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What if the most powerful thing you could ever give someone isn't advice, isn't money, isn't even your time, but simply telling them you believe in them? In this unforgettable season one finale, host Aaron Lazar sits down live at Duke University with Coach Mike Krzyzewski, the winningest coach in Division I men's basketball history. With five NCAA national championships, six Olympic gold medals, and 1,202 career victories, Coach K built more than a basketball dynasty at Duke. He built a legacy of belief. Recorded in front of a live audience near Cameron Indoor Stadium, this conversation marks Aaron's 50th birthday and a defining moment in his journey with ALS. This conversation is both a masterclass in leadership and a deeply personal exchange between two men who understand that impossible dreams require more than talent. Coach K shares the 1995 burnout that nearly ended his career, the back surgery that forced him to step away, and the moment he realized he had given everything to basketball except the part of himself that made him great. Aaron opens up about hearing his soul's calling, the support system that keeps him fighting, and what it means to talk to people who have reversed ALS when doctors say it cannot be done. The impossible dream shines brightest when Coach K reframes Aaron's mission. "This is a possible dream," he says, because Aaron has already proven it by how he lives each day. The two explore what separates the great players from the truly great ones (hint: it's not the shot, it's the moment after the miss), why vision must marry heart and mind, and Coach K's one-word advice to his grandchildren: "Go for it." In a powerful final moment, Aaron removes his BiPAP to deliver his closing question, and Coach K responds with words that will stay with you long after the episode ends: "You're always becoming." Guest Bio: Coach Mike Krzyzewski is a Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and the all-time winningest coach in Division I men's basketball history with 1,202 career victories. In 42 seasons at Duke, he won five NCAA national championships (1991, 1992, 2001, 2010, 2015), reached a record 13 Final Fours, and was named National Coach of the Year 12 times. As head coach of USA Basketball, he led Team USA to three consecutive Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012, 2016) and two FIBA World Championship golds. A 1969 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Coach K played point guard under Bob Knight before beginning his coaching career. He founded the Emily Krzyzewski Center in Durham, North Carolina, a nonprofit serving over 2,000 students annually on their paths to college, named in honor of his mother Emily. He is the author of multiple bestselling books including Leading with the Heart and Beyond Basketball: Coach K's Keywords for Success. In retirement, he serves as Ambassador to Duke University alongside his wife Mickie. Learn more about Coach K: CoachK.com (Official Website): https://hyixin.short.gy/sy5BfI Emily Krzyzewski Center: https://hyixin.short.gy/l26QVD Duke Athletics Bio: https://hyixin.short.gy/cjFZDO Books by Coach K: https://hyixin.short.gy/TBFceo Support Aaron's Journey: GoFundMe: Help Aaron Beat ALS: https://hyixin.short.gy/6MPUo2 LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUTh Spotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1 Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSe Coach K Signature Episode Partners: This episode of Impossible Dreams was made possible by the generous support of the Steiner Family Foundation, Peter Frates ALS Foundation, Tavros Capital, Arosa Care and the ALS Network. Special thanks to David Delaney Mayer and Exformative Entertainment for producing this live event and to Duke Athletics for making this episode possible. Thank you to the ALS Network for being our on-going charity champion throughout Season 1 of Impossible Dreams and to Evrybdy Studios and Brett Goldberg for producing the Season. Episode Navigation: 1. 00:00 - Aaron's introduction: Living with ALS, breathing with a BiPAP 2. 07:37 - Live at Duke: The season finale begins 3. 12:11 - "Telling someone you believe in them can change their life" 4. 14:21 - "I don't believe in false hope. I believe in hope." The Maryland comeback 5. 23:42 - Coach K's 1995 burnout and the leave of absence that saved him 6. 27:20 - "This is a possible dream": Coach K reframes Aaron's mission 7. 39:39 - What separates the great players from the truly great 8. 49:04 - Who coached Coach K? The mentors behind the legend 9. 59:36 - "Go for it": Coach K's one-word advice to his grandchildren 10. 1:05:44 - Aaron removes his BiPAP: "You're always becoming"

What if the key to reversing ALS isn't replacing dead neurons, but reawakening the connections between the ones that are still alive? In this groundbreaking episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Dr. Stella Sarraf, serial biotech entrepreneur, Forbes 50 Over 50 honoree for Innovation, and founder and CEO of both Spinogenix and Amydis. A PhD chemist turned drug developer, Dr. Sarraf is pioneering first-in-class neuroregenerative therapeutics that work at the synaptic level to restore brain function in ALS, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and Fragile X syndrome. Her investigational drug SPG302 has received FDA expanded access authorization to treat 200 ALS patients, and Orphan Drug Designation from the European Medicines Agency. This conversation is both a masterclass in drug development and a deeply personal story of loss and purpose. Dr. Sarraf opens up about losing her father to Parkinson's and her mother to breast cancer, and how those experiences ignited her mission to transform neurology from a field of late diagnosis and limited options into one of early detection and real treatment. She describes the decade-long marathon from lab bench to clinical trial, the mouse that started running circles after treatment, and the impossible dream of turning ALS from a death sentence into a chronic, manageable disease. The impossible dream shines brightest in Dr. Sarraf's patient-first approach to expanded access. Rather than wait years for traditional clinical trial pathways, she fought for FDA authorization to offer SPG302 to ALS patients who wouldn't otherwise qualify, passing costs to patients rather than profits to shareholders. It's the same spirit that drove her to found Amydis: using the eye as a window to the brain to detect neurodegenerative disease proteins like TDP-43 before symptoms appear, potentially catching ALS at the earliest possible stage. Guest Bio: Dr. Stella Sarraf is a visionary biotech entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Spinogenix and Amydis. Named to Forbes 50 Over 50: Innovation (2025), she holds a PhD in organic chemistry from Columbia University and a BA in biochemistry and molecular biology from UC Berkeley. Dr. Sarraf began her career as a senior research chemist at Merck Research Laboratories, where she developed novel drug synthesis processes for clinical trials. She then spent over a decade in healthcare venture capital at Foresite Capital Management and Prospect Venture Partners, leading diligence on 400+ investment opportunities in therapeutics and diagnostics. In 2013, she founded Amydis to develop ocular tracers for early detection of neurodegenerative disease biomarkers including TDP-43 (present in 97% of ALS patients) and amyloid beta. In 2016, she founded Spinogenix to develop synaptic regenerative therapies. The company's lead drug SPG302 is in clinical trials for ALS, Alzheimer's, and schizophrenia, with FDA expanded access authorization to treat 200 ALS patients. Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young serves on the Spinogenix board. Dr. Sarraf was born in Iran and is driven by her personal experience losing both parents to neurodegenerative disease. Learn more about Dr. Stella Sarraf: Spinogenix Amydis LinkedIn Forbes 50 Over 50: Innovation (2025) Xtalks Life Science Podcast Interview LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUTh Spotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1 Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSe Episode Navigation: 1. 00:00 - How a PhD in organic chemistry is basically cooking with chemicals 2. 05:04 - Living the impossible dream: FDA expanded access for 200 ALS patients 3. 08:13 - The marathon of drug development: From cell to animal to human 4. 10:21 - The mouse that ran circles: When the drug worked in an ALS animal model 5. 22:28 - Combination therapy: Why ALS won't be solved by a single silver bullet 6. 27:20 - Amydis and the eye: Detecting TDP-43 and diagnosing ALS early 7. 39:47 - AI meets ophthalmology: Analyzing retinal images to track disease 8. 44:06 - Steve Young, Dwight Clark, and the power of education and advocacy 9. 48:55 - Fighting the system: Why expanded access programs face hospital bottlenecks 10. 53:38 - Flora and Whooshing: Fighting for her parents and all of us

What if the challenges you face in this lifetime were chosen by your soul before you were born, and understanding why could change everything? In this profound episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Dr. Linda Backman, licensed psychologist, world-renowned regression therapist, and author of four groundbreaking books on soul evolution and past life healing. Featured on Gaia TV and Coast to Coast AM, Dr. Backman has spent over 47 years in private practice and 30 years guiding thousands of between-life soul regressions. She co-founded The Newton Institute with pioneering hypnotherapist Dr. Michael Newton and has trained therapists worldwide in the art of soul regression. This conversation is both an awakening and a homecoming. Dr. Backman opens up about her own transformation and how the sudden passing of a colleague in 1993 opened a doorway to the other side, triggering visions of past lives they had shared and launching her into decades of soul work. With her husband Earl's unexpected validation that he too had remembered past lives as a child, Linda found the support she needed to pursue what she calls her dharma. The impossible dream shines brightest in Dr. Backman's revelation that there are three types of souls incarnating on Earth: Earth-based souls, interplanetary souls who bring advanced wisdom from other star systems, and angelic souls who serve as emissaries of unconditional love. Through her regression work, clients have described spacecraft, non-human physical forms, life reviews with councils of guides, and the pre-birth agreements that shape our greatest challenges and relationships. Guest Bio: Dr. Linda Backman is a licensed psychologist and internationally recognized expert in between-life soul regression therapy. With 47 years of private practice experience and over 30 years guiding thousands of past-life and between-life regressions, she is one of the foremost authorities on soul evolution and reincarnation. Dr. Backman studied and co-taught with Dr. Michael Newton, author of Journey of Souls, and was a co-founding member of The Society for Spiritual Regression (now The Newton Institute). She holds degrees from the University of Oregon, University of North Carolina, and Northern Arizona University. In 1997, she and her husband Dr. Earl Backman founded The RavenHeart Center in Boulder, Colorado—a mystery school dedicated to soul-level healing and training. Dr. Backman is the author of four books: Soul Design, Souls on Earth, The Evolving Soul, and Bringing Your Soul to Light. Featured on Gaia TV and Coast to Coast AM, she conducts regression sessions remotely via Zoom with clients worldwide. Learn more about Dr. Linda Backman: RavenHeart Center YouTube - RavenHeart Center Facebook - Ravenheart Center Instagram (@ravenheartcenter) Gaia TV - Dr. Linda Backman Interviews LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUTh Spotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1 Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSe Episode Navigation: 1. 00:00 - Welcome and introducing soul therapy 2. 03:54 - Two flavors of spiritual seekers: Which one are you? 3. 06:27 - Linda's awakening: When her colleague spoke from the other side 4. 12:46 - Earl's revelation: Remembering past lives as a child 5. 26:29 - What is a soul? Higher Self, energy, and the pie analogy 6. 37:23 - Soul pods, spirit guides, and the higher realm 7. 52:38 - Life reviews and the Council: What happens when we cross over 8. 57:47 - When bad things happen: Free will, karma, and the Holocaust 9. 01:02:19 - The three types of souls: Earth-based, interplanetary, and angelic 10. 01:10:22 - Linda's impossible dream: A planet of inclusivity

What if the same state of consciousness that allows extreme athletes to redefine human limits could also help you heal from a disease doctors said was incurable? In this powerful episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Steven Kotler—New York Times bestselling author, three-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, and the world's leading expert on the neuroscience of flow and peak performance. As founder and Executive Director of the Flow Research Collective, Steven has spent decades decoding how humans accomplish the impossible, training everyone from Navy SEALs and Olympic athletes to Fortune 500 executives. His books—including The Art of Impossible, Stealing Fire, and The Rise of Superman—have shaped our understanding of human potential. This conversation is both a deep dive into the science of peak performance and a profoundly personal exploration of healing against the odds. Steven opens up about his battle with Lyme disease—years spent barely able to get out of bed, doctors who gave up on him, and the moment he nearly ended his own life. Then came surfing, flow states, and a recovery that modern medicine couldn't explain. What he learned changed everything. The impossible dream shines brightest in Steven's revelation that tragedy is teleportation—a doorway to becoming the most authentic version of yourself. From the spectrum of micro-flow to macro-flow, the neurochemical reset that heals autoimmune conditions, to why AI can't touch the creative lateral thinking that flow unlocks, this episode offers both hope and a roadmap for anyone facing their own impossible challenge. Guest Bio: Steven Kotler is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and the founder and Executive Director of the Flow Research Collective—the world's leading neuroscience-based peak performance research and training organization. He has authored fifteen books, including eleven bestsellers, with three Pulitzer Prize nominations. His work has been translated into over 80 languages and appeared in more than 100 publications including The New York Times Magazine, Wired, TIME, and the Harvard Business Review. Steven was recently named a Research Professor at Florida Atlantic University's Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences. Along with his wife, author Joy Nicholson, he co-founded Rancho de Chihuahua, a hospice and special needs dog sanctuary in the mountains of Northern New Mexico. His newest book with Peter Diamandis, We Are as Gods: A Survival Guide for the Age of Abundance, releases April 2026. Learn more about Steven Kotler: stevenkotler.com Flow Research Collective The Art of Impossible X/Twitter (@steven_kotler) Instagram (@stevenkotler) LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUTh Spotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1 Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSe

What if the key to career success isn't following the safe path—but chasing the thing that gives you energy instead of draining it? In this inspiring episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Bill Gurley—legendary venture capitalist, General Partner at Benchmark, early investor in Uber, Zillow, and OpenTable, and New York Times bestselling author of Runnin' Down a Dream: How to Thrive in a Career You Actually Love. From his days as a college basketball player at the University of Florida to leading the Amazon IPO as a Wall Street analyst to backing some of the most transformative companies in tech history, Bill shares the unconventional wisdom that took him a decade to distill into his first book. This conversation is both a masterclass in career navigation and a deeply personal reflection on what it means to find your calling. Bill opens up about the humbling experience of realizing basketball wasn't his future, how that failure fueled his drive to find a field where he could truly thrive, and why he believes the people studying their craft out of obsession—not obligation—will always win. The impossible dream shines brightest in Bill's six principles for career success: chase your curiosity, hone your craft, develop mentors, embrace your peers, move to the epicenter, and always give back. Through stories of Jerry Seinfeld, Danny Meyer, Kobe Bryant, and Steve Harvey, Bill reveals why giving yourself permission to dream—and having the methods to execute—changes everything. Guest Bio: Bill Gurley is a General Partner at Benchmark, one of Silicon Valley's most prestigious venture capital firms, where he has spent over two decades backing transformative companies. His investments include Uber, Zillow, OpenTable, GrubHub, Stitch Fix, and Nextdoor. Before venture capital, Bill was a top-ranked Wall Street research analyst at CS First Boston, where he led the Amazon IPO. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Florida—where he played on the men's basketball team—and his MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, which awarded him the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2025. Bill's blog Above the Crowd has shaped industry thinking on technology, marketplaces, and investing for over two decades. His first book, Runnin' Down a Dream, became a New York Times bestseller. Bill lives in Austin, Texas with his wife and three children. Learn more about Bill Gurley: Above the Crowd Blog Runnin' Down a Dream (Penguin Random House) Benchmark Capital LinkedIn LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUTh Spotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1 Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSe

When Jimmy DiResta was a kid sneaking into his father's OCD-perfect basement workshop, using hockey sticks to flip power switches and carefully erasing sawdust footprints, he had no idea he was training for a revolution. The Long Island maker who once cheated his way through high school physics would go on to pioneer an entire genre of YouTube content, influence millions of creators worldwide, and prove that sometimes the most impossible dreams are the ones you never dare to imagine. This conversation cuts deep into the heart of authentic creation — from Jimmy's early days making toys and traveling to China 100 times over two decades, to the serendipitous moment a Hollywood executive asked "Are you afraid to be on camera?" that launched his television career. But it's his journey from network TV rejection to YouTube mastery that reveals the real magic: how staying true to your process, letting tools do the talking, and remaining open to unexpected opportunities can turn a basement hobby into a global phenomenon. For anyone who's ever felt misunderstood in school, dismissed by traditional systems, or wondered if their weird passion could ever become something more — Jimmy's story is proof that your quirks aren't bugs, they're features. And sometimes the most profound success comes from simply being yourself, louder and more authentically than everyone else dares to be. Guest Bio Jimmy DiResta is a maker, inventor, and YouTube pioneer whose tool-focused, music-free video style has influenced countless creators worldwide. A former toy designer who spent decades traveling to China and developing products for major companies, Jimmy transitioned from network television shows like "Hammered" on HGTV and "Dirty Money" on Discovery to building a massive online following. He taught at the School of Visual Arts for 25 years, mentoring students in hands-on creation and problem-solving, and continues to inspire makers through his YouTube channel and ongoing projects like the Graveyard. Learn more about Jimmy DiResta: Official Website: jimmydiresta.com Instagram: @jimmydiresta YouTube: Jimmy DiResta Podcast: Making It with Jimmy DiResta LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUTh Spotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1 Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSe EPISODE NAVIGATION: [00:30] - The grandfather's workshop: How a construction legacy shaped an unlikely creative path [01:47] - Growing up in the basement shop: When your father's OCD becomes your first lesson in precision [04:07] - The hockey stick rebellion: How three brothers outsmarted their father's power cutoff switch [06:00] - From fabricator to maker: The moment a magazine changed everything [08:24] - Architecture school dreams meet mathematical reality: Why some artists aren't meant for equations [13:10] - Complete fraud for ten years: The impostor syndrome that haunted a global superstar [15:28] - The 65 and out strategy: When a future maker gamed the educational system [20:08] - You go to school on the first one: The philosophy that transforms failure into education [24:22] - Fork in the road moments: How following curiosity creates impossible opportunities [30:35] - The call that changed everything: Aaron sitting in the chair where his ALS symptoms started [36:19] - From cop to comedian to sitcom star: The Hollywood dream that almost worked [38:48] - Reality reorganizes around your clarity: When the impossible becomes inevitable [42:14] - The pitch meeting that changed two lives: How being yourself becomes your superpower [46:28] - Thrown out with the bathwater: When network politics destroy good shows [48:05] - Let the tools do the talking: The birth of a YouTube revolution [50:42] - Keeping it loose: How staying open creates space for magic to happen

What if following your excitement isn't just advice — but the language your soul uses to talk to you? Host Aaron Lazar sits down with Darryl Anka — the renowned channel, filmmaker, and creative visionary who has spent over 40 years bringing through the teachings of Bashar — for a conversation that bridges the extraordinary and the deeply practical. From UFO sightings in broad daylight to a telepathic agreement made before this lifetime, Darryl's path to becoming one of the most sought-after channels in the world is as remarkable as the information itself. And the information, as Aaron discovers episode after episode of his own healing journey, is not about belief — it is about results. At the center of this episode is Bashar's five-part Formula — a deceptively simple framework for navigating every challenge, decision, and crossroads life presents. Follow your passion and excitement. Act with integrity. Release all insistence on outcomes. Remain in a positive state no matter what happens. And examine the fear-based beliefs standing between you and who you truly are. Aaron, living with ALS, shares how this formula has become a lifeline — not an escape from his physical reality, but a way of moving through it with purpose, momentum, and something that keeps surprising him: joy. Together, Aaron and Darryl explore the nature of spirit guides and synchronicity, the soul's reasons for choosing profound challenges, and what Bashar says is coming for humanity in the very near future. Darryl's perspective lands with quiet confidence: "The easiest thing in the world to be is yourself. The hardest thing in the world to be is someone you are not. We have those things completely reversed." Guest Bio: Darryl Anka is a world-renowned channel, filmmaker, and creative visionary based in Los Angeles. After witnessing two close-range UFO sightings in 1973, Darryl spent a decade researching metaphysics and the nature of consciousness before beginning to channel Bashar — a non-physical being who describes himself as an extraterrestrial intelligence communicating from what we perceive as the future. Over more than 40 years of live events, recordings, and teachings, the Bashar material has been recognized alongside the works of Edgar Cayce, Seth, and Abraham-Hicks as some of the most consistent, detailed, and practically applicable channeled information ever transmitted. Darryl wrote, produced, and directed the documentary First Contact, which explores his life as a channel and the core messages Bashar shares. In addition to his channeling work, Darryl expresses his creative passions through his production company Zia Films and, with his wife, co-owns Boggled Escape Rooms in Los Angeles — an environment designed to help people think outside the box, solve problems creatively, and discover what they're truly capable of. A mainstream publishing deal for new Bashar material is forthcoming. Learn More About Darryl Anka and Bashar: Website: bashar.org Instagram: @basharchanneling Documentary — First Contact: Available at bashar.org Boggled Escape Rooms (Los Angeles): boggled.com LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUTh Spotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1 Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSe Episode Navigation: 1. 00:08 — The Formula in real life: Aaron shares how Bashar's five principles have become a daily compass through ALS 2. 02:20 — The five principles unpacked 3. 08:18 — Two UFOs in broad daylight — 1973, Los Angeles — and the decade of research that followed 4. 08:53 — How channeling actually began 5. 14:38 — You don't have to believe in Bashar — you just have to try the information 6. 19:51 — Spirit guides, synchronicity, and the channeling state 7. 26:51 — Is consciousness actually rising? 8. 32:00 — Bashar's formula for facing any challenge 9. 37:35 — Aaron's hardest question — did souls choose the Holocaust? 10. 42:28 — Reality as virtual reality 11. 46:06 — Open contact: ETs have already been here for millennia

What if the illness you can't explain is trying to tell you something your doctor never will? Host Aaron Lazar sits down with Jonathan Hammond — Harvard graduate, former Broadway actor, and one of the world's most sought-after shamanic practitioners — for a conversation that reaches beyond the ordinary and into the hidden blueprint of your life. Jonathan has been Aaron's spiritual counselor for nearly two years, working with him twice a month through his journey with ALS, and what emerges in this episode is raw, wise, and deeply human: a reframing of illness, transformation, and what it actually means to heal. Drawing on Hawaiian Huna tradition, transpersonal psychology, and more than two decades of private practice in Maui, Jonathan introduces the concept of the hidden story — the soul-level narrative running underneath your conscious life, shaping everything from your health to your relationships to the career that once felt like a dream but now feels like a cage. This is the conversation for anyone who has ever had the unsettling feeling that something bigger is happening to them than what appears on the surface. Together, Aaron and Jonathan explore the philosophy at the heart of shamanic healing — that nature is always authentic, culture is often not, and the body will eventually demand the life the soul intended. Jonathan's message lands with quiet power: "You go to the doctor to set your arm. You go to the shaman to find out why you broke it." Guest Bio: Jonathan Hammond is a Maui-based author, spiritual teacher, shamanic practitioner, and spiritual counselor whose work bridges Hawaiian Huna tradition, transpersonal psychology, indigenous earth wisdom, and energy healing. A graduate of Harvard University and the University of Michigan, Jonathan enjoyed a successful career as an award-winning actor on Broadway and television before a profound personal healing journey led him to devote his life to shamanism and soul work. He is an ordained Alakaʻi (leader and guide) in the Kahili Hawaiian shamanic tradition, a certified Master Teacher in Shamanic Reiki, and holds certifications in Cherokee Bodywork, Huna, and HoʻoʻponoponoHe has taught at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, The Shift Network, and Penn State University. He is the author of The Shaman's Mind: Huna Wisdom to Change Your Life, creator of the audio course The Shaman Within (produced by Hemi-Sync®), and his forthcoming book Shamanism and Natural Magick: A Guide to Your Rewilding will be released in 2026. Jonathan maintains a thriving international private practice from Kihei, Maui. Learn More About Jonathan Hammond: Website: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/rotpZF Instagram: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/M5Stt1 Book — The Shaman's Mind: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/kB3ttj Audio Course — The Shaman Within: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Kfyeu6 Teachings at Omega Institute: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/S6Mfqj LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUTh Spotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1 Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSe Episode Navigation: 1. 00:08 — What is a shaman? Aaron and Jonathan reconnect after 16 years — from Lake Louise acting workshop to Maui healing practice — and Jonathan strips away the mysticism to answer the question everyone is afraid to ask 2. 01:20 — The hidden story: Why the body keeps the score, why Western therapy alone isn't enough, and the transpersonal realm — soul, ancestors, energy, purpose — that shamanism addresses where psychology stops 3. 06:37 — How Aaron's ALS diagnosis and a social media book list led him to Jonathan's door — and why the first principle of Hawaiian Huna, "The world is what you think it is," became the foundation of their work together 4. 11:34 — The hidden story made real: Jonathan shares the story of a grieving mother whose baby's death carried a soul contract — the felt truth that exists beneath what is empirically verifiable 5. 14:32 — How do you know it's truth and not just a story you're telling yourself? Jonathan explains the language of nature, discernment, and why the voice that moves you toward growth is always worth trusting 6. 21:00 — Nature vs. culture: Everything in nature is authentic to itself, advocates for itself, and gives its gift. Human culture creates separation from that authenticity — and healing is the journey back 7. 29:00 — The Gaia theory and the sacredness of all life: With 8 billion people and 16 billion hands, humanity can be a force of stewardship on Earth — and recognizing your own sacred nature changes how you treat everything you encounter 8. 40:36 — Jonathan's impossible dream: What it felt like to stand on a Broadway stage on opening night and realize, with terrifying clarity, "If this is it, I am in the wrong life" — and the volcano messages that changed his path 9. 44:38 — Shamanic illness and the soul that won't be ignored: Why illness sometimes comes to make you over, why the soul doesn't care about your preferences, and why the in-between place — where the old way is gone and the new way isn't formed — is where transformation lives 10. 49:09 — Empath without boundaries is a doormat. Empath with boundaries is a force of nature: The sacred prostitute vs. the goddess, why martyrdom is not found anywhere in nature, and how knowing what you are changes everything about what you attract 11. 56:43 — 5D consciousness, the Wetiko virus, and the narcissist in the room: The Cree concept of a mind parasite that drives greed, separation, and dehumanization — and why the best response is not engagement, but becoming the best version of yourself 12. 01:03:52 — Creating the preferred world from the inside out: How light bearers, truth tellers, and those who lend their heart and creativity to collective service are ushering in a new consciousness — one lived reality at a time

What if the lessons you've spent a lifetime learning were meant to help someone else survive their hardest days? Host Aaron Lazar sits down with bestselling author, journalist, and humanitarian Mitch Albom for a conversation that will stop you IN YOUR TRACKS - one rooted in shared history, hard-won wisdom, and the kind of hope that refuses to be extinguished. Mitch opens up about the childhood commute that accidentally sparked his music career, the rabbi who dared him to write a eulogy before earning the right to give one, and the accidental newspaper story in New York City that launched one of the most celebrated literary careers of our time. Together, Aaron and Mitch explore the philosophy at the beating heart of Tuesdays With Morrie—detachment, surrender, and the radical act of living in hope—and apply it directly to Aaron’s journey with ALS. Mitch’s message lands like the luge metaphor he shares: “The more you lay back and let it go, the more you may end up exactly where you wanted to be.” Guest Bio: Mitch Albom is the author of eight consecutive New York Times #1 bestsellers, including Tuesdays With Morrie—the bestselling memoir of all time—and The Five People You Meet in Heaven. A celebrated sports journalist, playwright, screenwriter, and musician, Mitch has had four of his books adapted into films or television movies. He runs Have Faith Haiti, an orphanage in Port-au-Prince he has operated for over 16 years, and hosts the podcast Tuesday People. His life’s work is a testament to the power of authentic human connection, the courage to pursue unlikely dreams, and the profound lessons we learn from those facing the end of their lives. Learn More About Mitch Albom: Website: https://www.mitchalbom.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchalbom Tuesday People Podcast: https://www.mitchalbom.com/tuesday-people/ LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUTh Spotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1 Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSe Episode Navigation: 1. 00:08 – Welcome and shared roots: Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and a synagogue that connected two families 2. 01:20 – Rabbi Lewis and “Have a Little Faith”: The eulogy request that became an eight-year friendship—and a book 3. 06:37 – Faith, fear, and a Jewish day school: How a grueling commute secretly launched Mitch’s music career 4. 11:34 – Morrie and the spiritual awakening: Why sitting with a dying man changed everything Mitch believed about life 5. 14:32 – Dreams change—and that’s the point: From cartoonist to musician to writer, the impossible dream that found him 6. 21:00 – Stranded in Athens with no money: The accidental audition in Crete that became seven months in paradise 7. 29:00 – A parking meter story changed his life: How volunteering at a tiny New York newspaper launched a literary empire 8. 40:36 – The luge metaphor: Laying back, trusting God, and why controlling your dream may be killing it 9. 44:38 – Morrie’s 45-minute morning ritual: The art of feeling it, naming it, and choosing to live anyway 10. 49:09 – Living in hope: Why believing — even without guaranteed results — is always the better way to go

What if the answers you're searching for have been waiting inside you all along? Host Aaron Lazar welcomes psychic channel and spiritual advisor Noella Risley for an ILLUMINATING conversation about intuition, healing, and the courage to embrace your gifts. Noella opens up about her journey from visual artist to actress to spiritual reader, the formative experience with a fraudulent psychic that awakened her own abilities, and the twelve years it took to fully accept that what she could see and feel was real. Now a certified Kundalini yoga instructor and trusted advisor to those navigating life's biggest questions, Noella shares her philosophy of compassion over empathy, her insights on channelers like Bashar and Abraham Hicks, and performs a live tarot reading for Aaron that reveals the power of alignment over striving. Her message is clear: "Believe it more than they call it delusion—because your vision is more real than their reality." Guest Bio: Noella Risley is a psychic channel, spiritual advisor, and certified Kundalini yoga instructor based in Los Angeles. Originally trained as a fine artist with a background in painting and illustration, Noella's spiritual path began unexpectedly after a disillusioning encounter with a fraudulent psychic led her to discover her own intuitive gifts. After twelve years of developing her abilities—and overcoming her own skepticism—Noella now guides clients through life's most profound questions using tarot, intuition, and spiritual wisdom. Her journey through addiction and recovery informs her compassionate approach to helping others sit with discomfort and find their own inner knowing. Noelle has studied with energy healer Rob Morgan and integrates teachings from ascended masters and divine light into her practice. Learn more about Noella Risley: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplayfulmystic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theplayfulmystic LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUTh Spotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1 Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSe Episode Navigation: 1. 00:09 - Welcome and introduction to healing events 2. 03:20 - What is a reader? Accepting your spiritual gifts 3. 08:40 - Bridging science and spirituality: "God made me good at this" 4. 12:34 - The fake psychic who changed everything 5. 20:16 - From acting to healing: "Show business will never love you back" 6. 26:16 - Channels and ascended masters: Bashar, Abraham Hicks, and Seth 7. 40:36 - Recovery and the root of addiction: Learning to be uncomfortable 8. 48:00 - Creating your life: "Believe it more than they call it delusion" 9. 56:15 - Aaron's first reading with Noelle: A recording revealed 10. 59:10 - Live tarot reading: Alignment over striving

Vin Baker: Every Morning, New Mercies What if the road to your purpose runs straight through your deepest pain? Host Aaron Lazar welcomes four-time NBA All-Star Vin Baker for a POWERFUL conversation about faith, addiction, and finding purpose on the other side of rock bottom. Vin opens up about growing up as a preacher's son in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, the meteoric rise from late basketball bloomer to Olympic Gold Medalist, and the private battle with alcoholism that played out in public and cost him nearly everything. Now 15 years sober and serving as an ordained minister, Vin shares the moment in his childhood bathroom when he looked in the mirror and surrendered completely—not to save his career or reputation, but simply to live. His story is a testament to the scripture he lives by: "Every morning, new mercies I see." Guest Bio: Vin Baker is a four-time NBA All-Star, Olympic Gold Medalist (2000 Sydney Games), and ordained minister. Selected 8th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1993, Vin played 13 seasons in the NBA with Milwaukee, Seattle, Boston, Houston, and New York. He was an original Team Jordan member and one of the most dominant power forwards of his era. After a public battle with alcoholism that nearly took his life, Vin found sobriety in 2010 and has since dedicated himself to helping others through their recovery. He is the founder of Struggle, a medication-assisted treatment and recovery center in Milwaukee. Vin previously served as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks, contributing to their 2021 NBA Championship run. His book, God and Starbucks, chronicles his journey from NBA stardom through addiction to redemption. Learn more about Vin Baker: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinbaker42 Struggle Recovery Center: https://www.strugglellc.com LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUTh Spotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1 Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSe Episode Navigation: 1. 01:19 - Welcome and opening 2. 02:35 - Growing up in Old Saybrook as a preacher's son 3. 05:01 - Early dreams: The NBA and the ministry 4. 08:18 - From fear of God to walking in faith 5. 11:16 - "You never realize God is all you need until God is all you have" 6. 16:21 - When drinking began: Junior year of college 7. 20:37 - The hidden life of a functional alcoholic 8. 22:53 - Five attempts at sobriety and the mirror moment 9. 34:19 - Building Struggle: A recovery center born from experience 10. 37:34 - Lamentations 3:22-23: "Every morning, new mercies I see"

In this deeply personal episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with his lifelong friend David Perpich—Vice Chairman of the Board of The New York Times and Publisher of The Athletic. From their Duke fraternity days to sharing a roach-free New York apartment (thanks to strategically placed tissues), Aaron and David's three-decade friendship provides the backdrop for a candid conversation about legacy, leadership, and the courage to choose your own path. This conversation is both intimate and illuminating. David opens up about growing up as fifth-generation New York Times family while his dad's side had no running water, surviving a car accident the day before his bar mitzvah trip to Disney World (his 13-year-old dream was to own the place), and the pivotal moment when he chose to stay at the Times rather than default into it. He shares the remarkable story of sending an unsolicited email to his cousin proposing a digital subscription model—an idea that would transform the newspaper industry—and the lessons learned from leading acquisitions like Wordle and Wirecutter. David's impossible dream shines brightest when he talks about leadership as service—surrounding yourself with talented people, maintaining editorial integrity over short-term profits, and finding meaning in work that matters. His philosophy that "it's important that people choose to commit versus default to commit" serves as a rallying cry for anyone navigating family expectations, or simply trying to prove they're worthy of the opportunities they've been given. Guest Bio: David Perpich is Vice Chairman of the Board of The New York Times Company and Publisher of The Athletic. A fifth-generation member of the Sulzberger-Ochs family, David has been instrumental in transforming The Times into a digital-first subscription business. He led the operational launch of the company's groundbreaking digital subscription model in 2011, created the New Products division that launched NYT Games and NYT Cooking, and helped bring Wordle to millions of daily players. David previously served as General Manager of Wirecutter following its acquisition by The Times. He holds a degree in Public Policy from Duke University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Before joining The Times, David worked in consulting at Booz & Company and founded a small business in Durham, North Carolina. Learn more about David Perpich: The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-perpich ✨ LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network: https://www.alsnetwork.org Produced by EVRYBDY Studios: https://www.evrybdystudios.com Learn more at https://www.aaronlazar.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impossibledreamspodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ALImpossibleDreams Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/impossible-dreams Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/impossibledreams Merch: https://impossibledreamshop.myshopify.com Episode Navigation: 1. 00:48 - Opening welcome and intro 2. 02:35 - Roommates in New York: The roach motel and tissue paper story 3. 05:39 - Fifth-generation New York Times legacy 4. 06:56 - Bar mitzvah dream: "I'm going to own Disney World" 5. 08:16 - Uncle Rudy: Governor of Minnesota 6. 10:52 - "Am I worthy of this opportunity?" 7. 14:11 - Pressure and inner demons: The drive to be perfect 8. 21:15 - The email that changed everything: Proposing the digital subscription model 9. 27:29 - Launching the subscription business against doubters 10. 29:46 - Creating NYT Games, Cooking, and the New Products division 11. 33:43 - Bringing Wordle to The New York Times 12. 36:35 - Wirecutter acquisition and leadership lessons 13. 37:08 - The family succession process: "Choose to commit versus default to commit" 14. 44:01 - Mission matters: Why he stayed at The Times 15. 48:02 - Publisher of The Athletic: Building profitability 16. 55:53 - Journalism in a polarized world 17. 01:05:04 - David's impossible dreams: Family, friends, and Disney World with Aaron

What if the key to unlocking your creative potential isn't knowing the right people, but knowing who you are? In this powerful episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Adam Glass—Emmy-nominated television showrunner, New York Times bestselling comic book writer, and the man who put Harley Quinn in the Suicide Squad. From the Bronx to Hollywood, from meeting his biological father through a Plexiglas window in a Georgia State Penitentiary to running writers' rooms on some of television's biggest shows, Adam's story is a masterclass in resilience, self-belief, and the power of knowing exactly who you are. This conversation is both raw and profoundly inspiring. Adam opens up about discovering at age 13 that everything he thought he knew about his identity was wrong, being adopted by a neighbor who became his father, and the pivotal moment at age 12 when he realized he was "on his own" and would have to trust himself. He shares hard-won wisdom from decades in Hollywood's trenches—from writing for Supernatural and showrunning The Equalizer with Queen Latifah, to co-founding a horror comics imprint with The Boys creator Garth Ennis. Adam's impossible dream shines brightest when he talks about leadership as love—knowing every crew member's name, giving credit where it's due, and creating environments where artists can thrive. His philosophy of "once you know who you are, it sets you free" serves as a rallying cry for anyone navigating an industry built on rejection, or simply trying to find their authentic voice in a world of noise. Guest Bio: Adam Glass is a television showrunner, executive producer, and New York Times bestselling comic book writer. He has written and produced for acclaimed series including Supernatural, Cold Case, Criminal Minds, The Chi, and served as co-showrunner of CBS's hit drama The Equalizer alongside Queen Latifah. Adam created and showran the Netflix series In From The Cold. In comics, he is best known for his groundbreaking run on DC's Suicide Squad, where he introduced Harley Quinn to the team—a decision that helped spawn a billion-dollar franchise. His work spans Marvel's Deadpool and Luke Cage to creator-owned titles like Rough Riders. Adam is a co-founder of Ninth Circle, a horror comics imprint at Image Comics alongside Garth Ennis (The Boys) and other industry legends. Learn more about Adam Glass: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1380122/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamianglass X: https://twitter.com/adamglass44 Ninth Circle Comics: https://imagecomics.com/creators/adam-glass LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUTh Spotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1 Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSe Episode Navigation: 00:47 - Opening welcome and intro 02:35 - Adam's origin story: Born in Georgia, raised in the Bronx 05:46 - Meeting his biological father in prison 07:00 - "I'm a Jubilee" - identity across cultures 11:24 - Comic books as childhood salvation 14:09 - Putting Harley Quinn in the Suicide Squad 17:29 - The personal inspiration behind Harley's emancipation 23:00 - Leadership as love: Running The Equalizer set 29:24 - Ram Dass wisdom: "Love everyone and tell the truth" 34:30 - The moment at 12 that changed everything 38:22 - "Once you know who you are, it sets you free" 42:16 - Belief and generational trauma 46:30 - On death, cremation, and what lives on 55:19 - 50 as a turning point: Finding true happiness 56:49 - Scott's story: Living with ALS for 15 years 01:03:27 - Adam's impossible dreams: novels, films, family, and teaching

What if the most profound lessons about living don’t just come from adversity and life’scurve balls, but from transforming these experiences into legendary purpose? In this powerful episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Montel William—Emmy Award-winning television host, decorated Naval Academy graduate, advocate, author, and MS warrior who has been living with multiple sclerosis for over 45 years. This conversation goes far beyond celebrity and illness; it's a masterclass in resilience, critical thinking, and the courage to question everything while fighting for what matters most.This conversation is both honest and profoundly hopeful. Montel opens up about his decades-long journey with MS, from misdiagnosis to advocacy, from powerlifting to a devastating stroke, and from near-death experiences to finding beauty in the smallest moments. He challenges the medical establishment, questions Big Pharma's motives, and shares the hard-won wisdom that comes from facing mortality multiple times. Montel's impossible dream shines brightest when he talks about being in the "last quarter" of life—not with despair, but with fierce determination to score a touchdown in the final seconds. His philosophy of "I alone own the definition of who I am" serves as a rallying cry for anyone facing chronic illness, uncertainty, or the pressure to conform to someone else's narrative about their life. Guest Bio: Montel Williams is an Emmy Award-winning television personality, decorated U.S. Naval Academy graduate, advocate, and author. For 17 years, he hosted "The Montel Williams Show," becoming a household name and trusted voice on issues ranging from social justice to health advocacy. A former Marine and Naval intelligence officer, Montel has lived with multiple sclerosis for over 45 years and has become one of the most vocal advocates for MS research, patient rights, and medical cannabis. He is the author of multiple books, including "Climbing Higher" and "The Intrepid: An Epic Story of Survival and Bravery," and hosts the podcasts "Free Thinking with Montel" and "Let's Be Blunt."Learn more about Montel Williams: Official Website: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/gKUdfK Instagram: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/OzZUoZ Podcasts: Free Thinking with Montel & Let's Be Blunt LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfro Produced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUT About Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgW Instagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRr Apple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUTh Spotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1 Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSe Episode Navigation: 00:47 - Opening welcome and intro 02:35 - "Get busy living or get busy dying" 05:53 - Big Pharma reality check 10:17 - Self-advocacy as survival 15:26 - Montel's problem-solving philosophy 24:26 - The MS diagnosis story 39:39 - The devastating stroke story 44:08 - "I alone own the definition of who I am" 47:57 - Near-death experiences 01:00:04 - The USS Intrepid resilience story

What if the most powerful art comes not from performance, but from radical truth-telling and allowing yourself to be a vessel for something greater? In this soul-stirring episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with the extraordinary Sara Bareilles—Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Tony and Emmy-nominated actress, and creator of the beloved musical Waitress. Sara joins from a place of deep reflection, having recently delivered the commencement speech at her alma mater UCLA, where she spoke about embracing the "both/and" nature of life—the glorious and the awful, the joy and the fear, all existing simultaneously. This conversation is both intimately personal and universally resonant. Sara opens up about her lifelong allergy to anything inauthentic, her belief that music is her church and that she's simply a vessel translating divine particles into song. She shares her journey with anxiety, the transformative power of meditation and therapy, and why she's no longer interested in brand-building—only in genuine connection and being of service. Sara's impossible dream shines brightest when she talks about surrendering to life's flow, recognizing that resistance only amplifies suffering, and trusting that even our most painful experiences carry profound lessons. This episode is for anyone navigating anxiety, loss, creative blocks, or the fundamental human challenge of showing up authentically in a world that constantly asks us to perform. Guest Bio: Sara Bareilles is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Tony and Emmy-nominated actress, and New York Times bestselling author. Best known for her chart-topping hits including "Love Song," "Brave," and "Gravity," Sara has sold millions of albums worldwide and earned critical acclaim for her honest, emotionally resonant songwriting. She made her Broadway debut in 2016 when she composed the music and lyrics for Waitress, which became a cultural phenomenon and earned her a Tony nomination for Best Original Score. She later stepped into the lead role, showcasing her remarkable acting talents. Sara has also starred in Broadway's Into the Woods, earned an Emmy nomination for her performance as Mary Magdalene in NBC's Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, and published the bestselling memoir Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song. A graduate of UCLA, Sara recently returned to deliver the 2024 commencement address. She continues to create music that serves as medicine for millions, believing deeply that art is about connection, truth-telling, and being of service. Learn more about Sara Bareilles: Official Website: https://www.sarabareilles.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarabareilles Waitress the Musical: https://waitressthemusical.com LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS ✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe. Presented by the ALS Network Produced by EVRYBDY Studios Learn more at aaronlazar.com Instagram: @impossibledreamspodcast YouTube: @ALImpossibleDreams Apple: Impossible Dreams Podcast Spotify: Impossible Dreams Podcast Merch: impossibledreamshop.myshopify.com Episode Navigation: 00:00 - ALS Network champion message and the importance of their mission supporting patients and families 00:47 - Sara Bareilles welcomes us to a conversation about truth, connection, and what really matters 01:32 - Meeting through Project ALS: The power of purpose-driven work and singing together 03:02 - Beyond brand-building: Why Sara cares only about connection in this insane, amazing time to be alive 05:12 - UCLA commencement speech: Life as "both/and"—glorious and awful, grateful and scared, all at once 06:51 - Truth as a divining rod: Sara's lifelong allergy to anything inauthentic and performing personality 09:22 - Music as church: Why Sara believes she's simply a vessel translating divine particles into song 11:49 - The mystical nature of music as medicine and its power to heal both performer and audience 15:42 - Gavin Creel's wisdom: His tattoo of "both," and how life holds all contradictions simultaneously 20:38 - Navigating anxiety: The frequency of fear and learning to meet the energy before unpacking it 27:05 - Therapy, medication, and breaking stigma: Why Sara is grateful for her "little white pill" 38:23 - The Lexapro jingle: Humor, honesty, and why SSRIs shouldn't get such a bad rap 40:27 - Collaboration with life: Being present, not in resistance, and trusting the journey 42:22 - Being of service: Why Sara wants to offer up what she can do and make music that comforts 43:40 - The Surrender Experiment: Trusting that life knows what it's doing without human interference 45:01 - Soul-to-soul connection: Gratitude for music that touches the deepest parts of being