Assorted Conversations

Text me what you think of today’s episode! A lot of us have a dream we quietly put away because life gets loud. Today we sit down with Philadelphia-born filmmaker and entrepreneur Derek Shaw, and he’s proof that “later” can still turn into real momentum if you’re willing to start small and keep showing up. We talk about where Derek’s storytelling starts, from a fifth grade teacher who pushed him t...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! You can be wildly talented and still feel stuck financially, and that gap can mess with your confidence fast. I sit down with Paul Pape, a two-time TEDx speaker, author, creative strategist, and the maker many people call “Santa for Nerds,” to unpack what actually changes when a creative stops selling “a thing” and starts selling the value behind it. Paul...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! Luxury travel has a new meaning, and it’s not crystal chandeliers or dressing up for dinner. It’s having the freedom to be yourself, the flexibility to pivot when plans change, and a trusted expert who handles the details so you can actually enjoy the trip you paid for. That’s why we sat down with Eleanor, founder of Elevate Your Escapes, to talk about ho...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! One Italian sub can change your whole creative career, and Joe Garcia proves it. Joe, better known online as Mr. Allright Chef, joins us for a funny, grounded conversation about building a food community without pretending to be a fine dining chef. His whole vibe is simple: good food does not have to be fancy, and you do not need perfect skills or perfect...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! Four years later, three familiar voices return with the kind of progress that makes you want to re-check your own “someday” list. We catch up with Rua Fay, who turned a film blogging passion into real industry access, landing Cannes and TIFF credentials, interviewing artists she once idolized, and learning the business of film through undergrad work, fest...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! Fear doesn’t disappear because we read the right quote. It fades when we train a new response. I’m joined by Kendra Mahon, aka Kung Fu Kendra, a Wing Chun Kung Fu master and founder of the Global Kung Fu Alliance, to talk about what real confidence looks like when life gets loud, stressful, and unpredictable. Kendra explains Kung Fu in plain language: ski...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! A single DNA result can feel like trivia until you chase it all the way back to names, places, and documents that prove a life actually happened. That’s where Joseph Bolton’s story gets gripping. He’s a West Point graduate and retired Army paratrooper who starts digging into his family tree, discovers Indigenous and French-Canadian roots he didn’t fully u...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! Some healing happens by talking, and some healing happens when your hands finally tell the truth your mouth can’t. We sit down with artist Devorah Brinkerhoff, creator of Soul Portraits, a mixed media process that helps people turn trauma, grief, and life transitions into art that feels like relief in the body and clarity in the mind. If you’ve ever thoug...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! We talk with best-selling author Laura Van Wormer about building a career in publishing and fiction, then losing her ability to write after a devastating crash. She shares how she rebuilt her creative life through serialized audio storytelling with The Class of 74 and why “pivot” is sometimes the only way back to joy.  • working through podcast tech issue...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! Want to make dinner feel like more than dinner? We sit down with chef, author, and aphrodisiac food expert Amy Reiley to explore how everyday ingredients can lift mood, boost confidence, and deepen connection without turning your kitchen into a lab or your meal into a gimmick. Amy traces her path from wine writing to gastronomy and nutrition, sharing how...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! What if a simple puzzle could rewire your routines, deepen your relationships, and introduce you to a global community? That’s the spark behind our conversation with Monica Marlat, known online as “Puzzled About Everything,” who transformed a quiet hobby into creative storytelling, brand partnerships, and puzzle-filled cruises that bring strangers togethe...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! What if a 40-seat room could feel as big as an arena? We sit down with Jeff Revilla to unpack his “infinite seat theater” concept—a creator-first model that blends the electricity of a live audience with the reach of a global stream. Jeff’s journey runs from a teenage skateboarding obsession and a basement skate shop to leading digital marketing by day an...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! A shaving-cream beard in Vietnam. A department store gig that turned into a calling. A lifetime spent turning belief into service. Meet National Santa, Timothy Conahan, the storyteller and mentor who has trained thousands of Santas and Mrs. Clauses to keep the magic alive long after the tree comes down. We go behind the red suit to unpack the craft: how t...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! What if a theme park could change the way you lead your life? We sit down with Dr. Jeffrey Barnes—Dr. Disneyland—to explore how Walt Disney transformed setbacks into a story-driven blueprint for vision, risk, and relentless execution. From a disappointing first visit to a deep dive into Walt’s life, Jeffrey traces the moment he realized Disneyland isn’t j...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! A snowstorm at Springer Mountain. Two brothers in their seventies, both Vietnam veterans, staring down 2,190 miles of Appalachian Trail and a tangle of pain that maps can’t solve. That’s where our conversation with Rand Timmerman begins—raw, funny, and unexpectedly tender—as we unpack the hike that stretched into a three‑year passage through grief, addict...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! We talk with author and sailor Alison Geischen about leaving corporate life to circumnavigate the globe, the brutal realities that tested her resolve, and the moments of wonder that made it all worth it. From heavy‑weather training to hand‑steering 650 miles, the story blends grit, humor, and hard‑won wisdom. • deciding to sell up and go in their fifties...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! A house can change your mind—or demand that you finally trust it. We sit down with paranormal investigator and tour manager Christy Parrish to trace her path from a silenced childhood sensitive to the steward of one of Massachusetts’ most active and historic homes: the Oliver House in Middleboro. Christy recounts the Tennessee years that forced her to tak...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! We sit down with award-winning indie filmmaker Jason Morris to map the real path from micro-budget ideas to memorable horror-comedy and lasting rights. He shares hard-won lessons on distribution, festivals, team culture, and why owning your work changes everything. • leaving film school to learn the business • first feature Hellhouse and distributor pitfa...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! Imagine taking everything you need for a multi-day backpacking trip in a pack weighing less than 10 pounds. That's ultralight backpacking, and our guest, adventurer Jerry Dugan, is here to share his passion and expertise in this unique outdoor pursuit. With a rich history tracing back to George Sears in the late 1800s and Grandma Gatewood in 1955, ul...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! Ep. 40 - Can you imagine a 17-year-old helping his peers navigate the complex world of mental health? Join us as we sit down with the inspiring Filimon Meaza, the creator of The Brief Dive podcast. Filimon shares his personal journey of self-reflection, emotional resilience, and positive self-talk, showing us how he transformed his own mental health and n...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! Ep. 39 - Discover the fascinating world of search and rescue missions in our captivating conversation with Dan Patterson , a founding member of the Mountaineer Area Rescue Group. With over 26 years of experience and participation in more than 300 missions, Dan shares invaluable insights into the immense planning, coordination, and dedication required to s...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! Ep. 38 - We were saddened to learn about the passing of a former guest, Jaimie Sherling.  In tribute to the beautiful soul she was, here is her original conversation from April of 2022. We were deeply honored to have had a conversation with the inspiring Jaimie Sherling before discovering she had passed away from cancer in April of 2023.  This is a remast...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! Have you ever dreamt of turning your hobby into a full-time passion and experiencing the thrill of personal fulfillment?  Join me, your host Helen, as we explore the challenges and triumphs of these brave individuals, from conquering stage fright to expanding a small hobby into something much more significant. Starting this August, tune in every other Wed...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! Ep. 37 - How do you react when someone pushes your buttons?  This week’s guest, author and coach, Mary Elizabeth Murphy , shares her Reset Your Buttons model to help us identify what is happening and how to respond appropriately in the moment.   Mary Elizabeth discusses each piece of the RESET model, helps us understand our personal triggers, how we can a...

Text me what you think of today’s episode! Ep. 36 - This week’s guest, Brian Anderson , is the only full-time Tick and Lyme Disease Specialist in the US.  After seeing the devastating effects of Lyme disease, Brian has devoted several years to educating outdoor enthusiasts and outdoor workers on how to protect themselves from these little blood-sucking critters. Brian shares with us how and why he...