Sharing the Heart of the Matter – Details, episodes & analysis

Vicki 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’t able to include in Re-Create & Celebrate. Celebrating Poetry is due out mid-November.

Hearing Cindy tell these stories underscores the rich lessons of learning to adjust when what we’ve planned turns out to be different timing and format.

Vicki and Wynne ask Cindy about what else she has planned on her creative radar.

This is a great episode because all of Cindy’s answers are so full of heart. She is an inspiring author to listen to – because she’s so interested in creating a-ha moments for others. Cindy is a well-spring of wisdom that speaks to the essence of who we are.

I’m confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling – in podcasts, in poetry, and in conversation.

We know you’ll love it!

Links for this Episode:

Episode 93 show notes

Cindy's website and blog: https://uniquelyfitblog.com/

Re-create & Celebrate: 7 Steps to Turn Your Dreams Into Reality

From the hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

Vicki 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 through life.

And she gives us a sneak peek into the children’s book that is about to hit the press. She authored it with her nephew as illustrator.

The morning we recorded this podcast, Lauren’s piece Treats Only, Please was announced as best publication of the month on Spillwords Press

This podcast is like a master class on the growth mindset. Those are our words, not Lauren’s because she is wonderfully humble and real. Which makes it even more powerful and inspiring to hear Lauren tell about her writer’s journey – all the things she’s overcome and been willing to try – and how that feeds into fantastic ideas for new projects.

We're confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling – in podcasts, in posts, and in novels.

We know you’ll love it!

Links for this podcast:

Episode 92 show notes

Website: baydreamerwrites.com
Author Of The Month, May 2023 Spillwords Press
Monthly Contributor, Gobbers-Masticadores Literary Website
Amazon Author Page

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In 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 aside for vacations or house guests, we can embrace the seasonal shift.

Vicki shares insights from a nutritionist and the Surgeon General, offering food for thought on eating earlier and acknowledging our burdens.

These are all great ideas for recognizing the benefits of resetting with the change of seasons. So, let's put on our cozy sweaters, don our creative thinking caps, and enjoy the fall.

I’m confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling.

Links for this episode:

Episode 83 show notes

From the hosts:

Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In 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 inhibits our natural flow and some of the things that inspire him.

This is a great episode with the incredibly talented and creative Dave Williams. We get to draft off of his inspiration, Felicia Day’s book, and the flow of creative sparks.

I’m certain you’ll enjoy the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story.

We know you’ll love it!

Links for this episode:

Episode 82 show notes Dave Williams – writings and drawings (wordpress.com)

‘Bubba Ho-Tep’ and feeling more okay about creating weirdness – Dave Williams (wordpress.com)

Dave’s review of Felicia Day’s book can be found here.

“Embrace Your Weird” by Felicia Day - linked here.

In 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” and letting go the objects.

So Vicki and I laugh along as we talk about a piece of French homework from the 80’s.

And we appreciate the greater lessons taught by an effective high school teacher.

This episode is a fantastic dive into how we celebrate and share the life we’ve lived while freeing up space for the life we have now.

I’m certain you’ll enjoy the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story.

We know you’ll love it!

Links for this episode:

Episode 81 show notes

Boomer Eco Crusader - Live Green | Declutter | Simplify Life

Clutter Tales Archives - Boomer Eco Crusader

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In 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. Doty suggests for manifesting outcomes in our lives. This isn’t just wishing for something, it is digging one’s heels in and passionately pursuing an outcome.

Which Mark illustrates beautifully with a great story about manifesting a refund.

This is a great episode about the power of setting our intentions, not listening to naysayers, and manifesting the things that are important. It’s inspirational, powerful, and fun!

I’m certain you’ll enjoy the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story.

We know you’ll love it!

Links for this episode:

Episode 80 show notes

Mark My Words – MARK PETRUSKA | WRITER

Ohanapecosh, By Gosh! – Mark My Words (markpetruska.com)

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In 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 of planes, carts, and shuttle vans, he delightfully reminds us that we will eventually get to our destination. And it’s better to go laughing.

So please join us for this delightful episode that has Vicki and me in giggles and I know you will be chuckling right alongside us.

I’m certain you’ll enjoy the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story.

We know you’ll love it!

Links for this episode:

Episode 79 show notes

They Call Me Mom by Pete Springer

Pete Springer – Passionate Teacher and Future Children's Author (wordpress.com)

Sometimes You Just Have to Laugh – Pete Springer (wordpress.com)

When You Crack Yourself Up: “Wind Beneath My Wings” – Victoria Ponders

Other Episodes with Pete:

Episode 68: The Circle of Life with Pete Springer

Episode 36: They Call Me Mom with Pete Springer

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In 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 that term when it comes to friendship.

In the course of any lasting relationship, apologies come into play. Dr. Stein tells us some wonderfully illustrative stories about apologies and brings us to the heart of apology.

I’m certain you’ll enjoy the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story.

We know you’ll love it!

About Friendship by Dr. Gerald Stein

Becoming Close Friends: A Practical Guide by Dr. Gerald Stein

Episode 78 show notes

Dr. Gerald Stein’s Blog: Dr. Gerald Stein

Other podcast episodes with Dr. Stein:

Episode 60: The Perils of Prediction with Dr. Gerald Stein

Episode 46: Being Your Own Best Friend With Dr. Gerald Stein – Part I

Episode 47: Being Your Own Best Friend With Dr. Gerald Stein – Part II

Episode 37: The Waiting Game with Dr. Gerald Stein

Episode 29: Accidental Philanthropists with Dr. Gerald Stein

Episode 20: The Art of the Interview with Dr. Gerald Stein

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In 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 and are brave.

Then she brings all the other elements that go in to stepping up – practice, preparation, nerves and excitement.

This is a wonderful episode from a young girl who feels and celebrates the generational pull of family and is willing to share her a bit of herself to honor that tie to those that have gone before.

I’m certain you’ll enjoy the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story… and song.

We know you’ll love it!

Links for this episode

Episode 77 show notes

Other Episodes with Miss O

Episode 45: Third Grade Writing Wisdom with Miss O

From the hosts:

Vicki’s personal blog: Victoria Ponders

Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy

Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

In 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 good-natured sociability he was.

So in this episode, he brings both his fantastic storytelling and a bit of Wynne's dad to a great story about a recent bus ride. It’s hilarious, dramatic, and full of fun.

Links for this episode:

Episode 76 show notes

Vicki’s personal blog: Victoria Ponders

Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy

Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith