Passing Through Life

Although job changes are the most obvious transitions that Dave Clements has experienced, his story covers a broad spectrum of life's twists and turns and how to maneuver them. Early on, Dave found himself counseling fellow employees how to brave those unexpected job changes by "riding the wave." (In fact, he has authored a book by that same title.) And Dave's penchant for constantly finding -- and creating -- new challenges eventually led him from management consulting into ministry, and then even to a continent on the other side of the world! *************************************************** NOTE: This show transcript is still raw. Once final edits are made, it will be noted right here in the show notes. This episode was recorded 1.22.19. All portions are copyright 2019 Luanne Bole-Becker.

Tim Bradford has had his share of rough life transitions. A talented composer and musician, Tim's career was in full swing when the unthinkable happened. A persistent and unusual headache heralded health issues that would lead to a significant loss of hearing-- a death knell to his continuing full-time in the music field. Then, as fate would have it, Tim and his wife Kerry dealt with yet another unthinkable life transition. Hear the story of their unexpected pregnancy, and what happens when heath issues once again intrude dramatically upon their lives. *************************************************** NOTE: This show transcript is still raw. Once final edits are made, it will be noted right here in the show notes. This episode was recorded 9.20.18. All portions are copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker.

Most of us experience a variety of job changes in our lives. But what happens when those jobs no longer satisfy? If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to create your own business, what might that look like? How do you know it's the right time? What are some of the typical pitfalls? And are there tips for success that others can learn from? Lorraine Schuchart had a dream job early on as the director of communications of a growing social ministry organization. But when her mentor--and the founder of that organization--passed away, things changed and she knew it was time to move on. Listen as Lorraine charts a course from the non-profit world into the for-profit world, and eventually charts her own course into building an agency that serves them both--Prosper for Purpose. *************************************************** NOTE: This show transcript is still raw. Once final edits are made, it will be noted right here in the show notes. This episode was recorded 9.19.18. All portions are copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker.

Transitions thrust us into new worlds. What's it like when that new world is an ocean away? And in a foreign country with another language and different cultural, religious, and political perspectives? Our podcast guest, Kevin Risner, was an English major whose love of the language led him in a variety of directions, one of which was to teach English to students in Istanbul, Turkey. Follow along as Kevin not only moves to a foreign country, but experiences transitions involved in evolving from student to teacher, and also constantly expanding from teacher to writer. *************************************************** NOTE: This show transcript is still raw. Once final edits are made, it will be noted right here in the show notes. This episode was recorded 11.21.18. All portions are copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker. **************************************************** Here are links to some of Kevin Risner's writing work: My Ear is a Sieve https://bunkysbooks.com/collections/bottlecap-press/products/my-ear-is-a-sieve-by-kevin-a-risner Lucid http://thepoetryannals.co.uk/#june Poetry anthology that includes one Risner poem in it; all profits from this collection go to Save The Children http://thepoetryannals.co.uk/#winter Information about bombings Kevin Risner talked about: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Istanbul_bombings https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Istanbul_bombings Link to Pamuk’s novel Snow https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11691.Snow

If you've only been married five months and your wife is the one who gets diagnosed with breast cancer? Well, clearly your honeymoon is REALLY over. Even though cancer hits way too many of us, we are still shocked when it attacks someone particularly young and vibrant. Such was the case with Jennifer Merendino. Her husband Angelo is our guest this episode, recounting how he and his wife Jen dealt with her double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and breast reconstruction before their first wedding anniversary. And then how they eventually dealt with the cancer returning, trying to explain long distance to family and friends the journey they were going through. A heart-wrenching, brutally honest series of photographs emerged from this experience. Angelo Merendino also discusses how photography became his passion and livelihood, as well as the challenges of life as a young widower. https://www.mywifesfightwithbreastcancer.com/ Angelo started a non-profit to help current victims of breast cancer. It is called The Love You Share. The mission of The Love You Share is to provide financial assistance to breast cancer patients in need while they are receiving treatment. Its goal is to make life easier, even if only for a short time, for someone who is fighting for life. https://theloveyoushare.org/ You can view more of Angelo Merendino's photography here: https://www.angelomerendino.com/ NOTE: This show transcript is still raw. Once final edits are made, it will be noted right here in the show notes. This episode was recorded 10.23.18. All portions are copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker.

It's one thing to strive and change to obtain a "dream job." It's quite another to have the clarity and courage to give up that dream job to pursue an atypical path, a stronger calling. Jody Adams-Fesco did just that when she chose to leave an illustrator job at American Greetings in Cleveland, Ohio, and move into Cook Forest, Pennsylvania, to help her mom run a historic 30-room lodge and nearby rustic cabins. Would her artistic skills translate into this whole new world? Would her relationships with family and her then-fiance thrive? Or struggle? And how would such a seismic change in life circumstances change Jody? Learn more in today's episode--"Leaving the Dream Job Behind." You can also learn more about the lodge that Jody helps run with her mom. Just click here for info about Gateway Lodge and Black Bear cabins in beautiful Cook Forest: https://gatewaylodge.com/ NOTE: This show transcript is still raw. Once final edits are made, it will be noted right here in the show notes. This episode was recorded 9.25.18. All portions are copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker.

Finally! We turn the tables as our host Luanne Bole-Becker shares her story of transitions, including dealing with Alzheimer's. At first, it's a story of improbable job changes. With a degree in accounting but a constant urge to infuse life with more creativity and adventure, Luanne eventually transitioned into an exciting career working with the families of the Challenger astronauts. (Even when they were based in another city, they created a job just for Luanne!) It takes an awful lot of persistence and effort, but it's possible to make something like that happen. The bulk of the podcast, however, deals with the transitions surrounding Alzheimer's disease. Luanne's husband and creative partner was diagnosed unexpectedly at the young age of 58. Managing this disease well requires significant and ongoing transitions, both on the part of the person suffering memory/brain loss, and their caregiver(s). Learn how Luanne and her husband Bob have traveled this long and challenging journey. Here are some of the resources and organizations that have helped tremendously in dealing with Alzheimer's. CLEVELAND ORGANIATIONS: https://www.alz.org/cleveland https://farrellfoundation.org/ (Note: The Farrell Foundation is so unique. They offer free, arts-based programs several times a week for you and your loved one. This often leads to new friendships and an invaluable network of resources and suggestions.) https://www.rockportseniorliving.com/services/elder-daycare/ (Note: Not every day center is well equipped to deal with people suffering memory loss. Rockport Senior Living IS. It's a casual, caring, flexible environment offering meals and personal care as well as person-centererd activities.) http://www.hospicewr.org/patients-and-caregivers/our-services/hospice-houses/Documents/Western%20Reserve%20Nav%20brochure.pdf (Note: The Hospice of Western Reserve Navigator program is available at ANY stage of dementia. In addition to access to a nurse 24 hours and regular social worker consultation, it can provide a weekly volunteer to stay with your loved one at no cost while you take an hour or two for yourself. It is a life saver! Do not wait on this one. IGNORE the word hospice and call right away.) NATIONAL RESOURCES: https://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/ https://teepasnow.com/ This episode was recorded 9.18.18. All portions are copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker.

We pretty much expect that if we're lucky enough to retire, we're going to experience transition. But most of us retire and make incremental changes. Others just upend their lives and try something completely new! Today's guest, Alex Belisle, fits the latter category. A high school English teacher in New York City for 36 years, Alex retired and started running, hiking, riding his bike. But it wasn't enough to keep him fully occupied. So when his wife suggested he take up a hobby, he looked into photography. And when a local newspaper placed an ad seeking freelance photographers, Alex dove right in, ending up with a New York City press pass and a lucrative gig with Nike Sports! But there was more to come. In an unexpected move (literally), Alex and his family gave up the only life he had ever know (in the big city!) and moved to his wife's hometown of Lakewood, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. That's more than just a geographic shift; it's a seismic cultural shift too! NOTE: The show transcript is now edited. Please check it out on the tab provided! ********************************************* Passing Through Life podcast copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker Episode 7: Leaving the Big Apple Alex Belisle interview recorded 9.6.18; podcast published 4.3.19

Sometimes our transitions are intertwined closely with the transitions of another. Our guest this episode is Cindy Hill, whose first child Ben was born with Velo-Cardio-Facial syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects a person's heart and cognitive abilities. Cindy's eagerly anticipated prospect of joining the "sisterhood of moms" was abruptly altered. Now life became a series of significant--and often challenging-- transitions as Ben moved through his development milestones. This all took place at a time of new community understanding and inclusion, made possible in part by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Each new milestone required much pre-planning and orientation, particularly in working with the local school system. As Ben's most knowledgeable and passionate advocate, Cindy had to change right alongside him, always trying to stay one step ahead. Even Cindy's personality changed so she could fight through the complications ahead. After all, Cindy was Ben's mom, and her protective maternal instinct was about to break loose! Here are some resources that Cindy recommends: ************************************************************* Bright Beginnings Provides services that promote the health and development of infants and toddlers so that children start school healthy and ready to learn. http://www.escneo.org/BrightBeginnings.aspx Courage to Caregivers Provides hope, support, and courage to caregivers and loved ones of those living with mental illness, through one-to-one caregiver support, support groups, educational programs and resources. www.CouragetoCaregivers.org ************************************************************ Passing Through Life podcast copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker Episode 6: Becoming Mama Bear Cindy Hill interview recorded 7.29.18; podcast published 3.27.19 Introducing our guest: Cindy Hill (00:15) Lu Today's episode is entitled simply, "Becoming Mama Bear." It's episode number six, an interview with Cindy Hill. She's an accomplished writer and a parent activist. That latter role is something she didn't choose, but it kind of became reality when Cindy's firstborn son was born. (That happens!) With a variety of both physical and cognitive challenges. So, welcome Cindy. Thanks for joining us today. Cindy Nice to be here, Luanne. Lu We first met, in fact as we were becoming new moms and we discovered we had a common love of Discovery Toys because you became my best customer. Yay! She bought everything I brought! And then we were both writers and we loved a lot of the same things like exploring space and drum circles and who knows what else. So we've been inspiring each other kind of back and forth for more than 30 years now. Cindy &nbs

It's the day you never, ever expect... or want... to face. Ruth Durand's husband Matt had recently confided that they would need to be making drastic changes in their living situation, due to the recession. That seemed to be bombshell enough. But more was in store. Later this year will be the 10th anniversary of Matt's untimely death. In this episode, Ruth leads us through the days before and after Matt's unexpected suicide at age 40. Sadly, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and one of the three leading causes that is on the rise. Perhaps walking alongside Ruth in this journey will provide insight into ways to handle this all-too-common tragedy. Because there IS life--and life abundant--even after the suicide of a loved one. Here is one person's way through. TRANSCRIPT FOLLOWS BELOW: Passing Through Life podcast copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker Episode 5: Just Getting Your Feet on the Ground Ruth Durand interview recorded 9.22.18; podcast published 3.6.19 Introducing our guest: Ruth Durand (00:16) Lu: Today's episode is called just getting your feet on the ground. It's episode number five and it's an interview with Ruth Durand, a beautiful woman and my friend who has had to face and live through possibly one of the worst experiences that there is in life, the suicide of a spouse. Ehhhh. But there's good stuff in this story too, so thanks, Ruth, for being here. Ruth: Thanks for having me. Lu: We met because of our kids, I think. Our son Bryan, who's engineering these podcasts--and I manage to mention in everything single one, I think--and Ruth's son Garrett became really good friends. In fact, I can remember some epic birthday parties, in fact, one where each one got to pick out his favorite hot sauce and inflict it on the others. But I digress. Our kids went to church and school together. As moms, we hung out at church and school events together. And I actually served on several committees and boards with Ruth's husband, Matt Felber, so our families were intertwined and we really just enjoy each other's company. So we're going to enjoy each other's company now too, right? [Yes, we are.] Okay. When life was still “normal” (01:39) Lu: I'm going to start out by asking you to tell me a little bit about your life prior to 2009. Ruth: Hm, that's a tough one. Okay. I think we just lived life, you know, raising, raising the three boys, doing... Lu: How old were the kids roughly? Are we talking little kids? Teenagers? Ruth: In 2009 they were 15 and 17.

Most of us have experienced roadblocks along a career path. For a university professor, NOT getting tenure is a major roadblock. It means that the place where you've invested your time and reputation for years now expects you to leave. Just like that. There go your job security and income! So what happens next? Photographer, educator, and activist Steve Cagan learned this lesson the hard way. Hear how he used this unexpected setback to delve deeper into activism, and eventually to pursue a long-term relationship and build a powerful portfolio of work to assist the people of El Choco, Colombia. For more information, please check out these links: Steve Cagan and his work Gold Mining in El Choco--the images of Steve Cagan and Mary Kelsey Steve Cagan discusses "activist photography" in a previous interview ************************************************** TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE Passing Through Life podcast copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker Episode 4: Tenure Isn't Everything Steve Cagan interview recorded 7.31.18, podcast published 2.20.19 Introducing our guest—Steve Cagan, activist photographer (00:00:15) Lu: Today's episode is "Tenure Isn't Everything," episode number four, an interview with Steve Cagan, an award-winning activist photographer. He's won very prestigious awards, including a Fulbright fellowship. So welcome Steve. Thanks for joining us Steve: Two Fulbrights! Lu: Ooooh. Two. Whoa ho ho! Okay. But a bit of background. Well, I first saw Steve's photography 30 years ago, which is impossible because we are youngsters! But it was in an exhibit highlighting factory closings around Cleveland or around the region. We didn't actually meet until 2010 when we collaborated on a project to document the lives of refugee families that were resettling here in northeast Ohio. And I have to say I was a little intimidated because Steve has this long history of exhibits and awards and I was interested in creating a photo exhibit, but I had absolutely no experience as a curator, a gallery owner, a serious photographer, any of those things. But I just knew I wanted refugees’ lives captured in a compelling and visual way. So several people actually referred me to you, Steve, and you're kind of like a perfect fit because you've pretty much dedicated your life to using photography, but using it to advance and support social causes. So that leads me to my first question. You call yourself an activist photographer. What the heck is that? Steve: Well, that's a very good question. It's something that I've been actually developing both as a practice and as a kind of critical understanding. What's at the heart of that notion is that my photography is done in collaboration with organizations or communities that are in struggle for justice-- perhaps around ve<

Having a baby is supposed to be one of the most joyous times of your life! So when guest Sheila Fell and her husband Joe learned that Sheila was pregnant, they were ecstatic. In fact, Sheila immersed herself in learning everything she could about pregnancy and new motherhood. However, once their son Arthur was born, reality didn’t quite match all those glorious expectations. The Fells learned firsthand about that dreaded word “colic" when their baby boy began to cry virtually nonstop. Sheila recounts how she was in a constant state of anxiety as a result. And despair. Because those days of unsuccessfully trying to calm an unhappy baby turned into weeks...and then months. New moms like Sheila are not only susceptible to postpartum depression, but to a whole range of emotions that can include PTSD and absolute rage. They are called perinatal mood disorders, and they are very real, affecting roughly 1 in 5 women after childbirth. They can be life threatening. The good news, though, is that there IS help available. Learn more in this episode. Here are some great resources that Sheila recommends: POEM - Perinatal Outreach and Encouragement for Moms Postpartum Progress - A great resource for moms struggling with Perinatal Mood Disorders and their families. The Fussy Baby Site - Resources and support for moms of babies with colic and high needs. Support group online at www.facebook.com/groups/fussybabysite/. Connecting for Kids - Resources and support for families of children with special needs. Help Me Grow - Home-based parent support program to improve maternal and child health and development. Building Blocks - Play group for families of kids aged 6 months - 3 years with special needs. Here is a written transcript of this episode! Passing Through Life podcast copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker Episode 3: Mother Never Told Me There’d Be Days Like These Sheila Fell interview recorded 8.29.18; podcast published 2.6.19 Introducing our guest: Sheila Fell (00:00) Lu: Today's episode is titled "Mother Never Told Me There'd Be Days Like These." It's episode number three, an interview with Sheila Fell, a young mom whose son Arthur was born in August 2016. So welcome, Sheila. Thanks for joining us. Sheila: Thank you for having me. Lu: Sure. We first met doing refugee work. You were finishing up law school, if I recall, I think you took the bar exam right around the time I met you. Yeah, but you wanted to do some work with immigrants and refugees. And I was running a refugee ministry so you became my right hand person for a while as a volunteer. Thank you so much. Yes. Yay!!!. And you are an amazingly capable woman, so I thank you for that. Sheila: Thank you. You were just so much fun to work with and definitely helped me get my feet wet in the nonprofit world, so I appreciate that a

Michael Byun seems comfortable in his own skin. Now the Executive Director of Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) in Seattle, and formerly the long-term director of Ohio’s Asian Services In Action (ASIA, Inc.), it also seems that Byun always knew exactly where his life was heading. But that was not always the case. Byun immigrated to the U.S. from Korea with his parents when he was less than a year old. His is a story common to many immigrants of the time: poverty, hard work, and a strong allegiance to their new home country of America. Asian Americans are often seen as a “model minority;” they are stereotypically expected to excel in math and science, and to become doctors and lawyers. And if they don’t? Then they can be made to feel as if they are disappointing their community. They just aren’t living up to society’s expectations. So even though Byun’s heart was in community service, he dutifully pursued a path to medical school. Until—two and a half years into the process – he woke up one morning and thought, “I’ve had enough. I don’t want to do this.” And he stopped. In that light bulb moment, Byun’s new path was set. In shedding others’ expectations, he gained the freedom to become true to his inner calling, and to have a truly significant impact on the Asian American community. ********************************************************************* Over his 25-career, Michael Byun has worked on issues including health disparities, social justice, and immigrant and refugee issues, particularly among AAPIs (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders). In 2014, he was appointed by President Barack Obama to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. ********************************************************************* Resource links: Asian Counseling and Referral Services (ACRS) Acrs.org Asian Services In Action (ASIA, Inc.) Asiaohio.org Faces of Chinatown—Cleveland Chinatown Photography and Oral History Project http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/chinese/2012/faces-chinatown.htm ********************************************************************* A transcript for this interview is now available on the Facebook page "Passing Through Life Podcast." https://www.facebook.com/passing-through-life-podcast

Graphic designer Katie Melnick had never really failed. She was accepted into the art school she wanted, won scholarships she sought, and landed a great job at a boutique design studio in Cleveland right out of college. And then, the recession hit. Melnick's job disappeared unexpectedly... and virtually overnight! (She even toyed with starting a blog called "Will Design for Food.") Melnick's next job, with a small jewelry company, ended disastrously amid office politics and broken promises. That's when Melnick decided to change her approach in job hunting. It was time to figure out where the mismatches were happening. And how to forge an employee/employer relationship that benefited both of them. In this premier episode of "Passing Through Life," podcast host Luanne Bole-Becker interviews Melnick to explore how to manage these types of job and life transitions, including advice for others in similar situations. Melnick is now a successful independent artist working with clients big and small. She and husband and business partner Jasen Melnick are the owners of Fizz Creative. Resource links suggested by Katie Melnick: Fizz Creative https://hellofizz.com AIGA, the professional association for design https://www.aiga.org Books that helped Melnick get over unemployment 48 Days to the Work you Love https://www.amazon.com/Days-Work-You-Love-Preparing/dp/1433669331 The Art of Nonconformity https://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/B004BK4I26/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542838080&sr=1-1&keywords=the+art+of+nonconformity ReWork https://www.amazon.com/Rework/dp/B003BLGD06/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542838155&sr=1-1&keywords=rework A transcript for this interview is now available on the Facebook page "Passing Through Life Podcast." https://www.facebook.com/passing-through-life-podcast