Hi -- I'm Vicki and I’m a big believer in the power of connection – taking time to share what matters most. I love pondering...thinking about work, family and home life and I enjoy blogging about all of it. Cheers!
On Saturday Night Live, the celebrity hosts receive a special, commemorative “5 Timers Club“ jacket. Resplendent in rich navy velvet – smoking jacket style. Lush. Luxurious. By my count, this podcast episode with the talented Mark Petruska is his eighth guest gig here on Heart of the Matter! I think we owe Mark some swag. … More Episode 101: Out of Our Comfort Zone with Mark Petruska
“Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood.”-George Orwell, 1984, Chapter 2, Page 252 A former student – one who’s struggling right now – brought this quote (above) to my attention recently. I’d read “1984” many moons ago but that particular line? I didn’t recall it. The powerlessness that … More As We Sat Together
Holy Cow, Sports Fans! This is Episode 100. How did THAT happen? Across two years, Wynne and I have interviewed dozens of guests and have giggled more than I ever thought possible. Listening, learning, sharing…the Heart of the Matter. With you. In this milestone episode, we took a little time to be reflective. Looking at … More Episode 100: Celebrate with Us!
Our dear friend, author, blogger, mentor to many and former educator, Pete Springer recently wrote a beautiful essay about one of the most influential people in his life, Nancy Wheeler. In this episode, you’ll learn why Nancy was an impactful force for Pete and countless others – as an educator and leader who never lost … More Episode 99: The Gift That Keeps Giving with Pete Springer
There’s a quote attributed to Robin Williams that I appreciate. I’m not sure if it’s a line from a movie or if it’s a quote from a stand-up routine, but it’s an example – I think – of the nearly infinitesimal distinction between comedy and tragedy. Love and loss. Williams revealing bits of his inner … More I Don’t Like January
Happy New Year, Friends! We’re taking a little liberty. Is it still okay to cheer in the New Year when we’re 10 days into 2025? We hope so! As we get rolling with podcasts in January, we’re thrilled to offer soothing comfort. In the form of soup and good company. We can serve up a … More Episode 98: Soup’s On! With Beth Kennedy
The time has come…to say goodbye from the Heart of the Matter team as we draw the curtain on 2024. What a year it’s been! Most of all… Thank you for your readership and friendship! Since its inception in 2023, Heart of the Matter has maintained its focus on heartfelt storytelling and content intended to … More See You Next Year!
Spending time with acclaimed author Vickie Rubin is good for the soul. Wynne and I had the pleasure recently of sitting down with Vickie to learn about her book, “Raising Jess – a Story of Hope” and came away with a renewed sense of purpose about the power of family, motherhood and more. Vickie is … More Episode 97: “Raising Jess” with Vickie Rubin
We’ve been thinking about technology lately and our recent episodes about LinkedIn profiles and WordPress themes generated great discussion. It seems like many of us are working on how to best showcase ourselves, our work, in the online realm. Learning from one another, sharing tips and tricks, is one of the benefits of our little … More Episode 96: Embracing Tech & Non-Tech Change with Mark Petruska
I’m usually the first one up at our house and I wondered aloud the other morning…as I spent the first few minutes of my not-quite-awake-state shuffling around our kitchen and family room. Talking to myself, asking a ridiculous question before the sun was up: What’s the origin of the idiom, “clear the deck”? Here’s what … More Clear the Deck!
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