The Art and Science of Human Flourishing
Writer, performer, producer Tavia Gilbert and journalist Richard Sergay dive deep into the intersection of spirituality and science on the Stories of Impact Podcast, winner of the 2024 & 2025 American Writing Awards Science Podcast of the Year.
Dr. Sean Westwood: What Polarization Reveals About Democracy and the Human Spirit
When we spoke recently with Dr. Sean Westwood, associate professor of government at Dartmouth College and the director of the Polarization Research Lab, we knew we wanted to share the conversation with you as quickly as possible, because it speaks so...
Dr. Anna Corwin: Understanding Spiritual Intelligence Across Cultures
Today we wrap up an enlightening series of conversations on religious ritual as a pathway to human flourishing with Dr. Anna Corwin. When Dr. Corwin became connected to the Diverse Intelligences initiative and researchers who collaboratively examine...
Dr. Adam Cohen, Aliza Kline and Dr. Arielle Levites: Gathering at the Table for Connection and Belonging
Today we’re back in conversation with Dr. Adam Cohen, social psychologist and psychologist of religion at Arizona State University, who shares another research project that explores the way religious ritual connects participants more deeply not only...
Dr. Adam Cohen & Dr. Kathryn A. Johnson: Flourishing in the Yom Kippur Fast
In today's episode, we continue the discussion about fasting, as we hear from two scholars about research focusing on what is considered the holiest day of the year in Judaism: Yom Kippur. During the 25-hour Day of Atonement, observant Jews focus on...
Dr. Mostafa Salari Rad: The Hidden Powers of Ramadan Fasting
Meet Dr. Mostafa Salari Rad, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at the New School in New York City. Born in Iran in a Shia Muslim practicing family, he always had an interest in philosophy, psychology, social science. He wondered why people behaved...
Dr. Santiago Tobón — From Gangs to Growth: Fighting for the Future of Medellín's Teens
Meet Dr. Santiago Tobón. Born and raised in Medellin, Colombia, Dr. Tobón grew up in the 80's and 90's while the country surged with gang violence. As a kid, young Santiago was lucky to have enough privilege to keep himself safe and to give him a...
About the Hosts
Tavia Gilbert
Tavia Gilbert is a Grammy-nominated voice actor; a 15-time finalist and three-time Audie Award winner, including for Best Female Narrator; an Odyssey Award-winning director; Booklist Magazine's Audiobook Narrator of the Year; the narrator and director of more than 1000 audiobooks; and the writer and producer of multiple international award-winning podcasts, including Stories of Impact, two-time American Writing Awards Science Podcast of the Year. As the founder, CEO, and creative director of Talkbox Productions, an international consultancy and content development studio, she serves creatives who are ready to become an Influential Voice, amplifying their power and message in service to the world.
Richard Sergay
Richard Sergay, a seasoned network television journalist, spent 30 years at ABC News, covering major global events, including the end of Apartheid in South Africa. He later shifted focus to the digital revolution. At Discovery Communications, he curated "The Curiosity Project," interviewing 250 experts. He then helped launch CuriosityStream with Discovery's founder, John Hendricks. Sergay also served as SVP of Media Strategy at Sharecare, a health engagement website. Through his firm, Rebel Media Productions, he consults on new media, strategic partnerships, and thought leadership events. Sergay holds a BA from UC, postgraduate work from Georgetown, and was a John S. Knight Fellow at Stanford.