The official podcast of Rotary magazine, with stories from the magazine and Rotary Voices blog. Learn more about Rotary International, and how to participate in Rotary clubs at https://rotary.org.
The magic of Rotary: A town hall with Stephanie Urchick
Since joining Rotary in 1991, President-elect Stephanie Urchick has served the organization in many roles, including as a director, Foundation trustee, and chair of the RI Strategic Planning Committee and the Foundation’s Centennial Celebration Committee. She is a Rotary Foundation Major Donor and a member of the Bequest Society. In this town-hall-style Q&A, Urchick answers questions from Rotary’s incoming class of leaders.
1/22/2024 • 28 minutes, 55 seconds
Santa, the Rotarian
There has long been suspicion that Santa Claus is a Rotarian. Believe it or not, Rotary magazine has tried to track down Santa for some time! In this special holiday episode, we finally pull it off. Bruce Templeton and Raimo Laitinen are Santa’s helpers. Templeton lives in Canada, and Laitinen lives in Finland. Although they help Santa connect with children in different ways, their mission is the same: make sure every child is cared for this holiday season.
12/21/2023 • 35 minutes, 24 seconds
The culinary paradise of Singapore
“’To the people, food is heaven,’ says an ancient Chinese adage. If there is a food heaven on Earth, I’m convinced that I have found a colorful slice of it in Singapore.” Rotary editor Wen Huang navigates the diverse culinary offerings of Singapore ahead of the 2024 Rotary International Convention. This audio version of a story by Wen Huang in the November 2023 issue of Rotary magazine is narrated by Linda Yu.
12/10/2023 • 16 minutes, 11 seconds
The business of giving
For Derrick Kinney, money is not a stressor, but a tool to help others. He believes that by seeing money as empowering, you can motivate yourself to make even more money, encourage your colleagues, and bring in more business. But it all starts with reconstructing your mindset. Derrick Kinney is a financial coach, frequent Rotary magazine contributor, and author of Good Money Revolution: How to Make More Money to Do More Good.
11/27/2023 • 30 minutes, 41 seconds
The value of vigilance
“This expanded wastewater surveillance network around the globe has a vast potential for the future.” Rotary senior staff writer Diana Schoberg explains how the evolution of the GPEI’s surveillance system during the COVID-19 pandemic can bring us closer to polio eradication. Looking ahead, the new infrastructure can also be used for surveillance of other viral illnesses. This audio version of a story in the October 2023 issue of Rotary magazine is narrated by Andy Choi.
11/16/2023 • 19 minutes, 54 seconds
Polio update: Closing in on zero
Wild poliovirus is circulating in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Last year, the variant poliovirus was detected in a few previously polio-free places – a stark reminder that if polio exists anywhere, it’s a threat everywhere. To get an idea of the recent progress made – and challenges met – the Rotary magazine team sat down with Aidan O’Leary of the World Health Organization, Melissa Corkum of UNICEF, and Dr. Omotayo Bolu of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
10/24/2023 • 41 minutes, 42 seconds
The Flight to End Polio
Four years ago, Iowa Rotarian Peter Teahen was enchanted by the idea of flying around the world. He called upon Rotarian John Ockenfels to join him. Together, they planned their expedition and tied it to an apt cause: polio eradication. In this episode of Rotary magazine’s podcast, Peter and John recount their journey circumnavigating the globe to raise money and awareness in the fight against polio.
10/7/2023 • 32 minutes, 41 seconds
Shape-shifting Singapore
“You think you know Singapore? Think again.” Rotary editor Wen Huang explores an always-changing Singapore ahead of the 2024 Rotary International Convention. He steeps himself in the culture and natural beauty of the garden city through its food, architecture, and people. This audio version of a story in the September 2023 issue of Rotary magazine is narrated by Linda Yu.
9/15/2023 • 16 minutes, 6 seconds
Better together: The benefits of membership
Community organizations like Rotary provide the perfect opportunity to help others and better ourselves. But in an era of overwhelming responsibility and constant distraction, what prompts people to join community-based membership organizations? In this episode of Rotary Magazine’s podcast, we sit down with U.S. Rep. French Hill, Rotary One president Aleta Williams, and Louie De Real, a young Rotary member in the Philippines.
9/1/2023 • 35 minutes, 34 seconds
Solving the Alzheimer's puzzle
As scientists rush to develop powerful and meaningful new treatments for Alzheimer's disease, which affects millions of people globally, a group of Rotary members in the U.S. are using a unique method to raise funds for cutting edge research. In this episode of Rotary magazine's podcast, we talk with Rotarian Rod Funderburk, who heads the Coins for Alzheimer's Research Trust Fund, and Dr. James Lah, a leading expert on memory and cognitive disorders.
7/18/2023 • 35 minutes, 56 seconds
Ethos into action
Gordon McInally, the 2023-24 Rotary International president, has been on a lifelong journey of helping and caring for others, one that took root during his youth in Scotland. He begins his term with a hope-filled agenda, and a special focus on mental health. This audio version of a story by Dave King in the July 2023 issue of Rotary magazine is narrated by Heather McInally.