In this episode of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast where we bring you talented creatives who inspire you to reach your next level of personal growth, I’m with my co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, and blogger, and musician Michelle Oram.
Finding out how people came to blogging is so fascinating. So we dig into what brought Michelle to blogging four years ago. But more interesting than that – is why people stay. Michelle tells us how her mission of sustainability has evolved over time.
Michelle’s professional life focuses on retirement so it’s fitting that the book that she plans on writing when she retires is on that topic. But she tells us that it’s not usual topics of identity and purpose that she plans on tackling but instead on the systems of retirement and how to navigate them.
We know it’ll be a great book and that she will do it. Because anyone that reads Michelle’s blog knows she has a great track record of working towards goals. She manifests accountability on her blog and monthly round-up. In this episode, she tells us how that works for her. And then we dig into her current focus – her 60 before 60 goals. Guess what? Podcasting is one of them so Vicki and I find out if being on our podcast counts.
Music is another theme that is interwoven into Michelle’s life. She tells us the story about how she came to sing for a band that performs regularly and the fun and zest that brings into her life.
Determined. Driven. Interesting. Fun. Michelle shows us how those four traits come together with creativity to build a full life.
This is a great episode featuring a writer that we know and love. It’s so much fun to see what goes into this Renaissance Woman. We know you’ll love it!
Episode 131: Attacking the Dragon with Marc Ross – Sharing the Heart of the Matter
Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen on Anchor Episode 39: Renaissance Woman with Michelle Oram
Links for this Episode:
Listen on Anchor Episode 39: Renaissance Woman with Michelle Oram
Michelle’s blog: Boomer Eco Crusader
Molly from Transatlantic Notes article A Greener World: Debunking Myths about Climate Change
If you want to be on the podcast, or have additional guests to suggest, please email us at sharingtheheartofthematter@gmail.com
The Heart of the Matter 
Such a treat to visit with you, Michelle! Thank you. 🙂
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A pleasure for me to chat with you both! Thanks. 💚
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Thank you Wynne and Vicki for having me on your podcast. It was such fun! And I got to tick another item off my “60 Before 60” list!
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Woohoo! You inspire US Michelle! 😉
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💚🤗💚
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So fun! And really interesting as well. Thanks for sharing some of yourself with us and our listeners!
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Ooh, thank you so much for mentioning my article! I really enjoyed listening to this episode of the podcast— always great to hear more from Michelle!
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Loved your great article, Molly! Thanks for listening!
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Michelle, your views on retirement were interesting. Yes, many of us are living longer. But many of us are dropping dead right before or right after retiring (that would stink!). A song sung by you would have been a stress relieving treat, especially since you’d be relieving your own stress as well! Good luck, Michelle! Thank you, Wynne and Vicki, for the interesting podcast. 🙂
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Thanks for listening, Nancy! 😉
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That’s true Nancy. We’ve all heard sad stories about, or known, people who died right before or after retirement. Statistically speaking, though, if you’re alive at 65, there’s a very good chance you’ll live another 25 years or more. And there’s a growing body of knowledge that the loss of purpose and social connection from our work can actually shorten our lives if we don’t find a way to replace it. I’m definitely not suggesting we work until we drop, but I think there’s a place for encore careers and part-time work for people who want it. Thanks for listening. Maybe next time I’ll sing a song. 😉
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I’d love to be blogging for another 25 years! 🙂
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Thanks for listening and commenting, Nancy!
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Oooh, can’t wait to listen!!
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🙂 ❤
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What a fun podcast! Thank you all 🙂
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Glad you liked it, Deb. Thanks for listening! ❤
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Totally on board with Michelle’s philosophy on retirement. Having a life with purpose is what gets our juices flowing. The way seniors are treated in our society is abominable. Every person has value and should be treated for respect.
As a goal setter, I like the 60 for 60 challenge. Best of luck to Michelle in achieving her goals.
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Love your values and respect for everyone, Pete!
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