Life Notes from Chair 17

As they say, all good things must come to an end. As we close out 2024, join host CH as she reflects on the end of fairly significant chapter in her life's journey - that of a 20 year Pluto Moon astrological cycle that was rife with challenge and struggle while also amounting to significant personal growth. Listen in as she discusses how a start-of-the-year job layoff became the catalyst for some of the deepest introspection and self-growth she has ever done leading to greater understanding of personal strengths and aspirations. If you have felt perhaps this year has been a humdinger for you as well, this episode offers insights into embracing transitions and finding resilience in the face of uncertainty - no matter the year. Show Notes Pluto Moon Astrology MeaningWho's Afraid of Little Old Me?The Tortured Poets DepartmentFawkesdie by bursting into flames then be rebornThis Is Me StartingLiving Through A LayoffShare the Chair: Nathan WaldvogelWalk Through the FireThe (Unexpected) Summer Sabbatical

Fifty. 5-0. Half-century. However we want to call it, host CH hits that milestone birthday this month. And although she can't say she is exactly where she thought she'd be at this precise moment in her own life timeline, she also never put any arbitrary age accomplishments ON her timeline. Join her this week as she reflects on what this approach has taught her about the importance of embracing the whole of the life journey, and not defining success or failure if something has not been accomplished by a certain age - especially a YOUNG age. Show Notes definition of ageism by the World Health OrganizationYou Need to Calm DownAnxiety characterInside Out 2Terminator 2: Judgment Day" quote

Holiday Season 2024 is officially underway. And yet, we have to admit we're not feeling all that holiday-ish. And you know what? We're ok with that. Join CH this week as she talks about the importance of acknowledging the emotional challenges the holiday season can bring - especially when it might NOT be the most happiest or magical for everyone. She encourages us to remember that it is alright to forge your own path during this complex time of year, and to celebrate in a way that feels best for each of us in the moment we are at - whether traditional or not, whether all in or not. Show Notes Ok Not Being OkSoloing the Holidays

This is a bit of tough episode, folks, but we're going to give it our best shot at reflecting on the 2024 U.S. election. While this podcast is not a political or a current events show, the election's impact is impossible to ignore - and it is creating a life experience that is also impossible to ignore. While we might all be tired of hearing about the election (and news ABOUT the election), this episode is meant to be a personal reflection, not a post-mortem. Recorded only a few days after the election (on November 9th), CH shares her thoughts on what is perhaps the shifting political landscape, and its implications for individuals and communities that may feel marginalized or be adversely affected; and, the importance of community and connection when we find ourselves facing very polarizing differences of opinions and ideologies - including the challenge of reconciling with friends or family when we are on opposite sides of the political spectrum. She also encourages us to engage in a bit of self-reflection, and to perhaps find soft places to land in what can often be an increasingly harsh world. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that acknowledges the challenges ahead for some, while still aiming to inspire hope and collective strength. A special note from CH on this episode: "This was not an easy one to record. I have ultimately attempted to articulate the concerns that are quite personal to me, to those in my inner-circle and my community. Perhaps not everyone is going to understand these concerns or even agree with them. And that is fine. But maybe it will offer a perspective one might not have considered. In the end, I hope it will help us all think about how we continue to treat each other during very polarizing times. Also this was recorded only a few days after the election - on November 9th. Things continue to evolve and shift daily." Show Notes this articleProject 2025Agenda 47Project 2025 vs. Agenda 47

We know we love all-things Halloween and October. But we also have a new(er) appreciation for the Mexican celebration Día de los Muertos thanks to one of our favorite animated films, 'Coco.' Join host CH this week as she discusses how the overall story and theme of the film inspired her to reflect on the importance of family and legacy, and to embrace remembering those who have gone before us in a vibrant, celebratory way vs. a sad, tragic way. Whether you're familiar with Día de los Muertos or are just now hearing about it, tune in for a thoughtful discussion on how stories, music, and celebration help inspire and connect us all across time. Show Notes Wikipedia pageIMDb listingGoogle searchhereShare the Chair: Colleen ColemanThe Gift of Time

It's not often one pulls off a sequel. And in OUR sequel with Ellie Cornell, she makes good on her promise to return to the podcast to help us celebrate Scary Movie Month, joining host CH to talk about her legacy role as Rachel Carruthers in 'Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers' and 'Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers.' From the casting (Ellie was actually NOT director Dwight Little's first choice) to her chemistry with co-star Danielle Harris (they are still friends to this day) to the unique experience of filming iconic scenes like the rooftop chase (yes, the infamous protruding-nail-injury-stop-filming-for-a-second scene) and the climactic truck showdown (spoiler: the truck was not moving), Ellie shares her insights and reflections on the life-changing role. Whether you're a die-hard 'Halloween' fan, a horror genre fan, or just a film fan in general, this episode is a treat for anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling, and the enduring nostalgic look at the magic behind the scares. Show Notes IMDb profileherehereHalloweenMovies.comStill Rolling: Inside the Hollywood Dream FactoryGenie FrancisRebecca Shafferavailable for pre-order via Tucker PressAmazonTalk Scary to MeRosemary's BabyHalloween 3: Season of the Witchthis sceneWhen 'Thriller' Met 'Halloween'Share the Chair episode with Ellie from April of 2024

We are now in a our second year as part of the podcast universe - officially! Join CH this week for a quick update on changing up our posting cadence to every-other-week so as to provide more space between the episodes AND to ensure we continue to build our C17 community over the long term. This might be one of our shortest episodes yet, but it is a chance for CH to explain the change while also thanking you all again for your continued support. Plus, we didn't want to leave everyone hanging or think we disappeared!

52 weeks. 52 episodes. One full year of being here in the podcast universe! To commemorate this special milestone, we did another in our Share the Chair series of episodes with CH's former senior marketing operations leader, Jen Phillips, who is currently the host of the The Progress Report Podcast. CH's heartfelt conversation delves into Jen's inspiring journey from professional burnout to personal rejuvenation, and how it ultimately led her to abandon her former sense of self (affectionately referred to in this episode as RoboJen - yes, as in robot), and find a new sense of purpose and well-being. Tune in for a great hour of discussion that delves into the importance of self-care, the impact of workplace culture on mental health, and the transformative power of taking time for oneself - three themes that have remained very important to us here as we navigate life ... one story at a time. Show Notes The Podgress ReporthereEupepsia Wellness ResortNolo@hey_noloInside the Actor's Studiohere

We've all had those jobs that are just ... not the best. But when a good job goes off the rails, it takes an unexpected toll - both while we are still IN the job, but also perhaps long after we've left. Join CH this week's as she discusses the lasting impact that difficult - perhaps even toxic - job environments can have on our mental health and professional confidence. She shares her own personal journey of having faced a traumatic work situation, the emotional toll it took and the (longer) road to recovery. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that encourages us all to make brave bets on ourselves, prioritize our well-being and have the courage to leave a harmful job environment. Show Notes Episode 32Share the Chair

What do Caesar salads, MotorolaStarTACs, a traumatic childhood rollercoaster experience, being stung by a stingray, never pulling an all-nighter and always making sure to name a car have in common? They are just a few of the 50 Shades of CH that we are celebrating as we reach our 50th episode here on the podcast (sorry, '50 Shades of Grey' fans but this episode has NOTHING to do with the books or the films). Instead, tune in for some thoughtful reflections on some of the quirky, funny, heartfelt and entertaining moments that have been part of CH's life journey thus far - all wrapped up in one episode. Whether you're a longtime C17'er or tuning in for the first time, we're pretty sure this episode will bring a smile to your face, maybe even a laugh or two, might even be a walk down memory lane, and is for sure an opportunity to get to know CH a bit more than you may have during the previous 49 episodes! Show Notes Dave and Buster'sMatterhorn at DisneylandApple IIcMotorla StarTACDr. MartensQueen MaryDark Harbor Halloween

Ever thought you could - or would - take an unplanned sabbatical? Neither did we. But sometimes, those life curve balls end up being the best thing EV-er. Join CH this week as she reflects on what turned out to be the unexpected summer sabbatical - embracing the chance to pause, step-back and recharge. She looks back on her hesitance to make the decision, the debate within herself of should she or shouldn't she (thanks, Captain Jack Sparrow), and how the encouragement from friends and peers ultimately helped her give HERSELF the permission to take a much-needed break. Show Notes herecheck out the Wikipedia listing

We've all been there. Prepped extensively for a job interview only to clam up, stumble over our words and feel like we failed a test. Are we right? Join CH this week as she reflects on her experience having sat on both sides of the interview table, and how she has come to believe job interviewing should ideally be a collaborative event, not a one-sided interrogation. And that meaningful dialogue is just as important as being able to answer questions. She also delves into her own unique analogy of how job interviews can sometimes resemble an actor auditioning for a part. At the end of the day, though, it's all about the importance of actively listening, balancing preparation with authenticity, seeing the entire experience as a two-way conversation, and feeling empowered to walk way if red flags start to appear - no matter how much we may want the job. Show Notes Wikipedia

Feedback is a gift. But it is also important to understand the impact of what we say and how we say it. Join CH this week as she explores how to be helpful and constructive when leaving reviews or providing critical feedback rather than being vitriolic and vengeful. Drawing from her own experience working as a Voice of Customer analyst, CH shares why it's crucial to give feedback that promotes growth and improvement, and how to balance criticism with kindness so as to communicate effectively and make a positive difference. Show Notes Pareto Principle

The art and science of being able to read a room. Is it something you know how to do? Or maybe you know someone who is really good at it? Recalling a life wisdom her mother gave her years ago (even when she wasn't all the interested in it), join CH this week as she discusses the importance of understanding the vibe or mood of the environment we find ourselves in - whether we're interacting with one person or a group, or whether we are in a professional setting or our every day life. In short: if we do it, it can often make us better team players, more effective communicators and create far more inclusive interactions. Show Notes Collins DictionaryThe Free Dictionary

Turning and walking in the direction of the thing we know we want to do. It sounds simple enough, right? And yet it can often be anything BUT simple. Not to mention all the times we try to talk ourselves OUT of doing it. In an episode that we're calling a convergence zone episode - a combination of inspiration and actual events taking place at once - join CH as she discusses recognizing the signs that nudge us in the direction we need to go, and leaning into opportunities that lead us there even when the whole of the path is not fully mapped out. It's all about NOT talking ourselves out of it, making a calculated decision, and keeping life balanced - and real - while in the pursuit. Show Notes The Podgress Report'Recipe for Reinvention: Chef Lisa Brooks' Journey from Burnout to Thriving'Share the Chair episode with Courtney AndriunasDuke University | Baldwin Scholarsmeteorlogical definition of Convergence ZoneWikipediaGlastonburyofficial Web siteWikipedia

We all have a purpose, but have we found it, yet? Do we even know how to find it? In another of our Share the Chair series of episodes, CH sits down with namesake friend, mentor, and former boss, Courtney Andriunas, to talk about the pursuit of one's true calling. Courtney shares how her long-standing love of Boston, Massachusetts and a bucket list desire to take a class at Harvard lead her to a transformative workshop during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen in as she discusses what it means to truly find one's individual sense of purpose, what inspiring and authentic leadership looks like in the workplace (hint: it should NOT be that different from how we are in our personal lives), and how her passion for creating a supportive and encouraging space for others remains one of her key tenets. This episode has you covered with wisdom and uplifting energy from not one but two Courtneys. Show Notes hereHarvard Extension SchoolWhat are the 4 leadership colorsInside the Actor's Studiohere

Age. Aging. Ageism. Just these words make some of us wince, right? Getting older is something we all do, but it is NOT something we tend to want talk about much - especially from a positive point of view. But what happens if we flip that script for a moment and see getting older as a gift of time - and one not necessarily afforded to everyone. Join CH this week as she reflects on getting older, cherishing the moments we have, and the lessons we can - and should - learn from older generations. This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on making the most of the years we are given, and seeing time as a gift - not a curse. Show Notes Helen MirrenquotePrime SuspectThe QueenLosing ChaseCalendar GirlsJodie FosterPeople.comJane FondaVanity Fair

When a Swedish pop rock group inspires you to become a foreign exchange student, it makes for one amazing life experience. And yes, that really IS how host CH decided to spend a summer abroad. Join us this week as she reflects back on that transformative time, and shares her thoughts on navigating language barriers, pushing through discomfort, finding joy in the simple things, leading with kindness, and appreciating the lifelong influences that resulted from the journey. You may just want to book your own trip to Sweden after listening to this episode (but we might be sliiightly biased)! Show Notes RoxetteYouth for Understandingofficial siteHenånGothenburg

Have you ever had a ride-at-dawn kind of friendship that has faded into the distance? Join CH this week as she explores the nuances of reconnecting with old friends amidst life's ever-changing landscape, and the emotional intricacies of reaching out to those who were once significant in our lives but have since drifted away. It's an episode filled with reflections and practical advice on renewing the connections that shape our lives - even if that means having to accept it might never be what it once was. Show Notes My Happy EndingThe French Connection

We've made it to the big 4-0 - our 40th episode! In honor of this milestone, we share the story of how host CH came to create her very first Live Life Each Day list following a somewhat challenging 40th circle around the sun. Listen in as she reflects on being encouraged by her friend Sarah to go through the simple exercise, how it helped change her perspective, and how the noting down of simple joys that make up our day-to-day lives can bring clarity, insight and fulfillment - whether we're navigating a challenging period or seeking new inspiration. Show Notes WikipediaIMDbHot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery