In this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson and we are talking about tweaking LinkedIn to reflect our identities as authors. Dr. Atkinson has so much good advice on how to build a presence that reflects our many facets. Her professional experience as a career counselor, therapist, and educator comes shining through in this episode. We learn some great how-to’s in this episode. I found updating my LinkedIn profile to be challenging. I have 30+ years in the technology industry and I’m unsure how to marry that with my writing and experience as an author. So Vicki walks me through using headlines instead of titles. She provides a great tip about using tags to introduce some dynamism into our profile and ability to be found. Dr. Atkinson talks me through the idea of integrity as it applies to building a profile that honors ALL of who we are. As we pivot from professional experiences, interests and passions, she coaches us to do the story-telling to paint a picture of our whole-hearted experience. And finally, we talk about the use of images to compliment our presentation. I’m confident you’ll learn a lot -- and also love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling in our profiles. We know you’ll love it! Links for this episode: Episode 87 show notes PDF copy of Vicki's recommendations and LinkedIn changes presentation Wynne Leon | LinkedIn Dr. Victoria Atkinson, Ed.D. | LinkedIn It’s Never Too Late for Courage – Victoria Ponders Realizing Potential – Victoria Ponders Vicki’s book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson are with author, blogger and fantastic story-teller, Cheryl Oreglia. Cheryl takes us along 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! Links for this episode Episode 86 show notes 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) From the Hosts: Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with blogger, parent, FASD advocate and amazing human, Ab from the My Life with T blog. 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. We're confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling. We know you’ll love it! Links for this episode: Episode 85 show notes My Life with T blog by Ab In Canada: What is FASD? - CanFASD In the United States: FASDUnited.Org 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

Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with wellness educator, meditation teacher, yoga teacher, and massage therapist, Deirdre Wilcox. As Wynne's teacher and friend for nearly 30 years, Deirdre has shared so much grounded wisdom. Of her many gifts, one that we 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 about the persistent question 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 we 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 our absolute favorites, an invitation to take it all in and notice what we did with our summer before we move on. We're confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling. We know you’ll love it! Links for this episode: Episode 84 show notes Deirdre Therapeutics (deirdrewilcox.com) From the Hosts: Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson dive into 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. Links for this episode: Episode 83 show notes From the hosts: Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with author, graphic designer, and blogger, Dave Williams. We love reading something that gets our 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 beautiful places we go when we share the power of story. We know you’ll love it! Links for this episode: Episode 82 show notes 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.

In this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with blogger and retirement specialist, Michelle Oram. 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! Links for this episode: Episode 81 show notes Boomer Eco Crusader - Live Green | Declutter | Simplify Life Clutter Tales Archives - Boomer Eco Crusader From the Hosts: Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with blogger and author, Mark Petruska. Mark tells us a great story about how he willed a campsite into existence. Even better, it was for his wife’s birthday! And it was in one of my favorite places – Mt. Rainier National Park! We love Mark’s incredible mix of optimism, focus, and passion. So Vicki and I get him to elaborate how he harnesses the power of manifestation. Building on the published work of Stanford professor, Dr. James Doty, we talk about the steps Dr. Doty suggests for manifesting outcomes in our lives. This isn’t just wishing for something, it is digging one’s heels in and passionately pursuing an outcome. Which Mark illustrates beautifully with a great story about manifesting a refund. This is a great episode about the power of setting our intentions, not listening to naysayers, and manifesting the things that are important. It’s inspirational, powerful, and fun! 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! Links for this episode: Episode 80 show notes Mark My Words – MARK PETRUSKA | WRITER Ohanapecosh, By Gosh! – Mark My Words (markpetruska.com) From the Hosts: Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with retired elementary teacher, blogger, and author, Pete Springer. Pete tells us a hilarious story about a volunteer job that devolved into the giggles. And we talk about how laughter is such a great unifier and connector. Sure, there are some things in life that need to be taken seriously. But is it okay to laugh even as we are trying to do a good job? Pete carries that forward to another story about a recent mad dash through the airport. In his version of planes, carts, and shuttle vans, he delightfully reminds us that we will eventually get to our destination. And it’s better to go laughing. So please join us for this delightful episode that has Vicki and me in giggles and I know you will be chuckling right alongside us. 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! Links for this episode: Episode 79 show notes They Call Me Mom by Pete Springer Pete Springer – Passionate Teacher and Future Children's Author (wordpress.com) Sometimes You Just Have to Laugh – Pete Springer (wordpress.com) When You Crack Yourself Up: “Wind Beneath My Wings” – Victoria Ponders Other Episodes with Pete: Episode 68: The Circle of Life with Pete Springer Episode 36: They Call Me Mom with Pete Springer From the Hosts: Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode my hosts Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon talk with esteemed psychologist, Dr. Gerald Stein. Dr. Stein has become a great friend of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast so it was so fitting that he came on to share revealing and delightful stories about friendship. He tells of the three categories of friendship according to Aristotle. And we talk about the investment that it takes to build a platonic relationship with another. Of course, with investments come payoffs. And Dr. Stein coaches us through how to think about that term when it comes to friendship. In the course of any lasting relationship, apologies come into play. Dr. Stein tells us some wonderfully illustrative stories about apologies and brings us to the heart of apology. 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! About Friendship by Dr. Gerald Stein Becoming Close Friends: A Practical Guide by Dr. Gerald Stein Episode 78 show notes Dr. Gerald Stein’s Blog: Dr. Gerald Stein Other podcast episodes with Dr. Stein: Episode 60: The Perils of Prediction with Dr. Gerald Stein Episode 46: Being Your Own Best Friend With Dr. Gerald Stein – Part I Episode 47: Being Your Own Best Friend With Dr. Gerald Stein – Part II Episode 37: The Waiting Game with Dr. Gerald Stein Episode 29: Accidental Philanthropists with Dr. Gerald Stein Episode 20: The Art of the Interview with Dr. Gerald Stein From the Hosts: Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode, Vicki Atkinson and I are with Wynne's almost nine-year-old daughter, Miss O. Miss O recently sang an acapella solo at the church that Wynne's dad used to lead. Listening to her pure, soprano voice while sitting in a sanctuary where I often feel the presence of him (and Him) surrounding me, brought me to tears. So she generously sings a bit of what she sang and tells us how she prepared to sing this not once, but twice. Miss O reminds us that people are pulling for us when we step up and are brave. Then she brings all the other elements that go in to stepping up – practice, preparation, nerves and excitement. This is a wonderful episode from a young girl who feels and celebrates the generational pull of family and is willing to share her a bit of herself to honor that tie to those that have gone before. I’m certain you’ll enjoy the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story… and song. We know you’ll love it! Links for this episode Episode 77 show notes Other Episodes with Miss O Episode 45: Third Grade Writing Wisdom with Miss O From the hosts: Vicki’s personal blog: Victoria Ponders Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this week's podcast, Wynne and Vicki talked with dear friend, marketing man, and creative guru, Eric Knudson about riding the bus. Eric is a dear friend of Wynne's and a master story-teller. She's known Eric for ten years and through the years, he’s regaled her with many stories. She can’t tease out exactly the formula but it’s some combination of his use of humor, timing, and detail that makes him so entertaining to listen to. He also had the pleasure of knowing Wynne's dad and understanding what a whirlwind of energy and good-natured sociability he was. So in this episode, he brings both his fantastic storytelling and a bit of Wynne's dad to a great story about a recent bus ride. It’s hilarious, dramatic, and full of fun. Links for this episode: Episode 76 show notes Vicki’s personal blog: Victoria Ponders Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson are with blogger and retired pre-K teacher, Beth Kennedy. Beth tells us the story of an instant perspective moment. In a chance encounter with an extremely friendly man, she is both buoyed and leveled. It’s a funny and thoughtful story that is so true to Beth’s writing. In her beautifully concise presentation, she allows the sparkle of the realizations to shine bright. So we talk about how we can get lost in our own worlds until something or someone breaks through and reminds us of the big picture. Naturally, our encounters with others ripple out. This is a great conversation and story with a fantastic writer and keen observer of life that will stick with you long after it’s over. So I know you’ll enjoy the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story. We know you’ll love it! Links for this episode: Episode 75 show notes I didn't have my glasses on.... | A trip through life with fingers crossed and eternal optimism. (ididnthavemyglasseson.com) cast aside. | I didn't have my glasses on.... (ididnthavemyglasseson.com) Vicki’s personal blog: Victoria Ponders Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon talk with Melanie McGauran. Melanie is a former newspaper reporter and has a beautiful blog, Leavingthedooropen.com. Melanie tells the story of her friend, doctor and educator, Lissa McKinley. As Lissa goes through her own journey of cancer, it informs her abilities as a doctor, teacher, and humanist. Melanie tells us of her long friendship with Lissa, starting in all-girls preparatory school, and how she drew inspiration from Lissa both in life and in death. We talk about how writing helps touch others long after we’re gone, especially when we go through similar experiences. Melanie tells us about how Lissa’s joy and gratitude rippled out, even more so now that she has shared it with us. We also get to hear about Melanie’s inspiration as a writer and newspaper reporter, starting with the legacy of her grandparents who were well-known artists. This is a great episode with a fabulous writer about gratitude, empathy, and connecting with others. Through words, actions, and sometimes even tattoos. So I know you’ll enjoy the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story. We know you’ll love it! Links for this episode: Episode 74 show notes Melanie’s Blog: Leavingthedooropen.com – Real Storytelling Saving Lissa – Leavingthedooropen.com A New Me - Leavingthedooropen.com Vicki’s personal blog: Victoria Ponders Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with writer, blogger, and planner Brian Hannon. Brian tells us about how he plans family trips. He comes up with solid options and then his fellow travelers enthusiastically respond. Well, that’s the idea at least. So we talk about what it actually looks like to be a planner who is coaxing everyone along. Brian brings forward the beautiful sense of calm that comes with having something on the horizon to look forward to. And we talk about how to blend planning and spontaneity. This is a great episode for the beginning of summer. Brian’s fantastic story-telling sparks our juices for how to enjoy our planned and unplanned vacations! So I know you’ll enjoy the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story. We know you’ll love it. Links for this episode: Episode 73 show notes Two Kinds of People by Brian Hannon Brian's blog: Writing from the Heart with Brian Vicki’s personal blog: Victoria Ponders Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon talk about identity in the unemployment office. One of the fascinating positions that Vicki has held is as a career counselor at the unemployment office. She gives us a glimpse into how the jobs we do become our identity by telling us the stories of some of the people who she coached. We talk about how being a helper or a boss manifests even when someone is no longer doing that job. I love Vicki’s powers of observation and ability to draw thru lines – talents that show up when she writes, tells stories, and in the many professional roles she has played. So I know you’ll enjoy the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story. We know you’ll love it. Links for this episode: Episode 72 show notes Vicki’s personal blog: Victoria Ponders Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith Related podcast episodes: Episode 71:  Catching an Edge with Wynne and Vicki Episode 70: “A” is For Ambivalence with Vicki and Wynne Episode 69: All You Have To Do Is Ask with Wynne and Vicki

In this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson are talking about receiving unexpected feedback to our stories. We know we’re not alone in being surprised sometimes by how a story is received. We tell about an experience to a person or persons and then are shocked at how it lands. We thought it was funny and they thought it stupid. We thought it was deep and they only appreciate the surface. Whatever it is, it is out of our control for better or worse. When our inner editor starts curating the content we share, we sometimes short-circuit our ability to be fully seen. So Vicki and Wynne talk about the healing effect of telling our stories, no matter how they land. Enjoy the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story. We know you’ll love it. Links for this episode: Episode 71 show notes Vicki’s personal blog: Victoria Ponders Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson are talking about the surprising ways we can receive help and inspiration. Vicki tells us a tale of self-discovery. In response to a pesky interpersonal situation, she goes to sleep wondering if she did the right thing. She’s facing a growth moment and needs a little grace for life’s crossroads. And she gets a gift from her dearly departed dad. She tells the story about how the whispers of dreams can help us, especially when we need subtle guidance. Please join us for the story behind "A" is or Ambivalence. And imagine what the rest of the alphabet could hold if you were to envision the next thing you need to hear. B is for Bounty? C is for Connection? Please join us for the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story. We know you'll love it. Links for this Episode: Episode 70 show notes A is for Ambivalence post Lucid Dream: Vicki Style – Victoria Ponders How to Lucid Dream With Tips From Experts (verywellmind.com) Vicki’s personal blog: Victoria Ponders Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode, Wynne Leon is co-host Vicki Atkinson and we are talking about questions. It starts with a question that Wynne's eight-year-old daughter, Miss O, asked about what my dad thought about her divorce. As Wynne gives her the answer, she finally connect the dots to asking questions to her dad about his life. Many of the answers Wynne has about family and foundation came because she had the gut feeling to ask him to tell her the story of his life. Sometimes we forget to tell stories because someone has not yet asked. As our brilliant and witty friend, Jack Canfora says, "I'm an open book. I just don't know how to find the best pages." What have been our inflection points? What makes us laugh? What is meaningful? How have we overcome the rough patches? What were the things we wouldn’t wish on anyone else but made us strong? Vicki and Wynne talk about the questions and answers in this episode. Please join us for the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story. We know you'll love it. Links for this Episode: Episode 69 show notes Vicki’s personal blog: Victoria Ponders Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with blogger, author, retired elementary school teacher and great storyteller, Pete Springer. Pete’s storytelling is fantastic. And the fun twist with this particular story is that the story I told about trying to rescue Buttercup the bunny in episode 66 is what prompted Pete to volunteer to tell us about the great adventures of class pets. That’s the connective tissue of stories. We tell a story and it takes the listener someplace. Hopefully someplace worth going. Pete also shares with us the impact he’s seen for storytelling across the generations. Regardless of age, there is an intimacy when we dare to utter our personal narratives. Please join us for the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story. We know you'll love it. Or subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter. Links for this Episode: Episode 68 show notes Episode 68: The Circle of Life with Pete Springer Pete's blog: Pete Springer Pete's post about Class Pets Pete's previous HoTM podcast episode: Episode 36: They Call Me Mom with Pete Springer From the hosts: Vicki’s personal blog: Victoria Ponders Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith