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She’s Working on it!
She’s Working on it!
Author: Virginia Markman
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© 2025 She’s Working on it!
Description
She's Working on It! A woman navigating mid-life while always working on living better and working smarter. Join her as she explores self-improvement, home improvement, work-life flow, happiness, change and transformation, design, style, shopping, and more.
45 Episodes
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Summary This episode begins with Jane Birkin, winds through watercolor and interior design, and lands—unexpectedly—in my closet. I’m sharing how a growing curiosity about color led me to the Tibi Color Wheel and Amy Smilovic’s “One, Ton, or None” approach to color & personal style. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a black-and-white wardrobe, this one might just give you a new way to see color everywhere. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 🎧 Podcasts The Everyday Style School: Beyond Undertones: Colo...
This episode starts with a recap of my first Vintage Boutique Clothing Exchange, a joyful mix of mimosas, shared fashion, and real-life connection, before shifting into something I’ve been thinking a lot about: parasocial relationships, those one-sided connections we form with public figures, influencers, and podcast hosts. From audio intimacy to AI-generated voices, I explore how we connect, why it matters, and what it means in a digital world. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode Vogue: In a Celebri...
Summary: After more than a month away, I’m back with stories from a summer that spanned symphonies at Red Rocks, quiet Adirondack mornings, family dinners steeped in memory, and NYC sidewalk adventures. In this Season 2 opener, I reflect on music, connection, and the small ways we honor those we love, plus why I’m shifting the pace for year two to keep joy at the heart of this podcasting journey. 🎧Podcasts Stuff You Should Know with Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant: Listen Here Happier with ...
Episode 37: Before Season 2 - Resetting Your Mind And Your Space Summary: As I get ready to launch Season Two, I wanted to re-share one of my earlier episodes that still feels especially meaningful. Episode 9: Designing Calm: Inner Peace Meets Outer Order is about the daily rituals and intentional habits that supported me during a challenging time. I also explore a simple breathing technique to ease stress and how thoughtful changes to your physical space can support your mental well-being. 🎧...
Summary: In this episode, I explore how rest, style, and purpose often intersect in surprising ways. I share stories about layering—both in fashion and in life—and reflect on what we carry, what we create, and what we might want to set aside for a bit. With a break on the horizon, I’m giving myself some room to breathe, reset, and come back with fresh energy. 🎧Podcasts 10% Happier: If You Want To Be More Productive, You Need To Rest. Here’s How To Get It / Claudia Hammond (Listen Here) Sustai...
Summary: In this episode, I’m keeping things a little lighter—but still thoughtful (and yes, a little meta). I start with two simple life hacks that have genuinely made my days better. Then I move into some reflections on purpose—especially how my own understanding of “little p” purpose has shifted over time. And finally, I wrap up with something I haven’t talked much about yet on the podcast: my love of style. From color pairings to pointed-toe flats, I share a few practical tips for finding...
Summary: In this episode, I continue reflecting on the role technology plays in our lives, especially in parenting, education, and our kids’ development. Inspired by conversations from Jonathan Haidt and the Your Undivided Attention podcast, I explore the ripple effects of screen time, AI, and digital media on childhood, attention, and learning. We talk about everything from fear-based parenting and the decline of play, to the rise of “continuous partial attention” and the cognitive offloadin...
Summary Before a recent trip to New York, I found myself deep in conversations about AI, cellphone use, and how families can navigate tech with more intention. In this episode, I reflect on grassroots movements, school initiatives, and why optimism, not fear, may be our best tool for helping the next generation use technology meaningfully. 🎧Podcasts NPR's Fresh Air: Professors Are Using A.I., Too. Now what? (listen here) 📰 Articles New York Times: The Professors Are Using Chat GPT, and ...
Summary: In Still Working on It—Even with No Voice (Graduation Weekend Edition), I’m a little raspy, a little run down, but feeling full in all the right ways. I’m sharing a few highlights from our whirlwind trip to NYC for my daughter’s graduation—a week packed with family, food, and meaningful moments. Laryngitis or not, this one needed to be told. 🎧Podcasts Why Friendships Matter More Than You Think-The Science of Happiness Podcast 📚 Books “Platonic: How The Science of Attachment Can...
Summary: In this episode, I take you along on my recent trip to Italy—a journey that was as thoughtfully planned as it was soulfully experienced. From the quiet canals of Venice to the hilltops of Cortona and the timeless streets of Rome, I share the small moments that made this trip unforgettable: the meals, the places we stayed, the people we met, and the rituals that helped me slow down and soak it all in. I also reflect on what it means to make space for joy, to hold onto purpose (even th...
Episode Summary: In this episode, I share some of the tiny phrases and everyday aphorisms that have stuck with me over the years—the ones passed down by my parents, picked up from friends, and repeated by mentors, colleagues, and even my husband. These short sayings hold surprising weight, offering comfort, clarity, and sometimes just the right dose of humor when we need it most. I also reflect on Gretchen Rubin’s new book, Secrets of Adulthood, and how her work continues to resonate with me,...
Summary: In this episode, I share some candid reflections on midlife, inspired by comedian Bill Burr’s take on self-improvement and writer Ada Calhoun’s exploration of what it really means to “have it all” as a Gen X woman. I talk about parenting, purpose, caregiving, and how midlife comes with a mix of big feelings, strong coffee, and sometimes hot flashes. There’s a story about my son helping my dad get back to New York, a few thoughts on the quiet after a full house, and a peek at the Ital...
Summary: In this episode, I explore the idea of "Big P" Purpose vs. "little p" purpose, sharing stories of reinvention from The Third Act series and insights from The Happiness Lab with Jordan Grumet. I reflect on finding joy in the process, connecting with my dad, and embracing small, meaningful shifts to live with purpose at any age. Show Notes: Podcasts: The Happiness Lab-How to Find your Purpose-Interview with Jordan Crumet This is Not My Age-interview with Lyn Slater (aka the Accid...
Summary: In this episode, Virginia delves into the growing trend of social isolation in a hyper-connected world, exploring insights from podcasts, books, and her own experiences. She shares lessons from the Blue Zones, where strong social connections contribute to longevity, and reflects on the powerful impact of gathering with friends at her recent wine tasting event. Listeners will discover why building and nurturing relationships is essential for well-being, and how being an "igniter"—some...
Summary In this episode, I explore how discovering the Blue Zones led me to reflect on the positive psychology movement, leveraging character strengths, and Atomic Habits. I share insights on longevity, purpose, and how small, intentional choices can have a big impact. Plus, a fun look at how my dad and I are incorporating these lessons into our daily lives! Show Notes: Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones (Netflix Trailer): Get a glimpse into communities where people live longer, healthier...
Summary: In my last episode, I didn’t give Rita Moreno nearly enough credit—so I’m making it right! Her resilience and ability to adapt remind me that progress isn’t always Hollywood-level dramatic; sometimes, it’s the small, intentional shifts that matter. From tracking goals to embracing the happiness curve, I dive into what’s working, what’s not, and how I’m setting myself up for success. Show Notes: Films Rita Morena: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For it-Official Trailer West Side S...
Summary In this episode, I explore the Happiness Curve—the U-shaped trajectory of joy across our lifespan—and how we can embrace aging with purpose and style. I highlight inspiring women like Rita Moreno and Iris Apfel, whose reinventions prove that life flourishes at any age. I also reflect on my parents’ clever reinvention, how they gradually transitioned into retirement while still working, giving them the best of both worlds—purpose, financial stability, and the freedom to enjoy life. Plu...
Episode Summary: In this episode of She’s Working On It, we explore the transformative power of self-reflection as a tool for personal growth. From revisiting habits and goals to embracing grace when things don’t go as planned, this episode highlights practical ways to move forward with purpose. Tune in for insights, accountability tips, and a reminder that progress isn’t perfect—it’s a journey. Show Notes: Episode Highlights:How self-reflection can serve as a superpower for personal growth.R...
Episode Summary: Ever wondered if intermittent fasting could work for you? In this episode, I share my five-year journey with this lifestyle—how I got started, the challenges I overcame, and the freedom and balance it brought to my life. Discover how small, consistent changes can transform your health, habits, and mindset. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this lifestyle work! What You’ll Learn in This Episode My personal journey with intermittent fasting and how I got startedThe key pr...
Summary: In this episode, I’m kicking off 2025 by exploring the power of fresh starts and how small changes can create meaningful progress. Inspired by behavioral science and my family’s New Year’s goals, I’ll share what we’re working on and how I’m building habits and systems to make this year count. It’s all about embracing progress, not perfection—let’s work on it together! Resources Mentioned: 📚 Books: How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Kat...



