Ep 5. Wes Moore

Super Soul Sunday is back for its ninth season with another enlightening episode, and this week's guest is none other than Wes Moore - the accomplished author, speaker, and social entrepreneur who has made a name for himself by advocating for education, equity, and justice for all. In this inspiring episode, Wes sits down with Oprah to discuss his powerful personal journey and the insights he has gained along the way.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Wes Moore grew up amidst poverty, violence, and social upheaval. Despite these challenges, he managed to excel academically and went on to a successful career in finance and later in the military, where he served as a captain in the US Army. Wes's life took a dramatic turn when he learned of another young man who shared his name and his background, but whose path diverged from his own in a fateful way. This other Wes Moore had also grown up in Baltimore, had also been a promising student, but had ended up in prison for his involvement in a robbery that resulted in the death of a police officer. The two Wes Moores had never met, but their parallel stories prompted Wes to embark on a quest to understand the factors that shape our lives and the potential for change that lies within us.

In his bestselling book "The Other Wes Moore," Wes explores the complex issues of race, class, family, and personal responsibility that drive our choices and shape our destinies. He also examines the impact of mentors, role models, and community support on our ability to thrive and overcome adversity. In this episode of Super Soul Sunday, Oprah and Wes discuss some of the key themes of his book, as well as his latest project, the BridgeEdU initiative, which aims to help underserved students navigate the challenges of college and career readiness.

The conversation between Oprah and Wes is candid, thought-provoking, and deeply heartfelt. They touch on topics such as the importance of positive self-talk, the pitfalls of negative stereotypes, the need for empathy and compassion, and the role of faith in finding meaning and purpose. Wes shares personal stories from his own life, including his struggles with PTSD after serving in Afghanistan, and his experiences of being a father to his own children. Oprah also shares her own insights and wisdom, drawing from her years of experience as a media mogul, philanthropist, and spiritual seeker.

Throughout the episode, Wes's message of hope, resilience, and vision is palpable. He challenges us to see beyond the labels and limitations that society imposes on us, and to cultivate our innate potential for greatness. He also encourages us to reach out to others and build bridges of understanding and support, instead of walls of fear and division. Whether you are a fan of Wes Moore's work, or simply seeking inspiration and guidance on your own journey, this episode of Super Soul Sunday is sure to leave a lasting impact on your heart and mind.