Observeday

Living with chronic pain isn’t always visible, and that’s something we really dig into in this episode with Dr. Robin Harwick. If you or someone you know deals with unseen pain, or you’re just looking for new ways to support people who do, you’ll find a lot of insight here. Robin shares how a life-changing car accident shifted her career from groundwater hydrology to building spaces that center he...

If you’ve ever struggled to get a good night’s sleep, this episode is for you. September is “Sleeptember,” and we’re exploring just how much quality sleep impacts everything—from your energy to your relationships and even your creativity. I sit down with transformational coach Raj Khedun, who shares the story behind his unique “3:3 Insomnia Hack”—a simple breath-based method that’s helping people...

If you’re curious about how bold creativity and a little courage can shape a more joyful, meaningful life, this episode is speaking your language. I sit down with Kirsten Rudberg, whose creative journey spans writing, podcasting, screenwriting, and adventures like walking the Camino. Kirsten shares what it’s really like to step far outside your comfort zone — from racing across Oregon to solo jour...

Looking for inspiration to keep your creative spark alive—no matter your age or background? In this episode, I talk with award-winning novelist Joni Marie Iraci about her journey from nurse and caregiver to published author, and how fiction can reveal powerful truths about history, resilience, and empowerment. You’ll hear why stories like Joni’s Vatican Daughter have the power to challenge big ins...

Listening to today's episode, you'll get a gentle nudge to step outside your comfort zone and rediscover what brings you joy—even after a major setback. My guest, Irina Shehovsov, joins me for a down-to-earth chat on what it really takes to “have a go” at life again, with a special focus on creativity, continuous learning, and making joy a daily habit. If you're a podcaster or creator,...

If you’ve ever wondered how nonprofits really fund their work or how you can make a difference—no matter your budget—this episode’s for you! I sit down with Katherine Lacefield, a fundraising consultant for animal nonprofits, to look behind the curtain at what keeps meaningful causes running. Katherine shares how donations and grants actually work, and why diversifying your fundraising strategy is...

If you want to know how real conversations can make a difference during tough times, this episode is for you. I sat down with Paul Skidmore, the author and filmmaker behind “The Darkness Rolled Over Her,” to talk about National Suicide Prevention Month and why support and connection matter so much — for ourselves and those around us. You’ll hear how a simple question like “What are you thankful fo...

If you want to make new and deeper connections as a creator, this episode is for you. I sat down with Ahmard Vital to unpack what real friendship and mentorship look like—not just on the surface, but in the moments that matter most. You’ll hear us dig into the role that accountability and service play in authentic relationships, and why stepping out of your “digital bubble” leads to more fulfillin...

If you want a fresh look at the aging journey—whether for yourself, your family, or your community—you’ll get a lot out of this episode. I sit down with Dr. Corinne Aumann, author, psychologist, and founder of Choice Care Navigators, to talk about why how we think and read about aging really shapes our experiences as we get older. Dr. Corinne shares how stories (and the language we use) can help u...

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn on your mental health journey, this episode is for you. We’re marking National Suicide Prevention Month with Jayne Reynolds, a board certified holistic nutritionist who knows firsthand what it’s like to feel hopeless — and how small, intentional changes can start to restore hope. You’ll hear what actually shifted things for Jayne when t...

If you’ve ever wondered what NICU Awareness Month is really about, this episode is for you. I sit down with Dr. Angelo Valenti, an experienced psychologist and author, to gently explore how families cope with the emotional rollercoaster of having a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. You’ll hear honest reflections on the stress, isolation, and helplessness parents often feel, and why sharing...

If you want to understand how high performers use reading to shape their thinking — and how you can actually apply what you learn from books instead of just collecting advice — this episode is definitely for you. Today, I chat with Larry G. Dix, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and creator of the "Do What's Right" framework. We dig into why reading new books can help you reframe fai...

If you’ve ever wondered how to truly move forward after pain, this episode is for you. I sit down with Avonley Lightstone, whose story is proof that even the deepest wounds can become a source of strength. We don’t just talk about “pain awareness month”—we make sense of what pain really means, and how you can find purpose in your hardest moments. Avonley shares why seeing your inner scars can open...

If you’ve ever wondered how books shape who you are—not just what you know—today’s episode is for you. I sit down with David Ask, an entrepreneur, coach, and soon-to-be author, to explore why reading matters for anyone who wants to grow, create, or simply feel more grounded. We talk about how the right books can help you discover your true identity, and David shares why starting with “who” you are...

If you’ve ever wondered how a book can take your work as a coach, creator, or leader to the next level, you’ll want to listen to this conversation. In honor of National Reading Book Month, I chat with Steve McKinney, who’s spent decades guiding people toward stronger, healthier lives—and even wrote a book about it. Steve opens up about why he decided to write The Gospel of Fitness , how that book...

If you’re looking for fresh ways to think about reading, leadership, and how books shape business culture, this episode is for you. I had a great conversation with Tom Fox, known as the Compliance Evangelist, who has written over 30 books—including best-selling children’s books on ethics. Tom shares why staying curious and reading new books isn’t just for personal growth, but is essential for anyo...

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a friendship truly meaningful—and how you can be more intentional about creating good times—this episode is for you. I sat down with Christian W. Schnepf, a TEDx sociologist and founder of the Science of Good Times, to dig into the science behind lasting connections. Christian shares why friendships have shaped his own life, especially in tough times, and how tre...

If you want practical insights on setting boundaries, processing life’s big changes, or just need inspiration to read more, this episode is for you. I sit down with Stephanie Jordan—author, mother of five, and someone who’s lived through incredible highs and lows—to talk about what reading and writing mean to her. You’ll hear us dig into why National Read a New Book Month can be life-changing, and...

If you’re looking for honest, practical advice on supporting mental health—especially during challenging times—today’s episode is for you. In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month, I sit down with Jennifer Wilts, a certified clinical trauma specialist and mental health coach. Jennifer shares her own deeply personal story of navigating trauma, PTSD, and coming out the other side with tools tha...

If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to recover and keep going — even when life throws you surprises you never trained for — this episode is for you. In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds: Ironman triathlete, author, nonprofit leader, and two-time cancer survivor. We get real about the ups and downs of recovery, and Jeffrey shares how the discipline and mindset of endu...

If you’re looking for honest, down-to-earth conversations about resilience and finding hope on the hardest days, you’ll get a lot out of this episode. Today, I talk with Pete A. Turner about the realities many veterans face during National Suicide Prevention Month. Pete shares what it was like being a combat spy, dealing with loss, and living with PTSD, but also how he’s found ways to heal and hel...

If you’re looking for fresh ways to get kids (and even yourself) excited about reading and climate action, this episode is for you. I talk with Laurel Colless, author and sustainability advocate, about how stories can help us make sense of big problems and turn “eco-anxiety” into hope and action. Laurel shares how her fantastical Peter Blue series gives kids relatable heroes and monsters—like the...

If you’ve ever wondered how personal stories can turn into compelling fantasy worlds, you’ll want to listen to this episode. Today, I’m joined by Danielle Orsino—a nurse, martial artist, and fantasy author—who shares how she went from telling stories at a hospital bedside to writing a nine-book series. We chat about the unexpected and sometimes bumpy transitions between careers and how Danielle’s...

If you’ve ever found it hard to talk about mental health, or worried you might say the “wrong thing,” this episode is for you. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and I sat down with Grace Ogren—clinical research specialist, writer, and lived experience advocate—to talk honestly about depression, suicidality, and how we can all play a part in supporting those who struggle. Grace shares...

Looking to build deeper connections in your creative life and community? In this episode, I sit down with David Homan, a composer, author, and what many call a “connection orchestrator.” We chat about building meaningful relationships, why intentional community matters, and how books can open doors to new ideas and relationships—even across generations. David shares how small actions rooted in gra...