He was fired for reading a poem to nine-year-olds. I had to know the rest of the story. When I dug deeper, I discovered far more than the story of a young teacher losing his job. I discovered Jonathan Kozol—a man who spent more than sixty years making sure children who were overlooked would not remain invisible. As another school year begins, this Morning Cuppa Joy is a tribute to teachers everywhere—and to every child whose story deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.

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If today's Morning Cuppa Joy stirred something in you—made you smile, think, or wonder—I’d love to hear your thoughts. I hope you'll reach out.

Sometimes the greatest gift we can give another person is helping them see something true and beautiful about themselves.

A kind note from a podcast listener, an old rabbi's story, and a remarkable novel reminded me of one simple truth: we each have the power to help another person feel truly seen. This week's Cuppa Joy explores the gifts of listening, encouragement, and noticing the goodness in others—and how one sincere observation can change the way someone sees themselves.

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If today's Morning Cuppa Joy stirred something in you—made you smile, think, or wonder—I’d love to hear your thoughts. I hope you'll reach out.

None of us gets through life without a few before-and-after moments. We all have them—those defining moments that divide our lives into before and after. Some arrive with celebration. Others come with a phone call we never wanted to receive. Those are the uninvited ones—the defining moments we didn't choose. But we can choose our response. What happens next depends on the questions we ask. This week's Cuppa Joy is a reflection on grief, growth, and the power of asking better questions. As I acknowledge the anniversary of losing my son Michael, I reflect on the questions that have guided me through life's greatest challenges. I don't have all the answers, but perhaps asking better questions is where healing begins.

Send me a note.

If today's Morning Cuppa Joy stirred something in you—made you smile, think, or wonder—I’d love to hear your thoughts. I hope you'll reach out.