For this episode, we’re honored to welcome Diane Kahn, founding member and executive director of Humans of San Quentin. Diane’s journey began with a simple curiosity that blossomed into a life-changing mission: helping incarcerated people share their stories with the world. Over seven years volunteering at San Quentin, she’s been deeply moved by the vulnerability and emotional intelligence of the men she works with—seeing firsthand how storytelling, art, and letter writing can bridge the gap between those inside and outside the prison walls.

Throughout our conversation, Diane challenges the stigmas and assumptions so many people have about those who are incarcerated. She shares powerful stories that reveal hope, redemption, and an eagerness among incarcerated individuals to give back and make amends. What’s most striking is the transformative power of being heard—how simply listening and sharing a memory can spark profound growth and emotional insight. Diane reminds us that, in many ways, we all crave connection, understanding, and a chance to be seen for who we really are.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

“Don’t judge. Listen to someone. Look inside of them. Try to erase the judgment.”

--

Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at Humans of San Quentin Website
• Follow HoSQ on Instagram: @humansofsanquentin
• Connect with HoSQ on LinkedIn
• Humans of San Quentin Podcast

Produced by NOVA

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Poole, CEO of NuCalm, a leader in neuroscience-based wellness and performance. Jim’s journey is rooted in a family dedicated to helping others, shaped by parents who were both psychotherapists and a mother who was a true force of nature. Today, he channels that legacy into pioneering technology that allows people to manage their mental state on demand—without drugs or side effects. NuCalm, once a $6,000 FDA-regulated device used in dental surgeries, has evolved into a user-friendly mobile app designed to bring powerful, science-backed brainwave management to anyone, anywhere.

Jim helps us unpack why so many of us are overwhelmed by stress, especially in a post-pandemic world. He breaks down the clash between our “reptile brain” (the amygdala) and our more evolved prefrontal cortex, revealing how chronic stress robs us of the presence and patience we need to thrive. As a society, we’re becoming more aware of our mental health needs, but the proliferation of “silver bullet” wellness apps often falls short. What sets NuCalm apart is decades of research, rigorous FDA approval, and real-world results—helping users tap into healing brainwave states at the press of a button. We come away with a deeper understanding of how practical neuroscience can empower us to take control of our stress and well-being, even amidst life’s chaos.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

Take care of yourself. Just because you can’t see, smell, taste, or touch stress doesn’t mean it isn’t impacting you every single day. Do something—anything—to manage your stress, because if you don’t, you won’t like the consequences of stress managing you.

--

Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more about NuCalm and try a free 7-day trial at NuCalm.com
• Use the coupon code DRRICHARD at checkout for 15% off any NuCalm subscription

Produced by NOVA

In this episode, we’re joined by Thomas G. Waites—acclaimed actor, playwright, musician, and star of the raw and riveting one-man show Lucky Man, A Warrior’s Journey, currently playing in New York and produced by Emmy and Golden Globe winner John Goodman. With a storied career spanning film, television, and stage—including cult classics like The Warriors and The Thing—Tom pulls back the curtain on his rollercoaster life, sharing openly about both meteoric highs and hard-won lessons in redemption.

We journey with Tom through his early struggles, the car accident that changed his trajectory, and the drive that led him from the wrong side of the tracks to Juilliard and beyond. But fame wasn’t the final destination—instead, it was his battles with addiction and eventual recovery that truly reshaped his life. Tom’s story is a testament to the messy, nonlinear path of transformation, showing how setbacks, loss, and even self-destruction can become fertile ground for reinvention. Today, he channels his hard-earned wisdom into his art, his teaching, and his commitment to service—reminding us that real success is about who we become and how we help others along the way.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

“Love others into being and you will be.”

--

Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more about Thomas’ work at thomasgwaites.com
• Follow Thomas’ band on Instagram: @heartbreakwaites

Produced by NOVA