Tag: books

Creating Lift

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“If you see someone without a smile today, give ’em yours. ” – Dolly Parton

I think one of the most charming aspects of this WordPress community is the generous willingness to share knowledge. Topics like:

P.J. Gudka sharing blogging advice
Dr. Gerald Stein’s insightful essays based on a distinguished career as a psychologist
Edward Ortiz provides Thoughts about leadership, history, and more
Tamara Kulish shares notes about soul-healing
Ab offers a window into disability advocacy
Todd Fulginiti shares his music
Michelle provides tips for and inspiration on decluttering
Dr. Yvette Prior creating incredible anthologies with contributors we know and love,
Shaun sharing daily encouragement
and on and on. It is a remarkable wealth of experience, information and knowledge available to everyone.

This incredible wealth of sharing and curiosity is right inline with my recent Life of Try podcast conversation with Bruce Dorey, PhD. In his book, Lift: Passing the Craft, Bruce provides a research-based framework for how we can mentor and provide lift to others.

A few key takeaways from this conversation:

  • Lift, whether it be for an airplane or in our interactions with others, does not happen in a vacuum. We need to engage with others to have the opportunity to pass on our expertise.
  • Bruce talks about how many of the master artists like Rodin were part of a guild and employed many young artists in the making of art. He surfaces the craftsman model: journeyman, apprentice and master for passing on knowledge. He shares ways we can do that in business, not just the trades.
  • We delve into the power of awe and the innovative way that Bruce uses virtual reality (VR) to incorporate awe into his work rhythm.

If you’re interested in how to become a better mentor, build resilience, use technology more intentionally, find flow, overcome burnout, or create more meaning in your work, this episode offers practical inspiration and a new way to think about growth.

Here are more ways to listen and subscribe:

Links for this episode:

Creating Lift: Leadership, Mentorship, and the Courage to Keep Growing transcript

Lift: Passing the Craft by Bruce Dorey, PhD on Amazon

A Whole New Way to Work: A Map to Freedom and Success by Bruce Dorey, PhD on Amazon

Bruce Dorey, PhD on LinkedIn

 Other episodes you might enjoy

Brand Strategy for Humans with Nancy Martira

⁠Identity Before Strategy: How to Break Through Invisible Ceilings with Kevin Yoder⁠

How to Embrace What Makes You Different | Finding Your Purpose with Kym Gordon Moore

(featured photo from Pexels)

If my work has encouraged, inspired, or helped you try something new, consider supporting it with a small “cup of coffee” donation. Your support helps me keep creating conversations, stories, and resources that cheer people on as they do brave, meaningful work.

You can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynneleon/ and Instagram wynneleon

Finding The Right Audience

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“Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.” – Maya Angelou

I’ve talked with a lot of authors about their marketing strategy, I’ve promoted many who are trying to sell their books, I’ve written reviews of books I’ve read, I’ve connected with a lot of incredible people on WordPress. But if you ask me my marketing strategy, I think my best description would be “organic.” That is to say, I’m doing my best work and hoping that others will find it.

This is probably something you all know – but mostly I have podcast conversations because they are what I need to hear. They just happen to be recorded in the case they are useful to others. 🙂 The podcast conversation I had with Nancy Martira of Clew Strategy for this week’s The Life of Try episode about how to create a brand strategy for humans (in this age of machines) is one of the most helpful and informative.

So I loved talking with Nancy who is an incredibly smart and practical brand strategist. She helped me see some really key points:

  • Reputation vs brand: Reputation is how people perceive us and brand is what you say you are. There is risk when they are at odds. Think of a snarky blogger who tries to market an uplifting book. I only give that example because I don’t know any snarky bloggers but you can see why one might not believe that snark and uplifting go together.
  • We don’t have to be on all the platforms. This is one I wrestle with on a regular basis. It feels like there are too many platforms and I am always behind. Nancy’s advice is to be much more thoughtful about trying to reach for audiences that are already looking for what we have to give. (Big thanks to the WP community – I’m so grateful I’ve found you).

    My dear friend, Victoria Atkinson of the Victoria Ponders blog does this so well. She regularly speaks to audiences about writing for wellness, goes to lit fests, and serves on panels, and in doing so shows she knows how to find readers… and writers that need her beautiful guidance and her incredible books, Surviving Sue, a memoir, and Slivers, the companion novel.
  • Of course, finding the right audience means knowing what our value proposition is — or in Nancy’s great story about George Saunders, our “iconic space” (reference link below). Whether it is finding a job, marketing a book or a podcast, or anything else, knowing what it is that only we can create is essential. Nancy has some great actionable ways to do this.
  • How can we appeal to humans when technology like SEO, algorithms, and AI are cluttering the process? This one often makes my head hurt. Nancy offers some great suggestions for how and when to use technology in a way that doesn’t lessen the human appeal of what we have to offer.

Nancy helps expert-led businesses, authors, job seekers, and knowledge-based professionals find what makes them impossible to ignore. This conversation is especially helpful for writers, creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals who feel uncomfortable with self-promotion just like I do. Nancy’s approach to brand strategy is deeply human, clear, and encouraging — perfect for anyone trying to become more visible while staying true to themselves.

Nancy has a lot of incredible experience and actionable wisdom so the full episode is 46 minutes. Here’s a short clip that contains some great advice for authors:

If you’ve ever wondered how to market a book, promote your business, refresh your LinkedIn profile, stand out in a crowded job market, or build a personal brand that feels authentic, this episode will help you think more clearly about reputation, positioning, storytelling, and the courage to be seen.

Here are some ways you can listen and watch this full episode:

Links for this episode:

Nancy Martira at Clew Strategy: ⁠https://www.clewstrategy.com/⁠ and her Career Positioning Workshop.

Hyperfixed Podcast with Alex Goldman, September 2025. “Alex and the Impossible Ask” 

George Saunders is a best-selling author and a professor of English at Syracuse University. Nancy quotes from his book A Swim in a Pond in the Rain in our conversation. The book is available on Bookshop.org and the audiobook is available on Libro.fm. 

Nancy tells a charming origin story about her company name. This blog post goes more in-depth into what “Clew” means to her. 

 Other episodes you might enjoy

⁠Identity Before Strategy: How to Break Through Invisible Ceilings with Kevin Yoder⁠

⁠The Power of Looking At Your Life Through a New Lens⁠

⁠How to Tell Relatable Stories⁠

(featured photo from Pexels)

If my work has encouraged, inspired, or helped you try something new, consider supporting it with a small “cup of coffee” donation. Your support helps me keep creating conversations, stories, and resources that cheer people on as they do brave, meaningful work.

You can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynneleon/ and Instagram wynneleon

Curiosity, Crime Fiction, and the Brave Work of Understanding Others

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“Tell me facts, and I’ll learn. Tell me truth, and I’ll believe you. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever.” – Native American Proverb

I admit it – I’m a geek. Back in the day I got a lot of props from my fellow geeks when I caught an error in the movie The Net (released in 1995 with Sandra Bullock and Jeremy Northam). They had an Internet protocol address that was bigger than 255 which is the maximum number that can be represented in 8 bits. Yep, I’m a geek.

But I also learn a great deal about technology by how it’s presented in books and movies. Even for technologies that I know well, my focus is on helping people use them effectively so I often don’t truly grasp how they can be used for nefarious purposes until I read about it in a story. It is truly remarkable how much research goes into making a compelling narrative about some of the challenges facing our world.

For instance, Michael Connolly recently released a fantastic legal thriller, The Proving Ground, about the dangers of AI and the ability to hold companies accountable. And one of my favorite bestselling authors, Barbara Nickless, educated me about online gaming and the dangers presented by virtual manipulators in her latest fantastic thriller, A Voice in the Dark.

In this episode of The Life of Try podcast, I talk with Wall Street Journal bestselling author Barbara Nickless about A Voice in the Dark. Our conversation moves from the dark corners of online gaming and internet manipulation to the real-world vulnerabilities of teenagers, families, and people searching for belonging.

Barbara shares how deep research, FBI consultants, and her own curiosity shape her fiction, especially as she writes about FBI profiler Helen Belle, criminal humanist Benedict Hoffman, addiction, trauma, and the question of what draws people toward danger.

This thoughtful author interview explores how storytelling can help us understand complicated human experiences, including moral injury, PTSD, addiction, grief, law enforcement, cybercrime, and the healing power of writing. Barbara also reflects on teaching writing to military veterans and civilians, researching dangerous places and difficult subjects, and using narrative to “de-other” people we might otherwise misunderstand.

Key Takeaways:

  • A Voice in the Dark explores the dangers young people can face in online communities, especially when vulnerable teens and young adults are targeted by manipulative influencers.
  • Storytelling can help us “de-other” people by taking us inside their motivations, histories, and struggles in ways that facts and news stories alone often cannot.
  • Curiosity is at the heart of Barbara Nickless’s writing process. Her research into online gaming, FBI investigations, addiction, trauma, and moral injury helps make her fiction vivid, compassionate, and grounded in real human experience.
  • Researching modern crime fiction requires balancing accuracy with readability, particularly when writing about cybercrime, AI, online manipulation, and evolving law enforcement tools.
  • The conversation highlights a core Life of Try theme: trying begins with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to enter unfamiliar worlds in order to understand ourselves and one another more deeply.

If you love conversations about books, personal growth, curiosity, crime fiction, psychological thrillers, resilience, and what it means to keep trying, this episode offers a rich and compassionate look at the stories that help us make sense of ourselves and one another.

Here are some other ways you can listen and watch this episode:

Growth Takes Energy| How Rest Helps Habits Stick – The Life of Try: Personal growth, one try at a time.

Why does growth feel so exhausting—and could rest be themissing ingredient that helps new habits stick? In this episode of The Life of Try, Wynne Leon connects Carol Dweck’s growth mindset research, Adam Grant’s ideas about habits and identity, and the restorative power of sleep,fewer decisions, intentional breaks, and creativity. Through stories from the first day of school, middle-school drop-off, mountain climbing, and her daughter’s crochet project, Wynne shares three practical ways to protect yourenergy while building sustainable change. If you’re navigating a transition, working on personal growth, or trying to avoid burnout, this episode is a reminder that rest is not stepping away from the try—it is what helps you return.Listen next: Identity Before Strategy withKevin Yoder, a conversation about why lasting change begins with who we believe we are—not simply with a better plan.ABOUT MEHi, I’m Wynne Leon — host of The Life of Try, a personal growth and self-improvement podcast exploring resilience, reinvention, uncertainty, and the courage to keep trying.Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real-life stories, I share insights to help you navigate change, get unstuck, and move forward with more intention.🌍 Website: https://wynneleon.com
  1. Growth Takes Energy| How Rest Helps Habits Stick
  2. When You Know You're Not Going to Make It
  3. Creating Lift: Leadership, Mentorship and the Courage to Keep Growing
  4. Brand Strategy for Humans with Nancy Martira
  5. Identity Before Strategy: How To Break Through Invisible Ceilings with Kevin Yoder

📘 Order A Voice In the Dark from Barnes & Noble , Bookshop or Amazon

🌐 Visit Barbara Nickless’s website: https://barbaranickless.com/

🎥 Watch the Book trailer for A Voice in the Dark

🔔 Subscribe to The Life of Try for more conversations on personal growth, creativity, reinvention, resilience, writing, and mindset.

Barbara Nickless on A Voice in the Dark, Online Gaming, and the Power of Story transcript

Other Episodes you Might Enjoy:

➡️ Letting Go Of Outcomes: The Mindset That Keeps You Moving

➡️ 48: How to Get Unstuck: Michael Yang on Saying Yes, Resilience and Coming Alive

➡️ How to Finally Write That Book You’ve Been Dreaming About | Writing Motivation with Vicki Atkinson

(featured photo from Pexels)

It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again | Personal Growth and Courage with Lindsey Goldstein

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“Things falling apart is a kind of testing and also a kind of healing. We think that the point is to pass the test or to overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It’s just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.” – Pema Chodron

The troubleshooting method that I’ve taught to new technology consultants is to change one thing at a time. But what happens when life goes sideways and you get a chance to change all the things keeping you rooted? Do you scramble trying to rebuild life as it was? Or lean in to the chance to rethink about where you want to be?

That’s the premise behind Lindsey Goldstein’s delightful novel, Gap Year. When in the span of a few days, Jane’s daughter leaves for a gap year, her husband informs her that he’s in love with someone else, and she’s forced to choose between a promotion or to quit at work, she decides to take her own gap year. She goes to Ecuador to climb the mountain she’s always wanted to, Cotopaxi.

There are many reasons I love this book. Climbing and Ecuador – two of my favorite topics. But also because walking alongside Jane in her adult gap year helps to put in perspective the choices that we’ve made that handcuff our ability to try.

I was lucky enough to sit down with Lindsey Goldstein, the author of Gap Year on The Life of Try podcast, for a conversation about personal growth, self-improvement, and finding the courage to try—even when the path ahead feels uncertain. From writing and running to parenting, failure, and fresh starts, we explore how confidence is built one brave step at a time. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to try something new, this uplifting episode is a reminder that growth often begins the moment we say “yes” to the challenge.

Key takeaways

  • When life falls apart, it can also become an opening.
  • Courage often starts before confidence.
  • Trying, failing, and learning are all part of growth.
  • Small steps lead to bigger transformations.
  • You do not always end up where you expected—but you still grow.
  • Practice changes what feels possible.
  • It is never too late to begin again.

Here’s the YouTube video of our conversation:

Here are some other ways you can listen and watch this episode:

Growth Takes Energy| How Rest Helps Habits Stick – The Life of Try: Personal growth, one try at a time.

Why does growth feel so exhausting—and could rest be themissing ingredient that helps new habits stick? In this episode of The Life of Try, Wynne Leon connects Carol Dweck’s growth mindset research, Adam Grant’s ideas about habits and identity, and the restorative power of sleep,fewer decisions, intentional breaks, and creativity. Through stories from the first day of school, middle-school drop-off, mountain climbing, and her daughter’s crochet project, Wynne shares three practical ways to protect yourenergy while building sustainable change. If you’re navigating a transition, working on personal growth, or trying to avoid burnout, this episode is a reminder that rest is not stepping away from the try—it is what helps you return.Listen next: Identity Before Strategy withKevin Yoder, a conversation about why lasting change begins with who we believe we are—not simply with a better plan.ABOUT MEHi, I’m Wynne Leon — host of The Life of Try, a personal growth and self-improvement podcast exploring resilience, reinvention, uncertainty, and the courage to keep trying.Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real-life stories, I share insights to help you navigate change, get unstuck, and move forward with more intention.🌍 Website: https://wynneleon.com
  1. Growth Takes Energy| How Rest Helps Habits Stick
  2. When You Know You're Not Going to Make It
  3. Creating Lift: Leadership, Mentorship and the Courage to Keep Growing
  4. Brand Strategy for Humans with Nancy Martira
  5. Identity Before Strategy: How To Break Through Invisible Ceilings with Kevin Yoder

Links for this episode:

Reinvention, Resilience, and the Courage to Try | Gap Year with Lindsey Goldstein transcript

Gap Year on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Lindsey Goldstein’s website

(featured photo from Pexels)

How to Share A Re-Imagined Sci-Fi Trilogy

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“The power of imagination makes us infinite.” – John Muir

Vicki Atkinson and I recently recorded a podcast conversation with someone with a remarkable resume. Wayne Runde is an author, physician and veteran US Navy Commander, Wayne Runde. How’s that for a combo?

Wayne tells us about his book, Shadow of the Deceiver, the third installment in The Genesis Trust series. It’s a re-imagining of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation Series. We hear about why he was called to start writing even with his busy schedule and a fascinating set of hobbies from gardening to developing software.

Vicki and I ask about the intersection of science, morality and humanity that is a cornerstone for his writing and stories. Wayne tells us where he finds inspirations for characters from his professional life and his personal interactions within his church community.

This is a great episode with an author that has done a fabulous job of reimagining this classic series. We know you’ll love it.

Here’s a clip of Wayne helping to connect the dots of how his disparate interests and hobbies come together:

Here are some ways you can listen and watch this interesting episode:

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

Growth Takes Energy| How Rest Helps Habits Stick – The Life of Try: Personal growth, one try at a time.

Why does growth feel so exhausting—and could rest be themissing ingredient that helps new habits stick? In this episode of The Life of Try, Wynne Leon connects Carol Dweck’s growth mindset research, Adam Grant’s ideas about habits and identity, and the restorative power of sleep,fewer decisions, intentional breaks, and creativity. Through stories from the first day of school, middle-school drop-off, mountain climbing, and her daughter’s crochet project, Wynne shares three practical ways to protect yourenergy while building sustainable change. If you’re navigating a transition, working on personal growth, or trying to avoid burnout, this episode is a reminder that rest is not stepping away from the try—it is what helps you return.Listen next: Identity Before Strategy withKevin Yoder, a conversation about why lasting change begins with who we believe we are—not simply with a better plan.ABOUT MEHi, I’m Wynne Leon — host of The Life of Try, a personal growth and self-improvement podcast exploring resilience, reinvention, uncertainty, and the courage to keep trying.Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real-life stories, I share insights to help you navigate change, get unstuck, and move forward with more intention.🌍 Website: https://wynneleon.com
  1. Growth Takes Energy| How Rest Helps Habits Stick
  2. When You Know You're Not Going to Make It
  3. Creating Lift: Leadership, Mentorship and the Courage to Keep Growing
  4. Brand Strategy for Humans with Nancy Martira
  5. Identity Before Strategy: How To Break Through Invisible Ceilings with Kevin Yoder

Links for this episode:

Transcript for How to Share a Reimagined Trilogy with Dr. Wayne Runde

Wayne Runde’s website

Shadow of the Deceiver: The Genesis Trust, Book 3 on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

From the hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

(featured photo from Pexels)

How to Share Compassionate Stories that Inspire and Connect

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“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style.” – Maya Angelou

The other day, as I was driving my kids home from school, a car cut in front of me and then sped off. My 10-year-old daughter said from the back seat, “Wow, that was rude.” And she wasn’t wrong.

But we often play a game where we imagine why someone might have done something that irritated us. Like with the driver of that car:

  • “Maybe they were grossed out by the bathrooms at Tiger Mountain and are racing home to go instead.”
  • “Maybe they are going to the airport to meet a long lost friend and have to buy some Top Pot donuts on the way.”
  • “Maybe they just realized they left a lasagna in the oven and were supposed to take it out…three hours ago.”

This game doesn’t just amuse us – it makes us feel better. It creates some compassion for the other person and shifts us out of our indignation.

It also makes for a better story and resonates with social psychologist, writer, and editor Anne Beall’s wisdom about compassion. On the How To Share podcast, I recently sat down with Anne to explore the ideas behind her book The Compassionate Writer. Anne shares her journey from researcher to founder of the Chicago Story Press Literary Magazine and offers a compelling elevator pitch for her transformative approach to writing with compassion.

We dive into the four pillars of compassionate writing—compassion for ourselves, for others, for the reader, and throughout the writing process—and discuss how these practices can elevate both storytelling and personal growth. Anne also breaks down the thoughtful structure of her book, which blends explanation, real‑world examples, practical exercises, writing prompts, and guided visualizations to help writers deepen their craft.

In this podcast episode, you’ll hear Anne reflect on her unique superpower of seeing stories from a fresh perspective, how her background shaped that lens, and why it can be both an asset and a challenge. We also explore her other works, including Cinderella Didn’t Live Happily Ever After, and talk about the impact of fairy tales and how reframing their messages can empower us.

If you’re looking for inspiration, creative insight, or tools to become a more mindful and empathetic writer, this conversation is packed with value. It’s a rich, energizing episode you won’t want to miss!

Takeaways

  • Compassion is essential for effective storytelling.
  • Understanding our own narratives requires empathy.
  • Writers should be gentle with themselves during the process.
  • Compassion for the reader enhances engagement.
  • Psychological biases affect how we perceive our writing.
  • Different learning styles require varied teaching methods.
  • Visualizations can aid in the writing process.
  • Seeing stories from multiple perspectives enriches writing.
  • The tone of writing can create a more relatable experience.

Here’s a fabulous short clip of Anne telling why compassion makes such a difference in our writing:

Here are some ways you can watch or listen to all of this insightful and helpful episode:

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

Growth Takes Energy| How Rest Helps Habits Stick – The Life of Try: Personal growth, one try at a time.

Why does growth feel so exhausting—and could rest be themissing ingredient that helps new habits stick? In this episode of The Life of Try, Wynne Leon connects Carol Dweck’s growth mindset research, Adam Grant’s ideas about habits and identity, and the restorative power of sleep,fewer decisions, intentional breaks, and creativity. Through stories from the first day of school, middle-school drop-off, mountain climbing, and her daughter’s crochet project, Wynne shares three practical ways to protect yourenergy while building sustainable change. If you’re navigating a transition, working on personal growth, or trying to avoid burnout, this episode is a reminder that rest is not stepping away from the try—it is what helps you return.Listen next: Identity Before Strategy withKevin Yoder, a conversation about why lasting change begins with who we believe we are—not simply with a better plan.ABOUT MEHi, I’m Wynne Leon — host of The Life of Try, a personal growth and self-improvement podcast exploring resilience, reinvention, uncertainty, and the courage to keep trying.Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real-life stories, I share insights to help you navigate change, get unstuck, and move forward with more intention.🌍 Website: https://wynneleon.com
  1. Growth Takes Energy| How Rest Helps Habits Stick
  2. When You Know You're Not Going to Make It
  3. Creating Lift: Leadership, Mentorship and the Courage to Keep Growing
  4. Brand Strategy for Humans with Nancy Martira
  5. Identity Before Strategy: How To Break Through Invisible Ceilings with Kevin Yoder

Links for this episode:

How to Share Compassionate Stories That Inspire and Connect transcript

The Compassionate Writer on Barnes & Noble, and Amazon

Anne Beall’s website

Anne Beall on Substack

Chicago Story Press Literary Journal

From the host:

My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

(featured photo from Pexels)

How to Share Music

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“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the wind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato

I’ve seen it on Hallmark cards, Instagram, Facebook, and journal covers. It’s the image of someone doing something gutsy like jumping over a chasm with the words, “Leap and the net will appear.”

I think I’ve found variations of this idea in every spiritual tradition and book of writing advice that I’ve studied. There is something powerful in setting your sights on something and THEN figuring how to make it happen.

Hearing someone else’s story about how they did this is pure inspirational gold. In this episode of the How to Share podcast, author and educator Nancy Shear tells her story of leaping. She was 15 years old when she first heard the Philadelphia Orchestra. She knew she had hear more but she didn’t have the price of the ticket. Through patience and pluck she figured out how to go in by the stage door – and that led to the amazing stories she tells in her book, I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms.

Nancy and I talk about how sneaking in through the back door of the Philadelphia Orchestra opened so many fascinating doors in her life such landing the job as the assistant librarian to the Philadelphia Orchestra at age 17. We get to ride along with Nancy to meet all the incredible people she got to know including the wonderfully charismatic conductor Leopold Stokowski who starred in Disney’s Fantasia to the incredible cellist Mstislav Rostropovich.

Nancy lets us in on so many fantastic aspects of the workings of an orchestra and I reveal some of the ways her book changed how I listen to a performance. Her nerve, grit, and storytelling will leave you amazed and inspired. I know you’ll love this conversation with the delightful Nancy Shear.

Here are some favorite quotes:

  • “If you have no choice, then you make a life.”
  • “Money is not necessary; it led to my going backstage and meeting all these people.”
  • “Beauty still matters in this battered world.”
  • “What is to lose? You’re walking into a room of human beings.”
  • “Writing the book was where the courage really came in.”

And here’s Nancy telling the story of sneaking in to the Philadelphia Orchestra:

Here are some ways you can watch this fascinating and delightful episode:

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

Growth Takes Energy| How Rest Helps Habits Stick – The Life of Try: Personal growth, one try at a time.

Why does growth feel so exhausting—and could rest be themissing ingredient that helps new habits stick? In this episode of The Life of Try, Wynne Leon connects Carol Dweck’s growth mindset research, Adam Grant’s ideas about habits and identity, and the restorative power of sleep,fewer decisions, intentional breaks, and creativity. Through stories from the first day of school, middle-school drop-off, mountain climbing, and her daughter’s crochet project, Wynne shares three practical ways to protect yourenergy while building sustainable change. If you’re navigating a transition, working on personal growth, or trying to avoid burnout, this episode is a reminder that rest is not stepping away from the try—it is what helps you return.Listen next: Identity Before Strategy withKevin Yoder, a conversation about why lasting change begins with who we believe we are—not simply with a better plan.ABOUT MEHi, I’m Wynne Leon — host of The Life of Try, a personal growth and self-improvement podcast exploring resilience, reinvention, uncertainty, and the courage to keep trying.Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real-life stories, I share insights to help you navigate change, get unstuck, and move forward with more intention.🌍 Website: https://wynneleon.com
  1. Growth Takes Energy| How Rest Helps Habits Stick
  2. When You Know You're Not Going to Make It
  3. Creating Lift: Leadership, Mentorship and the Courage to Keep Growing
  4. Brand Strategy for Humans with Nancy Martira
  5. Identity Before Strategy: How To Break Through Invisible Ceilings with Kevin Yoder

Links for this episode:

How To Share Music transcript

I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms by Nancy Shear on Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Simon & Schuster

Nancy Shear’s website: https://nancyshear.com/

From the host:

My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

(featured photo from Pexels)

(quote from Jennie Fitzkee – Edelweiss)

How To Share: International Lawyer to Thriller Writer

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“Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid of standing still.” – Chinese Proverb

When A. Marc Ross in college, he made a deal with his dad so that he could spend a couple of summers writing. He’d spend half a day writing and half a day working around the house. By the end of the deal he realized that he wasn’t ready to match the literary giants of the time.

So he went to law school. After a successful career as an international lawyer, Marc was ready to circle back to that dream of writing. He’s now published two thrillers with two more on the way.

I love Marc’s story because it reassures me that it’s never too late to pursue our lifelong dreams. It also reminds me that our experience along the way is helpful. In his book, Attacking the Dragon, Marc’s knowledge of China gained from his work as an international lawyer is part of what makes the action and intrigue so compelling.

My co-host Vicki Atkinson and I had a fascinating conversation with Marc on the How to Share podcast about his fabulous geopolitical thriller and his journey as a writer. We celebrate the art of reinvention—exploring how accomplished professionals like Marc transform their expertise into page-turning fiction and embark on a thrilling second act as authors. We get to hear firsthand how Marc turned his lifelong dream of writing novels into reality, overcoming challenges along the way.

This episode is packed with intrigue, inspiration, and actionable insights for anyone looking to excel not just in one career, but two! Don’t miss your chance to meet Marc Ross and fall in love with Attacking the Dragon—a must-read for fans of international suspense and powerful storytelling

Takeaways:

  • Marc Ross’s book ‘Attacking the Dragon’ explores China’s geopolitical landscape.
  • The Belt and Road Initiative is a significant yet under-discussed topic.
  • Ross aims to portray China as a victim rather than an aggressor in his narrative.
  • His legal background provides a unique perspective on the thriller genre.
  • Character names in Chinese culture are complex but manageable for storytelling.
  • Ross’s writing journey reflects a long-held dream to become an author.
  • He emphasizes the importance of creating unique protagonists in thrillers.
  • The art of storytelling involves engaging readers through vivid descriptions.
  • Ross enjoys the process of writing and values reader feedback. His experiences as a lawyer enrich his fictional narratives.

Here’s a short clip of Marc giving the elevator pitch for this great book:

Here are some ways you can watch this compelling and inspiring episode:

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

Links for this episode:

How To Share: From International Lawyer to Thriller Writer transcript

A. Marc Ross’s website: https://www.amarcross.com/index.html

Attacking the Dragon on Barnes & Noble and Amazon

From the hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

(featured photo from Pexels)

How to Share 1970’s Chicago

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“Nostalgia: because everything about the past is perfect, except how it led to the present.” – Homer Simpson

The Friday night tv lineup when I was growing up was The Love Boat and then when I was old enough to stay up to 11pm, Fantasy Island. I mention that because our How to Share podcast guest this week, Doug E. Jones, was a production assistant on The Love Boat. But also because for people who are near my age and grew up in America, The Love Boat often evokes a time and place memory for them like what their Friday night ritual was. Funny how some things just bring back such powerful memories.

Doug’s recently published fourth novel, Take Me Back to Chicago (Eckhartz Press) is like that too. It is rich with characters, music, and the feel of Chicago in 1974.

Doug gives Vicki Atkinson and me the elevator pitch for the book and we get a great sense of how he sets up the hero’s journey for his 26-year protagonist.

We talk about the differences and similarities between his novels and Doug tells us what was so compelling about 1974 and some of the popular characters of the time and place like Joe Pepitone.

Vicki and I wondered how writing novels differs from being a tv show writer and Doug gives us a peek into the writing room for the hit show Charmed where he worked as a production assistant and writer for all 178 episodes of the show. We highlight a few of his great lines from the book and it’s easy to see why Doug is a great writer for all formats.

This is a great episode where Doug not only shares the arc of his book journey but a sense of his personal one too. Take Me Back to Chicago is a great book and it makes for a rich episode. We know you’ll love it.

Takeaways

  • Doug E. Jones’s novel is set in 1974 Chicago, rich with cultural references.
  • The protagonist, Rick, faces a significant debt left by his father.
  • The book features strong female characters, including Rick’s daughter Elena.
  • Doug’s writing process involves integrating real Chicago characters and events.
  • The transition from TV writing to novel writing was liberating for Doug.
  • Music plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the story.
  • The character dynamics between Rick and his friend Javi add humor and depth.
  • Historical context is woven into the narrative, enhancing the story’s richness.
  • Doug’s personal experiences influence the characters and settings in his novels.
  • The book is described as a ‘beach read’—entertaining and engaging.

Here’s Doug with the elevator pitch for Take Me Back to Chicago

Here are some ways you can watch this interesting and fun episode:

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

Growth Takes Energy| How Rest Helps Habits Stick – The Life of Try: Personal growth, one try at a time.

Why does growth feel so exhausting—and could rest be themissing ingredient that helps new habits stick? In this episode of The Life of Try, Wynne Leon connects Carol Dweck’s growth mindset research, Adam Grant’s ideas about habits and identity, and the restorative power of sleep,fewer decisions, intentional breaks, and creativity. Through stories from the first day of school, middle-school drop-off, mountain climbing, and her daughter’s crochet project, Wynne shares three practical ways to protect yourenergy while building sustainable change. If you’re navigating a transition, working on personal growth, or trying to avoid burnout, this episode is a reminder that rest is not stepping away from the try—it is what helps you return.Listen next: Identity Before Strategy withKevin Yoder, a conversation about why lasting change begins with who we believe we are—not simply with a better plan.ABOUT MEHi, I’m Wynne Leon — host of The Life of Try, a personal growth and self-improvement podcast exploring resilience, reinvention, uncertainty, and the courage to keep trying.Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real-life stories, I share insights to help you navigate change, get unstuck, and move forward with more intention.🌍 Website: https://wynneleon.com
  1. Growth Takes Energy| How Rest Helps Habits Stick
  2. When You Know You're Not Going to Make It
  3. Creating Lift: Leadership, Mentorship and the Courage to Keep Growing
  4. Brand Strategy for Humans with Nancy Martira
  5. Identity Before Strategy: How To Break Through Invisible Ceilings with Kevin Yoder

Links for this episode:

How to Share1970’s Chicago

Take Me Back to Chicago by Doug E. Jones on Eckhartz Press

Q&A with Take Me Back to Chicago author Doug E. Jones

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

(featured photo from Pexels)

How to Share Resilience

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“Tell me facts, and I’ll learn. Tell me truth, and I’ll believe you. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever.” – Native American Proverb

I’m always amazed at how much hearing someone’s story impacts me. For instance, I published a post on Monday about how I had to evacuate files from my laptop when it started having a power problem.

It wasn’t until I produced this latest episode of the How to Share podcast with author Ana Hebra Flaster that I realized the connection. In her book Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town, Ana tells the story how her family left Cuba in 1967 when she was six-years-old. They had to declare themselves enemies of the revolution so that once their exit papers arrived, they were escorted out of the house, it was sealed, and she and her family had 48-hours to say goodbye to family and friends.

In another great example of how powerful a story well-told is, the imagery of having to leave everything behind was still with me a week later when I had my laptop problem. Rightly so because Ana and I had a fantastic conversation about her memoir in this episode, How to Share Resilience with Ana Hebra Flaster. It’s an incredible memoir of the immigrant story with so much heart and courage.

Ana tells us the story of leaving how her family left Cuba with nothing of value as demanded by the Castro government. But they couldn’t contain the spirit and grit of those that left. Ana tells the story of how her mom stood up for an employee working for her and how that reflected the ethos of the Havana barrio from where she came.

We discuss Ana’s aunt’s determination to take her teaching degree with her to America even though it was forbidden by the Cuban government and her family disagreed. Ana explains why this was important enough to disregard the rules.

We talk about Ana’s childhood tolerance of “Cubanosity” as she coined the term and the struggle to both be rooted in her heritage but also be free of it as she came of age.

Ana tells us what writing a memoir has sparked in other immigrants and families she’s talked with after publication. How the thread of one experience touches so many. Ana reminds us to find our viejos (old people) and ask them questions.

Ana introduced me to the phrase, ponte guapa – make yourself brave. She exhibits that courage in writing a book that not only captures her family’s story but also speaks to all of us digging deep to know where we came from and how we fit in.

This is a great book and a fantastic conversation. I know you’ll love it!

Takeaways

  • Ana’s memoir captures the immigrant experience with heart and courage.
  • The importance of family and community in overcoming adversity.
  • Writing can spark reflection and connection among immigrants.
  • The phrase ‘Ponte Guapa’ encourages bravery in facing life’s challenges.
  • Stories of powerful women in Ana’s family exemplify resilience.
  • Trauma can lead to deeper understanding and appreciation of one’s roots.
  • Engaging with one’s heritage can foster healing and connection.
  • The act of storytelling is vital for preserving history and identity.

Here’s a great clip of Ana talking about her book and the incredible stories of bravery from her family:

Here are some ways you can watch the full episode:

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

Growth Takes Energy| How Rest Helps Habits Stick – The Life of Try: Personal growth, one try at a time.

Why does growth feel so exhausting—and could rest be themissing ingredient that helps new habits stick? In this episode of The Life of Try, Wynne Leon connects Carol Dweck’s growth mindset research, Adam Grant’s ideas about habits and identity, and the restorative power of sleep,fewer decisions, intentional breaks, and creativity. Through stories from the first day of school, middle-school drop-off, mountain climbing, and her daughter’s crochet project, Wynne shares three practical ways to protect yourenergy while building sustainable change. If you’re navigating a transition, working on personal growth, or trying to avoid burnout, this episode is a reminder that rest is not stepping away from the try—it is what helps you return.Listen next: Identity Before Strategy withKevin Yoder, a conversation about why lasting change begins with who we believe we are—not simply with a better plan.ABOUT MEHi, I’m Wynne Leon — host of The Life of Try, a personal growth and self-improvement podcast exploring resilience, reinvention, uncertainty, and the courage to keep trying.Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real-life stories, I share insights to help you navigate change, get unstuck, and move forward with more intention.🌍 Website: https://wynneleon.com
  1. Growth Takes Energy| How Rest Helps Habits Stick
  2. When You Know You're Not Going to Make It
  3. Creating Lift: Leadership, Mentorship and the Courage to Keep Growing
  4. Brand Strategy for Humans with Nancy Martira
  5. Identity Before Strategy: How To Break Through Invisible Ceilings with Kevin Yoder

Links for this episode:

How to Share Resilience with Ana Hebra Flaster transcript

Ana’s website: https://anacubana.com/

Property of the Revolution on Barnes & Noble and Amazon

(featured photo from Pexels)