Curious Navel

This adventure started based on an idea that came to me like an Elizabeth Gilbert Big Magic Moment. I didn't have any expectations other than to welcome anyone willing to speak with me into a community where others could learn about their story – because each one of us has an important and special one to share. It's been an honor to listen and get to know so many wonderful people, and I look forward to the next iteration where we continue to explore what we have in common. I hope you listen to this wrap up with my producer Steve and his wife Jenn, and then join me again on the next installment of this journey!

He's semi-retired from radio and now edits crappy novels and creates art that makes you scratch your head. He will tell you without hesitation about his ADHD and the fact that he doesn't plan, but drifting and leaving himself open to opportunity has led him down some amazing and surprising paths. https://www.youtube.com/@BobPagani

Steve impressed me with his incredible confidence and ability to change course whenever an opportunity for success presented itself. We may not see eye to eye on politics or raising children, but his try anything attitude is something to remember.

She is a self-proclaimed fireball who keep things simple for herself and her nutrition clients. She realized early on that even though she wasn't encouraged to succeed, it was her only way forward. This ballroom dancing non-spinster is as motivated as they come.

He's an inventor and property manager but you will remember him most for his demeanor and the fact that he is definitely “not a jerk”. He shares advice with kindness and compassion and knows from experience that getting through the difficult parts will be worth it.

Betsy can write anything, whether it's a scientific research article, a humorous children's book, or a harlequin romance. And she will always find a solution to accomplish her goal – even overcoming her fear of public speaking to become a lounge singer. She follows her own advice to never give up and I doubt she ever will.

This born and bred Texas girl is a performer and writer who turned her love of theatre into a voice over career and most recently, a career in real estate. She's grateful for all her bumps in the road and has learned the lessons we all need to hear….start sooner, don't be afraid, and my personal favorite, he's not worth it.

Adrien loves being a pro-wrestler and performing for a crowd as much as he loves coaching and teaching his skill to the next generation of wrestlers. He has learned to listen to his instincts and be a loving and reliable brother and boyfriend. Here's to hoping he finds the perfect chocolate chip cookie!

Dave moved into a 300-year-old farmhouse for his health but he did more than transform the home – he discovered a way to heal the incredible pain he was experiencing. He would not trade his journey because it helped him gain a skill and perspective very few know.

From body building to acting to running a Pilates studio, Stacey doesn't let anyone stop her. She takes chances because she doesn't want to leave this life with regret. She may not ever run for office but I vote that she share her secret to loving life.

Doug transitioned from pro wrestling to sales but from his perspective, they are no different – everyone is a natural salesman whether you are asking your parents for a toy or asking someone for a date. My goal is to hang with Doug and hope some of his natural Zen attitude rubs off on me – right after I watch his YouTube show, Cooking with Beer…with a beer.

He became an athlete to avoid being bullied and played football in college, but it wasn't until he was comfortably miserable at a desk job that he turned his passion for fitness into a personal training and self-defense business. And at the core of his coaching is a simple rule – have empathy and don't live for anyone else's approval.

Marvin is definitely the person you want to answer when you contact a call center. He will resolve your issue with his kind and easy-going manner. He's willing to dive off a mountain in a wing suit, doesn't worry about fear, and finds his joy in just hanging with his friends and playing video games. We could all use some Marvin attitude in our day.

Whether working with her digital marketing clients or producing a burlesque show, Kate is a kind and charming truth teller. She ignores her fears but will help you with yours – unless it's finally the day she puts herself first.

Shmuel moved to Israel not only for his spiritual journey, but also for the culture, the people, and the proximity to nature. His health coaching venture embraces his belief that keeping it simple and incorporating mindfulness and spirituality is key to complete health. His modesty, honesty, and perspective on addressing fear is certain to resonate.

If you are looking for a trusted advisor, look no further. Jeff shared the straightforward guidance on which his clients rely that will stay with me as well --  set your core values and remind yourself of them daily, remain true to who you are, and remember that you can improve your future based on what you've learned in the past.

Though Frankie has not needed her back up plan, she doesn't consider it wasted time. She's a musician/singer/songwriter who cherishes her independence and knows how important it is to simply show up for your creativity – even if it finds you because a stranger has you ticked off.

Once a Long Islander, always a Long Islander. But Paul does more than love the Yankees and the beach, he is a compassionate teacher whose goal is to lend his support when someone is struggling. He lives his mission through his early intervention and education drug program – and his empathy skills came in handy when he met his wife.

With seven kids in his blended family and a full-time business to run Hugh should be stressed but he loves it all – work, family, and friends. He's acquired his emotional intelligence along the way and has great advice for all of us – have no regrets but start sooner.

After over 130 episodes, I've been struggling with how to keep Curious Navel fresh and interesting when people know what I'm going to ask. While I do my best to pick up nuggets that an answer reveals and explore the stranger I'm trying to get to know, I think it's time to change it up and start fresh with a new set of questions. But first, since I thought you might be curious to know how I would have answered the questions I've been asking, Steve will interview me. In full disclosure, I thought ahead about some of my answers, but really enjoyed the curve balls Steve threw me.

Whether or not her innate optimism derives from being a descendant of some of the first settlers in Massachusetts, Lindsey has listened to her intuition to create her life and has a personal and professional life rich with meaningful connections and love. She is the person you want to run into at the grocery store and be invited to her pot-luck party – as long as you don't give anyone food poisoning.

Being fired was perhaps the best thing that ever happened to Riah because it taught her that there is success in failure, led her to becoming an entrepreneur, and gave her the motivation to write a book. She is not afraid to talk about her mistakes, and has learned the hard way that life without pain is life without joy.

From Pakistan to Pennsylvania, and from computer science to exercise science, Aesha has made a journey to find her best life. Coach Aesha's skill and enthusiasm help her clients live a pain free life, and her positivity impacts everyone she meets (except for snakes.)

As a leadership coach, Kim changes lives – but she did that in her prior careers as well from screenwriter to Pilates instructor. Her resilience and strength helped her break patterns of childhood trauma, and her creativity and ambition keep her “glittering” career moving forward. (Warning – glitter water is not for drinking.)

My conversation with Michael changed my day and I only wish I had several hours to speak with him. He may have started out guessing what he was going to be, but he landed at a place where he shares his useful articulations of truth to our benefit. His views moved and motivated me and I trust you will feel the same.

Chuck may say he is afraid of failing but I think he's relatively fearless. He's transitioned across a few different careers to become an outdoor mindfulness guide, and he is willing to explore a world without indoor plumbing. He certainly heeds his own advice – be flexible.

Speaking with Jaciel was delightful – he is genuine, upbeat, thoughtful, and kind. And incredibly brave – a news anchor who is comfortable singing and acting in a starring role! You won't see him headlining on a cruise ship, but if you have the chance to meet Jaciel, grab it.

Mary is living her best life in West Palm Beach writing and bringing her positive attitude everywhere she goes – and it all started when she saw a tiger plunge into a bubble bath. As Mary says, never give up on yourself, and you are certain to find your joy and purpose.

Albert surprised me – he started off quietly explaining how he ended up in Hawaii and his life in journalism, but ended up sharing some of the most interesting perspectives and life views. He is a different person now, and still on the quest to share truth, just like Clark Kent.

Cathy has recreated her life more than once – from being brave enough to leave a job where the stress outweighed the joy, to coaching women at a seaside retreat, to running a nonprofit. And through it all, she has demonstrated her mantra – don't be afraid to look silly and don't compare yourself to others. Cathy's perspective will brighten your day.

After losing her husband unexpectedly, Kim embarked on a journey to discover the true meaning of love. Spending much of her time in Haiti, Kim unveiled some simple yet powerful rules – service is healing, love is a constant, and begin by loving yourself. Her message is certain to stay with you.

She can trace her ancestors to the Mayflower and hold hands with ghosts. And though she has no fear of true crime stories and houses haunted by axe murderers, you won't find her anywhere near a mummy. Listen to Sylvia take us on a ride with some of the stories she tells in her books.

Sammy has several love languages – martial arts, video editing, and pierogies. And she is a barrel of energy and insight. Focusing on goals while staying open to possibility is the lesson we all need and it was a treat to learn what makes Sammy unique.

Lillian has had more challenges in her life than most of us and yet her resilience and persistence have brought her to a place where she shares love and kindness on a daily basis. She has a story that will move you and have you believing that the brownie recipe in her cookbook, From One Small Garden, is indeed the best.

Stephanie is the person we all need, with her straight no chaser style of motivation, and her insight on how to work through our stories and live our best life.  She applied those lessons to her own life to triumph over challenges most of us have not had to face and help countless others along the way.

Rex has moved at least 40 times over his life and settled in the California desert to live out his dream of being an inventor, focusing on architecture and design so that we learn to do more with less. Transforming himself from an introvert to an extrovert, and not letting fear get in his way, are marks of his unique and creative life. Check out his designs on YouTube – Environments by Rex.

Maren grew up on a farm with pride in her Viking heritage, taught herself to play the piano because she hated lessons, and supports herself while a full-time student. But more impressive is how she learned, after a traumatic experience, to reclaim her voice and just keep going.

When Keith instructs you to cultivate and keep a positive attitude, it's best to listen. He's used that lesson to survive brain surgery, lose 200 pounds, and defeat three different cancers. Just don't follow him if he decides to jump into Boston Harbor.

Angel is a digital nomad and an international traveler who has mastered the art of teaching French even to the most linguistically challenged. But his superpower – in addition to a perfect quiche – is his ability to detect patterns both for himself and his students.

Jodi has faced challenges and demonstrated bravery well beyond what most of us have experienced. And yet she lives life with joy and gratitude, with a generous perspective -- that we are always changing, and that we can all do better. She is continuously solving the puzzle of her own life and listening to her will change your day. https://puzzlestoplay.com

Cathy's road to becoming an official joy healer was not straightforward – she had to navigate her own anxiety and sensitive nature before discovering her purpose was to help women find joy and ease in their lives. Whether planning your trip to Disney or sharing lessons in her Joy Academy, Cathy lives what she believes – the moment you accept your purpose, the universe lines up to deliver.

Ronnie spent 20 years as a police officer, retired as Chief of Police in his Texas town, and is now the author he always wanted to be. He made a difference by catching the bad guys, and now he is living his message – no matter how farfetched the dream, take a chance.

Bernie is my new guru. He describes himself as disciplined because at 82 he still he walks 45 flights of stairs a day, but his more impressive attribute is his ability to simplify the wisdom he shares as a life coach. As Bernie says, we have only the present moment in time to make a choice – past regrets are in the quicksand of time, and the future is anybody's guess – but free will gives you the opportunity in this moment to make the right choice. And I suggest that right now you listen, and then listen again, because Bernie will convince you that any day is a good day.

She's collaborated with famous musicians, but her greatest reward is working with her students – from 17 to 70. Connie has had a variety of experiences, including being a chef in the military, but her love of music and performing is her constant – along with her rule to count her blessings every day.

If you are ever invited to a party hosted by Donna, you can be confident that she will make sure your needs are met. She is focused on making a connection, creating a supportive environment, and learning your love language. Even if she never gets the nerve to jump out of an airplane, I know she will make an impact.

RECAP, REFLECT, and REVISE PART 2 — What Would You Do with an Extra 2 Hours? It's August, which is my birthday month and my favorite time of year to relax. So I'm still in the reflecting and revising phase of Curious Navel — which means another look back episode — with a different question this time. Before we get to that I hope you listened to my 100th episode. It was a very special one for me since I interviewed my favorite person, my husband Billy. Don't call him Bill – he thinks it sounds too formal – which gives you an idea of what a mensch he is. And if you don't know what a mensch is, you will after you listen to the episode. So here's to looking back at how some of my guests have told me what they would do if given an extra two hours every day. Do any of their answers sound like something you would say? Don't forget to join me when I talk to another guest – it might be you!

RECAP, REFLECT, and REVISE PART 1 — What Are You Most Afraid Of? It's hard to believe but it's been 2 years since the birth of Curious Navel. And yes, it sounds odd, but I would call it a birth because there's been growth and change since those first episodes. And like dealing with a child, I'm never quite sure what will happen – a guest might be reluctant or eager to share, they may be challenged to come up with an answer to something they never thought about, or they may simply want to tell a story. And I'm happy to welcome all of it. I've interviewed celebrities, artists, teachers, entrepreneurs, moms, dads, neighbors, and friends. It's not about how famous or successful someone is – and by the way, measuring either metric is a completely different conversation. It's about listening to someone share their story, their feelings, their ideas, and seeing where the conversation takes us. It's about finding out what we might have in common and what makes us different and unique. Whatever expectations I had for Curious Navel have been far exceeded by the delicious connections I have made with more than 100 people and counting. With each new group of guests, I find that the questions I want to ask change. So while I look forward to the next phase of Curious Navel, I thought it might be fun to look back at how some of my guests have answered questions that I try to tease out in almost every episode. Have fun comparing your answer to one of my favorite questions -- what are you most afraid of? And I hope you join us when we launch our next episode!

I am certain I have not interviewed someone who comes close to having the variety of experiences that Jim has had. From touring with a famous punk band to running a business, to power lifting, to becoming an international star as Lord Humongous, Jim is hyper-focused and enthusiastic about all of it. You won't regret taking this ride with Tank.

Roger does something every day for the sole purpose of sharing some beauty and, hopefully, lifting someone up and providing solace or encouragement. He is grateful for everyone he meets and is most proud that he had the courage to get out of his car on one life-changing afternoon.

Robbie is a young music teacher with an old soul, who adores his grandparents and polish pastries. And if, after listening to our conversation, you have not packed up your bags to travel to the nearest Polka festival, please reconsider as you might be missing out on something that could change your life.

WARNING: He's taken. This is one of my favorite episodes since Billy is one of my favorite people. He is smart and kind, but more important, he makes me laugh every day. Don't miss this one.