Tag: podcast

The Discipline in Creativity

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“The discipline of creation, be it to paint, compose, write, is an effort towards wholeness.” – Madeleine L’Engle

I’m always surprised by how much discipline there is in creativity. I say that with a wink because my personal expectation is that 2,000+posts into this blogging journey, I would have thought this would be easier. I have found so many benefits for the act of writing — from helping me understand my journey to this great blogging community, it’s easy for me to think that these things should write themselves.

I’ll have an idea bouncing around my head or my heart and it goes nowhere until I put my derriere in the chair. Even when I have my fingers on the keyboard, I need to discipline my inner editor to take a back seat so I can get the first draft written.

Which is a great lead in to the podcast conversation Vicki Atkinson and I had this week with author, blogger, and corporate communications specialist, Brian Hannon about National Novel Writing Month.

Brian tells us why he values the encouragement and accountability piece of NaNoWriMo.

He spills a little bit about the project he has in mind and the goals he’s setting for the month.

Brian is such a great writer, with roots as a newspaper writer and corporate communications specialist. So we get to see into the dichotomy of the flexibility in writing Brian has so beautifully explored in posts this week contrasted with the structure necessary to produce a novel.

It’s fun to hear how he makes time to write, especially as he gears up for NaNoWriMo.

Brian also turns the tables on Vicki and me and gets us to reveal a bit of the bigger projects we are working on. We get to collectively talk about the wonderful goal of producing “wholehearted writing” in whatever medium we choose.

I’m confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling – in podcasts, in posts, and in novels.

We know you’ll love it!

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 91: NaNoWriMo with Brian Hannon

Episode 91 show notes on Sharing the Heart of the Matter

HoTM episode 91 transcript

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Links for this Episode:

Writing from the Heart with Brian: https://writingfromtheheartwithbrian.com/

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue

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

(featured photo from Pexels)

The Things You Have to Do

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“Ability and necessity dwell in the same cabin.” – Dutch Proverb

I recently had some trouble in my kitchen. My refrigerator had leaked intermittently for a dozen years. The floorboard underneath it finally got soaked enough that the wheel on the front left side fell through it. I had to shimmy the refrigerator out, assess the damage, fix the floorboards, and order a new frig.

It was a pretty intense week trying to get all that done so that the floor was sturdy and level enough for a new refrigerator. But when it was all done, I had a good laugh. Because… I don’t like to clean my frig. And now I had a beautifully clean refrigerator.

It reminds me of another task people don’t often like to do — update their web site design. It’s what my co-host Vicki Atkinson and I talk about this week on the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast: Episode 90: Site Design and WordPress Themes.

I know, I can hear you groaning from here. In fact, I’m groaning right along with you even though this is a large part of what I’ve done professionally for 30 years. Even if you only publish a private blog for your family, making things findable is important!

So if you are thinking about changing up your site or even just wondering if you should, I think there are some good tactics to help make this manageable.

Vicki and I talk through some of the design considerations to be mindful of like navigation and search. And then we look at the sections to consider when picking a theme like the header, footer, and sidebar.

I talk through some of the problems I’ve heard people have encountered when switching themes in WordPress like content disappearing and inability to revert back. I offer some strategies for avoiding that flavor of disappointment and disaster.

There is a presentation that gives these elements and examples to download as a companion piece to this podcast. Here’s the thing – tackling site design isn’t always fun, but it’s better when we do it together with some good approaches and tactics.

I’m confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling as told through well-designed sites.

We know you’ll love it!

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 90: Site Design and WordPress Themes

HoTM Episode 90 transcript

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Links for this Episode:

The PDF presentation of the ideas and process presented in this podcast conversation.

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue

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

(featured photo from Pexels)

The Ritual of Tea

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“Good habits automate us, helping us get things done. Rituals animate us, enhancing and enchanting our lives with something more. The intrinsically emotional nature of rituals gives them their animating power.” – Michael Norton

Before the pandemic, my “office” was at a favorite local coffee shop. My kids were little and at home so I needed a place to escape to. I’d walk in the door of the coffee shop, throw my backpack onto my favorite comfy chair by the window if it was available, get my cup of green tea, and then settle in to work.

For me, wrapping my hands around a hot cup of tea is like an automatic reset button. It helps me notice the moment before I move to the next. Part of the fun was just being around all the other regulars and hearing conversations. There is something so delicious about the conviviality of coffee shop comradery.

So I loved the conversation I had with Vicki Atkinson this week on the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast: Tea Time with Wynne and Vicki

We bring in one of my favorite quotes about tea from Mark Nepo. He likens tea to the way we make sense of our lives. From gathering the leaves, to pouring water over it, to drinking it slowly, we cultivate the aromatic blend that helps us and heals us.

Both Vicki and I like the ritual because it slows us down. Having a cup of tea is like an invitation to bring forward what we already know.

I share my secret for how long I let it steep. And Vicki shows some treasured sets from her family that hold so much more than tea.

Vicki shares a delightful book about making tea that has been a gift and a reminder to let the swirls of tea help settle our thoughts down.

I’m confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling over a cup of tea.

We know you’ll love it!

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 89: Tea Time with Wynne and Vicki

HoTM Episode 89 transcript

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Links for this Episode:

Steeping the Tea Leaves of Life by Wynne Leon

My Kind of Swirl by Vicki Atkinson

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue

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

Little Steps of Calm

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“These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb.” – Najwa Zebian

Now that I’ve spent a dozen years practicing meditation and trying mindfulness, I find it interesting to take a look back at the time I spent mountain climbing. Because mountain climbing is kind of a mindless activity.

In a journey of 50,000 steps or so for a climb, you don’t necessarily want to remember each one. In fact, it might be a little painful if you did.

So while the endurance and grit is transferrable to life down low, perhaps the mindless moving forward is best left on the mountain. Speaking for myself that is. I don’t want to sleep walk through the days of my life.

This is just one of the many reasons that I love the warm and inviting conversation I had this week on the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast with my co-host, Vicki Atkinson.

I think it’s fair to say that we all have times where life feels frenzied. And it isn’t only because our to-do lists get too long. It’s also because of the pace of the world around us, and our exposure to the news, in whatever way we consume it.

Both Vicki and I start the day with sacred time. It’s non-negotiable for me so that I can at least start the day with a measure of faith and perspective.

But we know that doesn’t work for everyone. So we talk about our tricks to instill some calm. Vicki tells us about how she sets aside multi-tasking to focus on one thing at a time. And more than that, how to slow tasks to reap the full benefit.

For me, music can help to disrupt the stress swirl. Tuning in to songs from my youth delivers a noticeable energy lift as well. We touch on the research of Harvard psychology professor Dr. Ellen Langer about how our brains can impact our bodies.

It’s not hard to imagine that Vicki is an inveterate smile-r. She shares a story about how offering friendliness to others brings a side benefit of joy.

I’m confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling.

We know you’ll love it!

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 88: Meditative Moments with Wynne and Vicki

Episode 88 transcript

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Links for this Episode:

Episode 79: Sometimes You Have to Laugh with Author Pete Springer – The Heart of the Matter (sharingtheheartofthematter.com)

Remembering How to Bounce Back – Dr. Gerald Stein

Kindness all around us! – Brian Hannon

The Subtle Shaping of Our Brains – The Heart of the Matter (sharingtheheartofthematter.com)

Meditate on this! – The Heart of the Matter (sharingtheheartofthematter.com)

Write it Out – The Heart of the Matter (sharingtheheartofthematter.com)

From the hosts:

Vicki’s book: Surviving Sue

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

Courage is Contagious

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“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day, saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

I was listening to my neighbor talk about the anxiety she felt this past weekend when her husband took their oldest, a 12-year-old boy, up to Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier.

In her delightful British accent, she said, “It’s not that I don’t trust my husband’s skills, it’s just that if you take the three tallest peaks in the UK, Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell Peak (England), and Snowdon (Wales) on top of each other, then you have Mt. Rainier. It’s an American, super-sized mountain.”

Fortunately, the weather held and they had a great time hiking up to and camping at base camp on our super-sized mountain.

It struck me as I listened, that there are many different types of courage in these adventures. To lead an expedition, to join as a team member, and also to stand on the sidelines and cheer for an adventure. All take a unique kind of fortitude.

It also made me think of the adventure that Vicki Atkinson and I got to hear about from author, blogger and great story-teller, Cheryl Oreglia on this week’s Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, Episode 86: Tandem Riding with Cheryl Oreglia.

Cheryl recounted her experience on the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa which is familiarly known as RAGBRAI. Seven hot days of riding, camping, and communing with 20,000 other riders.

Sounds fun, right? But what Cheryl does so consistently is bring the magic. She rides in tandem – both on the bike with her husband, Larry, and also in her writing. She is so good at synchronizing her inner landscape with all that she sees around.

She takes us on this journey from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River. And she leaves Vicki and me in tears about what it all means.

Cheryl is a beautiful writer and inspirational story-teller. She reminds us all what is out there when we face our fears and try hard things.

Pork chops, sunrise, kindness, and courage to name just a few.

I’m confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling.

We know you’ll love it!

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 86: Tandem Riding with Cheryl Oreglia

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Links for this Episode:

Cheryl’s blog: Living in the Gap

RAGBRAI 2024 – Living in the Gap (cheryloreglia.blog)

Other episodes with Cheryl:

Episode 61: The Writers Conference with Cheryl Oreglia by Sharing the Heart of the Matter (spotify.com)

Episode 30: True Grit with Cheryl Oreglia by Sharing the Heart of the Matter (spotify.com)

Episode 7: Grow Damn It! by Sharing the Heart of the Matter (spotify.com)

(featured photo from Pexels)

Lit From Within

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“If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.” – Buddha

I think the people in life who I’ve learned some of the most memorable lessons from are the ones who are lit from within. Like Robin Williams in the movie Dead Poets Society, there’s an infectious spirit that makes me feel like I’m not only learning but also catching a spark.

I mention this because of a recent podcast conversation Vicki Atkinson and I had with blogger, parent, FASD advocate and amazing human, Ab from the My Life with T blog. Ab is definitely lit from within.

Ab tells us of the moment both his advocacy and blogging started. When a program supporting kids like his young son was canceled, it lit both fires.

The writing practice is part of Ab’s self-care. It helps him process the events that need to be noted, held onto, learned from, and cherished. It’s a great tool in his wonderful resource kit for parenting well.

And then his writing helps to raise awareness about people living with FASD. Ab shares the definition of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and we discuss how building awareness and understanding is so important.

Ab makes such great connections about different blogs and the way our writing unites us.

It was so much fun to be able to talk with Ab. It feels as if we are old friends after interacting nearly every day for 4 years on one blog or another. He is so passionate, funny and articulate and we could have talked for hours. Vicki and I are so lucky to have the great fun of being able to talk with people who are dear blog friends.

This in an incredible conversation about how moments of disappointment and frustration can blossom into something fruitful when you follow the threads as Ab did.

I’m confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling.

We know you’ll love it!

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 85: Writing and Advocacy with Ab

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Links for this Episode:

My Life with T blog by Ab

In Canada: What is FASD? – CanFASD

In the United States: FASD United

A great resource for caregivers trying to understand and support a loved one with FASD:

Trying Differently Rather Than Harder: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders – Third Edition: 9780972953207: Books – Amazon.ca

A book by recognized FASD educator Nate Sheets:

Essential FASD Supports: Understanding and Supporting People with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Sheets, Nate: 9781977245083: Books – Amazon.ca

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

The Gift of a Pause

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“Sometimes it takes an overwhelming breakdown to have an undeniable breakthrough.” – unknown

I hit a wall this week – a metaphorical one, of course.

It was after getting Miss O back to school for 4th grade and Mr. D in his jump start program for Kindergarten last week, then flying with the kids to Northern California on Friday for my niece’s baby shower, flying back on Sunday, getting Mr. D ready for his first full day of school on Monday, then teaching a webinar on Tuesday.

After all that, I don’t blame my body for needing a break. If only I was smart enough to give it a break without catching a head cold. Well, always something to learn.

Fortunately, one of the last things I did before coming down with this cold was record a podcast with Vicki and my meditation teacher, yoga teacher, massage therapist, and friend, Deirdre Wilcox. I say fortunately, because Deirdre is so incredibly good at putting everything in perspective – even yucky colds. It’s no wonder she’s such a well-regarded wellness educator.

As my teacher and friend for nearly 30 years, Deirdre has shared so much grounded wisdom with me. Of her many gifts, one that I love that is highlighted in this conversation, is her ability to help frame what we are experiencing in biological terms.

So she walks us through the shift from summer to fall in terms of the cues our bodies are receiving. And this leads to a huge a-ha for me about the persistent question I get at the end of summer, “Have we done enough?”

Deirdre suggests some practices that reduce the overwhelm as we move from the freedom and spontaneity of summer to the structure of autumn. One of the things I like most about her approach is that she understands that the things that have a chance to stick are the small ones.

So she suggests some small changes for us to incorporate as we move towards falls. Ways that we can incorporate rituals to thoughtfully move from one season to the next.

And one of my absolute favorites, an invitation to take it all in and notice what we did with our summer before we move on.

I’m confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling.

We know you’ll love it!

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor:  Episode 84: Autumnal Shift with Deirdre Wilcox

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Transcript for this episode: Episode 84 transcript

Links for this Episode:

For more about Deirdre and the incredible work she does: Deirdre Therapeutics (deirdrewilcox.com)

Other episodes featuring Deirdre Wilcox

Episode 27: The Power of the Pause with Deirdre Wilcox

Episode 14: Holding Space with Deirdre Wilcox

Episode 10: The Power of Intuition with Deirdre Wilcox

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue

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

(featured photo from Pexels)

Time to Reset

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“Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends, and integrity. And you’re keeping all of them in the air. But one day you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls…are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered.” – James Patterson

There’s a young man in our neighborhood that’s learning to juggle. In fact, he’s the same young man who does magic tricks that I’ve written about.

Now that he’s 12, he’s started hiring himself out for birthday parties. He really does a great job with the patter and the magic. He’s such a delightful, inquisitive, and polite young man that it’s impossible not to root for him.

When it comes to juggling, he gets it done. But not exactly with the flawless execution of someone in a circus show. It’s more like a suspense act where you worry for every ball.

Funny thing is that is how I’m feeling in this first week of September. I’ve got the home projects to stain and seal before the rain comes, the fall clothes shopping, the million and one forms to fill out for back to school, and a family wedding. And work and the class I’m teaching next week? Well, let’s just say I’m keeping the balls in the air but everyone watching is probably a little worried about the show.

So I’m delighted that in the latest episode of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, I get to talk with my co-host Vicki Atkinson about the need to nest.

As September begins, we feel the summer’s intensity wane in the Northern Hemisphere. While I cherish summer, there’s a point where the expectations for endless outdoor fun with my family become overwhelming.

Vicki and I discuss transitioning from the carefree days of summer to the structured school year. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, empty nester, or caregiver, we explore the opportunities that come with a fall reset.

From dedicating more time to writing and reflecting to tackling projects set aside for vacations or house guests, we can embrace the seasonal shift.

Vicki shares insights from a nutritionist and the Surgeon General, offering food for thought on eating earlier and acknowledging our burdens.

These are all great ideas for recognizing the benefits of resetting with the change of seasons. So, let’s put on our cozy sweaters, don our creative thinking caps, and enjoy the fall.

I’m confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling.

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 83: The Need to Nest with Vicki and Wynne

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Transcript for this episode: Episode 83 transcript

Links for this Episode:

Episode 83 show notes

(featured photo from Pexels)

Inspiration and More

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“Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist.” – Pablo Picasso

The other day I was with my five-year-old son, Mr. D, in a room of storage lockers. He was checking everything out and said, “Look at that wonder.”

I followed his gaze to a padlock that had a piece of tape with a question mark on it. My interpretation was that the owner of the lock was unknown. But I liked Mr. D’s better – just look at that wonder.

I get so much inspiration from my kids. They see things with new eyes and help me to peel away my assumptions that cover over so many things.

But there are other ways to break out of that mold and we talk about some in the latest episode of the Sharing the Heart of Matter podcast. Vicki Atkinson and I are with author, graphic designer, and blogger, Dave Williams.

I love reading something that gets my creative juices going. But even better in the community of podcasting and blogging is catching a ride on everyone else’s enthusiasm!

In this episode, Dave Williams, tells us about the inspiration he gleaned from reading Felicia Day’s book, “Embrace Your Weird.”

Felicia’s book is more than a read, it’s an experience of exercises to break us out of our creative ruts. Dave shares his take on what inhibits our natural flow and some of the things that inspire him.

This is a great episode with the incredibly talented and creative Dave Williams. We get to draft off of his inspiration, Felicia Day’s book, and the flow of creative sparks.

I’m certain you’ll enjoy the scenic and inspiring places we go when we share the power of story.

We know you’ll love it!

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 82: “Embrace Your Weird” with Author Dave Williams

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Transcript for this episode: Episode 82 transcript

Links for this Episode:

Dave Williams – writings and drawings (wordpress.com)

‘Bubba Ho-Tep’ and feeling more okay about creating weirdness – Dave Williams (wordpress.com)

Dave’s review of Felicia Day’s book can be found here.

“Embrace Your Weird” by Felicia Day – linked here.

(featured photo from Pexels)

Kick It To the Curb With Kindness

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“In the process of letting go you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself.” – Deepak Chopra

It’s probably no surprise to anyone that my house has kid clutter. After all, I live with a five-year-old and nine-year-old. But I try on a regular basis to give things away as we grow out of them.

This has sometimes caused a problem. When Mr. D sees pictures of himself playing with something in the past like a Radio Wheel tricycle, it often spurs an idea that he wants to play with that now. The idea that he has grown too big for the objects doesn’t quite land. And the truth that I kicked it to the curb (with a free sign) isn’t very popular with him either.

But Michelle Oram (Boomer Eco Crusader) has given me an idea of a better way to do it. With Clutter Tales!

This idea comes from Michelle’s blog series called Clutter Tales. In the latest episode of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, Vicki Atkinson and I talk with blogger and retirement specialist, Michelle about her these stories she’s written about the objects she’s decluttered.

We all love Michelle for her grounded approach to decluttering and the accountability example she provides.

She shares some of that and more in this episode featuring her clutter tales.

Michelle provides a great approach with what to do as we declutter and uncover the wonderful memories that are stashed in the objects we’ve hung onto. By writing out those stories, Michelle shows us how we can hang on to the essence even while saying “thank you” and letting go the objects.

So Vicki and I laugh along as we talk about a piece of French homework from the 80’s.

And we appreciate the greater lessons taught by an effective high school teacher.

This episode is a fantastic dive into how we celebrate and share the life we’ve lived while freeing up space for the life we have now.

I’m certain you’ll enjoy the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story.

We know you’ll love it!

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 81: Clutter Tales with Michelle Oram

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Transcript for this episode:  Episode 81 transcript

Links for this Episode:

Boomer Eco Crusader – Live Green | Declutter | Simplify Life

Clutter Tales Archives – Boomer Eco Crusader

Other Episodes with Michelle:

Episode 39: Renaissance Woman with Michelle Oram

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

(featured photo from Pexels)