Send us a text

This episode wrecked me in the very best way.

On September 11th, 2001, while most of the world was glued to their TVs watching unimaginable horror unfold, Diane Davis was teaching Grade 3 French immersion in Gander, Newfoundland, an airport town of about 10,000 people that would suddenly become home to nearly 7,000 stranded airline passengers.

What happened next is the part of the 9/11 story you probably don’t know.

Diane walks me through those surreal days when 38 planes were diverted to Gander and an entire community quietly, efficiently, and compassionately mobilized. Teachers turned schools into shelters. Bus drivers walked off strike to shuttle passengers. Churches, camps, and tiny outport towns filled trucks with food, bedding, and toothbrushes. Bulletin boards replaced the internet. Tim Hortons boxes became filing systems. No one waited to be told what to do. People just did what they could.

Diane’s story became part of Come From Away, the Broadway musical inspired by Gander’s response to 9/11. Yes, there is literally a character based on her. But what struck me most wasn’t the red carpets or the Tony Awards. It was her belief that none of this was extraordinary. It was simply people showing up with whatever skills they had.

We also talk about the other side of being a lifelong helper, learning how to receive. Diane shares candidly about her current cancer treatment, the discomfort of accepting support, and how community once again is carrying her through. This conversation is about kindness, grit, humility, and the quiet magic that happens when strangers choose to care for each other.

You might cry. I definitely did. And you’ll walk away remembering what humans are capable of when we’re at our best.

What’s Inside:

• What really happened in Gander when thousands of planes were diverted on 9/11
• How ordinary people self-organized to care for thousands of strangers
• The real-life story behind Come From Away
• Why learning to receive help can be just as powerful as giving it

So here’s what I want you thinking about after this episode. What does being rich actually mean to you? Is it having more than enough for yourself or being so resourced that you can show up for others without hesitation? Diane’s story is a masterclass in emotional wealth, generosity, and community. And look, that kind of life is built one choice at a time.

I want to hear from you. What kind of world do you want to help create, and what role do you want to play in it? DM me on Instagram and let’s talk about it. I read every message.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Give Back To Diane Davis
Oonagh Duncan on Instagram
Fit Feels Good
Leave me a voice note on Speak Pipe!
Goal Setting Workshop