That something extra, I believe, is a certain humanity that

The words of Casey Kasem—“That something extra, I believe, is a certain humanity that comes from upbeat and positive human interest letters and success stories. Advertisers like to be associated with those qualities.”—speak to the eternal power of stories that uplift the spirit. They reveal that beyond numbers, beyond wealth, beyond clever words, there lies a force far greater: the resonance of humanity. It is the warmth of shared experience, the inspiration of victory over hardship, the tenderness of connection that binds one heart to another. Kasem, known for his voice and his presence in the world of broadcasting, understood that what truly captivates people is not cold information but stories that remind them of what it means to be human.

The ancients also knew this truth. Homer’s Odyssey has endured not because it catalogues facts about war and travel, but because it tells of longing, resilience, and the yearning to return home. The human spirit responds to upbeat and positive stories because they awaken hope, and hope is the fire by which civilizations survive their darkest hours. Kasem’s insight reveals that even in the modern realm of commerce, where advertisers seek influence and recognition, the greatest treasure lies not in manipulation but in aligning themselves with stories of triumph, compassion, and dignity.

History gives us vivid examples of the power of success stories. During the Great Depression, when despair shadowed millions, President Franklin Roosevelt used his “fireside chats” to speak not only of policy but of courage, solidarity, and resilience. His words, filled with humanity, restored confidence to a broken people. Businesses and leaders who aligned themselves with such messages flourished, not because they promised riches, but because they shared in the spirit of uplift. Here we see Kasem’s wisdom: people and institutions long to be bound to qualities that ennoble, not degrade.

At the heart of this teaching is the idea that human interest is not trivial but sacred. When we hear of an ordinary person overcoming obstacles, when we witness kindness in the face of cruelty, we are reminded that greatness is not only found in kings or warriors, but in the daily acts of endurance and compassion that weave the fabric of life. Advertisers, politicians, leaders—all seek to touch this current of humanity, because it is the deepest wellspring of influence. To be associated with goodness, to ride upon the wave of positive sentiment, is to borrow the strength of the human heart itself.

Yet Kasem’s words are also a challenge. For while it is easy to exploit such stories for profit, their true power lies in sincerity. To share positive human stories must not be done as a mask, but as a reflection of genuine respect for human dignity. The ancients warned of flatterers who cloaked greed in sweet words; the same danger exists now. But when humanity is honored with authenticity, the response is powerful, binding generations and forging trust that endures longer than any slogan.

The lesson for us, then, is profound: if you wish to inspire, to lead, or even to persuade, begin not with cold reason or clever trickery, but with humanity. Tell the stories that uplift, remember the struggles of others, share the victories of the humble. Whether you are a leader, a teacher, or simply a friend, your influence will grow when you align yourself with hope rather than despair, compassion rather than cruelty.

So, dear listener, take Kasem’s words to heart. When you speak, when you act, when you seek to influence, let your message carry that something extra—the humanity that stirs souls. Share what is good, honor what is noble, celebrate what is kind. For the world hungers not merely for information or entertainment, but for reminders of what it means to be fully human. And those who carry this light will always be remembered, not as merchants of profit alone, but as heralds of hope.