Shows
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 100: Celebrate with Us!In this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon celebrate our 100th episode.
We sit down to mark the moment and answer four questions:
What were our favorite stories?
Do we have a biggest a-ha moment?
What have we learned as hosts?
Goals for the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast in 2025?
Vicki shares that she actually went back and listened to the very first episode. She says that instead of the cringe-worthy moment she expected, it was worth listening to our goals of being authentic and...
2025-01-2423 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 99: The Gift That Keeps on Giving with Pete SpringerIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with author and retired teacher, Pete Springer.
Pete always delivers inspiration and in this episode, it comes in remembrance of his great mentor and friend, Nancy Wheeler.
Nancy showed how to give the gift of herself, to quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. In her years as a teacher, principal, mentor and community member, she lived a life full of service and joy.
Pete tells us the stories that are so uplifting and exemplary. Of how Nancy empowered others, created relationships, took people under her wing, and knew how to bring...
2025-01-1727 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 98: Soup's On with Beth KennedyVicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with blogger and teacher, Beth Kennedy, over a big pot of soup.
Metaphorically speaking of course because we’re separated by three different times zones. But otherwise, we can really stretch the goodness of soup.
Beth tells us why she likes soup so much to inspire more than 20 posts over the years. We discuss the multicultural as well as the community aspect of it.
Vicki and Wynne ask about how she finds the terrific quotes to go with the hearty content. Beth shares some of the unusual so...
2025-01-1030 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 97: Raising Jess with Vickie RubinIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are talking with author, public speaker, and parental advocate, Vickie Rubin.
Vickie gives us the elevator pitch for her book, Raising Jess. She jokes that it's long enough to require an elevator in the tallest building in Manhattan. Fitting, because there is so much goodness in her book about raising her child with a chromosome
deletion: mother’s intuition, decisions about whether to have more children, the grandparent’s point of view, and more.
Vickie’s openness and support of others are so inspiring. In her work suppor...
2024-12-1348 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 96: Embracing Tech and Non-Tech Change with Mark Petruska
In this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne are talking with author, blogger, and WordPress pro, Mark Petruska.
This year is Mark’s 15th year blogging on WordPress. And he blogged on a different platform before that. Clearly, he’s a pro.
So he walks us through the many things that he’s done to keep things fresh over the years. Switching themes, changing site names, even combining two blogs and changing URLs.
His advice as a veteran? Know the purpose of your blog and keep it in mind as you redesign.
Mark t...
2024-12-0628 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 95: Finding our People with AbIn this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson are with blogger, parent and social justice advocate, Ab.
Ab tells us the great story of a chance encounter he had with a woman standing next to him and his family in an hour-long line. She led with a query and Ab answered with his
trademark humor and openness.
Vicki and Wynne delve into how these encounters can be very different from what we imagine when we genuinely lean into them.
Ab talks about the loneliness epidemic and how the antidote to negative feelings and...
2024-11-2929 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 94: Decoding our Dreams with Melanie McGauranIn this episode Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are talking with author, blogger, and former newspaper writer, Melanie
McGauran about decoding our dreams.
This is such a fascinating episode. The interior of our minds is an interesting, and sometimes scary, place. But it is so fun how Melanie brings her love of mysteries to this practice of sifting through the clues.
Melanie talks about her fascination with dreams and how she both remembers hers and extends them. It’s a wonderful practice to not only appreciate the dreamscape but also focus the mind in the mi...
2024-11-2233 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 93: Celebrating Poetry with Cindy GeorgakasVicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon talk with author, blogger,
life coach, and health and wellness professional, Cindy Georgakas.
In this vibrant conversation we get such a wonderful taste of Cindy’s energized and connected presence. She tells us how Covid was the impetus of starting to share wellness information in a different format.
That led to her book released last year in the Happiness Category, Re-Create and Celebrate: 7 Steps to Live the
Life of Your Dreams.” In the process of releasing that book, she planned a second release of the book of the poetry she wasn...
2024-11-1530 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 92: Baydreamer - Author Lauren ScottVicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon talk with author, and blogger, Lauren Scott.
Lauren tell us the beautiful story about how she started a poetry blog 14 years ago. In the process, she cultivated the roots she’d planted as a young girl for poetry as a destination for her emotions.
Vicki and Wynne ask how she took the step from her blog to publishing books. Lauren tells us the themes of each of her FOUR published books. She weaves the theme of love through all of them, even the most serious, just the way love carries us...
2024-11-0828 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 91: NaNoWriMo with Brian HannonVicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon talk with author, blogger, and corporate communications specialist, Brian Hannon about National Novel Writing Month.
Brian tells us why he values the encouragement and accountability piece of NaNoWriMo.
He spills a little bit about the project he has in mind and the goals he’s setting for the month.
Brian is such a great writer, with roots as a newspaper writer and corporate communications specialist. We get to see into the dichotomy of the flexibility in writing Brian has so beautifully explored in posts this week contrasted with th...
2024-11-0124 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 90: Site Design and WordPress ThemesIn this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson talk about site design and WordPress themes.
We know - we can hear you groaning from here. In fact, Wynne is groaning right along with you even though this is a large part of what she's done professionally for 30 years.
But if you are thinking about changing up your site or even
just wondering if you should, there are some good tactics to help make this manageable.
We talk through some of the design considerations to be
mindful of like navigation and search. And then...
2024-10-2536 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 89: Tea Time with Wynne and VickiIn this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson share a cup of tea.
They bring in one of Wynne's favorite quotes about tea from Mark Nepo. He likens tea to the way we make sense of our lives. From gathering the leaves, to pouring water over it, to drinking it slowly, we cultivate the aromatic blend that helps us and heals us.
Both Vicki and Wynne like the ritual because it slows us down. Having a cup of tea is like an invitation to bring forward what we already know.
Wynne shares her secret for how long I let...
2024-10-1815 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 88: Meditative Moments with Wynne and VickiWynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson talk about meditative moments.
We think it’s fair to say that we all have times where life feels frenzied. And it isn’t only because our to-do lists get too long. It’s also because of the pace of the world around us, and our exposure to the news, in whatever way we consume it.
Both Vicki and Wynne start the day with sacred time for meditation. It’s non-negotiable for Wynne so that she can
at least start the day with a measure of faith and perspective.
But we...
2024-10-1127 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 87: LinkedIn Tweaks for Authors with Dr. Vicki AtkinsonIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host, Dr. Vicki
Atkinson and we are talking about tweaking LinkedIn to reflect our identities as authors.
Dr. Atkinson has so much good advice on how to build a presence that reflects our many facets. Her professional experience as a career counselor, therapist, and educator comes shining through in this episode. We learn some great how-to’s in this episode.
I found updating my LinkedIn profile to be challenging. I have 30+ years in the technology industry and I’m unsure how to marry that with my writing and expe...
2024-10-0430 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 86: Tandem Riding with Cheryl OregliaIn this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson are with author, blogger and fantastic story-teller, Cheryl Oreglia.
Cheryl takes us along on the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa which is familiarly known as RAGBRAI. Seven hot days of riding, camping, and communing with 20,000 other riders.
Sounds fun, right? But what Cheryl does so consistently is bring the magic. She rides in tandem – both on the bike with her husband, Larry, and also in her writing. She is so good at synchronizing her inner landscape with all that she sees around.
She...
2024-09-2728 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 85: Writing and Advocacy with AbIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with blogger, parent, FASD advocate and amazing human, Ab from the My Life with T blog.
Ab tells us of the moment both his advocacy and blogging started. When a program supporting kids like his young son was canceled, it lit both fires.
The writing practice is part of Ab’s self-care. It helps him process the events that need to be noted, held onto, learned from, and cherished. It’s a great tool in his wonderful resource kit for parenting well.
And then his...
2024-09-2026 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 84: Autumnal Shifts with Deirdre WilcoxVicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with wellness educator, meditation teacher, yoga teacher, and massage therapist, Deirdre Wilcox.
As Wynne's teacher and friend for nearly 30 years, Deirdre has shared so much grounded wisdom. Of her many gifts, one that we love that is highlighted in this conversation, is her ability to help frame what we are experiencing in biological terms.
So she walks us through the shift from summer to fall in terms of the cues our bodies are receiving. And this leads to a huge a-ha about the persistent question at the end of summer, “Have we done en...
2024-09-1333 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 83: The Need to Nest with Vicki and WynneIn this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson dive into the need to nest.
As September begins, we feel the summer's intensity wane in the Northern Hemisphere. While I cherish summer, there's a point where the expectations for endless outdoor fun with my family become overwhelming.
Vicki and I discuss transitioning from the carefree days of summer to the structured school year. Whether you're a parent, teacher, empty nester, or caregiver, we explore the opportunities that come with a fall reset.
From dedicating more time to writing and reflecting to tackling projects set...
2024-09-0625 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 82: "Embrace Your Weird" with Author Dave WilliamsIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with author, graphic designer, and blogger, Dave Williams.
We love reading something that gets our creative juices going. But even better in the community of podcasting and blogging is catching a ride on everyone else’s enthusiasm!
In this episode, Dave Williams, tells us about the inspiration he gleaned from reading Felicia Day’s book, “Embrace Your Weird.”
Felicia’s book is more than a read, it’s an experience of exercises to break us out of our creative ruts. Dave shares his take on what inhi...
2024-08-3028 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 81: Clutter Tales with Michelle OramIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with blogger and retirement specialist, Michelle Oram.
We all love Michelle for her grounded approach to decluttering and the accountability example she provides.
She shares some of that and more in this episode featuring her clutter tales.
Michelle provides a great approach with what to do as we declutter and uncover the wonderful memories that are stashed in the objects we’ve hung onto. By writing out those stories, Michelle shows us how we can hang on to the essence even while saying “thank you”...
2024-08-2328 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 80: Mastering Manifestation with Mark PetruskaIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with blogger and author, Mark Petruska.
Mark tells us a great story about how he willed a campsite into existence. Even better, it was for his wife’s birthday! And it was in one of my favorite places – Mt. Rainier National Park!
We love Mark’s incredible mix of optimism, focus, and passion. So Vicki and I get him to elaborate how he harnesses the power of manifestation.
Building on the published work of Stanford professor, Dr. James Doty, we talk about the steps Dr. Do...
2024-08-1624 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 79: Sometimes You Just Have to Laugh with Pete SpringerIn this episode Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with retired elementary teacher, blogger, and author, Pete
Springer.
Pete tells us a hilarious story about a volunteer job that devolved into the giggles. And we talk about how laughter is such a great unifier and connector.
Sure, there are some things in life that need to be taken seriously. But is it okay to laugh even as we are trying to do a good job?
Pete carries that forward to another story about a recent mad dash through the airport. In his version...
2024-08-0925 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 78: The Blessings and Responsibilities of Friendship with Dr. Gerald SteinIn this episode my hosts Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon talk with esteemed psychologist, Dr. Gerald Stein.
Dr. Stein has become a great friend of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast so it was so fitting that he came on to share revealing and delightful stories about friendship.
He tells of the three categories of friendship according to Aristotle. And we talk about the investment that it takes to build a platonic relationship with another.
Of course, with investments come payoffs. And Dr. Stein coaches us through how to think about...
2024-08-0240 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 77: Singing to the Heavens with Miss OIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and I are with Wynne's almost nine-year-old daughter, Miss O.
Miss O recently sang an acapella solo at the church that Wynne's dad used to lead. Listening to her pure, soprano voice while sitting in a sanctuary where I often feel the presence of him (and Him) surrounding me, brought me to tears.
So she generously sings a bit of what she sang and tells us how she prepared to sing this not once, but twice. Miss O reminds us that people are pulling for us when we step up...
2024-07-2616 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 76: On the Bus with Eric KnudsonIn this week's podcast, Wynne and Vicki talked with dear friend, marketing man, and creative guru, Eric Knudson about riding the bus.
Eric is a dear friend of Wynne's and a master story-teller. She's known Eric for ten years and through the years, he’s regaled her with many stories. She can’t tease out exactly the formula but it’s some combination of his use of humor, timing, and detail that makes him so entertaining to listen to.
He also had the pleasure of knowing Wynne's dad and understanding what a whirlwind of energy and go...
2024-07-1927 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 75: "Cast Aside" with Beth KennedyIn this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson are with blogger and retired pre-K teacher, Beth Kennedy.
Beth tells us the story of an instant perspective moment. In a chance encounter with an extremely friendly man, she is both buoyed and leveled.
It’s a funny and thoughtful story that is so true to Beth’s writing. In her beautifully concise presentation, she allows the sparkle of the realizations to shine bright.
So we talk about how we can get lost in our own worlds until something or someone breaks through and reminds us o...
2024-07-1221 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 74: Remembering Friends with Melanie McGauranIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon talk with Melanie McGauran. Melanie is a former newspaper reporter and has a beautiful blog, Leavingthedooropen.com.
Melanie tells the story of her friend, doctor and educator, Lissa McKinley. As Lissa goes through her own journey of cancer, it informs her abilities as a doctor, teacher, and humanist.
Melanie tells us of her long friendship with Lissa, starting in all-girls preparatory school, and how she drew inspiration from Lissa both in life and in death.
We talk about how writing helps touch others long after...
2024-07-0527 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 73: Planning It Out With Brian HannonIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with writer, blogger, and planner Brian Hannon.
Brian tells us about how he plans family trips. He comes up with solid options and then his fellow travelers enthusiastically respond.
Well, that’s the idea at least. So we talk about what it actually looks like to be a planner who is coaxing everyone along.
Brian brings forward the beautiful sense of calm that comes with having something on the horizon to look forward to. And we talk about how to blend planning and spontaneity....
2024-06-2817 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 72: Smiles From the Unemployment OfficeIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon talk about identity in the unemployment office.
One of the fascinating positions that Vicki has held is as a career counselor at the unemployment office. She gives us a glimpse into how the jobs we do become our identity by
telling us the stories of some of the people who she coached.
We talk about how being a helper or a boss manifests even when someone is no longer doing that job.
I love Vicki’s powers of observation and ability to draw thru lines – tale...
2024-06-2118 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 71: Catching an Edge with Wynne and VickiIn this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson are talking about receiving unexpected feedback to our stories.
We know we’re not alone in being surprised sometimes by how a story is received. We tell about an experience to a person or persons and then are shocked at how it lands. We thought it was funny and they thought it stupid. We thought it was deep and they only appreciate the surface. Whatever it is, it is out of our control for better or worse.
When our inner editor starts curating the content we share, we...
2024-06-1319 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 70: "A" is for Ambivalence with Vicki and WynneIn this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson are talking about the surprising ways we can receive help and inspiration.
Vicki tells us a tale of self-discovery. In response to a pesky interpersonal situation, she goes to sleep wondering if she did the right thing. She’s facing a growth moment and needs a little grace for life’s crossroads.
And she gets a gift from her dearly departed dad. She tells the story about how the whispers of dreams can help us, especially when we need subtle guidance.
Please join us for the...
2024-06-0615 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 69: All You Have To Do Is Ask with Wynne and VickiIn this episode, Wynne Leon is co-host Vicki Atkinson and we are talking about questions.
It starts with a question that Wynne's eight-year-old daughter, Miss O, asked about what my dad thought about her divorce. As Wynne gives her the answer, she finally connect the dots to asking questions to her dad about his life.
Many of the answers Wynne has about family and foundation came because she had the gut feeling to ask him to tell her the story of his life.
Sometimes we forget to tell stories because someone has not...
2024-05-3018 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 68: The Circle of Life with Pete SpringerIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are with blogger, author, retired elementary school teacher and great storyteller, Pete Springer.
Pete’s storytelling is fantastic. And the fun twist with this particular story is that the story I told about trying to rescue Buttercup the bunny in episode 66 is what prompted Pete to volunteer to tell us about the great adventures of class pets.
That’s the connective tissue of stories. We tell a story and it takes the listener someplace. Hopefully someplace worth going.
Pete also shares with us the impact he’s...
2024-05-2348 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 67: Love the Ones Who are Different with Vicki and WynneIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host, blogger and author, Vicki Atkinson.
Vicki and Wynne are big believers in the power of story – to connect us, to create intergenerational healing, and to make meaning out of the events of our lives. Whether the story is funny or serious, we see others able to pick up the thread and run with it. Often it starts with, “That reminds me of…”
So in this episode, Vicki tell us about an a-ha moment story she had as a child about her dad, Sonny. He gracefully navigated the ups and...
2024-05-1715 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 66: The Power of Story with Wynne and VickiIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host, blogger and author, Vicki Atkinson.
We are changing our format starting with this episode. Vicki and Wynne are big believers in the power of story – to connect us, to create intergenerational healing, and to make meaning out of the events of our lives. To set the stage, we will be starting with someone telling a story in each episode.
In this case, Wynne tells a story about what happened when she and her kids recently rescued a bunny. We got to see and learn a little bit ab...
2024-05-1015 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 65: How to Be the New Guy with Mark PetruskaIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and I are talk with one of our favorite repeat guests, blogger and author, Mark Petruska, about how to be the new guy.
Mark tells us the fascinating story of his new job. We talk about Mark’s great willingness to lean in to change.
We learn from Mark about living life to the fullest. As always, he keeps us laughing as he tells us about the excellent timing that occurred for the most recent solar eclipse to land on his first day on the new job.
This is...
2024-05-0332 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 64: Knowing a Person with Vicki and WynneIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host, Vicki Atkinson, and we are talking about the latest book from author David Brooks, How to Know a Person.
We talk about his great encouragement to be vulnerable enough to be seen and his image of each of us as a creative artist who has a unique way of seeing the world.
And we dive into the methods that help us listen well.
We have a great conversation around what it takes to tell our own stories.
Vicki also shares with us the...
2024-04-2635 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 63: Keys to Collaborative Success with Vicki and WynneIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with dear friend and co-host, Vicki Atkinson, and we are talking about the keys to success as collaborators.
We talk about how openness and authenticity are necessary to be good partners.
I bring my years of experience as a consultant for collaboration software to the table talking about the right mix of structure and openness to provide room for individual expression.
Vicki gives us a great metaphor about understanding what history is best packed away in a steamer trunk versus carried with us in a backpack.
2024-04-1939 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 62: The Loop Files with Rick KaempferIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are talking with author, podcaster, publisher, and former radio producer, Rick Kaempfer.
Rick has recently published The Loop Files: An Oral History of the Most Outrageous Radio Station Ever. It’s a celebration of a time when radio, rock and roll, and comedy all came together.
We talk about how Rick prepared to meet celebrities as a DJ and producer in the pre-Internet era. He tells us about his regimen to subscribe to all the magazines he could and read 7 newspapers a day.
Rick, who cl...
2024-04-1239 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 61: The Writers Conference with Cheryl OregliaIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are talking with author and blogger, Cheryl Oreglia.
Cheryl has recently returned from attending the San Francisco writers conference. She shares her elevator pitch for her next book project.
She inspires us to keep writing by talking about the symbiotic relationship between the gatekeepers and writers.
In her inimitable style, Cheryl keeps us laughing alongside her as she reveals the mishaps, lessons, and successes of a writers conference.
She also beautifully describes our personal stories and the way, perhaps obligation, to keep writing...
2024-04-0537 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 60: The Perils of Prediction with Dr. Gerald SteinIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are back with writer and retired psychologist, Dr. Gerald Stein.
In this fascinating episode, we talk about the factors that keep us from accurately predicting how we’ll react in a situation or knowing what we want life to be.
We talk about the tests in life like money, fame, winning, and more that look promising but probably feel different than we imagine if we achieve them.
Dr. Stein talks about the factors that impact our ability to anticipate how we feel.
In th...
2024-03-2959 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 59: Creative Balance with Todd FulginitiIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are talking with writer and musician, Todd Fulginiti. Our discussion centers around finding creative balance, especially in Todd’s post-Covid life as a musician gig worker.
He talks about grabbing opportunities when they pop up. Because you never know how long the invitations will keep coming. And then the overload that happens when you say “yes” to everything.
We talk through working with the tension between doing too much and taking care of oneself. Todd tells us his conclusion of finding his balance.
We also find o...
2024-03-2233 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 58: Creative Heart with Brian HannonIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are talking with our colleague, writer and corporate communication leader, Brian Hannon.
Brian shares with us what sparks his creativity and impetus to write.
We talk about paradoxes and George Carlin.
Brian tells us the secret about his productivity to write both personally and professionally.
And because it’s always informative to find out how others do it all, we talk about balance. This is a great episode with a fantastic writer and friend. Brian always brings such warmth and inspiration to our co...
2024-03-1536 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 57: Becoming an Author with Chris G. ThelenIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are talking with author, blogger, and former ad-man Chris Thelen.
We talk about publishing his fun thriller, Islands of Deception. He highlights how important it is to have a great team when publishing a book. The goodness that comes from being surrounded by smart and supportive people.
We talk about how he incorporates key locations from his home state of Michigan in the book and the lifetime of experiences that made it fun and personal to write about.
Chris tells us how he landed on...
2024-03-0827 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 56: Master Class in Creativity with Jack Canfora Part IIIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are talking with Edgerton award winning playwright, musician, and writer Jack Canfora.
Talking with Jack is like attending a master class on creativity. In fact, our conversation with Jack is so rich with both writing practices and nuggets about authors and artists that we split it into two episodes.
In the first episode of this series that aired last week, we talked about writing practices Jack uses when in a lull and about creative attention.
In this second episode, we delve into the balance of s...
2024-03-0127 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 55: Master Class in Creativity with Jack Canfora Part IIn this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson are talking with Edgerton award winning playwright, musician, and writer Jack Canfora.
Talking with Jack is like attending a master class on creativity. In fact, our conversation with Jack is so rich with both writing practices and nuggets about authors and artists that we’ve split it into two episodes.
In this first episode, we talk with Jack about depression and creative expression. He adds some fantastic and funny insight from comedian, Gary Gulman (HBO special: The Great Depresh).
Jack also reveals a couple of his...
2024-02-2326 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 54: Style & Creativity with Lindsey BauerIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and I are with stylist, and my sister-in-law, Lindsey Bauer.
We are so delighted to air this conversation with Lindsey as she shares nuggets from her long career in the fashion industry involving design, manufacturing, and retail.
She tells us about the geometry of looking long and lean instead of fruit shaped.
Lindsey tells us why we shouldn’t buy clothes at Costco.
We talk through Lindsey's top three priorities when buying new clothes.
Vicki and I ask her about her process of styling a...
2024-02-1636 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 53: Practicing Creativity with DavidIn this episode, Vicki and Wynne talk with David from the Pinwheel in a Hurricane and Unwanted blogs.
David has so much to offer when it comes to the goodness of the creative process – for solidifying clarity, integration, and healing.
The tagline for David’s Pinwheel in a Hurricane blog is “an attempt at adding to the fray without just making noise.”
David tells us about his experience blogging for 10 years and how the first hurdle was just to believe that he had a voice.
We talk about sharing and telling stories...
2024-02-0933 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 52: Unlocking Secrets with Vicki and WynneIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host Dr. Vicki Atkinson and they’re talking about unlocking secrets. Both Vicki and I have published books about family. Vicki about her mom, Sue, and me about my dad, Dick. As we’ve discussed in other podcasts, writing about family is hard.
But it’s also instructive - we learn so much about ourselves and where we come from. It’s a path that we’ve found to be so illuminating because we get to build on the secrets from those who went before.
Vicki talks about one of the...
2024-02-0236 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 51: The Magic of Stories with Dave WilliamsIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with my co-host Dr. Vicki Atkinson and we’re talking with author and illustrator, Dave Williams.
I love bookstores and have a soft spot for any book written in them. Novels like The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield and The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin are two of my favorites.
But I’ve never met anyone that was raised in a bookstore – until now. Dave Williams grew up working in his grandparents bookstore – a converted Victorian house in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Dave shares about th...
2024-01-2652 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 50: The Art of PracticeWe are celebrating our 50th podcast in this episode. We talk about my favorite quote as it relates to pulling ourselves together to start something – and then sticking with it.
Your first podcast will be awful.Your first video will be awful.Your first article will be awful.Your first art will be awful.Your first photo will be awful.But you can't make your 50th without making your first.So get it over with, and make it.
Vicki calls it the pancake quote - the first one out of...
2024-01-1932 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 49: Six-Word Stories with Dr. Victoria AtkinsonThe Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast is back with its first episode of 2024! This year we are putting special emphasis on the why and how of creativity. We start the season with a special episode with Dr. Vicki Atkinson. We know and love our writing, blogging friend, and podcasting friend Vicki. But of course, dear Vicki has worn a lot of other hats – therapist, professor, college dean, and author.
And one of the places where her incredible experience wearing all these hats comes together? Six-word stories. On this podcast we get to learn about the hi...
2024-01-1234 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 48: Staying Steady with Stuart PerkinsIn this episode, Wynne Leon and Dr. Vicki Atkinson are back with the amazing blogger and author, Stuart Perkins.
We revisit a couple of Stuart’s recent pieces that highlight the kind of people who help us and inspire us to stay steady. Stuart writes so beautifully. Period. He hooks us and we get to come along for the ride. In this case, about the moments of doubt, and characters that help us to hold on. The people that make us want to be there for others when life feels unsteady.
In his essay, Hand on...
2023-12-1522 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 47: Being Your Own Best Friend with Dr. Gerald Stein Part IIIn this podcast, which is episode two of a two-part series, Dr. Stein walks us through his list, How to Become Your Own Best Friend. This is one of our favorite essays from Dr. Stein which is saying a great deal given the depth and breadth of his wisdom.
In last week’s episode, we covered items focused on expanding our horizons to become both interesting and interested, making mistakes, self-compassion and advocating for ourselves and not overthinking things.
We continue in the vein of standing up for ourselves with do not explain, excuse or ap...
2023-12-0831 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 46: Being Your Own Best Friend with Dr. Gerald Stein Part IWynne Leon is with co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson and psychologist and blogger, Dr. Gerald Stein. In this podcast, which is episode two of a two-part series, Dr. Stein walks us through his list, How to Become Your Own Best Friend. This is one of our favorite essays from Dr. Stein which is saying a great deal given the depth and breadth of his wisdom.
He opens the list with the question, “Who is the person closest to you?” If we are going to be our own best friend, how do we start?
Dr. Stein suggests that...
2023-12-0134 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 42: The Courage To Keep Trying with Vicki and WynneIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, and we are talking about the courage to keep trying.
We open the podcast with some laughter about some silly stories with my kids where I’ve made mistakes. And it paves the way for a deep conversation about risk-taking, trying new things, and the journey to be
vulnerable to others.
I share with Vicki some of the disappointment that I felt on her behalf when reading her book, “Surviving Sue” because Sue never saw her. We talked about how she armored up from an ear...
2023-11-2538 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 45: Third Grade Writing Wisdom with Miss "O"In this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, and her delightful daughter, Miss O.
Miss O shares a personal narrative that she's written as an assignment in 3rd grade. And then she tells us what a hook is and what she’s learned about drawing in an audience by using one. She fills us in on lessons that she’s been taught about adding details to her writing.
Another assignment she is working on in class is a piece of short fiction. Miss O tells us how she envisioned her main character, a pi...
2023-11-2436 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 44: Hot Tips For Writing About Family With Brian HannonIn this episode of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, Wynne Leon is with co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, and writer and author, Brian Hannon. Brian is one of our colleagues on the Heart of the Matter blog and we love the inspiration he brings forward about writing and creativity on a regular basis. In this case, it was an article on Writer’s Digest by Sierra Godfrey entitled, 4 Ways to Write Complicated Families.
Oh boy. What family isn’t complicated? So we get Brian to talk about Sierra’s four points: pair the darkness with humor...
2023-11-1738 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 43: Reclaiming Oneself with Deb TeccaIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, and blogger, Deb Tecca. Deb is one of our colleagues on the Heart of the Matter blog and we’ve loved her take on growth, acceptance, and personal evolution.
So we ask her about her courageous writing and she explains how she’s come to see it more as reclaiming herself. After growing up in the shadow of her mom’s blame, Deb finds she’s had a voice all along that she’s worked her way back to. Being courageous enough…pushing fear to the wayside….to...
2023-11-1041 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 41: Enter If You Dare with Mark Petruska
Are you ready for some spooky talk? In this episode of the podcast, Wynne Leon is with co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, and we are back with author and blogger, Mark Petruska. We hope you are ready for some fun because Mark has a story to tell -- a spine-tingling paranormal tale if ever there was one!
Mark holds NOTHING back as he regales us with the disconcerting details about his night of inexplicable sights, sounds and sensations from a real-life haunted house. We feed our inner “Ghost Busters” as Mark tells us about the technology that h...
2023-10-2734 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 40: The Power of Choice with Wynne LeonIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with my co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, and they are talking about choice and Wynne's journey to parenthood.
Following up on the question a pre-school teacher asked Wynne about how she became a parent, she shares the story of how she started a family as a single person. From the fertility clinic doctor who laid out all the options for getting pregnant as a 45-year-old single woman to some of the interesting facts I learned about in-vitro fertilization along the way, she share the answers that are part of my process.
2023-10-2041 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 39: Rennaisance Woman with Michelle OramIn this episode of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast where we bring you talented creatives who inspired you to reach your next level of personal growth, Wynne Leon is with my co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, and blogger, and musician Michelle Oram.
Finding out how people came to blogging is so fascinating. So we dig into what brought Michelle to blogging four years ago. But more interesting than that – is why people stay. Michelle tells us how her mission of sustainability has evolved over time.
Michelle’s professional life focuses on retirement so it’s...
2023-10-1330 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 38: Jazz on King with Todd FulginitiIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, and musician, writer, blogger, and retired educator, Todd Fulginiti talking about the great new music he’s recorded and released as Jazz on King, volume 1. Centered on the ongoing gig he has with his two fellow musicians, Dave Winter and Dave Santana, Todd talks about the recording process – the low-stress way they recorded it for themselves. Then the step away they took from the project after recording it, and now the release.
We find out what it’s like to have music as a family affair since...
2023-10-0636 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 37: The Waiting Game with Dr. Gerald SteinIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host Dr. Vicki Atkinson and we so fortunate to have blogger and retired psychologist, Dr.
Gerald Stein back with us.
Dr. Stein tells us three stories about waiting. Each story is great by itself but all three speak to the benefit of developing the practice of resisting the pace of life that tells us to speed up and instead finding the calm to slow down.
These examples of the fruits of waiting emphasize how beneficial it can be to operate from a feeling of abundance instead of the...
2023-09-2945 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 36: They Call Me Mom with Pete Springer
In this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host Vicki Atkinson and we are talking with author Pete Springer about his book, They Call Me Mom: Making a Difference as an Elementary School Teacher
Pete, an elementary school educator for 31 years, tell us some heart-warming and also some heart-breaking stories that came from his years in the classroom. As he worked to educate kids and helped to raise a generation of decent people, he captures all the lessons he learned from the unfiltered goodness of children.
He recalls his early days on the job – wanting to wa...
2023-09-2241 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 35: September Savor with Vicki and WynneIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host Vicki Atkinson and we are talking about the seasonal shift that comes with September. No matter where we are in life, somehow the arc of life seems noticeable as we move from summer to fall.
So Vicki and I talk about how to be active and engaged in productive way. Drawing on Vicki’s experience as a professor and dean, we talk through how to shift from September stress to September savor, our ability to fully taste and enjoy the transition.
We recognize that the stress is th...
2023-09-1534 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 34: How To: Writing Family Narratives with Brian HannonIn this episode of the podcast, Vicki and Wynne turn the microphone over to our colleague, Brian Hannon, and he interviews us. Brian, an accomplished writer and author, started his career as a newspaper reporter and he uses those skills to uncover how Vicki and I came to write family memoirs.
Brian digs in to how the two of us, started our projects to write personal narratives even though neither of had jobs as professional authors.
In talking about our impetus to write, we uncover the many similarities between our narratives. Both of us were...
2023-09-0855 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 33: Love Lessons with Mark PetruskaIn this episode Wynne Leon is with co-host Vicki Atkinson and writer and author, Mark Petruska and we're talking about love lessons.
Mark has us laughing about all the things that can go wrong when we put ourselves out there. And how that sometimes leaves us looking for the nearest exit.
We dig into a few of his funny dating stories to find the secret behind staying resilient on the trail to true love. And Mark treats us to the key that led him to his wife Tara.
As I shared a couple...
2023-09-0133 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 32: Trying Podcasting Part II with Vicki and WynneIn this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson are finishing their two-part series about podcasting. In this second episode of the two, we are focusing on the mechanics of podcasting.
We talk about some of the choices we’ve had to make about where to publish our podcast, how widely to distribute it on other platforms, and what we’ve learned about how those choices impact things like the ability to see listener stats.
Vicki brings up some of the down stream options that have come to us to partner with people and how our appr...
2023-08-2535 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 31: Trying Podcasting - Part 1 with Wynne and VickiIn this episode, Wynne is with co-host Vicki Atkinson and they are doing a two-part series about podcasting. In this first episode of the two, we are focusing on what podcasting has taught us about trying.
We start by talking about the quote from an unknown author Wynne saw before starting this journey:
Your first podcast will be awful. Your first video will be awful.Your first article will be awful.Your first art will be awful.Your first photo will be awful.But you can't make your 50th without...
2023-08-1838 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 30: True Grit with Cheryl OregliaIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host Vicki Atkinson and they are talking to author and blogger Cheryl Oreglia.
Cheryl reads an essay from her book, Grow Damn It, called True Grit and we talk about what we develop as we grow through life – the ability to get up and dust ourselves off again and again. In her charming and funny way, Cheryl makes us realize that each failure is a delightful opportunity.
We talk about how Cheryl found a letter she’d written to her mom, but never delivered, a few years after her...
2023-08-1138 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 29: Accidental Philanthropists with Dr. Gerald SteinIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host Vicki Atkinson and they are
talking to Dr. Gerald Stein about how a promise he made, and kept, did a whole lot of good.
Dr. Stein tells us how the story began – a promise between 10 high school friends in 1963 to meet again on January 1, 2000. And when they
kept that promise, it led to the great good luck of becoming accidental
philanthropists.
We get to hear how the whole story unfolded – how the softball
team ended up as a scholarship team. And Dr. Stein’s wonderful conclusion that “if you h...
2023-08-0450 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 28: How Self Care Can Make Us Better Humans with Vicki AtkinsonIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with Vicki Atkinson talking about how self care can make us better humans.
We all have different ideas of what a self-care looks like for ourselves – ideas that match our personality and phase of life. But for all the variation in style, there is a central question of how to make self-care stick.
So in this episode, Vicki and I talk about the little hacks that help us to really fill our cups – things like knowing how we self-sabotage or trying not to go whole hog into self-care but inst...
2023-07-2834 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 27: The Power of the Pause with Deirdre WilcoxIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with meditation and yoga teacher, and massage therapist, Deirdre Wilcox and they are talking about the power of the pause.
Deirdre talks about the pause she implements when we converse,
the moment to let a question sink in so that she can respond in a thoughtful way that is more in-line with her wise mind. We talk about how pauses can help us when our buttons are pushed so that we can work to build bridges instead of walls with the people we love. Or in the cases where building walls is the...
2023-07-2134 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 26: Eye of the Tiger with Mark PetruskaIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host, Dr. Vicki, and writer and
blogger, Mark Petruska and we are talking about personal anthems and resiliency.
Do you have a personal anthem? That song that runs through your
head and heart when you face something tough.
Mark reads his post, Eye of the tiger, thrill of the fight for us, the story of his divorce, then dating, and finally his career switch to becoming a full-time writer. We uncover how Mark used both an 80’s pop song,
Eye of the Tiger by Survivor as well as th...
2023-07-1431 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 25: The Book Publication Process with Vicki AtkinsonIn this episode of the podcast, I'm with Vicki Atkinson and we're discussing the book publishing process. We talk about the trepidation that publication can bring, the feeling that comes with opening what you’ve worked on privately for so long to a wider audience. Vicki helps to counter that by grounding us in knowing our purpose and inspiration for writing.
We talk about the difference between writing to spill secrets and writing to provide insight into how to be resilient through tough situations. Often, the difference lies in doing the work to center ourselves so that we...
2023-07-0733 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 24: The In-Between with Libby SaylorIn this episode of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, Wynne Leon is with co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson and our colleague, writer, and artist, Libby Saylor, and we talk about Libby’s essay, Old Doors are Closing but New Ones Have Not Yet Opened. We dig into that uncomfortable in-between place that we occasionally find ourselves in – experiencing the discomfort of change without the relief of knowing yet what the next thing will be. In her delightful, honest, and open way, Libby takes us into the disruptions in her life that are making her feel unsettled. And she...
2023-06-3026 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 23: Marv Taking Charge with Lois RoelofsIn this episode, Wynne Leon and Dr. Vicki Atkinson sit down with Lois Roelofs to talk about her incredibly beautiful book, Marv Taking Charge. We talk with Lois about her husband’s decision not to seek treatment for small cell lung cancer and how that choice set up a very intentional life for them as they spent quality time saying good-bye to people that were closest to them. Lois, who has a PhD in nursing and is a former nurse educator, talks about the Patient’s Bill of Rights and the importance of going into decisions about treatment knowing what...
2023-06-2334 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 22: Themes in Surviving Sue with Vicki AtkinsonIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson and they talk about Vicki's newly released book, Surviving Sue.
In this episode that is near and dear to our hearts, we dig in to what it takes to write a memoir about such a complex character as Vicki’s mom, Sue
who was afflicted with anxiety, depression, alcoholism, Munchausen’s by proxy and later on, Alzheimer’s. We talk about the huge personal benefit of doing the work to turn anger into compassion and positive regard and how that facilitates intergenerational healing in our families as wel...
2023-06-1634 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 21: A Creative Life with Elizabeth WickhamIn this episode, Wynne Leon and Dr. Vicki Atkinson talk about living a creative life with Elizabeth Wickham. She tells us about growing up with a mom who allowed messes and was a creative spirit herself. After graduating with a degree in editorial journalism, Elizabeth regales us with stories from the PR firm where she learned to have great writing productivity and also met celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman, Bob Hope and Rick Dees.
Vicki and I ooh-and-aah over Elizabeth’s long list of interesting writing projects including her weekly column for the most viewed swim we...
2023-06-0930 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 20: The Art of the Interview with Dr. Gerald SteinIn this episode, Wynne Leon and co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson are with psychologist, historian, teacher and blogger, Dr. Gerald Stein.
We talk about the art of the interview. Dr. Stein draws on his extensive experience as a therapist but also as an expert witness to explain how you need to be aware of what’s been said, present to listen and help guide the conversation when asking and answering questions. He tells us how he’s prepared for interviews and what he’s done to make people comfortable. Dr. Stein wisely coaches us to save the hardest questi...
2023-06-0247 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 19: Long Distance Letters with Vicki and WynneIn this episode, Wynne Leon and Dr. Vicki Atkinson talk about the most long distance of letters – the ones we write for our dearly departed.
We talk, sometimes through tears, about writing letters to our fathers after they had passed unexpectedly and the goodness of being able to share stories we’ve written down about them with our children. Vicki brings up the idea that we are a conduit between the older and younger generations, passing on stories and wisdom, especially for young ones who never get to meet their grandparents or were too young when they pass...
2023-05-2630 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 18: No Time For Kings with Mark PetruskaIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson and writter, blogger, optimist and master manifester, Mark Petruska.
Manifester might not technically be a word but it’s great shorthand for how Mark wills things into reality. He explains how manifesting works hand-in-hand with optimism to fuel the adventurous changes he and his wife, Tara, have pursued in life.
We talk about his eco-thriller, No Time For Kings, and the one line he read in a newspaper that sparked the plot line. And even though Wynne questioned how Mark, with his humor and op...
2023-05-1925 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 17: Building a Base with Brian HannonIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson and colleague, writer and blogger Brian Hannon. We talk about what metrics are meaningful on the blogging journey and how to build a vibrant community.
Brian shares tips he learned as a newspaper reporter and how blogging differs from being a reporter in the rich conversation that can be sparked through comments. We share celebrity gossip – nah, just kidding, not really- but we do touch on holding space for our own growth, development and learning as we write.
We know you will love this ep...
2023-05-1230 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 16: Nuggets of Kindness with Stuart PerkinsIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson and writer, blogger and master storyteller, Stuart Perkins.
Stuart shares with us a piece entitled A Nugget of Kindness, about a moment where he recalled the generosity of a stranger twenty years earlier and pays it
forward. We take a deep dive into how both paying it forward and writing about it extends the gratitude we have for people who help us in our moment of need and also ties back to the wisdom of Stuart’s grandmother who taught that when you see a need, yo...
2023-05-0524 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 15: Writing into a Full and Balanced Life with Brenda HarrisonIn this episode, Wynne and Vicki talk with about blogger and HR lecturer, Brenda Harrison, about Brenda’s inspiration for writing, traveling, and how blogging has brought balance to her work and life. Brenda tells us the inspiration for the name of her blog, Curiosities, Castles and Coffee Shops and we also discover how Brenda’ delightful and inspiring knack for growth led her through her journey from legal secretary, back to school, on as an HR lecturer and now to blogging. We explore how writing fuels a cycle of creativity in Brenda’s life where it is both the result...
2023-04-2830 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 14: Holding Space with Deirdre WilcoxIn this episode, Wynne Leon talks with meditation teacher, massage therapist and healer, Deirdre Wilcox, about how to hold space for others. It's the process of actively listening to others going through tough stuff with open regard. How do we do it effectively? What good does it do for the person we are holding space for?
We also talk about another favorite phrase that Wynne has gotten from Deirdre – “being parked in my small space.” That is to say, that space where everything and anything bugs us because our perspective is shut down. Deirdre gives some great tips o...
2023-04-2145 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 13: The Best Seat In the House with Bruce Bohrer
In this episode, Vicki and Wynne had the pleasure of visiting with Bruce Bohrer, author of “Best Seat in the House: A Diary of a Wrigley Field Usher” and it was a terrific, behind-the-scenes peek into a beloved sports venue in Chicago.
Tune in as Bruce shares anecdotes about famous players – Ryne Sandberg, Ernie Banks, and Ryan Dempster – and stay for the fun as Bruce shares stories about the “real stars of the game” – the fans – as he talks about fun encounters with the irrepressible die-hard Cubs fans.
Bruce’s nine-year ‘second career’ was a dream come true...
2023-04-1438 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 12: On Storytelling with Stuart M. PerkinsIn this episode, Vicki and Wynne talk with writer, blogger, and master storyteller, Stuart Perkins, about the dare that got him to start his blog, Storyshucker, and the long line of family story-tellers that are part of the foundation of his craft.
We reflect on the nervousness of publishing a first post and the joy of finding out that writing down our stories helps us to find out how alike we all are. Stuart tells us more about his grandmother, Nannie, who is a repeat character in his writing as a core of the big family roots...
2023-04-0721 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 11: How to Journal the Right Way with Libby SaylorIn this episode, Wynne Leon is with Vicki Atkinson and Libby Saylor to talk about Libby’s post about how to journal the right way. That is to say to journal to really heal the tough, icky, and not so fun, phases and feelings. We touch on the inner child and how journaling can work to really soothe those parts of ourselves who don’t feel heard.We bring in Rumi’s guest house and liken journaling to really welcoming the whole complement of feelings in so we can receive the message and move on.
Libby and Vi...
2023-03-3133 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 10: The Power of Intuition with Deirdre WilcoxIn this episode, Wynne talks with healer, meditation teacher, artist, all-around delightful and amazing human, Deirdre Wilcox.
We talk about Deirdre’s journey to become a healer, how she used her time undergoing treatment for breast cancer to integrate all that she’d been taught about the mind-body-spirit. We also delve into the power of our intuition and why we mistrust it, why we need to place meditation up there on the list of daily habits like flossing, the danger of going shopping after meditation class, and how transformation might be exactly what we need...
2023-03-2445 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 9: The Audacity to Believe with Mitch TeemleyIn this episode of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon talk with Mitch Teemley - a storyteller (writer, filmmaker, composer, public speaker) with the audacity to believe others might actually want to read, watch or hear the things he comes up with.
And that audacity has led him in a life of great courage, conviction, and productivity. In addition to his very active blog, he’s written, directed, and produced two feature films, The Healing River and Notzilla. He also a sought after public speaker.
Do you need to...
2023-03-1732 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 8: Expressive WritingIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson, Brian Hannon and Wynne Leon talk about how writing helps us think and more than once and maybe even get us out of a jam or two. We, the overly-absorbed, over-thinkers who swirl and retread in our own infinity loops of what-ifs and quandaries, and then can hopefully write our way out of those loops.
We talk about being part of the writing community in general and the team that makes up the Heart of the Matter. Folks who enjoy telling stories…swapping giggles and epiphanies…all with an eye toward inspiration and gr...
2023-03-1032 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 7: Grow Damn It!In this episode, Wynne is with author, Cheryl Oreglia, and they’re talking about Cheryl's newly released book Grow Damn It! Also, they talk about treasuring the life we have, asking our loved ones the most important questions before they go, and what makes the ride worthwhile.
From car accidents, car dealership negotiation, caring for family, grief, and being a good sport, Cheryl writes such an evocative account of life that brings out the best while being totally real – and very funny. She weaves the magic of an author that knows herself, has the guts to tackle feel...
2023-03-0335 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 6: Really Listen To The Way We Talk To OurselvesIn this conversation with between Wynne Leon and Libby Saylor (aka The Goddess Attainable), they talk about Libby's post, Really Listen to the Way We Talk To Ourselves, self-compassion, dating and the mirror of love, and healing wounds from our families of origin.
Here are some of Wynne's take-aways from this episode:
What I learned - Libby’s beautiful perspective about listening to ourselves, “I just want to listen [to myself] with LOVE.”
My favorite phrase from Libby – “I’d already journaled til my hand was about to fall off”
How I felt after ou...
2023-02-2428 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 5: Fathers, Sons & FlannelIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson talks with writer Brian Hannon about memories of his father, inspired by his father's favorite apparel, flannel shirts. As Vicki aply summarizes - Writing about family is fraught with snares and trepidation as many of us walk the line between speaking our truth and avoiding disrespect. My friend Brian of the ‘Writing from the Heart with Brian’ blog and Heart of the Matter recently wrote about his father…sharing a series of scenes from his life with his dad, told from the perspective of his father’s most beloved piece of apparel: a flannel shirt.
2023-02-1736 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 4: Why Theater MattersI’ve heard Jack Canfora joke that being a playwright in America in this day and age is a little like choosing to be a figure skater in Kenya. Meaning no disrespect to Kenyan figure skaters, of course.
Which makes me respect Jack and his path even more. He started with writing comedy sketches in his 20’s and then became a playwright in his 30’s. He’s won awards, had his plays performed off-Broadway, and taken a lot of other jobs (teacher, copy writer, writing coach) to make it work. That is to say, Jack knows more about th...
2023-02-1023 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 3: On Mountaineering, Martial Arts, Overcoming Challenges and MotherhoodIn this episode, Wynne talks with Betsy Kerekes, blogger, published author, wife, mom, and martial arts practitioner about how to tackle hard things with humor and grace. Which seems to be a specialty for Betsy - she does it with parenting and now for martial arts too. In the great stories Betsy tells about learning, getting injured, and keeping up the practice, there are so many ways to be inspired by her grit all wrapped up in a lovely package.
The show notes can be found on the HoTM site: Podcast Episode 3: On Mountaineering, Martial Arts, Overcoming C...
2023-02-0329 minSharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 2: Finding My Father's FaithVicki and Wynne talking about Wynne's book Finding My Father's Faith and all the obstacles we encounter on the way to writing about family. Wynne talks about when it feels daunting to break with the status quo and broach subjects where we do things differently. But most of all, we talk about listening to that inner voice that tells us to get started and the incredible gifts that come with it.
The book can be found on Amazon: Finding My Father's Faith: Leon, Wynne: 9781516803347: Amazon.com: Books
The Sharing the Heart of t...
2023-01-2737 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 1: Why We Are HereVicki and Wynne launch the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast and talk about why connection is so important. Delving into blogging, sharing stories that are close to the heart, and revealing what community means to them, they start this journey into listening to ourselves and each other with full hearts.
2023-01-2026 min