Show Notes
In the first guest episode of Voices of Resiliency, hosts Kristopher Pace and Michael Pellegrino welcome Lori Alhadeff—founder of Make Our Schools Safe, nationally recognized school safety advocate, and mother of Alyssa Alhadeff, who was tragically killed during the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Lori shares the deeply personal journey that transformed unimaginable grief into a lifelong mission to protect students, educators, and communities across the country. Through courage, advocacy, and unwavering determination, she has become a leading voice in school safety reform, helping shape legislation and drive meaningful change in the wake of tragedy. This conversation explores resilience in its purest form—choosing purpose over despair, action over fear, and hope in the face of profound loss. Lori's story is a powerful reminder that while we cannot always choose the challenges we face, we can choose how we respond to them—and in doing so, create lasting change for generations to come. This is Voices of Resiliency—where stories become strength.
https://makeourschoolssafe.org/ Instagram: @makeourschoolssafe Facebook: Make Our Schools Safe X (Twitter): @MOSSFoundation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-our-schools-safe
More from Conversations with Kris
What happens when the life you’ve worked so hard to build no longer feels like your own? Kris sits down with spiritual strategist and author Latha Jay, who walked away from medical school after seven and a half years to pursue a life rooted in purpose, healing, and helping others. Latha shares how heartbreak, shadow work, and changing her own deeply held beliefs shaped her approach to manifestation. Together, she and Kris explore the connection between science and spirituality, the power of our subconscious thoughts, and why creating a fulfilling life starts with what we believe is possible. They also dive into Latha’s new book, The 24/7 Manifestation Method, releasing October 6, 2026. Discover her accessible seven-day practice and the ideas behind it. Preorder now! https://www.lathajay.com
What does it mean to simply be there when someone is facing the unimaginable?
What does it take to remain resilient when the stakes couldn't be higher? In this season finale of Voices of Resiliency, Kris Pace and Michael Pellegrino welcome Matthew "Wiz" Buckley—former U.S. Navy F/A-18 fighter pilot, TOPGUN graduate, entrepreneur, author, and founder of the No Fallen Heroes Foundation. Drawing from a life spent operating in high-pressure environments, Wiz shares the lessons he's learned about leadership, risk, purpose, and the resilience required to navigate both success and adversity. Beyond his remarkable accomplishments, he opens up with authenticity and vulnerability, revealing the personal experiences that shaped the man behind the résumé. Together, they explore how discipline, service, and a commitment to continual growth can help us face life's toughest challenges with courage and clarity. It's a conversation about more than elite performance—it's about finding meaning after hardship, leading with humility, and choosing to keep moving forward no matter what. This powerful season finale is a reminder that resilience isn't reserved for extraordinary people. It's built through the decisions we make every day, especially when life asks the most of us.
After an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Ariana Fontenot, Kris Pace and Michael Pellegrino reflect on one of the episode's biggest takeaways: resilience isn't built during one hour of exercise—it's shaped by the other twenty-three hours of your day. They revisit Dr. Ariana's practical approach to movement, posture, recovery, and the everyday habits that have the power to transform our health. From simple adjustments to lasting results, her message reminds us that resilience begins with the small choices we make every day. The conversation then turns to the season finale with Matthew "Wiz" Buckley—former U.S. Navy F/A-18 fighter pilot, TOPGUN graduate, entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, and host of the Max Afterburner Podcast. Kris and Michael preview an inspiring discussion about leadership, vulnerability, service, and what it takes to remain resilient under extraordinary pressure. As Voices of Resiliency prepares for one final conversation this season, this episode serves as a reminder that resilience is built through consistent habits, courageous leadership, and a willingness to keep growing—no matter where life takes you.
What if resilience begins with the way you move? n this episode of Voices of Resiliency, Kris Pace and Michael Pellegrino sit down with Dr. Ariana Fontenot to explore how movement, posture, recovery, and everyday habits shape not only our physical health, but our ability to navigate life's challenges. Known for her remarkable ability to identify the root causes of pain through simple observation, Dr. Ariana shares practical strategies for improving the way we move, recover, and care for our bodies. Her philosophy is refreshingly simple: small changes in daily habits can create profound, lasting improvements in health and quality of life. Together, they discuss why resilience isn't just about mental toughness—it's also about giving your body the support it needs to heal, adapt, and perform at its best. From eliminating unnecessary pain to rethinking the routines we often overlook, this conversation offers an empowering perspective on what it truly means to build resilience from the ground up. Whether you're an athlete, recovering from injury, or simply looking to feel better in your own body, this episode will leave you with practical insights you can begin applying today.