Purposeful Empathy with Anita Nowak

Anita Nowak
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Purposeful Empathy is a Youtube channel dedicated to conversations with people spreading more empathy in the world. Join Anita Nowak, empathy expert, author, award-winning educator, international speaker and certified coach, to learn how like-spirited people around the world are turning up the volume on empathy through purposeful action. Drawing from neuroscience, spirituality, leadership studies, positive psychology and the frontlines of social action, Purposeful Empathy explores the intersection of personal development

  1. Why Empathy is Radical in a Time of War Ft. Sulaiman Khatib w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    1D AGO

    Why Empathy is Radical in a Time of War Ft. Sulaiman Khatib w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    To mark the 250th milestone episode of my podcast, I’ve chosen a conversation that highlights how empathy can unite us in our common humanity. My guest, Sulaiman Khatib, is a co-founder of Combatants for Peace, twice nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.  In our conversation, he describes personal transformation that isn’t neat or performative. Instead, he speaks of the slow, rigorous inner work of moving from rage and resistance to nonviolence and what he calls a “third narrative.”  It’s a conversation about the dual political and spiritual dimensions of empathy - one that rejects dehumanization and understands that extending empathy is never a zero-sum game. I hope you’ll watch it with an open heart for what is possible. Next week’s episode continues my commitment to holding multiple truths with care, in a conversation with Rabbi Lisa Grushcow about the rise of antisemitism and the urgent need for moral courage and purposeful empathy across communities and different lived experiences. What does it take to see our common humanity in the middle of a conflict designed to divide? In this special series devoted to widening our circle of empathy for people who often feel marginalized or misunderstood, watch this rare and powerful conversation with Sulaiman Khatib, a Palestinian peacebuilder, co-founder of Combatants for Peace, and author of In This Place Together. Sulaiman shares his journey from being incarcerated as a teenager after an act of violence, to his inner transformation behind bars, shaped by hunger strikes and the spiritual teachings of Gandhi, Mandela and Dr. King. He describes how “humanizing the other” is a daily practice that takes discipline, and is tested again and again, especially in the middle of an ongoing crisis that’s marked by loss and trauma. Together, we discuss: The personal costs of changing one’s worldview when “sides” are deeply entrenched Why believing “there is no military solution” is seen as provocative (or even a betrayal) What shared humanity looks like when the stakes are life and death Why pain is not a contest and how empathy makes space for multiple truths This conversation is about refusing dehumanization—and daring to imagine a future where safety, freedom, and dignity belong to everyone. 00:00 Preview 00:56 Introduction  02:54 About Sulaiman Khatib 06:09 Sulaiman’s backstory 10:07 What does it mean to be detained as a minor? 13:08 Sulaiman’s path to non-violence and moral repair 18:13 How curiosity and language humanize conflict 20:57 Why is there no military solution to the Palestinian-Israeli war? 24:35 About Combatants for Peace, twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 28:50 What does shared humanity really mean? 36:24 The need for humility in peace work 42:06 The importance of third narratives (especially in conflicts) 44:58 The role of inner transformation 49:31 About Sulaiman’s book, In This Place Together 56:37 What headlines miss about everyday Palestinian life 01:0153    Why peace requires radical imagination 01:06:37   Sulaiman Khatib’s Purposeful Empathy story CONNECT WITH SULAIMAN ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sulaiman-khatib-904a4645/ ✩ Combatants for Peace https://www.cfpeace.org/ ✩ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/combatantsforpeace_english/  ✩ In This Place Together: A Palestinian’s Journey to Collective Liberation https://www.amazon.com/This-Place-Together-Palestinians-Collective/dp/0807046825 ✩ Disturbing the Peace https://www.disturbingthepeacefilm.com/ ✩ There Is Another Way https://thereisanotherwayfilm.com/ CONNECT WITH ANITA ✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com  ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com ✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/ ✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram ✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast ✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio

    1h 11m
  2. A Cancer Survivor’s Journey to Motherhood Ft. Joanne Photiades w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    FEB 27

    A Cancer Survivor’s Journey to Motherhood Ft. Joanne Photiades w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    Sometimes having hope is radical. In this special series devoted to widening our circle of empathy for people who often feel marginalized or misunderstood, watch this incredible episode featuring Joanne Photiades—an ovarian cancer survivor, mother of twins, and fierce advocate for disability inclusion. Joanne shares her journey to motherhood after a rare cancer diagnosis, and the moment she chose hope over fear despite an eighteen month window to get pregnant before a hysterectomy. She also opens up about her son being diagnosed with Williams Syndrome, and how raising twins side-by-side reveals the invisible biases built into our systems. Together, we discuss: Being the 35th person in the world diagnosed with a rare ovarian cancer  Her decision not to follow medical advice to pursue her dream of becoming a mom The miracle of getting pregnant and the message she has for others Her son’s diagnosis with Williams Syndrome and the emotional reality of caregiving, including love, gratitude, exhaustion, and guilt Why words matter and why design should be inclusive from the get-go  This conversation is a celebration of faith and resilience, expressed with remarkable candor and vulnerability by an advocate for belonging and inclusion. Her lived experiences will take your breath away. 00:00 Preview 00:51 Introduction  02:43 About Joanne Photiades 05:01 Joanne’s backstory 07:28 Joanne’s journey to motherhood 13:15 How to support someone after a major diagnosis 15:42 Refusing to give up: Faith, hope, and the dream of becoming a mom 17:57 Joanne’s message for women surviving cancer 21:20 The sacred string story 23:45 What is William syndrome? 30:38 Joanne’s journey towards her son’s diagnosis 35:26 The role of empathy in redefining inclusion 39:34 The emotional reality of caregiving 42:36 What real support looks like from friends and family 46:02 What the world needs to understand about disability 53:42 Joanne Photiades’s Purposeful Empathy story CONNECT WITH JOANNE ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-d-photiades-854580/ ✩ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joannedaphnephotiades/ CONNECT WITH ANITA ✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com  ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com ✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/ ✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram ✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast ✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio

    59 min
  3. The Hidden Hurts of Chronic Pain Ft. Kim Fuller w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    FEB 21

    The Hidden Hurts of Chronic Pain Ft. Kim Fuller w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    Invisible pain can reshape an entire life. In this special series devoted to widening our circle of empathy for people who often feel marginalized or misunderstood, watch this inspiring episode featuring Kim Fuller, a self-described “incurable optimist” whose life was upended three years ago when she began experiencing chronic pain. Kim shares the moment her health changed overnight—landing in the hospital after pushing through an important work commitment—and what followed next: years of testing, shifting diagnoses, misdiagnosis, and still living without clear answers. She also pulls back the curtain on the exhausting reality of living with chronic pain—and why being believed is one of the most powerful expressions of empathy. Together, we discuss: The “Spoon Theory” and the constant math of energy, pacing, rest, and flare-ups How to redefine success and embrace self-compassion when your identity is that of a high-performing professional What workplaces can do differently to support employees living with chronic illness How family and friends can be supportive by respecting limits and offering help without trying to fix things This conversation invites us to listen without minimizing, resist the lure of quick fixes, and consider what real empathy looks like for someone with chronic pain. 00:00 Preview 01:22 Introduction  03:18 About Kim Fuller  06:41 Kim’s backstory 08:38 The mental strain of ongoing medical testing 13:04 The “Seven Stages of Grief” in chronic illness 17:48 Why belief matters more than fixing chronic pain 23:34 The importance of self-empathy when you can’t keep up with daily life 27:17 What is the “Spoon Theory”? 31:59 Why being believed matters so much 34:50 How to help someone in chronic pain? 39:09 The mental adjustment to chronic pain 44:17 The power of support groups in managing chronic illness 50:05 Practical accommodations for chronic pain at work 54:37 Kim Fuller’s Purposeful Empathy story CONNECT WITH KIM ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkfuller/ ✩ Website https://www.phil.ca/  ✩ Social Transformation https://www.socialtransformation.ca/  ✩ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kimfuller4good/  ✩ Podcast, Philanthropy in Action spoti.fi/43hO8NY CONNECT WITH ANITA ✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com  ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com ✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/ ✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram ✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast ✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio

    57 min
  4. Difference, Not Deficiency: A Paralympian’s Message Ft. Ida-Louise Øverland w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    FEB 12

    Difference, Not Deficiency: A Paralympian’s Message Ft. Ida-Louise Øverland w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    Society struggles with difference. In this special series devoted to widening our circle of empathy for people who often feel marginalized or misunderstood, listen to this inspiring episode featuring Ida-Louise Øverland, a Paralympic athlete and advocate whose lived experience reshapes how we think about difference and resilience. Ida shares her powerful journey from growing up in Norway with a congenital limb difference, to competing on the world stage, mentoring younger athletes and taking the Parisian catwalk by storm. It’s a story that challenges misconceptions about limb differences and beauty and offers a powerful message of inclusion.  Together, we discuss: Why using the term “limb difference” instead of “limb deficiency” is a powerful reframe The evolution of prosthetic technology and its impact on independence and identity What a truly inclusive society looks like Why empathy — not pity — means seeing a person beyond their prosthetic or other physical difference. This conversation invites us to practise purposeful empathy for greater connection and a sense of belonging. 00:00 Preview 00:44 Introduction  02:38 About Ida-Louise Øverland 05:22 Ida’s backstory 06:54 What it was like to grow up with a congenital limb difference 09:03 How kids and adults typically react to difference 12:43 Why does language around disability matter? 14:56 How advanced prosthetics are transforming everyday life 19:49 Commons misconceptions about living with a limb difference 23:30 The impact of mentorship 28:33 The significance of Paralympic sports 33:07 How Ida trains as a para-athlete 37:24 The power of holding safe spaces in para-athletics 44:17 The role of empathy in inclusion 47:26 Ida-Louise Øverland’s Purposeful Empathy story CONNECT WITH IDA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ida-louise-%C3%B8verland-646119306/ ✩ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/idaoverlandd/ CONNECT WITH ANITA ✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com  ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com ✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/ ✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram ✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast ✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio

    54 min
  5. Living With Vitiligo: Aiesha Robinson on Resilience, Self-Love and Being Seen w/ Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    FEB 5

    Living With Vitiligo: Aiesha Robinson on Resilience, Self-Love and Being Seen w/ Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    Vitiligo can make you feel visible in all the wrong ways. In this special series devoted to widening our circle of empathy for people who often feel marginalized or misunderstood, watch this powerful episode featuring Aiesha Robinson—a youth speaker who helps teens face their insecurities and recognize their worth. Drawing on her lived experience of being diagnosed with Vitiligo at 18 and the loneliness, stigma, and mental health challenges that followed, Aiesha shares how she moved from self-hatred to self-acceptance, and why a simple smile can be a radical act of inclusion. She also introduces Born to Rise, her storytelling platform that creates community through vulnerability and truth, reminding us that no matter what we’re facing, we all have the capacity to stand tall. Together, we discuss: Bullying and shame—and how resilience is built How self-empathy expands through human connection How affirmations work best when paired with real, actionable steps What young people need from us right now to feel seen and supported This conversation is about learning to see people fully—and helping every person feel valued, included, and at home in their own skin. 00:00 Preview 01:05 Introduction  02:43 About Aiesha Robinson 06:14 What is Vitiligo? 10:07 Aiesha's backstory 16:35 The impact of Vitiligo on mental health 22:25 The power of affirmations 26:42 How Aiesha handles ignorance and hurtful comments 29:57 Living with Vitiligo in public 32:01 How vulnerability creates strength 34:55 What is Born to Rise? 39:28 How to become your own best friend 42:39 Strategies for teens to overcome self-doubt 47:48 Aiesha Robinson’s Purposeful Empathy story CONNECT WITH AIESHA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiesha-robinson/ ✩ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aiesharobinson_/?hl=en ✩ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/aiesha.robinson.33 CONNECT WITH ANITA ✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com  ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com ✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/ ✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram ✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast ✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social SHOW NOTES ✩ Born to Rise https://www.instagram.com/borntorise.mtl/ ✩ Living Dappled https://www.instagram.com/livingdappled/?hl=en ✩  BORN 2 RISE - The Aiesha Robinson Vitiligo story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTFnwKXHKls Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio

    50 min
  6. The ROI of Disability Inclusion Ft. Mark Wafer w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    JAN 29

    The ROI of Disability Inclusion Ft. Mark Wafer w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    Disability inclusion isn’t charity—it’s smart business built on untapped strength. In this special series devoted to widening our circle of empathy for people who often feel marginalized or misunderstood, listen to this uplifting episode featuring Mark Wafer, one of the world’s most respected champions of disability inclusion. Mark is the former longtime owner of 14 Tim Hortons restaurants, where he and his wife built a globally recognized model for inclusive employment. Over 25 years, they employed hundreds of people with disabilities across every level of their business—proving that inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do, it also boosts the bottom line. Drawing from his lived experience with deafness, Mark shares how small, intentional changes can radically transform workplaces, communities, and lives. Together, we explore: Debunking common myths and stereotypes about hiring people with disabilities The impact of inclusion beyond compliance The business case for disability inclusion, from lower turnover to higher innovation How inclusive workplaces turn purposeful empathy into competitive advantage Whether you’re a business leader or simply curious, this conversation will expand how you think about disability and inclusion. 00:00 Preview 00:54 Introduction  02:47 About Mark Wafer 06:25 Mark’s backstory 09:02 Mark’s message to disabled youth and their parents 11:51 What made Mark resilient as a young deaf student 15:00 Mark’s journey into business ownership 21:47 The business case for disability 26:25 Why do inclusive employers perform better? 31:15 How does diversity build stronger companies? 33:53 Why disability rates in Canada are rising every year 41:07 The true cost of disability exclusion in organizations 46:58 Disability etiquette: ask before assuming 49:17 How to include people with disabilities 52:15 Mark Wafer’s Purposeful Empathy story CONNECT WITH ANITA ✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com  ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com ✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/ ✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram ✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast ✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social CONNECT WITH MARK ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwafer/ SHOW NOTES ✩ The Power of Kindness, Dr. Brian Goodman https://www.amazon.com/Power-Kindness-Empathy-Essential-Everyday/dp/1443451061 Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio

    56 min
  7. Living Well, Dying Well: Lessons from a Palliative Care Expert Ft. Dr. Anita Mehta w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    JAN 22

    Living Well, Dying Well: Lessons from a Palliative Care Expert Ft. Dr. Anita Mehta w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    Behind every dying person is a network of quiet caregivers. In this special series devoted to widening our circle of empathy for people who often feel marginalized or misunderstood, watch this deeply moving episode featuring Dr. Anita Mehta, a family therapist and Director of Education & Knowledge Exchange at the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence. Drawing on decades of experience in end-of-life care, Anita shares the lessons she has learned about upholding human dignity and fostering connection at life’s most vulnerable moments. She also reflects on her personal journey of caring for her mother and ultimately losing her to dementia, and how this lived experience of loss has shaped—and deepened—her professional practice. Together, we explore: The myths and realities of palliative care Strategies for supporting family members through illness and anticipatory grief Moments of hope, joy, and connection even during end-of-life care Reflections on meaning-making, legacy, and living fully How to bring empathy and compassion to a palliative bedside. If you are caring for someone you expect to lose, this conversation explores how care, dignity, love, and loss can coexist. 00:00 Preview 00:29 Introduction  02:23 About Dr. Anita Mehta 06:21 Anita’s backstory 10:42 Why family support is central to palliative care 14:38 Why every family experiences illness (and loss) differently 19:51 What is Family Systems Theory? 25:06 Making meaning in the face of death: What the dying teach us about living 29:17 Life lessons from the frontlines of palliative care 34:34 How personal loss has shaped Anita’s work as a therapist 40:36 Why empathy is the heart of palliative care 44:11 Dr. Anita Mehta’s Purposeful Empathy story CONNECT WITH ANITA NOWAK ✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com  ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com ✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/ ✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram ✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast ✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social CONNECT WITH ANITA MEHTA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-mehta-292220180/ ✩ Website https://www.anitamehta.com/  SHOW NOTES ✩ Teresa Dellar Palliative Care  https://residencesoinspalliatifs.ca/en/  ✩ Being Mortal by Atul Gawande https://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/ Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio

    48 min
  8. Lessons about Parenting a Neurodiverse Child Ft. Jamiel Owens w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    JAN 15

    Lessons about Parenting a Neurodiverse Child Ft. Jamiel Owens w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

    Autism is widespread; but widely misunderstood. In this special series devoted to widening our circle of empathy for people who often feel marginalized or misunderstood, watch this inspiring episode featuring Jamiel Owens, an autism advocate and founder of the Autism Father’s Conference. With courage and vulnerability, Jamiel shares his personal journey: from growing up with family instability and a physical disability, to abandoning his family after his son was diagnosed with autism, and ultimately finding purpose and service through fatherhood. Through stories from his own life, he challenges myths about autism and neurodiversity, and reshapes how we think about masculinity and love. Together, we discuss: Common misconceptions about autism What parents experience after an autism diagnosis and why many struggle in silence What neurodiverse children can teach us about love, authenticity, and connection Navigating school systems and advocacy with grace and accountability This conversation explores the unexpected gifts that come with raising a neurodivergent child. 00:00 Preview 00:49 Introduction  02:43 About Jamiel Owens 05:33 Jamiel’s backstory 10:47 Story behind Jamiel’s commitment to service 16:23 Misconceptions about Autism 19:13 Early signs of Autism 23:05 The emotional impact of an Autism diagnosis 26:13 Recognizing and breaking the cycle of absent fatherhood 29:57 How unhealed trauma destroys families 34:17 What can we learn from neurodiverse children? 39:10 How to help your Autistic child flourish at school 43:14 How families can best support their Autistic child 46:46 Jamiel Owens’s Purposeful Empathy story CONNECT WITH ANITA ✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com  ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com ✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/ ✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram ✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast ✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social CONNECT WITH JAMIEL ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiel-owens-75a985213/ ✩ Podcast www.ausomenessinc.com ✩ The Autism Fathers’ Conference https://tinyurl.com/35rac86j ✩ Book "Life is a puzzle; God gave you a cheat sheet": A 15 day devotional for "Ausome" fathers  Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Purposeful Empathy is a Youtube channel dedicated to conversations with people spreading more empathy in the world. Join Anita Nowak, empathy expert, author, award-winning educator, international speaker and certified coach, to learn how like-spirited people around the world are turning up the volume on empathy through purposeful action. Drawing from neuroscience, spirituality, leadership studies, positive psychology and the frontlines of social action, Purposeful Empathy explores the intersection of personal development

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