Curveball with Scott Reich

Scott Reich
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Mental Health
  • 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. 1d ago

    #81 From Car Accident to World Record: Jenn Drummond’s Journey of Climbing Mountains, Embracing Motherhood, and Finding Gratitude

    On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Jenn Drummond, a world-record-holding mountaineer and mother of seven, whose remarkable journey began after a life-changing car accident. Scott focuses on Jenn’s inspiring transformation from entrepreneur and stay-at-home mom to conquering some of the world’s highest peaks across seven continents. Jenn shares how confronting setbacks and embracing discomfort helped her discover new strengths, close the gap between intention and action, and reimagine the direction of her life. Their discussion explores practical strategies for building resilience, finding purpose amid adversity, and the importance of expressing gratitude to those who help us along the way. Tune in for a powerful story about reinvention, perseverance, and the climb—both literal and metaphorical—toward one’s greatest potential. Listeners Will Learn: Scott and Jenn’s conversation focused on how her near-fatal car accident became the catalyst for a profound reinvention of identity and ambitious new pursuits.One concept discussed was “breakproof” resilience, exemplified by the mindset and strategies used to overcome adversity in both mountaineering and everyday life.A key theme that emerged was the importance of closing the gap between intention and action, as outlined in Jenn’s “Somedays” philosophy and her upcoming book, for living without regret.The discussion explored the power of environment and self-identity, demonstrating how adopting a new persona and aligning one’s surroundings can drive extraordinary achievements.Several points were raised, including acclimatization in mountaineering, which served as a metaphor for gradual growth and adaptation during life’s transitions.The discussion showed how involving family in goal-setting—such as having children “claim” continents—built motivation and accountability in pursuing ambitious dreams.The discussion illustrated the impact of mentorship and gratitude for Jenn through the inspiration for the “Thankful and Thoughtful project,” emphasizing how expressing thanks can create meaningful connections.Their conversation reflected on how transformative events can shift “someday” dreams into urgent priorities, underscoring the psychological changes that make bold action feel both necessary and natural.Jenn’s PEAK framework was presented as an actionable guide for transformation, with each step—Pinpoint your truth, Envision your future self, Align your environment, and Keep expanding your limits—providing practical lessons that can be applied far beyond mountaineering. Key Moments: (05:09) Starting a company for credit unions (09:48) Embracing challenges and motivation (10:28) Life-changing moments and personal growth (16:58) Planning climbs post-COVID reopening (18:22) The stress of altitude climbing (23:45) Discussing personal transformation journey (25:51) Embracing change (28:34) Aligning environment for fitness (31:13) Climbing Everest and setting records

  2. Oct 27

    #80 Dylan Ratigan’s Journey from Broadcast Journalism to Spiritual Insight

    On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with renowned journalist Dylan Ratigan for a deeply personal conversation that goes far beyond his storied career in broadcast journalism. Known for his candid takes on money, media, and society, Dylan opens up about the disillusionment that drove him to leave television at the height of his success and reflects on the power of human connection, vulnerability, and personal growth. From transformative encounters—like meeting Muhammad Ali and discovering the meaning behind the world’s shortest poem, “Me We”—to navigating profound family challenges and curveballs life throws our way, this episode explores what it means to exist, to connect, and to build meaning from both triumph and loss. Whether you’re facing personal setbacks or searching for clarity in uncertain times, Dylan’s hard-won insights and practical advice provide a grounding roadmap for resilience and growth. Listeners Will Learn: Dylan recounts his meeting with Muhammad Ali and discusses the significance of Ali's poem "Me We." The metaphor of a "spiritual X-ray" is used to describe the self-discovery that occurs during life’s unexpected curveballs. Dylan left his journalism career due to a growing sense of disillusionment and a belief that he was participating in the perpetuation of illusions. The topic of agency centers on the idea of transforming victimhood into action or fresh perspective.Growing up without a consistent father figure served as Dylan’s biggest personal curveball. The glass-clay-rubber metaphor describes different ways people respond to adversity. The episode explores the evolution of family relationships, particularly the shift from "dependence and need" to "mutual love" as people age. Dylan suggests "drawing a square around your feet" and starting with what you have as a way to navigate change. Key Moments: (04:43) Muhammad Ali's poem "Me We" meaning (07:51) Leaving journalism for advocacy (09:48) Discussing political affiliations and solutions (13:54) Struggles with media ethics (17:57) Growing up without a father (20:55) Evolving relationship with parents (24:39) Embracing equality and unity (29:18) Discussing inherited trauma and agency (32:21) Finding clarity with what you have

  3. Oct 20

    #79 Losing My Father on 9/11: Ashley Bisman on Grief, Healing, and Resilience 25 Years Later

    On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Ashley Bisman, author of Chasing Butterflies and an advocate for 9/11 families, for an important conversation to preserve following the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on our country. Ashley is the daughter of Jeffrey Goldflam, the chief financial officer of Cantor Fitzgerald, who was killed while working in the North Tower of the World Trade Center that morning. Cantor Fitzgerald suffered an extraordinary loss, with 658 employees killed—nearly one-quarter of all those who died at the World Trade Center. Through her deeply personal story, Ashley offers an important voice for the 9/11 family community, reflecting on the enduring impact of that day, navigating grief, and raising her own children while preserving her father's memory and legacy. She shares how the loss has shaped her life and worldview, and why remembrance, resilience, and passing these stories on to future generations remain so important. Join Scott and Ashley for a moving conversation about love, loss, the lasting effects of collective trauma, and the ongoing journey to find meaning in the aftermath of unimaginable tragedy. Listeners Will Learn: Ashley shares the complex emotions and heightened challenges she faces after losing her father on September 11th.She highlights how the 9/11 anniversary each year adds new layers to her ongoing grief.The vivid recounting of the day of the attacks emphasizes Ashley’s immediate, instinctive reaction, the tense atmosphere in her school, and the overwhelming uncertainty and fear at home.The prolonged lack of clear information in the aftermath of 9/11 contributed to a unique and lasting dimension of grief for Ashley and her family, as they coped with hope, confusion, and eventual heartbreaking confirmation.For Ashley, being directly affected by 9/11 is described as a deep transformation that fundamentally changed her outlook, resilience, and approach to challenges.Over the years, Ashley’s response to her father’s loss has evolved, especially as she became a parent, balancing remembrance and perseverance while fostering strength in her family.Communicating the events and ongoing impact of 9/11 to her children is a delicate process for Ashley; she gradually adds details as they mature, balancing honesty, context, and sensitivity.Public acts of remembrance, such as anniversaries and media coverage, often conflict with the quieter, constant experience of private grief and memory for Ashley, who finds the everyday absence of her father more difficult than annual commemorations.The episode highlights the generational reach of trauma, as Ashley’s children, who were born long after 9/11, are nevertheless touched by its impact and ask questions that reflect the enduring legacy of the tragedy.Ashley remains deeply engaged in seeking answers about the details of her father’s last moments and the broader events of 9/11, even as she navigates a parallel life as a mother and writer in the present day.She encourages others experiencing grief to honor their unique process, whether that means expressing sadness openly or embracing joy, and stresses the importance of sharing memories to keep lost loved ones present in the ongoing story of their families. Key Moments: (00:00) Reflecting on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 (03:26) Reacting to 9/11 media coverage (08:29) Reflecting on 9/11 experiences the day of the attacks (09:42) Ashley reflects on losing her dad and how each year gets more difficult (16:12) Coping with inherited trauma (18:37) Scott on witnessing 9/11 during college (23:00) Reflecting on national and personal traumas (29:14) Grieving and personal healing advice from Ashley

  4. Oct 13

    #78 Bill Ritter Faces Alzheimer’s Diagnosis With Humor, Honesty, and a Call for Community

    Welcome to Curveball. In today’s episode, host Scott Reich sits down with legendary broadcaster and journalist Bill Ritter for an intimate, courageous conversation about navigating unexpected challenges. After a remarkable four-decade career delivering the news, Bill opens up about his recent diagnosis with early-stage Alzheimer’s and his new role as an advocate for brain health. The discussion explores what it means to confront vulnerability, how to turn personal adversity into public service, and the powerful ways in which families adapt and support each other amid life’s hardest curveballs. Together, Bill and Scott explore empathy, resilience, and finding purpose amid uncertainty—reminding us all of the importance of community, honesty, and compassion. Listeners Will Learn: Bill described his initial response to receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis as unexpected, but he views it as a “new calling” and an opportunity to advocate for others facing similar challenges.Bill and Scott found common ground in their experiences of dealing with life-altering circumstances, drawing parallels between confronting Alzheimer’s and caring for a child with a rare disease.Bill felt a strong need to be honest with himself and others about his diagnosis, and he found a profound sense of liberation and truthfulness in sharing his story publicly.Support and responses from professional colleagues, including Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, and ABC network leadership, helped shape and encourage Bill’s decision to become a public advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness.Both Bill and Scott explored similarities in the emotional impact and daily realities of families dealing with rare pediatric diseases and those confronting cognitive decline.Bill and Scott also discussed the nuanced challenges and opportunities that arise when explaining serious diagnoses within families, especially considering children’s ages and emotional development.Bill and Scott emphasized vulnerability and openness as key to cultivating empathy and compassion, both within their own families and in society at large.Bill identified significant systemic issues facing Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers, particularly focusing on barriers to healthcare access and the lack of affordability for many families.Bill connected growing economic inequalities to a decline in societal empathy and humanity, expressing concern about broader implications for communal well-being.Facing Alzheimer’s, Bill balances fears for the future with hope and motivation, channeling his outlook into purposeful engagement with his family and a commitment to advocacy. Key Moments: (00:00) Admiring Bill's career and advocacy (05:49) Unexpected challenges and choices (08:26) Discussing Alzheimer's and support (14:15) Discussing family and difficult conversations (17:49) Empathy for underdogs (20:27) Parenting a special needs child and communication challenges with siblings (25:08) The challenges of elder care (27:59) Populism in American politics (32:19) Finding beauty in life's challenges (33:58) Inspiring future generations

  5. Oct 6

    #77 Breaking the Cycle: Navigating Youth Mental Health and Family Challenges with LCSW Kathy Rivera

    Welcome back to Curveball. In this episode, host Scott Reich sits down with Kathy Rivera, a licensed clinical social worker with decades of experience working with children and families, to tackle the ever-evolving mental health challenges facing American youth. Together, they explore the alarming rise of anxiety and depression among young people, the generational cycles of trauma and stress, and the pressures created by our hyper-structured, curated childhoods. With both professional insight and personal experience, Kathy shares strategies for parents to recognize signs of struggle, break patterns within families, and build resilience in children navigating today’s digital, fast-paced world. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or you simply care about the next generation, this conversation offers fresh perspectives and practical tools for supporting mental health. Kathy is the Executive Director & CEO of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center in New York. Listeners Will Learn: Kathy identifies anxiety, depression, and substance use as some of the most common mental health challenges facing American youth today.Generational trauma and repeated family patterns play a significant role in contributing to mental health struggles in young people, as explained by Kathy. Social media and digital technology have exacerbated mental health issues for both children and their families. Families often seek help only when problems become critical, and Kathy emphasizes that stigma and fear are major barriers to early intervention or preventative mental health care.The highly structured and curated nature of children’s schedules today, unlike in previous generations, has a significant impact on their overall well-being and development.Recognizing what is “normal” versus a warning sign of distress in children’s behavior is a challenge for parents, and Kathy offers concrete signs for parents to monitor.Overprotection and the curation of childhood can prevent children from developing important skills for handling risk and failure, presenting a dilemma for today’s parents, as discussed by Scott. To break harmful generational cycles, Kathy advocates for family-based approaches that include naming and understanding patterns, assessing readiness for change, and building ecosystem-level awareness and skills.When parents sense that something is not right with their child’s mental health, Kathy advises them to trust their instincts and initiate open, ongoing conversations regardless of initial reassurances.Kathy’s two closing self-reflection prompts—considering how a reaction serves you in the moment and whether it will strengthen or weaken a relationship—offer valuable guidance for families facing mental health challenges. Key Moments: (00:00) Mental health challenges in youth (05:46) Family therapy and patterns (07:23) Navigating kids' tech and social pressures (11:58) Observing and communicating with kids (16:57) Parental pressures in youth sports (19:32) Parents shielding children from challenges (23:27) Embracing failure and variety (26:25) Navigating shared struggles (28:35) Reflecting on personal growth and change (31:18) Self-reflection and relationship advice

  6. Sep 29

    #76 How Betsy Kaplan Builds Grief Support Networks One Workout at a Time

    Welcome to Curveball. In this episode, host Scott Reich sits down with Betsy Kaplan, founder of Grief, Sweat & Tears—a unique, community-centered fitness experience for people navigating grief and loss. After losing her father, Joel, to suicide in 2018, Betsy struggled to find connections with others going through similar journeys. Inspired by the benefits she found in movement and fitness, she launched Grief, Sweat & Tears as a space where people can come together, work out, and support each other—no explanations needed. Through candid conversation, Betsy shares how she’s turned her pain into purpose, what radical acceptance means to her, and how building community has transformed her own grief journey—and the lives of hundreds of others. Tune in for an honest discussion about loss, healing, and the power of simply showing up. Listeners Will Learn: Betsy uses fitness and movement as a way to process grief, suggesting that physical activity can be a powerful tool for navigating loss.The community element of Grief, Sweat & Tears offers a different experience from traditional support groups or therapy, focusing on informal connection and shared activity rather than clinical or structured discussion.Allowing people to define their own grief experiences is essential, as Betsy believes there is no single way to grieve or to experience loss.The concept of “radical acceptance” involves accepting what cannot be changed and learning to move forward, even if relationships or circumstances are not as one wished.Grief journeys can often be isolating, underscoring the importance of community and the need for better societal support for individuals experiencing loss.Social media plays a significant role in building communities around grief, providing opportunities for connection but also presenting challenges such as comparison and misunderstandings.Betsy experienced the harm of rumors and misinformation following her father’s death by suicide, highlighting the importance of sensitivity and respect in how communities respond to personal loss.Asking about who someone lost and what they loved about them, rather than focusing on the circumstances of death, can create a more supportive and respectful environment for those grieving.Working with grieving children at Experience Camps deeply shaped Betsy’s understanding of resilience and community, lessons she now applies in supporting adults through grief. Key Moments: (00:00) Hosting popular grief community events (03:55) Discussing grief and loss conversations (09:32) Coping with her father's death (13:16) Building community through grief classes (16:44) Building a supportive grief community (19:27) Journey through grief camp leadership (20:59) Reflecting on leaving program director role (24:19) Finding community after loss (28:13) Supporting friends processing loss

  7. Sep 22

    #75 From Crisis to Purpose: Award-winning journalist Mariana Atencio’s Journey from Venezuela to the American Dream

    Welcome to Curveball. In this episode, host Scott Reich sits down with award-winning journalist and author Mariana Atencio, whose personal journey from Venezuela to the United States paints a portrait of resilience, reinvention, and finding one’s true voice in a rapidly changing world. From harrowing experiences with violence and upheaval in her homeland to building a career bringing underrepresented stories to light, Mariana shares what it means to fight for the American dream and the values that bind us—even in times of profound division. Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation about authenticity, overcoming adversity, and the pursuit of purpose, both professionally and personally. Listeners Will Learn: Mariana’s experience growing up in a prosperous Venezuela, followed by political turmoil and decline, deeply shaped her career path and core values as a journalist.A life-changing encounter with violence prompted Mariana to leave Venezuela, which profoundly influenced her view on personal safety and the pursuit of new opportunities.Mariana describes the United States as a beacon of hope while acknowledging the increasing challenges immigrants face today, illustrating how her background shapes her distinct perspective on America.The conversation highlights that media and political structures often amplify social divisions.Mariana emphasizes the dangers of social media silos and encourages individuals to actively engage with those who have different perspectives, fostering open dialogue and genuine connection.The story of her father’s death during Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis exposes systemic failures in governance and healthcare, powerfully impacting her personally and professionally.She shares her journey through divorce and personal upheaval, drawing connections between her ability to overcome adversity in her personal life and to navigate professional curveballs.Authenticity, for Mariana, is central both in her reporting and her personal relationships, serving as a guiding theme in how she approaches her work and builds meaningful connections.Mariana reflects on her drive to live “the big life,” and sees fulfilling one’s potential as requiring alignment with one’s inner purpose and core values, encouraging others to pursue what excites and uplifts them.Mariana Atencio challenges Scott to use more positive and intentional language in self-reflection, highlighting the impact of gratitude and reframing on optimism and resilience, even in difficult moments. Key Moments: (00:00) Surviving a terrifying ordeal at age 23 (06:46) Discussing political division in America (08:55) Discussing socioeconomic challenges (11:04) Importance of dialogue and connection (17:11) Covering global disasters and crises (18:39) Dad's health crisis and preventable death (23:13) Dealing with life's curveballs (27:22) Aligning life with core values (30:33) Motivation and personal responsibilities (32:54) Discussing personal truths and fears (37:43) Personal growth and life challenges

  8. Sep 15

    #74 Rachel Uchitel Reflects on 9/11, Grief, and Creating a Life Beyond Tragedy

    In this powerful episode of Curveball, Scott Reich sits down with Rachel Uchitel, the host of the podcast "Miss Understood," as she reflects on losing her fiancé, Andy O’Grady, during the September 11th attacks and the impact it has had on her life over the past 25 years. Rachel shares her firsthand account of that tragic day, the collective grief of a nation, and the deeply personal journey of moving forward through heartbreak, reinvention, and motherhood. Through candid conversation, she opens up about how tragedy shaped her search for stability, her experiences with love and loss, and the enduring power of vulnerability and connection. Join us as we honor Andy’s memory and explore how resilience emerges from unimaginable adversity. Listeners Will Learn: Rachel Uchitel's personal story of loss on 9/11 offers both unique and universal elements that parallel and contrast with the experiences of others during that national tragedy.According to Rachel, the country felt more united after 9/11, and she observes a stark difference in the sense of unity when compared to the current social climate.Her experience of having her grief captured in an iconic photograph highlights both the supportive and challenging implications of making one’s loss public.The relationships and marriages Rachel pursued after 9/11 illustrate her search for stability and comfort in the aftermath of trauma.Rachel emphasizes that vulnerability is essential for forming deep connections with others, especially when sharing stories of personal tragedy.The ongoing media attention from both national and international outlets significantly influenced Rachel’s grieving process and her journey toward moving forward.In the wake of immense public and personal trauma, Rachel found certain coping mechanisms helpful but also faced considerable challenges as she worked to rebuild her life.Community and shared experiences played a crucial role in Rachel’s grieving process, particularly during her interactions with other people affected by 9/11.Rachel’s trauma led her to form boundaries and prioritize stability, which in turn shaped her approach to future relationships and major life choices.She shares that withholding judgment and practicing empathy are vital, asserting that understanding the deeper stories behind people's choices brings us closer to one another and fosters compassion. Key Moments: (00:00) Searching for loved ones at Armory (04:46) Coping with loss after 9/11 (07:08) Meeting someone inspiring like Andy (11:46) Coping with 9/11 grief (16:22) Spontaneous wedding night decisions (18:09) Seeking stability after loss (20:57) Witnessing chaos on Park Avenue (23:38) Talking to Andy during 9/11 (27:18) Witnessing the tower collapse (30:47) Lesson on vulnerability and empathy

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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
    83
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©Curveball and Curveball with Scott Reich
  • Show Website
    Curveball with Scott Reich

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