In this episode, John shares his personal experiences and perspectives, advocating for humanity and emphasizing the importance of empathy, curiosity, and inclusivity. As a lifelong lover of comic books, music, and art, Pavlovitz discusses how these interests have shaped his storytelling and commitment to preserving the good in the world.
Listen as we uncover the balance of providing guidance without alienating audiences, the need for sustained, substantive conversations, and the role of humility and curiosity in fostering deeper understanding. John Pavlovitz also highlights the importance of balancing activism with self-care, the responsibility of public contributors, and his ongoing fight for inclusivity and against privilege and tribalism.
Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges us to embrace our humanity and engage with the world more meaningfully.
Timestamps
00:00 John: writer, pastor, activist, and storyteller from NC.
03:47 A Sheltered upbringing led to an expanded worldview.
08:13 Exploring church, following, authenticity, questioning life's patterns.
11:38 Embrace curiosity, avoid tribalism, and value human connection.
14:32 Americans fight for idealized America, equality, and empathy.
18:44 Suburbia offers false insulation; which leads to intellectual laziness.
21:36 Questioning norms with humility is important.
25:15 Do we have skills and infrastructure?
28:28 Processing information, building empathy, and identity crisis.
31:22 Politician's platform reveals societal shifts in behavior.
33:25 Navigating responsibility and influence in a public platform.
39:10 Fantastic childhood, prompts from faith, deeper thinker.
41:15 Growing passion, compassionate engagement, and self-care.
Connect with John Pavlovitz
Website: https://johnpavlovitz.com/
Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1.
Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation.
Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business.
He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming.
Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.
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