In this deeply moving episode, I engage in an intense and heartfelt conversation with special guest Rachel Cogan, founder and creative director of That Something Creative.
The episode begins with an honest introduction to the Sandy Hook tragedy, a harrowing event that profoundly affected me as an educator. Rachel responds with her own experiences, discussing how working with children has shaped her perspective on such tragedies. She recounts an event that shook her world on October 7, 2023, which led ...
In this deeply moving episode, I engage in an intense and heartfelt conversation with special guest Rachel Cogan, founder and creative director of That Something Creative.
The episode begins with an honest introduction to the Sandy Hook tragedy, a harrowing event that profoundly affected me as an educator. Rachel responds with her own experiences, discussing how working with children has shaped her perspective on such tragedies. She recounts an event that shook her world on October 7, 2023, which led her to question the nature of humanity and the societal response to geopolitical issues. She shares the personal impact of experiencing anti-Semitism for the first time and her struggle with the loss of faith in humanity. ("Who do we trust? Who do we not?"). The conversation then shifts to exploring possible silver linings in the aftermath of tragic events like 9-11, Sandy Hook ("not taking time for granted"), ("there's no silver lining"), and October 7th ("refine and improve the circle of community...it brought a lot of people together"). Rachel reflects on the potential for increased understanding, societal changes, and the importance of meaningful connections and community support during difficult times.
In a lighter segment, we engage in an imaginative exercise, discussing hobbies, skills, and aspirations. Rachel shares her love for collecting Starbucks mugs, her interest in learning mechanical skills, and her desire to take a photography course ("I want things more tangible in life, more authentic").
The episode delves into Rachel's family dynamics, highlighting her close relationship with her parents and sister, Sarah. Rachel describes her parents as her best friends ("they are my #1 fans...they weren't pedestal parents...they're in this with me") and recounts their selflessness and support throughout her life. She also shares anecdotes about sibling rivalry, envy, and the unique bond she shares with Sarah. ("She is more stoic and an introvert...I think she found her brilliance"),
The conversation transitions to creativity, with Rachel discussing how she channels her creative energy ("a sense of self") through problem-solving and free thinking. She shares her experiences as a dancer and how dance allowed her to express herself in powerful ways. ("Dance is our way of showing our narrative without pen and paper").
Rachel tackles the complex topic of truth and how it intersects with personal beliefs and actions. She explores the idea of understanding and respecting different perspectives while maintaining one's values. She emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself and the dangers of imposing one's truth on others through harmful actions. This episode is a compelling exploration of tragedy, family, creativity, comedy, and the human experience, offering listeners a chance to reflect on their own lives and the connections that shape them. Alanis Morissette said,
"You pray you learn, you ask you learn
You live you learn"
I have a feeling Rachel may subscribe to these lyrics. She's all about the learning in small and big ways.
Follow Rachel Cogan:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheljcogan/?originalSubdomain=ca
https://www.thatsomethingcreative.com/
https://www.instagram.com/rcoges/
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