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What does it really mean to make a difference — not just with money, but with your life?
In this powerful episode of The Joy of Living, Barry Shore sits down with entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader Bert Brodsky for a deeply human conversation about gratitude, education, family, Alzheimer’s, and the responsibility to help others.
Bert shares his story of growing up in the Bronx, sleeping in the kitchen, and still remembering his childhood with joy, love, and gratitude. He reflects on how education shaped his life, how giving became part of his identity, and how his painful experience caring for his mother with Alzheimer’s inspired him to help millions of families through the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Together, Barry and Bert explore why doing the right thing gives you the strength to “take the heat,” how gratitude becomes the foundation of service, and why real success is measured by how many people you help along the way.
This episode is a moving reminder that pain can become purpose, gratitude can become action, and every person has the power to go M.A.D. — Make A Difference.
Show Notes:
[04:00] Why Great Storytelling Creates Emotional Connection
[08:00] The Real Reason Steve Jobs’ Presentations Were So Powerful
[12:00] Leadership Through Invitation Instead of Force
[16:00] Why Human Beings Naturally Seek Tribe and Belonging
[20:00] The Difference Between Transactional and Transformational Businesses
[24:00] How Kindness Creates Long-Term Business Value
[28:00] The “ROI of Kindness” Explained
[32:00] Why the Best Leaders Know How to Move Hearts
[36:00] Mentorship, Guidance & the Human Need to Uplift Others
[40:00] The Hidden Psychology Behind Persuasion and Influence
[44:00] Why Emotional Communication Matters More Than Ever
[48:00] Building Meaningful Relationships Through Storytelling
[52:00] Neal Foard’s Final Thoughts on Leadership, Humanity & Purpose
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About Bert Brodsky
Bert Brodsky is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader whose life and work are rooted in gratitude, service, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Growing up in the Bronx in a modest home, Bert learned early lessons about resilience, family, hard work, and appreciation — values that would later shape both his business success and his commitment to giving back.
Driven by a deep belief in education, compassion, and responsibility, Bert has dedicated much of his life to helping others through philanthropy and advocacy. His personal experience caring for his mother during her battle with Alzheimer’s became a turning point, inspiring his involvement with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and his mission to support millions of families facing the challenges of the disease.
Known for his humility, wisdom, and heartfelt perspective on life, Bert believes true success is measured not by wealth, but by impact — by how many people you help, uplift, and inspire along the way. Through his story, he continues to encourage others to lead with gratitude, turn pain into purpose, and “Make A Difference” in the world around them.
