Impossible Dreams

Impossible Dreams Media
  • 5.0 (15)
  • SPIRITUALITY

What does it mean to keep dreaming when the world says it’s “impossible”? That’s the question at the heart of Impossible Dreams, hosted by Broadway star and Grammy-nominated artist Aaron Lazar. After an ALS diagnosis in 2022, Aaron set out to heal himself proving nothing is impossible. Now in a new video podcast, Aaron sits down with trailblazers, legends, and dreamers to Inspire us to live our impossible dreams, no matter the adversity we face. These aren’t just interviews, they’re roadmaps for living a bigger, braver life. Season one guests include: Mark Cuban, Kristin Chenoweth, Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor, Gabby Reece, Andrew Rannells, Sara Bareilles, and more.

  1. 6D AGO

    David Perpich: Disney Dreams to The New York Times | Episode 16

    In this deeply personal episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with his lifelong friend David Perpich—Vice Chairman of the Board of The New York Times and Publisher of The Athletic. From their Duke fraternity days to sharing a roach-free New York apartment (thanks to strategically placed tissues), Aaron and David's three-decade friendship provides the backdrop for a candid conversation about legacy, leadership, and the courage to choose your own path. This conversation is both intimate and illuminating. David opens up about growing up as fifth-generation New York Times family while his dad's side had no running water, surviving a car accident the day before his bar mitzvah trip to Disney World (his 13-year-old dream was to own the place), and the pivotal moment when he chose to stay at the Times rather than default into it. He shares the remarkable story of sending an unsolicited email to his cousin proposing a digital subscription model—an idea that would transform the newspaper industry—and the lessons learned from leading acquisitions like Wordle and Wirecutter. David's impossible dream shines brightest when he talks about leadership as service—surrounding yourself with talented people, maintaining editorial integrity over short-term profits, and finding meaning in work that matters. His philosophy that "it's important that people choose to commit versus default to commit" serves as a rallying cry for anyone navigating family expectations, or simply trying to prove they're worthy of the opportunities they've been given. Guest Bio: David Perpich is Vice Chairman of the Board of The New York Times Company and Publisher of The Athletic. A fifth-generation member of the Sulzberger-Ochs family, David has been instrumental in transforming The Times into a digital-first subscription business. He led the operational launch of the company's groundbreaking digital subscription model in 2011, created the New Products division that launched NYT Games and NYT Cooking, and helped bring Wordle to millions of daily players. David previously served as General Manager of Wirecutter following its acquisition by The Times. He holds a degree in Public Policy from Duke University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Before joining The Times, David worked in consulting at Booz & Company and founded a small business in Durham, North Carolina. Learn more about David Perpich: The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-perpich ✨ LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network: https://www.alsnetwork.org Produced by EVRYBDY Studios: https://www.evrybdystudios.com Learn more at https://www.aaronlazar.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impossibledreamspodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ALImpossibleDreams Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/impossible-dreams Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/impossibledreams Merch: https://impossibledreamshop.myshopify.com Episode Navigation: 1. 00:48 - Opening welcome and intro 2. 02:35 - Roommates in New York: The roach motel and tissue paper story 3. 05:39 - Fifth-generation New York Times legacy 4. 06:56 - Bar mitzvah dream: "I'm going to own Disney World" 5. 08:16 - Uncle Rudy: Governor of Minnesota 6. 10:52 - "Am I worthy of this opportunity?" 7. 14:11 - Pressure and inner demons: The drive to be perfect 8. 21:15 - The email that changed everything: Proposing the digital subscription model 9. 27:29 - Launching the subscription business against doubters 10. 29:46 - Creating NYT Games, Cooking, and the New Products division 11. 33:43 - Bringing Wordle to The New York Times 12. 36:35 - Wirecutter acquisition and leadership lessons 13. 37:08 - The family...

    1h 9m

  2. JAN 27

    Adam Glass: From Harley Quinn to Setting Yourself Free

    What if the key to unlocking your creative potential isn't knowing the right people, but knowing who you are? In this powerful episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Adam Glass—Emmy-nominated television showrunner, New York Times bestselling comic book writer, and the man who put Harley Quinn in the Suicide Squad. From the Bronx to Hollywood, from meeting his biological father through a Plexiglas window in a Georgia State Penitentiary to running writers' rooms on some of television's biggest shows, Adam's story is a masterclass in resilience, self-belief, and the power of knowing exactly who you are. This conversation is both raw and profoundly inspiring. Adam opens up about discovering at age 13 that everything he thought he knew about his identity was wrong, being adopted by a neighbor who became his father, and the pivotal moment at age 12 when he realized he was "on his own" and would have to trust himself. He shares hard-won wisdom from decades in Hollywood's trenches—from writing for Supernatural and showrunning The Equalizer with Queen Latifah, to co-founding a horror comics imprint with The Boys creator Garth Ennis. Adam's impossible dream shines brightest when he talks about leadership as love—knowing every crew member's name, giving credit where it's due, and creating environments where artists can thrive. His philosophy of "once you know who you are, it sets you free" serves as a rallying cry for anyone navigating an industry built on rejection, or simply trying to find their authentic voice in a world of noise. Guest Bio: Adam Glass is a television showrunner, executive producer, and New York Times bestselling comic book writer. He has written and produced for acclaimed series including Supernatural, Cold Case, Criminal Minds, The Chi, and served as co-showrunner of CBS's hit drama The Equalizer alongside Queen Latifah. Adam created and showran the Netflix series In From The Cold. In comics, he is best known for his groundbreaking run on DC's Suicide Squad, where he introduced Harley Quinn to the team—a decision that helped spawn a billion-dollar franchise. His work spans Marvel's Deadpool and Luke Cage to creator-owned titles like Rough Riders. Adam is a co-founder of Ninth Circle, a horror comics imprint at Image Comics alongside Garth Ennis (The Boys) and other industry legends. Learn more about Adam Glass: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1380122/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamianglass X: https://twitter.com/adamglass44 Ninth Circle Comics: https://imagecomics.com/creators/adam-glass LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUTh Spotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1 Impossible Dream Merch - a...

    1h 14m

  3. JAN 20

    Montel Williams: Scoring in the Last Quarter

    What if the most profound lessons about living don’t just come from adversity and life’scurve balls, but from transforming these experiences into legendary purpose? In this powerful episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Montel William—Emmy Award-winning television host, decorated Naval Academy graduate, advocate, author, and MS warrior who has been living with multiple sclerosis for over 45 years. This conversation goes far beyond celebrity and illness; it's a masterclass in resilience, critical thinking, and the courage to question everything while fighting for what matters most.This conversation is both honest and profoundly hopeful. Montel opens up about his decades-long journey with MS, from misdiagnosis to advocacy, from powerlifting to a devastating stroke, and from near-death experiences to finding beauty in the smallest moments. He challenges the medical establishment, questions Big Pharma's motives, and shares the hard-won wisdom that comes from facing mortality multiple times. Montel's impossible dream shines brightest when he talks about being in the "last quarter" of life—not with despair, but with fierce determination to score a touchdown in the final seconds. His philosophy of "I alone own the definition of who I am" serves as a rallying cry for anyone facing chronic illness, uncertainty, or the pressure to conform to someone else's narrative about their life. Guest Bio: Montel Williams is an Emmy Award-winning television personality, decorated U.S. Naval Academy graduate, advocate, and author. For 17 years, he hosted "The Montel Williams Show," becoming a household name and trusted voice on issues ranging from social justice to health advocacy. A former Marine and Naval intelligence officer, Montel has lived with multiple sclerosis for over 45 years and has become one of the most vocal advocates for MS research, patient rights, and medical cannabis. He is the author of multiple books, including "Climbing Higher" and "The Intrepid: An Epic Story of Survival and Bravery," and hosts the podcasts "Free Thinking with Montel" and "Let's Be Blunt."Learn more about Montel Williams: Official Website: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/gKUdfK Instagram: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/OzZUoZ Podcasts: Free Thinking with Montel & Let's Be Blunt LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUTh Spotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1 Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSe Episode Navigation: 00:47 - Opening welcome and intro 02:35 - "Get busy living or get busy dying" 05:53 - Big Pharma reality...

    1h 9m

  4. JAN 13

    Sara Bareilles: Truth, Vulnerability, and the Magic of Music | Episode 13

    What if the most powerful art comes not from performance, but from radical truth-telling and allowing yourself to be a vessel for something greater? In this soul-stirring episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with the extraordinary Sara Bareilles—Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Tony and Emmy-nominated actress, and creator of the beloved musical Waitress. Sara joins from a place of deep reflection, having recently delivered the commencement speech at her alma mater UCLA, where she spoke about embracing the "both/and" nature of life—the glorious and the awful, the joy and the fear, all existing simultaneously. This conversation is both intimately personal and universally resonant. Sara opens up about her lifelong allergy to anything inauthentic, her belief that music is her church and that she's simply a vessel translating divine particles into song. She shares her journey with anxiety, the transformative power of meditation and therapy, and why she's no longer interested in brand-building—only in genuine connection and being of service. Sara's impossible dream shines brightest when she talks about surrendering to life's flow, recognizing that resistance only amplifies suffering, and trusting that even our most painful experiences carry profound lessons. This episode is for anyone navigating anxiety, loss, creative blocks, or the fundamental human challenge of showing up authentically in a world that constantly asks us to perform. Guest Bio: Sara Bareilles is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Tony and Emmy-nominated actress, and New York Times bestselling author. Best known for her chart-topping hits including "Love Song," "Brave," and "Gravity," Sara has sold millions of albums worldwide and earned critical acclaim for her honest, emotionally resonant songwriting. She made her Broadway debut in 2016 when she composed the music and lyrics for Waitress, which became a cultural phenomenon and earned her a Tony nomination for Best Original Score. She later stepped into the lead role, showcasing her remarkable acting talents. Sara has also starred in Broadway's Into the Woods, earned an Emmy nomination for her performance as Mary Magdalene in NBC's Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, and published the bestselling memoir Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song. A graduate of UCLA, Sara recently returned to deliver the 2024 commencement address. She continues to create music that serves as medicine for millions, believing deeply that art is about connection, truth-telling, and being of service. Learn more about Sara Bareilles: Official Website: https://www.sarabareilles.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarabareilles Waitress the Musical: https://waitressthemusical.com LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network Produced by EVRYBDY Studios Learn more at aaronlazar.com Instagram: @impossibledreamspodcast YouTube: @ALImpossibleDreams Apple: Impossible Dreams Podcast Spotify: a...

    47 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    ALS Hope and Healing - A Conversation About Medicine, AI, Patient Care and More | Special Holiday Episode

    What if, for once, a conversation about ALS didn’t begin with despair—but with hope? This holiday season, host Aaron Lazar invites listeners into a radically different kind of dialogue: one grounded not in fear, but in possibility. The ALS community is too often met with messages of limitation and inevitability. In this special episode, we turn that narrative on its head. Joining Aaron are three extraordinary individuals— CEO of the ALS network Sheri Strahl, head of the ALS clinic at Duke university Dr. Rick Bedlack, and chief data scientist for PCCI Albert Karam—who each bring a voice of courage, compassion, and conviction. Together, they illuminate what’s possible when advocacy, clinical wisdom, and human connection come together in service of healing. This conversation lifts up the stories, insights, and lived experiences that inspire strength. Sheri shares how the ALS Network supports families with unwavering dedication. Dr. Bedlack reflects on decades of caring for patients with an open heart and an open mind. Albert speaks to the power of innovation and imagination when seeking answers that bring genuine hope to the community. This episode is a reminder that while ALS is daunting, the people living with it—and those standing beside them—are even more powerful. Their stories reveal pathways to resilience, connection, and possibility. This is a conversation for anyone who needs to hear that light still breaks through, even in the hardest moments. This holiday, we offer a gift: a space where hope leads the way. About the Guests: Sheri Strahl is President and CEO of the ALS Network, one of the nation's largest ALS advocacy organizations. With a background in public health and business, she leads through three mission pillars: comprehensive care coordination, groundbreaking research partnerships, and tireless policy advocacy. Under her leadership, the ALS Network doesn't just support families—they're actively working to solve ALS. Dr. Rick Bedlack is a neurologist at Duke University who has dedicated 28 years to transforming ALS care and research. He pioneered a radical approach: partnering with patients as equals in research. Today, he leads ALS Untangled and studies ALS outliers—patients doing extraordinarily well—to identify three key factors that could transform outcomes for everyone. Albert Karam is Chief Information Officer at the Center for Clinical Innovation, a nonprofit think tank specializing in machine learning and artificial intelligence. As a mathematician and data scientist, Albert develops AI solutions that look beyond medical records to understand the whole person—combining clinical data with social determinants of health to reveal patterns invisible to traditional research. Connect: ALS Network Official Website Become an ALS Advocate Duke ALS Clinic ALS Untangled - Alternative Treatment Research LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe to Impossible Dreams Podcast. Listen, believe, and transform your life. Presented by The ALS Network Produced by EVRYBDY Studios Host: Aaron Lazar Instagram: a href="https://www.instagram.com/impossibledreamspodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 3m

  6. 12/16/2025

    Matt Dawson on Dark Depression to 6x World Record Holder | Episode 11

    The Banker Who Nearly Ended His Life—and the Buddhist Temple That Saved It Before he became a world-record-breaking endurance athlete, Matt Dawson was a wealthy New York investment banker silently falling apart. Despite the cars, the clubs, and the money, he woke up every morning wanting his life to end. Depression took over. Success meant nothing. And one night, Matt reached a breaking point: he truly believed the world would be better without him. Instead of ending his life, he made one desperate choice—to run toward something bigger than himself. He flew to Nepal with no plan except survival. At the base of Mount Everest, inside a small Buddhist temple, Matt experienced the moment that shattered his old identity and pulled him back into life. That spiritual awakening became the turning point that led him from self-destruction to service. Now, Matt holds six World Records, has rowed solo across the Atlantic, climbed Everest, skied to the South Pole, and created Dawson’s Peak Foundation—donating 100% of net proceeds to Hope for the Warriors and the Gary Sinise Foundation. Matt’s journey is proof that the human spirit can rise from absolute darkness and become a force of unstoppable good. Connect with Matt Dawson: Dawson's Peak Foundation Official Website Matt Dawson on Instagram Hope for the Warriors - Veteran Support Gary Sinise Foundation - Military Veterans LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Listen, believe, and transform your life. Presented by The ALS Network Produced by EVRYBDY Studios Host: Aaron Lazar Instagram: @impossibledreamspodcast YouTube: @ALImpossibleDreams Listen on Apple Podcasts: Impossible Dreams Listen on Spotify: Impossible Dreams Shop Merch: Impossible Dreams Store Episode Navigation: 03:22 - How Matt Dawson set 6 World Records for endurance athletics 09:35 - Dawson's Peak Foundation mission: Supporting military veterans through Hope for the Warriors and Gary Sinise Foundation 16:30 - Understanding the difference between profession and purpose in life 17:07 - Breaking free from autopilot: How 95% of your identity becomes programmed by age 35 19:08 - The hidden darkness behind professional success and material wealth 20:28 - Matt's turning point: "Check in or check out" - confronting suicidal thoughts and choosing transformation 23:31 - Solo spiritual pilgrimage to Nepal and Everest Base Camp as life-saving journey 24:33 - Why this Nepal trek was Matt's last-ditch effort to save his own life 25:45 - Moving from head to heart: Transitioning from analytical thinking to embodied awareness 41:27 - Using personal transformation to help others overcome depression, pain, and darkness

    1h 22m

  7. 12/09/2025

    Rebecca Rosen: The Psychic Medium Who Demands Proof | Episode 10

    What if the voice that guided you through your darkest depression came from a grandmother you barely knew—who had been dead for nearly a decade? What if that voice opened a door to an entirely different dimension of existence, one that would transform your life and help thousands of others find peace? In this profoundly moving episode of Impossible Dreams, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Rebecca Rosen—internationally renowned psychic medium, bestselling author, and one of the most gifted spiritual practitioners of our generation. From her skeptical beginnings as a college student in Gainesville, Florida to becoming a trusted guide for people seeking connection with loved ones who have passed, Rebecca shares a journey that began with automatic writing in a bookstore and evolved into a 25-year calling of service. Rosen explains how her dead grandmother—a woman who took her own life when Rebecca was just ten years old—reached across the veil to help her granddaughter heal from depression, offering specific evidence that left even Rebecca's skeptical father speechless. She talks about the difference between psychics and mediums, and how she spent years demanding proof before finally accepting her extraordinary ability to communicate with discarded beings. But this episode is about more than just Rebecca's story. It's about the universal truths she's learned from spirit—that we are all enough simply for being born, and that the only thing that transcends this physical experience is love. Rebecca offers profound insight into Aaron's journey with ALS, explaining root issues, calling energy back from the future, and the importance of healing not just for ourselves but for generations to come. This conversation is raw and transformative. It's for anyone who has ever questioned their worth despite their success, or anyone who needs a reminder that miracles happen when we get out of our own way and align with our Higher Self. Guest Bio: Rebecca Rosen is an internationally renowned psychic medium, bestselling author, and spiritual teacher who has spent 25 years helping people connect with loved ones who have passed and find healing through divine guidance. Her work bridges the physical and spiritual realms, offering evidence-based readings that provide comfort, clarity, and validation to thousands of clients. Rebecca is the author of multiple books including "Spirited," where she explores root issues and universal spiritual truths. She hosts the podcast "Small Medium at Large" and is known for her compassionate, authentic approach to mediumship—one that honors both the skeptics and the believers. With her gift, Rebecca helps people understand that we are all connected to something greater and that love is the only thing that truly matters. Learn more about Rebecca Rosen: Official Website: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/wq0G0e Instagram: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/9wAuPL Small Medium at Large Podcast: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/T8a8lU LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple...

    1h 20m

  8. 12/02/2025

    Josh Groban: The Voice Behind The Voice | Episode 9

    In this deeply intimate episode of Impossible Dreams, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Josh Groban-the multi-platinum recording artist, Broadway star, and one of the most beloved voices of a generation. From standing on stage with Celine Dion at just 17 years old to selling millions of albums while battling impostor syndrome, Josh opens up about a journey that was anything but what it appeared from the outside. This conversation reveals the real Josh Groban. He shares why he felt like a "complete fraud" for the first ten years of his career, performing by "the skin of my teeth" while terrified someone would discover he didn't belong. He talks about being plucked from obscurity at such a young age that he missed those crucial formative years of failure, friendship, and figuring it out in private-years he's now jealous of other artists for having. But this episode is about more than just Josh's story. It's about the moment when The Impossible Dream-a song Josh had reimagined years ago-became the anthem for Aaron's album and his battle with ALS. Josh explains why he said yes immediately when asked to contribute, what it means to be of service through music, and why at 44, he's still dreaming impossible dreams: from writing for film and television to conquering his fear of creating without the security blanket of his voice. This conversation is raw, funny, healing, and inspiring. It's for anyone who has ever felt like a fraud despite their success, anyone who's wondered if they missed their shot, or anyone who needs a reminder that it's never too late to dream something new. Guest Bio: Josh Groban is a multi-platinum recording artist, actor, and one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. Since bursting onto the scene at age 17, Josh has sold millions of albums, performed on the world's biggest stages, and established himself as both a classical crossover phenomenon and a Broadway star. Beyond his musical accomplishments, Josh is known for his philanthropy, his genuine connection with fans, and his willingness to use his platform for meaningful causes. Josh founded the Find Your Light Foundation dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience quality arts education. His reimagined arrangement of The Impossible Dream has become a modern classic, inspiring countless performers-including Aaron Lazar-to bring new life to this timeless anthem of hope and perseverance. Learn more about Josh Groban: Official Website: joshgroban.com Find Your Light Foundation: https://fylf.org Instagram: @joshgroban YouTube: @JoshGroban LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network Produced by EVRYBDY Studios Learn more at aaronlazar.com Instagram: @impossibledreamspodcast YouTube: @ALImpossibleDreams Apple: Impossible Dreams Podcast Spotify: a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/579EEV9xHApGUIY0N2bIJc?si=5c7cb5a1ca644624&nd=1&dlsi=67a05db0cf0447ba" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 37m
See All (17)

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

What does it mean to keep dreaming when the world says it’s “impossible”? That’s the question at the heart of Impossible Dreams, hosted by Broadway star and Grammy-nominated artist Aaron Lazar. After an ALS diagnosis in 2022, Aaron set out to heal himself proving nothing is impossible. Now in a new video podcast, Aaron sits down with trailblazers, legends, and dreamers to Inspire us to live our impossible dreams, no matter the adversity we face. These aren’t just interviews, they’re roadmaps for living a bigger, braver life. Season one guests include: Mark Cuban, Kristin Chenoweth, Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor, Gabby Reece, Andrew Rannells, Sara Bareilles, and more.

Information

  • Creator
    Impossible Dreams Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 624771
  • Show Website
    Impossible Dreams

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