 Coping with transitions and reminders 25:07 Navigating family gatherings and loss 31:54 Talking about Harry's resilience 36:56 Processing grief and moving forward

  2. Aug 11

    #68 Preparing for the End: Erin Merelli On What Death Teaches Us About Living Well

    On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Erin Merelli, a death doula, educator, and founder of Death Ed with Erin, to explore how our relationship with death deeply shapes the way we choose to live. Through the lens of her own remarkable story—including the sudden loss of her first love in high school, navigating early motherhood, and the tragic death of her sister—Erin offers hard-won wisdom about grief, legacy, and transformation. Together, Scott and Erin tackle the discomfort our culture has with discussing death, the importance of facing end-of-life planning, and the universal truths that emerge from the final days—regret, gratitude, and the power of love over fear. With honesty and empathy, they reveal why opening up about death is really a conversation about how to live with purpose, courage, and connection. This is an episode less about endings, and more about finding meaning every single day. Listeners Will Learn: Erin Merelli mentions the concept of “approaching life from a place of love or from a place of fear."The episode compares birth doulas and death doulas, suggesting that both milestones benefit from support and preparation. Erin shares how her early experiences with death and grief shaped her life and career. “The way you live is the way you die” is a central theme in this conversation. Both Scott and Erin discuss the topic of regret and how it often arises at the end of life. The episode highlights how modern funeral practices have removed death from everyday life. Erin talks about the role of “legacy work” in death doula practice. The discussion includes the idea that grief requires action, such as participating in burial rituals or tending to the deceased. Both Scott and Erin touch on their spiritual beliefs and the impact these beliefs have on how they perceive death. Erin urges listeners to consider what they would want said about them at their funeral and whether it would be true. Key Moments: 00:00 Coping with loss and grief 04:09 Building death education communities 09:51 Discussing attitudes towards health diagnoses 10:50 Interest in trusts and estates 14:13 Experiencing unexpected death in family 19:26 Reflecting on end-of-life regrets 23:04 Overcoming fear of starting 26:03 Living fully despite fear 29:05 Exploring light and darkness themes 32:36 History of funeral practices 35:03 Understanding fear and grief 38:07 Balancing optimism and realism

  3. Aug 4

    #67 From Chaos to Clarity: Marci Hopkins on Healing Trauma and Sobriety

    On this powerful episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich welcomes Marci Hopkins, a nationally recognized advocate in the recovery, mental health, and wellness space. Behind her public success in broadcast media lies an inspiring, deeply personal journey of resilience—one marked by childhood trauma, addiction, and ultimately, transformation. Marci opens up about her difficult upbringing, the impact of abuse and abandonment, and her years-long struggle with alcohol. She shares the pivotal moments that led her to sobriety, how she rebuilt her life through a 12-step program and spiritual growth, and the lessons learned about prioritizing self-care, forgiveness, and gratitude. In this episode, you'll hear how Marci turned her pain into purpose—becoming an author, television personality, and a voice for those seeking healing. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the ongoing journey toward hope and wholeness. Listeners Will Learn: Marci Hopkins’ early environment and family history, marked by trauma and addiction, played a significant role in shaping the challenges she later faced with addiction.Breaking the cycle of generational trauma is central to Marci’s journey, as she copes with and addresses the long-term influence of her mother's actions and struggles.She adopts specific strategies and mindsets that help prevent her past experiences from defining her identity, as recognized by Scott.A key turning point or “rock bottom” moment in Marci’s life led to significant personal change and commitment to sobriety.Forgiveness, especially of those who have caused harm, emerges as a crucial part of Marci’s recovery, allowing her to release the power others have held over her.Spiritual connection serves as a foundation for her healing journey and supports her ability to cope with adversity.The practice of gratitude and reframing negative experiences, as discussed by both Scott and Marci, involves practical tools and habits such as daily actions and focusing on positives even during hardship.Her experiences with trauma and recovery inform her approach to parenting, leading her to break negative patterns and strive for open, empathetic communication with her own children.Marci views recovery and success as a continuous, evolving process rather than a final destination, describing her growth as ongoing even after making it through major hardships. Key Moments: (00:00) Choosing to stay with grandparents (04:02) Early experiences with alcohol (07:21) Marci Hopkins’ journey and advocacy work (13:12) Starting the 12-step program (14:51) First thirty days of sobriety (18:47) Building mental toughness (23:21) Perspective on handling deep motions (27:30) Reflecting on overcoming challenges

  4. Jul 28

    #66 Surrogacy Without Middlemen: The Vision of Jessica Butcher and Amanda Konko

    When most people hear the word “surrogacy,” they think about the joyful arrival of a baby. For so many intended parents, surrogacy is a remarkable gift that helps make the dream of building a family possible. But every surrogacy journey is unique, and not every path looks the same. On this episode of Curveball, Scott Reich sits down with Jessica Butcher, an intended mother, and Amanda Konko, the surrogate who helped Jessica become a parent. Their experience challenged many of the assumptions they had about the traditional surrogacy process. Rather than finding each other through the conventional agency model, they built a relationship rooted in trust, shared values, and genuine human connection. Inspired by their own journey—and by the obstacles they encountered along the way—Jessica and Amanda founded Little Seed Match, an innovative platform designed to help intended parents and surrogates connect directly in a more transparent, affordable, and relationship-centered way. Join us as Jessica and Amanda share their personal story, discuss the lessons they learned through surrogacy, and explain how Little Seed Match is creating another option for intended parents and surrogates seeking a more personal path to family-building. Listeners Will Learn: Surrogacy remains a taboo topic despite its importance for many families.Jessica Butcher and Amanda Konko believe the traditional agency-driven surrogacy model can create a sense of lost autonomy for intended parents, with high costs and limited choice.Factors such as feeling called or led to help others can motivate women like Amanda to become surrogates. Little Seed Match seeks to remove the middleman and foster genuine relationships built on direct connection and shared values, offering an alternative to the traditional agency system.Developing a trusting and close relationship between surrogate and intended parent, as described by Amanda, can help prevent feelings of loss or confusion after the baby is born.Transparency about profiles and personal histories is emphasized by the guests as a critical component in forming strong matches between surrogates and intended parents. Integrating technology or AI into surrogacy platforms has both potential benefits for matching and possible downsides related to depersonalization, as discussed by Scott Reich. Key Moments: (05:16) Coping with infertility and grief (09:14) Talking about surrogacy journey (12:28) Connecting Intended Parents and Surrogates (16:13) Surrogacy legal complexities and challenges (18:28) Building trusted surrogacy relationships (20:56) Connecting through transparency and faith 24:20 Discussing surrogacy and infertility support (30:12) Discovering surrogacy as a calling

  5. Jul 21

    #65 Navigating Grief and Hope: NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel on Rare Disease Fatherhood

    Host Scott Reich sits down with NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel for a deeply personal conversation about life as the parent of a child with a severe rare disease. Drawing from Richard's experience with his late son, Henry, who had Rett syndrome, the discussion explores the profound grief families carry—not only for the futures they once imagined, but also for the everyday recognition and understanding that is so often missing. Together, Scott and Richard talk about how a diagnosis can change a family's life in an instant, the emotional and physical demands of caregiving, the isolation that many parents experience, and the importance of finding community, hope, and purpose along the way. Father-to-father who have walked similar paths, they also reflect on the extraordinary resilience of caregivers, the invisible labor required to support children with complex medical needs, and why greater compassion and awareness are essential for families navigating these unimaginable challenges. Listeners Will Learn: The conversation between Scott Reich and Richard Engel focused on the feeling of isolation experienced by families dealing with rare diseases.One concept discussed was the grieving process associated not only with the loss of a loved one but also the loss of the imagined future.Their discussion explored the idea of ego and selfishness when coming to terms with a child’s diagnosis.Several points were raised, including the role of hope and the advancements in medical research, such as gene therapy.A key theme that emerged was the impact of a rare disease diagnosis on family dynamics and even career paths.The conversation between Scott and Richard highlighted the financial burden of caring for a child with severe special needs.The stigmatization and invisibility of people with disabilities were discussed as significant issues in Western societies.Their discussion explored the experiences of siblings of children with severe disabilities.The concept of “the second mountain,” or rebuilding life after a major disruption, was introduced. Key Moments: (00:00) Discussing rare disease parenting with Richard Engel (05:30) Embracing a different future (07:31) Coping with ongoing grief (09:45) Discovering sensory toy options (15:20) Challenges of raising special needs children (16:44) Reflecting on missed milestones (19:31) Finding purpose after challenges (24:52) Experiencing war zones firsthand (28:35) Facing career sacrifices (29:20) Dividing parenting tasks and responsibilities (34:52) Cultural acceptance of rare diseases in large families (37:01) Theo talks about missing his brother Henry (39:25) Emotional tribute to a lost brother

  6. Jul 14

    #64 From the Courtroom to Mindset Coaching: Rosanne Austin’s Lessons on Overcoming Adversity

    On today's episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Rosanne Austin—former California state prosecutor, bestselling author, and founder of the "From Maybe to Baby" coaching practice. Rosanne shares her remarkable journey from the high-pressure world of the courtroom to overcoming a deeply personal challenge: a seven-year struggle with infertility. Through heartbreak, resilience, and an unwavering belief in changing her mindset, Rosanne not only achieved her dream of motherhood but also discovered a powerful new sense of purpose—helping other women navigate infertility. In this episode, she reveals the science and practice behind harnessing the mind-body connection during times of uncertainty, and how these lessons apply to any challenge life throws our way. Listeners Will Learn: Rosanne Austin draws from her experience as a prosecutor to describe her initial need for logic, control, and evidence when facing infertility.The conversation explores the shift Rosanne underwent from being able to control outcomes in her legal career to confronting the uncertainty and unpredictability of infertility. Rosanne recounts a period of identity crisis, feeling like a “shell” of herself.The discussion highlights how Rosanne’s change in mindset—addressing her beliefs about failure and focusing on mental resilience—coincided with major shifts in her fertility outcomes. Rosanne shares how her personal struggle motivated her to leave her legal career, develop a mindset coaching practice, and support other women facing similar challenges. The episode makes connections between the mental strategies Rosanne uses for infertility and their relevance to overcoming other unexpected life challenges. Scott Reich introduces the concept of “mind-body unity” (rather than just connection), which becomes a focal point for discussing holistic resilience and health. Rosanne describes reframing major obstacles as experiences “happening for me” rather than “to me,” and discusses the impact this perspective has on resilience. Rosanne emphasizes the importance of taking personal authority over one’s thoughts, noting the challenges and long-term benefits of consciously shaping one’s mindset. Key Moments: (00:00) Finding resilience through challenges (04:00) Struggling with fertility challenges (08:18) Realizing the mental health aspect (11:29) Questioning life paths and purpose (15:11) Navigating life's uncertainties (17:26) Shifting perspective in tough times (20:38) Finding clarity in tough times (24:05) Mind-body connection and positive thinking (28:30) Harnessing the subconscious for solutions

  7. Jul 7

    #63 Publication Day Special Edition: David Eisenhower Interviews Author Scott Reich about his new book “One Day in September”

    In this special edition, David Eisenhower—historian, bestselling author, and grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower—steps in as guest host to interview Scott Reich about his new book, One Day in September: Baseball, Brotherhood, and the Birth of the All-Star Game. Their conversation explores the remarkable but largely forgotten story of a charity baseball game played at Fenway Park on September 27, 1917. Featuring legends including Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Tris Speaker, and "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, the game honored beloved sportswriter Tim Murnane and would ultimately become the precursor to Major League Baseball's modern All-Star Game. But this episode is about much more than baseball. Together, Scott and David examine how a single day in American history reveals larger truths about citizenship, community, generosity, and the power of shared civic experiences. They discuss the role sports once played in bringing Americans together, the influence of early sportswriters in shaping the nation's values, and why recovering forgotten history can help us better understand ourselves today. Blending history, storytelling, and personal reflection, this special Curveball episode is a conversation between two historians about memory, identity, and the enduring lessons hidden in the stories we almost lost. Listeners Will Learn: The conversation focused on the forgotten 1917 baseball exhibition game honoring Tim Murnane. One concept discussed was how storytelling and narrative shape our collective memory. A key theme that emerged was the civic role of baseball in early 20th-century America. The discussion explored how players, owners, and even sportswriters like Murnane wore many hats in the development of baseball. Several points were raised, including the unique democratic experience of early ballparks. The use of sports as a metaphor for American values, such as perseverance, character, and unity, was highlighted. The episode touched on the instinct to gather at scale for community and charity events, something seen as less common today. Scott Reich and David Eisenhower delve into the darkness threading through the "golden age" of baseball: issues of scandal, division, and underlying social tensions.Another topic they discussed was the influence of sports journalism in mythologizing athletes and shaping how we remember their achievements. The notion of exporting American sports like baseball as a tool for peace and understanding between nations was considered. Key Moments: (00:00) One Day in September, by Scott Reich, book launch today (06:39) Guest host David Eisenhower asks Scott Reich about his writing process (10:20) Discussion of Tim Murnane’s love for baseball (11:51) President Dwight Eisenhower on sports and character (17:18) Tim Murnane's list of life advice (19:44) Sports bringing people together (21:07) Building civic connections through sports (26:45) Pre-1919 baseball stories shared between Scott and David (29:19) Tim Murnane’s unique player connections (36:17) Competing styles of baseball (37:42) Discussing America and baseball history

  8. Jun 30

    #62 Therapist and Coach Will Middleton on Creating a Life You Don’t Need to Escape

    On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich welcomes Will Middleton, a therapist, relationship coach, and resilience practitioner whose unconventional path led him from corporate life to supporting individuals facing grief, trauma, and personal challenges. Will shares his journey of searching for purpose beyond societal expectations and explores the core of his philosophy: uncovering one’s authentic self beneath layers of conditioning and pain. In this conversation, we delve into the true meaning of resilience, the complexities of grief, the difference between healing and fixing, and everyday practices anyone can use to build a life they no longer want to escape. Tune in for practical wisdom, moving stories, and new perspectives on what it takes to thrive in the face of adversity. Listeners Will Learn: Will Middleton describes his journey from a conventional career in the city to becoming a therapist and coach. The episode distinguishes between "applied" resilience (chosen challenges) and resilience developed through unchosen hardship. Will argues that grief is experienced uniquely by each individual, even within a family. In discussing how to support someone in grief, Will suggests directly asking if they want to talk about their loss. The idea of living "a life you do not need to escape from" is central to Will’s philosophy. Will and Scott Reich discuss how layers of conditioning and external expectations obscure our authentic selves. The concept of "what you resist, persists" is highlighted as a key idea for facing personal darkness or uncomfortable emotions. The episode draws a distinction between "fixing" oneself (operating from a sense of lack) and "healing" (accepting wounds as part of your story). Will notes that some of the most "successful" people he works with feel deeply disconnected internally. For building resilience, Will suggests doing one thing each day that is slightly uncomfortable and also focusing on helping others. Key Moments: (00:00) Understanding and building resilience (04:34) Balancing therapy and coaching (06:33) Navigating conversations about grief (11:00) Uncovering layers for true self (15:43) Understanding self-healing vs. fixing (18:32) High achievers facing hidden struggles (21:08) Exploring self-understanding and its challenges (24:43) Building resilience and personal growth (27:10) Facing daily challenges head-on

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Life confronts us with the unexpected. Curveball is about facing an unimaginable life event and the human experience of responding to it—and how we can all hit life’s curveballs. Host Scott Reich was dealt a huge curveball when his infant son, Eli, was diagnosed in 2019 with a rare brain disorder called FOXG1 syndrome. Eli cannot walk, talk, or do anything independently while suffering seizures and other medical challenges. In response to Eli's diagnosis, Scott immediately launched a global nonprofit, Believe in a Cure, which is changing the future landscape of this disease while supporting the broader rare disease community. Scott's journey with Eli inspired this journey as the host of Curveball where Scott speaks to people whose lives were upended by unexpected challenges. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Reich
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©Curveball and Curveball with Scott Reich
  • Show Website
    Curveball with Scott Reich

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