Life Notes from Chair 17

We've hit another milestone in our podcast journey: 75 episodes. At the same time, we find ourselves at a bit of a crossroads, which is leading us to prepare to take a hiatus. Join host CH as she reflects on the life journal podcast journey so far - sharing immense gratitude for our loyal community of C17'ers. She also shares the reasons why we feel we need to take a break and reassess the direction of the show as we navigate the ever-changing 2025 socio-political climate, and its impact on how we aim to share the personal narratives on which this podcast was founded. This episode is still in the vein of being a warm hug to our listeners, and still encouraging self-care and kindness amidst all of these very challenging times. Whether you are just finding us for the first time or have been with us from the beginning, we invite you to join us in celebrating our 75th episode ... even if it might be our last for a while.   Show Notes In this episode, CH references Boston College professor and historian, Heather Cox Richardson. For those interested, Heather has a Substack called, "Letters from an American" as well as a YouTube channel. Highly recommend for those seeking a historical, grounded perspective on various topics - none the least of which is the current climate in the United States (as of July 2025).

Taking control and redefining success. Two concepts much easier said than done, but often necessary when we hit a fork in our life journey road. Join us this week in another of our Share the Chair series as CH sits down with friend, former colleague and host of the AP Taylor Swift podcast, Jodi Innerfield, who shares the transformative journey she's been on since being laid off earlier in 2025 and of which has found her embracing not only her own entrepreneurial spirit but redefining what it means to be successful. Jodi opens up about how this career fork is a little bit different than those in her past, and how she has embraced the transition from a structured corporate role to carving her own path as an independent consultant fueled by a newfound sense of control and direction.   Show Notes For those looking for more information on Jodi: Her Web site is JodiBeth.com. She is co-host of the AP Taylor Swift Podcast that is available on all major podcast platforms. Her Substack is JodiBeth.Substack.com Her "So you've just been laid off, now what?" on her Substack documents her journey of working through her layoff in 2025. Influential books Jodi mentions are as follows: You Are a Badass The Obstacle is the Way Designing Your Life Be Ready When the Luck Happens Necessary Endings Year of Yes James Lipton's Inside the Actor's Studio questionnaire, and the original Bernard Pivot/Marcel Proust versions that inspired it, can be found here. Our C17 version is our own take on these two famous questionnaires.

Happiness. Specifically, life happiness. Or being happy in life. Or saying one's life is happy. In some instances, some of us can answer this easily and without hesitation. But in other instances, it's more nuanced. Join CH this week as she discusses how approaching happiness doesn't always have to be a large, lifelong, philosophical question. Inspired by listening to a recent interview with one of her faves, actress Jodie Whittaker, CH reflects on what it means to find happiness in simple, everyday moments rather than as a lifelong destination or philosophical life goal. At the end of the day, it can be about creating small spaces of joy and instant connection that, over time, weave happiness through the tapestry of our lives - which is especially important in times of stress, anxiety, challenge or struggle.   Show Notes Inspiration for our episode came from an interview that CH listened to with actress Jodie Whittaker. It can be found out on Big Finish Productions YouTube channel. The question of "What is your idea of happiness?" and Jodie's response to this question begins at around the 18:30 mark in the video. Additional note: CH mentions this quote from Jodie: "It's ok to be wrong, it's ok to be scared, it's ok to not know. But above all do not lose hope." It comes from her 2020 Salon Talks Interview. Previous episode mentions Episode 42: Foreign Exchange Episode 23: Diary of a First Time Comic Con-er

As we round out June 2025, we did not want to leave it without reflecting on what Pride month means to us and to the LGBTQIA+ community. Join host CH as she reflects on what Pride has ultimately come to mean to her, and some of the key lessons it has taught her - namely, the importance of standing up for kindness, acceptance, and understanding in a world often divided by differences. It seems Pride represents even MORE to us this year than in recent years past. And, it serves as an important reminder about embracing diversity, learning from different life experiences, and the enduring importance of being an ally to each other.   Show Notes Key mentions from this episode: Outside with Pride is REI's annual campaign in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. CH participated in the very first of these when it launched in 2016. @OsloPride (via Instagram) is the organization that ran the campaign about the importance of showing LGTBQIA+ allyship. @kris.and.dave (via Instagram) are one of CH's faves for being a great of example of what allyship looks like in practical terms. The Stonewall Uprising of 1969 served as the catalyst to what is now the modern day Pride movement. Highly recommended read for those who may not know or be aware of how Pride came to be.

We're back with another in our Share the Chair series as we reunite with our good friend, the resilient Jen Phillips (and when we say resilient we are NOT kidding). Jen joined us in Fall 2024 just days before she would find herself in the wrath of Hurricane Helene, which would ultimately devastate her business and community in Asheville, North Carolina. After managing to rebuild her business in ... wait for it ... 60 DAYS (yes, really), then dedicating several months of her time volunteering with hurricane recovery efforts, the experience unexpectedly helped sharpen her focus to continue to find ways to create healthy workplaces AND ways of working. Listen in as she discusses the importance not only of resilience, but the power of community, connection and her new venture, The New Ambition, which is aimed at transforming workplace environments to be healthier and more supportive. Discover how being literally in the eye of a hurricane helped Jen further shape her mission to drive positive change and create cycles of good in both our lives AND at work.   Show Notes Key links for Jen Read/Join: The New Ambition YouTube: @ThisIsTheNewAmbition NOTE: This is where Jen has now moved all of what were her The Podgress Report podcast episodes. Connect: Jen Phillips on LinkedIn Visit IRL OR Shop Online: Non-alcoholic bottle shop in Asheville, North Carolina HeyNØLO.com (shipping to North Carolina only at this time). Follow NØLO on Instagram @hey_nolo Previous episode mentions Episode 52: Share the Chair - Jen Phillips (From Burnout to Burning Bright) Episode 45: Just Walk in that Direction NOTE: This episode was inspired by the Jen's podcast episode, Recipe for Reinvention: Chef Lisa Brooks' Journey from Burnout to Thriving

It's our 70th. Episode, that is. It's a milestone - both in podcast years and in age years. And it's the latter that is the focus this week as CH ponders what life at 70 might look like for her in just two (short) decades from now. While we can't predict the future, we know it won't look like it does for those already at that milestone age today. As such, CH offers a thoughtful and light-hearted reflection (or should we say hypothesis) on the keys she is focusing on should she get to that milestone herself while also trying NOT to predict the future or get too caught up in that which may be beyond her control. In CH's own words: "This was a surprisingly fun episode to record. It gave me a lot to think about."   Show Notes For those looking for some interesting podcast statistics (and why we continue to celebrate our milestone episodes): there are approximately 4.4 million podcasts in the podcast universe, but only 720K have more than 10 episodes; 44% of podcasts have 3 episodes are less. (Source: Podcastpage.io) CH makes reference to the Taylor Swift song, "This is Me Trying" from the 'Folklore' album.

Not sure we ever thought we'd connect 'Xena: Warrior Princess' and Mental Health Awareness Month in a single episode, but there is a first time for everything. Join CH as she takes a trip in the wayback machine to reflect on a life mantra she came across back in 1998 from actor Renee O'Connor during Renee's attempt to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. In a story told to author Jane Treat, Renee's mantra, "Take a step and breathe," helped her push through the grueling physical and mental challenge of completing the trek even when her mother was forced to turn back. CH was inspired by the saying back then - so much so that she printed it out to have at her desk. Cut to today, it's a timeless and relatable mantra that can serve as a beacon of hope and a tool for self-care as we continue to focus on the importance of maintaining a healthy mental wellbeing.   Show Notes The original article where CH first learned of the mantra, "Take a step and breathe," was authored by Jane Treat back in 1998 and titled "Renee O'Connor - To The Roof of Africa | ROC's Trek Up Mt. Kilimanjaro." It is archived on the very longstanding ReneeOConnor.info site that still operates today as part of the AUSXIP Network. For those looking for more information on Mt. Kilimanjaro, head over to the Wikipedia entry. CH also does mention the mountain, K2, as an example of a mountain that requires technical climbing expertise in order to summit. Previous episode mentions: Episode 33: Ok Not Being Ok

We've all been there: we know we need to have THAT conversation but somehow ... we just don't. And yet, we NEED to have them to either find us a path forward or bring us a sense of closure. Join CH this week as she discusses how the term "hard conversations" first came to her (hint: Project Management Day Life 101), and the importance of having these conversations in either a professional setting or our own personal sphere. Although they might be difficult, challenging, perhaps uncomfortable and maybe not always go the way we expect, they often lead us to growth and the recognition of key life lessons.

We are back with another in our "Rant, Rave, Really?" set of episodes where we lean into every day observations about something that we really want to give a shout out about, perhaps something that is a bit troubling, or something that is just plain confusing. In this episode, host CH gives a shoutout to a recent Instagram reel that crossed her feed discussing the importance of developing a code to communicate when we truly need support from our closest friend (or friends). In other words, NOT just treating it like any other reach out. And the interesting fact? It only takes 8 minutes of connection to help ease feelings of loneliness and isolation, and to create a sense of togetherness. (OF NOTE: This episode was recorded before we could source the author of the remixed Instagram reel. But we DID - its Simon Sinek. See our Show Notes below).   Show Notes The "8 Minute Rule" that CH discusses in this episode was popularized by TED speaker and psychologist, Simon Sinek. You can check out his full talk on YouTube or this Forbes article.  

It's April 2025 ... and that means it's national Jazz Appreciation Month here in the U.S.! Join host CH as she shares her own journey to not only coming to love the genre - particularly the classics and standards of the 1930s and 40s - but also how it has shaped her sense of musicianship when she resumed playing drums after a 10 year hiatus. She reflects on how the sounds of jazz surrounded her at a young age (even if she wasn't suuuuper interested at the time), and how her original love of playing pop/rock music evolved as her own musical leanings changed over time. She also reminds us of the importance of embracing music - no matter the genre - at any stage of life for the personal enrichment and inspiration it brings to us all.   Show Notes Jazz Appreciation Month (known as "JAM") runs from April 1 - April 30 in the U.S. It culminates with the international celebration of International Day of Jazz on April 30th. For those looking for more information and events that are scheduled for 2025, head over to the National Museum of American History, which founded JAM in 2001 (and of which is where CH pulled the quote that ended our episode). Additionally, CH highly recommends the Ken Burns PBS documentary film, "Jazz", for those looking for a comprehensive examination and tribute to jazz from its earliest origins up to present day. Some of the artists CH mentioned that played in her grandparent's house as she was growing up: Duke Ellington; Billie Holliday; Ella Fitzgerald; Glenn Miller; Benny Goodman; Frank Sinatra; Dean Martin; Nat King Cole. Additionally, her step-father was a fan of Brazilian jazz. The Los Angeles radio station CH also grew up listening to was 94.7 The Wave (now known as The Soul of Southern California). Previous episode mentions: Episode 20: Episode 62: Share the Chair - Tobi Stone (A Lifelong Journey of Jazz) Episode 25: Little Drummer Girl

It's Women's History Month 2025. And although we completely missed the moment LAST March (our bad), we definitely wanted to do a special episode this year honoring perhaps a lesser-known woman of history: Tamsen Donner. Join host CH as she reflects on why she feels drawn to Tamsen's story of enduring strength and resilience, as well as her appreciation of a pioneering woman who defied some of the more traditional norms of her era while also facing incredible personal tragedy not once but twice during her short life. Although Tamsen is perhaps best known for her selfless acts during the infamous Donner Party expedition, she is just one of many women in history whose unyielding spirit still resonates today, and helps to remind us of the challenges and sacrifices faced by women of the past - and the power of their perseverance that continues to inspire our present.   Show Notes For those interested in learning more about Tamsen: WikiPedia: Tamsen Donner Tamsen's Letters: Tamsen Donner Letters Article: 'Tamsen Donner: Strong-willed matriarch of the Donner Party' by Mark McLaughlin || YourTahoeGuide.com Book: 'Searching for Tamsen Donner' by Gabrielle Burton Book: 'The Fateful Journey of Tamsen Donner' by Frankye Craig The author who CH asked about the viableness of the elusive diary Tamsen supposedly kept during the Donner Party expedition is Ethan Rarick, who wrote 'Desperate Passage: The Donner Party's Perilous Journey West'. The full inscription of the plaque dedicated to Tamsen and Elizabeth Donner that is currently at the Donner Memorial Picnic Site of California Highway 89 in Truckee, CA (wh), can be viewed here. Donner State Memorial Park is located in the town of Truckee, CA. The song, "I Hate it Here" that CH's references is from Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology' album.

Anyone else feeling like the world - particularly the U.S. - is a bit of a hot mess right now? We are there with you. In one of our first truly unscripted episodes, host CH highlights the significance and power of shared experiences in building resilience during a time where the world seems fraught with political uncertainty and sudden, uncontrolled change. And she reminds us once again to focus on some key tenets that we DO have control over: 1) that which brings us joy; 2) remaining connected within our communities; and 3) avoiding doom scrolling of the news cycle echo chamber. She also shares what it has been like working inside a non-profit cancer research center in the U.S. during a time of great uncertainty over funding resources. It's a deeply personal episode, but one that aims to still find light and hope in some darker, challenging times.   Show Notes The full quote that CH paraphrased during this episode was: "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light." It was spoken by the character Albus Dumbledore, in 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.'

We are shaking things up a bit (we think, anyway) as we introduce a new set of episodes called "Rant, Rave, Really ...?", leaning into every day observations about something that we really want to give a shout out about, perhaps something that is a bit troubling, or something that is just plain confusing (because we've all been there, right?). Might be a direct life experience, but it  also might be an observed experience. Either way, it's all still part of navigating life one story at at time. For this first one, and inspired by attending a live jazz and jam session performance by a drummer she admires, CH reflects on the importance of nurturing young passions WITH support of family and mentors.   Show Notes The Canadian jazz drummer, bandleader, composer and music educator CH went to see that was Jacob Wutzke. More information about Jacob can be found on his official Web site. The Royal Room is the Seattle-area venue where the performance was held; more information can be found on its official Web site.

In our first Share the Chair episode of 2025, we welcome talented jazz musician and educator, Tobi Stone. Tobi has played an important part of CH's own journey into jazz musicianship, and after almost a year's worth of planning (yes, really!), finally got the chance to sit down to talk all-things musical life journey - from Tobi discovering her passion for music at a young age; to knowing early on that she wanted to teach in addition to perform; to the key influences and experiences that have helped shape her career - including recovering from an early injury during her time studying jazz performance at the University of Washington. Tobi's uplifting approach to music education, and her ongoing efforts to support aspiring young musicians - especially female musicians - is all part of her goal to create an inclusive, empowering environment that blends the art of playing with the joy of teaching. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast, an aspiring musician, or simply curious about the life of a professional musical artist, this episode has a little bit of everything.   Show Notes For those looking for more information on Tobi, you can visit her official Web site, Tobi Stone Music (tobistone.com). Some key highlights: Her full list of credits and in-depth biography can be found under the About Tobi section of her site. She has several key performances scheduled for the first part of 2025 that can be found under the Performances section of her site. A key callout performance will be May 9, 2025 at the Black Box Theatre in Olympia, Washington. It will be a tribute performance for one of her saxophone teachers, Bert Wilson. It is part of the Washington Center for Performance Arts Women In Jazz Series. The influential substitute teacher that inspired and influenced Tobi's early appreciation for the saxophone is professional saxophonist, Darren Motamedy. The non-profit Tobi has started that aims to elevate musicianship of under served communities is called Kindred Blue Notes. Additional information can be found on KindredBlueNotes.org. Tobi also is a long-standing faculty member of Seattle's Jazz Night School, where she teaches various combos and also offers private lessons. The technique Tobi referenced that is used as an alternative treatment to improve both voice and posture for people in the performing arts is called the Alexander Technique. James Lipton's Inside the Actor's Studio questionnaire, and the original Bernard Pivot/Marcel Proust versions that inspired it, can be found here. Our C17 version is our own take on these two famous questionnaires. Previous episode mentions Episode 20: Episode 20: Share the Chair - Nathan Waldvogel (Journey to Yoga Therapy) Episode 25: Little Drummer Girl Episode 29: I'll Take a Lesson Episode 33: Ok Not Being Ok

Picture it: London. December 2024. A trip 30-some-odd-years in the making. And one that will never be forgotten. Join CH this week as she reflects on her first-time visit to London, and the soul-stirring connection she felt within the city despite never having set foot in it prior. From iconic moments in Piccadilly Circus and Notting Hill (yep, THAT Notting Hill); to taking in the holiday splendor of Regent Street and Trafalgar Square; to the unexpected gift of connecting with jazz singer Emma Smith; to heartfelt visits with friends out in Worcester and up in Holmfirth. If you love London, or want to visit one day, or just appreciate sharing of a life story with a unique connection to a place and time, CH paints a vivid picture of her journey in this episode - one that truly captured her heart, and now has her affectionately referring to London as her soulmate city.   Show Notes Some of the locations, services and establishments CH mentions and of which were a key part of her trip: Regent Street || Piccadilly Circus || Trafalgar Square || Trafalgar Theatre || St. James's Square || Harrods || Camden Town || Dr. Martens Flagship Store  - Camden Market || Primose Hill || Hampstead Heath || Notting Hill / Portabello Road || Big Ben || Covent Garden || Abbey Road / Abbey Road Studios || Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter || King's Cross Railway Station || Paddington Railway Station || London Underground Lock & Co. Hatters was the favorite hat shop CH mentioned. It is the oldest hat shop in both the world and Britain, having been founded in 1676. (And yes, CH really does wear a hat every day.) The two cities outside of London CH traveled to during her stay were: Worcester (West Midlands) Holmfirth (Yorkshire) The jazz singer CH had an opportunity to see perform twice during her visit is Emma Smith. For those interested in learning more about her, you can visit her official Web site: EmmaSmithMusic.co.uk. The two venues in which Emma performed were: Brown's Hotel The Crazy Coqs Some of the British TV shows CH grew up watching were: 'Keeping Up Appearances'; 'As Time Goes By'; 'The Thin Blue Line'; 'Prime Suspect'; 'Absolutely Fabulous'. Previous episode mentions Episode 39: Spirit of Place Episode 58: Life at the Midpoint

2025. New year. New resolutions. Sorta. As the clock resets on another 365 days, and as we celebrate our 60th episode, join CH this week as she considers a more forgiving and flexible approach to looking ahead. She also offers a gentle reminder that success is not defined by our ability to adhere strictly to a set of resolutions that most of us abandon by mid-January. Instead, it's about focusing on the things that bring us joy, allow us to stay true to ourselves, and embracing the upcoming year with open-mindedness and self-compassion. Tune in for thoughtful conversation that urges us all to prioritize mental well-being and personal happiness. Whether you are a goal setter or someone who takes life as it comes, this episode reflects on how we can view progress and success throughout any given year - and adapt and thrive amidst the unexpected. 

As they say, all good things must come to an end. As we close out 2024, join host CH as she reflects on the end of fairly significant chapter in her life's journey - that of a 20 year Pluto Moon astrological cycle that was rife with challenge and struggle while also amounting to significant personal growth. Listen in as she discusses how a start-of-the-year job layoff became the catalyst for some of the deepest introspection and self-growth she has ever done leading to greater understanding of personal strengths and aspirations. If you have felt perhaps this year has been a humdinger for you as well, this episode offers insights into embracing transitions and finding resilience in the face of uncertainty - no matter the year.   Show Notes For those interested in learning more about what the Pluto Moon cycle means from as astrological standpoint, try a Google search for "Pluto Moon Astrology Meaning" or use an AI prompt. CH mentions the Taylor Swift lyric: "The who's who of 'Who's that'", which is from the song "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" off 'The Tortured Poets Department' album. Fawkes is the fictional phoenix bird character from the 'Harry Potter' series, known to periodically die by bursting into flames then be reborn from the ashes Previous episode mentions Episode 1: This Is Me Starting Episode 18: Living Through A Layoff Episode 20: Share the Chair: Nathan Waldvogel Episode 22: Walk Through the Fire Episode 49: The (Unexpected) Summer Sabbatical

Fifty. 5-0. Half-century. However we want to call it, host CH hits that milestone birthday this month. And although she can't say she is exactly where she thought she'd be at this precise moment in her own life timeline, she also never put any arbitrary age accomplishments ON her timeline. Join her this week as she reflects on what this approach has taught her about the importance of embracing the whole of the life journey, and not defining success or failure if something has not been accomplished by a certain age - especially a YOUNG age.   Show Notes For those not familiar with what can be a less-than-advantageous view or bias against those who are older, check out the definition of ageism by the World Health Organization. The Taylor Swift song "You Need to Calm Down" comes from her 'Lover' album. CH references the Anxiety character from "Inside Out 2". The "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" quote from John Connor that CH references is: "There is no fate but that which we make for ourselves." The (un)official life memes and quotes CH mentions towards the end of the episode that do ultimately seem to always end up being quite true: Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Money is helpful but not necessarily the source of happiness. The simplest things bring the most amount of joy If something isn't working, change it. Imperfections are not a detriment to one's sense of self. Give ourselves permission to learn from our mistakes. Dream big. Have passion. Stop worrying about what other people think (a.k.a. be confident in who are ... and be ok with it).

Holiday Season 2024 is officially underway. And yet, we have to admit we're not feeling all that holiday-ish. And you know what? We're ok with that. Join CH this week as she talks about the importance of acknowledging the emotional challenges the holiday season can bring - especially when it might NOT be the most happiest or magical for everyone. She encourages us to remember that it is alright to forge your own path during this complex time of year, and to celebrate in a way that feels best for each of us in the moment we are at - whether traditional or not, whether all in or not.   Show Notes Previous episode mentions Episode 33: Ok Not Being Ok Episode 8: Soloing the Holidays

This is a bit of tough episode, folks, but we're going to give it our best shot at reflecting on the 2024 U.S. election. While this podcast is not a political or a current events show, the election's impact is impossible to ignore - and it is creating a life experience that is also impossible to ignore. While we might all be tired of hearing about the election (and news ABOUT the election), this episode is meant to be a personal reflection, not a post-mortem. Recorded only a few days after the election (on November 9th), CH shares her thoughts on what is perhaps the shifting political landscape, and its implications for individuals and communities that may feel marginalized or be adversely affected; and, the importance of community and connection when we find ourselves facing very polarizing differences of opinions and ideologies - including the challenge of reconciling with friends or family when we are on opposite sides of the political spectrum. She also encourages us to engage in a bit of self-reflection, and to perhaps find soft places to land in what can often be an increasingly harsh world. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that acknowledges the challenges ahead for some, while still aiming to inspire hope and collective strength.   A special note from CH on this episode: "This was not an easy one to record. I have ultimately attempted to articulate the concerns that are quite personal to me, to those in my inner-circle and my community. Perhaps not everyone is going to understand these concerns or even agree with them. And that is fine. But maybe it will offer a perspective one might not have considered. In the end, I hope it will help us all think about how we continue to treat each other during very polarizing times. Also this was recorded only a few days after the election - on November 9th. Things continue to evolve and shift daily." Show Notes The quote CH paraphrased that was shared by her friend Nathan: "Be a soft place to land in a harsh world." For those interested in referencing some more specific examples and statistics on the increased hate and harassment directed at women online following 2024 U.S. election results, you can read this article from The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (NOTE: Please be advised this article contains offensive and obscene language). For those wanting to learn more about Project 2025 or Agenda 47 (alternatively, you can use an AI platform/prompt): Google search: Project 2025; Google search: Agenda 47; Google search: Project 2025 vs. Agenda 47