Sharing the Heart of the Matter

In this episode, hosts Wynne  Leon and VickiAtkinson engage with authors Amy Goober and Gwen Borden, discussing their book 'My Mother Always Says: 25 Lessons for Finding the Silver Lining.' The conversation explores the wisdom passed down through generations, theimportance of reframing experiences, and the power of optimism in overcoming life's challenges. Amy and Gwen share personal stories that highlight resilience, the significance of mother-daughter relationships, and the lessons learned from both good and bad experiences. The episode emphasizes the value of vulnerability, the journey of self-discovery, and the legacy of love and adventure that shapes our lives.takeawaysThe book combines memoir and self-help, sharing life lessons.Gwen's experiences during historical events provide a unique perspective.Mother-daughter relationships are timeless and impactful.Modeling behavior is crucial in parenting and teaching.Vulnerability is essential for personal growth and connection.Optimism can be a powerful tool in facing adversity.Learning from experiences, both good and bad, is vital.Intergenerational wisdom enriches our lives and understanding.It's important to embrace change and reinvent oneself.The journey of life is filled with opportunities for growth.Links for this episode:Episode 120 show notesMy Mother Always Says on AmazonMy Mother Always Says website Amy Goober - Action CoachFrom the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com

In this episode, Linda Broenniman talks with Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson about her journey of uncovering her family's Jewish heritage, which began with a surprising revelation about her father's identity.Through extensive research, she explores eight generations of her family history, revealing secrets, trauma, and the impact of historical events on her identity. The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of writing her book, 'The Pulitzer Saga,' and how it has facilitated healing and connection with her ancestry.Takeaways Linda discovered her father's Jewish heritage at 27.The honor awarded to her mother sparked her research.Researching her family history helped her find forgiveness.Understanding her father's trauma changed her perspective.The importance of asking the right questions about family history.The emotional weight of family secrets can be profound.Visual elements in her book enhance the storytelling.Collaboration with historians was crucial for accuracy.The journey of discovery can lead to unexpected connections. Writing the book was a form of intergenerational healing.Links for this episode:Episode 119 show notesThe Politzer SagaThe Politzer Saga on AmazonFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this episode of Sharing the Heart of the Matter, hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with author RitishSharma, who, along with co-author Deepak Joshi, has created a series of books titled 'Unfold the Stories of Unsung Heroes.' The conversation explores the inspiration behind the series, the process of finding and vetting stories of global heroes, and the emotional impact these narratives have on readers. Ritish shares insights into the power of storytelling and the importance of highlighting acts of kindness in a world that often focuses on negativity. The episode emphasizes the need for positivity and the celebration of individuals making a difference without seeking recognition.TakeawaysRitish and Deepak started the series to highlight unsung heroes.• The stories aim to inspire and give recognition to those who care.• Readers contribute by suggesting heroes from their communities.• Research is crucial to ensure the authenticity of the stories.• The emotional depth of the stories resonates with readers.• Storytelling can create a ripple effect of kindness.• Every detail in a hero's story matters for emotional connection.• The series showcases a global community of heroes.• Acts of kindness can change lives and inspire others.• Celebrating good in the world is essential, especially today.Links for this podcast:Sharing the Heart of the Matter HomeUnfold the Stories of Unsung Heroes Part III on AmazonUnfold the Stories of Unsung Heroes Part II on AmazonUnfold the Stories of Unsung Heroes Part I on AmazonAspiring Blog: https://theblogera.com/From the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this episode of the Heart of the Matter podcast, host Wynne Leon and co-host Vicki Atkinson engage in a deepconversation with mentalist and author Alexander Beresford. They explore themes of human connection, the interplay between magic and writing, and the insights derived from Beresford's works, including 'Mr. Fenwick and the Door That Stayed Closed (Until It Didn't)' and 'The Inward Stage'. The discussion highlights the importance of vulnerability, presence, and the subtle nuances of human interaction, both in performance and in life. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explorethe intricate relationship between performance and audience engagement, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection in magic and mentalism. Theydiscuss the terminology used in the field, the impact of live performances, and the significance of intuition in connecting with audiences. The conversation also delves into personal reflections on writing and growth, as well as the future of live entertainment in an increasingly digital world.Takeaways• Human connection is central to both magic and writing.• Vulnerability is more impactful than cleverness in performance.• Silence can enhance connection and understanding.• Magic and literature both evoke wonder and presence.• The act of writing can be a form of magic.• Presence in storytelling can transform the reader's experience.• Connection with the audience is essential for performers.• Subtlety in storytelling can convey deep truths.• The crossover between magic and writing enriches both art forms.• Creativity is sparked by curiosity and exploration. There's a constant connection with the audience during performances.• The language of magic is important; 'effects' are preferred over 'tricks'.• Live experiments can create memorable moments for both performer and audience.• The energy of a live audience enhances the performance experience.• Performers often connect with the emotions of their audience.• Writing can be a reflection of personal growth and experiences.• Intuition plays a crucial role in performance and audience connection.• Live entertainment is becoming more valuable in a digital age.• Personal stories can resonate deeply with audiences during performances.Links for this episode:Episode 117 show notesAlexander Beresford's website: Eyes and MindsFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this inspiring episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson are talking with filmmaker, philanthropist and author, Peter Samuelson.Peter produced films such as Return of Pink Panther, and Revenge of the Nerds. He’s worked with Steve McQueen, Peter Sellers, and started four philanthropies, including one with Steven Spielberg. And now he’s written this incredible book that combines the amazing and entertaining episodes from all those adventures with reflective lessons and learning. He tells us how he came to write this book, writing at 5am each morning to alternate between lessons learned on some days and anecdotes on others. He tells us the story that sparked the first charity he founded, Starlight, granting wishes to sick kids and their families.Peter teaches a course called Random Acts of Kindness and Pay It Forwards. He explains the crossover between underprivileged kids and acts of service and tells some heart-grabbing stories.We talk about Peter’s delightful father, Sir Sydney Samuelson and his infectious ability to talk to everyone. Peter relates a wonderful story about how his dad made a great connection to benefit his First Star foundation and how the ripple effect of Sir Sydney’s life continues on.Peter tells us how he fell in love with his now wife of 40 years and gives some really solid advice about how to meet like-minded others. Vicki and I were transfixed by Peter’s incredible energy and enthusiasm. His application of the 2nd law of thermodynamics will move you into wanting to make a difference. His stories will leave you smiling and charmed. Finding Happy is a great book that launches on Tuesday, June 10th. It’s such a fun read for all, but especially young adults, and a perfect gift idea for dads and grads. Join us for this inspiring episode with the delightful Peter Samuelson. We know you'll love it!Links for this episode:Episode 116 show notesFinding Happy on AmazonPeter Samuelson | PR by the BookFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In episode 115, Vicki and Wynne engage with author Danny Miller, who shares insights from his book, 'The Way of the Wave.' The conversation explores themes of surrendering control, embracing creativity, navigating life's challenges, and the importance of self-care. Danny recounts his personal journey of transformation, emphasizing the significance of trusting the flow of life and the lessons learned through various experiences. The episode concludes with Danny reading his poignant poem, 'Life's Lantern.'Here are some key takeaways from our discussion:Danny Miller discusses his journey of surrendering control.He emphasizes the importance of creativity and flow in life.Self-care is essential for maintaining balance and well-being.Danny shares personal anecdotes to illustrate his lessons.The concept of 'wave obstructors' and 'wave enhancers' is introduced.He highlights the significance of attentive listening in parenting.Danny reflects on the importance of navigating life's lulls.The conversation touches on the power of vulnerability in storytelling.Danny's poem, 'Life's Lantern,' encapsulates his philosophy.The episode encourages embracing life's unpredictability.This is a fantastic episode with a whole-hearted author sharing valuable and vulnerable lessons. We know you'll love it!Links for this episode:Episode 115 show notesDanny's website danielamiller.com Danny's book, "The Way of the Wave":  https://www.amazon.com/Way-Wave-Natures-Navigating-Currents/dp/0982893078). Danny also narrated the audio book, available on Amazon, B&N, and Apple iTunes.From the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this fascinating episode, Vicki and Wynne talk with author, Mark Wukas. Mark has just released his debut novel, The Kiss of the Night. It’s a book more than 40 years in the making. Mark talks about how he cultivated the book that lived inside him for so long.We also get to hear about his careers as a journalist and teacher. He tells us what it was like to work a 5pm – 2pm shift as a City News reporter in Chicago.Vicki and Wynne get the details of the interplay of journalists and police and the gritty feeling of the denizens of the night.Mark and Vicki talk about some of the notable Chicago landmarks featured in the story. Wynne can attest that even for non-Chicagoans, the incredible details of place and time provide a richly textured backdrop for this gripping story.Mark turns the tables on us to find out our favorite parts of the book – the diner scenes, the difference between facts and the truth, and the coming of age shift that happens as we face the real world.This is a fantastic episode with a fascinating author about a riveting book. We know you'll love it!Links for this episode:Episode 114 show notesMark's recent interview on WGN Radio."The Kiss of Night" - Available exclusively from Eckhartz PressRick Kogan's column in the Chicago Tribune: Former City News kid Mark Wukas delivers "The Kiss of the Night"From the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this thrilling episode, Vicki Atkinson and I have the pleasure of chatting with the captivating thriller author, Carl Vonderau.Carl left the world of international banking to become a writer, and he masterfully weaves his banking knowledge and upbringing as a Christian Scientist into his novels.Carl takes us on a journey as he shares his meticulous research process for the locations in his books. His dedication to capturing the essence of each place is truly fascinating.We admire and chuckle at Carl's language skills. He shares the wisdom that to speak a foreign language, you must be willing to embrace embarrassment.Get an exclusive preview of Carl's upcoming book, "Past Due." Discover why one of his core themes is the necessity for families to grow and evolve.This is a must-listen episode featuring an intriguing author, adventurer, and family man, Carl Vonderau. We know you'll love it!Links for this episodeEpisode 113 show notesCarl Vonderau » Carl VonderauCarl Vonderau on AmazonCarl Vonderau on GoodreadsFrom the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this exciting episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon have the pleasure of chatting with the phenomenal best-selling author, Andrew Mayne.Join us as Andrew Mayne takes us on an incredible journey through his captivating career – from mesmerizing audiences as an illusionist on cruise ships, starring in A&E’s hit show “Don’t Trust Andrew Mayne,” designing a groundbreaking stealth suit for diving with Great White sharks on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, being a Prompt Whisperer and Science Communicator for Open AI, and now a celebrated best-selling author.In his latest thrilling novel, Mr. Whisper, Andrew masterfully unites his four iconic characters from his previous series. He shares the intriguing challenges he faced in writing from multiple perspectives and how the theory of mind played a crucial role in his storytelling. And he reveals how he uses virtual reality technology to go “on location” as he scouts locales for his books.Discover the secrets behind Andrew’s path to success and how his magician’s skills have influenced his writing style, particularly the art of “showing, not telling” in crafting edge-of-your-seat thrillers.Andrew reveals the powerful feedback loop he employed while writing his first books and how his dedication led him to write an astonishing ten books in one year as a practice.Andrew delves into the concept of survivorship bias and its impact on the success stories of those who have “made it.” We explore why this might not hold true for future generations as the world continues to evolve.This podcast is packed with insights that we have pondered long after recording. Andrew’s critical thinking skills, honed through designing his “shock magic” illusions, offer valuable perspectives for various other pursuits.As a bonus, Andrew shares a fantastic tip on teaching critical thinking to young kids, which we found equally applicable to adults.In this captivating interview, Andrew shares one of our new favorite quotes: “When you are okay with being fooled, you unlock a new kind of wonder.” Embrace the mystery, not just in thrillers, but in life itself.Get ready to be enthralled by the fascinating and thought-provoking discussions on magic and writing with the brilliant Andrew Mayne.We know you’ll love it.For show notes and more great inspiration https://sharingtheheartofthematter.comLinks for this episode:https://andrewmayne.com/Mr. Whisper by Andrew Mayne on Amazonhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218134959-mr-whisper"Don't Trust Andrew Mayne" on A&E: "...features the wildly innovative, mischief-loving magician Andrew Mayne as he sets out to reinvent revenge. His illusions are mind-blowing, but what he loves most is helping people get even."From the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this exciting episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon have the pleasure of chatting with the phenomenal best-selling author, Andrew Mayne.Join us as Andrew Mayne takes us on an incredible journey through his captivating career – from mesmerizing audiences as an illusionist on cruise ships, starring in A&E’s hit show “Don’t Trust Andrew Mayne,” designing a groundbreaking stealth suit for diving with Great White sharks on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, being a Prompt Whisperer and Science Communicator for Open AI, and now a celebrated best-selling author.In his latest thrilling novel, Mr. Whisper, Andrew masterfully unites his four iconic characters from his previous series. He shares the intriguing challenges he faced in writing from multiple perspectives and how the theory of mind played a crucial role in his storytelling. And he reveals how he uses virtual reality technology to go “on location” as he scouts locales for his books.Discover the secrets behind Andrew’s path to success and how his magician’s skills have influenced his writing style, particularly the art of “showing, not telling” in crafting edge-of-your-seat thrillers.Andrew reveals the powerful feedback loop he employed while writing his first books and how his dedication led him to write an astonishing ten books in one year as a practice.Andrew delves into the concept of survivorship bias and its impact on the success stories of those who have “made it.” We explore why this might not hold true for future generations as the world continues to evolve.This podcast is packed with insights that we have pondered long after recording. Andrew’s critical thinking skills, honed through designing his “shock magic” illusions, offer valuable perspectives for various other pursuits.As a bonus, Andrew shares a fantastic tip on teaching critical thinking to young kids, which we found equally applicable to adults.In this captivating interview, Andrew shares one of our new favorite quotes: “When you are okay with being fooled, you unlock a new kind of wonder.” Embrace the mystery, not just in thrillers, but in life itself.Get ready to be enthralled by the fascinating and thought-provoking discussions on magic and writing with the brilliant Andrew Mayne.We know you’ll love it.Links for this post:Episode 112 show noteshttps://andrewmayne.com/Mr. Whisper by Andrew Mayne on Amazonhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218134959-mr-whisper"Don't Trust Andrew Mayne" on A&E: "...features the wildly innovative, mischief-loving magician Andrew Mayne as he sets out to reinvent revenge. His illusions are mind-blowing, but what he loves most is helping people get even."From the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are delighted to talk with author and publisher, Rick Kaempfer about his book EveryCubEver. This is the second game in our baseball double-header as we talk with the hilarious and engaging Rick about his labor of love, EveryCubEver. He swears this seventh edition of the book is the last time he’s going to update it until the Chicago Cubs win the World Series.There are 2600 Cubs in this book – 2296 players and the rest are managers and back office. Rick provides the storytelling in each entry so it’s a great read for history buffs as well as baseball fans. He tells who became a dentist and who ended up in jail, who was on the beaches of Normandy, and who went on to become a governor. As an example of the engaging storytelling, he tells us why manager Frank Chance traded for pitcher Jack Harper just to ruin his career. He gives us the background on the 200 photographs that are included in this edition of the book and where he found them. Rick tells us the touching story of how he got invited to go to the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony this year. Such a fantastic way to round out a year that included publishing this seventh edition of EveryCubEver. Join us as we explore the scenic and beautiful places we go when we tell baseball stories. You won't want to miss this great conversation with the amazing and entertaining, Rick Kaempfer!We know you’ll love it!For show notes and more great inspiration please visit https://sharingtheheartof thematter.com

Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are delighted to talk with author and publisher, Rick Kaempfer about his book EveryCubEver. This is the second game in our baseball double-header as we talk with the hilarious and engaging Rick about his labor of love, EveryCubEver. He swears this seventh edition of the book is the last time he’s going to update it until the Chicago Cubs win the World Series.There are 2600 Cubs in this book – 2296 players and the rest are managers and back office. Rick provides the storytelling in each entry so it’s a great read for history buffs as well as baseball fans. He tells who became a dentist and who ended up in jail, who was on the beaches of Normandy, and who went on to become a governor.  As an example of the engaging storytelling, he tells us why manager Frank Chance traded for pitcher Jack Harper just to ruin his career. He gives us the background on the 200 photographs that are included in this edition of the book and where he found them. Rick tells us the touching story of how he got invited to go to the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony this year. Such a fantastic way to round out a year that included publishing this seventh edition of EveryCubEver. Join us as we explore the scenic and beautiful places we go when we tell baseball stories. You won't want to miss this great conversation with the amazing and entertaining, Rick Kaempfer!We know you’ll love it!Links for this episode:Episode 111 show notesEveryCubEverChili Dog MVPThe Loop FilesFrom the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are delighted to be with Wynne's five-year-old son, Mr. D.Mr. D is so excited about starting on a Little League team that he asked to podcast about it. Which is saying something because he’s not as naturally voluble as his older sister.We're clearly biased about our guest. But in our opinion listening to the enthusiasm of a kid excited about a team, a sport, and the crack of the ball against a bat stirs the well of our own passions.  Mr. D shows us all the equipment necessary for Little League – including our favorite, the bubble gum.We talk about the magic that often happens when we go to MLB games. Vicki tells us about the ball parks and teams in Chicago. This podcast meanders a bit as we ride along with a young and curious guest. But he brings it all together with an incredible answer when Vicki asks him what he likes best a little before minute 17 in the recording. We also included a little easter egg at the end at minute 19. Mr. D shows you don’t have to know how to spell in order to capture hearts.Join us as we explore the scenic and beautiful places we go when we tell baseball stories. You won't want to miss this heart-warming and refreshing perspective of five-year-old Mr. D!We know you’ll love it!Links for this podcastEpisode 110 show notesVicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are thrilled to be with the talented artist and author, Danny Gregory.Danny shares his incredible journey from being an ad agency creative director for 30 years to becoming a renowned author and artist. His books and newsletters are notjust inspiring; they are a daily call to create and live with purpose. They read like good philosophy, urging us to embrace creativity every day.Our conversation with Danny was nothing short of inspiring. We delved into morning routines, where I meditate and Danny creates art before breakfast. Why? Because, as Danny delightfully quips, our inner critic tends to get up later.Vicki and I discovered the magic of illustrative journaling with Danny. Art, as he explains, helps us adapt to life’s changes, builds our confidence, and gives us control over our perspective. It keeps us from being stuck in the mundane.Danny’s enormously popular YouTube channel is less about teaching how to draw and more about understanding the chemical process of creativity. He reminds us that our inner critic is no more correct than we are. Talking with Danny is like having a good coach who not only teaches us skills but also provides the mindset to be most productive.Join us as we explore the scenic and beautiful places we go as creators. You won't want to miss this insightful and inspiring conversation with Danny Gregory!We know you’ll love it!Links for this episodeEpisode 109 show notesDanny's weekly newsletterhttps://www.dannygregory.com/bookshttps://www.dannygregory.com/https://www.sketchbookskool.com/https://www.dannygregory.com/monkeyFrom the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with best-selling author, Barbara Nickless.Barbara's fascinating resume includes roles as a technical writer, instructional designer, raptor rehabilitator, piano teacher, performer, sword fighter, and Director of Education for the country’s largest public astronomical observatory. She shares her journey to becoming a best-selling author of thrillers and how devastating losses have led to new opportunities.Barbara also discusses how writing helps process experiences and how she has taught writingto combat veterans. We delve into her creative fuel that has led to nine novels in ten years, and her wholehearted investment in research and writing, which shines through in her characters' internal growth.Join us as we explore the scenic and beautiful places that inspire Barbara's best-selling novels. You won't want to miss this insightful and inspiring conversation!We know you’ll love it!Links for this episode:Episode 108 show notesBarbara's website: Barbara NicklessThe Drowning Game on GoodreadsBarbara's books on Amazon (and also available through Kindle Unlimited)The Drowning GameThe Dr. Evan Wilding Series:Book 1: At First LightBook 2: Dark of NightBook 3: Play of ShadowsSydney Parnell Series:Book 1: Blood on the TracksBook 2: Dead StopBook 3: AmbushBook 4: Gone to DarknessFrom the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/