Tag: podcast

The Life of Try

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“Sometimes magic is just someone spending more time on something than anyone else might reasonably expect.” – Teller

In 44 episodes of producing the How to Share podcast, I realized that while I’m passionate about how to share, what I’m really interested is trying. Trying is a little upstream from sharing. We try experiments in our life, we learn, and then we share.

Trying feels right to me because matches my background as an engineer and consultant. Also, I see it in my kids as they develop new skills. And I’m fascinated by how we conduct experiments as foundational part of building confidence.

So I’ve spent some time reswizzling the podcast as The Life of Try – a podcast focusing on where innovation, reinvention, personal growth, and discovery begin with one simple choice: to try. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when you’d rather not. Even when life makes the decision for you.

The Life of Try will feature conversations with authors, scientists, athletes, researchers, coaches, and more to help inspire your personal try-cycle. And I’m debuting a brand-new segment—one that “reverse engineers” what world-class trying really looks like.

In this episode our case study is professional climber Alex Honnold, whose headline-making feats—from free soloing El Capitan in Yosemite to scaling the Taipei 101 Tower this January—offer a masterclass in what it takes to attempt the extraordinary.

I break down the real ingredients behind big outcomes: preparation, learning from others, and staying steady through setbacks—and how those same principles apply to the goals we’re chasing every day. Whether you’re gearing up to speak in public, throw a pitch, or learn a new song, you can borrow these lessons and put them to work in your own try-cycle.

This is The Life of Try.

Here’s a teaser clip that shows a bit of what I think is so compelling about Alex Honnold:

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

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study – The Life of Try

This episode features host Wynne Leon with a brand-new segment that “reverse engineers” what world-class trying really looks like. Our case study: professional climber Alex Honnold, whose headline-making feats—from free soloing El Capitan in Yosemite to scaling Taipei 101 this January—offer a masterclass in what it takes to attempt the extraordinary.We’ll break down the real ingredients behind self-improvement, personal growth and big outcomes: preparation, learning from others, and staying steady through setbacks—and how those same principles apply to the goals of re-invention we’re chasing every day. Whether you’re gearing up to speak in public, throw a pitch, or learn a new song, you can borrow these lessons and put them to work in your own try-cycle.This is The Life of Try—the podcast where innovation, reinvention, personal growth, and discovery begin with one simple choice: to try. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when you’d rather not. Even when life makes the decision for you.Links for this episode:Wynne's blog: https://wynneleon.comFree Solo: A National Geographic documentaryAlex Honnold Free Solo Climbs Tapei 101 Skyscraper
  1. The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study
  2. How to Share a Reimagined Sci-Fi Trilogy with Dr. Wayne Runde
  3. How to Share Advocacy with Sam Daley-Harris Part 2
  4. What Do You Know To Be True?
  5. How to Share a Return Home with Mario Cartaya

Links for this episode:

The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study transcript

⁠Free Solo: A National Geographic documentary⁠

⁠Alex Honnold Free Solo Climbs Tapei 101 Skyscraper⁠

(featured photo is of El Capitan and sourced 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.

The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study – The Life of Try

This episode features host Wynne Leon with a brand-new segment that “reverse engineers” what world-class trying really looks like. Our case study: professional climber Alex Honnold, whose headline-making feats—from free soloing El Capitan in Yosemite to scaling Taipei 101 this January—offer a masterclass in what it takes to attempt the extraordinary.We’ll break down the real ingredients behind self-improvement, personal growth and big outcomes: preparation, learning from others, and staying steady through setbacks—and how those same principles apply to the goals of re-invention we’re chasing every day. Whether you’re gearing up to speak in public, throw a pitch, or learn a new song, you can borrow these lessons and put them to work in your own try-cycle.This is The Life of Try—the podcast where innovation, reinvention, personal growth, and discovery begin with one simple choice: to try. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when you’d rather not. Even when life makes the decision for you.Links for this episode:Wynne's blog: https://wynneleon.comFree Solo: A National Geographic documentaryAlex Honnold Free Solo Climbs Tapei 101 Skyscraper
  1. The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study
  2. How to Share a Reimagined Sci-Fi Trilogy with Dr. Wayne Runde
  3. How to Share Advocacy with Sam Daley-Harris Part 2
  4. What Do You Know To Be True?
  5. How to Share a Return Home with Mario Cartaya

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 Advocacy – Part 2

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“A very small degree of hope is sufficient to cause the birth of love.” – Stendhal

Recently Vicki and I got an email from author and advocate Sam Daley-Harris that was shocking. Sam reported good news about the budgeting process for global health. I think what was most shocking to me was that something in our government worked. I know that sounds cynical. But given the news these days, I thought it was all stand-offs and insults.

Sam noted in the email why it was successful, “They didn’t do it by protesting, though protests matter, nor by funding lawsuits, though lawsuits matter, or even through elections work, though elections matter. They did it through transformational advocacy, building relationships with elected officials who make decisions in their name and, in the process, building a little bit of backbone in Congress.“

Vicki and I talked with Sam Daley-Harris about transformational advocacy last July on the How to Share podcast. We scheduled another conversation with to follow up on this good news (see clip below). Sam gives us a great formula for overcoming cynicism and hopelessness and suggestions for how to get started.

Sam shares personal stories and insights on how individuals can reclaim their power and make a difference in their communities and the world. He also offers to be a guide to connect you to a group that matches your interest and values. Sam has spent 40 years as an advocate on things like global health, world hunger, climate change, and global poverty – filling out his sign-up sheet is like getting a free ride to exactly where you need to go.

We love talking with Sam because he shares how to be effective and counter the effects of fear, cynicism and loneliness. We know you’ll love this conversation!

Takeaways

  • Advocacy requires facing our own hopelessness to find purpose.
  • Transformational advocacy involves deeper engagement than transactional actions.
  • Building relationships with legislators can lead to meaningful change.
  • The state of democracy is influenced by citizen engagement and activism.
  • Progress and positive changes are not often featured in today’s news reporting.
  • Commitment to advocacy can lead to personal transformation.
  • Every individual has the power to make a difference.

Here’s a clip highlighting some of Sam’s good news and perspective on how we can make a difference:

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

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study – The Life of Try

This episode features host Wynne Leon with a brand-new segment that “reverse engineers” what world-class trying really looks like. Our case study: professional climber Alex Honnold, whose headline-making feats—from free soloing El Capitan in Yosemite to scaling Taipei 101 this January—offer a masterclass in what it takes to attempt the extraordinary.We’ll break down the real ingredients behind self-improvement, personal growth and big outcomes: preparation, learning from others, and staying steady through setbacks—and how those same principles apply to the goals of re-invention we’re chasing every day. Whether you’re gearing up to speak in public, throw a pitch, or learn a new song, you can borrow these lessons and put them to work in your own try-cycle.This is The Life of Try—the podcast where innovation, reinvention, personal growth, and discovery begin with one simple choice: to try. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when you’d rather not. Even when life makes the decision for you.Links for this episode:Wynne's blog: https://wynneleon.comFree Solo: A National Geographic documentaryAlex Honnold Free Solo Climbs Tapei 101 Skyscraper
  1. The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study
  2. How to Share a Reimagined Sci-Fi Trilogy with Dr. Wayne Runde
  3. How to Share Advocacy with Sam Daley-Harris Part 2
  4. What Do You Know To Be True?
  5. How to Share a Return Home with Mario Cartaya

Links for this episode:

Transcript for How to Share Advocacy Part 2

Sam’s Sign-up Sheet for resources on how to get started

Reclaiming Our Democracy website

Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy, 2024 Edition on 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)

What Do You Know To Be True?

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“You never fail until you stop trying.” – Albert Einstein

I suspect that my podcast guests rarely listen back to the episodes that they record with me. After all, they lived it once, why listen to it again? (Anyone that has podcasted with me or Vicki, feel free to jump in and contradict me on this!)

And, speaking for myself, there’s a smidge of fear when watching myself that I’ll discover something terribly wrong that I said or spinach in my teeth that I can’t undo.

But there’s a huge upside in listening back to what we’ve recorded in that it helps to see ourselves from another angle.

I recently was a guest on the What Do You Know To Be True? podcast with the incredible host, Roger Kastner. What Do You Know To Be True? features conversations at the intersection of leadership, neuroscience, belonging, and personal growth—inviting guests to explore the truths that shape how they lead and live.

Roger is a master at getting his guests to reveal their superpower. Watching back the episode I did with him, I was blown away by how skillful Roger is at digging into the heart of what I know to be true. [It also reminds me that I like to talk with my hands and tell a lot of climbing stories!]

In my case, my superpower is trying. In this conversation, Roger and I talk about:

  • How my electrical engineering background helped me develop my superpower
  • Why trying is different than persistence
  • How mountain climbing helped shape and shift my ability to try
  • What my system is for creating order when trying
  • How trying helps keep us from being stuck
  • How documenting what we’ve tried helps us to pass on the learning to others

Here’s the podcast episode on What Do You Know to Be True?

Other ways to watch this episode:

  • Apple podcasts and Spotify: How To Overcome the Fear of Failure & Feeling Stuck | Wynne Leon
  • YouTube: How to Overcome the Fear of Failure & Feeling Stuck | Wynne Leon on

Links for this episode:

What Do You Know To Be True? website

What Do You Know to Be True? on YouTube

Roger Kastner on LinkedIn

How to Share A Return Home

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“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” – Joseph Campbell

I lived in the Philippines until I was almost seven-years-old. When I went back to visit with my family 22 years later, I was surprised that I could navigate a few streets near where we used to live. It was like a pull that oriented me to where I spent the first years of my life.

So I related to Mario Cartaya’s phrase of letting the subconscious guide when he shared his emotional journey back to Cuba after 56 years on the How to Share podcast. Mario has written a touching and insightful memoir about that trip, Journey Back Into the Vault.

Mario tells us how his family’s rushed departure from Cuba as a nine-year-old left him with a vault of childhood memories that he couldn’t unlock. Mario shares stories from his 1-week journey back to Cuba that helped him unlock the memories in that vault. We talk about how so many magical moments unfolded as he visited the scenes of his childhood.

We talk about the close-knit sense of community in Cuba. Mario tells us about the Cuban diaspora and how the pain of separation affects families on both sides.

Mario tells us about his current project chronicling the historic friendship that the US and Cuba once shared.

Mario is a wonderful guest who delivers a strong sense of hope for whatever divides us and a reminder that we can all work to find our own inner peace and deliver it to this world. I know you’ll love this episode and his book, Journey Back Into the Vault!

Key Themes:

  • Mario’s traumatic departure from Cuba in 1960
  • The vault of childhood memories and their significance
  • Revisiting childhood homes and places in Cuba
  • The impact of family separation and diaspora
  • The historic friendship between the US and Cuba from 1860-1960
  • Mario’s current project on US-Cuba relations

Check out this short clip of Mario’s deep and insightful elevator pitch for Journey Back Into the Vault:

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

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study – The Life of Try

This episode features host Wynne Leon with a brand-new segment that “reverse engineers” what world-class trying really looks like. Our case study: professional climber Alex Honnold, whose headline-making feats—from free soloing El Capitan in Yosemite to scaling Taipei 101 this January—offer a masterclass in what it takes to attempt the extraordinary.We’ll break down the real ingredients behind self-improvement, personal growth and big outcomes: preparation, learning from others, and staying steady through setbacks—and how those same principles apply to the goals of re-invention we’re chasing every day. Whether you’re gearing up to speak in public, throw a pitch, or learn a new song, you can borrow these lessons and put them to work in your own try-cycle.This is The Life of Try—the podcast where innovation, reinvention, personal growth, and discovery begin with one simple choice: to try. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when you’d rather not. Even when life makes the decision for you.Links for this episode:Wynne's blog: https://wynneleon.comFree Solo: A National Geographic documentaryAlex Honnold Free Solo Climbs Tapei 101 Skyscraper
  1. The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study
  2. How to Share a Reimagined Sci-Fi Trilogy with Dr. Wayne Runde
  3. How to Share Advocacy with Sam Daley-Harris Part 2
  4. What Do You Know To Be True?
  5. How to Share a Return Home with Mario Cartaya

Links for this episode:

How to Share a Return Home Transcript

Journey Back Into the Vault on Barnes and Noble and Amazon

Mario Cartaya’s website

From the host:

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

(featured photo from Pexels)

How to Share a Mission

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”There are only two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots, the other is wings.” – Hodding Carter

In the days when I watched tv (somewhere about a decade ago before I had kids and started going to bed early so I could wake up early enough to write in that hour before they wake up), I really enjoyed watching Dancing with the Stars. There is something fascinating about watching someone translate their skills from one arena to another. Like when a football player does a ballroom dance and it reveals something essential about what they bring no matter the format.

It reminds me of the guest I spoke with on the How to Share podcast this week. Anthony Dyer was special missions aviator for the US Air Force for 20 years. Now he’s written a gripping memoir, Moon Child: Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator. In it you see his courage. First on the battlefield and then in his vulnerability in writing about it.

Anthony knows how to bring it. Here’s a short excerpt that gives a taste of his inspirational courage:

“In gambling, playing with house money means you’re ahead, taking risks with what you’ve already won. That’s exactly how I wanted to exist earthside: bold, fearless, and unburdened by the fear of losing. Life itself was the ultimate win, and I was determined to make the most of it. Living a ‘house money life’ means living with the mindset that you’re already ahead and willing to take the risks with what you’ve already achieved without fearing losing. It’s about embracing life’s uncertainties and challenges and making the most of every opportunity.” – Anthony Dyer, Moon Child: Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator.

Anthony tells us how he went from a childhood in Appalachia to becoming a special missions aviator for the US Air Force. We talk about how his desire to make a difference in the world led to a 20-year-career in the military.

He reveals how he healed from the visible and invisible wounds of war, healing by picking up a pen instead of a bottle. He tells us how he met his wife and what their mission is now.

Anthony has so many incredible insights about how to live fully, heal, and integrate traumatic experiences. He tells us what motto is inspiring him today. This is a great episode with an insightful author who takes life by the horns. I know you’ll love it.

Takeaways

  • Anthony chose writing over alcohol to heal from trauma.
  • The importance of aviate, navigate, communicate in life.
  • Healing can come from vulnerability and sharing stories.
  • Family plays a crucial role in personal healing.
  • God can help you rebuild after trauma.
  • Scars are badges of honor, representing resilience.
  • Conversations with God can lead to personal growth.
  • Fatherhood is Anthony’s most important mission now.
  • Roots and wings symbolize balance in life.

Here’s a great clip of Anthony talking about how writing has helped heal the wounds of war:

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

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study – The Life of Try

This episode features host Wynne Leon with a brand-new segment that “reverse engineers” what world-class trying really looks like. Our case study: professional climber Alex Honnold, whose headline-making feats—from free soloing El Capitan in Yosemite to scaling Taipei 101 this January—offer a masterclass in what it takes to attempt the extraordinary.We’ll break down the real ingredients behind self-improvement, personal growth and big outcomes: preparation, learning from others, and staying steady through setbacks—and how those same principles apply to the goals of re-invention we’re chasing every day. Whether you’re gearing up to speak in public, throw a pitch, or learn a new song, you can borrow these lessons and put them to work in your own try-cycle.This is The Life of Try—the podcast where innovation, reinvention, personal growth, and discovery begin with one simple choice: to try. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when you’d rather not. Even when life makes the decision for you.Links for this episode:Wynne's blog: https://wynneleon.comFree Solo: A National Geographic documentaryAlex Honnold Free Solo Climbs Tapei 101 Skyscraper
  1. The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study
  2. How to Share a Reimagined Sci-Fi Trilogy with Dr. Wayne Runde
  3. How to Share Advocacy with Sam Daley-Harris Part 2
  4. What Do You Know To Be True?
  5. How to Share a Return Home with Mario Cartaya

Links for this episode:

How to Share a Mission Transcript

Moon Child: Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator on Barnes and Noble and Amazon

From the host:

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

(featured photo from Pexels)

How to Share Your Superpower

Posted in howtoshareTagged , , , , , , , 61 Comments

“It may be that you are not yourself luminous, but that you are a conductor of light. Some people without possessing genius have a remarkable power of stimulating it.” – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

As you can imagine, there’s a lot of chatter going on in Seattle about the Seahawks after they won Super Bowl LX this past weekend. I heard a story the other day about head coach, Mike Macdonald. He was being interviewed and the reporter asked him something like “What’s so special about you?” Apparently, Mike just sat there silently thinking about that question and never came up with an answer. Chalk one up for Mike Macdonald’s humility.

But this week’s How To Share guest, Roger Kastner, says only about half the people he asks can name their superpower. As a podcast host and producer of the What Do You Know to Be True? podcast, Roger has a gift for teasing out people’s superpowers. He is a fantastic facilitator of meaningful conversations—inviting accomplished guests to explore the truths that shape how they lead and live.

In this episode you can see and hear his deep passion for connection, curiosity, and the power of reflective dialogue. Roger’s mission is to share the learning and practices that help people thrive, build capabilities, and unlock purpose and potential.

Roger’s theme for this season of What Do You Know To Be True? is joy. Fitting because Roger shows how good he is at fostering joy through laughter, appreciation and the act of creating.

This is a fantastic episode with a powerful guest who knows how to bring out the best in others. I know you’ll love it!

Takeaways

  • Heart and mind alignment is essential for personal growth.
  • Superpowers are connected to our purpose in life.
  • Curiosity and empathy are key themes in discovering our superpowers.
  • Creating frameworks helps individuals and teams thrive.
  • Connection with others enhances our ability to share our superpowers.
  • Joy is accessible even in challenging times.
  • AI can handle probabilities, but humans excel in exploring possibilities.
  • Sharing knowledge and experiences fosters community and growth.

So — tell me, what is your superpower?

Here’s a great clip of Roger describing the mission behind What Do You Know To Be True?

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

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study – The Life of Try

This episode features host Wynne Leon with a brand-new segment that “reverse engineers” what world-class trying really looks like. Our case study: professional climber Alex Honnold, whose headline-making feats—from free soloing El Capitan in Yosemite to scaling Taipei 101 this January—offer a masterclass in what it takes to attempt the extraordinary.We’ll break down the real ingredients behind self-improvement, personal growth and big outcomes: preparation, learning from others, and staying steady through setbacks—and how those same principles apply to the goals of re-invention we’re chasing every day. Whether you’re gearing up to speak in public, throw a pitch, or learn a new song, you can borrow these lessons and put them to work in your own try-cycle.This is The Life of Try—the podcast where innovation, reinvention, personal growth, and discovery begin with one simple choice: to try. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when you’d rather not. Even when life makes the decision for you.Links for this episode:Wynne's blog: https://wynneleon.comFree Solo: A National Geographic documentaryAlex Honnold Free Solo Climbs Tapei 101 Skyscraper
  1. The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study
  2. How to Share a Reimagined Sci-Fi Trilogy with Dr. Wayne Runde
  3. How to Share Advocacy with Sam Daley-Harris Part 2
  4. What Do You Know To Be True?
  5. How to Share a Return Home with Mario Cartaya

Links for this episode:

How to Share Your Superpower Transcript

What Do You Know to Be True? website

What Do You Know to Be True? on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Roger Kastner on LinkedIn

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.

The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study – The Life of Try

This episode features host Wynne Leon with a brand-new segment that “reverse engineers” what world-class trying really looks like. Our case study: professional climber Alex Honnold, whose headline-making feats—from free soloing El Capitan in Yosemite to scaling Taipei 101 this January—offer a masterclass in what it takes to attempt the extraordinary.We’ll break down the real ingredients behind self-improvement, personal growth and big outcomes: preparation, learning from others, and staying steady through setbacks—and how those same principles apply to the goals of re-invention we’re chasing every day. Whether you’re gearing up to speak in public, throw a pitch, or learn a new song, you can borrow these lessons and put them to work in your own try-cycle.This is The Life of Try—the podcast where innovation, reinvention, personal growth, and discovery begin with one simple choice: to try. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when you’d rather not. Even when life makes the decision for you.Links for this episode:Wynne's blog: https://wynneleon.comFree Solo: A National Geographic documentaryAlex Honnold Free Solo Climbs Tapei 101 Skyscraper
  1. The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study
  2. How to Share a Reimagined Sci-Fi Trilogy with Dr. Wayne Runde
  3. How to Share Advocacy with Sam Daley-Harris Part 2
  4. What Do You Know To Be True?
  5. How to Share a Return Home with Mario Cartaya

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 Snapshots of the American Dream

Posted in howtoshareTagged , , , , , , 46 Comments

“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:

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

Links for this episode:

How To Share Snapshots of the American Dream transcript

Gloria Golec’s profile on Eckhartz Press

South Side Memories on Eckhartz Press

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: 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)