She’s Working on it!

Summary:  In Still Working on It—Even with No Voice (Graduation Weekend Edition) , I’m a little raspy, a little run down, but feeling full in all the right ways. I’m sharing a few highlights from our whirlwind trip to NYC for my daughter’s graduation—a week packed with family, food, and meaningful moments. Laryngitis or not, this one needed to be told. 🎧Podcasts Why Friendships Matter More Than Y...

Summary: In this episode, I take you along on my recent trip to Italy—a journey that was as thoughtfully planned as it was soulfully experienced. From the quiet canals of Venice to the hilltops of Cortona and the timeless streets of Rome, I share the small moments that made this trip unforgettable: the meals, the places we stayed, the people we met, and the rituals that helped me slow down and soa...

Episode Summary: In this episode, I share some of the tiny phrases and everyday aphorisms that have stuck with me over the years—the ones passed down by my parents, picked up from friends, and repeated by mentors, colleagues, and even my husband. These short sayings hold surprising weight, offering comfort, clarity, and sometimes just the right dose of humor when we need it most. I also reflect on...

Summary: In this episode, I share some candid reflections on midlife, inspired by comedian Bill Burr’s take on self-improvement and writer Ada Calhoun’s exploration of what it really means to “have it all” as a Gen X woman. I talk about parenting, purpose, caregiving, and how midlife comes with a mix of big feelings, strong coffee, and sometimes hot flashes. There’s a story about my son helping my...

Summary: In this episode, I explore the idea of "Big P" Purpose vs. "little p" purpose, sharing stories of reinvention from The Third Act series and insights from The Happiness Lab with Jordan Grumet. I reflect on finding joy in the process, connecting with my dad, and embracing small, meaningful shifts to live with purpose at any age. Show Notes: Podcasts:  The Happiness Lab-H...

Summary: In this episode, Virginia delves into the growing trend of social isolation in a hyper-connected world, exploring insights from podcasts, books, and her own experiences. She shares lessons from the Blue Zones, where strong social connections contribute to longevity, and reflects on the powerful impact of gathering with friends at her recent wine tasting event. Listeners will discover why...

Summary In this episode, I explore how discovering the Blue Zones led me to reflect on the positive psychology movement, leveraging character strengths, and Atomic Habits. I share insights on longevity, purpose, and how small, intentional choices can have a big impact. Plus, a fun look at how my dad and I are incorporating these lessons into our daily lives! Show Notes: Live to 100: Secrets of the...

Summary:  In my last episode, I didn’t give Rita Moreno nearly enough credit—so I’m making it right! Her resilience and ability to adapt remind me that progress isn’t always Hollywood-level dramatic; sometimes, it’s the small, intentional shifts that matter. From tracking goals to embracing the happiness curve, I dive into what’s working, what’s not, and how I’m setting myself up for success. Show...

Summary In this episode, I explore the Happiness Curve—the U-shaped trajectory of joy across our lifespan—and how we can embrace aging with purpose and style. I highlight inspiring women like Rita Moreno and Iris Apfel, whose reinventions prove that life flourishes at any age. I also reflect on my parents’ clever reinvention, how they gradually transitioned into retirement while still working, giv...

Episode Summary: In this episode of She’s Working On It , we explore the transformative power of self-reflection as a tool for personal growth. From revisiting habits and goals to embracing grace when things don’t go as planned, this episode highlights practical ways to move forward with purpose. Tune in for insights, accountability tips, and a reminder that progress isn’t perfect—it’s a journey....

Episode Summary: Ever wondered if intermittent fasting could work for you? In this episode, I share my five-year journey with this lifestyle—how I got started, the challenges I overcame, and the freedom and balance it brought to my life. Discover how small, consistent changes can transform your health, habits, and mindset. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this lifestyle work! What You’ll Lea...

Summary: In this episode, I’m kicking off 2025 by exploring the power of fresh starts and how small changes can create meaningful progress. Inspired by behavioral science and my family’s New Year’s goals, I’ll share what we’re working on and how I’m building habits and systems to make this year count. It’s all about embracing progress, not perfection—let’s work on it together! Resources Mentioned:...

Last summer in Lake Placid, my dad shared how finding an old tennis racket in his basement during high school sparked a lifelong love for tennis. From starting a grassroots college team at Niagara University to playing at Georgetown during dental school, his passion grew. He truly honed his skills in Pakistan, where he found a mentor, Al Kahn, who pushed him to excel and encouraged him to play in...

Summary: In Episode 19, join me as I explore our family’s long-awaited beach vacation and its rejuvenating effects. I’ll unpack the psychology behind our need for breaks from routine and how these pauses can reset our mental and emotional dials. Plus, I’ll share my current reads, favorite shows, and podcast picks that are adding flavor to this time off. Current Favorites: Book Recommendations: &qu...

In Episode 18, I take a closer look at my ongoing challenge with time management, sharing new strategies and reflections on progress. I explore the joy of watercolor painting, discuss my upcoming trip to Italy, and share how I’m balancing work and recreation. Plus, I recommend the insightful podcast Death, Sex & Money and the heartwarming HBO series Somebody Somewhere . Show Notes: Book Mentio...

Episode Summary: In Episode 17, Virginia reflects on her journey to overcome chronic lateness, sharing her progress and insights from a week of intentional time management. She also dives into her running journey, inspired by NPR’s Life Kit episode, “It’s OK to Run Slow AF,” exploring how running can be a source of peace, clarity, and growth—at any pace. Show notes: Podcast Recommendation: Check o...

In this episode, I share my journey to improve time management and overcome chronic lateness, exploring practical tips and insights from books, articles, and podcasts. Then, I’m joined by my daughter Alie for a candid conversation about her busy college life in NYC, balancing studies, internships, part-time work, and her plans for the future. I hope you enjoy it! Show Notes Time Management and Pun...

In this reflective episode, Virginia shares her love for intentional living, from setting affirmations inspired by Alicia Keys to planning meaningful dinner parties. She discusses reframing mindsets, personal growth, and her husband’s transformative experience on a student trip. She ends with Thanksgiving plans, emphasizing how small intentional practices—whether savoring good food or singing your...

This episode celebrates strong women—iconic figures like Sally Field, Diane von Fürstenberg and Vera Wang, as well as the incredible women in our own lives. It highlights female resilience, style, and confidence, embracing the beauty of aging and self-expression. It’s a tribute to the strength and stories of women. Links & Resources: 🎙️ Listen to Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Wiser Than Me podcast: Off...

In Episode 13, Virginia apologizes for last week's audio mishap and shares a humbling lesson on letting go of perfection. Then, it's all about design! She delves into Apartment Therapy—a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to create unique, inspiring spaces. From its humble origins to its modern, diverse offerings, Virginia walks listeners through the platform, shares her favorite sect...

Today, I want to start by checking in on some of my goals and intentions to keep myself accountable. When I feel myself slipping, it really helps to come back here on the podcast and share it out loud with all of you – it's one of the best ways I know to stay on track. I also want to take a moment to talk about a few things that brought me genuine happiness this week and to practice a bit of...

In episode 11 of She’s Working On It , I’m thrilled to share my first-ever interview! Before diving in, I highlight an inspiring SmartLess interview with Tim Walz and recommend Space with Case , a podcast by Casey O'Connell, a former teacher turned digital nomad and UX designer, whose journey to redefine her life and career has been incredibly motivating. Today’s guest is my son, Isaac, who’s...

In episode 10, I celebrate the journey so far, reflecting on serendipitous discoveries—like my daughter’s 2015 bucket list—and how they remind us that life’s best moments are often unplanned. I dive into design, sharing how mixing and matching can create a collected look. Plus, a sneak peek into next week: career pivots, podcast recommendations, and my first-ever interview with my son, Isaac! Link...

Episode 9 Designing Calm: Inner Peace Meets Outer Order Episode Summary In this episode, I open up about my mental health journey, sharing how daily rituals and intentional habits helped me navigate challenges. I recommend the Science of Happiness podcast’s episode on cyclical sighing, a breathing technique to reduce stress. Finally, I explore how rearranging furniture and thoughtful space plannin...

Episode 8 Framing Memories: From Family Stories to Gallery Wall In this episode, Virginia shares heartfelt anecdotes about her dad and her husband's grandparents, weaving together themes of memory, storytelling, and design. She explores how gallery walls create visual stories in the home, offering tips and inspiration for creating your own. Virginia also recommends the Design Curious podcast...