On Life and Meaning

12/12/2019

It's a good day when your publisher sends you a note that your book is winning multiple awards, including among the top independently published books of the year. Thanks to all who helped make the book a reality and to the creative team at SPARK Publications. Special thanks to the amazing people profiled in the book who inspired the effort and to every reader and podcast listener. Books available at Park Road Books and Paper Skyscraper in Charlotte, Main Street Books in Davidson, and Onlifeandmeaning.com. Happy holidays to all!

Join us in congratulating MULTIPLE National award-winning author Mark Peres! On Life and Meaning: 100 Essays Inspired by 100 Guests is the recipient of a 2019 Platinum MarCom award in the book category, a 2019 Academy for Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA) Gold Davey award winner for outstanding design, and most recently, the book was long-listed for the 2019 Shelf Unbound Indie Best Award, putting it in the top 16 independently published books of the year.

27/11/2019

As the holidays begin and ideas for gift-giving dance in your head, consider giving a copy of 'On Life and Meaning: 100 Essays Inspired by 100 Guests' to friends and family. A recent Academy for Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA) Gold Davey award winner for outstanding design, the 283-page book profiles the work and lives of 100 remarkable citizens and links to 100+ hours of podcast interviews. A perfect gift for people who enjoy human interest and deep matters of heart and mind. Books are available at Park Road Books, Paper Skyscraper, Main Street Books and onlifeandmeaning.com. Get your book today!

04/10/2019

I'm excited this Sunday, October 6th, to kick-off a new series at Covenant Presbyterian Church on the power of storytelling. I'll share the story behind the 'On Life and Meaning' podcast and book, how story and encounter are central to our lives, and how we can enrich our desire for connection. The talk begins at 9:30 AM in Covenant's Fellowship Hall. Join us! I hope to see you there!

06/06/2019

A Story of Discovery

This is it. The 100th and last episode of the On Life and Meaning podcast. A conversation with good friend Rick Thurmond, senior exec at Charlotte Center City Partners, about basketball, editing a city magazine, staying and leaving, and curiosity and humility. Thank you to the 100 guests who said yes; to all who generously supported this project; to my teammates Andy Goh and Chris Cureton, who are good and true; to the many listeners who tuned in; and to Laura and Shelby, who gave me purpose a thousand different ways.

Richard Thurmond Richard Thurmond is a community and economic development executive for a place-making organization. In this episode we explore basketball, editing and publishing a city magazine, staying and leaving, and the values of curiosity and humility.

30/05/2019

The Park Church

In our 99th episode, in a powerful and revealing conversation, we talk with Bishop Claude Alexander, Jr., about the mission of the church, racism, misogyny and homophobia, segregation on Sunday mornings, the death of a brother, a crisis of faith, living with mystery, and the love of God. Plus my essay on what connects all of us.

Claude Alexander, Jr. Claude Alexander, Jr. is bishop and senior pastor of a Baptist church. In this episode we explore the mission of the church, racism, misogyny and homophobia, segregation on Sunday mornings, the death of a brother, a crisis of faith, living with mystery, and the love of God.

23/05/2019

Hope and Optimism

Our 98th episode in our countdown to 100...a conversation with Jess George, government and community affairs manager with Google Fiber about the digital divide, being an ally to immigrants, and dropping keys to beautiful rowdy prisoners. Plus my essay about systems intelligence and having El Salvadoran papusas with Jess.

Jess George Jess George is a government and community affairs manager for a fiber optic company. In this episode we explore the digital divide, confronting bullies, being an ally to immigrants, and dropping keys to beautiful rowdy prisoners.

17/05/2019

A Life In Full

Our 97th episode in our countdown to 100. A conversation with Sonya Pfeiffer, owner of the Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art, a criminal defense attorney and former investigative reporter, about standing up to the power of the state, unconventional paths, the Owl theory, Ahimsa, and the one chance we have in this life.

Sonya Pfeiffer Sonya Pfeiffer is an art gallery owner and criminal defense attorney. In this episode we explore story-telling, standing up to the power of the state, unconventional paths, the Owl theory, the practice of Ahimsa, and the one chance we have in this life.

09/05/2019

Conscious Evolution

Our final countdown to 100 continues. In our 96th episode, we talk with Beatriz Friedmann, a former IBM professional, about a practice called Logosophy, emigrating to new lands, the second mountain of life, and becoming present one step at a time.

Beatriz Friedmann Beatriz Friedmann is a school counselor and information technology consultant. In this episode we explore emigrating from Brazil to North America, a corporate career, a summer of loss and pain, finding new purpose, and becoming present one step at a time.

02/05/2019

Interdisciplinary Design

We're in the final countdown of episodes in the On Life and Meaning podcast. Ken Lambla is founding dean of the College of Arts + Architecture at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In this episode we explore returning from Patagonia, launching a new college, interdisciplinary design, stewardship, and how the arts have informed his life. Plus my essay on a life revealed in one scene.

Ken Lambla Ken Lambla is founding dean of a college of arts + architecture. In this episode we explore returning from Patagonia, launching a new college, interdisciplinary design, stewardship, and how the arts have informed his life.

26/04/2019

A Nurturing Place

A conversation with Clarence 'Clay' Armbrister, the new president of Johnson C. Smith University, about leading a historically black college, a family story of defiance, public service, and the value of relationships. Plus my essay on a blue ocean shift.

Clarence Armbrister Clarence ‘Clay’ Armbrister is president of a historically black university. In this episode we explore strategic goals, the benefits and challenges of HBCUs, a family story of defiance, public service, and the value of relationships.

19/04/2019

The Sacredness of Human Life

On this Easter Weekend, a remarkably inspiring and moving conversation with Liz Clasen-Kelly, executive director of the Men's Shelter of Charlotte, about abundant love and encountering grace in the in-between. Share it with everyone you know. Plus my essay on a bridge to hope.

Liz Clasen-Kelly Liz Clasen-Kelly leads an agency serving men experiencing homelessness. In this episode we explore helping people needing shelter, working to end homelessness, abundant love, and encountering Christ in the in-between.

11/04/2019

Art Empowered

Natalie Frazier Allen is the founder and executive director of The Arts Empowerment Project, which connects at-risk youth with the arts. Natalie shares her inspiring story of returning to her passion to change the world. Plus my essay on disquieting muses on the 92nd episode out of 100 of the On Life and Meaning podcast.

Natalie Frazier Allen Natalie Frazier Allen leads an organization that connects youth to the arts. In this episode we explore adverse childhood experiences, the power of the arts to heal trauma, telling the truth, Spelman College, and reflections on career, family and faith.

05/04/2019

Neighborhood Development

A conversation with the oh so charming and caring Tom Warshauer about community engagement, Wilmington and New Orleans, home restoration, planting ideas, and enjoying diverse and authentic lives. Plus my essay on a young man from the provinces.

Tom Warshauer Tom Warshauer leads a municipal community engagement team. In this episode we explore neighborhood development, Wilmington and New Orleans, home restoration, planting ideas, and enjoying diverse and authentic lives.

29/03/2019

Human Interest

A conversation with Eric Davis, producer of videos and events, and former VP of broadcasting and content at WTVI, about story telling, why people are weird in Florida, professional wrestling, marching bands, hot dogs and football.

Eric Davis Eric Davis is a producer of videos and events. In this episode we explore telling stories, helping other people do better, why people are weird in Florida, wrestling, hot dogs, marching bands and football.

07/03/2019

Teaching Elder

A candid conversation with Bob Henderson, senior minister of Covenant Presbyterian Church, about faith in public life, gay marriage, a legacy of white privilege, religion in America, the changing language of proclamation, and what is true. Plus my essay on grace and mystery.

Bob Henderson Bob Henderson leads a Presbyterian church. In this episode we explore individual conscious, faith in public life, gay marriage, white privilege, religious life, the changing language of proclamation, and what is true.

28/02/2019

Agent of Change

Stephanie Cooper-Lewter may have one of the most complex and challenging assignments in Charlotte, leading an effort to restructure systems to ensure that all citizens have an equal chance to thrive. Stephanie talks about transformation in a deeply personal conversation. Plus my essay on adopting Charlotte.

Stephanie Cooper-Lewter Stephanie Cooper-Lewter leads an economic mobility initiative. In this episode we explore creating greater access and opportunity, being adopted and overcoming poverty, personal and community transformation, and living into purpose.

22/02/2019

People and Possibility

A conversation with the extraordinary Sally Robinson about the Dalton family, how Charlotte has changed since the 1940s, civil rights and becoming a better person, serving community, the power of connection, and her 65-year marriage. Plus my essay on E.M. Forster and 'Howards End.'

Sally Robinson Sally Robinson is a civic leader and community volunteer. In this episode we explore family history, community service, connecting to ideas and possibilities, and a lifelong friendship and love.  

07/02/2019

Pastoral Care

Debbie Warren is the founder and president of RAIN, which helps people living with HIV/AIDS live healthier lives. In a powerful and inspiring conversation, Debbie shares her work, her journey, and the love and faith that guides her. Plus my essay on the early days of AIDS.

Debbie Warren Debbie Warren leads an HIV/AIDS organization. In this episode we explore pastoral care, the maturing of faith, and finding identity in service and love.

31/01/2019

The Thin Blue Line

Freda Lester served 29 years in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, having won the Medal of Valor. Freda talks about community policing, protests, good cops, drawing a gun, public safety, and wearing the badge.

Freda Lester Freda Lester is a retired police officer. In this episode we explore wearing the badge, police response to civic protest, drawing a gun, what makes for a good cop, and a life dedicated to public safety.

25/01/2019

Midlife Mission

Stephen Valder practiced pediatric medicine for 25 years. In a a moving conversation Stephen talks about leaving his practice, decisions in midlife, and living into legacy and values. Plus my essay on Leo Tolstoy and the blues.

Stephen Valder Stephen Valder is a retired pediatrician. In this episode we explore leaving the practice of medicine, contributing to community, affordable housing, a legacy of justice, and living into values.

10/01/2019

Image Activist

Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr. is a photojournalist who has turned his lens to documenting social movements and the strength of people. A revealing and personal conversation about image activism, lived experience, and his camera as a weapon against poverty, racism and social wrongs.

Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr. Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr. is a photojournalist. In this episode we explore documenting social movements, the Brookhill neighborhood of Charlotte, growing up in Rockford, Illinois, street credibility, and producing work for the halls of justice.

02/01/2019

Community Health

Don Jonas leads Care Ring, an innovative provider of health care to persons of modest means. Don discusses community health, Medicaid transformation, social determinants, the passing of time, and being the lead singer of a band. Plus my essay 'Black Mirrors and Frumious Bandersnatches.'

Don Jonas Don Jonas leads a community health center. In this episode we explore community health, Medicaid transformation, social determinants, choices in his life, the passing of time, and being the lead singer of a band.

26/12/2018

Whimsical and Wild

An inspiring year-end conversation with the incomparable Deborah Triplett about photography, what is beautiful, the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, yard art, confronting cancer, and love of family and friends.

Deborah Triplett Deborah Triplett is an image taker and a garden maker. In this episode we explore photography, what is beautiful, the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, Yard Art Day, confronting cancer, and love of family and friends.

19/12/2018

I and Thou

Dan Murrey describes himself as a practical man. He is also a knight errant pursuing quixotic dreams. In this conversation, Dan Murrey, spine surgeon, administrator, CEO, politician, chef, inventor, collector of pottery, woodworker, reveals his motivations and where God resides.

Dan Murrey Dan Murrey leads a specialty care physician practice group. In this episode we explore reforming the health care system, where God resides, orthopedic surgery, confronting injustice, local politics, and taking on difficult tasks.

13/12/2018

Beyond the Veil

A conversation with Matt Cosper about making theater, absurdist influences, the fractal nature of existence, Zen koans, magical realism, fallen angels and accessing the sublime.

Matt Cosper Matt Cosper is a a theater maker. In this episode we explore absurdist influences, the fractal nature of existence, Zen koans, magical realism, fallen angels and accessing the sublime.

13/12/2018

Check these 4+ podcasts for some Charlotte arts intrigue. (Got others? Let us know)

Honored to be among the podcast hosts profiled in this article published today in the Charlotte Observer. Thanks to writer Alyssa Pressler and videographer Solange Reyner!

Putting on a podcast if you’re not a pro podcaster – or if you are, but your subject isn’t your day-to-day profession – takes passion. Here are four podcasts that periodically peek into an aspect of the arts in Charlotte, from a user’s guide to opera to a philosophic exploration of what gi...

06/12/2018

Against Indifference

Stephanie Ansaldo leads The Echo Foundation, which inspires citizens to action on behalf of humankind. Stephanie shares her personal story and passion for what one person can do to change the world. Plus my essay on dreamers and rebels.

Stephanie Ansaldo Stephanie Ansaldo is an executive who leads an education foundation. In this episode we explore humanitarian interest, Elie Wiesel, technology and ethics, an improbable marriage, and what one person can do to change the world.

21/11/2018

Giving Thanks

On this Thanksgiving, a powerful and poignant conversation with Marjorie Benbow, scientist, educator, entrepreneur, lawyer, about love, grief and gratitude. One you want to stay with as she shares a story about what matters most.

Marjorie Benbow Marjorie Benbow is an intellectual property attorney. In this episode we explore flower farming, home renovation, a career in science, education and the law, and lessons learned about love, grief and gratitude.

14/11/2018

Virtual Reality

A conversation with Paula Kranz about virtual reality immersion, her military intelligence career, service to greater causes, and a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson.

Paula Kranz Paula Kranz is an executive who leads a media foundation. In this episode we explore virtual reality immersion, her career in military intelligence, service to greater causes, and living life to the fullest.

10/11/2018

Discovery Place

Can science centers ever get ahead of the innovation curve? How are we inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers? Catherine Horne, president and CEO of Discovery Place, answers these questions and many more in a wide-ranging discussion about the museum and what's ahead.

Catherine Horne Catherine Horne is an executive who leads a science museum. In this episode we explore science education, whether a science center can ever be ahead of the innovation curve, and the importance of bringing museums to as many people as possible.

01/11/2018

Human Intelligence

What values should guide the education of computer science students as they create the future? We ask Fatma Mili, Dean of the College of Computing and Informatics at UNC Charlotte.

Fatma Mili Fatma Mili is a dean of a college of computing and informatics. In this episode we explore computer science education, whether artificial intelligence is giving rise to tyranny, the data industrial complex, and the values we need to shape the future.

18/10/2018

Omega Man

Michael DeVaul makes the Charlotte region better every day. Learn about his work as Chief Social Responsibility Officer at the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, his passions and his life journey. Plus my essay on the early days of the Y.

Michael DeVaul Michael DeVaul is chief social responsibility officer for a youth charity organization. In this episode we explore helping black and brown boys, connecting dots, code-switching, baseball and branding, and a personal story of love and humanity.

10/10/2018

Intergalactic Soul

Quentin Talley can do it all and he has something to say. A poet, actor, director, producer and musician, Q talks about reflecting the black experience, his love supreme, the issues that inspire his work, and when he is most free. Plus thoughts on paying the man and keeping it real.

Quentin Talley Quentin Talley is a multidisciplinary artist. In this episode we explore being unapologetically human, expressing the black experience, love supreme, and when he is most free.

20/09/2018

www.onlifeandmeaning.com

Navigating the rough seas of discussions about race and religion can often be a disconcerting task, fraught with pitfalls. Richard Pinder, retired professor at Johnson & Wales University, has spent a lifetime guiding himself and others through these complicated topics. Hear his thoughts on coming of age, faith in an evidence-based world and much more on the latest episode of .

07/09/2018

Dionysus To The Apollo

How has theatre and the arts evolved since the days of Oedipus Rex, and can it continue to evolve today? Lynne Conner, chair of the Department of Theater at UNC Charlotte, talks about how audience experience and interpretation have changed, and how arts can inform our lives in the latest episode of .

Lynne Conner Lynne Conner is a professor of theater arts, cultural policy theorist and playwright. In this episode we explore social interpretation of the arts, how audience behavior has changed, and what we mean by meaning anyway.