The Reaching Higher Podcast

In this conversation, host Aaron Strout interviews Amy Webb, a quantitative futurist, who discusses her unique role in advising Fortune 100 CEOs and global leaders on future trends. They explore the importance of grounding narratives in data, the challenges of communicating foresight effectively, and the evolution of her initiative, Spark Camp. Amy also shares insights on emerging trends in computing and reflects on her experiences with influential figures and her love for music.Show Links* Amy's TED Talk - https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_webb_how_i_hacked_online_dating* Amy's books on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008J35QIG* LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywebb/* 2025 Tech Trends Report - https://ftsg.com/trends/

In this episode of Reaching Higher, Gary Vaynerchuk reflects on his journey from a Belarusian immigrant to a globally recognized entrepreneur. He discusses how a scarcity‑filled yet love‑rich childhood shaped his grit, curiosity, and drive to build. Gary shares why he left Wine Library to create VaynerMedia, his belief that leaders must embrace AI rather than resist it, and how transparency—through projects like DailyVee—builds trust and opportunity.During this episode, Gary also dives into his charitable commitments, including support for Pencils of Promise and his $10M pledge to Charity: Water, emphasizing education and clean water as foundations for human potential. The conversation blends ambition, empathy, and Gary’s signature no‑nonsense mindset.Show linksPencils of Promise: https://pencilsofpromise.org/Charity Water: https://www.charitywater.org/DailyVee: https://garyvaynerchuk.com/topics/dailyvee/

In this conversation, Dr. Vanessa Kerry discusses her journey in global health, influenced by her early experiences in countries like Vietnam, Uganda, and Rwanda. She emphasizes the importance of addressing health inequities and the need for a robust healthcare workforce. As the co-founder of Seed Global Health, she shares insights on training healthcare workers and the organization's mission to improve health systems. Dr. Kerry also highlights the intersection of climate change and health, her role as the WHO Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health, and the importance of viewing health as an investment rather than a cost. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on her family values, leadership style, and the challenges of balancing her professional and personal life.Show Links* Her mother's book on mental health - https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Not-Alone-Experience/dp/0060969776* Seed Global Health - https://seedglobalhealth.org/* Seed Global on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/seedglobalhealth/* Dr. Vanessa Kerry on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vbkerry/

In this episode of the Reaching Higher podcast, Dr. Uché Blackstock discusses her journey in healthcare, inspired by her mother, and her advocacy for health equity. She highlights the importance of community engagement, the impact of historical policies like the Flexner Report, and the need for systemic changes to address health disparities. Dr. Blackstock also emphasizes the financial imperative of health equity, the role of AI in healthcare, and the significance of maternal health policies. Her work through Advancing Health Equity aims to bridge the gap between national initiatives and local community needs, ensuring that everyone has access to quality care.Show LinksDr. Blackstock's website: https://ucheblackstock.com/Articles on Time: https://time.com/author/uche-blackstock/Legacy book: https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Physician-Reckons-Racism-Medicine/dp/0593491289Flexner Report: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexner_ReportInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucheblackstockmd/

A walk back through season one highlighting key moments in our conversations. Here's a quick guide:Actor Adrian Grenier -- speaking about shifting from a global focus to hyper local when it comes to his social do-goodingNews Anchor, Wendy Tokuda -- highlighting why some of the 17 years old from her non-profit, Students Rising Above impressed her the mostDr. Joseph Wu, former President of the AHA and head of Stanford's Cardiology Lab -- his advice to President Trump on why STEM is so importantLiana Guzman, CEO of FOLX Health -- talks about the future of healthcare and why it's so important to connect mind, body and communityAl Roker of the Today Show -- Al shares why John Lewis is the famous person he was so impressed with based on his optimism and hope for AmericaU.S. Senate candidate, Mallory McMorrow -- recounts her now famous speech on the MI Senate floor and the advice her mom gave her after the speechRolling Stones keyboardist, Chuck Leavell -- shares a few tips on what everyone can do to help improve our environmentDr. Bayo Winchell-Curry, trailblazer in healthcare advocacy -- Dr. Bayo stresses the importance of taking a few seconds to focus on the ONE positive thing

In this introspective conversation, digital pioneer, John Battelle reflects on his journey from co-founding Wired Magazine to navigating the dot com boom with The Industry Standard. John discusses the importance of community building through events like the Web2 Summit and NewCo, and shares insights on transitioning to a life-driven approach. Battelle also highlights the creation of DOC, a community focused on medical integrity, and his ongoing connection to academia. The discussion culminates in a thought-provoking exploration of generative AI and its potential societal impact.Show LinksJohn's website and blog - https://battellemedia.com/DOC site - https://doc.health

In this conversation, Maimah Karmo shares her extraordinary journey from surviving multiple adversities, including being struck by lightning, held at gunpoint and battling breast cancer, to founding the Tiger Lily Foundation. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, community support, and empowering women, particularly those who are underrepresented in healthcare. Maimah reflects on her experiences, including a transformative appearance on Oprah Winfrey's show, and discusses the recent achievements of her foundation, including a significant grant from the Melinda Gates Foundation. The conversation highlights the power of resilience, purpose, and the impact of advocacy in the realm of women's health.Show LinksTigerlily Foundation -- https://tigerlilyfoundation.orgMaimah's clothes line -- https://slimthickclothing.com/Maimah on Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/maimahkarmo/

Welcome to this episode of Reaching Higher, featuring former Patriots guard and three-time Super Bowl champion Joe Andruzzi. In this powerful conversation, Joe shares his journey from the NFL gridiron to an even tougher battle—his fight against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which ended his playing career.He discusses his path to becoming a true champion both on and off the field. Joe opens up about his battle with cancer and his eventual recovery, a life-altering experience that inspired him and his wife, Jen, to found the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) in 2008. We delve into the Foundation’s mission of providing financial assistance and support to cancer patients and their families, easing their day-to-day struggles so they can focus on their treatment.Listen in to hear Joe's perspective on resilience, the importance of paying it forward, and how his family’s spirit guided him through his toughest moments. His story is a testament to turning personal struggles into a mission of hope and help for thousands of others.Show links: Foundation - https://joeandruzzifoundation.org