Have you ever stood at the crossroads of change, your identity shimmering like a mirage on the horizon? Ashleigh Renard joins us in this heartfelt journey through the ebbs and flows of personal evolution. Together, we peel back the layers of our lives, sharing stories of love and faith, the transformative power of self-reflection, and the bravery it takes to be true to oneself. We delve into Ashleigh's memoirist journey—how she hung up her ice skates, graced the writer's desk, and saw her life leap from page to screen.If you've ever felt tangled in the expectations of gender roles or puzzled over the dynamics of monogamous relationships, this conversation is for you. We unravel the misconceptions about women's desires, the impact of patriarchy on sexual relationships, and the importance of assertiveness in intimacy. Our dialogue dances through the nuances of modern dating, from sifting through dating apps to the effects of surviving breast cancer on personal connections. We explore how success and vulnerability intertwine, shaping our relationships and leading us to discover what truly resonates in partnerships.As we wrap up this tapestry of personal anecdotes and shared experiences, we reflect on the spirit of triumph and the power of setting intentions for a joyous year ahead. We discuss the beauty in acknowledging past growth, embracing 'new mistakes only,' and even the fulfillment that can come from intimacy. Join us as we celebrate our personal triumphs, from nurturing parenting to transforming our living spaces, and set the stage for a year of celebration, connectivity, and continued self-discovery.WebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

You are in for a treat with this week's episode. Katrina Dorow's attitude and energy in then face of continuing struggles with breast cancer are breathtaking and inspiring. Sometimes life's biggest trials bear the greatest gifts. Katrina is a breast cancer survivor and spiritual practitioner whose story of diagnosis and spiritual growth will touch your heart. Her work with equine gestalt therapy has been a beacon of light in her journey, and her resilience, strength, and transformation will empower you to face your own struggles with light and love. Undergoing cancer treatment can be an uphill battle, even more so in the face of the global pandemic. As Katrina and I banter about our respective experiences, we are reminded of the significance of authenticity and compassion, even in the face of life's toughest challenges. We talk about navigating negativity, faith, family, genetic testing, breast reconstruction choices, and more, leaving you inspired, moved, and hopeful.WebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

I think you'll enjoy this one. I get pretty vulnerable about what's going on in my life and ask for your feedback on how you'd like to see this podcast evolve and grow. We talk about navigating life transitions, dealing with love addiction, and exploring self-image issues after breast cancer reconstruction - all while juggling a demanding job and trying to be an author/entrepreneur. In the midst of my third divorce, a recent move, Medicare open enrollment and financial challenges, I'm learning to understand and embrace the hurdles that life throws. WebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

Ready to unravel the complexities of Medicare? I'm Danielle Tantone, and in this episode, I'll be your trusty guide through the labyrinth of insurance options available to you as you approach and surpass the age of 65. A seasoned independent agent, I've cultivated an abundance of knowledge about how the whole thing works. Together, we'll fend off the overwhelming influx of information, sidestep deceptive tactics and dodge fraudulent calls. I like to say that Medicare is the silver lining, the hidden gem of getting older. And my goal is to unpack it in a way that is simple, understandable, peaceful, and even fun. Beyond original Medicare which only covers you 80% and leaves you with unlimited financial risk, the two principal options are Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans. Both have their pluses and minuses, and I'll lay them out for you in an unbiased manner. There's no one-size-fits-all right choice. Whether you're researching Medicare options for yourself or someone you care about, this episode could be your first step to help you make the most informed decisions about healthcare coverage. So, buckle up and let's get started!Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me here:https://calendly.com/danielle-tantone/30minWebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

When faced with my own double mastectomy, I was fortunate enough to find skilled and empathetic support from Dr. Tim Matatov, a highly regarded plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics. This episode is an in-depth conversation about that journey, where we unpack the marvels and challenges of reconstructive surgery, the options available to breast cancer patients, and the anatomical and biological traits that play a critical role in the process.Navigating the difficult choices that come with a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That's why Dr. Matatov and I get candid about the importance of shared decision-making and how information overload can lead to 'choice paralysis.' We also talk about breast implant illness and the challenges in accommodating all types of reconstruction. We round off this enlightening conversation by exploring the options for breast reconstruction using silicone implants, autologous tissue reconstruction, and other types of flap surgeries. We highlight the risks, particularly the risk of flap loss, and share how these can be minimized. The process of nipple reconstruction and the role of medical tattoos in creating an illusion of an areola are given their due attention. This episode is a valuable listen for anyone grappling with breast cancer and considering reconstructive surgery. WebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

Are you worried about the intimidating process of college planning? In this episode, I sit down with Shawn Coates, the owner of Class 101 Mesa Gilbert. We hired Shawn to help our daughter choose the right school, create a stellar application, and secure the best scholarship opportunities. She demystified the process for us, and I know she can do so for you, too.We delve into a wide array of topics, from exploring student interests in careers like medicine to the intricacies of college application deadlines and financial considerations. Shawn gives us a glimpse into unique programs and activities that high school students can pursue to make themselves competitive candidates for college applications. She also unravels the complexities of college application processes, touching on the pros and cons of early action, early decision, and regular decision. Along the way, she stresses the importance of having a backup plan and doing due diligence before making a decision.Lastly, Shawn doesn't shy away from the often dreaded issue of college affordability. She shares her wisdom on how students and families can navigate the financial aspect, and the crucial role of scholarships in easing the burden. She also emphasizes the need to understand the true cost of a college education and to consider more affordable college options. So tune in, and let this illuminating conversation guide you and your child in the college planning process.WebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

Hi there. Welcome to Piece of Work, the Podcast. I’m Danielle Tantone. I’m a nurse, author, coach, and survivor. I love inspiring people to live their best life, reach for those big dreams, and find joy even in the pain.As I wrote my memoir over so many years, trying to make sense of a story where I was way too often the bad guy instead of the hero, I came to understand that we are all a piece of work. But we’re also a work in progress. And even in our messiness, we are a work of art, too. All at the very same time. In fact we are all beautifully unique pieces of one masterpiece, waves in the same ocean.This podcast will explore the stories and struggles that make us human, the miracles that surround us, and all the ways we work to make sense of it all. Welcome to Piece of Work, The Podcast, with Danielle Tantone.WebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

Getting to know James, contemplating our conflicting religions, trying to figure out if we have a future together...My first husband, Ian, didn’t believe in God, but we still celebrated Christmas. I even cut down my first Christmas tree with him. According to him, I was too “religious.” But the truth is I’ve always been more spiritual than religious - seeking truth, trying to understand God and people, never simply following the rules and reciting prayers and rituals by rote. In my mind, “religious” is doing things the way they’re supposed to be done, without asking why. It’s a lot of shoulds and shouldn’ts. There are religious Jews, Christians, Catholics, Mormons, Muslims, even atheists. That’s not me. But I’ve always been interested in religion, faith, humanity, and understanding the divine power that to me is undeniable on this earth and in each of us. I guess that’s one reason my first marriage didn’t last long. How could I be with someone who doesn’t even believe there’s a God, when I see the evidence of His amazing handiwork everywhere I look - in a baby’s smile, a patch of grass, a bird’s song, the kindness of people, the tiny miracles of everyday life?~~~I make sure James understands that I’ve been married and divorced already, and that even if I hadn’t, I never even considered saving sex for marriage. I tell him a little bit about Ian, and he reveals that he’s recently broken up with a girl named Janie, the first girlfriend he’d had since high school, when he decided to swear off dating in favor of mountain biking.As soon as we start talking about past relationships, I’m struck with the absolute certainty that this handsome 26-year-old, 6’4” man is a virgin.  “Did you have sex with Janie?” I ask, already knowing the answer.“No.”“Have you ever had sex?”“No.”“Are you waiting for marriage?” I ask, knowing he is. “Yes,” James says, breathing a sigh of relief and looking at me with a bewildered expression, his eyes asking, “How on earth could you have guessed that?” I know because this conversation is like a déjà vu of another conversation 10 years ago with Lewis, a Christian guy I dated briefly in college. It’s because of Lewis that I even know this is still a thing people do: saving themselves for marriage in the name of Jesus. WebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

My friend and fellow Medicare Agent Brian McArthur talks about the ABCDs of Medicare and the Medicare Execution Process he uses with financial advisors. Then we get personal and he shares the story of a deadly accident on a California freeway that changed his life...WebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

My friend Rebecca Johnson happened to be in sweltering hot AZ, so we thought we'd chat on the podcast. Just like me, she's a self-proclaimed hot mess and a work in progress. Her best friend's son was murdered, her husband died suddenly, and then she found out she had a rare form of eye cancer. That would be enough to knock the life out of anyone. But laughter, friendship, breakdowns, work...and trips to the hot Arizona desert helped her heal. Her advice to anyone grieving or suffering: Take Five. Take five minutes, take five hours, take five days, take five months...but don't take five years. We talked about love and marriage, marking anniversaries. We talked about the South, front porches...and the reality beyond the glossy photos...We laughed about dry heat versus humid heat. We talked about paddling the Salt River.You'll love her energy, her sweet southern accent and her heart. Listen wherever you listen to podcasts and please share, subscribe and review to help others find us. Rebecca's podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-is-not-dead-just-my-husband-widow-your-way-with/id1634500331Rebecca's podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mq7NZAavYxyKwjg2ZnWTj?si=80009c8f7adf4b1bWebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

This week’s episode is an excerpt from my book, Piece of Work. Chapter 1 - Looking for Love...SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2003I take a bite of the best peanut butter and jelly sandwich I’ve ever tasted, soft breadbursting with sticky grape jelly and smooth salty peanut butter. Mmm. It’s possibleanything would taste good right now, but I’m savoring every bite of this deliciousness.After almost eight hours on the tiny hard seat of my road bike, I’m sitting alone ata picnic table outside the cafeteria of the only high school in Gila Bend, Arizona. I canalmost feel my blood sugar perking up, my muscles refueling on carbs, fat and protein.Always watching my weight, I mentally calculate my calories in versus calories out. I’ve burned maybe 2000 calories, and only eaten a few energy bars, some banana halves, a turkey sandwich at lunch, and a packet of chocolate Gu. Surely, I must have lost a few pounds in all those hours. I’ve always been short and curvy, never quite as skinny as I wanted to be.It’s Saturday - no kids on campus today. Just a bunch of crazy adultsparticipating in the 2003 MS150, a two-day, 150-mile cycling event that benefits Multiple Sclerosis.A glob of jelly plops down on my thigh and I look down in an exhausted haze atmy aching, tingling legs. They don’t look any leaner. Maybe a little tanner, though? Orperhaps that’s just a layer of sweat and grime. Regardless, I scoop the jelly up with myfinger and lick it unabashedly. God made dirt and dirt don’t hurt.My right calf has some chain grease on it, a rookie mark, my cycling buddies incollege would call it. I should be out of the rookie phase by now. But I think the guys Iworked with at Outdoor Adventures would be glad to see how far I’ve come on the little purple Cannondale road bike they helped me pick out 10 years ago. It was like it was waiting there for me, on sale, mounted up on a pedestal, extra small just for me. I rode it around the parking lot, and I’ve been working hard to become a real cyclist ever since.I’m 29 now, still not fast on the bike, and hardly the ideal image of a cyclist, but I’ll givemyself credit for being one persistent little Energizer Bunny...Piece of Work, a Memoir: We are all a Piece of Work, a Work in Progress, and a Work of Art. Available in all formats on Amazon and select bookstores. The Audible version is read by yours truly. You can use one of your Audible credits or even sign up for a free trial. I love listening to audiobooks while driving, walking, doing laundry. In some ways I like audiobooks even better than actually reading.Order your copy here: https://amzn.to/3WxwAKOWebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

This episode was a special treat. I somehow managed to convince my 17-year old daughter to come on my podcast - and she did brilliantly!I think you'll enjoy getting a peek inside her brain and heart as she eloquently and honestly shares a few of her recent experiences. This episode will give you a taste of  what it's like to come of age and navigate life as a teenager in these roaring 20s. With cell phones, social media, a charged political climate, a pandemic, and a sometimes stressful home life, it's a very different experience than I knew growing up. Some highlights:What Camryn learned at Girl's State that she'll take with her the rest of her lifeHow the college application process makes you feel like you have to "shatter yourself on the floor" like piggy bank or "core yourself like a peach." She's an amazing poet and shared one of her poems about college admissions...What it was like starting high school during COVIDHow communication, connection and dating have changed with phones and social mediaHow social media has exacerbated the polarizing politics of todayUnderstanding that the other side isn't your enemy...learning to listen to people who think differently than youAdjusting our lens to see a new perspectiveBeing patient, enjoying the messy middle, sticking with things and knowing when to pivotLIfe can be short, but life can be long, and it's never too late to chase those dreams! Life is about "both" "and"Camryn is perhaps not a typical teenager, but I think she offers a unique glimpse into the experience of our kids today...WebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

This one is sort of an informal interview, with Mike asking me the questions...then of course interjecting has own thoughts along with my answers! (When Mike and I are together on the podcast, there's always a lot of banter, but thankfully our usual  bickering  is held at bay by the microphones in front of our faces!)We lived just a few miles fro one another in the suburbs of Chicago, IllinoisGrew up in Scottsdale, AZ - when it was just a little western town (met Mike in high school. but didn't;t get together until 20+ years later!)Being multi-passionate in college, having many interests: musical theater, journalism, frenchBecoming  a multi-passionate entrepreneur - from real estate, writing, insurance...Becoming a nurseFeeling fractured, confused, but able to focus on one thing at a time - Who am I in this moment?All the meanings of the word work - art work, life work, hard work...What it feels like to be a young vivacious soul in an aging bodyDoing young people things at an older age - going back to school. having babies older, getting married and being a newlywedHow time goes so quickly and age is such a relative term and feelingHow marriage can be hard - we definitely do not have a stress free marriage!How different people fight, handle their emotions, communicate, and regulate their emotionsWhat my mom thinks about my bookPassionate speech, raising voices, heated discussionsHow people respond to you is more about them than about you. It's really not about you at all. Even as we become more enlightened, make so much progress, we are all still just human, We have good days and bad, happy and sad, days we get it mostly right and days we get it mostly bad.Life isn’t linearReacting to the world around usKids, schedule, planning, forgetting thingsReflecting on my own births and  babies every single day while helping patients give birth and witnessing babies born.The brain as a sponge. We can only hold so many memories in it. At some point, if we want new memories, we have to wring it out and we may lose some of the old info to still bring in new.Juggling jobs, family, business, dreamsCommunication, listening more than we speak, fighting well, being stubborn.We both always have to have the last wordMike can Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, emotionally up and downThe love of my kids - even though teenagers are harder than toddlersMy greatest need has always been to be seen and understood. This is pretty tough with teenagers who just don't see you at all. Feeling invisibleI’m a strong woman, I’ve come through a lot, and I have to be me. If you would like to share your story on the show, please reach out….WebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

Listen in to this deeply honest chat with interior designer Kara San Julian about breast cancer, kicking addictions, and taking control of her own life and health.Kara was in the middle of Living Spaces with a design client when she got the news that she had cancer. ..She continued to drink heavily even while on chemo...But eventually she found healing and sobriety on her own terms.We chatted about:Benefits and hazards of Dr. GoogleOncotype test, chemotherapy, radiation, tamoxifen, Doxorubicin, The Red DevilDrinking and breast cancerAlcoholism and other addictionsGoing through Chemo during the holidaysTaxol NeuropathyPorts and caustic medicinesEducation via TikTok Night nurse brain and chemo brainOncotypesTreatment options - lumpectomy versus single mastectomy versus double mastectomyOncologistsIUDs and cancer riskOpting out of treatmentsFinding Sobriety during chemoCOVID alcoholicsDrinking beer for breakfastWriting cold turkey Caretakers and support systemsLove addictionAnd more...WebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

My husband, Michael and I bantered about work, words, and everything else. We chatted about jobs and work, Cabbage Patch Kids, generational differences, raising teenagers, aging parents and Medicare. Then we discussed bestselling author Colleen Hoover, BookTok, writing, and books made into movies. We talked about the editing of my own book, Piece of Work - its many themes - redemption, breast cancer, finding yourself, relationships, running, being human, and fumbling our way through life authentically. We are all a Piece of Work, a Work in Progress and a Work of Art.WebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

Loved this chat with my friend Laura Maurer. Laura is a marketing strategy consultant and business coach for women entrepreneurs, helping them to gain clarity around their goals and create a clear roadmap to bring their vision to life. She's also the host of the Calm The Hell Down Podcast, where she explores unexpected ways that we can lead calmer and more joyful lives, and takes you behind the scenes as she and her partner build a retreat center on the coast of Ecuador.See her work at https://www.lauramaurer.comListen to her podcast Calm the Hell Down https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/calm-the-hell-down/id1634298658On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasmaurer/WebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

Fun and focused conversation with my friend Brenda Winkle, a trauma-informed breath work facilitator, Reiki Master, Theta Healing Practitioner, coach and podcaster.http://brendawinkle.com http://instagram.com/brendawinkle/http://facebook.com/brenda.winkle.empowermentWebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

Five years ago when I was considering going back to school to become a nurse in my mid-40s, I read a book called The Shift that gave me an amazingly accurate view into a day in the life of a nurse. It was my great honor to sit down with Theresa Brown, the author of that book. Her third book, Healing: When a Nurse Becomes a Patient came out in paperback last month. It's a wonderful read about health and caring, breast cancer, grief, and healing. We had such a fun discussion about being a new nurse, an old nurse, a cancer survivor, a writer. You can find Theresa here:On InstagramOn her websiteWebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

You'll love this lively discussion with my new friend, Heat (short for Heather). A fellow cancer survivor, Heat is a writer and photographer whose path includes teaching elementary band, a bout with Hodgkin's lymphoma, health coaching, triathlon, rock climbing, and mom to one son and two dogs. She is occasionally hilarious and always curious and is currently working on helping people have better scripts for interacting with their loved ones with cancer.WebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok

This is the first episode I've ever recorded all by myself without anyone else to banter with and bounce things off of. Of course, I didn't run out of things to say. I think I may have even shared a little bit of wisdom.  Listen as I share my thoughts about:My trip to NY and Ivy league college tour with my daughterFront porchesWhy I want to call my coaching system Refresh Renew RelatePicking up penniesSigns, signs, everywhere we lookWhat we can learn about my experience with the game of GolfSticking with itThere's no right amount of time it should take to get thereWhat I'm readingLessons in Chemistry - by Bonnie GarmusCurly HairEmbracing what's natural, going with the flow, intuitive and intentionalMedicare businessNursing, clinicals, IVs and Night ShiftHelping people birth their book, business or breakthroughHelping other people see their potentialIntro to my book, Piece of Work, a MemoirWebsitePiece of Work, a MemoirInstagramFacebookTikTok