Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we share real, raw, and remarkable stories that inspire us to lead with courage and heart.
Today’s guest is Amy Weinland-Daughters — Gen X keynote speaker, satirist, and author of both fiction and nonfiction works that explore memory, connection, and the surprising power of handwritten letters.
In this heartfelt conversation, Amy takes us on two remarkable journeys:
✨ Through her fictional book, You Cannot Mess This Up, where she time-travels back to 1978, revisits her 10-year-old self, and re-examines childhood memories through the wiser lens of adulthood.
💌 Through her nonfiction experience captured in Dear Dana, where a single supportive letter grew into 600 handwritten notes that transformed her relationships, her perspective, and her sense of connection across divides.
This episode is about more than books or letters — it’s about memory, healing, and rediscovering the value of slowing down to connect with each other in meaningful ways.
00:00 – Welcome
01:20 – Meet Amy Weinland-Daughters: author, speaker, mom
01:46 – Writing herself back to 1978 You Cannot Mess This Up
03:14 – How memories shift, heal, and shape us
07:37 – Honoring the fearless child within
11:25 – Generational perspectives on change and rebellion
17:56 – How 600 handwritten letters began with one old friend
20:40 – The loss of Parker and continuing to write letters
22:36 – Two years of modern-day pen pal exchange
23:59 – Writing 580 letters: how it transformed Amy’s life
25:55 – Reading a powerful excerpt from Dear Dana
28:48 – How listeners can connect with Amy
29:18 – Amy’s advice to her 20-something self
Episode Takeaways
Memories are malleable. Revisiting them with fresh eyes can bring healing and compassion for ourselves and others.
Our real lives matter. Every story — even suburban childhoods or “ordinary” experiences — has profound value.
Connection changes everything. A single handwritten note can make someone feel deeply seen and valued.
Small gestures are powerful. Slowing down, writing, and caring intentionally can reshape relationships and even bridge divides.
Amy reminded us how powerful handwritten notes can be. To make it easier for you to spread kindness, check out the Girl, Take the Lead! Heartfelt Cards & Gifts shop. Each card is designed to spark joy and connection — perfect for your own “Dear Dana” moments.
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