The Teaching Journeys Podcast

Dave Roberts
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Self-Improvement

Dave Roberts ,MSW, LMSW is an adjunct professor of psychology child life at Utica University, an author a bereavement support specialist, and a parent who experienced the death of an adult child on March 1,2003. He was inspired to create The Teaching Journeys Podcast by two of his former Utica University students. Dave strives to have meaningful conversations with individuals , young and old, whose life journeys, life skills and challenges ,can teach us about addressing our own challenges. It is Dave's hope that the teachings from these conversations live on in future generations. Weekly episodes have featured guests from all walks of life, with diverse experiences and life skills to share . Dave hopes that his guests ‘experiences resonate with all who listen, both young and old. We are all students and teachers...... let's learn from each other. To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

  1. 20h ago

    Dr Vasu Tolia's Inspiring Journey from Doctor to Artist

    What if your next chapter is not a restart, but a metamorphosis? Dr. Vasundhara Tolia - physician, former pediatric gastroenterologist, and self-taught visual artist - shares how she turned a distinguished medical career into a second act built on creativity, resilience, and purpose.Host Dave Roberts sits down with Dr. Vasu to trace the path from India to Michigan, from pioneering pediatric gastroenterology to finding a new voice on canvas after medicine. Along the way, she reveals how the same skills that made her a strong clinician - observation, listening, empathy, and comfort with uncertainty - became the foundation of her art.You'll discover: Why practice and persistence matter more than innate talentHow a medical mindset shapes abstract and semi-abstract paintingThe meaning behind her mixed-media pieces, including Entangled and Twilight TidbitsHow she uses found objects, texture, acrylics, and symbolism to create emotionally layered workWhy she sees art as a form of healing, not just decorationDr. Vasu also opens up about the identity shift that comes with leaving a career that defined you, and how she rebuilt meaning without discarding the wisdom of everything that came before. Her story is a powerful reminder that reinvention does not require erasing your past - it asks you to build on it.They also explore the charitable mission behind her art, including her support for mental health awareness, trafficking survivors, women's empowerment, neurodivergent individuals, and environmental protection. She even shares how she donates 50% of original artwork sales to the charity chosen by the buyer.This episode is essential listening for physicians, artists, educators, caregivers, and anyone standing at the edge of a major life transition. If you need a reminder that creativity can renew purpose, and that your experience still belongs to you no matter how your life evolves, this conversation will stay with you. Dr Vasu's Bio and Contact Information Dr. Vasundhara (Vasu) Tolia is a physician and visual artist whose work bridges science and creativity. After a distinguished career as a tenured Professor and Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Wayne State University — where she established Michigan's first pediatric endoscopy unit and published over 150 peer-reviewed papers — she reinvented herself as a visual artist. Her artwork has been selected by The Washington Post as one of the nation's Top 20 COVID-era artworks, featured on the cover of the CDC's Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, and shown in numerous solo and juried exhibitions. She has contributed a chapter to the anthology Mastery Unleashed: Stories & Strategies to Unleash Your Potential, and her story has been featured on over 45 podcasts. Website: www.vasutolia.art Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vasundhara.tolia Instagram @toliavasu L inkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasundhara-tolia-79695a34/ Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: YXHDHQOKAYUGB5ZG, YF5RNCZOBCAXNDPU The Teaching Journeys Podcast can be found on your favorite podcast platforms.

    Dr Vasu Tolia's Inspiring Journey from Doctor to Artist

  2. 2d ago

    Live Fully, Die Ready- The Digital Legacy Conversation We Avoid

    Death does not have to be a family emergency. Niki Weiss, a digital thanatologist, shows why the smartest move you can make is to build your plan while life is good, everyone is of sound mind, and the paperwork is still manageable. If you think end-of-life planning is only about wills, this conversation will change the way you think about your phone, your passwords, your photos, your subscriptions, your bank accounts, and even your AI chats. Dave Roberts and Niki break down why we are the first generation to die with more digital assets than physical ones, and why that makes legacy planning more urgent than ever. You’ll discover: Why “digital hygiene” is now a real part of adultingThe legal, financial, physical, and digital pieces every family needs to organizeWhy a HIPAA release form matters the moment a child turns 18How legacy contacts on iPhone and Android can save your loved ones from court orders and chaosThe “intention-action gap” that keeps people from ever getting startedWhy different end-of-life scenarios require different playbooksNiki also explains how her company, Endevo, uses a “Final Playbook” to help people prepare for three very different paths: sudden death, terminal diagnosis, and long-term care. Along the way, she shares the real-world consequences of doing nothing, from probate headaches to family conflict to the emotional and financial cost of being unprepared. This episode is especially important if you’re a parent sending a child to college, managing a blended family, caring for aging relatives, or simply trying to make sure the people you love are not left with confusion when they need clarity most. About Niki Niki Weiss is a digital thanatologist and the creator of Endevo and the Digital Legacy Podcast, where she helps people and organizations face death and dying in the digital age with clarity, dignity, and intention. Contact Information LinkedIn: Niki Weiss Website: https://endevo.life Website: https://finalplaybook.com If you want to live fully and die ready, this is essential listening. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: VREUEHGU2PQTS8UY, SBYXWJSM1QWGEPF0

    Live Fully, Die Ready- The Digital Legacy Conversation We Avoid

  3. 5d ago

    The Hidden Costs of Keeping Quiet: What High Performers Aren't Saying

    What if your best performers are the ones most likely to quietly break your company? Jackie Roby reveals why "palatability culture" creates stalled leaders, hidden burnout, and the kind of polite silence that kills innovation, retention, and trust. Executive leadership advisor Jackie Roby and Teaching Journeys host Dave Roberts unpack the real cost of rewarding agreement over honesty, and why so many high achievers end up shrinking themselves just to stay safe at work. Jackie shares the personal and professional experiences that shaped her mission, from early workplace bullying to the family role that trained her to become the peacemaker. You’ll discover why insecure leadership turns teams into battlegrounds, how survival mode shows up as overworking, appeasing, and analysis paralysis, and why even your strongest people may not know how to rest. Jackie breaks down the difference between productivity and contribution, and explains how simple practices like pausing, naming what you feel, breathing, and writing for two minutes can create real change. They also explore the leadership traps that come with scaling businesses, why delegation often fails when founders can’t model healthy behavior, and how to introduce dissent without destroying collaboration. Dave adds sharp insight from his own leadership experience, making this a conversation that connects workplace psychology to practical, everyday management. Jackie also shares the story behind Inspired Journey Consulting, the thinking behind her upcoming book, Palatable, Profitable and Dying Inside, and the kind of culture she wants to help leaders build instead: one where people are trusted, heard, and able to contribute fully instead of just being agreeable. Essential listening for executives, founders, HR leaders, and anyone who knows the cost of a team that looks fine on the surface but is quietly running on empty. Jackie’s Bio and Contact Information Bio: Jackie Roby is an Executive Leadership Advisor and founder of Inspired Journey Consulting. She helps organizations spot the hidden cost of high performers who've learned to make everyone else comfortable instead of speaking up, and what that costs in retention and leadership pipeline. Her book, Palatable, Profitable, and Dying Inside, comes out this October. She chairs the Global Wellness Institute's Inclusive Wellness Initiative and has spoken internationally, from Dubai to Ibiza to Mexico. Website: https://inspiredjourneyconsulting.com/ Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredjourneyconsulting https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-roby/ The Teaching Journeys Podcast can be found on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: R0IFSLGYMMLGJNJR, TUOOAHKL1IZUZT4C

    The Hidden Costs of Keeping Quiet: What High Performers Aren't Saying

  4. Sep 23

    How Grief Shakes You Into Your True Purpose

    Grief can break you open - or become the force that rebuilds your life with more truth, purpose, and peace. Chris Mamone returns to share the raw, practical, and unexpectedly hopeful lessons that have emerged from his journey after the loss of his son Caden, and why he now sees grief not as something to “get over,” but as something that can transform you. Chris and host Dave Roberts go deep on the moments that change everything: how Chris turned pain into purpose through The Empowered Grief Journey: 23 Stories of Grief that Carved a New Path Forward, why surrounding yourself with the right people matters more than forcing your way back to “normal,” and how to recognize when grief is asking you to release what no longer serves you. They also unpack Chris’s “rules of engagement” for reclaiming life, including why not every relationship belongs on your path, why rejection can be redirection, and how to quiet the outside noise long enough to hear your own inner voice again. You’ll discover: Why Chris believes grief is a brutal but beautiful teacherHow an anthology of 23 grief stories became a powerful healing toolWhat “redirection is repurpose” really means in real lifeWhy support circles change as you heal, and why that’s okayHow to move from fear and self-blame into gratitude, presence, and contributionDave and Chris also talk candidly about surrender, spiritual perspective, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward after unimaginable loss. Chris shares what changed for him when the heavy weight of grief finally lifted, and how that shift helped him see Caden not only as a loss, but as a lasting source of meaning, guidance, and growth.Essential listening if you’re navigating child loss, miscarriage, trauma, or any season where life feels shattered and you need proof that healing is possible without pretending the pain never happened. Chris’s Bio and Contact Information Chris Mamone is an acceptance coach, the founder of My Becoming Path Coaching Practice and Podcast, and the author of The Empowered Grief Journey. He helps people move from pain into hope, self-acceptance, and personal power through grief so they can create an inspiring future grounded in healing, truth, and purpose. He is also the host of The Empowered Grief Journey Coaching Practice and Podcast, which can be found on your favorite podcast platforms.. Relevant Links Facebook: Chris Mamone Website: MyBecomingPath.com Email: mybecomingpath@gmail.com Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: PQIGXIAM7JG2WZRW, 8BAAISDHCS84UYWM The Teaching Journeys Podcast can be found on your favorite podcast platforms

    How Grief Shakes You Into Your True Purpose

  5. Sep 21

    How Serendipity and Music Combined to Create a Life-Changing Epilepsy Charity

    A charity can become a movement when it’s built on love, music, and one unforgettable mission. Mike Gomoll shares how Joey's Song turned personal loss into a one-of-a-kind live music event that raises epilepsy awareness while creating moments you cannot hear anywhere else.Mike’s story starts long before the stage lights. From his years in IBM management to the college music scene that shaped his connections, he explains how a series of small, unexpected choices eventually led to a fundraising platform honoring his son Joey, who lived with Dravet syndrome. What began as an idea for compilation CDs evolved into a live, all-covers celebration powered by some of the most respected names in music.You’ll discover: How Joey's Song grew from a simple fundraising concept into a must-see annual event in MadisonWhy Butch Vig became a key creative force and musical directorThe “world’s greatest live jukebox” formula that brings artists together for unpredictable, once-in-a-lifetime performancesHow the event quietly educates first-time attendees about epilepsy while keeping the night fun, communal, and unforgettableWhy music became both a tribute to Joey and a vehicle for healing, awareness, and actionMike also opens up about Joey’s life, the family’s grief, and the deeply human reality behind the mission. He explains what a cure for epilepsy would actually mean for parents and caregivers, and why even small acts of support matter when you’re trying to change the future for families facing devastating diagnoses.If you care about music, grief, purpose, or the power of community to turn pain into impact, this conversation will stay with you. Essential listening for anyone who believes one person, one song, and one idea can still change lives. Mike’s Bio and Contact Information Bio : Mike Gomoll lives in Sun Prairie, WI, with his wife, Nory, and their 3 dogs. His children, Julia (26) and Sam (24), live within 30 minutes. Mike spent most of his professional life with IBM in a series of management roles before retiring in 2017. He now spends full-time managing and building Joey's Song with the hope of soon finding more effective treatments and cures for epilepsy. Contact Information Website: (joeyssong.org) All Social media platforms: @JoeysSong Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: GMAGNTHKCKYVOBCJ, DLRYDXS1CNO25ASR

    How Serendipity and Music Combined to Create a Life-Changing Epilepsy Charity

  6. Sep 17

    The Secret to Giving Patients a Voice That Researchers Can’t Ignore

    In this episode, Wes Michael shares the story behind founding Rare Patient Voice, how it connects patients with researchers, and the future of patient-centered healthcare. Discover how patient voices are shaping medical research and treatment development. You will further discover: The origin story of Rare Patient VoiceHow patient panels are built and used in researchThe importance of listening to diverse patient voicesFuture directions for global patient engagementThe role of technology and social media in patient recruitmentChallenges and frustrations in patient research participationThe impact of patient feedback on drug developmentThe importance of inclusivity in patient researchWes Michael's personal motivation and experiencesThe merger with Konovo and future growth plansWes' Bio and Contact Information Wes Michael founded Rare Patient Voice (RPV) in 2013 to give patients and family caregivers the opportunity to voice their opinions through taking part in all types of research studies. Rare Patient Voice has now recruited for thousands of studies and rewarded patients and family caregivers with over $18 million for their participation. Many have been recruited in person by Wes and his team at patient events and through a robust referral program with patient advocacy and support groups. Rare Patient Voice now covers over 1,500 rare and non-rare diseases and conditions and has expanded from the United States to Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2026, RPV was acquired by Konovo, a healthcare technology and insights company. Before launching Rare Patient Voice, Wes worked for healthcare market research firm Kantar Health. He previously was a brand manager and market research manager at McCormick (the spice company) and General Mills (working on Wheaties, Total and Kix cereals). He has a BA from the University of Pennsylvania (with a year at Edinburgh University) and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Resources and Contact Information Rare Patient Voice Website - https://www.rarepatientvoice.com Canovo Healthcare Technology - https://www.canovo.com LinkedIn Profile of Wes Michael - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-michael Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: IE3W9VWQQUJHTJDD, ETWVEZXCQD6DDZUL The Teaching Journeys Podcast is on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms.

    The Secret to Giving Patients a Voice That Researchers Can’t Ignore

  7. Sep 14

    The Shocking Truth About Filicide You Never Knew Existed

    Alec and Lydia’s story changed everything. Hope Hooten shares the heartbreaking truth behind filicide, the warning signs families and courts miss, and how she turned unimaginable loss into a nationwide fight to protect children. Hope and host Dave Roberts go far beyond grief. They break down what filicide actually is, why coercive control and domestic violence are often fatal warning signs, and how a single system failure can cost lives. Hope also reveals the personal and policy work behind the Alec and Lydia Act, the Arizona law named for her children that now requires courts to take abuse allegations seriously and puts child safety at the center of family court decisions. You’ll discover: Why filicide is more common than most people realizeThe lethality risk markers that can signal danger before tragedy strikesHow coercive control shows up in real relationships and why it is so often ignoredWhat changed with the Alec and Lydia Act and why it matters beyond ArizonaHow Hope’s bestselling memoir, There’s Still Hope, turns pain into purposeWhy her podcast, Voices Against Filicide, is giving families, advocates, and legislators a place to be heardHope also opens up about Alec and Lydia as children, the devastating day she lost them, and the layered grief of losing both her kids and her parents within a few years. Through it all, she stays rooted in faith, community, and the belief that healing is possible without erasing the truth. Essential listening if you care about child safety, domestic violence prevention, family court reform, or the kind of resilience that becomes action. Hope’s Bio and Contact Information Hope Hooton is a Podcast Host, Child Safety Advocate, Author, and Public Speaker dedicated to protecting children and reforming family court systems across the United States. She is the founder and host of the Voices Against Filicide podcast, where she amplifies the voices of families impacted by filicide and raises national awareness to prevent these devastating crimes. After the tragic loss of her two children, Alec and Lydia Mater, in an act of filicide in May 2024 in Arizona, Hope turned her grief into purpose. She has become a leading advocate for child safety, working to expose critical failures within family court systems and push for meaningful legislative reform. Hope is the driving force behind The Alec and Lydia Act (HB2995). Signed into law in Arizona by Governor Katie Hobbs on June 22, 2026, this landmark Arizona legislation fundamentally overhauls child custody standards by prioritizing child safety, explicitly defining coercive control as domestic violence, and restricting unsupervised visitation for abusive parents. She is also the author of the #1 bestselling memoir, There’s Still Hope: A Journey of Adversity, Tragedy, and Unshakable Faith, which has reached #1 bestseller status in multiple categories across the United States and over five countries internationally. Official Websites & Resources: Website: Voices Against Filicide Linktree: Hope in the Pain Linktree Podcast: Voices Against Filicide is available on your favorite platforms. Connect on Social (Hope in The Pain): Instagram: @hope_in_the_pain TikTok: @hope.in.the.pain YouTube: @Hopeinthepain There's Still Hope by Hope Hooten - https://amazon.com/hope-hooten-theres-still-hope Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: LIGM9VMGTWDSRTYT, 4MSLCUQHF9ZWP9LD

    The Shocking Truth About Filicide You Never Knew Existed

  8. Sep 10

    Why Moving Away From Material Things Can Accelerate Emotional Recovery

    In this episode, Sylvia Wolfler shares her journey of grief, her passion for travel and minimalism, and how different cultures influence her approach to healing and life after loss. This episode explores the intersection of neuroscience, mindfulness, and cultural practices in transforming grief into growth. Key Topics Sylvia's journey through grief and travelThe influence of family and cultural history on seeking new experiencesTravel as a means of gaining control and coping with lossThe role of mindfulness and cultural rituals in healingThe concept of liminality and crossroads in griefThe importance of community and support systems in resilienceMinimalism and detachment as paths to freedom and clarityThe cycle of life and death in nature and cultureThe impact of different cultural perspectives on death and grievingTools and practices for navigating grief and transformationNotable Quotes "Travel gave me a sense of control over major changes in my life" "Travel helps reconnect us to life and to other people" "Holding on to permanence can lead to suffering" Sylvia's Bio and Contact Information Sylvia Wolfer is a grief coach working at the intersection of neuroscience, mindfulness, and movement. Her work is shaped by both professional training and lived experience, having lost both parents and two brothers over the course of her life. After years of trying to “move forward” through grief using conventional approaches, it was the science of the brain and body that gave her a different kind of understanding — one that helped her regain a sense of stability and agency when everything felt disorienting. Alongside this, her long-standing practice of Pilates became a powerful anchor, helping her reconnect with her body and find a sense of steadiness from within. Today, Sylvia helps people who are outwardly functioning but internally struggling after loss to understand what grief is doing to their brain and nervous system, and to regain agency and rebuild capacity. Her work combines research-backed insights with a deeply human approach, offering digital courses, 1:1 support, and guided practices that meet people where they are. Links Website: https://sylviawolfer.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/_sylvia_wolfer_grief_support/ Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviawolfer/ Reach out to Sylvia for coaching or learn more about how these philosophies can support your healing journey. Links to Ep 256 : https://rss.com/podcasts/theteachingjourneys/2739784/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU3GMFx3AAE Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: EOBSMWUJQL22KP5V The Teaching Journeys Podcast can be found on your favorite podcast platforms.

    Why Moving Away From Material Things Can Accelerate Emotional Recovery
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5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Dave Roberts ,MSW, LMSW is an adjunct professor of psychology child life at Utica University, an author a bereavement support specialist, and a parent who experienced the death of an adult child on March 1,2003. He was inspired to create The Teaching Journeys Podcast by two of his former Utica University students. Dave strives to have meaningful conversations with individuals , young and old, whose life journeys, life skills and challenges ,can teach us about addressing our own challenges. It is Dave's hope that the teachings from these conversations live on in future generations. Weekly episodes have featured guests from all walks of life, with diverse experiences and life skills to share . Dave hopes that his guests ‘experiences resonate with all who listen, both young and old. We are all students and teachers...... let's learn from each other. To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Roberts
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    317
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Teaching Journeys Podcast 2023
  • Show Website
    The Teaching Journeys Podcast

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