Episode 33: Love Lessons with Mark Petruska

Posted on by Wynne Leon

It seems like the vein of stories about dates that didn’t go well is as wide as it is deep, and usually worth a giggle. I remember a good friend telling me the story about a date who showed up to pick her up for dinner with a Big Head Barbie affixed to his hood ornament. As she tried to puzzle out what this said for his value system or sense of humor, she was then stunned when they parked at a restaurant, he removed Big Head Barbie, and then stowed her away in a sack so she wouldn’t get stolen. She might not have fully pieced together the symbolism of Big Head Barbie but she quickly figured out that it was more drama than she was willing to sign up for.

Knowing from Mark Petruska’s hilarious and entertaining post, Purple Trans Ams, White Lies & Green Cards, that he had some good dating misadventures to mine, Vicki and I were able to get him to come back on the podcast to talk about love lessons.

Mark has us laughing about all the things that can go wrong when we put ourselves out there. And how that sometimes leaves us looking for the nearest exit.

We dig into a few of his funny dating stories to find the secret behind staying resilient on the trail to true love. And Mark treats us to the key that led him to Tara.

As I shared a couple of my own misadventures as well as my own ambivalence about dating that I have these days, Mark reminds me that being on the fence is not where dreams are found.

Which leads us to the wonderful conclusion of this delightful episode where Mark shares some of his love advice that both rings true and is so well-said. And then we get Vicki, who just celebrated her 42nd wedding anniversary, to chime in with the secret she’s found for relationships.

This is a great episode about how misadventure leads us to love. I know you’ll love it. And another thing I know you’ll love is our catchy new podcast music composed for us by the exquisitely talented Jack Canfora and Rob Koenig. I hope you give it a listen!

Episode 129: Wish I Was Here with Ilsa Rey – Sharing the Heart of the Matter

Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson talk with author Ilsa Rey about her book, Wish I Was Here that will be released on December 23, 2025. The conversation delves into the thrilling narrative where Anna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill and is kidnapped for it. In a desperate attempt to save him, Anna takes the pill herself, leading to a race against time to find him and secure the antidote before she remains invisible forever.Ilsa tells us about her 10 year journey of writing the book as well as all the ways she used rejection and feedback to grow. We talk about writing in the zone as well as the research that goes into great books like Wish I Was Here.TakeawaysAnna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill.Isaac is kidnapped for his invention.Anna takes the invisibility pill to save herself.She has one week to find Isaac and the antidote.Remaining invisible could lead to insanity and death.Anna must follow clues left by Isaac.The story explores themes of friendship and urgency.The narrative is filled with adventure and suspense.The invisibility pill serves as a catalyst for the plot.The stakes are high as Anna races against time.Links for this episode:For show notes and more great inspiration, please see https://sharingtheheartofthematter.comVideo Trailer for "Wish I Was Here": https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Py-B0EbMMmEV3QBsxDHxVX4Pfr3d04wy/view?usp=sharingPurchase Wish I Was Here on Black Rose WritingIlsa's blog: Writing and Martial ArtsFrom 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 129: Wish I Was Here with Ilsa Rey
  2. Episode 128: This is Your Body on Trauma with Meg Bowman
  3. Episode 127: King Copper with Lauren Scott
  4. Episode 126: Cherry Whip with Michael Antman
  5. Episode 125: Jade's Broken Bridge with Michele Lee Sefton

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to on Anchor Episode 33: Love Lessons with Mark Petruska

Links for this Episode:

Episode 33: Love Lessons with Mark Petruska on Anchor

Mark’s Blog: Mark My Words

⁠No Time for Kings⁠ by Mark Petruska – a fantastic eco-thriller!

21 thoughts on “Episode 33: Love Lessons with Mark Petruska”

  2. What a relatable conversation. Who hasn’t had a purple Trans Am date before? I’m with Mark about smoking being one of my instant turnoffs, especially if someone isn’t forthcoming about that. Though happily married for 37 years, I agree with much of the advice doled out. Don’t be on the fence or be afraid to dust ourselves off and try again. That same advice should apply to other areas besides our love lives. A key to a successful relationship, in my opinion, is you must be good together while also having your separate interests. I would never ask my wife to give up something that’s important to her, and I know she wouldn’t of me. My wife and I also haven’t stopped laughing together since day one, and laughter makes everything better.

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    2. I love your comment about laughter making everything better. Yes! And I love your relationship advice about being good together and having separate interests. So good.

      As is your rhetorical question – who hasn’t had a purple trans am date before. So good! Thanks, Pete!

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  5. I keep forgetting to comment specifically about the beautiful music Jack and Rob created…composed…performed for us. It’s magical and uplifting. Please extend our gratitude – over and over again, Wynne – to them for their generosity and talent. 🥰🥰🥰

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