Who I Met Today

In podcast episode 34, bestselling author Fiona Davis chats about her writing, her books, Egyptian research, movie rights, and iconic New York City landmarks. If you aren't familiar with her novels, please sit back and let me introduce you. You're in for a treat! Her books (and I've read them all) combine everything I love—an entertaining story, history, maybe some romance and mystery. Plus I...

In this episode, Boston dermatologist Dr. Julia Siegel recommends inexpensive skincare products that really work. With so many costly products on the market, it’s nice to know we don’t have to break our budgets to take care of our skin. Dr. Siegel also discusses facials, brown spots, crepey skin, and her newly discovered hack for stronger, less brittle nails. She suggests ways to nourish our skin...

In episode 32, Cindy Burnett offers suggestions for our summer reading. She recommends eight books she loves that are perfect for tucking into our beach and travel bags this summer. The books represent all genres—something for every type of reader. We discuss her podcast— Thoughts From a Page —the Literary Lookbook she co-publishes, her Patreon group, and how to join Net Galley. In this summer rea...

In this episode, I chat with Sandell Morse. Our conversation is part of The Orchid Series.  The interviews feature inspiring men and women over 75 years young. Curious, engaged, active, interesting. The sort of human we all hope to be when we grow up! Sandell and I discuss how she and her husband have aged differently, the importance of a community, developing interests separate from our part...

What next? Aimee Oates had a happy marriage, a well-adjusted son, and a beautiful life. But she wanted more. Aimee wanted something for herself. A project where she felt accomplished and fulfilled and gave to others. For years, Aimee agonized and struggled with what was next. And then she found her IT. In this episode, Aimee and I discuss life on the road, raising her son, and what she loves about...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Maureen Seitz returns to  Who I Met Today  to explain all the things we need to know about strokes. She describes the various types of strokes, the warning signs, and the importance of taking TIAs seriously. Dr. Seitz explains we  can  prevent a stroke and talks about the ways to do so. We discuss the clot-busting treatments, the importance of notin...

Meet Marty Jordan! A backup vocalist for country music superstar George Strait, Marty discusses her singing career, touring life, the Grand Ole Opry, and gold and platinum records. Marty reveals what traveling on a tour bus is like as the only female member of the legendary Ace in the Hole Band. She explains studio musicians, staff bands, and music charting. I loved our conversation, and I hope yo...

In episode 27, Suzanne Coleman, a longtime yoga practitioner and instructor, explains all the many reasons to love yoga. Suzanne discusses the types of yoga, along with its mental, physical, and emotional benefits. We discuss breathing, the all-important final pose, and what Suzanne does to combat worry. She highlights what we should all remember while doing yoga and suggests books and online inst...

In this episode, Michelle Beckwith recommends books to gift others—or yourself! As a book reviewer Michelle reads A LOT, and she considers these books her "best of the best" of the past year. It's not too late to hop down to your local bookshop, and pick up a last-minute gift! We also discuss literary versus contemporary fiction, the beauty of preordering a book, and Michelle's rather large o...

Books make great gifts for kids! In this episode, Sherri Puzey, a California bookshop owner, offers kids' book recommendations. She suggests books that adults won't mind reading to the children in their lives—over and over and over again. As a bonus to our discussion. Sherri also recommends three adult books she's recently enjoyed. And, of course, she reveals her one new thing. In this episode, we...

In this episode, pickleball fanatic, evangelist, and author Erin McHugh discusses the game, all the reasons to love pickleball, and how to get started. Erin explains the game's history, its quirky rules, and an easy way to handle the tricky scoring system. She suggests ways to get involved in games, where to find courts, the right equipment needed, and the clothes to wear. Erin, a "missionary for...

In this episode, Anne Byrn, one of my favorite cookbook authors, chats about her books, baking, and secrets to successful cast iron cooking. Listeners will learn the benefits of cast iron cooking, how to clean and care for a skillet, and how to keep the finish shiny, black, and beautiful. We learn how to properly sear, how much oil we need, and how to store the skillet after use. Anne shares how s...

Need a fun and creative Thanksgiving tradition? In this episode, April George discusses Turkey on the Table, the company she founded with business partner Kerry Maunus. Their adorable little feathered creation is a fun way to celebrate the holiday, begin a tradition, and reinforce the practice of thankfulness. April describes how—and why—she and her friend came up with the idea for Turkey on the T...

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this episode features Jen Lofgren, the Regional Program Manager for Casting for Recovery.  If a woman in your life is in  any  stage of breast cancer, I can't wait for you to learn about this wonderful organization and the breast cancer retreats they offer. Free of charge. Jen, a fly fishing instructor and guide, serves on the national staf...

Perhaps it's my imagination, but gratuities seem more expected nowadays. To shed some light on tipping tips and etiquette, I turned to Lizzie Post. Lizzie is the great-great-granddaughter of etiquette icon Emily Post and the Co-President of The Emily Post Institute. In this episode, Lizzie explains how the Institute determines etiquette guidelines and suggestions and how long couples  really...

In this podcast episode, Ann McMeans, a registered dietitian for more than four decades, and I discuss plant-based eating. Ann retired last year from her role as a Senior Dietitian and Nutrition Research Manager at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. Prior job responsibilities included managing and serving as a co-investigator in pediatric and adult nutrition research at the Clinical Re...

By popular demand, Dr. Seitz is back! In this episode, Dr. Maureen Seitz and I discuss the shingles virus. She explains nerve distributions, symptoms, and how it is transmitted. She also talks about vaccines, reactions, complications, and vaccine recommendations. Vaccines are never 100% effective, and the shingles virus is one you don't want to get! Other podcast episodes you may enjoy: Dr. Mauree...

After reading a couple of bee-related novels, I wanted to learn more about the intelligent little creatures and their importance to our planet. And so I reached out to beekeeping expert Kim Flottum. In this episode, Kim explains the different sorts of honey bees, their assigned jobs in the hive, and the places they build nests. We discuss mad honey, how to support beekeepers, the reasons the bee p...

Calling all grammar nerds and language lovers! In this podcast episode, I talk with Ellen Jovin about her New York City-based pop-up grammar advice stand, the Grammar Table. Ellen is the author of several books on language, a business writing teacher, and a grammar expert. She is the co-founder of Syntaxis, a communication skills training firm. In 2018, Ellen lugged a table, chair, and grammar nec...

Making new friends in different phases of our lives is not easy for anyone, no matter our age. And friendships, social engagement, and connectivity seem to play important roles in staying sharp as we get older. In this episode, friendship guru Nina Badzin suggests a variety of ways to meet people and build friendships. Nina is a Minneapolis creative writing instructor, freelance writer and editor,...

At some point in our lives, almost all of us will need cataract surgery. In this episode, Dr. Ravi Goel discusses when the time is right for surgery and what to expect during the procedure. Dr. Goel is a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon at Regional Eye Associates in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He talks about premium eye le...

Is Botox for you? In this episode, Dr. Melissa Langley, a leading Nashville dermatologist, describes the ins and outs of this cosmetic procedure. She defines Botox, the different brands for the generic name, complications, precautions, and how to choose a provider. We discuss the history of Botox and its non-cosmetic uses too. Dr. Langley describes the sorts of wrinkles Botox may treat, what is in...

In 2016, Laura Carney discovered her late father's bucket list. In this episode, Laura discusses how she completed his list, lived out her father's dreams, and learned a little about herself in the process. Laura describes several of the bucket list items. We talk about how the journey—and doing a lot of scary new things—brought her gifts she had not imagined.  My Father's List  by Laura...

In this episode, I welcome knitting expert Tanya Singer. Tanya writes about and teaches knitting, and offers loads of recommendations for beginners (like me) on where to turn for help and inspiration. Tanya recommended helpful knitting websites and yarn sources: Loopy Mango Ravelry Modern Daily Knitting We are Knitters Craftsy   We discussed the inspiring story of the  little red dress o...

In this episode, Adam Lee discusses the specific exercises we should perform to maintain mobility, stay flexible, and continue doing all the things we love as we age. Adam is the owner of 28 Tenn Fitness, a workout gym in Hendersonville, TN. A fitness and nutrition guru, Adam has trained and guided a multitude of people who've wanted to lose weight, get stronger, eat better, or simply stay in shap...