TDS 48, Alan Koslow, A Man of Intrigue
Alan Koslow in a DragoCon parade of 2013, Atlanta.
You know those infomercials that keep upping the ante over the course of their pitch? You’ve heard the phrase, “But wait, there’s more!” Interestingly, they do keep adding stuff on in a real way, and the trained watcher will know to wait until the end of the ad to order.
The same limerick of “wait, there’s more” easily applies with today’s guest, Dr. Alan Koslow, on this episode of The Delicious Story. As you listen, you’ll get:
A peek into what it’s like to be a physician on the frontline during natural disaster.
The inside story as to how Alan and a handful of young people helped save Star Trek.
A look at how a group of youths including Alan created the most successful walk-a-thon campaign ever deployed by March of Dimes, which later became the template for other organizations.
Be assured that as you listen to Alan, you’ll be personally invigorated to get out there and learn something new, yourself, and stretch beyond your preconceived limits.
SEVEN MINUTES AND 20 SLIDES
I “met” Alan when I heard him speak about his medical mission experience in Haiti at a Pecha Kucha event in Des Moines a few years ago. In the space of about seven minutes and 20 slides, Alan provided details of what it was like to go into Haiti after the earthquake of 2010 and provide medical support in an overwhelming situation of human suffering.
It was a riveting presentation, in part because of how unfathomable disaster events can be. But I was especially intrigued by Alan’s attitude, this sense of optimism he exuded as he spoke of the people and the work.
Soon after, thanks to a Facebook algorithm, Alan popped up as a friend suggestion. I made the request, which was accepted, and have been a vicarious follower ever since. Several months ago, it occurred to me Alan would be a great guest, and I’m thankful he was game.
A QUICK SUCCESSION OF LEARNING AWAITS YOU
During the interview, you’ll probably learn a litany of things (I certainly did), so I’ve ticked off highlights to help you as you listen to Alan share stories.
Early on as we visit, Alan concedes that some of his friends consider him to be akin to the movie character Zelig. However, unlike Zelig “who was a nondescript enigma that took on the strong characteristics of the personalities around him,” Koslow is a dynamic guy all his own (as you’ll discover).
Here are some major points to assist as you listen:
See if you can almost smell the food which Alan describes when he visited his immigrant grandmother’s home in New York.
Do you know which country serves the best MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)? Hint: there is wine involved.
Alan speaks fondly of Gefilte fish. I’ve never had it, but New York Times provides a well-rated recipe for the dish here.
March of Dimes Walk-a-thon is considered one of the most successful money-making programs for the organization ever. Alan explains how he worked with other youths to create the first prototype, a model used by organizations for their “thon” events as well.
Sir. Patrick Stewart, if you’re listening there’s still time to thank Alan and a handful of other teenagers for keeping Star Trek alive. It turns out the knighted actor wasn’t too chivalrous with our younger man Alan.
Alan’s memorable meals story has little to do with food and a great deal to do with his love of science fiction. You’ll learn a bit about World Science Fiction Convention and Dragon Conventions in this anecdote.
And along the same topic of science fiction, I had not heard of the Dragonriders series or Anne McCaffrey, you’ll learn about those here.
Alan’s comfort food is an interesting take on a classic.
Look for Alan to be a published children’s book author in the future. His story of his first effort to write a book for children is fascinating.
Alan became a man of intrigue for me a few years ago because, ironically, he is a guy who is curious and enthusiastic about new ideas and people in general. It’s an inspiring model.
At the time, this interview was recorded we were only a month out from realizing we would all soon experience a worldwide pandemic. So now, most especially, Alan’s thoughts at the close of the interview resonate beautifully. There is hope. There is always hope.
Sherry and Alexandra Borzo together in Lima, Peru
Sherry is the founder of Storied Gifts a personal publishing service of family and company histories. She and her team help clients curate and craft their stories into books. When not writing or interviewing, Sherry spends loads of time with her grandchildren and lives in Des Moines, Iowa.
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