ST. GEORGE —A new podcast has surfaced with a focus on real-world stories of those who have overcome hardship and found joy, finding a way to bring that joy into the world. The podcast is an extension of a nonprofit foundation’s mission.
Jack Rolfe, CEO and co-founder of The School of Life Foundation, a St. George based 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to help at-risk students reach their full potential in life, has branched off to share a new mission with both the community and the world through his podcast, “Whatcha Givin’?”.
In Rolfe’s Apple podcast preview, he shares that the inspiration for the new venture took place while attending his daughter’s graduation in 2007. During a speech, he heard a specific quote that stood out – “Find what brings you joy and match it with the needs of the world.”
Rolfe told St. George News that this quote stuck with him for 15 years, using it in various settings throughout the foundation and even during speeches of his own. One day he felt impressed to move forward with a podcast that would capture real-world examples of those living these words while inspiring others to do the same.
“It’s interesting, on the podcast I talk about these inspirational moments we have in life and it was just a few months ago that I had one of those moments – that I needed to start the podcast. It was very clear in my mind what I needed to do and what the name of it needed to be,” Rolfe said.
He said that he felt inspired to base the podcast on that quote he originally heard 15 years prior and felt it would also be a way to help shed more light on the School of Life Foundation. The podcast name – Whatcha Givin?’ – speaks to the topic of the show, with guests talking about what they have been given and how they use it to give back.
“The work of the foundation that we do is helping them reach their full potential in life,” Rolfe said about the School of Life Foundation. “The podcast, too, hopefully, helps everyone that’s interviewed and everyone that’s listening to it reach their full potential in life, also.”
Episode two: Steven Wilson
Steven Wilson, a guest on Rolfe’s podcast on February 27, told listeners about his experience and the emotion behind his battle with blood cancer. He spoke to Rolfe about his original diagnosis, his search for a stem cell donor, his bone marrow transplant, the 46 days he spent in the hospital undergoing chemotherapy treatment and how those experiences ultimately impacted his life for the better.
“I’m grateful for everything in life, the good and bad. There have been many experiences in my life that I would have initially labeled as being negative, that later turned out to be the most positive experience that I’ve had,” Wilson said in the podcast. “There’s no one that would look at cancer as being anything but a negative experience, but for me, it’s made my life bigger, brighter and I have a greater appreciation for each and every day that I am allowed to get up and be a part of this wonderful human race.”
Wilson told St. George News that he didn’t have a lot of experience being on podcasts prior to being interviewed by Rolfe, but has known and respected Rolfe for many years. He said he has been inspired and motivated by Rolfe’s efforts to establish The School of Life Foundation and the mission behind it.
“You can’t help but be motivated by someone who chooses to focus their energy in that way,” Wilson said of Rolfe. “I’ve always admired Jack and it doesn’t surprise me that another iteration has been established, a podcast to get that positive message out there. There are too many negative things in the world. Focusing on those things that are positive, how could you not love that.”
Following the theme of the podcast, Wilson said in the podcast interview that what truly brings him joy is life itself and how he shares that joy with the world is through gratitude.
“There’s no greater gift than life and I choose life. I choose life every day, whatever the circumstance is, I feel fortunate. Gratitude is a fundamental part of this life we live and finding ways to express gratitude to those around you. It’s amazing the world that opens up to you when you look at it with a grateful heart,” Wilson said in the podcast.
Wilson also told St. George News that the world needs more positivity, such as the stories told on the podcast, and hopes that others will see the good in the world and be inspired to do the same.
Episode six: Melissa Smith
Melissa Smith was a guest on the podcast on March 28, and she told St. George News about her experience working with Rolfe on the show.
“He focuses on discovering what things bring you joy and using it to better the world around you, how every person has a purpose and a gift. It’s so important that people and youth know that they have value and that they bring a lot to this world. His podcast is helping people see that and realize it,” Smith said.
During her interview on the podcast, Smith told listeners about the business she owns with her husband – Family Brand – which offers courses, ongoing support and even a podcast about working towards a healthy family dynamic and marriage.
Smith told St. George News that her husband is a consultant for entrepreneurs, focusing on how companies can get clear on their messaging and establish what they want to be known for in the world. Smith said that during a rocky period in their marriage where they verged on the edge of divorce, they saw how much intention business owners put into their brands and decided to apply the same concept within their own family. Smith said they declared who they were and what they wanted to be known for and began establishing a “brand” for their family.
Smith said that at the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdowns, she noticed a drastic increase in those she knew announcing divorce and witnessed families struggling.
“I used to be a nurse and I just felt super strongly one day that I wasn’t going back to nursing. I was meant to be a voice for families, for building strong relationships that last and creating your family and your marriage to be everything you dream it to be,” Smith said.
As a married couple with five children, Smith said their Family Brand Podcast was established as a way to speak openly to others about their personal struggles and challenges, tools they’ve used to strengthen their marriage and how they have raised children to know and love who they are. They also offer a digital program, offering a deeper dive into creating a strong narrative for families with an intentional culture where everyone feels seen and has a sense of belonging.
“Developing together your family values, what you want to be known for, what is most important and declaring it out into the world. We have an easy framework for families to live what we teach and how they can implement it into their families,” said Smith
Smith said on Rolfe’s podcast that what truly brings her joy is her ability to be in a happy, healthy marriage with a positive family dynamic, a direct result of choosing to work through the hard times. She shares that joy with the world by showing that a happy family can truly exist and hopes to be an example to others who are struggling.
Rolfe said that the goal of the podcast is large but simple – getting it into as many households as possible. He said by gaining listeners and having the episodes shared, the Whatcha Givin?’ mission will continue to spread and keep the positive momentum going.
“What if everybody was realizing what brings them joy and then matching that with a need in the world? If everyone in the world was doing that, what a better place it would be,” Rolfe said.
To reach the Whatcha Givin?’ podcast with story ideas or questions, email [email protected]. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.
Photo Gallery
Jack Rolfe prepares to record the Whatcha Givin' podcast, Date and location unspecified | Photo courtesy of Jack Rolfe, St. George News
Portrait of Jack Rolfe, CEO and cofounder of the School of Life Foundation and host of Watcha Givin' Podcast, Date and location unspecified | Photo courtesy of Jack Rolfe, St. George News
School of Life Foundation logo | Photo courtesy of Jack Rolfe, St. George News
School of Life Foundation banner | Photo courtesy of Jack Rolfe, St. George News
Steve Wilson, guest speaker on the Whatcha Givin' Podcast and his wife Cathy smile for the camera, Date and location unspecified | Photo courtesy of Steve Wilson, St. George News
Steve Wilson stands with his family, Date and location unspecified | Photo courtesy of Steve Wilson, St. George News
Melissa and Chris Smiths' company - Family Brand, Date and location unspecified | Photo courtesy of Melissa Smith, St. George News
Whatcha Givin' podcast logo | Photo courtesy of Jack Rolfe, St. George News
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