podcast
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How “Surviving Sue” Inspired a Novel
I know. I’m still kinda shocked about it, but if not for feedback and input from readers of “Surviving Sue”, I’m not sure I would’ve been inspired to write a novel. In large part, I have the delightful Wynne Leon to thank. My dear friend is wildly talented and I dare say…fearless. She inspires me Continue reading
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Podcast Friday! Remembering Matters
“The world is shaped by two things – stories told and the memories they leave behind.” -Vera Nazarian My dad, Sonny, was a joyful man. At times. When I rewind and attempt to find photos where he’s smiling, though, I’m at a loss. When life was good, he was typically behind the camera capturing the Continue reading
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Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes…
Changes. Being the new guy…I think it’s a tough role and it’s one I played over and over again as a child – moving a lot because of my dad’s job. When Wynne and I chatted with the wonderful Mark Petruska in this week’s podcast, I remembered there’s joy to be found when we step Continue reading
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Podcast Friday! “The Loop Files”

Young and defiant. Memory lane moments. Tortured teen years. Angst before adulthood. Reading Rick Kaempfer’s “The Loop Files” should fall into the category of time travel. I think I logged more than a few miles when I reminisced and read. I feel bad for my dog-eared copy (see images snipped in above). It looks like Continue reading
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Podcast Friday! The Next Good Thing
Wynne and I love a thought-provoking chat with our friend, Dr. Gerald Stein. This – our 60th episode – marks the sixth time we’ve enjoyed learning from one of our favorite podcast guests. Maybe it’s the introspectiveness that arrives when Spring dances before us in the Northern Hemisphere. Opportunity and new life; longer days and Continue reading
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Podcast Friday! Chilling Out & Warming Up
What I know for sure? You’ll enjoy. Here’s a sneak peek: Peace out…chill out…Happy Friday! Vicki 😎 Anchor Episode 59: Creative Balance with Todd Fulginiti Episode 59 transcript Todd’s Wise & Shine post about creative balance: Is My Problem Age or Stress? Todd site where you can listen to his latest album and find out more: Todd Fulginiti Continue reading
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Podcast Friday! Writing Inspiration
I know a podcast is worth my time when I listen and learn – in digestible nuggets. Take-aways which inform and inspire. That’s what happened recently when I chatted with Wynne Leon and Brian Hannon as we discussed Brian’s abundant talents as a writer. Brian pivots from corporate communications to personal storytelling with an ease Continue reading
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Podcast Friday: Just Jack
For the love of Jack. Just Jack. No, no. Not THAT Jack. Although I’m a fan of “Will and Grace” and of Sean Hayes. I’ve got another Jack on my mind… When Wynne and I sat down to chat with our favorite playwright and author, Jack Canfora, we knew we were in for a good time. What Continue reading
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Podcast Friday: Super Stylin’ Edition
I loved talking with Wynne’s sister-in-law Lindsey in the most recent Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast. Lindsey’s a talented creative person who has mad, crazy skills in curating wardrobes, helping clients to simplify and feel good about themselves by honoring their bodies when it comes to styling and apparel. This isn’t JUST a Continue reading
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Podcast Friday – Plus!
Being vulnerable is a tough thing. Having a buddy to travel with as you peel back the layers and engage in self-disclosure is a joy and a blessing and those two words describe my friend, Wynne Leon perfectly. She’s a joy and a blessing, for sure! This week, not only did we have a thoughtful Continue reading
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Podcast Friday: Pancake Edition
I’m not sure how it happened, but Wynne and I are celebrating our Golden Podcast Anniversary. No, silly people. Not 50 years of podcasting – 50 episodes – and we’re a little thunder-struck: We have a wonderful episode on deck next week. You will love it… a delightful conversation with one of our favorite creative friends, Continue reading
“Surviving Sue”, a special story about resiliency and love: Eckhartz Press (paperback) and eBook on Amazon.
Peek Inside “Surviving Sue“

Visit Resources on Atkinson Group Solutions for more.
Podcasts
Listen to the “Sharing the Heart of the Matter” podcast.
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Workshops
Chicago Writers Association Speakers Bureau – Writing for Wellness; Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor; How to Create a Writing Platform; AI for Caregivers
About Me
Learn about five books that inspired and supported my writing journey by visiting my personalized book review page on Shepherd.

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