Shows
Whelmed PodcastThe first one in 2026!Happy (?) new year. Katherine and Rachel share what's been going on since the holidays... aging parents, dealing with the news, kids participating in sports, all the things! Come along for the chaos!Send a text
2026-02-091h 06Whelmed PodcastThe One about Menopause...Rachel and Katherine talk about the on-going journey of menopause and trying to navigate medications, doctors and insurance.Send us a text
2026-01-0644 minWhelmed PodcastThe one about gratitudeKatherine and Rachel chat about Thanksgiving, being grateful, how hard things can be at the holidays, the government shut down and breast density... because we like to keep you guessing! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving break!Send us a text
2025-12-051h 12Whelmed PodcastThe one about Travel!This week's episode, Katherine and Rachel talk about travel in likely the most random way possible! From vaccines for visiting far off places, to just "yey vaccines" to the bucket list places they want to visit and how they pack suitcases, we hope you enjoy! (Some serendipity for this one, in talking about the Northern Lights, both Katherine and Rachel were able to see them from their houses the day we posted this episode to publish!!!). Thanks for listening!Check out "This Podcast Will Kill You" both the Tylenol and Yellow Fever Episodes!S...
2025-11-161h 12Whelmed PodcastThe one about saying noWe're a little late this week but bare with us! Rachel and Katherine talk about the challenges of saying no and holding boundaries, how difficult it can be to have hard conversations with people you know well and people you don't. They share about their own 'work therapy' journey and how their friendship is better now having to have gone through difficult times.Send us a text
2025-10-2957 minWhelmed PodcastThe one that's liveThe Whelmed Podcast recorded a Live Episode at ArchLight Summit where we set up a "Wall of Whelmed" and talked through some suggestions from conference attendees! We chat travel, guilt about being away from home, remembering how hard pregnancy was and a multitude of other random things. Enjoy!Send us a text
2025-10-1343 min
Whelmed PodcastThe one about Friendship in AdulthoodAnd we're back! The Whelmed Pod has been enjoying the summer and getting kids sorted for school this year, but we are very excited to be back! First episode of Season 2. We're glad you are here! Katherine and Rachel chat about adult friendships.. why are they hard? Are we just weirdos? How many friends should we have? They invite their friend Francesca to join them and chat about her thoughts on adult friendships! And gush over her pug Wilma.We hope you enjoy!!Send us a text
2025-09-281h 21
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 27 - Season 1 Finale!Well folks, we've decided that this is a wrap on what we're going to call Season 1. We appreciate you listening and hope you'll listen to Season 2 which will be released in late August. Katherine and Rachel talk about a recent girls trip, share some personal stories on their individual menopause journeys and talk about some changes to the podcast for next season. Enjoy!Send us a text
2025-08-031h 07
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 26 - Andrea HartranftThis week we chat with Andrea Hartranft about life as a business owner, grandmother, chef and world traveler. She shares with us how life looks as an empty nester and how having a granddaughter is pretty great! Andrea shares some tips about being female in the workplace and how she started on her cooking journey. Enjoy!!Send us a text
2025-07-2057 min
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 25 - AJ GormanThis week the pod chats with AJ Gorman! We chat about raising young kids, navigating strong relationship with partners and major career transitions! AJ shared with us her Time Blocking techniques and how she travels with her young boys. Enjoy!Where AJ works.Send a text
2025-06-3045 min
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 24 - Jen RuckelFirst podcast of the summer! This week, Katherine and Rachel sat down and chatted with Jen Ruckel. Jen shares her families non-traditional gender roles, as Jen works full time and her husband is the primary care-giver to their two sons. She shares how it is to be a woman in leadership and how important it is to lead with empathy. We have a great chat about how important sponsorship is within companies to help make sure all people have the ability to be considered for roles they could be successful in. Have a listen!Where Jen Works...
2025-06-011h 17
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 23 - Elaine CookHappy May everyone! This episode, Katherine and Rachel get to chat with Elaine Cook. She heads Equity in Lighting, so we deep dive into the great things they are doing (if thats too much industry speak, skip ahead about 10 minutes). We chat about the pandemic, differences between Canada and the US, learn about Elaine's service dog Poppy and chat about how there is still a lot of work to be done with women supporting other women. It was a great conversation, we hope you enjoy!Where Elaine worksSend us a text
2025-05-181h 02
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 22 - Avi MorAvi Mor joins the Whelmed Pod this week! We chat about Passover, kids, house renovations, hear about his first date with his wife. We hope you enjoy getting to know Avi a bit! We certainly did! Where Avi Works: https://www.morlights.com/Send us a text
2025-05-041h 03
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 21 - Lisa ReedLisa Reed joins us as our guest this week, and we could not be more excited! She shares with us her journey of crafting a life and company that allows for balance and great design. How RBLD is studying ways to make the work week look like they want it too and embracing taking breaks. Lisa also shares her own Podcast "Lighting Matters" which started the same week as the Whelmed Podcast. Have a listen, your ears will thank you!Where Lisa WorksThings Mentioned:What color is your brain? Send us a tex
2025-04-201h 04
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 20 - Addie SmithIts our 20th episode folks!! This week we have artist and fellow lighting designer, Addie Smith joining the Whelmed Podcast! Katherine and Rachel talk to Addie about her starting her own company, Addie shares her experience dealing with a stalker and points out how hard these situations are for even the most prepared people. Enjoy!!Where Addie Works: https://studioadelia.com/Things Mentioned: How to Know a Person by David Brooks: https://amzn.to/4i4xSqCResources:https://www.thehotline.org/resources/stalking-safety-planning/https://www.justice.gov/ovw/stalkinghttp...
2025-04-0652 min
Lighting MattersEpisode 15: Lighting Emotional CurrencyWhat makes lighting designers "psychotically passionate" about their work when they're constantly battling value engineering? In this episode, Avi Mor and Lisa Reed speak with Katherine Stekr, CLD, IALD, MIES, EDAC, LEED AP BD+C, Founder + Principal, STEK Design. Their conversation explores the unique position of lighting designers as visual professionals alongside architects, interior designers, and landscape architects. Katherine shares her journey from architectural engineering student to establishing her own firm, emphasizing how lighting's psychological impact requires designers to expertly translate abstract concepts into tangible experiences for clients.
The discussion delves into industry challenges incl...
2025-04-021h 00
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 19 - Paul BokenHappy Spring Equinox! This week's episode we have our Canadian friend, Paul Boken joining us. We chat about kids and family structure, hear all about Paul's entrepreneurial spirit and his semi-dangerous adventurous side. We enjoyed chatting and getting to know Paul better, we hope you do as well!Where Paul works: https://www.gosourcery.com/Send us a text
2025-03-231h 13
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 18 - Blythe von ReckersThis week, Katherine and Rachel are excited to share a delightful chat with their friend and colleague Blythe von Reckers! Blythe shares her experiences as a single woman, navigating work, home and family and how she's setting her own expectations on life. She shares how great life is after 40 and how she's putting herself first and blazing her own unique trail.Where Blythe WorksThings Mentioned:Funny Story by Emily HenryThe Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Yellowstone NPR Pop Culture Happy hour Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy...
2025-03-091h 08
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 17 - Makenna KarhoffMakenna Karhoff joins the Whelmed Pod today! Katherine and Rachel enjoyed chatting with her and learning about her journey of recovery. She shares excitement in the challenge of her new job, fostering friendships that support her life goals and her vision boards! Enjoy!Where Makenna WorksThings Mentioned: Life without EdEverything I know about LoveTrigger warning: mentions of drug use and addiction.Send us a text
2025-02-231h 01
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 16 - Nicole SlaughterThis week, our friend Nicole Slaughter joins the pod! We're grateful to chat with her and hear her struggles and resilience in dealing with sleep issues; we chat about how engineering companies were set up during the age of solo income households and ponder how this might have positive change with households shifting to two incomes, and Nicole shares the joy she finds in parenting and her mountain biking hobby! We hope you enjoy!Where Nicole Works.Things Mentioned:Sandra Dalton Smith - RestThe Art Hub for KidsSend us...
2025-02-111h 04
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 15 - Chris SlaughterChris Slaughter is this weeks guest on the podcast! We chat about parenting, all the things Chris does to stay healthy and enjoy life, Chris shares what inspires him and he asks Katherine and Rachel some good questions. We hope you enjoy!Where Chris works: https://www.parspec.io/Send us a text
2025-01-261h 17
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 14 - Sam KoerbelWhelmed is kicking off 2025 with Sam Koerbel! Sam shares his unique journey in lighitng and how he's shfiting work around to have a better balance for himself and his family. We chat about having too many meetings, therapy, parenting and the CU Buffs! Listen in to hear all about it.Where Sam WorksSam is launching his second season of the Lytepod! Be sure to listen to all the great conversations he's sharing.Things Mentioned:Diary of a CEO PodcastAcquired PodcastAbove & BeyondSend us a text
2025-01-121h 05
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 13 - Josie WrattenThe Whelmed Pod talks with Josie Wratten this week! She shares her unique journey through lighting and into voice acting! Talks about parenting a middle school boy. How working remote is lonely and what she does to offset that feeling. Where Josie works.Send us a text
2024-12-151h 08
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 12 - Sara SullivanThis week we are delighted to have Sara Sullivan on the Pod! Sara shares with us her journey with IVF, we chat about babies, pets and traveling with kids. Sara, Katherine and Rachel share challenges with pregnancy and body image and Sara tells us all about NIVAS, a great non-profit providing housing for women in Nepal. Also, minor gastro interruptions by Butters. :PWhere Sara worksThings Mentioned:NivasMoment of LiftNormal WomenSong Sara mentionsStardew ValleySend us a text
2024-12-011h 06
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 11 - Happy Thanksgiving!This week, Katherine and Rachel chat about what they are thankful for and put each other in the interview hot seat!The Whelmed Pod is thankful for you this season!!!Send us a text
2024-11-171h 04
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 10 - Jody Pritchard and Kristin PeckWe are so excited to share our lovely conversation with Jody and Kristin! If we're being honest, they are our work/friend/cool kid idols. They share how they balance their hectic but joy-filled lives, how they are looking to the future and focusing on themselves, great conversation about kids and we celebrate Kristin's engagement!Where Jody and Kristin work Things mentioned:Masterclass Shogun Books:Existential Kink The Truths We HoldSend us a text
2024-11-041h 01
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 9 - Steve WarrenThis week on the Whelmed Podcast, our friend Steve Warren joins us! He shares how sports helped shape who he is today, how he and his wife balance a really hectic schedule, how he leads his team at work and only heckles Katherine and Rachel a tiny amount! Where Steve works. Things he mentioned:Monsters Send us a text
2024-10-201h 01
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 8 - Kristin EstesKristin Estes our guest this week on the Whelmed Podcast! She shares with us how her family lives BIG and how she balances doing what she loves so she can show up at home and at work. We talk crystals, tattoos, hear about a cool event Kristin went to where she learned about stress responses. She shares the loss of a friend due to suicide (trigger warning). We fan girl about Untamed by Glennon Doyle, deep dive into gender roles, shame/mom guilt and wrap up with a big DEEP breath!Here is where Kristin works....
2024-10-061h 02
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 7 - Sarah McGarry and Rene StremelThe Whelmed Podcast is excited to share with you our lovely chat with Rene Stremel and Sarah McGarry! Sarah and Rene own and run design business together, while maintaining a friendship, balancing raising boys and handling all the other stuff life throws at them! We chat about Perimenopause, how they decided to take the step to start their own firm and what they do for self care. Where Sarah and Rene work. Things mentioned:Silo, the Book Silo, the showMagnesium we use (obviously, we are not doctors, consult with yours before you...
2024-09-221h 09
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 6 - Sara SchonourSara helped us remember we were brave enough to start the Podcast! We're excited to be able to chat with her this week. We get to learn about her winding journey, how she allows herself to listen to and follow signs that change her professional direction. How she struggles with time management and balancing work. She shares interesting self care and reset techniques she uses. Tune in to learn more!Where Sara works.Space Poppers!Orbiting the Giant HairballWild On WikipediaSend us a text
2024-09-0859 min
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 5 - Kelly RobertsThis week we are chatting with Kelly Roberts, who shares with us her experiences starting a business, working to get WILD into a nationally recognized group, her love of volunteerism and how she wants to use her company to help change the way we hire those who have less 'normalized' availability for their job. She shares what brings her joy and how she's found herself in a really joyful content chapter in life. Where Kelly Works. Things Kelly mentions:WILD websiteWILD Nomination linkLight for Life Website and donation link
2024-08-251h 00
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 4 - Kate CullenRachel and Katherine talk to their friend Kate Cullen. Discussing how Kate balances running a company, having 3 kids, 2 dogs and 2 cats. The challenges of having little kids and how to maintain balance when all the work lives on your shoulders. From imposter syndrome to resilience after a devasting fire, Kate shares how she stays so positive.Where Kate works.Send us a text
2024-08-1149 min
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 3 - Stacie DinwiddyThis week we have Stacie Dinwiddy who is a work colleague of Katherine's on the Podcast! Stacie shares with us her brave journey in self evolution, we chat about our mutual love of therapy, how to raise strong daughters, why the internet is so concerning, how to balance work and home life and why making mommy friends is tough. Things Stacie Mentions:Shows:Erik on NetflixDancing for the DevilBooks:You can heal yourselfGary Chapman's Everybody WinsWhere Stacie works.Send us a text
2024-07-2853 min
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 2 - Brittany LynchOn this week's episode, Katherine and Rachel get to chat with Brittany Lynch! They discuss balancing motherhood and a design career, parenting roles, unpaid labor and communication within a household, how the industry is reacting to mothers in the workforce, breastfeeding experiences and bringing up puberty with your kiddos.Links Brittany Mentions:Where Brittany works.Organizations:Moms First: Reshma Saujani founded, this movement is trying to get better care in the US. It’s a big task, but they are making their way. Better Life Labs: Brigid Schulte is the...
2024-07-1556 min
Whelmed PodcastEpisode 1: Rachel and KatherineWelcome to the first episode of the Whelmed Podcast! We decided to interview each other! We talk about everything from how we're feeling now to what our power outfit would be to how great music is, we're looking forward to sharing more on future episodes.Notes on Books/Shows Referenced:The Goal by Eliyahu M GoldrattUntamed by Glennon DoyleBridgerton on NetflixWhere Katherine works.Where Rachel works.Send us a text
2024-06-3055 min
Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast#329 - Dynamic ColorKatherine and Carrie sat down with Michael and Greg at The Archlight Summit to dive into the history and future of color. You’ll learn some really fascinating facts about color. The word ‘blue” is not mentioned once in Homer’s “The Odyssey.” Did they see blue at the time? Or did they not know how to describe it? Before trade routes opened up, people in some parts of the world never saw certain colors. The Inuit have 18 different words for white. The Russian language has different names for light blue and dark blue. Tune into this one and geek out wit...
2023-10-1626 min