The Book That Changed Me

Richard

Every reader has one: the book that cracked something open. On "The Book That Changed Me," host Richard Dedor sits down with writers, artists, founders, and philanthropists to hear about the book that reshaped them; the line they underlined, the year they found it, the thing it changed. From there the conversation opens up into life, doubt, dreams, and what they're still chasing. Richard is the author of three books, a TEDx speaker, a marathoner, and a marketing executive with two decades of storytelling behind him. Bring your library card.

Episodes

  1. Oct 21

    Navigating Life's Obstacles: Whitney Anderson

    From CEO on a Friday to paralyzed in a hospital bed by Monday is not on anyone’s plans when the weekend rolls around. In this episode, we dive deep into the remarkable journey of Whitney Anderson, a woman who climbed the corporate ladder to become a CEO of a credit union, only to face life’s unexpected challenges that reshaped her path. Whitney’s career has spanned various fields, from credit unions to consumer packaged goods, but the pursuit of success often came at a personal cost. As she candidly shares, "We all know someone in our lives who is type A go, go, go, reaching for the mountaintop over and over again." In her story, Whitney emphasizes the importance of self-care amidst the relentless chase for professional achievements. Life can change in an instant, and Whitney's experience is a testament to that truth. She reflects on how her upbringing and career shaped her resilience and ability to navigate through tough times. "It's true that we often don't know how our lives or our careers are gonna turn out... You don't know the opportunities that are going to present themselves or the obstacles that are going to try to get in your way." Join us as Whitney shares the book that changed her; one that helped shape her view of the world even as she lay stuck in the hospital.  Her memoir, **She Walked Anyway**, chronicles her journey of overcoming significant obstacles and finding strength in vulnerability. Whitney’s insights serve as a powerful reminder that it’s not just about the challenges we face, but how we respond to them that truly defines our paths. Toward the end of our conversation, Whitney offers invaluable advice for parents, especially those raising daughters. Her words resonate deeply: "...it's how we respond to those circumstances that makes all the difference in the world." This perspective is not only inspiring but also practical for nurturing the next generation. Whitney’s story is a blend of struggle, triumph, and the understanding that life does not always go as planned — yet, it’s how we navigate these twists and turns that shapes our true legacy. Books Mentioned in this Show Outliers She Walked Anyway Subscribe to Whitney’s Newsletter https://www.andersongrowthadvisors.com/subscribe/  Follow Us ⁠Verso on YouTube⁠ ⁠Verso on Instagram⁠ ⁠Verso on BlueSky⁠ ⁠Verso on Twitter⁠ Disclosure: The links on this page are affiliate links. As such, we will earn affiliate income if you should purchase as a result of these links.

    Navigating Life's Obstacles: Whitney Anderson
  2. Oct 7

    Reading Between the Lines: Kim Orr McCoy

    We all know someone who seems to devour books at an astonishing rate. For me (Richard) that person is Kim, whose passion for reading has led her to explore profound themes through literature. In today’s conversation, we dive deep into the book that changed Kim’s life: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. In our conversation, Kim recalls her first encounter with this literary classic during her tenth-grade English class. Initially, it was just another book to get through until her teacher challenged her to think critically about the characters. This pivotal moment ignited a deeper appreciation for storytelling that has persisted through the years. Kim reflects: "It made me think about more about the book than what I had. And it stuck with me... I can pick up on different things during different phases of my life and think about it and apply it to what's happening now." Growing up in Boone, Iowa, Kim found that the experiences in the book were both unfamiliar and eye-opening. It’s clear that literature is more than just a pastime; it’s a tool for empathy, understanding, and empowerment. Books have the power to transport us, challenge us, and change us; reminding us that being uncomfortable can lead to profound insights. Books Mentioned in this Show: To Kill a Mockingbird 1984 The Lion Women of Tehran The Women of Platform Two Follow Us Verso on YouTube Verso on Instagram Verso on BlueSky Verso on Twitter Disclosure: The links on this page are affiliate links. As such, we will earn affiliate income if you should purchase as a result of these links.

    Reading Between the Lines: Kim Orr McCoy
  3. Sep 23

    Love Will Survive: Hugh & Neal

    At the heart of the COVID pandemic, a remarkable book emerged: LOVING, a photographic history of men in love from the 1850s to the 1950s. As we all navigated the challenges of isolation and loss, this collection offered a poignant reminder of universal love and acceptance. Today, we dive into the stories shared by Hugh and Neal, the creators behind this heartfelt work. It was a chance purchase by Hugh & Neal that birthed LOVING, and since that day, they have been quietly collecting and protecting over 4,000 photos depicting men in love; capturing history, compassion, affection, and love between men. Hugh & Neal describe the books that changed them, including their own, and the story they uncovered by chance of two of the men in the first book. It is a weaving story that takes us all the way to Dachau Concentration Camp and back to the U.S. and a nephew holding a shoebox of history. The story of John & Dariel is intertwined with historical events, as they were part of the Rainbow Division during World War II, liberating the Dachau Concentration Camp. This division had a rich legacy, and John and Dariel's relationship is a testament to love's endurance amidst turmoil. The response to LOVING has been profound. Readers have reached out to share how the book has changed their lives, prompting them to embrace their own relationships and histories. Another reader, reflecting on the beauty and significance of the images, shared, "I just sat in the dark and cried... it changed the way my outlook now."  Hugh and Neal's work has transcended mere photography; it has become a bridge connecting past and present, igniting conversations about love, acceptance, and the shared human experience. In closing, Hugh reminds us, "We've been around forever... and have been accepted." This legacy of love, captured in photographs, continues to inspire and resonate with many. Poem On Love, by Kathie Gibran: “Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself. Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; For love is sufficient unto love.”  Follow LOVING on Instagram Purchase LOVING at Bookshop.org Verso on Instagram Verso on BlueSky Verso on Twitter Disclosure: The links on this page are affiliate links. As such, we will earn affiliate income if you should purchase as a result of these links. Hugh & Neal photo by Bill Westmoreland.

    Love Will Survive: Hugh & Neal

About

Every reader has one: the book that cracked something open. On "The Book That Changed Me," host Richard Dedor sits down with writers, artists, founders, and philanthropists to hear about the book that reshaped them; the line they underlined, the year they found it, the thing it changed. From there the conversation opens up into life, doubt, dreams, and what they're still chasing. Richard is the author of three books, a TEDx speaker, a marathoner, and a marketing executive with two decades of storytelling behind him. Bring your library card.