Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek

Dr. Chris Meek
  • 5.0 (9)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Personal empowerment, commitment to our own well-being and the motivation to achieve more than we ever thought possible are the ingredients of a better life. And, they're all within our reach. Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek delves into the keys to adding energy, excitement, direction and purpose to everything that we do. The program hosts mental health advocates and medical experts, frontline voices on human trafficking and social justice issues, familiar faces from the worlds of entertainment and sports, and leading entrepreneurs to engage in thought-provoking discussions that inspire the audience to take their own next steps forward to better themselves and their communities. Next Steps Forward is intended to be a source of empowerment that many around the world are in need of now more than ever. For guests who join the program, Chris cultivates a space where honest, quality conversations thrive and are not only meant to educate and inform but inspire action, introspection and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek is an informative, uplifting hour every Tuesday at 1 PM Eastern Time/10 AM Pacific Time that's certain to inspire you to take that important next step forward, too.

  1. 1D AGO

    Protecting the Next Generation: Confronting Online Exploitation and Reclaiming Digital Safety with Donna Rice Hughes

    This week on Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek sits down with Donna Rice Hughes, President and CEO of Enough Is Enough, for a candid conversation about what's really happening online and what it's going to take to protect the next generation. Rather than looking back, this discussion focuses on the urgent challenges facing families right now: the rise of online exploitation, the normalization of extreme content, the mental health impact of social media, gaming risks, and how predators leverage emerging technologies. Donna breaks down how these threats have evolved since the early days of the internet and explains why today's digital landscape demands a new level of accountability from tech companies, lawmakers, and culture at large. She also shares what meaningful reform looks like: from bipartisan policy efforts and presidential pledges to practical tools parents, educators, and communities can implement immediately. Drawing from her work developing Internet Safety 101 in partnership with the United States Department of Justice and her experience bringing these issues to national audiences through PBS, Donna outlines a clear framework for prevention, education, and enforcement. This episode goes beyond headlines. It's a forward-looking conversation about responsibility in the digital age, empowering families without fear, and how collaboration between the public, the tech industry, and the legal system can create lasting change. If you care about online safety, child protection, or the future of digital culture, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. About Donna Rice Hughes: Donna Rice Hughes, President and CEO of Enough Is Enough® (EIE) is an internationally known Internet safety expert, author, speaker and producer. Her vision, expertise and advocacy helped to birth the Internet safety movement in America at the advent of the digital age. Since 1994, she has been a pioneering leader on the frontlines of U.S. efforts to make the Internet safer for children and families by implementing a three-pronged strategy of the public, the technology industry and legal community sharing the responsibility to protect children online. This strategy has been adopted by industry and governments worldwide. Under her leadership, most recently, EIE created the Internet Safety 101 Program with the U.S. Department Of Justice. She is the Executive Producer, and host of the Internet Safety 101 DVD series which was reformatted into the Internet Safety 101 Television Series for PBS (2013). She received an Emmy nomination as the program's host. Hughes also spearheaded EIE's bi-partisan Children's Internet Safety Presidential Pledge (2016) which was signed by then Candidate Trump, and supported by Hillary Clinton; the 2024 Children's Internet Safety Presidential Pledge" to Vice President Harris and President Trump supported by 60 organizations and survivor leaders representing millions of Americans;  The Governor's Pledge led by S.C. Governor McMaster and the State Attorneys General Pledge co-led by AG Wilson (SC) and AG Racine (DC) and signed by 15 AG's thus far. She has given thousands of media interviews on all the major news outlets on topics related to online dangers (porn, CSAM, sexual predation, bullying, trafficking, online gaming, social media, etc), safety solutions, testified numerous times before Congress, and is the winner of numerous awards including the 2013 Women In Technology Award for Social Impact and the 2014 Professional Women in Advocacy Excellence In Advocacy Award for "Veteran Practitioner". She also received a Senate appointment to serve on the Child Online Protection Act Commission.

    53 min

  2. MAR 3

    Blindspotting: What Great Leaders Don't See and How to Break Through It w/ Martin Dubin

    In next week's episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek sits down with clinical psychologist, entrepreneur, and executive coach Martin Dubin for a powerful conversation about leadership and the hidden barriers that hold even the most accomplished leaders back. Martin's career spans clinical psychology, startup entrepreneurship, Fortune 50 healthcare leadership, and high-level executive coaching. After more than a decade in private practice, he founded and scaled a multimillion-dollar healthcare company with more than 250 employees, ultimately leading its sale to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, where he served as a senior vice president. He has also coached senior executives at Fortune 500 companies, worked with venture capital firms including Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital, and served as a coach at the Center for Creative Leadership and partner at RHR International. Drawing on this unique blend of psychology and business experience, Martin explains why leaders often reach a point where their tried-and-true tools stop working and why the real obstacle is often something they cannot see: their blindspots. The discussion explores: Why even self-aware leaders miss critical truths about themselves How unseen behaviors derail performance and relationships The six types of blindspots that most commonly undermine leadership Practical strategies to identify and manage your own blindspots Martin also shares insights from his book, Blindspotting, offering a deeply practical framework for recognizing the hidden patterns that limit growth and unlocking higher performance, stronger teams, and more effective leadership. This episode is a candid and actionable look at what it truly takes to grow as a leader: the courage to look inward, confront what you don't see, and do the work required to move forward. About Martin Dubin: Martin Dubin began his career in a clinical psychology private practice as a psychotherapist. He continued this practice for over a decade before moving to the business world as a founder and entrepreneur. He built a company with over 250 employees, ultimately driving its sale to Fortune 50 health insurer Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, where he worked as a senior vice president for three years. Dubin then launched the third act of his career, bringing his training in psychology and his business experience to the coaching space. His experience as an entrepreneur won him consultation contracts with portfolio companies of Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia, venture capital firms. Dubin's work as a clinical psychologist taught him to think deeply about why people do what they do. That, combined with his business experience has enabled him to provide his coaching clients with actionable advice directed at both personal and professional success. He lives in Colorado and New Mexico, where he enjoys skiing and hiking in the mountains and the desert and continues his work with clients, both individually and in corporate settings. His work on blindspots has informed not just his book Blindspotting: How to See What's Holding You Back as a Leader but also a test to discover any individual's blindspots.

    56 min

  3. FEB 24

    The Heart of a Hero w/ Clarence Singleton

    In this compelling episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek sits down with Clarence Singleton to explore a lifetime defined by service, sacrifice, and resilience. Clarence reflects on growing up in South Carolina under difficult circumstances, the decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, and the life-altering moment in Vietnam when he was severely wounded while trying to save fellow Marines, an act that earned him the Purple Heart. He shares how that experience shaped his understanding of courage, leadership, and responsibility. The conversation also examines his transition from military service to the New York City Fire Department, including his response to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and his decision to return to Ground Zero on September 11, 2001 despite having already retired. Clarence opens up about the physical and emotional toll of 9/11, overcoming post-traumatic stress, and what it truly means to "carry on" after unimaginable loss. This episode is not just a story of survival, it's a discussion about duty, faith, perseverance, and why each of us has a responsibility to serve something greater than ourselves. About Clarence Singleton: Clarence Singleton is a motivational speaker, author, former United States Marine, Vietnam veteran, and Purple Heart recipient whose life has been defined by courage and service. Born in 1949 in Sumter, South Carolina, one of eight children, Singleton helped support his family from a young age after his father left. Before graduating high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and trained at Parris Island, where he was named Outstanding Member of his platoon and meritoriously promoted. Serving as a Lance Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines in Vietnam, he was severely wounded while attempting to save fellow Marines during a rocket attack, just 28 days before the end of his tour, earning the Purple Heart. After more than a year of recovery, he relocated to New York City, building a career in banking before answering another call to serve by joining the New York City Fire Department in 1978. During his 22-year tenure with the FDNY, Singleton earned multiple commendations for bravery, including during the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, where he helped save numerous lives. Promoted to Fire Lieutenant in 1994, he retired in August 2000 but returned to duty voluntarily on September 11, 2001, responding to Ground Zero where he was seriously injured in the collapse of the South Tower. Despite extensive injuries and PTSD, he continued to embody resilience and service. Now residing in Virginia, Singleton is a sought-after inspirational speaker who has appeared in national media, including The Montel Williams Show, and has delivered keynote addresses at 9/11 remembrance ceremonies. On September 11, 2012, he began a new chapter in his life, marrying Mary Jean Heyres.

    56 min

  4. FEB 17

    Demystifying Therapy: Strengths, Anxiety, and the Courage to Grow w/ Aaron Gilbert

    In this installment of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek welcomes Aaron Gilbert, LICSW, a licensed independent clinical social worker with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, and related mental health challenges. Aaron is the founder of Boston Evening Counseling Associates and approaches therapy as a collaborative, trust-based process grounded in strengths-based, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and positive psychology. Together, they break down common misconceptions about therapy, exploring why it's not about quick fixes or having all the answers, but about creativity, honesty, and courage. Aaron explains what positive psychology really means in practice, how focusing on strengths and small wins can build momentum for change, and why therapy should be viewed as an intentional act of growth rather than a last resort. The conversation dives into anxiety and depression, clarifying the difference between healthy worry and anxiety disorders, why depression can't simply be "snapped out of," and how treatment adapts to each individual. Dr. Meek and Aaron also explore attachment theory and separation anxiety, including how attachment styles form, how they affect adult relationships, and how people can move toward greater emotional security and resilience. This thoughtful and compassionate episode offers clarity, hope, and empowerment for anyone curious about therapy or seeking meaningful next steps toward emotional well-being. About Aaron Gilbert: Aaron Gilbert is a licensed independent clinical social worker with more than 30 years of experience of helping clients manage anxiety disorders. He founded Boston Evening Counseling Associates in Brighton, Massachusetts, in 2007 with the belief that good therapy is always a collaboration between client and therapist that requires creativity, energy, and most importantly, trust. His approach is influenced by training and experience in strengths-based, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused and positive psychology.

    52 min

  5. FEB 10

    The 9/11 Promise: Honoring 9/11 Through Action w/ Jen DePoto & Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy

    As the 25th observance of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks approaches this year, Next Steps Forward continues its mission of honoring resilience, service, and purposeful action. In this powerful episode, host Dr. Chris Meek is joined by Jen DePoto, founder and president of The 9/11 Promise, and retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General H. Stacy Clardy, a member of the organization's board of directors.  Jen shares the deeply personal inspiration behind founding The 9/11 Promise in 2016 and explains how the organization honors the heroes of 9/11 by supporting the children of fallen or disabled first responders and military service members. She and General Clardy discuss the growth of the 9/11 Promise Run, a demanding 240-mile endurance event where 100% of participant-raised funds go directly to scholarships, along with what it takes to participate and why action is such a vital companion to remembrance. General Clardy also reflects on his 38-year Marine Corps career, lessons in leadership learned from his veteran father, resilience forged through combat and command, and why continued service after retirement is both a responsibility and a calling.  Together, they address why it's essential for younger generations, many of whom weren't alive on 9/11, to understand what happened that day, why it still matters, and how honoring the past must include meaningful action in the present. About Jen DePoto: Jen DePoto is the founder and president of The 9.11 Promise, an organization dedicated to honoring the heroes and legacy of September 11, 2001 by supporting those impacted and ensuring the promise to Never Forget is carried forward through service, education, and community engagement. Guided by a deep commitment to remembrance and responsibility, Jen's work focuses on strengthening communities, uplifting survivors and families, and preserving the lessons of 9/11 for future generations. About Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy: Lieutenant General Stacy Clardy retired from the United States Marine Corps on January 1, 2022, after almost four decades of military service. In his final tour as the Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force, he was responsible for developing strategies with partners and allies, experimenting new operational concepts and capabilities, and preparing 25,000 Marines and Sailors for conflict with the People's Republic of China. His military decorations include the Department of Defense and Navy Distinguished Service Medals, the Legion of Merit with Combat Distinguishing Device and two Gold Stars, the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device, Combat Action Ribbon, and Presidential Unit Citation. He was also awarded Japan's Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, the Republic of Korea's Order of National Security Merit Gukseon Medal, and South Carolina's Order of the Palmetto. Stacy now resides in his home state of South Carolina with his wife, Alison, and Labrador Retriever, Orion. He is an advisor to multiple business organizations, is a Senior Fellow with the Center for Naval Analyses, and volunteers with The 9.11 Promise, the University of South Carolina, Saint Timothy's Episcopal Church, and the Town of Pawleys Island, South Carolina

    53 min

  6. FEB 3

    Future-Proofing Your Life: Technology, AI, and Taking Your Next Steps Forward w/ Crystal Washington

    Join host Dr. Chris Meek as he sits down with Crystal Washington, one of Forbes' 50 Leading Female Futurists, to explore how we can navigate an increasingly complex technological landscape while staying true to our human values. Crystal, a certified futurist and technology strategist who has worked with Fortune 100 companies like Google, American Express, and Pfizer, breaks down the intimidating world of artificial intelligence, social media, and emerging technologies into actionable insights that anyone can understand and apply. In this engaging conversation, Crystal shares her expertise on becoming "future-proof" in both business and life, discussing how small tech actions can lead to transformative outcomes. As a Hall of Fame Speaker who appears weekly on the Emmy-nominated show Life 2.0, Crystal brings her unique perspective on how technology can be a force for good when we approach it with intention and purpose. About Crystal Washington: Futurist, author, and Hall of Fame Speaker, Crystal Washington equips organizations with the knowledge they need to become "future-proof." As a technology strategist and certified futurist, Crystal makes complex artificial intelligence, social media, and app technology easy to understand and accessible for everyday people. Crystal's clients include Fortune 100 companies, including Google, American Express, and Pfizer. As a sought-after keynote speaker, she has entertained and educated audiences around the globe. As one of Forbes' 50 Leading Female Futurists, she appears weekly on season two of the Emmy-nominated show Life 2.0. She's also appeared in numerous publications, including Entrepreneur and Bloomberg Businessweek, and major television networks regularly call on her as a tech expert. Crystal is the author of One Tech Action and The Social Media Why.

    59 min

  7. JAN 27

    The Responsibility to Remember w/ Andrew H. Card Jr and Leon Panetta

    In this milestone 250th episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek is joined by two of the most consequential public servants of our time: Andrew Card and Leon Panetta. In a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, these former White House Chiefs of Staff reflect on lives shaped by service, leadership under pressure, and a shared commitment to preserving the lessons of September 11, 2001. From Leon Panetta's upbringing as the son of Italian immigrants and his journey through Congress, the CIA, and the Department of Defense, to Andrew Card's path from the Merchant Marine Academy to the highest levels of government, including his pivotal role on 9/11, this episode explores what truly forms a leader. The discussion spans decades of American history and civic life: the moral weight of leadership decisions, the value of military and public service, lessons learned from presidents across party lines, and the growing challenges facing democracy in an era of polarization. Card and Panetta also offer candid advice to young Americans considering public service today and reflect on whether unity and the political "center" can be restored. The second half of the episode is devoted to September 11, 2001 and its enduring legacy. Together, Card and Panetta recount the facts of that day, share firsthand experiences and behind-the-scenes moments, and examine how 9/11 reshaped national security, diplomacy, intelligence, and preparedness. As members of The 9/11 Legacy Foundation, they explain why remembrance must remain nonpartisan, why education is essential for future generations, and what lessons from 9/11 are most at risk of being forgotten as the 25th commemoration approaches. This landmark episode is a powerful reflection on leadership, memory, unity, and responsibility, and a reminder that remembering 9/11 is not just about honoring the past, but about shaping the future we choose to build. About Andrew H. Card Jr: Known for his calm, disciplined leadership and deep sense of duty, Andrew Card has spent decades in high-level roles in the public and private sectors. Among his roles during three administrations was his service as U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and Chief of Staff for President George W. Bush during one of the most consequential periods in modern American history, including the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  About Leon Panetta: Leon Panetta is one of America's most experienced public servants. A former member of Congress, he has also served as White House Chief of Staff, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Director of the CIA, and later as the United States Secretary of Defense. He also founded the Panetta Institute for Public Policy to inspire civic engagement and educate future leaders.

    57 min

  8. JAN 20

    The Future of Free Enterprise: Gentry Collins on Empowering Entrepreneurs

    In this week's episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek sits down with Gentry Collins, Founder and CEO of the American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, to explore how small and medium-sized businesses can thrive in today's economy. Gentry, a seasoned political strategist and partner at CAP Public Affairs, has worked at the highest levels of American politics, from serving as National Political Director of the Republican National Committee to advising across multiple sectors of the economy. Together, Chris and Gentry discuss the meaning of "equal access to the marketplace" and how the American Free Enterprise Chamber is redefining what it means to advocate for entrepreneurs and family businesses. They dive into the challenges facing small business owners, from navigating complex regulations to competing with corporate consolidation, and explore practical strategies for empowerment, trust-building, and sustainable growth. Gentry also shares insights from his work in politics, brand strategy, and public affairs, reflecting on how economic opportunity shapes the broader political landscape and what policymakers should prioritize when crafting policies that impact entrepreneurs. Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the intersection of free enterprise and advocacy, this episode offers actionable takeaways for building opportunity, credibility, and lasting impact in your community. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on creating a more equitable, opportunity-driven economy and taking the next steps forward in your business and personal growth. About Gentry Collins: Gentry Collins  is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, a national advocacy and trade association working to expand equal economic opportunity for all Americans and to ensure that small and medium-sized businesses have fair access to the marketplace. Gentry is also a partner at CAP Public Affairs, where he's worked across multiple sectors of the American economy on large-scale advocacy and brand-management efforts. He's served as a Fellow at the University of Southern California's Center for the Political Future, lecturing on the future of the Republican Party, and he's a co-founder of NewRepublican.org, created to rethink how political organizations understand brand and message. Earlier in his career, Gentry served as National Political Director of the Republican National Committee, helping return a Republican majority to Congress, and previously held senior leadership roles with the Republican Governors Association and the Republican Party of Iowa. He's been named Politico's "Top Presidential Staffer Get", and The New York Post has called him "one of the most highly regarded operatives in the party."

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Personal empowerment, commitment to our own well-being and the motivation to achieve more than we ever thought possible are the ingredients of a better life. And, they're all within our reach. Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek delves into the keys to adding energy, excitement, direction and purpose to everything that we do. The program hosts mental health advocates and medical experts, frontline voices on human trafficking and social justice issues, familiar faces from the worlds of entertainment and sports, and leading entrepreneurs to engage in thought-provoking discussions that inspire the audience to take their own next steps forward to better themselves and their communities. Next Steps Forward is intended to be a source of empowerment that many around the world are in need of now more than ever. For guests who join the program, Chris cultivates a space where honest, quality conversations thrive and are not only meant to educate and inform but inspire action, introspection and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek is an informative, uplifting hour every Tuesday at 1 PM Eastern Time/10 AM Pacific Time that's certain to inspire you to take that important next step forward, too.

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