In this compelling episode I speak with Madison Salavec about her journey of discovering she’s autistic later in life. We cover a diverse range of topics, including the challenges of misdiagnosis, the societal impacts of masking, dealing with sensory overload, and the profound effect of autism on personal and social relationships. We discuss the influence of social media in self-diagnosis, the pain of rejection from friends and family, and the relief and clarity that come with finally knowing who you are. Emphasis is placed on the nuanced experiences of autistic individuals, particularly women, and the necessity of both societal understanding and personalized healthcare. This episode aims to shed light on the lived experience of autism and provide valuable insights and resources like EmbraceAutism.com for those navigating similar paths.

In this compelling episode I speak with Madison Salavec about her journey of discovering she’s autistic later in life. We cover a diverse range of topics, including the challenges of misdiagnosis, the societal impacts of masking, dealing with sensory overload, and the profound effect of autism on personal and social relationships. We discuss the influence of social media in self-diagnosis, the pain of rejection from friends and family, and the relief and clarity that come with finally knowing who you are. Emphasis is placed on the nuanced experiences of autistic individuals, particularly women, and the necessity of both societal understanding and personalized healthcare. This episode aims to shed light on the lived experience of autism and provide valuable insights and resources like EmbraceAutism.com for those navigating similar paths.

I invited Emery Lewis, the Pro Bono Director at Legal Assistance of Western New York and fellow podcast host, to explore the nuances of grief and personal growth with me. We share a candid conversation about grief's lasting impact, especially following personal losses, like Emery's grandfather. Emery recounts his transformative journey from anger and performance-driven living to a slower, more family-focused life. We discuss cultural expectations, emotional expression, and learning from life's curveballs. The conversation underscores the continual process of grieving and growing, offering listeners a window into embracing life's changes and listening to one's heart. Emery’s wisdom, intertwined with anecdotes from his life, provides valuable takeaways about love, loss, and living an examined life.

I’m joined by Matt Easton, a talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. We discuss our personal connections through music and share stories about Matt's journey with his band, The Jenny Thing, and their most recent album release after a long hiatus. The conversation delves into the creative processes behind songwriting, how music serves as a companion in life's most emotional moments, and the universal allure and mystery of music. Touching on profound themes such as the power of shared musical experiences, we also explore embracing creativity in different stages of life. The episode concludes with a special treat! [Thank you to Peter Hatch for joining us!]

[Content guidance: This episode mentions suicide. Please listen with care.]

I was so grateful to sit down with Bishop Lanette Plambeck to explore what she’s learned about life, death, and community through personal experiences and faith. From sharing deeply personal stories about my father to discussing how tragedy unites communities, Lanette offers profound wisdom and genuine insight. Our conversation spans a variety of topics including the importance of expressing kindness, the complexities of grief, and hopes for a more united world. Reflecting on how shared experiences shape us, this episode emphasizes the sacredness of human connection and the enduring impact of love and service.

In this episode, I reflect on my recent trip to Paris for the 2024 Olympics and share part of my journey of discovering I’m autistic. I discuss some of the challenges I faced, including struggles with routine disruption and sensory overload. I also share the profound impact of the Olympic Spirit on my own spirit. I emphasize the importance of acknowledging and accepting the full range of emotions and encourage listeners to extend grace to others. Join me as I navigate self-discovery and the beauty of life's nuanced experiences.

I invited Penny Barthel, author of 'The Cannabis Gardener,' to discuss her journey from traditional gardening to becoming a prominent figure in the cannabis education field. Penny shares insights about her evolving perceptions of cannabis, driven by personal experiences and scientific curiosity. We explore how societal norms and personal biases influence our views on cannabis and the importance of following one's curiosity, especially in midlife. Penny candidly discusses the challenges and joys of reinventing oneself, the impact of cannabis on health, and the significance of remaining open to new experiences and knowledge. The conversation celebrates the courage to embrace unconventional paths and the importance of lifelong learning.

Through sharing nostalgic memories and amusing anecdotes, the trio explores how their childhood friendships have evolved and strengthened over the years. Despite not always staying in touch, their bond has endured thanks to an unspoken understanding and mutual respect. 

I share the learnings and realizations from our first season of What I Know So Far. This episode is a personal reflection on the adjustments and decisions made both behind the mic and in my own life. It's about finding balance in the rush of productivity and the importance of embracing change when necessary. You'll hear why future seasons will morph in structure and why taking a summer to recharge is not just a choice, but a necessity for my creative spirit.

Join me and life coach Lucas Katz as we share our personal experiences and professional wisdom around the topic of regret. We look at the nuances of guilt and shame and reflect on how past choices, sometimes dictated by fear or external influences, can shape the person we become.

I unpack the often overwhelming experience of grappling with personal responsibilities while being aware of global tragedies. I explore our collective struggle to process an incessant stream of information in an age where our global village presents us with both the immediate and the distant. I examine the concept of “capacity,” and how much we can hold in our emotional “trunk,” inviting listeners to ponder whether we've really adapted to the sheer volume of knowledge technology thrusts upon us.

What does turning 50 truly mean in today's world? I’m honored to welcome back my first-ever guest, Christine Gough, as we discuss reaching this significant milestone. From laughing at the idea of a funeral themed 50th birthday party to discussing Christine's incredible journey through cancer and personal loss, we celebrate the sense of renewal that can flourish with age. Christine's infectious zest for life offers a refreshing perspective on aging and that the best may be yet to come.

The challenges of indulging in "what ifs" and seeking unnecessary information.

Join me and my guests, Liz Ball and James Obert, as we explore pop culture and its indelible impact on our lives. Our conversation ranges from the influence of iconic franchises like Star Wars and Sesame Street to the personal connections fostered by shared cultural experiences. We share our unique perspectives, reminding us of the profound ways in which TV shows, music, books, movies, and games shape our individual narratives from a young age.

I sit down with Wes and Brittany Burian and explore the ebbs and flows of their life together, from their optimistic early days together to the trials of navigating Wes's diagnosis of Fabry disease. They bring to light the struggles and revelations that come with managing a rare genetic condition. Hear how they grapple with the physical limitations and the hereditary implications that affect their family dynamics.

Could the secret to navigating life's highs and lows lie in managing our expectations? Join me as I discuss the profound impact of finding the balance between what we hope for and what reality delivers. In this episode, I open up about the emotional rollercoaster of my niece's wedding—an occasion of pure joy overshadowed by the sudden health crisis of my father. Through this personal story, I highlight the beauty that persists even when our best-laid plans take an unexpected turn. I also recount the challenges I faced volunteering at an orphanage, grappling with the sensory overload and my inability to adapt. This intimate narrative not only mirrors our own struggles with reality versus anticipation but also serves as a comforting reminder that self-compassion and recognizing our true capabilities are invaluable.

This week, I’m taking my own advice from a previous discussion on the pressure to be constantly productive. I'm sharing why sometimes it's essential to prioritize self-care over ticking off that next task on the to-do list. This means there won't be a full episode this week. But fret not! This break isn't a sign of disappearing but a necessary pause for my well-being—something I advocate for each of you, as well. In the meantime, I encourage you to check out other episodes. Thanks for your ongoing support, and I'll be back soon with more stories and conversations that I hope will resonate with you. Take care!

Have you ever caught yourself equating busyness with self-worth, or felt the weight of societal expectations pushing you to fill every moment with activity? This episode looks at our productivity-obsessed culture. I question the merit of ceaseless work and suggest that pausing to enjoy the stillness could be the most daring act of self-care you undertake. In navigating the complexities of our lives, we examine the pressures to maintain the perfect facade, like that impeccably manicured lawn, and challenge you to consider if these tasks truly bring joy or are merely obligations disguised as achievements.

I welcomed Sita Severson, a yoga therapist with a rich background in mindfulness and healing practices, for a compelling discussion on the practical aspects of energy and intuition. These are often-misunderstood concepts, and Sita illustrates their scientific basis and their palpable presence in our daily lives.

Join me as I sit down with Dionne Makila, a fellow Iowa native with an insatiable case of wanderlust. We journey through her remarkable travels, spanning all 50 states and 37 countries, reflecting on the transformative nature of travel. From a childhood dreaming of California to studying abroad in Paris, Dionne shares how early adventures with our alma mater's study program ignited her lifelong passion for exploration. Listen in as we uncover the profound impact of travel on personal growth and identity, discussing everything from grocery shopping in foreign countries to finding confidence in navigating new cultures.