The Heart of the Matter

I got the chance to meet our colleague, writer, blogger, and artist, The Goddess Attainable, Libby Saylor, in person this week. For all of you that love reading, hearing her, and seeing her amazing art on Instagram, let me tell you that she is exactly the person that you think she is: beautiful, funny, sparkling, and open. But let me tell you what I realized after having a delightful lunch with her. She is the type of person that makes one feel good about people and she relates to life in a way that makes one trust the flow of it a little more.

I get a sense of that from her writing and speaking but the effect in person is even more powerful. So I know you’ll love hearing this latest episode of the podcast where I’m with my co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson and Libby, and we talk about Libby’s essay, Old Doors are Closing but New Ones Have Not Yet Opened. We dig into that uncomfortable in-between place that we occasionally find ourselves in – experiencing the discomfort of change without the relief of knowing yet what the next thing will be. In her delightful, honest, and open way, Libby takes us into the disruptions in her life that are making her feel unsettled. And she shares what fuels her optimism for things to come.

Libby tells us a wonderful story about a similar period in her life that she had to feel her way through – and how it led to rich and rewarding experiences as she opened herself to as the doors the opened.

We talk about what to say to ourselves in the period of in-between, admitting this is hard and praying in whatever way we are inclined to be open.

Finally, Libby lets us peak into her artist ways of getting the gunk out as we tease a course that she is building for our community so that we can benefit from her depth and experience as an artist to express ourselves, even when life is uncomfortable.

This is a great episode filled with inspiration and depth as Vicki, Libby, and I talk about waiting through the periods of life that are uncomfortable and in-between. I know you’ll love it.

Episode 130: Take Me Back to Chicago with Doug E. Jones – Sharing the Heart of the Matter

In this episode of the podcast, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with novelist Doug E. Jones about Take Me Back to Chicago. Our conversation delves into the rich tapestry of 1974 Chicago, exploring the characters, music, and personal connections that shape the narrative. Doug also shares insights into his transition from TV writing as a writer for the tv show Charmed (and more) to novel writing. We also talk about the thematic elements of his work, and the humor that permeates his storytelling. The episode highlights the importance of character dynamics and the personal experiences that inform Doug's writing, making it a delightful exploration of both the book and the author's journey.TakeawaysDoug E. Jones’s novel is set in 1974 Chicago, rich with cultural references.The protagonist, Rick, faces a significant debt left by his father.The book features strong female characters, including Rick’s daughter Elena.Doug’s writing process involves integrating real Chicago characters and events.The transition from TV writing to novel writing was liberating for Doug.Music plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the story.The character dynamics between Rick and his friend Javi add humor and depth.Historical context is woven into the narrative, enhancing the story’s richness.Doug’s personal experiences influence the characters and settings in his novels.The book is described as a ‘beach read’—entertaining and engaging.Heads up! This is an episode that has already aired on the How to Share podcast so you may have already listened to it.Links for this episode:How to Share1970’s Chicago transcriptTake Me Back to Chicago by Doug E. Jones on Eckhartz PressQ&A with Take Me Back to Chicago author Doug E. JonesFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne's book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com

1. Episode 130: Take Me Back to Chicago with Doug E. Jones 28:12
2. Episode 129: Wish I Was Here with Ilsa Rey 31:47
3. Episode 128: This is Your Body on Trauma with Meg Bowman 43:10
4. Episode 127: King Copper with Lauren Scott 29:16
5. Episode 126: Cherry Whip with Michael Antman 35:50

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to Episode 24: The In-Between with Libby Saylor on Anchor

Links for this Episode:

Episode 24: The In-Between with Libby Saylor on Anchor

Libby on Instagram @libbysaylor and @thegoddessattainable