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September 16, 2025 31 mins

This episode: Rediscovering the Treasures of Life: Mike & Karen Burkhard on Adversity, Love, and Passing Wisdom Forward.

 

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Meeting (0:00)

  • Host Drew Deraney introduces Mike and Karen Burkhard, thanking Frank Zaccari for the introduction.
  • Drew discusses the concept of life being linear and how external circumstances can derail that path.
  • He categorizes people into three types: those who don't see adversity, those who see it but blame others, and those who see it as an opportunity for growth.
  • Drew sets the stage for Karen to share her defining moment that transformed her from Woman number one or two to the woman she is now.

Karen's Defining Moment (2:25)

  • Karen shares her upbringing in a loving home with a disciplinarian father and a gentle mother.
  • She recounts her struggle with math and failing the New York State Regents at 14.
  • Her father tutored her in algebra over the summer, and she passed the Regents with a 92, thanks to his mentorship.
  • Karen reflects on how her father's faith in her taught her that she could achieve anything.

Mike's Defining Moment (5:08)

  • Mike shares his experience of his mother's battle with liver cancer and her eventual death at 58.
  • He describes how his mother's illness made him realize the preciousness of life and the importance of total health.
  • Mike explains how his mother's experience deepened his love for life and his children.
  • He reflects on how his mother's death changed him from an internal to an external person, focusing on others' well-being.

Similarities in Defining Moments (7:35)

  • Drew asks Mike and Karen to touch on the similarities in their defining moments.
  • Karen notes that both her parents were strong personalities and wonderful mentors who shaped her to pass on mentorship to others.
  • Mike agrees, adding that his parents' influence led to a change in his emotions, from arrogance to a deeper love for life.
  • Drew comments on how time doesn’t necessarily heal wounds and good memories remain important.

Meeting and Early Careers (9:41)

  • Drew transitions to discussing how Mike and Karen met and their early careers.
  • Karen explains that their shared love of sports brought them together and that Mike made the first move at a dance.

Chapters

  • (00:00:00) - Mike Burkhard and Karen Burkhart
  • (00:02:14) - Couple Talk
  • (00:04:00) - The Contingent Moment
  • (00:07:07) - What's Your Contingent Moment?
  • (00:11:53) - How My High School Sweetheart Got Engaged
  • (00:13:46) - In the Elevator With An Artist
  • (00:15:24) - Why I Write a Book About Human Development
  • (00:17:23) - 52 Stories of Goodness
  • (00:22:12) - 52 Stories: Rediscovering the Real Me
  • (00:24:16) - Give Inspiring Advice to Kids
  • (00:25:05) - Bookmark
  • (00:26:34) - Give Advice to a Young Businesswoman
  • (00:27:40) - The Road to Somewhere
  • (00:29:38) - Bookmark
  • (00:30:24) - Living the Life You Want to Live
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