Gotta Look Up Podcast

I.C.F.B. Club

In this heartwarming episode, host Tom takes us on a nostalgic journey through one of his most cherished family traditions: the I.C.F.B. club—Ice Cream for Breakfast. What started as a secret society formed by Tom’s grandfather, affectionately known as "Pop," evolved into a family tradition that has spanned generations. Tom shares the origins of the club, the simple joy of receiving an address label badge, and the magic of those childhood mornings when he and his siblings would sneak away for a special ice cream treat.
Beyond the sweetness of ice cream, Tom reflects on the importance of creating lasting family memories and honoring the people who instill these traditions. Pop’s love and imagination left a profound legacy, one that Tom continues to celebrate with his own children every year on Pop’s birthday, September 16th. Through personal anecdotes and meaningful quotes, this episode reminds listeners that family traditions, no matter how small, are powerful ways to connect generations and keep memories alive.
Tune in to discover:
How a simple ritual became a family bonding experience.
The significance of passing down traditions to future generations.
Inspirational reflections on how to create meaningful memories and legacies within your own family.
As Tom puts it: "Look Up, Look Ahead, and remember—the memories we create today will echo through the lives we touch tomorrow."
Pop-ism of the Day: "Always look for the best in others."
Don't miss this episode filled with laughter, love, and a sprinkle of legacy!

A Journey with Wolves - Interview with John Calfa of Wolf Connection

Tom sits down with John Calfa, a passionate advocate for wildlife and the human connection to nature. John wears many hats – as a podcast host, tour guide, and a dedicated leader at Wolf Connection, a unique organization in California that brings people together with rescued wolves.
John's journey began with a deep-seated love for animals, a passion that only grew stronger when he moved to California and discovered the Wolf Connection. His first encounter with the wolves during a walk was nothing short of transformative. Captivated by the wolves' stories and the dedication of the staff, John felt an immediate connection. This connection led him to volunteer and eventually become a core member of the Program and Events teams at Wolf Connection.
In this episode, John shares his experiences working with these majestic creatures and the impact they have on both the wolves and the humans who come to meet them. He opens up about the incredible feeling of being part of a "wolf and human pack," working together to foster a better relationship with the environment and each other.
Listeners will be inspired by John's dedication and learn about the vital work Wolf Connection does to create meaningful, life-changing experiences for all involved. Whether you're an animal lover or simply curious about how humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously, this episode will leave you with a renewed sense of connection to the world around you.
Get involved with this incredible organization by visiting Wolf Connection.Follow them on Instagram: @wolfconnection.
Tune in to discover how wolves can teach us about community, healing, and the profound bond between humans and animals!

Honoring the Dash: Making Life Meaningful

We're delving into a topic that's inevitable yet often avoided—death. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you will live forever." This profound statement reminds us of the delicate balance between living in the moment and perpetually seeking knowledge. Today, we explore the impact of death on our lives, the importance of preserving memories, and how we can honor those who have passed.
Look up and live a little. Look around and cherish those important in your life. Look ahead and maximize the time you have left. Keep going and add more length and depth to that dash.
 

Interview with Kari Baker from Kind Families

In this heartwarming episode of The Gotta Look Up Podcast, I am honored to sit down with Kari Baker, a dedicated advocate and passionate voice from Kind Families. KIND (Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences) is a remarkable organization that provides unwavering support for children who experience the world differently due to neurological differences that are not immediately visible to others. These children, often misunderstood and overlooked, include those diagnosed with low support autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing disorders, learning disabilities, and other conditions that significantly impact their behavior, social interactions, and academic performance.
Kari Baker, a mother, caregiver, and staunch supporter of these incredible children, shares her personal journey and the collective mission of Kind Families. She opens up about the challenges and triumphs of raising children whose differences are not always apparent but profoundly affect their daily lives. This episode delves into the importance of kindness, acceptance, and understanding, highlighting the power of meaningful conversations in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Through our conversation, Kari sheds light on the unique struggles and strengths of KIND kids, emphasizing the necessity for communities to rally around these families with empathy and support. She passionately discusses the transformative impact of creating environments where KIND kids feel seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. Kari also provides invaluable insights into how we can all play a part in advocating for and uplifting children with invisible neurological differences.
Listeners will be moved by Kari's heartfelt stories and inspired by the resilience and beauty found in the KIND community. This episode is a call to action for everyone to look beyond the surface, embrace diversity, and engage in conversations that cultivate kindness and acceptance. Join us for this beautiful and enlightening dialogue that promises to leave you with a renewed sense of empathy and a deeper understanding of what it means to support kids with invisible neurological differences.Connect with Kari and the KIND CommunityPre-order Finding Kind Discovering Hope and Purpose while Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences. https://findingkind.myshopify.comWebsite: https://kindfamilies.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindfamilies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KINDFamilies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kariabaker
 

The Yellow Rose

In this episode of the Gotta Look Up Podcast, I dive deep into one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys of my life—reconnecting with my daughter after a difficult divorce. If you've ever faced the struggles of co-parenting and the emotional turmoil that comes with it, this story will resonate with you on many levels.
Divorce is tough, not just for the parents, but especially for the kids. Their lives are turned upside down, and they often find themselves caught in the middle of adult conflicts. My story is no different. After my divorce, my relationship with my daughter took a severe hit, fueled by the negative stories she was told about me. For a year, she wouldn’t speak to me. The only way I could see her was by volunteering for lunch duty at her school. So, I did. I showed up as much as I could, just to catch glimpses of her and slowly rebuild our bond.
This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of showing up, and the unexpected ways the universe honors our efforts. Sometimes, when you’re in the middle of a storm, you just have to look up and believe that better days are coming. And sometimes, those better days come with a yellow rose and a double rainbow.
Tune in to hear more about this incredible journey and how it taught me to keep looking up, no matter what.
Stay inspired!

Alone vs Lonely

In this deeply reflective and insightful episode of the "Gotta Look Up" podcast, Tom delves into the profound and often misunderstood topic of loneliness. Drawing from personal experiences and spiritual influences, Tom explores the critical distinction between being alone and feeling lonely.
Memories from Mass and Spiritual Influences: Tom begins by sharing fond memories of attending mass as a child and into adulthood, particularly recalling the impactful sermons of Fr. Jim Mifsud and Fr. Brendan McGuire. These spiritual leaders have significantly influenced Tom's understanding of various aspects of life, including the concept of loneliness. During the Intercessions at mass, where the community prays for various intentions, Fr. Jim would always include "the lonely, the sick, and the dying." This consistent mention of the lonely intrigued Tom as a child and eventually led him to a deeper understanding of loneliness.
Tom-ism on Loneliness: Tom introduces a poignant "Tom-ism" to encapsulate his perspective on loneliness: "Death is not the opposite of life. Loneliness is." He explains that while death marks the end of life on Earth, living a life of loneliness can feel like experiencing a small death every day. This statement underscores the severity and emotional toll of chronic loneliness.
Through empathy, connection, and proactive steps, we can all play a part in alleviating loneliness for ourselves and those around us.

Interview with Danny Mendoza from Foster Love

Join Tom on the Gotta Look Up Podcast as he chats with Danny Mendoza, founder of Foster Love, a non-profit dedicated to transforming the lives of foster children. Danny shares his journey from discovering his cousin living in a car to building a nationwide movement. Learn how Foster Love provides vital resources and educational opportunities, collaborating with communities to ensure no child is forgotten. Tune in for an inspiring story of passion and impact!www.fosterlove.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosterlove
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fosterlove
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fosterlove
 

Driver's Training

In this heartwarming episode of the Gotta Look Up podcast titled "Driver's Training," I dive into the universal rite of passage: learning to drive. My journey begins with my own childhood memories, where the thrill of driving first ignited—I fondly remember sitting on my dad's lap, steering our 1964 American Motors Rambler into the garage. Though Dad was in control of the gas and brake pedals, and his hands were always ready at the bottom of the steering wheel, to me, it felt like I was truly driving.
My early fascination with driving was humorously extended when I piloted the slightly misleading Autopia cars at Disneyland. Little did I know, those cars were on tracks, but every time we careened off, I blamed it on the car, not my driving skills.
Fast forward to my teen years, and Driver's Ed was a required course in high school. I remember the blend of excitement and anxiety that came with learning to drive. The driving permit test was particularly nerve-wracking. I recall a critical moment during the test when a firetruck pulled out of the station. Even though it didn’t have its sirens on, I dutifully pulled over to the right and stopped to clear its path. I could see the tester nodding his head out of the corner of my eye as he took notes. That move secured my license!
As I reflect on these experiences, I note the significant changes in how driver's education is approached today. I share insights into the nervous dynamics between parents and teens navigating this new terrain. My own strategy was to start my kids off in safe environments like empty parking lots. I share a few humorous anecdotes about the inevitable "I was just about to do that!" moments that every parent hears.As I wrap up, I encourage you all to Look Up! and seize every opportunity to teach and create lasting memories with your children. This episode is a blend of nostalgia, practical advice, laughter, and a gentle reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of guiding the next generation with both love and wisdom.

Interview with Brandon Janous

Tom sits down with Brandon Janous, the author of the inspirational book "JUST DO!" Brandon opens up about the deeply personal journey that led to the creation of his book, which invites readers into his family's exploration of purpose, perspective, and presence. Through a blend of heartwarming anecdotes, painful losses, witty one-liners, and unfiltered honesty, Brandon provides a compelling narrative that resonates with anyone facing life's unpredictable challenges.
The conversation begins with Brandon recounting the pivotal moment in 2018 that changed his family's life forever. After his wife, Rachel, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, Brandon turned to writing as a form of expression and healing. His blog post, "Wanna Feel Loved? Get Cancer," went viral, amassing over a million views and sparking a global conversation about love, illness, and community support. The overwhelming response from readers around the world underscored the impact of his words and the universal need for connection during times of hardship.
Throughout the podcast, Tom and Brandon delve into themes of resilience and leadership, particularly in the context of fatherhood and personal adversity. Brandon shares how he navigated the difficult moments of his wife's illness, maintaining hope and strength for his family, and finding humor in the midst of sorrow. His stories of gut-wrenching loss and his journey towards self-reflection offer listeners a raw and honest perspective on coping with life's most challenging situations.
The discussion also highlights the importance of being present and making the most of every moment, a central theme in Brandon's book. He talks about the lessons learned from his experiences and how they have shaped his approach to life and parenting. His candid reflections inspire listeners to consider how they too can lead by example, persevere through trials, and ultimately, find purpose in their own lives.
Tom and Brandon's conversation is not just about the struggles but also about the triumphs of embracing life's realities and the power of sharing one's story. As the episode wraps up, listeners are left with a sense of encouragement and a reminder to always "look up" and find the light even in the darkest of times.
For anyone facing personal challenges or interested in stories of genuine human experience, this episode of "Gotta Look Up" with Brandon Janous is a must-listen. It’s not only a journey through the highs and lows of life but also a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of community support during tough times.
Connect with Brandon:Instagram: @brandonjanousCo-founder of @bluehatpublishing

Identity and Definition

In this insightful episode, we delve into the profound topic of identity and self-definition. Our journey begins with the common quest to "find oneself," often envisioned as an adventure or retreat. But is our identity really something that can be discovered on a driver's license or through societal labels? We explore beyond the surface details like name, birthdate, and physical attributes, diving into the deeper, dynamic aspects that truly define us.
Our discussion unpacks how society tends to box us into predefined categories—race, religion, career, and more—without capturing the essence of who we really are. We challenge these constraints by advocating for self-definition, empowering listeners to shape their own identities based on personal beliefs, characteristics, and life experiences.