Elevate Empathy's Share Chair Podcast

As we wind down this year on The Share Chair Podcast, we get a glimpse into Noah, a recent graduate motivated by a drive to learn and understand his world. For now, this curiosity has led him to pursue philosophy. He understands that it's "hard to make a living", but he also understands that studying philosophy can give him a stronger sense of his place in the world. Listen to this articulate young man discuss his drive.

On this week's interview, we discuss the challenges and joys of the rigorous International Baccalaureate with this year's graduating class. It's one impressive bunch, but it wasn't all pristine and perfect.

Her mother is Argentinian; her father is American. She's learned important lessons from them both. Listen to this week's episode about the value of parents and the value of learning from them both.

It's this simple: Maddie Rabideau is a leader. Listen to how this leader has worked her way into the role from a young age--without even knowing it. We only have six episodes left in our third year! Take a listen!

This week, Molly talks to us about her role in this year's musical URINETOWN which runs THIS weekend: Thursday/Friday evenings, and Saturday afternoon. Additionally, we hear from Molly about her adoption at only a few months old. But, a recent DNA test has her curious about the role of family. Thanks for listening to The Share Chair Podcast. Pass it along to your friends. Share each other's stories. We only have a few more episodes left of our 3rd season!

The Share Chair Podcast has been on a spring hiatus due to some minor adjustments to the podcast and spring break, but we're back with a thoughtful interview from Sam Johnson. Sam is a senior--heading off to be a STUDENT-athlete (by his own emphasis) in California. In this episode, he discusses that decision as well as his love for people who seek to be genuinely themselves.

In this week's episode, Leah discusses the immense value of getting out of her comfort zone. By doing so, Leah has found unexpected success in athletics AND the arts. Leah gives thanks to those who push her as she pushes all listeners to do the unexpected.

Josh Stoessner, a senior at Allendale High School, shares his story about overcoming anxiety.

Trevor gives us all sound advice: fight FOR each other, not against each other. In this episode, Trevor says he skipped a few years in regards to his wisdom due to his experience in the foster care system before finally being adopted. Here he is: wise, funny, and talented.

In this week's episode, Lauren discusses her journey from painfully shy to socially confident. She said it wasn't easy and that she had to actually practice, but that it has been worth it. If you know someone who might be held back from experiences due to his/her shyness, make sure that person listens to Lauren. She's found the recipe. Additionally, we'll be running a small contest with this episode, so listen for the keyword and pay attention to our social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram.

Meet Hayden. He loves his mom. He loves his friends. He loves his dog and the beach. But it's hard to go to the movies. It's hard, sometimes, to be accepted. In this episode, Hayden and Amanda Tague discuss their challenges of Hayden's Tourette Syndrome. You'll hear his tics. But, more than that, you'll hear a young boy who wants to be treated like everyone else. To learn more about Tourette's, click this link to get you started: https://g.co/kgs/qFv9sv. As always, share this story--and listen to all the others on The Share Chair Podcast.

What a privilege to speak to Gonzo--a Spanish exchange student. In this week's episode we hear the value of travel and the value of saying "Yes" to opportunities.

Lydia Miller lives with two autoimmune diseases, but she handles it with grace, dignity, and power. In this episode, you hear how she manages her two diseases as well as being a strong and generous young woman. Don't miss this episode loaded with kindness and empathy.

The Share Chair Podcast welcomes you to a great year of listening in 2018! Through sharing our stories, we will become a more connected community, area, state, nation, and world. ______________ To start 2018, we get to learn from Erin Henderson. Erin lost her father in 2017. To make matters much harder, their relationship had not been too strong since her parents' divorce. Erin, though, saw his passing as an opportunity for healing. This is one incredible story: one of pain and one of forgiveness.

Last week, The Share Chair Podcast added to its team to reach a bigger audience. Why? Because we believe in the power of listening. Our mission is simple: we want to share each others' stories in order for all listeners to understand and grow. That's it. So, this week, the members of the new team share their own stories of listening and growing to encourage you to do the same.

Welcome to The Share Chair Podcast where we tell student stories to bring ALL people closer together. This week, we talk to Jason Keena--a senior leader who uses his infectious spirit to make others (and himself) happy. Enjoy! And share The Share Chair Podcast with friends and families.

"There is still an existing stigma that women aren't funny and it's something that women have had to fight for a long time. They need to be seen as being on the same level as men. Women can be the neuroscientist, they can be the crazy fanatic of the sports team, they don't have to be 'the mom.'" Elise spoke with Mo Cordrey this week, a film student and aspiring comedian at Loyola Chicago. This past summer, Mo worked in Hollywood on the sets of West World (HBO) and Stitchers (Freeform). Listen to hear Mo's unique insight on the competitive world of a creative field and her big dreams of writing for SNL. You won't want to miss this episode.

While you have to excuse some of the audio due to an online interview, Melody Arabo is an educator you should know. Melody won the 2015 Michigan Teacher of the Year. Since then, she has followed a journey--at times, a near unbearable one--which has led her to the Department of Education. Melody gives particular attention to bullies and the reality of it as well as special education services. Melody is a fearless, admirable educator, making this episode a perfect Thanksgiving listen. Happy Thanksgiving, listeners! The Share Chair Podcast Family

Coco is the leader of the student section at Spring Lake High School. When you listen to the podcast, you hear why. Her spirit is infectious. Her spirit is welcoming.

Ellie Flamboe is a freshman in college who has been battling depression since the beginning of her senior year in high school. While her struggle continues, she has chosen to use her situation to talk to others and try to help spread awareness about mental health. Her bravery in talking about her situation and telling her story is truly an inspiration!