Episode 39: Renaissance Woman with Michelle Oram

Posted on by Wynne Leon

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 135: This Sea Within with Deborah Brasket – Sharing the Heart of the Matter

In this episode of Sharing the Heart of the Matter, hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson talk with novelist Deborah Brasket about her new book, This Sea Within, a sweeping historical novel that blends political intrigue, love,coming-of-age, and spiritual longing. Deborah shares how her world travels, deep research, and personal reflections shaped a story rich with danger, beauty, and purpose. Together, they explore the connection between the sensualand the spiritual, the power of story to illuminate history, and what it means to be called by something greater than yourself. If you love thoughtful conversations about books, creativity, courage, and the deeper currents that move our lives, this episode is for you.Links for this episode:When Things Go Missing, A Novel – Amazon,Bookshop, Barnes & Noble This Sea Within – Pre-order on Amazon Author Website and BlogSubstack NewsletterInstagramFrom 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 135: This Sea Within with Deborah Brasket
  2. Episode 134: Perfect with P.J. Gudka
  3. Episode 133: Shadow of the Deceiver with Dr. Wayne Runde
  4. Episode 132: South Side Memories with Gloria Golec
  5. Episode 131: Attacking the Dragon with Marc Ross

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

25 thoughts on “Episode 39: Renaissance Woman with Michelle Oram”

  4. 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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    2. 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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  8. 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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