Podcast
Rotary Voices
Hosted by Rotary magazine · EN
The Rotary Voices podcast features in-depth interviews with thought leaders, Rotary news updates, and immersive stories from Rotary magazine. Learn more about Rotary International, and how to participate in Rotary clubs at https://rotary.org.
37episodes
Episodes
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WHO, UNICEF, Rotary: Polio Fight to the Finish
Jan 900:31:11Summary readyIn 2026, many Western governments have pulled back funding and reduced their commitments to the United Nations. And later this month, the United States will officially withdraw from the World Health Organization. Today, civic organizations like Rotary represent a powerful “third force” in global affairs. For example, in 1988, alongside UNICEF and others, Rotary and the WHO became founding partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, or GPEI. The campaign now stands as one of the largest, most successful public health efforts to date. Leadership from the GPEI visited Rotary International Headquarters to discuss the status of the campaign today.
Summary50 Years: Personal Stories from Rotary Youth Exchange
Dec 2300:40:58Summary readyThe Rotary Youth Exchange program has been promoting international understanding for 50 years. The program, which enables young people to live and study abroad for up to a year, serves as a bridge for cultural competence and builds the foundation for peace. In this episode, longtime exchange host Sabrina Barreto and one of the students her family hosted, Simon Foote, share their perspectives on the program. Holger Knaack, chair of The Rotary Foundation Trustees and a past Rotary president, discusses his experience hosting over 40 students with his wife, Susanne.
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You've Got A Friend
Dec 300:17:09Summary readyIn response to a “friendship recession,” Rotary members are finding ways to make connections they cherish, starting in their own clubs. This story by Chicago journalist Kate Silver appeared in the August 2024 issue of Rotary magazine. This audio version of her story is narrated by Linda Yu.
SummaryThe Autumn Ghost: A Medical Breakthrough in Polio’s Wake
Nov 1200:31:43Summary readyIn 1952, Copenhagen’s Blegdam Hospital was overwhelmed by polio patients. Under immense pressure and surrounded by loss, two doctors were faced with a seemingly unanswerable question: What can we do if patients become too paralyzed to breathe? A saga of innovation followed leading to the modern intensive care unit, or ICU. In this episode, Rotary magazine senior editor Geoff Johnson sits down with Dr. Hannah Wunsch. Dr. Wunsch documented the epidemic for her book: The Autumn Ghost.
SummaryOrgan Donation: The Gift of Life
Oct 2700:45:15Summary ready“Fear comes from unanswered questions.” After donating one of his kidneys to his brother, Anil Srivatsa has become a devoted advocate for the life-saving impact of organ donation. Traveling the world, he’s befriended countless other organ donors and recipients, all with complicated stories of their own. In this episode, you’ll hear about Srivatsa’s life as an advocate and a couple of stories from his friends.
SummaryPersonalize Your Retirement Plan
Sep 3000:15:38Summary readyIn recent months, the global stock markets have steadied following trade wars and rising inflation. But if you’re retired, or planning to retire, you might still have your guard up. After all, U.S. economists have been using phrases like “possible recession” and “stagflation.” In this episode, Chicago journalist Jerome McDonnell sits down with Rotarian and financial advisor Derrick Kinney to discuss the road to retirement in uncertain times.
SummaryThe Strength of Stories: Rotary Ambassador Kat Graham
Sep 300:22:42Summary readyKat Graham is an actress, singer, dancer, and producer who has built a career around telling stories. Graham serves as a Rotary Celebrity Ambassador and as Rotary’s Champion of Women and Girls’ Empowerment. As an advocate, Graham highlights the stories of those pushed to the periphery and empowers them to make their voices heard. In this episode, Chicago journalist Linda Yu sits down with Graham to discuss her long history with Rotary, her career, and her motivation to empower people around the world.
SummaryPolio Eradication Is ‘Our Moonshot’
Aug 2000:35:50Summary readyNPR’s Scott Simon recently sat down with Mike McGovern, the chair of Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee, and John Hewko, Rotary’s general secretary and CEO, to discuss Rotary’s unique role in polio eradication and the GPEI’s strategy to overcome the final challenges in achieving that goal.
SummaryWelcome in: How to enhance club culture
Jul 16, 202500:32:14Summary readyJuly marks the beginning of a new Rotary year — a moment for members and incoming leaders to reflect and find ways to grow their Rotary clubs and strengthen club culture. Chicago journalist Jerome McDonnell sits down with Rotary International staff members Nick Taylor (supervisor, Club and District Support) and Brianne Haxton (senior manager, Membership Development) to discuss data-driven and personal observations on how clubs can keep new and long-time members engaged.
SummarySongs in the key of Rotary with Jeff Jimerson
Jun 13, 202500:18:59Summary readyFor 35 years, Jeff Jimerson has been singing the U.S. national anthem before Pittsburgh Penguins hockey games. When the visiting team is from Canada, Jimerson also sings “O Canada.” It’s little wonder that Rotary International President and Pittsburgh sports fan Stephanie Urchick chose Jimerson to sing the two anthems in Calgary this June at the Rotary International Convention. In this episode, Rotary magazine senior editor Geoff Johnson sits down with Jimerson to discuss his lifelong career in music, a tragic moment on Canada’s Parliament Hill, and his upcoming performance in Calgary.
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