From across the office, I saw my manager get up to leave. I sped up to try to catch him. I could tell that the changes he had made to his diet and his exercise program at the start of the year were working because he had already made it to the parking lot. When … More Before you judge
With a sweet story about helping kids practice for a test, this post is a reflection on what it takes to be a good encourager. Helping others practice without being attached to the outcome. … More Being An Encourager
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
We’ve been having fun making YouTube clips from our fabulous podcast guests. So, we’re republishing some of our best clips. The first in our two-fer Tuesday line up is a classic from my friend and master story-teller, Eric Knudson. He tells a great story about riding the bus back from a soccer game – full … More Two Again Tuesday
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
(I wrote this story in October and have kept pushing it back into a corner. It always seemed like the wrong time to run it. I’m thinking now that the story was trying to tell me something. Maybe, it’s a great story to start the new year.) Legendary U.S. Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps won an … More Swimming against the current
Over the holiday break I was looking over some completed fourth grade assignments that were sent home with my nine-year-old daughter, Miss O. The class is working on division. Don’t worry, I’m not going to ask you to do the math so just stick with me – the pay off is worth it. Here’s the … More Remainders and Assumptions
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!
I grew up with a mom who held being fair as a cornerstone of her parenting philosophy. The one time that I found out all my presents ahead of time was because my mom had a system. She would keep a list to the penny of what she’d spent on each person so that it … More Life: According to Fairness or Need?
The Heart of the Matter 