"Be in the room. Even if you don't think you're qualified, you have an opinion. If you feel strong enough to get involved, that gives you an in." In this final episode of my conversation with Krista Kemper, we chat about how to be an effective agent of change by showing up and getting involved, even if you don't feel qualified. Krista Kemper is a mechanical designer and self-proclaimed "bullsh*t meter" who has carved out a unique role for herself on high-stakes engineering committees and industry groups. Despite not having a formal engineering degree, Krista's hands-on experience and willingness to speak up have made her an invaluable voice, helping to improve critical safety standards and policies. During our conversation, Krista shares how she got involved in these spaces and the impact she's been able to have. She explains that her lack of traditional qualifications was actually an asset, allowing her to ask questions and identify issues that the degreed experts had overlooked. Krista encourages listeners to not be deterred by a perceived lack of expertise - if you care about an issue, show up and make your voice heard, even if you think you don't belong in the room. I believe this episode is a great episode for anyone who wants to create positive change in their community or industry but isn't sure how to get started. Krista's stories and insights illustrate that simply being present and persistent can be the key to sparking meaningful transformation. Whether it's getting involved in local government, advocating for policy changes, or volunteering for a cause you believe in, Krista reminds us that the most important qualification is a willingness to show up and speak up. "Dreaming lets you try things in your mind. And it's okay. It's okay to have ridiculous dreams and ridiculous ideas. A dream costs nothing to have." I think listeners will also appreciate Krista's perspective on the value of "dreaming" - allowing yourself to explore creative ideas without immediately trying to turn them into concrete plans. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining flexibility and not getting too attached to a specific vision, as dreams often evolve in unexpected ways. Krista's engineering background has also influenced her approach to life, as she applies concepts like "tolerance stacks" to build in wiggle room and resilience. To learn more about Krista Kemper, visit her website at https://kempereng.com/. Thanks again, and I love that you are here to listen to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

"The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without the work" - Emil Zola I am back with Krista Kemper, an engineer who is challenging the misconception that creativity and technical disciplines like math and engineering are mutually exclusive. Krista shares her unique perspective on how art, design, and engineering intersect, and why the skills developed in creative pursuits are invaluable assets in STEM fields. "There's beauty in engineering. And when this finally clicked, I was looking at...the Mona Lisa, and I started seeing lines and angles and the geometry and the math inside the Mona Lisa." Krista Kemper is a professional engineer with a diverse background. She currently works as the Lead Mechanical Engineer at a prominent engineering firm, where she applies her technical expertise and creative problem-solving abilities to design innovative solutions. Krista's passion for blending creativity and analytics is evident in both her work and personal life, from the intricate nail art she sports at industry conferences to the finite element analysis she's conducted on acrylics. "I love that when I don't have anything else going on, doing my nails is my creative outlet. I've got 10 little canvases." Throughout our conversation, Krista and I explore the misconceptions around math and engineering, debunking the notion that these disciplines are purely analytical and devoid of creativity. We discuss how skills like problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and pattern recognition developed through creative hobbies can be directly applied to technical fields. Krista also shares her strategy for identifying and hiring engineers who possess a diverse skillset, highlighting the value she places on candidates with creative interests and pursuits. "When we're interviewing engineers, when we're hiring people, if I've got two resumes that are equally qualified, the thing that'll be the deciding factor will be if they have a creative pursuit, if they're into something else." I believe this episode is perfect for anyone who has been told that they have to choose between the "creative" and "analytical" sides of their personality. Krista's insights will inspire listeners to embrace the beautiful overlap between art and science, and to recognize the power of combining technical expertise with creative expression. Whether you're an artist, an engineer, or simply someone seeking to cultivate a multifaceted approach to problem-solving, this conversation will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the transformative potential of blending left-brain and right-brain thinking. To learn more about Krista Kemper, visit her website at https://kempereng.com/. Thanks again, and I love that you are here to listen to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

"I have a different operating system. The thing about autism is that it can look so different in every person. It's a spectrum. So I liken it to Linux. Because everybody that really knows, runs and uses Linux, no two setups will look the same." In this episode, I’m back with Krista Kemper, talking about her journey to receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult and how that has impacted her day-to-day life. Krista is an engineer and artist who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 42. Despite exhibiting signs of being on the spectrum throughout her life, Krista was repeatedly told by mental health professionals that she was just "a little strange" or had "anger issues." It wasn't until Krista began working with a therapist who suggested she may have Asperger's syndrome that she started to understand the reasons behind her lifelong struggles. During our conversation, Krista explains how she initially reacted with resistance to the idea of being autistic, as she had preconceived notions about what that meant. However, after taking time to reflect and work through the implications with her therapist, Krista came to see her autism as a "different operating system" - one that is highly specialized, but not always user-friendly. She likens it to running Linux rather than a more mainstream OS like Windows or Mac. "I am a hyper 3D visualizer. I don't have to close my eyes to see things in 3D. I can be looking at it out in front of myself. So when I'm working on a hyperbaric chamber, I can actually visualize it out in front of myself. I can turn it around. I can blow it apart. I can dive into it." Krista also shares some of her unique abilities that stem from her autism, such as her incredible 3D visualization skills. She can vividly see and manipulate 3D objects in her mind, which has made her a natural at CAD work and art. However, this gift also comes with challenges, as Krista often finds herself unable to vocalize her thoughts when in this highly focused, visual state. I believe this episode is an important one for anyone who has experienced or knows someone with a "late in life" autism diagnosis. Krista's openness and humor in discussing her journey resonated with me, and I think it will with those who have felt misunderstood or struggled to find the right language to describe their experience. Her perspective on autism as a different way of operating, rather than a disorder, provides a refreshing and empowering framework. To learn more about Krista Kemper, visit her website at https://kempereng.com/. Thanks again, and I love that you are here to listen to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

"To live without you, only that would be torture. I wouldn't torture you with such trivialities." ~ Morticia Addams In this episode, I talk with Krista Kemper about how her relationship with her husband is heavily influenced by the iconic couple, Gomez and Morticia Addams. Krista Kemper is an artist, combat veteran, mother, dancer, QA tech, researcher, army officer's wife, gamer, mechanical designer, SAS and president of a mechanical engineering firm. She describes herself as an "infovore" who read the Tao of Pooh at an impressionable age of 12. Krista and her husband Bart found themselves struggling to reconcile their vastly different personalities and energy levels until they decided to model their relationship after the delightfully dark and devoted Addams family duo. Krista explains how Bart's high-energy, constantly-dreaming personality clashed with her more subdued, grounded nature. They fought frequently as Krista tried to match Bart's frenetic pace, only to burn out. By looking to beloved pop culture references, they landed on Gomez and Morticia as the blueprint for how they wanted their relationship to function. Bart's background as a nationally ranked fencer, combat engineer and explosives enthusiast perfectly aligned with the Addams family patriarch, while Krista embraced the role of the serene, supportive Morticia. "I didn't understand what it meant to just be and be adored. And I'm crying thinking about this because it was the hardest thing to learn how to do… he didn’t want me to meet his energy. He just he wanted me to accept his energy and he was okay with my slower, more chill way of being." This podcast is for anyone who has encountered challenges blending vastly different personalities in a relationship. Krista and Bart's journey to finding their Gomez and Morticia dynamic offers a heartwarming and humorous example of how compromise, acceptance and a healthy dose of dark humor can be the keys to a fulfilling partnership. Listeners will be inspired by Krista's willingness to simply "be" and allow herself to be adored, as well as the creative ways she and Bart navigate workplace dynamics as a married engineering team. To learn more about Krista Kemper, visit her website at https://kempereng.com/. Thanks again, and I love that you are here to listen to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

Our world is getting more complex every day. How can we simplify things? Patrick Allmond is back to help guide the way! In this episode, I talk with marketing expert and "recovering coder" Patrick Allmond about his superpower of making complicated topics simple. Patrick Allmond is a serial entrepreneur, digital marketer, and tech expert who has spent decades helping businesses and individuals navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology and marketing. Known for his ability to break down complex subjects into easy-to-understand concepts, Patrick has worked with everyone from C-suite executives to his own tech-averse mother. "Action is the great thing that escapes most people. Great ideas are a dime a dozen. Great actions are few and far between. Which one will you have today?" During our conversation, Patrick discusses how he honed his skill of simplifying complicated topics, from explaining Facebook ads to demystifying business metrics. Drawing on his experience briefing a VP of technology at a major car rental company, as well as his work in local media, Patrick shares with me strategies for distilling technical information into concise, digestible soundbites. Whether it's coding, AI, or cybersecurity scams, Patrick has a knack for translating jargon-heavy subjects in a way that puts even the most non-technical listener at ease. This skill has also proven invaluable when dealing with his own family members, as Patrick has learned to communicate about technology without causing his tech-averse mother to "glaze over." "Marketing is everything. McDonald's does not have the greatest hamburgers, let me tell you, but they market the things very well.” Listeners who struggle to understand or explain complex topics in their own lives and businesses will find great value in this episode. Patrick's insights on the importance of execution over just having good ideas, as well as his passion for creating a community of "playmakers," offer a refreshing perspective on how to turn ambitious plans into tangible results. To learn more about Patrick Allmond and his mission to help people take action, visit StopDoingNothing.com. There you can explore his podcast, blog, and upcoming membership program designed to support entrepreneurs and business owners in simplifying their marketing and technology. You can also connect with Patrick on LinkedIn and Instagram @patrickallmond. Thanks again, and I love that you are here to listen to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

In this episode of Good Life Stories, I had the pleasure of speaking with Patrick Allmond, founder of Stop Doing Nothing. Patrick shared some fascinating stories and insights from his life and business experiences. "My big philosophy is Stop Doing Nothing. It's the fact that done is better than perfect. If you make constant, forward progress we get so much further in life by being willing to experiment a little bit, and go out there and do something, even if we don't know how to do it at all." Stay tuned for Part 2 of my insightful discussion with Patrick Allmond! Let me know what resonated with you! Thanks again, and I love that you are here to listen to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

In this episode of my podcast, I had an insightful discussion with Rory Miller about women's self-defense and finding a qualified instructor. With over 40 years of martial arts experience, Rory offered invaluable perspectives. "Women should not be taught to fight. Women should be taught to assassinate." Rory explained the unique self-defense challenges women face and recommended instructor Tammy Yard-McCracken for her specialized Krav Maga expertise tailored to women. Her background shapes an efficient approach leveraging women's strengths. Together, we explored situational awareness, the freeze reflex, and strategies to avoid violence. Rory emphasized self-defense is about assessment and avoidance, not fighting. His wisdom provides practical advice for women seeking skills. I'm grateful to Rory for providing self-defense guidance for women from his extensive experience. Tune in to uncover actionable steps for safety and situational awareness. Protect yourself by arming your mind first. Thanks again, and I love that you are here to listen to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

Rory Miller is back telling stories about his journey and perspectives in the realm of martial arts. With extensive credentials, Rory shared his evolution from early exposure to mastering disciplines and uncovering the essence of self-control. Born to a boxer and fencer, Rory found his natural home in judo, honing skills under Olympians and learning the value of discipline. He delved into his fascination with comprehensive classical jiu-jitsu and the importance of seamless offense-defense integration. "My dad had been a boxer. My mom had been a fencer. We'd been playing with it a little since I was a kid. They were both bar brawlers, and I'd heard stories about that, but that wasn't something he talked about. But the story is that my mom is the only person that's ever kicked my dad's ass in a bar fight." Rory offered invaluable lessons on self-mastery, control, and the mental and physical benefits of martial arts. His wisdom provides inspiration for beginners and experienced practitioners alike to progress on their own journeys. To go deeper, explore Rory's books and website detailing psychological and practical self-defense insights. His expansive knowledge enriches any listener interested in unlocking the transformative power of martial arts. "The game is so simple, but if you practice it, it's ridiculously powerful." I'm grateful to Rory for joining me to share his captivating experiences and hard-won mastery. Tune in to this enlightening episode for a glimpse into the mindset it takes to excel along the martial arts path. Rory exemplifies how dedication and wisdom can elevate our lives far beyond the mat. Thanks again, and I love that you are here to listen to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

I interviewed my friend Rory Miller in this episode of Good Life Stories. We talked about his amazing transatlantic sailing trip. As someone who has lived an extraordinary life, I was eager to hear Rory's tale from his sailing adventures. Rory's passion for the ocean was first sparked on a high school sailing trip. Years later, despite minimal experience, he eagerly accepted an invitation to join a crew sailing a catamaran from South Africa to Florida. "All adventures are based on things going wrong... pretty much everything that could go wrong went wrong." Rory shared the ups and downs of this challenging journey - from malfunctioning equipment to rough seas. His enthusiasm never faltered, even when navigating four-meter waves or fixing issues mid-voyage. Rory captivated me with stories of phosphorescent lights, wildlife sightings, and traversing unfamiliar routes. His experience underscores the rewards of stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing the unknown. Adventure seekers and aspiring sailors will find inspiration in Rory's daring spirit. His story is a testament to the personal growth that comes from pushing boundaries. Rory exemplifies how saying “yes” can lead us to transformative places. "One of the reasons I took the trip is when I was really little, my dad had a great opportunity...he turned down the job. And for the rest of his life, he would talk about how much he regretted that decision. So I thought, “Am I going to kick myself for the rest of my life if I say no?”" I'm grateful to Rory for sharing his remarkable story on the podcast. His perspective will motivate listeners to embark on their own exciting escapades. Thanks again, and I love that you are here to listen to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

I continue with my discussion with writer Kami Miller about the evolution of her relationship with religion and spirituality. Kami shared how exposure to diverse beliefs, her interest in paganism and stoicism, and the wisdom of age have shaped her personal understanding of the world. As a multi-talented philosopher driven by connections between nature, spirituality, and growth, Kami brought unique insights to our conversation. She reflected on how falling in love and joining a community shifted her childhood dreams of isolation. Kami also discussed her parents' influence in finding balance between creativity and responsibility. Together, we explored how Kami's perspectives on paganism and stoicism have matured over time. She offered thoughtful reflections on the power of communication, interconnectedness, and accepting nature's indifference. Kami's self-discovery exemplifies how embracing new ideas can be transformative. This episode offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in expanding their spiritual horizons. Whether a seasoned seeker or simply curious, Kami's journey will captivate and inspire. I'm grateful to Kami for joining me on this journey through the evolution of her personal relationship with religion and spirituality. Tune in for an enlightening dialogue that will widen your horizons and offer a fresh take on the interplay between nature, philosophy, and I'm grateful to Kami for having such an open and enlightening conversation about the realities of her career. Thanks again, and I love that you are here to listen to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

In this episode of Good Life Stories, I am continuing my enlightening conversation with freelance writer Kami Miller. We talk about the realities and challenges of pursuing a writing career. As a talented storyteller, Kami has carved out a rewarding yet complex path in the freelance world. Kami offers candid insights into the pros and cons of freelancing. While she relishes the freedom and potential rewards, she acknowledges the difficulties of inconsistent income and juggling client work with personal projects. We explore the pressures of prioritizing paid gigs and finding balance as a creative professional. "You have the potential for huge rewards. The harder you work, the more likely you are to gain some rewards out of it. And it's all on you, but you only apply as much pressure to yourself as you want." Together, Kami and I delve into the main points surrounding the writing life - time management, editing, design, ethical dilemmas, and more. She shares her experiences balancing multiple hats as a freelancer along with the fulfillment of doing work she loves. This episode offers an insider's perspective on the writing industry for aspiring authors and creatives. Kami's wisdom provides valuable advice for navigating freelance work while staying true to your passion. To learn more about Kami and her captivating writing, visit her website or follow her on social media. Her memoirs and fiction showcase her talents as a storyteller and inspire others to pursue their dreams. I'm grateful to Kami for having such an open and enlightening dialogue about the realities of her career. Tune in to gain insights into the world of professional writing straight from a seasoned freelancer. Thanks again, and I love that you are here to listen to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

In this episode of Good Life Stories, I sit down with my long-time friend, Kami Miller, to delve into the unique and unpredictable world of farm life. Kami, an author, farmer, and self-proclaimed chatterbox, shares her experiences and stories that will have you laughing, empathizing, and gaining a newfound appreciation for the realities of owning a farm. With her dream of owning a farm in mind, Kami takes us on a journey through her initial expectations and the stark contrast she encountered when she and her husband bought their own five-acre property. From clearing land for vegetable gardens to fixing fences, Kami's stories highlight the hard work and challenges that come with farm life. She humorously recounts her encounters with unruly goats, escaped animals, and the constant battle against invasive blackberries. As Kami reflects on her 20-year journey, she reveals the deep connection and sense of purpose that working on the land brings. "I love my little imperfect farm...each piece is something that I built and I didn't build it to be perfectly manicured. I built it to create something that's functional and beautiful to me." - Kami MIller This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever fantasized about farm life or is curious about the realities behind the idyllic imagery. Kami's candid stories shed light on the true nature of farm work, its highs, and its lows. Whether you're a seasoned farmer, an aspiring one, or simply intrigued by the topic, this conversation will leave you entertained and enlightened. To learn more about Kami Miller and her experiences, she has written a book called "House of Goats" under the pseudonym Tammy Owen. With humor and wit, Kami shares the joys and challenges of owning goats, offering a glimpse into the farm life she cherishes. Be sure to check out her book for even more hilarious and heartwarming stories. Don't miss out on this captivating episode packed with laughter, insights, and a unique perspective on the realities of farm life. Tune in now to discover the hidden truths and undeniable charm of the agricultural world through Kami Miller's engaging storytelling. Thanks again, and I love that you are here to listen to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

In this episode, I talk with Andréa Koehler about the power of coloring and its connection to mindfulness and self-discovery. Andréa Koehler is an expert in using coloring as a tool for relaxation and self-reflection. She shares her own journey with coloring and how it helped her tap into a flow state. "Coloring engages three different types of brain activity, your creative brain, your kinesthetic brain, and your logical brain." ~ Andréa Koehler She also explains the science behind coloring and how it engages different parts of the brain, leading to a sense of calm and focus. Andréa breaks down the principles of the flow state and how coloring provides a framework for creative expression. She emphasizes the importance of active relaxation and how coloring allows the brain to process and solve problems. We also discuss the impact of coloring on mental health and well-being, and how it can be used as a tool for self-awareness and mindfulness. We also touch on the connection between coloring and other non-cognitive tasks, such as walking or showering, and how these activities can quiet the mind and foster deeper connections with oneself and others. Andréa shares her journey from creating coloring books to launching Coloring Broadway, a platform that combines mindfulness and musical theater. To learn more about Andréa Koehler and Coloring Broadway, visit coloringbroadway.com and follow them on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook at Coloring Broadway. Thanks again, and we love that you are here to listen to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

In this episode, I chat with Andréa Koehler about her three good life stories: her blue hair story, her experience with divorce, and her journey with ADHD. Andréa shares her personal experiences and sheds light on the challenges and misconceptions associated with each topic. "It's absolutely tantamount that you have somebody outside yourself to talk to." ~ Andréa Koehler Andréa Koehler is an expert in leadership development and human skills development. She has a deep understanding of change management and the human side of navigating change. She uses her expertise to help others identify their strengths, overcome obstacles, and find their true selves. I’m sure you will love this conversation as much as I did. Thanks again and welcome to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

Step into the enchanting world of dance, where movement speaks volumes and the body becomes a vessel of storytelling. Brace yourself for a journey of discovery that will challenge everything you thought you knew about performance and mindfulness. Are you ready to unravel the secrets hidden within the power of observation and sensory input? Thanks again and welcome to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

In this episode, I talk with the captivating Abby Durr, who takes us on a journey through her unique experiences and profound understanding of life, death, and everything in between. With a decade-long connection, Abby and I delve into the intricacies of relationships, the beauty of heaven, and the art of accomplishing great things. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and enlightened as Abby shares her refreshing outlook on what truly matters in the Good Life Stories podcast. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

My special guest today is Maureen O'Shaughnessy, an innovative educator who is passionate about reimagining the education system to empower and include all learners. With extensive experience in founding and leading international schools, she's well-versed in developing inclusive environments that foster belonging and personal growth. Maureen's dedication to youth empowerment extends beyond the classroom, as she's worked on various projects to disrupt outdated education models and create transformative learning experiences for students. Her unique perspective and hands-on approach make Maureen an invaluable resource for educators seeking innovative techniques and fresh insights. From the Middle East to Latin America, Maureen’s experiences taught her about the kindness and humility in people, regardless of cultural stereotypes. With two daughters who had different learning needs, Maureen discovered the importance of personalization in education. Her devotion for inclusivity and the mental well-being of students led to the founding of her micro schools, where students are encouraged to find their passions and purpose through the concept of Ikigai. In this episode, you will be able to: Embrace the benefits of personalized learning through micro-schools for more individualized education experiences. Foster connections between education, belonging, and youth empowerment in your local communities for a brighter future. Delve into the concept of Ikigai to help students find harmony among their skills, passions, and purpose in school settings. Understand the significance of volunteering and supporting organizations, such as Safe Passage/Camino Seguro in Guatemala in changing lives. And so much more! Thanks again and welcome to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/ Resource mentioned: Agilities - https://agilities.org/

“Does this inspire me or does this expire me? Does this person inspire me or does this person expire me? This piece of clothing I'm about to wear, do I feel inspired by this? Or expired?” - Wendy Petersen My special guest is Wendy Petersen, a driven entrepreneur with a diverse and inspiring background. She joins me on Good Life Stories to discuss embracing risks for personal and professional growth. Wendy has degrees in biology, a passion for French, and has worked in corporate America for medical sales. Her unique experiences have shaped her into a well-rounded individual capable of overcoming various challenges. Wendy's commitment to personal development is evident through her long-standing book club, which has evolved into a mastermind group for entrepreneurs. As a seasoned traveler, she frequently visits Sri Lanka, connecting with her husband's roots and embracing new cultures. A risk-taker at heart, found herself in a tricky situation when her rental van broke down en route to an important appointment. Always up for a challenge, she didn't let that minor setback stop her. Instead of canceling the appointment, Wendy hopped on a power wheelchair and rode three miles to the client's home. That day, she not only closed the sale but also earned tremendous respect from her boss and colleagues. It was a testament to Wendy's ability to embrace risks and make the most of difficult situations. In this episode, you will be able to: Boost your personal and professional achievements by embracing and navigating risks. Discover Wendy's exceptional talent for high-level pattern recognition and its benefits. Uncover the profound connection between psychology, fashion, and confidence building. And so much more! Thanks again and welcome to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

"Being underestimated is a superpower. Let them underestimate you because then they will not be on their guard." Maija Solderholm is a martial arts expert with decades of experience training with the likes of Sonny Umpad. Sonny taught her an invaluable lesson: To use being underestimated as a superpower. He would often set up tests, like making her spar with other men. She soon learned that it was a great way to understand people, as they revealed their true character when they had to confront the reality of being beaten by a woman. Through this, Maija learned to be comfortable in uncertainty and to navigate the ultimate conflict of two human beings. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. How does one handle themselves in the ultimate conflict? 2. Is being underestimated a superpower? 3. What does it mean when someone reacts to being mildly humiliated? Thanks again and welcome to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

Maija Solderholm has a passion for exploring the world. After being invited by two friends to ride motorcycles across the Himalayas, she spent a year encountering the intense culture and beautiful scenery of India. She learned that people are always willing to help and that the roads are unpredictable. After finally beginning to relax into the rhythm of life’s journey, Maija found a joy in fell running, connecting to nature and discovering her own strength. She had finally discovered her passion and a new outlook on life. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. How is it possible to navigate India without roadmaps? 2. What is the experience of riding a motorcycle across the Himalayas like? 3. How can running in bad weather with a Sony Walkman connect you to your ancestors? Thanks again and welcome to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

 Hey there, and welcome to Good Life Stories. This is your host Tracy, and I am so excited for today's episode. My guest today is Shelly McIntyre. She is a coach and helps people bring clarity to their lives when they're going through significant personal and professional changes. She and I had a wonderful conversation today about how she came to coaching. Just some cool life thoughts and a whole bunch more. I really hope you enjoy listening to Shelly and learning something from her today. The biggest thing I've learned from her is about something called the Grief Recovery Method. I hope you learned something too today. Thanks again and welcome to Good Life Stories. About Shelley McIntyre Shelley McIntyre is a transition coach who works with people going through personal and professional changes. She came to coaching after careers in strategy consulting and project management. Website: https://shelleymcintyre.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelleycoaches/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-mcintyre/ About Tracy Crowley Tracy Crowley has always been an entrepreneur. Whether it was making gowns for fellow Army wives, taking portraits in black and white, or working on her other businesses, she is always learning something new. That passion for learning something new and giving something back collide nicely in this podcast. Join Tracy for Good Life Stories, where simple curiosity brings out great stories, every single time. Website: https://goodlifestories.com/

 Hey everybody, this is Tracy with Good Life Stories. I can't wait for you to listen today to Angie Domenigoni. I've known Angie for years, and I’m talking to her today about almost losing her son over a waterfall, the challenges of raising kids and getting older, as well as how she came to settle on her favorite quote… “I am enough.” I’m so excited for you to listen today. Welcome, Angie Domenigoni to Good Life Stories.

Today Traci Neal from Columbia, South Carolina joins the podcast. She is a performing poet and professional writer. She's been featured in the New York Times, Storyberries, Inspire More, She Magazine and several other media publications. She has been winning awards around the country and was the second-place winner in the virtual poetry slam, taking it global in Toronto, Canada. I am thrilled to have Traci on the show today. She is truly talented and was gracious enough to do a bit of her spoken word performance during our podcast. You are going to love it!

Sex educator Amy Lang shares her story of how she went from being embarrassed by her work to becoming a champion of comprehensive sex education. In this episode, you will learn: 1. How the Netherlands has the best teen sexual health outcomes 2. How to talk to kids about sex without being traumatizing 3. The importance of sex education in the US If you're feeling like you're struggling to get your teenager to open up to you about their sex life, then this episode is for you! Thanks so much for listening to Good Life Stories. I hope you enjoy this episode. Visit our website at https://goodlifestories.com/ for more show notes and additional episodes. Please subscribe and consider rating and reviewing this show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help others connect to us with a Good Life Story.

My guest today is Marla Azinger. Marla is a lot of things. I have known her for a very, very long time. And the conversation you're going to get to sit in on is far ranging. We chatted about what she learned training guide dogs, and how that helped her relationship as well as her family relationships. What it's like to live with ghosts! And we also dive into her latest project, a novel she’s been working on that is amazingly good. She has some fascinating tales to share, and I can't wait for you to hear from her. Thanks so much for listening to good life stories. I hope you enjoyed this episode. Visit our website at https://goodlifestories.com/ for more show notes and additional episodes. Please subscribe and consider rating and reviewing this show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help others connect to us with a Good Life Story.

Hi, this is Tracy Crowley with Good Life Stories. Today, I have a person who I feel a little bit like a superstar on my show. Her name is Erin Jones. She and I met six years ago when she was running for office in the state of Washington. I am so thrilled because today Erin got to share some truly amazing life stories with me. From meeting Anwar Sadat's wife, to getting to try out for two WNBA teams, and finally watching her son walk across the stage to earn his Master of Fine Arts. She has led an amazing life and I can't wait for you to hear from her. Thanks so much for listening to good life stories. I hope you enjoyed this episode. Visit our website at https://goodlifestories.com/ for more show notes and additional episodes. Please subscribe and consider rating and reviewing this show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help others connect to us with a Good Life Story.

Today on Good Life Stories we have Katherine Best Caputo. She is a yoga teacher and mom currently living in North Carolina. And I add her on to talk about what it's like to be a mom who is balancing being a stay-at-home mom with having a side hustle of her own and how she got to where she is today. She shares her story of how she developed a really special and unique practice of yoga, Sabbath Yoga. The focus of Sabbath Yoga, Katherine tells us, is to create that margin of space for people to experience rest, peace, and stillness in God's presence. And the vision is for the practice to be one of the most soul nurturing times of your week, connecting with your body, breath, mind, and spirit. Thanks so much for listening to good life stories. I hope you enjoyed this episode. Visit our website at https://goodlifestories.com/ for more show notes and additional episodes. Please subscribe and consider rating and reviewing this show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help others connect to us with a Good Life Story.

Today I’m chatting with Coach Beth, Chief Running Officer of Running Evolution. She has personally coached almost 2,500 non-runners to run distances from 5Ks to marathons. Running Evolution is the ultimate training community for people who think they hate running. They train you to run in a non-competitive forum that offers up plenty of encouragement, guidance, friendly faces, buttslaps, and the occasional beer. In addition to being a certified running coach through Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) and a certified personal trainer, Beth is also a taco lover, beer drinker, and former “person who was terrified of running.” True story, before Beth was a coach, she was just a non-runner who took a whole year to run her first 5K . . . a long and agonizing year full of crying, cussing, and tantrums. It took her so long because she was scared. Scared she was going to die and scared that she looked dumb. Eventually, she fell in love with running . . . and I knew if she could overcome a few of her 10,000 fears and start, then she could show other people how to do the same. So join us for this episode and get inspired, I know I am! Thanks so much for listening to good life stories. I hope you enjoyed this episode. Visit our website at https://goodlifestories.com/ for more show notes and additional episodes. Please subscribe and consider rating and reviewing this show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help others connect to us with a Good Life Story.

Wenda Zonnefeld joins me for this episode to chat about some of her experiences as a musician, composer, inventor, and instrument repair expert. Wenda creates music that makes you feel and she says even her dreams have music! For several years, Wenda had a little shop where she repaired and rebuilt musical instruments. Some of her past clients were Phil Woods, Bud Shank, Pete Christlieb, Bill Ramsay, Nick Brignola. She also repaired emergencies at the Bud Shank Jazz Clinic in Port Townsend and during our conversation she shares some of her stories from her time there. Thanks so much for listening to good life stories. I hope you enjoyed this episode. Visit our website at https://goodlifestories.com/ for more show notes and additional episodes. Please subscribe and consider rating and reviewing this show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help others connect to us with a Good Life Story.

This is Tracy, and I'm delighted you've joined me for this episode of Good Life Stories. I created this podcast because I believe we are all seeking connection and what better way to do that than through story. So get ready. These stories are meant to suck you in. I want to capture the moment of connectedness you feel when someone shares a good story with you, feeling where you're set in, forgetting time is passing or you’re transported into their world… truly connected. The last two years have been extraordinarily hard for everyone. Everyone has lost someone or missed out on something that will never happen again, as we struggle out of this pandemic as if we're emerging from some strange cave blinking, as we come into the light, the reason relieving that strange cave is we are all seeking connection. I want to give you that sense of connection by sharing my friends' stories with you. When someone says, I'm going to tell you a story you instinctively lean in and are more ready to listen. So get ready. These stories are meant to suck you in and capture something priceless and worthy of sharing. Welcome to Good Life Stories. Thanks so much for listening to good life stories. I hope you enjoyed this episode. Please visit our website at https://goodlifestories.com/ for more show notes and additional episodes. Please subscribe and consider rating and reviewing this show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help others connect to us with a Good Life Story.