Podcast
Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek
Hosted by Dr. Chris Meek · EN
Personal empowerment, commitment to our own well-being and the motivation to achieve more than we ever thought possible are the ingredients of a better life. And, they're all within our reach. Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek delves into the keys to adding energy, excitement, direction and purpose to everything that we do.
The program hosts mental health advocates and medical experts, frontline voices on human trafficking and social justice issues, familiar faces from the worlds of entertainment and sports, and leading entrepreneurs to engage in thought-provoking discussions that inspire the audience to take their own next steps forward to better themselves and their communities. Next Steps Forward is intended to be a source of empowerment that many around the world are in need of now more than ever.
For guests who join the program, Chris cultivates a space where honest, quality conversations thrive and are not only meant to educate and inform but inspire action, introspection and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek is an informative, uplifting hour every Tuesday at 1 PM Eastern Time/10 AM Pacific Time that's certain to inspire you to take that important next step forward, too.
10episodes
Episodes
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From Wall Street to Healing and Hope: Bill Villafranco's Journey Through Loss, Addiction, and Purpose
2d ago00:56:26Tap to summarizeOn this week's episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek welcomes Bill Villafranco, executive director of myFace, former Wall Street executive, philanthropist, and advocate whose life story is a powerful testament to resilience. Behind professional success, Bill faced profound personal challenges, including the loss of a young child, parenting two daughters through addiction, and battling his own depression and substance abuse. In this candid conversation, he shares what despair really looks like and how an unexpected friendship introduced him to Research Meditation, a practice that helped him quiet his mind, reframe trauma, and begin healing. Bill also discusses his leadership at myFace, the 70-year-old nonprofit supporting children and adults with facial differences. From anti-bullying education to family support and advocacy, he explains how the organization is creating more inclusive communities and empowering families nationwide. This episode is an honest and inspiring conversation about loss, recovery, service, and the power of becoming present, with ourselves and with others. About Bill Villafranco: For more than a decade, Bill Villafranco has been involved as a donor, board member, board president, and now executive director of myFace, the respected organization that supports children and adults with facial differences. As compelling as that work is, Bill Villafranco's life story is an intriguing one. His biography describes him as an advocate, a father, a philanthropist, and a speaker. But he's also a former Wall Street executive who survived multiple market crashes, knows the pressure of high-stakes performance and the hidden pain that often lies beneath success. Bill has lived through profound personal loss, including the death of a young child and the heartache of parenting two daughters through addiction. He has also faced his own battle with depression and substance abuse, navigating years of despair before finding a path to healing through the practice of Research Meditation.
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Have You Forgotten? w/ Darryl Worley
1w ago00:54:42Tap to summarizeTwenty-five years after September 11th, the question Darryl Worley asked in song still echoes. This week, Dr. Chris Meek sits down with the country artist whose post-9/11 anthem "Have You Forgotten?" spent seven weeks at #1 and became one of the most defining songs of a generation, not because it was chasing a moment, but because it was speaking for one. Worley's story starts long before Nashville. Raised in southern Tennessee by a Methodist minister and a church-choir mother, he spent five formative years honing his craft at the legendary FAME Studio in Muscle Shoals before carving out a place in country music on his own terms, refusing to compromise his traditionalist roots even when the industry pushed back. His instinct to stay true to himself paid off, producing a string of hits that resonated with the working-class audiences he'd always written for. But it was a Christmas USO trip to Kuwait and Afghanistan in 2002 that changed everything. What he witnessed among the men and women serving overseas moved him to write a song that wasn't just country radio fodder, it was a rallying cry. In this conversation, Worley reflects on what inspired "Have You Forgotten?", what it meant to the troops he visited, and what it still means to him as the nation approaches the 25th observance of that September morning. For Darryl Worley, remembering isn't about politics. It's about people: the ones who were lost, the ones who answered the call, and the ones still carrying it forward. About Darryl Worley: Darryl Worley is a country artist whose music has always been rooted in the working class and built on authenticity. Raised in southern Tennessee by a Methodist minister father and a church-choir mother, he honed his craft at the legendary FAME Studio in Muscle Shoals before making his way to Nashville, where he scored three Top 20 hits with his debut album. His second album produced his first #1 single, "I Miss My Friend," but it was "Have You Forgotten?", written after a USO trip to Kuwait and Afghanistan in 2002, that cemented his place in country music history. The song spent seven weeks at #1, becoming one of the defining anthems of the post-9/11 era. Beyond the music, Worley has completed more than 15 USO tours and has used his platform to serve his community in lasting ways. He founded the Tennessee River Run, an annual event in Savannah, Tennessee, that has raised over $100,000 annually for local charities and supports the Darryl Worley Cancer Treatment Center, a facility that brought critical care to a previously underserved region. A traditionalist who cites Merle Haggard and George Jones as his north stars, Worley has never chased trends at the expense of his values, and his music continues to reflect the same honesty, purpose, and blue-collar heart that have defined his career from the start.
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Hard Lessons from Inside the War on Drugs w/ Richard Baum
2w ago00:45:09Tap to summarizeThe opioid epidemic has claimed hundreds of thousands of American lives, devastated families, and challenged policymakers for more than four decades. In this compelling episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek sits down with Richard Baum, a 28-year veteran of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy who served under six presidential administrations, including a stint as acting director. Drawing on nearly three decades at the center of America's drug policy efforts, Baum provides an insider's perspective on the evolution of the opioid crisis, from prescription painkillers to heroin to the deadly rise of fentanyl. He examines the policy decisions, cultural shifts, pharmaceutical influences, and enforcement challenges that helped fuel one of the most devastating public health crises in modern American history. Baum also discusses lessons from his new book, Hard Lessons from Inside the War on Drugs, offering candid reflections on what worked, what failed, and why meaningful progress has often proven so difficult. The conversation explores the balance between public health and criminal justice approaches, the role of mental health and treatment, the international dimensions of fentanyl trafficking, and the bipartisan efforts required to address addiction and overdose deaths. Most importantly, Baum shares the human stories behind the statistics, families forever changed by addiction, the emotional toll of the epidemic, and the reasons he remains hopeful that future generations can learn from the past. This is a thoughtful, timely discussion about one of America's most complex and consequential challenges and what it will take to move forward. About Richard Baum: Richard J. Baum has served at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) for two decades in a variety of positions through five presidential administrations. He was Acting Director of ONDCP – or Drug Czar – from March 2017 to February 2018. In this position he served as the principal advisor to the President on drug policy and worked directly with Cabinet Secretaries. For much of his tenure as Acting Director he served concurrently as Executive Director of the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, overseeing ONDCP's work with the Commission in drafting and editing their two reports and coordinating and participating in their meetings in Washington. Mr. Baum has previously served in a variety of management and policy positions at ONDCP. During his career at the Drug Czar's office he led the development of numerous strategic documents, including the organization's marquee publication, the National Drug Control Strategy, six times in three administrations, more than any other ONDCP official in its 30-year history. Prior to joining ONDCP's staff in 1997, he was a drug/health/justice policy analyst, researcher and grant writer, and served for six years as a Congressional Staff Member. He currently works on emerging drug threats at ONDCP's Office on Translational Research and also serves on the faculty of the annual Rx Summit and Illicit Drugs and speaks at a variety of other policy forums on behalf of his agency. Mr. Baum has both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Georgetown, as well as a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Colorado. He is an Adjunct Professor of Public Policy at Georgetown University's McCourt Graduate School, where he designed and teaches a course entitled: The War on Drugs: Causes, Consequences and Alternatives. His first book, "Hard Lessons from Inside the War on Drugs," was published in 2025. He was Born and raised in New York City's East Greenwich Village. He resides now in Falls Church, Virginia with his wife Linda Bloss-Baum, an 18-year old son, Matthew, is at Fordham University studying communications. An older daughter, Alexandria, 23 graduated from Penn State with a degree in hospitality.
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Beyond the Textbook: Teaching 9/11 to a New Generation w/ Professor Jeremy Stoddard
3w ago00:55:15Tap to summarizeOn this installment of Next Steps Forward, program host Dr. Chris Meek welcomes Professor Jeremy Stoddard, Professor of Curriculum & Instruction at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a leading scholar in civics, history, and media education. Stoddard's work focuses on how schools teach difficult and often divisive topics, including 9/11, the Global War on Terror, and other complex moments in American history. Drawing from years of research, curriculum development, and public scholarship, Stoddard discusses how educators can help students critically engage with contemporary issues while fostering thoughtful civic dialogue in increasingly polarized times. He also shares insights from his work on teaching "difficult history" through film and media, and why understanding multiple perspectives is essential to democratic education. Throughout the conversation, Stoddard reflects on the evolving way 9/11 is taught to a generation with no living memory of the attacks, the challenges teachers face when navigating controversial subjects in the classroom, and the importance of media literacy in helping students separate fact from misinformation. This compelling discussion explores education not just as the teaching of history, but as preparation for informed citizenship, empathy, and meaningful civic participation. About Jeremy Stoddard: Jeremy Stoddard is Professor of Curriculum & Instruction and a researcher in the Wisconsin Center for Education Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research includes the teaching of civics and history in partisan contexts, the integration of media education into democratic education, and a particular focus on engagement with so-called "difficult" or marginalized histories and contemporary controversial issues. In addition to numerous publications, he has also led curriculum development and evaluation projects in formal and informal education settings, including his current IES-funded project PurpleState. He has co-authored or co-edited three books, including Teaching Difficult History Through Film (Routledge, 2017). He has served in numerous service roles, including Editor for Theory & Research in Social Education, and leadership roles in the Teaching History SIG of AERA, National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), and the College and University Faculty Assembly (CUFA) of NCSS. Prior to joining the UW faculty in 2019, Stoddard was on faculty at William & Mary, where he served as Chair of the Department of Curriculum & Instruction, founded and directed the interdisciplinary program in Educational Studies, and was an affiliated faculty of the Film and Media Studies program.
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Living Beyond Cancer: Suzanne Stone on Hope, Healing, and Survivorship
May 2600:57:29Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek sits down with Suzanne Stone, President and CEO of the Livestrong Foundation, to discuss the evolving landscape of cancer survivorship, advocacy, and patient-centered care. With a career spanning nonprofit leadership, health advocacy, and community impact, Stone shares how Livestrong continues to redefine what it means not just to survive cancer, but to truly live beyond it. From providing practical resources for patients and caregivers to advancing innovative solutions that address the emotional, physical, and financial realities of cancer, she explains why survivorship must remain at the center of the conversation. Stone also reflects on her leadership journey, the power of empathy in service-driven organizations, and the importance of creating meaningful support systems for families navigating some of life's hardest moments. The conversation explores how organizations like Livestrong are adapting to modern healthcare challenges while continuing to build hope, community, and resilience for millions affected by cancer. About Suzanne Stone: Suzanne Stone is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Livestrong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the daily lives of cancer survivors. Under her leadership, Livestrong continues to focus on the person, not the patient, with services that support physical activity after treatment, help for those whose treatment affects fertility, and a library of information available for free online. Stone's extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, including her previous roles at CASA, Children's Miracle Network, and Susan G. Komen, positions her strategically to lead Livestrong in fostering innovative solutions that resonate with the needs of cancer survivors. Her commitment to person-centered solutions and comprehensive support for survivors and their families is evident in her role at Livestrong.
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Through the Rubble: The Rescue That Defied Impossible Odds at Ground Zero w/ Scott Strauss
May 1900:54:05Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek is joined by retired NYPD Emergency Service Unit officer Scott Strauss, whose harrowing experience at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, stands as one of the most remarkable rescue efforts of that day. Strauss shares his firsthand account of responding to the collapse of the World Trade Center, where he and his ESU team entered the rubble in search of survivors amid an unfolding catastrophe. Working in extreme heat, darkness, and instability, Strauss became part of a small group of rescuers who achieved one of the only successful extractions from beneath the debris, helping save Port Authority Police Officer Will Jimeno after hours of relentless effort underground. Through vivid detail, Strauss recounts the chaos of that day, the emotional weight of searching for life in a devastated landscape, and the extraordinary teamwork required to reach survivors trapped deep within the wreckage. He also reflects on the psychological toll of the mission, the bonds formed under unimaginable pressure, and the lasting impact of what he witnessed and endured. This conversation is a testament to courage under fire, the resilience of first responders, and the enduring human drive to save lives even in the face of overwhelming tragedy. About Scott Strauss: Scott Strauss is a retired NYPD Detective with the Emergency Service Unit who responded to the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of the collapse of the Twin Towers, he and his team took part in rescue operations in the debris field known as "the pile," where they helped locate and free trapped survivors, including Port Authority officers Will Jimeno and John McLoughlin after hours of dangerous recovery work. Strauss has described the experience as deeply meaningful, saying it helped him emotionally process the tragedy through service and saving lives. He retired from the NYPD in 2003 and later went on to serve in local government as Mayor of Mineola, New York. He now shares his story as a 9/11 ambassador to help educate others about the heroism and resilience that emerged from the attacks.
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Asked, Not Tasked: Lt. Gen. Marc Sasseville and The Mission to Defend Washington on 9/11
May 1200:55:20Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek, retired Lieutenant General Marc Sasseville shares a firsthand account of one of the most extraordinary, and least understood, moments of September 11, 2001. Then a fighter pilot with the D.C. Air National Guard, Sasseville was not ordered into action that morning, he was asked. With no formal tasking, no clear rules of engagement, and no weapons onboard his F-16, he made the decision to take off anyway, prepared to do the unthinkable to defend the nation's capital. What followed was not a story of cinematic heroics, but one of calculation, conviction, and responsibility. Sasseville reflects on the split-second decisions he and fellow pilot Heather Penney faced as they considered how to stop a hijacked airliner, knowing it could mean sacrificing their own lives. He offers a candid look at the gaps in America's defense posture that day, the weight of leadership in moments of uncertainty, and the enduring emotional impact of 9/11. From escorting Air Force One back to Washington to grappling with the reality of a system caught unprepared, Sasseville brings clarity to the chaos of that day and honors the courage of the passengers of Flight 93, whom he calls the true heroes. This episode is a profound reflection on duty, agency, and what it means to act when there are no clear orders, only the belief that something must be done. About Lt. Gen. Marc H. Sasseville: Lt. Gen. Marc H. Sasseville was the 12th Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. The VCNGB is second in charge of the National Guard Bureau which is a joint activity of the Department of Defense. The VCNGB assists the Chief of the National Guard Bureau in performing duties as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of the Army, and Secretary of the Air Force. He served as a channel of communication to the Department of the Army, Department of the Air Force on matters relating to the National Guard. He oversaw the NGB's participation in the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution process, and the administration of funds appropriated to the NGB. He also oversaw NGB's participation in the Joint Strategic Planning System, Global Force Management, and Force Employment on matters pertaining to homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities. Lt. Gen. Sasseville graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs. Following pilot training, he served in various operational units in United States Air Forces Europe, Tactical Air Command/Air Combat Command, and Pacific Air Forces. After his last active-duty assignment, he joined the District of Columbia Air National Guard. He has held squadron, group, wing and numbered air force command. He also served as the Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché to Turkey. Prior to assuming his current position, Lt. Gen. Sasseville was the Commander, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and First Air Force, Air and Space Forces Northern, headquartered at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.
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Harnessing Fear: The Science of Trauma and Resilience w/ Dr. Arash Javanbakht
May 500:52:10Tap to summarizeDr. Arash Javanbakht, a leading psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and founding director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC) at Wayne State University School of Medicine, joins Dr. Chris Meek on this installment of Next Steps Forward. A nationally recognized expert in anxiety, trauma, and PTSD, Dr. Javanbakht shares insights from his extensive work treating civilians, refugees, and first responders. The conversation explores the complex science behind fear and resilience, from biological and psychological factors to the role of environment and lived experience in shaping how individuals respond to trauma. Dr. Javanbakht also discusses innovative approaches being used at STARC, including the integration of art, movement, mindfulness, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and telemedicine to support healing and recovery. Drawing from his acclaimed book Afraid: Understanding the Purpose of Fear, and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety, he offers a powerful perspective on how fear can be understood, not just as a challenge, but as a tool for growth. This episode is a compelling look at the future of trauma treatment and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there are pathways to resilience, healing, and forward progress. About Dr. Arash Javanbakht: Arash Javanbakht, M.D., is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, founding director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC) at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He is nationally known for his clinical and research work on anxiety, trauma, and PTSD. He is heavily involved in treatment of civilians, refugees, and first responders with PTSD. Dr Javanbakht researches the biological, psychological, and factors of risk and resilience among refugee children and adults. This work is funded by an NICHD R01 award and examines epigenetic, autonomic, parenting, and environmental elements of trauma impact. STARC also uses art, dance and movement, and yoga and mindfulness in helping refugee families overcome stress. Dr. Javanbakht's work in treatment and research of trauma among first responders is funded by the State of Michigan. STARC is also a national leader in utilization of patented artificial intelligence and augmented reality and telemedicine technologies for treatment for anxiety disorders and PTSD. This work is funded by the State of Michigan, and the DoD. Dr. Javanbakht is recipient of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America Distinguished Member Award, The Society for Biological Psychiatry Humanitarian Award, and International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Distinguished Member Award. Dr. Javanbakht's work has been featured on CNN, Aljazeera, NPR, Scientific American, Washington Post, Smithsonian, PBS, Science, Lancet, American Psychiatric Association, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Society of Biological Psychiatry, and tens of other media outlets. He is the author of the book "Afraid: Understanding the Purpose of Fear, and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety".
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Next Steps Forward Symposium: America as a Cultural Mosaic
Apr 2800:57:05Tap to summarizeHosted by Dr. Chris Meek, the Next Steps Forward Symposium brings together thought leaders, scholars, and public figures to explore pressing issues shaping our nation and world. In this session, "America as a Cultural Mosaic," the symposium examines how race, religion, heritage, and personal experience influence our shared civic life. Our distinguished panel includes: Dr. Sherry Molock, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at George Washington University, who explores mental health, identity, and resilience within African American communities. Colonel Seung Paik, U.S. military veteran, leadership expert, and author of Leadernomics, sharing insights on service, heritage, and leadership in diverse communities. Dr. Saqib Qureshi, author of Being Muslim Today, providing perspective on faith, identity, and ethical leadership in contemporary America. Adela Cojab Moadeb, legal fellow at the National Jewish Advocacy Center and Syrian-Jewish activist, addressing identity, advocacy, and combating antisemitism. Through conversation and reflection, the panel explores the strengths and challenges of the "cultural mosaic" model, asking: Can a society that celebrates difference foster the same unity as a melting pot? How do our diverse identities enrich civic life, strengthen communities, and shape the next generation's understanding of belonging? The symposium emphasizes dialogue, learning, and shared responsibility, highlighting the ways Americans can honor their differences while advancing unity, resilience, and civic engagement. It's a timely discussion about how our individual and collective identities contribute to the ongoing work of building a stronger, more inclusive nation.
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Next Steps Forward Symposium: Combating Human Trafficking
Apr 2800:53:07Tap to summarizeIn the inaugural Next Steps Forward Symposium: Combating Human Trafficking, Dr. Chris Meek, host of the Next Steps Forward weekly podcast, leads a solution-focused conversation with three distinguished experts: Kristi Wells, founder and CEO of Safe House Project; Dr. Stephany Powell, a human trafficking expert advisor for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation; and Andi Buerger, a survivor and founder of Voices Against Trafficking. This discussion pulls back the curtain on the $160 billion global human trafficking industry, challenging the myth that exploitation only happens in distant places. The panel examines the "hidden" nature of trafficking in local communities , the alarming role of technology and social media in targeting minors, and the urgent need for demand reduction through legislation. Beyond the statistics, the participants emphasize moving from awareness to action, discussing the necessity of survivor-centered restorative care and the profound hope found in the resilience of those who have reclaimed their lives.
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