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 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 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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