In the Season Two Finale, I open up about my discomfort with forced gratitude around Thanksgiving and how I cultivate daily thankfulness in a way that feels manageable and honest. I share the concept of “glimmers,” small moments that provide safety and joy, and encourage listeners to recognize these fleeting instances in their own lives. As I head into a winter break to take care of myself, I invite us all to find ways to simplify our lives and nurture our well-being. Follow me on Instagram H...
This episode focuses on strategies for navigating times of uncertainty and stress. I invited several former guests to share their methods for self-care when things feel out of control. Special thanks to Yuniya Khan, Bishop Lanette Plambeck, Matt Richards, Emery Lewis, Joanne Lin, and Wes and Brittany Burian. (Links for their individual episodes are included below.) The episode includes practical tips and personal insights on creating safe internal spaces, establishing daily routines, and find...
I’m joined by my dear friend, Grace Bishop. She’s a seasoned athlete, coach, and sports enthusiast. We explore the profound impact of sports on personal and professional life. Grace recounts her journey from playing basketball on a homemade court to facing challenges in a Division I college program, dealing with burnout, and eventually finding passion in volleyball. The conversation touches on how sports foster discipline, mental resilience, teamwork, and the ability to handle pressure. Grace...
In this compelling episode I speak with Madison Salavec about her journey of discovering she’s autistic later in life. We cover a diverse range of topics, including the challenges of misdiagnosis, the societal impacts of masking, dealing with sensory overload, and the profound effect of autism on personal and social relationships. We discuss the influence of social media in self-diagnosis, the pain of rejection from friends and family, and the relief and clarity that come with finally knowing...
I invited Emery Lewis, the Pro Bono Director at Legal Assistance of Western New York and fellow podcast host, to explore the nuances of grief and personal growth with me. We share a candid conversation about grief's lasting impact, especially following personal losses, like Emery's grandfather. Emery recounts his transformative journey from anger and performance-driven living to a slower, more family-focused life. We discuss cultural expectations, emotional expression, and learning from life'...
I’m joined by Matt Easton, a talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. We discuss our personal connections through music and share stories about Matt's journey with his band, The Jenny Thing, and their most recent album release after a long hiatus. The conversation delves into the creative processes behind songwriting, how music serves as a companion in life's most emotional moments, and the universal allure and mystery of music. Touching on profound themes such as the power of sh...
[Content guidance: This episode mentions suicide. Please listen with care.] I was so grateful to sit down with Bishop Lanette Plambeck to explore what she’s learned about life, death, and community through personal experiences and faith. From sharing deeply personal stories about my father to discussing how tragedy unites communities, Lanette offers profound wisdom and genuine insight. Our conversation spans a variety of topics including the importance of expressing kindness, the complexitie...
In this episode, I reflect on my recent trip to Paris for the 2024 Olympics and share part of my journey of discovering I’m autistic. I discuss some of the challenges I faced, including struggles with routine disruption and sensory overload. I also share the profound impact of the Olympic Spirit on my own spirit. I emphasize the importance of acknowledging and accepting the full range of emotions and encourage listeners to extend grace to others. Join me as I navigate self-discovery and the b...
In this episode I invited Penny Barthel, author of 'The Cannabis Gardener,' to discuss her journey from traditional gardening to becoming a prominent figure in the cannabis education field. Penny shares insights about her evolving perceptions of cannabis, driven by personal experiences and scientific curiosity. We explore how societal norms and personal biases influence our views on cannabis and the importance of following one's curiosity, especially in midlife. Penny candidly discusses the c...
In this episode, I dive into the depths of friendship with my guests Josh Flosi, Matt Richards, and Knox Hughes. Through sharing nostalgic memories and amusing anecdotes, the trio explores how their childhood friendships have evolved and strengthened over the years. Despite not always staying in touch, their bond has endured thanks to an unspoken understanding and mutual respect. The conversation touches on the differences and similarities between male and female friendships, th...
Join me as I share the learnings and realizations from our first season of What I Know So Far. This episode is a personal reflection on the adjustments and decisions made both behind the mic and in my own life. It's about finding balance in the rush of productivity and the importance of embracing change when necessary. You'll hear why future seasons will morph in structure and why taking a summer to recharge is not just a choice, but a necessity for my creative spirit. A heartfelt thank you...
Join me and life coach Lucas Katz as we share our personal experiences and professional wisdom around the topic of regret. We look at the nuances of guilt and shame and reflect on how past choices, sometimes dictated by fear or external influences, can shape the person we become. Regret, shame, guilt, and the impact of upbringing and outside influences on decision-making.Making choices with uncertainty and allowing ourselves freedom to course correct.Taking our future selves into consid...
I unpack the often overwhelming experience of grappling with personal responsibilities while being aware of global tragedies. I explore our collective struggle to process an incessant stream of information in an age where our global village presents us with both the immediate and the distant. I examine the concept of “capacity,” and how much we can hold in our emotional “trunk,” inviting listeners to ponder whether we've really adapted to the sheer volume of knowledge technology thrusts upon ...
What does turning 50 truly mean in today's world? I’m honored to welcome back my first-ever guest, Christine Gough, as we discuss reaching this significant milestone. From laughing at the idea of a funeral themed 50th birthday party to discussing Christine's incredible journey through cancer and personal loss, we celebrate the sense of renewal that can flourish with age. Christine's infectious zest for life offers a refreshing perspective on aging and that the best may be yet to come. T...
The challenges of indulging in "what ifs" and seeking unnecessary information. I explore the difference between "what is" and "what if" in life.I share how I avoided Googling a scary “what if” medical condition, opting for a doctor's appointment instead.Exploring "what ifs" in life and managing anxiety. I reflect on my ability to think through multiple possibilities and scenarios, sometimes to the point of catastrophizing.I suggest exploring “what ifs” can be helpful in certain situatio...
Join me and my guests, Liz Ball and James Obert, as we explore pop culture and its indelible impact on our lives. Our conversation ranges from the influence of iconic franchises like Star Wars and Sesame Street to the personal connections fostered by shared cultural experiences. We share our unique perspectives, reminding us of the profound ways in which TV shows, music, books, movies, and games shape our individual narratives from a young age. We believe pop culture is more than just entert...
I sit down with Wes and Brittany Burian and explore the ebbs and flows of their life together, from their optimistic early days together to the trials of navigating Wes's diagnosis of Fabry disease. They bring to light the struggles and revelations that come with managing a rare genetic condition. Hear how they grapple with the physical limitations and the hereditary implications that affect their family dynamics. We discuss how creativity serves as an outlet for pain and passion. We delve ...
Could the secret to navigating life's highs and lows lie in managing our expectations? Join me as I discuss the profound impact of finding the balance between what we hope for and what reality delivers. In this episode, I open up about the emotional rollercoaster of my niece's wedding—an occasion of pure joy overshadowed by the sudden health crisis of my father. Through this personal story, I highlight the beauty that persists even when our best-laid plans take an unexpected turn. I also reco...
This week, I’m taking my own advice from a previous discussion on the pressure to be constantly productive. I'm sharing why sometimes it's essential to prioritize self-care over ticking off that next task on the to-do list. This means there won't be a full episode this week. But fret not! This break isn't a sign of disappearing but a necessary pause for my well-being—something I advocate for each of you, as well. In the meantime, I encourage you to check out other episodes. Thanks for your on...
Have you ever caught yourself equating busyness with self-worth, or felt the weight of societal expectations pushing you to fill every moment with activity? This episode looks at our productivity-obsessed culture. I question the merit of ceaseless work and suggest that pausing to enjoy the stillness could be the most daring act of self-care you undertake. In navigating the complexities of our lives, we examine the pressures to maintain the perfect facade, like that impeccably manicured lawn, ...