Welcome to episode 41 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.
This week my guest is Michael Gershe. Michael wears several hats in the work that he does. He is the founder of The Magic of Life Foundation, an author, presenter, Tedx Kent State speaker, a comedian, a college advisor for the last 21 years at Kent State University in the Aeronautics and Engineering department, and a true advocate against drunk driving. To add another hat to the list – he has a passion for photography and has recently had his photos shared in a gallery in OH.
Michael was born in NY, and then moved to, Miami Florida as a young child. He shares about going to college and graduate school in OH and never leaving.
His personal journey is truly incredible. At the age of only 8 weeks old, Michael and his family were in a tragic car crash that was caused by a drunk driver. That crash took his mother, Barbara’s life at the young age of 28. Michael shares more about how the loss of his mom shaped his life and his story. He also shares how the word "mom" is not really in his vocabulary. There is a lot more in this segment of the interview.
You will hear about a woman, named Dolly who was at first hired to take care of Michael and his brother Jeff, while their Dad worked. She quickly went from being hired, to truly becoming part of the family. This is a great story about how blood does not determine who cares for us the most. Dolly is celebrating a very special 90th birthday this month.
Michael shares how men don’t always feel so comfortable sharing their vulnerability as he learned just a few years ago that he was still dealing with survivors guilt from the crash that happened 51 years ago. This is a very important conversation as Michael talks about how we sometimes push down our feelings, and when we do they can come back up at the most unexpected times.
Michael works with the court system through a drunk driving offenders program that he created. Although, he brings some comedy to his speaking engagements to lighten the mood, he talks about how one bad decision can ruin many lives at one time..
Please go to themagicoflife.com to learn more about the incredible program that Michael has created to help save lives.
Listen to his answer to the question, if I knew then, what I know now.
Next week, I welcome Alice Woods, Executive Director & Tim Zeiss, Director, Development and Marketing from Ocean's Harbor House . They share about their own personal journey's and more about how they are providing care to kids who are living with challenges. One of the most basic challenges, a place to live. For 32 years, Ocean’s Harbor House has addressed the needs of runaway and homeless youth, while also providing services to young people facing trauma resulting from living in damaging home environments. Visit oceansharborhouse.org for more information.
Please subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel. Stream this podcast on all streaming sites . Like us on FB and Instagram at Today is the Day Live it. I am also the CEO and Co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation, a not-for-profit (for-impact) organization that funds children living with financial barriers take ongoing performing arts lessons for now up to 15 years. Please visit applaudourkids.org for more information. For more information about this podcast, and my ongoing consulting services visit todayisthedayliveit.com.
Have a great week everyone!
