Podcast Thursday! For the Love of Pets

Featuring Author Pete Springer

What’s better than storytelling when the giggling occurs right off the bat? Not much, I say. Our dear friend and author Pete Springer has stories galore. The heartwarming variety, prompting instant laughter. I can use a healthy dose of that tonic every day. You, too?

I don’t want to give away too much, but Wynne and I knew “Circle of Life” or “For the Love of Pets” would be terrific titles for this episode. Perhaps as you listen, you’ll come up with another. Maybe, “Pete Springer is a Gem”?

Because he is.

You’ll see if you watch the clip, and you’ll enjoy all the bonus bits from Pete if you listen to the whole episode.

Most of all, Wynne and I are grateful for your support. Podcasting is so much fun but it wouldn’t be so if not for wonderful listeners. If we haven’t said it enough, I’ll offer it once again.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Vicki 😉

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to on Anchor Episode 68: The Circle of Life with Pete Springer

Or subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Transcript for Episode 68 of the podcast

Episode 68: The Circle of Life with Pete Springer

Pete’s blog: Pete Springer

Pete’s post about Class Pets

Pete’s previous HoTM podcast episode: Episode 36: They Call Me Mom with Pete Springer

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



46 responses to “Podcast Thursday! For the Love of Pets”

  1. Pete’s story is awesome. When he put a cover over the rat, yes, I thought of the circle of life in Lion King. But I also got the impression of Redd Foxx on Sanford and Son, acting like he was dying. “Yea kids, yea, the rat is okay, don’t look under the sheet, he’s just play acting.” Ha ha, poor Pete!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Ohhhh! I’m laughing so hard!! Yep — nothing to see over here! 🤪🥰🤪

      Liked by 2 people

    2. petespringerauthor Avatar
      petespringerauthor

      🤣🤣🤣 Red Foxx—perfect analogy, Brian. I had to go find a clip of that.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Perfect Pete! Oh it’s such a classic. The rat was just doing its best Red Foxx impersonation, as they say playing possum. 🤣🤣🤣

        Liked by 3 people

  2. A healthy dose of that tonic- yes, yes, yes. Well said, dear Vicki!! Love Pete and his great stories!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. petespringerauthor Avatar
      petespringerauthor

      The YouTube video is great, Wynne. I’m glad you edited out a lot of my rambling off-topic stories. I’ll blog about this in the next couple of days and hopefully send a few more people toward Sharing the Heart of the Matter. Here’s to more stories and laughter—the things that help keep us young.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Pete, you are great. The things that keep us young. Yes!

        Liked by 2 people

  3. My kids had a close friend growing up who had a rat as a pet. At first I was horrified, but like Pete says, they are cute and fun.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thanks, Elizabeth. I always thought the same until Pete told his sweet story! 🥰

      Liked by 2 people

    2. petespringerauthor Avatar
      petespringerauthor

      They are actually gentler than guinea pigs and less prone to biting. They just can’t get out of their cage unsupervised because they chew on anything.

      When I taught 6th grade, we used to say the Pledge of Allegiance each day, so we had a flag in the room. I left one night and the classroom flag must have made contact with the top of their cage. When I came in the next day, they had chewed part of the flag. One of the 6th graders teased about us having terrorist rats.

      Liked by 3 people

  4. petespringerauthor Avatar
    petespringerauthor

    I appreciate what you and Wynne have going on with your wonderful podcast, Vicki. I can see why you would be an excellent counselor because you’re articulate, compassionate, and easy to talk with. The two of you have created such a welcoming atmosphere.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Oh my goodness — what a lovely compliment…combo of compliments, Pete. Thank you so much. Your generosity and compassion come through so wonderfully every time we get to chat with you. More to follow, I’m sure. All the best! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  5. So good and sweet and funny! I can really identify with this!🐀

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Oh, gosh! I bet you can. Beth has stories!!!! 🥰🥰🥰

      Liked by 2 people

      1. and pete has such a fun way of sharing them

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Doesn’t he tho??? Born storyteller! 🥰

          Liked by 2 people

      2. petespringerauthor Avatar
        petespringerauthor

        Play the Jeopardy music for Beth please, Vicki. “Now entering the studio, a preschool teacher from Michigan.”

        Liked by 1 person

        1. You two make me smile!
          🥰❤️🥰

          Liked by 1 person

    2. petespringerauthor Avatar
      petespringerauthor

      I like listening to and telling stories. Don’t you think this is a learned skill? I have friends who I think are born storytellers, who know how to tell a story well with humor and dramatic voice changes. I get a kick out of how stories get embellished as they are retold.

      Not only are you a good storyteller, Beth, but one of your superpowers is your observation skill, noticing things in nature or in day-to-day life that most of us don’t see.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. yes, storytelling is an art and I love listening to them. I go to the moth when possible and just love hearing and sharing stories with friends. I tend to turn to storytelling when having to give a speech, makes me much less nervous, and more natural. will be doing that soon for my retirement goodbye. thanks for your kind words

        Liked by 2 people

  6. Wait! I’m confused. Podcast Thursday? You’re throwing me all off kilter.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. LOL, I know! Keeping you on your toes, aren’t we?!?! 🤪

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Well I wasn’t prepared for this. 😂 I just caught up on your last 2 episodes in the last couple of days. 🤗

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Aren’t we tricksters? Thank you so much for listening – even when we toss out curve balls. I’ll ask Wynne…”Podcast Wednesday” might be next!
          🤪❤️🤪

          Liked by 1 person

    2. petespringerauthor Avatar
      petespringerauthor

      Haha. Vicki and Wynne like to keep us guessing. I think they were thinking about people traveling or being busy over the Memorial weekend, which is why they moved it. I would never have thought that far in advance. 😊 Now all we need is a Magic 8 Ball to choose the day of the week, Michelle.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. What a wonderful episode, Pete. I especially enjoyed hearing of your full-circle moment reading your Mom’s journals to her. Love it! I hope your grandson arrived safely. ❤️

        Liked by 1 person

        1. petespringerauthor Avatar
          petespringerauthor

          Yes, that’s one of my favorite memories of Mom, which is saying something because there were so many.

          Things went well. Jack is one week old today. We ZOOMED with them yesterday. They are going to be wonderful parents, though like any parents, there is a steep learning curve.

          Liked by 2 people

          1. Ahh yes! I remember thinking, “What have I done?” many times in those first days and weeks after our older daughter was born. It sounds like your son has had wonderful role models so I’m sure he will be fine!

            Liked by 2 people

  7. I love Pete! He’s the best. Can’t wait to listen. Hugs, C

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Cheryl! He’s one fab guy, that’s for sure! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

    2. petespringerauthor Avatar
      petespringerauthor

      You’ve got us all fooled, Cheryl. You sometimes describe yourself as introverted and all I think of when I read one of your hysterical posts is, Now that is someone who would be fun to hang out with over a glass of wine or coffee.

      Shh—I won’t tell everyone how much coffee you drink or how Larry knows the way to your heart by grabbing your favorite coffee mug.

      Like

  8. Hello! I’m squeezing in a comment before Memorial Day truly kicks in. I loved the podcast! I don’t think I’ve ever heard Pete laugh “live” as he was recounting his rat tales. “Snowball is DEAD….” I can totally hear it and see it. 😂😂 That sort of thing is difficult to navigate with 2nd graders, but Pete struck just the right chord in helping his students, but goodness, it’s funny. Sympathy cards for the other rat?? LOL! I’m sure he’ll return with new stories! Thanks, Pete, Vicki, and Wynn.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Melanie!!! Pete’s laughter is so infectious! (And unrelated – let me know if I might’ve used the wrong email for you this week – I used the one I found on your blogging site, but I bet I got hung up in spam. Just wanted you to know I hadn’t forgotten about you!) 🥰

      Liked by 2 people

    2. petespringerauthor Avatar
      petespringerauthor

      Hello, Melanie. I’ve been telling Vicki and Wynne that you would make an ideal guest for their podcast. Talk about someone with fabulous stories. I’m not surprised that you’ve connected with them because you all write about things that matter and value the importance of human connection.

      Can’t you just see Hallmark come out with sympathy cards for rats? 😎

      Liked by 1 person

      1. 😂😂 Since rats can’t read, maybe Hallmark would include sweet images of cheese and hearts? Seriously though, I can’t thank you enough, Pete, for your recommendation to Vicki and your endless support regarding my stories. They are important to me. I do have a strong interest in communicating what I’ve learned to help and connect with others. Vicki and I will probably connect soon!!! (P.S. I am waiting to hear everything about Jack! Congratulations. 😊👏)

        Liked by 2 people

  9. Spam was the culprit! I don’t always think to look at that; thank you. I’ve sent a reply. And infectious is the perfect word! I’m very serious about laughing, hahaha. 😍

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Yay! All good — and I’m with you – serious about laughing. 🥰

      Liked by 2 people

  10. I had quite the chuckle at the rat story, especially the hilarity of his principal evaluation visit. It reminds me of the bunny that our science teacher kept in elementary school and it became the student’s responsibility too. Wonderful story and conversation!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Ab! 🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  11. I will check this out, it sounds wonderful!

    Liked by 1 person

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