Changing the Rules

What started as a simple internet TV experiment became something much bigger. In this special episode of Changing the Rules, host Jim Rose — usually the voice behind the engineering console — turns the microphone on Ray Loewe, founder of Changing the Rules, Life Under the Willow Tree, and The Friends Connection Forum. Ray shares the unexpected evolution of these projects: from early internet television, to pandemic-driven podcasting, to a growing movement centered on storytelling, connection, and legacy. Along with co-host Mary Ann Steinhauer, the conversation explores how podcasts have become more than just interviews. They became a way for people to truly know one another — neighbors becoming friends through stories instead of small talk. The episode dives into: The birth and evolution of Changing the Rules How Life Under the Willow Tree created deeper community connections Why storytelling helps combat isolation and build relationships The emergence of storytelling dinners, coffee conversations, and live events How “The Luckiest People in the World” are beginning to build their life stories through a collection of short, meaningful moments At the center of it all is a simple but powerful idea: A life isn't defined by a résumé. It's revealed through stories. And sometimes it only takes a handful of stories to understand who someone really is.

In this episode of Changing the Rules, hosts Ray Loewe and Mary Ann Steinhauer welcome Rebecca Hoffman, founder of Good Egg Concepts and keynote speaker for the March 2026 Friends Connection Forum. Building on her inspiring presentation from the Forum, Rebecca takes listeners deeper into the art — and power — of storytelling. But this isn't just about becoming a better speaker or writer. It's about learning how stories unlock creativity, reveal identity, build connection, and help us make sense of our experiences. Through practical insights and engaging discussion, Rebecca explores how anyone can tap into their “creative genius” by paying attention to memories, emotions, curiosity, and the stories we often overlook. Because great storytelling isn't reserved for authors, performers, or marketers. It belongs to all of us. And sometimes the story you need to tell most… is your own.

What if the best leadership lessons aren't found in boardrooms… or even on the battlefield? In this episode of Changing the Rules, Ray Loewe sits down with Vice Admiral Dan Cooper (Ret.) to explore leadership through an unexpected lens—a legendary college football coach. Dan shares personal stories about his friend, Notre Dame's Lou Holtz—not the public figure, but the man behind the reputation. Through a series of powerful, behind-the-scenes moments, a different picture of leadership emerges: Making hard decisions when it would be easier not to Showing up for people—every time Seeing potential others miss Building loyalty that lasts a lifetime This isn't a conversation about football. It's about what real leadership looks like when no one's keeping score. Because maybe the rule worth changing is this: Leadership isn't about how many people follow you… It's about how many people you lift.

“I lost a friend this week.” That's how this episode begins—with a simple sentence that opens the door to something much deeper. After reading an impressive obituary filled with accomplishments and milestones, host Ray Loewe is left with an unexpected realization: the most important parts of his friend's life weren't there. Not the lunches. Not the conversations. Not the laughter. Not the way Bill could take an idea apart—only to leave you more confident it would succeed. Joined by co-host Mary Ann Steinhauer and guests Don Helin and Jim Rose, this conversation explores what really defines a life well lived. Through stories of wit, friendship, and one final unfinished collaboration—the “Legacy Project”—they reflect on the moments that truly endure. Because in the end, it's not the résumé that people remember. It's the stories. The ones that get retold. The ones that make us laugh. The ones that quietly shape who we become. This episode is a tribute to a friend, to the power of storytelling, and to the idea that our real legacy lives on in the lives we touch.

What happens when you stop following the “expected path”… and start following your heart instead? In this episode of Changing the Rules, hosts Ray Loewe and Mary Ann Steinhauer sit down with Anna Brooke—better known to audiences as Rev. Legs Malone. With a Master's Degree in Contemporary Art, Anna seemed destined for the traditional art world. But something didn't fit. So she made a bold pivot—from galleries to the stage—and reinvented herself as a burlesque performer in London's underground scene. From her debut at the Bethnal Green Working Men's Club to touring across the U.S. and Western Europe, and becoming a staple of New York City's vibrant burlesque community, Legs Malone built a life fueled by creativity, courage, and authenticity. But this story isn't just about performance—it's about purpose. Today, as Rev. Legs Malone, Anna reflects on the deeper meaning behind her choices, the consequences of living boldly, and why—now more than ever—listening to your inner voice matters. This is a conversation about reinvention, identity, and the powerful (and sometimes risky) act of choosing your own path. Because sometimes, the most meaningful life isn't the one you planned… …it's the one you dared to create.

Host: Ray Loewe Cohost: MaryAnn Steinhauer What if project management wasn't just about timelines and deliverables… …but about storytelling, inspiration, and living life on your terms? Dawn Mahan is one of the “Luckiest People in the World”—and she's earned it. A globally recognized project management expert, she's built a career in demand around the world while intentionally designing a life that includes family, travel, and even early “retirement” planning in Key West. In her latest book, Projectland Goes to the Movies, Dawn taps into the power of film to teach leadership lessons that stick: How to kick off projects the right way (The Great Escape) How to build trust and avoid sabotage (The Italian Job) How to anticipate risk before it derails everything (Star Wars) Because whether you're managing a project… or your life… You're telling a story. What kind of story are you creating?

Ray Loewe, MaryAnn Steinhauer, Bill Hughes and John Gardner “Most of us think of a watch as something that tells time. But what if a watch actually holds time? Today's guest owns more than 60 watches—not because he needs them, but because each one tells a different story. A wedding… a moment he felt successful… a memory of his father… And it made me think about my own watch—an Omega Seamaster I bought in Europe in 1969, when I didn't have much money… but I had a moment I didn't want to forget.”

Host Ray Loewe Co-Host - MaryAnn Steinhauer Guest - Justina Latura, What if wine wasn't just something you drink… but something you experience? In this episode of Changing the Rules, we sit down with Justina Latura, owner of the Vine Bar in Lancaster, PA—one of the Luckiest People in the World who has built a life around her passion for food, wine, and connection. For Justina, wine is more than a beverage. It's relaxation. It's adventure. It's conversation. It's a way to build relationships—and a doorway into stories worth telling. Her journey takes her beyond Lancaster and into the heart of Italy, where she immerses herself in the culture, the flavors, and the philosophy of La Dolce Far Niente—the sweetness of doing nothing. And then… she brings that experience home to share with her community. Because for Justina, the magic isn't just in the wine— it's in the story behind it. Pull up a chair, pour a glass, and discover how slowing down might just be the key to living—and connecting—more fully.

For many people, the word “improv” triggers: “I have to be funny.” “I have to perform.” "I might be embarrassed," “I'm not an actor.” But Impied Improv keeps the spirit of improv but removes the “acting” pressure, and it helps - Spontaneous Communication - Creative Collaboration - Dynamic Dialogue - Connection - Communication Gym (fun, growth-oriented) - ALL IN THE FORM OF PLAYING GAMES WITH A PURPOSE.

Guest: Dale Power - Inventor, :Reimagine Your Retirement" Host: Ray Loewe Co-host: Mary Ann Steinhauer - One of our "Luckiest People" finds herself way off track at age 51 and uses an "Outward Bound Experience" to explode her way back on track, inventing "Reimagine Your Retirement." Even though we're retired, it's never too late to make a significant difference in someone's life.

Making his passion his life, Robert went from golfer to golf course manager to golf course owner, living his life on his own terms. Robert shares some of the challenges he encountered and some of the innovations that helped him achieve his success

Host: Ray Loewe Co-host: Mary Ann Steinhauer Guest: Shelly O'Donovan, Authentic Influence Group We communicate all the time through our actions, comments, and body language. When we're doing it right, we can create incredible opportunities. When we're not aware of what we'we doing, we can do damage to our careers and lives.Shelly talks about actually creating communication strategies to help achieve our goals.

Host: Ray Loewe Co-host: Mary Ann Steinhauer Guests: Dr. Heather Eck andDr. Kerry Hermann, IntegrityForward Hearing Solutions -------- Hearing loss can slowly and sneakily impede your relationships. You don't know you're not hearing what you're not hearing. When your ears aren't functioning properly, you're not getting information to the brain. It's the brain that actually interprets those hearing impulses and turns them into action. New hearing aid and hearing testing technologies have made and continue to make giant strides in hearing improvement. You need to put a good audiologist on your medical team. Not just one who will sell you new hearing aids.

Host: Ray Loewe, Co-host Mary Ann Steinhauer. Don Helin, Guest, John Gardner, Guest, Jeff Lincoln, Owner, Passero's Coffee Roasters What's your relationship with coffee? What's your history with coffee? Join us for a lively discussion on how coffee influences our lives. Relive and enjoy the memories.

Host - Ray Loewe Co-host Mary Ann Steinhauer Guest - Don Helin Don didn't think his heritage was all that exciting until he started probing beyond the lives of some Minnesota farmers to a small town in Norway, the home of many of his family relatives. Then, a trip he and his wife took to the Northern Maritimes provinces, visiting a very old Viking settlement, and learning about the Viking sagas and the Viking volvas. All of these add up to his next novel, tentatively titled Viking Sagas.

Host: Ray LoeweCo-host: Mary Ann SteinhauerGuest: Lana Edwards SantoroIt Started with a Letter is about the importance of your story and why you need to tell it. 

Host: Ray Loewe, Co-Host: Mary Ann Steinhauer, and our podcast team talk about how they stay engaged and on track when winter starts to get them down.

Word has been getting around about our Storytelling Dinners. People keep asking the same questions: How do I get to one? What kind of story should I tell? Where do the best stories in my life even come from? And how do I make a good story better—and tell it well? So we decided to answer those questions the best way we know how: by telling stories. In this episode of Changing the Rules, four storytellers from our dinner table came to the microphones—Don Helin, Julie Stauffer, Phil Fretz, and Ray Loewe. They each retell one of their stories and pull back the curtain on how they found it, shaped it, and brought it to life. Along the way, you'll hear how ordinary moments become memorable stories, how a little polishing goes a long way, and why storytelling is a skill anyone can learn—and enjoy. The result? Insight, laughter, and more than a few “I could tell a story like that” moments. What a hoot.

The mission hasn't changed. We're still about helping the luckiest people get lucky, stay lucky, and get around the obstacles that get in their way. But there will be greater emphasis on the people who help them and the conversations they have to get there.

Don & Ray talk about how to pull your stories out of you and then tell stories. Stories in this episode: 1. Don talks about his first job. 2. Ray talks about rediscovering the Aurora Borealis. Don talks about "Do we really want to do this? And more...

Clemence is the owner of "Memoirs and More." Memoirs are the stories, and more are family histories. Genealogy is the skeleton of the family, but stories are the flesh & blood. How do you begin to tell yours, and why should you tell it?

Joan is an Attorney, Mediator, and Grandparent. In this episode, she talks about the positive influence grandparents have on their grandchildren, but how they often lack the power to follow through.

In this episode, host Ray Loewe and John Gardner explore the idea of “The Five Generations” — how generational context shapes opportunity, social mobility, and perceptions of success across time. The conversation examines how families and communities progress (or don't) across generations, and challenges common assumptions about poverty, success, education, and “what it takes” to get ahead. The episode encourages listeners to think long-term — beyond a single generation — about legacy, values, and what “making it” can really mean.

Host Ray Loewe and guests Jane Armstrong, a puppeteer and ventriloquist; Jane Grove, a storyteller and driver of antique cars; and Mary Ann Steinhauer, a hot air balloon pilot and writer, discuss the power of the story in their lives. Lots of great stories are told in this episode

Two single women. A meeting by fate. The creation of a new business venture, Survival. Growth. And now the trials and tribulations of expansion. Now throw in some kids, horses, and chickens, and you have today's interview.

Meaningful stories and how we might tell them to a friendly, supportive group. Transitioning into stories, crafting a good story, middling, competitive vacationing, etc. How do you find your best stories? How to practice and improve your stories?

Four storytellers talk about their experiences creating and sharing stories and how stories enhance their relationships with both family and friends.

Phil discusses "Exploring the Arts" by starting with a piece of art and then combining it with written commentary, music, and verbal comments. He also discusses his involvement in storytelling, ranging from prose to poetry, and how he communicates with his family through poetry.

Tracey Gates, author of "A Few Kind Words," a previous keynote speaker at our Friends Connection Forum, and a previous guest on "Changing the Rules," shares a story that begins with trusting and ultimately comes full circle, back to trust. This is a must-listen-to podcast.

Rebecca Hoffman, owner of Good Egg Concepts, is a marketing & branding consultant based in the Chicago Metro Area. But to me, Rebecca will always be my storytelling coach. Rebecca introduced me to the world of storytelling with some simple but effective ideas that you can use too.

There is nothing like a good story to boost and improve conversation. Meet Geoff Boyer, parent, grandparent, and businessman. Learn how he uses stories across all three platforms.

Both Marybeth and Robin suffered unexpected medical events that derailed their lives and could have derailed them long-term. Yet, both continue today to live their lives under their terms. Support Groups were key to both in achieving what they couldn't do alone.

Stories that bridge the ages are sometimes called Living Stories, Generational stories, or Legacy stories. They're stories that bridge generations and often evolve over time. They can memorialize the original creator. And they can create substantial joy over the years. Listen as Joyce talks about the creation of the "Story of Rover" and how it's traveled through family generations.

In the first of several podcasts on storytelling, host Ray Loewe discusses the importance of the story as an effective means of communication.

Ever felt lost in an art museum? I used to feel frustrated and intimidated, surrounded by masterpieces I just didn't get. That changed when I met Joanie—an art appreciation teacher for five-year-olds—who shared her simple yet powerful Five Rules of Art Appreciation. What once felt confusing became truly enjoyable. Tune in to learn how she transformed my perspective—and how her rules might transform yours, too.

We make hundreds of choices every day. Although all are important, most have short-term implications. John cites four that have longer-term consequences. Once made, they are harder to change and often involve financial and other challenges. If you make them right, you are often happy and fulfilled. If you make them wrong, they often lead to unhappiness. John will get you to think about career, marriage & family, retirement, and faith or religion. Whatever choices you make, you and only you will have the responsibility for them.

Artificial Intelligence (NotebookLM) reviews our first six months of Changing the Rules. What did we really say?

Bonnie Shay introduced me to Tracey Gates, a speaker, at our Friends Connection Forum in June 2025. Before attending the Forum, Bonnie had already begun her adventure of writing a letter of gratitude every day for 365 gays. She comments on the joy of becoming a kindness ambassador and how she actually completed the process.

While sitting in a workshop on "Telling Your Story With A Few Curated Photos," Brian had an inspiration. An image of an old camping box led to a series of photos that conjured up old memories and a photobook, "My Life In Sixteen Photos.' Sharing that book with family led to receiving back more incredible memories. ONE GOOD STORY BEGETS ANOTHER GOOD STORY...

Marc is a podcaster and radio show host geared toward the entrepreneur.. Marc and Ray discuss the characteristics of entrepreneurs, particularly "river people & goal people." Discover whether you are a "river person or a goal person." Do you have the other characteristics to be an entrepreneur: Resilience, adaptability, the ability to pivot?

Jen's Journey from Physician to Author. Two concepts that drive Jen's writing: (1) Inspired by things that lie on the edge of reality. (2)The truth is stranger than fiction. Now, imagine two books: (1) Blood Type X and (2) The Photo Thief. Now listen to Jen's story.

The Whiz Kid is a collaborative effort born from his late father's unfinished novella. How does an author create a plot, characters, and a Title? Let's explore this unique situation: Joel, the Author, is legally blind. Joel contends with building on the emotional aspect of collaborating with his deceased father. Joel builds on the memories of growing up in Philadelphia and the excitement of championship baseball.

Ray talks with Terri Webb about her experience of celebrating her life, in her own words. Get advice on creating your own Living Celebration.

The Joel Burcat Story: Perseverance and adapting to challenges. Transitioning from an environmental lawyer to a writer. Joel discusses how he began writing and the support he received from the writing community. Then, facing a significant challenge caused by losing vision in both eyes due to a rare condition and despite becoming legally blind, Burcat shares how he adapted and continued his writing career, inspired by others who overcame physical limitations.

A Luckiest Girl in the World Adventure: We interviewed June several weeks ago about her 5000-plus-mile journey alone in a fifteen-year-old car. June has taken what she learned and created a second journey to build on what she learned about herself. PS. I found myself getting jealous during the interview.

This year, Nurses Day falls on May 8. During the weeks before, I had the privilege of interviewing ten nurses. This podcast is the story of two of them, Gail Miller and Marjorie Heschberger. Both Gail and Marjorie had diverse nursing careers and some amazing stories. Make sure to listen to: The Post-mortem Viagra Incident, Christmas in the ER, the Church Group, the miracle in Seattle, and more.

College sports today, paying players, the portal. Integrity in sports. Helping high school students succeed.