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 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 31:47
2. Episode 128: This is Your Body on Trauma with Meg Bowman 43:10
3. Episode 127: King Copper with Lauren Scott 29:16
4. Episode 126: Cherry Whip with Michael Antman 35:50
5. Episode 125: Jade's Broken Bridge with Michele Lee Sefton 29:05

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