“Character is like pregnancy. It cannot be hidden forever.” – African Proverb
When we went to the Oakland Zoo this past week, they had this incredibly creative display of the animals that are native to the area. With a shout-out to the Silicon Valley vibe, they classified them as different characters.
The Influencer: I think these might be crows in my neighborhood in Seattle.
The Engineer: This nails it for the raccoons in my neighborhood.
The Creative: We have coyotes in Seattle as well and it always surprises me how they can adapt to a big city.
The Free Spirit: We have a lot of wild bunnies in our neighborhood and I think they might be our free spirits.
The Foodie: I think the foodies in Seattle might be the Sea Lion. We had a famous one named Herschel who liked to park himself next to the fish ladder to get a parade of snacks that just lined up for him.
Do you have these animals or characters like these in your neighborhood?
“Dreams are the souls pantry, keep it well stocked and your soul will never hunger.” – Shirley Feeney
I tried not to wince when I walked into the kitchen the other day and my 10-year-old daughter, Miss O, pointed to an appliance on the counter and asked “Is that an air fryer?”
Cooking has been a new interest for Miss O. She’s been finding recipes that she wants to try, mostly fruit bowls, oatmeal concoctions, and the occasional air frying two pieces of bread together. Then she gets into the kitchen, opens all the cupboards, makes a holy mess, and gets frustrated when she doesn’t like the outcome.
Cooper the dog, however, is a big fan of Miss O’s cooking projects. There’s usually at least one thing that falls on the floor or ends up in his bowl.
The other day when I asked her to clean up after her experiment in the kitchen, she wailed, “But you make it look so easy!” She was so exhausted from the effort that one more step felt overwhelming.
As I’ve been trying to help her, I’ve realized there are so many things I’ve done so long that I’ve forgotten how essential they are.
Start with the ingredients you have. Last weekend when we were at an AirBnB, Miss O asked if we had something like almond flour. She needed that along with chia seeds for a recipe.
A recipe that doesn’t take into consideration what we have on hand is like facing one “no” after another. It’s demoralizing and frustrating. When we start with the ingredients that we have on hand, it’s so much easier to find flow.
Make sure you have the time and energy to both cook and clean. I think cooking is a little like mountain climbing — it’s a round trip sport. Understanding the time considerations to both cook and clean didn’t come naturally to Miss O. Allowing time to prepare and then make something, especially if it needs to set or bake helps to make room for the creative juices to flow. Also to clean up when the juices flow all over the kitchen. 🙂
Don’t try new recipes if your goal is to impress. One motivation she’s had to try something in the kitchen is to impress her friends. So she’s trying to handle cooking and entertaining at the same time. Then when she tries something new that no one likes, it feels crushing. If she’s experimented ahead of time so it’s something she likes and is familiar with, it’s far easier for her to riff on it or even make it look easy.
It’s funny as I write these things out – these basics seem like a recipe for life, not just cooking.
“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:
How do you know when to stop trying—especially when you’re someone who prides yourself on perseverance? In this episode of The Life of Try, Wynne Leon explores the moments when quitting isn’t failure, but wisdom: when our efforts are overly controlled, when something deep inside says “it’s time,” or when passion turns obsessive and starts costing more than it gives. Along the way, she draws lessons from Marion Jones, Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu, Oprah Winfrey, and Andre Agassi, plus insights on harmoniousvs. obsessive passion.If you’re wrestling with whether to push through or letgo, this conversation offers language, perspective, and permission to choose what’s healthy—and what’s next.The Life of Try podcast: Personal growth, one try at a time.What happens when trying becomes more important thangetting it right?The Life of Try is a personal growth and self‑help podcast about getting unstuck, navigating uncertainty, and choosing to try—even when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, or not your idea.Hosted by Wynne Leon, the show explores how real growth, reinvention, and discovery often begin not with confidence or clarity—but with a single attempt. Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real‑world case studies, each episode examines what it looks like to keep going when doubt shows up, plans fall apart, or life forces a change you didn’t ask for.This podcast is for anyone who:Feels stuck or uncertain about what’s nextIs navigating change, burnout, or reinventionWants to live intentionally without pretending growth is easyBelieves progress starts by trying – again and againThe Life of Try isn’t about hustle or perfection. It’s about learning as you go, surfacing what matters, and sharing what you discover along the way.If you’re ready to surf the uncertainty, outlast the doubts, and step into your own try‑cycle, you’re in the right place.Links for this episode:The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life: Mike Rucker, PhDOpen: An Autobiography by Andre AgassiMarion Jones Reflects on Her Kids Living with 'Reality' of Her Doping ScandalFrom Oakland to Olympic gold: Alysa Liu takes figure skating crownAlysa Liu's Olympic figure skating comeback is golden, true to herselfHow Alysa Liu Found Her Love for Figure Skating AgainWinfrey Announces Show's End in 2011 – CBS News
“We’re all different. Don’t judge. Understand instead.” – Roy T. Bennett
I have this illogical tic that drives me crazy. When I walk Cooper the dog in the pre-dawn hours, I like to wear my white coat that is puffy with a hood. The problem is that it is not water resistant.
When I hear that it’s raining, I know that I should wear a different coat that is water resistant. The two coats sit on hooks side by side so it’s just as easy to grab the other coat. But most of the time, I still pick the puffy white one. Then I return home with a wet shirt underneath.
I’m a Seattleite and I’ve climbed mountains. I know that the gear you wear makes all the difference in your experience. Granted, the morning walk is only about 15 minutes long so it’s not life or death. It’s not even long enough to be truly uncomfortable.
But it is long enough to think about why I keep making the choice. I finally put my finger on it. It’s because the pockets on the white coat are soft and comfortable. In the morning when I’ve launched myself out of bed and into the cold before I’ve had a cup of tea or done my meditation, it’s dark (and raining), I just want a little bit of cozy.
When I read Anne Beall’s book, The Compassionate Writer, it made me think of this illogical coat choice. Because when I see others acting in a way that will get them soaked, metaphorically speaking, I think they should make different choices.
“Another common bias is what psychologists call the actor-observer effect. Research by Nisbett and colleagues shows that tend to explain our own behavior based on external circumstances – ‘I didn’t have a choice,’ or ‘The situation made me do it.’ However we attribute other people’s behavior to their personality or character. This can skew how we interpret both our actions and theirs.” – Anne Beall, The Compassionate Writer
Anne makes an excellent point that when we write with the understanding of this bias, it’s more relatable. It probably makes us better humans as well. Case in point, I worry when my six-year-old son would prefer to wear a sweatshirt on rainy days instead of a rain jacket. [Apple doesn’t fall far them the tree.]
P.S. If you haven’t heard the How to Share podcast with Anne yet, it’s worth a listen. She’s got so much wisdom about compassionate for ourselves and others!
“Knowledge increases by sharing, not by saving.” – Kamari aka Lyrical
Somehow I ended up as the keeper of a friend’s family photo albums. From time to time I’ll walk by an album and flip it open to a random scene from the 1960’s – his family all posed for a vacation photograph or one of a Christmas morning. And I’ll wonder, did it feel the same way to be in his family as it did mine?
One of things I find fascinating about when we share our stories is how they land for other people. It’s that chance to find out that we’re not alone in our experience and also that every family has its own flavor of wacky.
In this episode of the How to Share podcast, my co-host Vicki Atkinson and I are with author and educator Gloria Golec talking about her family memories.
We talk about acclaimed author and educator Gloria’s heartwarming new memoir, South Side Memories. This captivating book invites you on a journey through vivid snapshots of family, Polish immigrant heritage, and the vibrant streets of Chicago. With every page, Gloria masterfully reveals how cherished memories shaped her life and inspired her path.
We uncover the power of storytelling as Gloria shares how writing helped her stay connected to her roots and loved ones. She generously reveals the secrets to starting—and finishing—a personal project that might seem daunting at first, making it accessible for anyone ready to share their own story.
South Side Memories isn’t just a memoir; it’s a celebration of identity and resilience. Through Gloria’s uplifting narrative, you’ll learn how sharing your story can touch hearts and inspire others. This is a must-listen for anyone who values heritage, family, and the transformative magic of storytelling. Don’t miss your chance to be inspired—fall in love with South Side Memories today.
Takeaways
The book is a reflection of the American dream and immigrant experiences.
Storytelling helps maintain connections to roots and loved ones.
Writing can be a therapeutic process for personal growth.
Family dynamics, especially gender roles, play a significant role in shaping identity.
Cherished memories can provide clarity and understanding of past relationships.
Cultural heritage is often intertwined with food traditions and family gatherings.
Teaching experiences can influence one’s writing and storytelling approach.
Writing a memoir can be an emotional journey that brings past relationships closer.
Encouragement to start writing by focusing on one story at a time.
Sharing stories can inspire others and create a sense of community.
Here’s Gloria describing her captivating book, South Side Memories:
Here are some ways you can watch this compelling and inspiring episode:
“Some of the best advice I’ve been given: ‘Don’t take criticism from people you would never go to for advice.‘” – Morgan Freeman
My dad used the Oreo method when he delivered feedback. It was fitting because he loved Oreos. Perhaps that’s what made him so good at layering in the salty truth between delicious goodness.
He’d start with what was working, add in feedback about what could be better, and then finish it off with a compelling overall vision or motivation. It sounds straightforward when laid out as a formula but as anyone who’s eaten fake Oreos knows, it has to be authentic to work. And the recipient needs to at least be a little hungry for it.
Feedback is tricky, isn’t it? It’s often necessary for us to fuel personal and creative growth, especially with writing, and we sometimes don’t want to hear it. That’s why I love this How to Share podcast episode with Dr. Vicki Atkinson because she is such a pro at both giving and receiving feedback.
Vicki tells us about her project in the works, a novel that builds on her fascinating and intriguing family history. She has done the hard work to not only to write but also to seek out and incorporate feedback. She tells us what she learned from her doctoral dissertation about separating the ego from the work and how that is an essential part of being able to really take in someone else’s input.
We talk about asking the right questions when someone solicits our feedback and also being specific when we want input. And Vicki shows us what having a growth mindset looks like when it comes to incorporating comments.
Vicki walks us through the discernment necessary to pick out what is helpful when it comes to feedback and gives us permission to disregard what doesn’t fit.
This is a great conversation about this tricky subject and Vicki’s wisdom shines brightly through. I know you’ll love it.
Takeaways
Feedback is a tricky subject that requires discernment.
Separating ego from work is essential for growth.
Asking the right questions can lead to more useful feedback.
Timing and context matter when giving feedback.
Not all feedback is created equal; choose your sources wisely.
It’s important to let your work develop before seeking feedback.
You can choose which feedback to integrate into your work.
Here’s a great clip of how Vicki practices the art of letting go of the ego:
Here are some ways you can watch this inspiring and helpful episode:
How do you know when to stop trying—especially when you’re someone who prides yourself on perseverance? In this episode of The Life of Try, Wynne Leon explores the moments when quitting isn’t failure, but wisdom: when our efforts are overly controlled, when something deep inside says “it’s time,” or when passion turns obsessive and starts costing more than it gives. Along the way, she draws lessons from Marion Jones, Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu, Oprah Winfrey, and Andre Agassi, plus insights on harmoniousvs. obsessive passion.If you’re wrestling with whether to push through or letgo, this conversation offers language, perspective, and permission to choose what’s healthy—and what’s next.The Life of Try podcast: Personal growth, one try at a time.What happens when trying becomes more important thangetting it right?The Life of Try is a personal growth and self‑help podcast about getting unstuck, navigating uncertainty, and choosing to try—even when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, or not your idea.Hosted by Wynne Leon, the show explores how real growth, reinvention, and discovery often begin not with confidence or clarity—but with a single attempt. Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real‑world case studies, each episode examines what it looks like to keep going when doubt shows up, plans fall apart, or life forces a change you didn’t ask for.This podcast is for anyone who:Feels stuck or uncertain about what’s nextIs navigating change, burnout, or reinventionWants to live intentionally without pretending growth is easyBelieves progress starts by trying – again and againThe Life of Try isn’t about hustle or perfection. It’s about learning as you go, surfacing what matters, and sharing what you discover along the way.If you’re ready to surf the uncertainty, outlast the doubts, and step into your own try‑cycle, you’re in the right place.Links for this episode:The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life: Mike Rucker, PhDOpen: An Autobiography by Andre AgassiMarion Jones Reflects on Her Kids Living with 'Reality' of Her Doping ScandalFrom Oakland to Olympic gold: Alysa Liu takes figure skating crownAlysa Liu's Olympic figure skating comeback is golden, true to herselfHow Alysa Liu Found Her Love for Figure Skating AgainWinfrey Announces Show's End in 2011 – CBS News
“Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent, and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of play.” – Henri Matisse
I’ve often joked that I have a math brain. But have I mentioned how much of a math geek I am? When I was in college, I loved math so much that I looked through all the engineering majors to see which one required the most math classes. That’s how I ended up with an electrical engineering degree.
Nothing in the more than 30 years after I graduated from college has convinced me that I’m a natural creative. Not the three books I’ve published (because two of which are technical so that doesn’t count, right?), more than 2,000 blog posts I’ve written, or anything else.
Until now.
Because Pia Mailhot Leichter’s book, Welcome to the Creative Club, is a myth-busting, research-based, fantastically inspiring book that will change your perspective and power. The clip below gives a small taste of that.
Vicki Atkinson and I were recently blessed enough to be able to talk with the amazing creative director, entrepreneur, and author Pia Mailhot Leichter on the How to Share podcast.
Pia’s book is an incredible invitation into our own creative power. She beautifully weaves agency and awe together in a way that helps bring us alive again. Pia delivers a reminder to move out of autopilot and a perspective to help with adversity, and everything else!
She tells us the story of how coming undone was a trip back to knowing herself and remembering that she’s the creative director of her life. We talk about creating evidence of our resilience.
Pia’s view of creativity will leave you feeling empowered. Which is part of her mission helping others live and lead from creativity.
Takeaways
We often need to lose ourselves to find our true selves.
Creativity is a response to life’s challenges.
Creativity is not just for artists; it’s for everyone.
Embracing uncertainty can lead to greater joy and creativity.
Vulnerability fosters connection and understanding.
Storytelling is a way to honor our journeys and experiences.
Collaboration enhances the creative process and outcomes.
We are all natural born creators, regardless of our paths.
Reclaiming our creativity is essential for a fulfilling life.
This is a great conversation full of energy and inspiration. Buckle up for a beautiful ride. We know you’ll love it!
Here are some ways you can listen and watch this powerful episode:
How do you know when to stop trying—especially when you’re someone who prides yourself on perseverance? In this episode of The Life of Try, Wynne Leon explores the moments when quitting isn’t failure, but wisdom: when our efforts are overly controlled, when something deep inside says “it’s time,” or when passion turns obsessive and starts costing more than it gives. Along the way, she draws lessons from Marion Jones, Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu, Oprah Winfrey, and Andre Agassi, plus insights on harmoniousvs. obsessive passion.If you’re wrestling with whether to push through or letgo, this conversation offers language, perspective, and permission to choose what’s healthy—and what’s next.The Life of Try podcast: Personal growth, one try at a time.What happens when trying becomes more important thangetting it right?The Life of Try is a personal growth and self‑help podcast about getting unstuck, navigating uncertainty, and choosing to try—even when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, or not your idea.Hosted by Wynne Leon, the show explores how real growth, reinvention, and discovery often begin not with confidence or clarity—but with a single attempt. Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real‑world case studies, each episode examines what it looks like to keep going when doubt shows up, plans fall apart, or life forces a change you didn’t ask for.This podcast is for anyone who:Feels stuck or uncertain about what’s nextIs navigating change, burnout, or reinventionWants to live intentionally without pretending growth is easyBelieves progress starts by trying – again and againThe Life of Try isn’t about hustle or perfection. It’s about learning as you go, surfacing what matters, and sharing what you discover along the way.If you’re ready to surf the uncertainty, outlast the doubts, and step into your own try‑cycle, you’re in the right place.Links for this episode:The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life: Mike Rucker, PhDOpen: An Autobiography by Andre AgassiMarion Jones Reflects on Her Kids Living with 'Reality' of Her Doping ScandalFrom Oakland to Olympic gold: Alysa Liu takes figure skating crownAlysa Liu's Olympic figure skating comeback is golden, true to herselfHow Alysa Liu Found Her Love for Figure Skating AgainWinfrey Announces Show's End in 2011 – CBS News
“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.” – Laurie Buchanan
It’s that time of year when my yard needs a lot of work. Weeding, trimming, pruning, planting – there’s a lot to be done. Whenever my mom offers to help, she grabs her gardening gloves and heads to the front of the house. It’s taken me several years to figure out the pattern, because I’m always surprised. I think we should start in the back.
The back is off the kitchen and family room. It’s where we BBQ, sit and eat. It’s also where we play 90% of the time we’re outside. It seems like a logical choice to focus my time there because it’s the biggest need.
[I know I usually write about podcasts on Fridays. Trust me, I’m getting there.]
My mom’s way of thinking is that the front is what everyone sees and so it needs the most attention because of its visibility.
When Vicki and I podcast with authors, we try to read all the books we are talking about. It’s all the back yard work to prepare and have thoughtful conversations.
In my analogy, the resulting podcasts are like the front yard – it’s what everyone sees. But all the preparation and production is like the back yard where we spend most of our time.
We’ve slowed our pace at putting out podcasts to bi-weekly because the back yard work is taking a lot of time. We hope that makes the resulting productions even more fun to watch!
So stay tuned for next week’s podcast with author, teacher, and former reporter, Mark Wukas. He’s going to tell us about his fantastic novel, The Kiss of the Night and how it was more than 40 years in the making!
“Every sunrise is a blessing, it’s an opportunity to learn something new and to create something that can benefit others. It also gives a chance to make amends. Use it wisely before sunset.” – Eugenia Herlihy
Have you ever seen that math exercise where two people stand something like 20 feet apart? And with each move, they divide the distance between them in half so after the second move, they are 10 feet apart and after the third, five feet.
In the end, the point is that there is an endless number of moves because they’ll always be some distance, even if infinitesimal, between them.
There is no finish line.
It reminds me how I feel about my self-improvement. There’s always room for growth.
Three recent things have inspired me to keep feeding a growth mindset. When Vicki and I talked with author Andrew Mayne, he described the year when he wanted to become an author. He set a goal to write ten books in a year. He’d write a book and then read a book on writing. I’ve been intrigued by the “feedback loop” as Andrew described it, even since that conversation.
Elizabeth from the Bleuwater blog took a photography course this Spring. As she shared her lessons on speed, aperture, focus, I realized how much I don’t know about photography, especially when I just grab a picture with my phone. You can see Elizabeth’s incredible photography that she submitted as her final here.
Vicki Atkinson wrote a fascinating post about editing last week, Learning to Rewrite. The conclusion that grabbed me? “Pack a punch with fewer words. Make every sentence count.”
The math exercise reminds me that we will never completely occupy the space of another person on this planet. These recent posts and conversations remind me that there are never ending ways to inspire each other and improve. Taken all together, it makes me feel so motivated and hopeful…and never bored.
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou
When my daughter was born nine years ago, someone quoted to me the line from Elizabeth Stone, “It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” I instantly connected with that incredible truth of the powerful pull and responsibility of parenting.
It’s a motivating theme that Carl Vonderau taps into for his heart-pounding thrillers. What wouldn’t we do to keep our children safe? Vicki and I were so lucky to be able to talk to him about families, thrillers and what keeps us growing in the latest episode of our podcast, Episode 113: From Banking to Thrillers with 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.
Carl gives us 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!
Surprised By Joy 