More than 20 years ago, I signed up for an expedition to climb Mt. Elbrus in Russia. At 18,510 feet, it stands as the tallest peak in Europe. I convinced a couple of friends to join me and we were part of a group of nine clients and two guides attempting to summit. We flew … More When to Stop
Commemorating our 100th (plus!) podcast, Wynne and I sat down with our partner and writer extraordinaire, Brian Hannon to do a little reflecting. Given Brian’s background as a reporter, a communications professional and a beloved blogger, we knew we were in for a good time. Turning the mic over to Brian was so much fun! … More Episode 103: Turning the Tables with Brian Hannon
I like pocket-sized wisdom. The sort I can carry around and invoke, as needed. And lately, I’ve needed all that I can summon, both to soothe myself and support others. I especially like these words, because they’re useful no matter what the stressors might be: I don’t need your permission to do what’s best for … More Pocket Sized Wisdom
Wynne and I love talking to writers of all sorts and honestly, every time we do so, we learn so much. I guess that’s our ambition – to share nuggets of inspiration and motivation from those who share a love of creating and are infinitely passionate about it. All of which describes the talented Melanie … More Episode 102: Writer’s Lessons with Melanie McGauran
I keep threatening to get rid of Facebook, Instagram, and various other social media apps on my smartphone. I open them up and think I’m just going to check on a few posts. When I look up again, I find that I’ve been roaming mindlessly for twenty minutes and can’t tell you a thing about … More Giving technology the heave-ho
Wynne reflects on the challenge of maintaining a decluttered home amidst family chaos. Inspired by insights from eco-crusader Michelle, she contemplates the nature of empty space and the tendency to fill it, linking this to creativity and writing as means to create order amid the perpetual struggle against clutter. … More Creativity and Clutter
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
Once upon a time, some dozen years ago, an email landed in my inbox at work. Congratulations, it read. If you are reading this, you’re one of the lucky employees selected to give a presentation at our upcoming member symposium in September. I immediately flew into a panic. How could an email that started off so upbeat … More How Sweet the Landing
“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!
The Heart of the Matter 