Dr. Moody presents the second installment of his newly created “Student Discovery” series which highlights selected student interviews from his Community Development & Leadership course. The episodes chosen for the Student Discovery series stand out for their depth and alignment with the themes of community engagement and empathy discussed in his course. This episode is the optimistic tale of a compassionate teacher, whose 20+ years of experience has provided her unique insights into the vital role she plays in her community. Guest introduction is provided by Mrs. Single, a PreK-1st ELD teacher from Louisiana.

Dr. Moody presents the inaugural episode of his newly created “Student Discovery” series which highlights selected student interviews from his Community Development & Leadership course. The episodes included in the Student Discovery series reflect unique understandings of what community engagement actually means and truly deserve a broader audience. This episode is an optimistic tale of an inspiring, young adult who, from an early age, exemplified a deep, personal passion for improving her community.

Dr. Moody talks with Mike "Rizzo" Eruzione, the Director of Special Outreach at Boston University and the legendary Captain of the 1980 Winter Olympics US national hockey team. While Mike’s name is forever linked to one of the greatest moments in sports history, this conversation goes beyond the scoreboard. Mike discusses his role in the iconic Miracle on Ice game against the Soviet Union team and how the values he forged on the ice translate into a life of service, leadership, and community impact. This episode marks the third installment of the “Beyond the Acts” series, an ongoing collaboration with Mr. Todd Shriver of North White Middle-High School in Monon, Indiana. Also joining the conversation is 80s historian and author, Chris Clews.

Dr. Moody talks with Mark Goodman, an original MTV VJ, and co-host of the podcast, Sound Up!. This episode is the second installment of Dr. Moody’s “Beyond the Acts” series—a collaboration with Mr. Todd Shriver of North White Middle-High School in Moron, Indiana. “Professor” Goodman discusses his views about the unique, historical impact of MTV and how this new phenomenon changed the way we viewed music and its galvanizing effect on the global, social experience. Also joining the conversation is Mr. Drew Van Huss.

Dr. Moody returns from a short break to begin his fifth year as Host of Optimistic Tales. He begins the prologue with a review of several interesting analytics from Season 8 and then discusses what’s on the agenda for Season 9. Please remember to Follow the podcast as he takes the first steps into the fifth year of his continuing search for a more humbled and empathetic world.

In this special holiday episode, Dr. Moody welcomes back Ms. Joni Hendee, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at the Dumas-Wesley Community Center (DWCC). Together, they unwrap the quiet power of empathy that fuels DWCC’s mission to Educate, Empower, and Enrich the community—highlighting the Annual Toy Store, where families experience the dignity of giving, and the Senior Activities Independent Living program, which nurtures community, purpose, and connection for older adults. Through heartfelt stories and shared reflections, this conversation reminds us that empathy is the thread that ties every act of kindness together. The joy of the season isn’t found in what we give or receive—but in how we understand, uplift, and walk alongside one another. For more information about DWCC’s programs, visit dumaswesley.org. VClXoCKqevkPrzfrHkID

Dr. Moody talks with Lisa Geertsen, Co-Founder, Treasurer, and Governance Committee Member of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths. Lisa, an artist blacksmith and blacksmithing instructor with over two decades of experience, is also the owner of Firelight Forge in Seattle, WA.

Dr. Moody collaborates with Mr. Todd Shriver, to present their inaugural, cross-over episode of Dr. Moody’s newest “Beyond the Acts” series to mark the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, the global concert event that brought together the biggest names in music to fight famine in Ethiopia—and changed the way we think about music and activism forever. Their very special guest, who had a front-row seat to history, is Mr. Alan Hunter, original MTV VJ and pop culture icon. In this exclusive episode, Alan not only shares his personal reflections on Live Aid’s seismic impact and his experience covering the event, he also reminisces about what it was like at the heart of MTV during the golden era of music television. Whether you were there in person, glued to your set watching MTV, or are only now uncovering the magic of the moment, this crossover episode is your backstage pass to one of the most unforgettable eras in music history—revealed by someone who experienced every beat of it…as it happened.