The Only Child Diaries Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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Rain soaked Los Angeles, the Rose Parade turned soggy, and my holiday lights kept tripping like they were on a timer from the weather gods—so I used the mess as a nudge to start fresh. I share how a wet week, a sick spouse, and a very determined 14-pound chihuahua pushed me to restart my daily walks, rethink my habits, and listen to what my body and data keep telling me.

We get practical about movement with cranky joints: what helped my feet, how copper socks lowered the barrier to longer walks, and why walking in short bursts still builds strength and eases back pain from arthritis. I unpack a local research lab visit where I tested lipoprotein(a) for heart risk and opted into a blood-based screen tied to early Alzheimer’s risk. The results were a mixed bag—good news on risk, an A1C at 5.7 nudging me toward steadier routines—and they landed right as holiday stress made better choices feel harder. Instead of aiming for perfect, I map out realistic daily steps: move more, keep meals simple, and let sleep and stress management carry their weight.

Our little dog Brownie steals a few scenes too: refusing backyard drizzle but marching miles on a leash, guarding me from the mailman like a fluffy sentinel, and somehow knowing when our car turns onto the block. Those small moments reminded me that accountability can be playful and that consistency often starts with a leash, a timer, or a friend. If you’re facing rainy weather, borderline lab numbers, or a calendar that keeps slipping, you’ll find ideas here for building momentum when conditions aren’t ideal—plus a link to the socks that saved my feet.

If this resonates, tap follow, leave a review to help others find the show, and share it with someone who needs a gentle push to get moving today. What tiny change will you commit to this week?

"Magic" copper compression socks mentioned in this episode:  

https://tinyurl.com/7cyrtaur

To participate in the research study and find out about your risk for heart attack and Alzheimer's, here's the link to sign up, plus you will receive a stipend for your participation.  Locations throughout the United States.  

http://friends.careaccess.com/7f8Gfv

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A holiday decorating contest turned into a masterclass in rolling with the weather. The atmospheric river drenched our front yard display, shorted the circuits, and left our ten-foot Yeti with gravity-defying soggy fur. We didn’t take home the win, but we did find something better: perspective, humor, and a reminder that the brightest moments often come after plans go sideways.

From the driveway, the season threw another curveball—a couple inches of water pooled on the driver’s side floor of a ten-year-old SUV. We talk about quick fixes, patience, and the reality of aging seals when the sky refuses to cooperate. While mapping out an early-morning plan to catch the stealth bomber fly over the Rose Parade route, we navigate recovery needs and choose accessible viewing spots that make the tradition doable without a hike. Along the way, we reflect on the artistry behind parade floats, the powerful glue that holds petals and bark in place, and what happens when rain threatens months of volunteer work.

Back at home, our rain-averse dog adds comic timing to the mud and maintenance, and we get honest about what communities save—or don’t—when stormwater rushes to the ocean. Sleep becomes our north star, fueling recovery and the small daily choices that add up to resilience. If you’re juggling holiday expectations, weather setbacks, and the hope for a dry New Year’s moment, you’ll find solidarity here and a few ideas to make next time gentler and more fun.

Love what you heard? Follow and subscribe, leave a rating or review to help others find the show, and share this episode with a friend who needs a good story and a laugh.

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What if the quiet of an only-child home becomes the engine for a louder, fuller life? Tracy sits down with Leslie Berlin to trace that arc—from a childhood shaped by early divorce and Sunday dinners with dad to a grown-up world built on cousins, neighbors, and in-laws who feel like true family. Leslie’s warmth and candor turn familiar worries into practical wisdom: how to learn confrontation without sibling sparring matches, how to make small holidays feel rich, and how to carry a caregiving load without carrying it alone.

The conversation opens a window into the everyday realities only children often face as adults. Leslie shares what it looked like to support her father through decline, then to become the point person for her 91-year-old mother—text threads, emojis, and all. She reminds us that siblings don’t guarantee shared responsibility, and networks don’t build themselves; you invite people in before life gets heavy. We also explore marriage into a big family, the beauty of seeing her two sons lean on each other, and the honest joy of a house that finally feels busy.

One of the most powerful parts of Leslie’s story centers on food allergies. Two decades ago, finding safe milk substitutes and nut-free options required detective work. Instead of staying anxious, she wrote a children’s book to help kids feel normal and included, even if that meant showing up with their own cupcake. It’s a blueprint for turning fear into service: notice the gap, do the work, and leave something useful behind. Along the way we trade comfort picks—Grease, Cars, and cake—and capture the simple advice Leslie would give her younger self: most people aren’t thinking about you, so live larger.

If this conversation resonates, follow Only Child Diaries, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s redefining what family means. Your support helps more listeners find stories that make them feel seen.

About Leslie Berlin:  

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-berlin-6974623b/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leslie.r.berlin

You can find Leslie Berlin's book here:  

https://tinyurl.com/5hbryv9h

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Have you ever found yourself grappling with the relentless ebb and flow of change, much like the never-ending cycle of falling leaves each autumn? Join me, Tracy Wallace, as I muse on the universal constant of change, framed by the simple yet poignant task of raking leaves in the Only Child Diaries podcast. This episode, enriched by personal tales and a dash of humor, delves into the reflections on the inevitability of life's transformations. Consider how the cycles of nature can teach us to embrace the shifts we face in our own lives.  And the all important question, how do YOU embrace change?

This week, let's wrap ourselves in the comfort of familiar activities that shape our routines, like preparing for the suburban ritual of trash day amidst a yard blanketed in autumn's remnants. As we look forward to next week's adventure, I encourage you to join our growing community by following and reviewing the Only Child Diaries on your chosen podcast platforms. Connect with us on social media to keep the conversation going, and I eagerly anticipate our next encounter where, together, we'll continue this enriching expedition through life's many seasons.

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Ever had an interview where you aced every question but still didn't land the gig? Join me as I share my recent not-so-glamorous story of job hunting. This week on the Only Child Diaries podcast, we're peeling back the curtain on the hunt for the perfect remote job, wading through a sea of applications, and trying to keep our sanity intact across multiple time zones. I'll share some personal tales that'll have you nodding in agreement, from the maddening quiet of potential employers to that all-too-familiar jig with imposter syndrome.

Make sure to spread the word, share the love, and hit us up on social media for even more camaraderie. And remember, whether you're in your PJ's or power suit, we're in this together—navigating the wild ride of adulting, one podcast at a time. Until our next episode, keep that chin up; we're not just surviving, we're thriving with every challenge!

And if you're looking for a job, check out Get Hired on Apple podcasts.  

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Have you ever stood at the brink of a new year, grappling with the weight of unrealized resolutions and the daunting prospect of setting new ones?  Do you even make resolutions anymore?  We're all champions in our own right, and it's about time we acknowledge the resilience and achievements we've amassed, regardless of their scale. I'll be starting out this episode reading another review, and extending a warm thank you to our ever-expanding international family of listeners for your unwavering support, now touching listeners across 26 countries and 354 cities.

But the heart of this episode explores the importance of having support.  Building a support system is essential, and I'll unfold the layers of what it means to cultivate meaningful relationships, sharing tales from my own quest for connection. Together, we'll navigate the intricacies of friendship and the understated art of being there for one another, peppering our discourse with wisdom and humor as we set sail into another year. So, come along—whether you're an only child or simply seeking a chorus of voices to cheer you on through the highs and lows, this episode is your standing invitation to join our circle.

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This week I'm touching on a couple of different subjects but somehow they're all related. Unanticipated emotions surface as I recount a dream about my former boss. Maybe watching  "The Crown" put ideas in my head.   That segues into a discussion on grief.  I'm navigating these currents alongside Anderson Cooper's insights from "All There Is," considering the persistent dance with sorrow and its transformational role in our lives. The conversation extends a hand to anyone who's felt the sting of loss, affirming that within the heartache lies a deeper capacity for empathy and joy.  The main message here is that, "Grief work opens the heart to compassion for others."

Next up I'm talking about our recent 13th wedding anniversary.  Is the 13th anniversary unlucky?  Our trip was cut short because it turns out I'm the only person who can give our cat Bubbie his insulin shot.  But the bond you create with a special needs animal is special, and Bubbie is evidence of that!  Even if he is kind of feisty about everything.  

Let's welcome 2024 with open arms!  Happy New Year everyone!  

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Ever reminisce about the festive family dynamics you see in holiday movies and wish your own family was a bit more like that?  As an only child, I sure do, and I'll be sharing my own experiences and reflections on that very topic in today's episode of the Only Child Diaries. We'll navigate through the spectrum of emotions that the holidays stir, from the stress and expectations to the joy and warmth that this season brings. Join me as I unpack my childhood holidays as an only child and my yearning for a more festive family dynamic. In the end, you just have to work to make yourself happy, and however you do that - whether or not you're with family, friends or even just by yourself - you got this!  

And of course, we wouldn't be here without you, our listeners, so a big, heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. Don't forget to follow us on our social media pages for more shared experiences and insights on navigating adulthood. So sit back, relax, and let's get into the holiday spirit, shall we?  Merry Christmas!  Happy Holidays!  We'll get through it together!  

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Have you ever found an object that's more than just a thing, but a talisman for your life journey? Tune in to this episode of the Only Child Diaries as I share the captivating story of my old, nostalgic 1980 Mazda RX-7. This car was more than a piece of machinery; it was a faithful companion that bore witness to my wild Hollywood years, the daring escapades, youthful ambition, and the grit that comes with city living. From learning to drive a stick shift to surviving a break-in, the RX-7 was my symbol of resilience and adventure.

Prepare to be transported to a time filled with vibrant youthful energy, late-night parties and a neighborhood bustling with aspiring musicians. This episode also pays tribute to my dear friend Gina, our shared memories, and the heartache of her loss. You'll hear about the day my RX-7 was stolen, the emptiness that followed, and the hope sparked by a psychic's predictions. Come along this emotional roller-coaster ride that serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, filled with laughter, life lessons, and the power of nostalgia.

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This week, I'm navigating the wild world of adulting, from the saga of gophers in my yard to the complexities of health issues. It's update time on things I've shared with you in past episodes.  I share my personal struggles with weight loss during the festive season, and take you on my journey with urologists and urogynecologists - all documented in a bladder diary. Wait, what? And I'll share how inspired I've been by  Anderson Cooper's podcast "All There Is."   Did you know there's a  relationship between grief, compassion, and joy?

It's not all about human challenges, though! I'll take you on a heartfelt journey about gratitude, love, and our furry companions. After a recent scare with my cat's emergency vet situation, I've been reminded again about some invaluable lessons and deepened my appreciation for our four-legged companions. Whether you're a pet-parent dealing with challenges of your own or just an animal lover, you'll find something to resonate within my stories. So put on your headphones, get comfortable and join me on these unique journeys of life, love, and everything in between.

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