The Heart of the Matter

In this episode, I’m with my co-host Vicki Atkinson and we are talking about the seasonal shift that comes with September. No matter where we are in life, somehow the arc of life seems noticeable as we move from summer to fall.

So Vicki and I talk about how to be active and engaged in productive way. Drawing on Vicki’s experience as a professor and dean, we talk through how to shift from September stress to September savor, our ability to fully taste and enjoy the transition.

We recognize that the stress is there for educators and families as I can attest to firsthand. So we talk about the comfort of knowing that we aren’t the only ones, and how to aim for being flexible as a family. For whatever phase we are in, we discuss ways to ride the wave of change instead of being pounded by the surf.

I tell the story of a recent adventure that my family was propelled into and Vicki notes that learning happens everywhere. Which is a great way to go full circle in this episode about back to school. Because everyone, no matter how old, can tune into the vibrancy that comes with changing something, even if it’s just the season.

This is a great episode about change, stress, and doing our best to thrive amidst it all. I know you’ll love it.

Episode 134: Perfect with P.J. Gudka – Sharing the Heart of the Matter

Looking for a compelling author interview and a great newpsychological thriller to add to your reading list? In this episode of Sharing the Heart of the Matter, P. J. Gudka joins us to discuss her debut novel, Perfect, a psychological domestic thriller centered on family secrets, generationaltrauma, perfectionism, and moral complexity. We talk about her transition from poetry to fiction, how she built layered and relatable characters, and why empathy matters so much in storytelling. P. J. also shares insights into the writing process, self-publishing, the power of the writing community, and what she’s working on next.If you enjoy book podcasts, author interviews, psychological thrillers, and conversations about creativity, this episode isone you won’t want to miss.Links for this episode:Transcript: Episode 134: Perfect with P.J. Gudka transcriptPurchase "Perfect": Amazon.com: Perfect eBook : Gudka, P. J. : Kindle StorePooja's Blog: Lifesfinewhine – The Life & Ramblings Of A ZillennialFrom the hosts:Vicki’s new book – a ghost story, Slivers. Her book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne's blog: Surprised by Joy and podcast: The Life of Try

1. Episode 134: Perfect with P.J. Gudka 22:15
2. Episode 133: Shadow of the Deceiver with Dr. Wayne Runde 17:22
3. Episode 132: South Side Memories with Gloria Golec 26:09
4. Episode 131: Attacking the Dragon with Marc Ross 24:05
5. Episode 130: Take Me Back to Chicago with Doug E. Jones 28:12

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen on Anchor Episode 35: September Savor with Vicki and Wynne

Links for this Episode:

If you want to be on the podcast, or have additional guests to suggest, please email us at sharingtheheartofthematter@gmail.com

Listen on Anchor Episode 35: September Savor with Vicki and Wynne

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