Flowing East and West: The Perfectly Imperfect Journey to a Fulfilled Life

It was November 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. We were on separate coasts when we each took a big, deep breath, flipped on our mics, and pressed record. Little did we know when we created that first episode of this podcast, that it would become an amazing journey; a place for deep conversations, shared wisdom, and the beauty of embracing life's messy, magical moments. Now, after 108 episodes, we are filled with gratitude - for each other, and the partnership and friendship that have carried us through; for our incredible guests, who generously shared their stories and insights; and most of all, for you, our listeners … your support, curiosity, and willingness to explore this journey with us have meant the world. But for now, it's time to take a bit of a sabbatical. This isn't goodbye, just a chance to step back, recharge, and reflect. So, instead of once again hitting record, we're taking another deep breath, embracing the unknown, and trusting in what comes next. In this episode, we reflect on where we've been, what a sabbatical is all about and why we think you should grab a friend and take a leap into something unexpected.   With love and so much gratitude, we'll see you soon.

A bridge does more than just connect two points; it spans a gap, carries weight, and withstands tension. In this episode of The Perfectly Imperfect Journey, we're joined by the incredible Carrington Jackson, a woman who has spent her life embodying the role of the bridge in profound ways. Carrington was the bridge that connected her mother and her father's family, opening up a relationship that had once been impossible. She is the bridge that brings people to their yoga mats - not just to move, but to learn, to heal, and to awaken. And she is the bridge in the fight for racial justice, using her voice, her presence, and her unwavering commitment to equity to create real, lasting change. This conversation is about connection, courage, and transformation. It's about the willingness to step into uncomfortable spaces, to hold the tension between worlds, and to become the link that allows others to cross over into new ways of seeing, being, and leading. Bio: For nearly 30 years, Carrington's study of yoga has been a diverse journey through the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual components of the practice. Carrington began teaching in 2004 and is registered with the Yoga Alliance as an e-RYT 500. Her classes are a canvas of practice, prayer and presence, intertwined with messages of spirit, activism and social responsibility. On a physical level, her teaching is centered on bringing people to a deeper knowing and acceptance of themselves. On a soulful level, the purpose of her teaching is to correlate yoga on and off the mat… ultimately paving the way from the I to the WE.   She currently serves both as a guest instructor for many teacher training programs throughout the country and as a mentor to yoga teachers around the world. Alongside her yoga teaching practice, Carrington is a global retreat leader, passionate human rights activist, community organizer and movement chaplain. Having gratefully learned from many teachers over the years, a few teachers that have greatly influenced her personal and teaching practices are Seane Corn, Rev angel KYODO williams, Hala Khouri, Carolyn Myss and of course the greatest teacher of all… Life. Read more about her here: carringtonjacksonyoga.com Link to “I Am From” poem: https://www.wsuu.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/I_Am_From_Poem(2).pdf

In this week's episode we sit down with Margaret Juhae Lee, author of Starry Field: A Memoir of Lost History, and explore what it truly means to come home—to a place, to a history, and to oneself. Margaret's journey began as an exploration of her grandfather's past, but along the way, it became something much deeper: a reclamation of identity, heritage, and belonging. Originally conceived as a journalistic exploration, her book evolved into something far more personal. Margaret shares how tracing her ancestry helped her understand where she comes from, and is a gift for her children, giving them a foundation that honors the past while making space for the future. This conversation is about finding home within ourselves, embracing the stories that shape us, and carrying them forward with intention. Bio: Margaret Juhae Lee is the author of Starry Field: A Memoir of Lost History, which was published in 2024. A former editor at The Nation magazine, she received a Bunting Fellowship from Harvard University and a Korean Studies Fellowship from the Korea Foundation. She attended the Tin House and Writer's Hotel writing workshops and was awarded residences at Ragdale, Mesa Refuge, Anderson Center and the Mineral School. Her articles have been published in The Nation, Newsday, Elle, ARTnews, Writer's Digest and The Rumpus. She lives in Oakland with her family and Brownie, a rescue dog from Korea.

What happens when life takes an unexpected turn and you're forced to redefine everything? Chris Waddell was a competitive skier in college when a devastating accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Less than a year later, he was back on the mountain—this time as a monoskier—beginning a journey that would make him the most decorated male mono-skier in U.S. history. But Chris's story isn't just about athletic triumph; it's about the reinvention that happens when you decide to show up fully for your own life. In this episode, Chris shares how recovery was just the first step in his healing journey. That accident and his resilience took him places he never imagined: from the Paralympics podium to being a published author and from the ski slopes to a soap opera set. He reminds us that our best self isn't a fixed point—it is who we become in response to life's hardest moments. This conversation is about grit, possibility, and the magic of saying yes to the unexpected. Bio Chris Waddell's 12 Paralympic skiing medals are more than any man in US history. He's a Hall of Famer, a World Champion in wheelchair track, and the first “nearly unassisted” paraplegic to summit 19,340-foot Mt Kilimanjaro. His ski popped off competing in college, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. 362 days later, Chris monoskied and soon became the fastest in the world. The Dalai Lama honored him as an “Unsung Hero of Compassion,” Skiing Magazine dubbed him one of 25 Greatest Skiers in North America and People Magazine named him one of “The 50 Most Beautiful People.” https://chriswaddellinc.com/ 

What is your superpower? This is the question Gabi Angelini often asks when speaking to audiences. After Gabi faced repeated job rejections, she and her mom, Mary channeled their frustration into purpose, by launching their own business, Gabi's, Powered by Special Abilities. Their venture employs people with unique strengths and celebrates their talents, proving that everyone has a superpower waiting to be unleashed. Through their work, they've created a supportive environment where employees can showcase their capabilities, gain valuable work experience, and develop greater independence. This heartfelt story highlights the incredible bond between a mother and daughter and is a powerful testament to how embracing diverse abilities can lead to both business success and personal empowerment.   Bios:   Gabi Angelini   Advocate Extraordinaire: Empowering Inclusion, Entrepreneurship, and Equality"   Gabi is the co-founder of Gabi's, Powered by Special Abilities, a nonprofit that provides workforce training, education, and other support programs to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to help them secure employment, contribute to society, and live a purposeful, rewarding life.  She is a champion for the Special Abilities workforce and the impact that diversity and inclusion has on the world. After high school graduation, Gabi searched and applied for many positions but no employer would hire her. Not one. Gabi came to learn that 82% of individuals with special needs are unemployed.  Gabi and her mom knew this needed to change.    As a result of this personal experience, together with her mom, Mary Angelini, Gabi co-founded her nonprofit, Gabi's Powered by Special Abilities to help create opportunities for people with Special Abilities. She wanted to help them join the workforce and live a fulfilling and purposeful life.    Today, Gabi's employs 40+ people with Special Abilities and partners with more than 25 companies. Gabi's develops partnerships with logistics companies to fulfill orders through Gabi's PALS (packing, assembling, labeling and shipping). Also, the nonprofit maintains an e-commerce and packaged coffee and products division that features a range of coffee flavors and related products through Gabi's Grounds.    Moreover, Gabi Angelini is an award-winning entrepreneur and has received the following awards and recognitions:   2024:  “Community Champion”: Gabi's Pals, NC Down Syndrome Association   2023: “Women in Business Awards; “Entrepreneur of the Year,” Triangle Business Journal; and “Women Shaping Raleigh,” featured in Raleigh Magazine; NC Women in Business Hall of Fame  2022: “Employer of the Year,” Raleigh Mayor Maryann Baldwin's Committee for Persons with Disabilities  2021: “Founders Award,” Doing Good at Work 2019: “Self-Advocate of the Year,” NC Down Syndrome Association  Gabi maintains strong relationships with the community, her Gabi's PALS team of employees, and her corporate partner clients. She is also co-author of the children's book, “Gabi the Puppy.” In addition, Gabi serves as a champion for people with special abilities and speaks at conferences. Her favorite topic is the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workforce and helping everyone find their own superpower, like she did.   Mary Angelini Co-founder, Gabi's Powered by Special Abilities   Mary is co-founder of Gabi's Powered by Special Abilities, a nonprofit that provides workforce training, education, and other support programs to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to help them secure employment, contribute to society, and live a purposeful, rewarding life.  A personal experience led her to form Gabi's Powered by Special Abilities with her co-founder and daughter, Gabi. After high school graduation, Gabi was unable to secure employment. Literally no one would hire her. Not one person could see her special abilities, just her Down syndrome.   Mary and Gabi were determined to help shift the conversation from disabilities to special abilities, neuro-diversity, and the power of inclusion to help create employment opportunities for people in the IDD community.    What began in 2017 as a small coffee company (Gabi's Grounds) has now grown to include a full-scale packaging, assembling, labeling, and shipping company (Gabi's PALS), as a business solution for mid-to-large manufacturing and logistics companies. In addition, there is a drop-shipping solution for local, smaller companies.    Today, Gabi's Powered by Special Abilities is an award-winning nonprofit organization and has a team of more than 45 people with special abilities including blindness, autism, Down syndrome, and more. Gabi's Grounds continues to provide pop-up shops at local businesses and markets, and offers Gabi's Coffee Club, a subscription membership to businesses and coffee lovers everywhere.    Mary is dedicated to the empowerment of the special abilities community and to help educate the world about the power of diversity and inclusion. She travels with Gabi to speak at corporate events and conferences and help inspire people to see the superpowers in all of us.    Prior to founding Gabi's with her daughter, Mary held positions with IBM and Our Lady of Lourdes church. She enjoys kickboxing and spending time with her husband, six children and their families. 

Amber Melanie Smith discovered her passion for giving back at a young age, which led to the creation of a nonprofit organization that mobilized over 50,000 volunteers to make a difference in their communities. While deeply committed to this mission, Amber began to feel the weight of burnout. It wasn't until she took a step back that she realized she was no longer connected to the work that truly lit her up. This episode explores what it means to follow your passion, even when it requires making tough decisions, and the importance of redefining success on your own terms. Bio: Amber Melanie Smith is a speaker, award-winning nonprofit founder, social entrepreneur, and creator of the Changemaker Accelerator. Through a growing online community of changemakers, speaking, and educational content, Amber helps people create their roadmap to a life and career that creates positive social change. In college, Amber took off on a 3 month cross-country road trip with her best friend to volunteer in over 20 states. When she returned home, she launched Activate Good, a nonprofit that has since mobilized over 50,000 volunteers to help hundreds of causes. Amber's writing about social impact, service, and leadership has appeared in Fast Company, the Philanthropy Journal, and other media. In 2017, Amber was appointed a commissioner on the NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service by NC Governor Roy Cooper. In 2019, Amber launched a YouTube channel to help educate people on starting and growing a successful nonprofit organization or social enterprise, which has since reached 70,000 changemakers around the world. Website: https://ambermelaniesmith.com/ 

In this heartfelt and transformative episode of The Perfectly Imperfect Journey, the tables turn as Sherry Essig steps into the spotlight—not as interviewer, but as the guest. Sherry opens her heart to share the story behind the person you regularly hear as co-host. From grappling with feelings of not belonging to the quiet moments of realization that changed her life, Sherry takes us on her journey of transformation. It's a story of self-discovery, of learning to trust her instincts, and of uncovering the life she was meant to lead.   Through her vulnerability and wisdom, Sherry reminds us that life isn't about grand gestures or perfect plans—it's about making one intentional choice at a time. It's about courageously stepping toward what feels right, even when it's hard. This episode is an invitation to reflect on your own path and to consider: Who are you meant to be?  Sherry reminds us the sum of all of our experiences lead us through our perfectly imperfect journey in life.  Join us for a conversation that is equal parts raw, hopeful, and inspiring—just like Sherry herself. Bio Sherry Essig is an executive and life coach and the founder of Flow Dynamix, where she helps clients courageously stop settling for less than success and happiness — because the two are not mutually exclusive. She believes that your professional career and personal life are two interconnected parts of the whole that is you: personal development is professional development. After 15 years in public accounting and corporate roles, Sherry launched Flow Dynamix in 1994. She holds a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential, a CPA license (inactive), and is an accredited Enneagram Practitioner through Integrative 9 Enneagram Solutions. Blending deep business expertise with coaching techniques, yoga principles, positive psychology, and the transformative power of the Enneagram — sprinkled with a dash of humor — Sherry equips her clients to embrace growth, resilience, and boldness. Her work empowers them to expand their awareness and create a life where success and happiness thrive together. Website: www.flow-dynamix.com

For the past four years, Anne Robie has been a steady voice in the co-host seat. But today, she steps into the spotlight as our guest in this deeply personal and inspiring episode. Anne shares how an unexpected, life-altering event left her reeling—and how it became the catalyst for a profound journey of self-discovery. With vulnerability as her guide, Anne shed the armor she had carried for years and began moving through life as her true, authentic self — both personally and as a leader in the corporate world. In this conversation, Anne opens up about the freedom she found in letting go of the need to appear like she always had it together. She reflects on the power of leading with courage, empathy, and self-awareness, and what it truly means to embrace authenticity in leadership and life. This episode is an invitation to reflect on your own journey—on what you might need to let go of to reveal your truest and most impactful self. It's a heart-opening dialogue filled with wisdom, humor, and unfiltered truth. Bio Anne Robie: Consultant | Speaker | Spiritual Pragmatist Anne is a speaker, consultant, and writer currently working on her first book about authentic leadership.  With over 25 years of Human Resources experience, Anne combines her deep understanding of mindfulness, authenticity, and the human side of business to craft compelling narratives that inspire and educate. Anne draws from her extensive expertise in leadership, team dynamics and living life as a human on this planet. She explores themes such as: Authenticity Vulnerability Spirituality and leadership And, occasionally,, whatever else is on her mind Anne's teachings center on mindfulness, authenticity, and connecting with people in meaningful ways. Her passion for cultivating genuine connections and her ability to engage audiences on a profound level make her a unique and impactful voice in leadership and personal development.

Four years ago, we launched our little podcast baby into the world. Back then, we couldn't have imagined reaching this centennial achievement. But here we are—100 episodes later! It's been a journey filled with learning, growth, and connection. Listen in as Anne and Sherry reflect on the wisdom we've gained from our inspiring guests and the powerful stories shared by our incredible listeners. Each conversation has shaped us, and together, we've explored what it means to be perfectly imperfect in an ever-evolving world. Join us as we celebrate this milestone, honor the extraordinary community we've built, and look ahead to the next chapter of this journey. Cheers to 100 episodes—and the many more adventures to come!

In this week's episode, Robin Berning shares her powerful story of overcoming addiction and embracing the very differences that once made her feel isolated. Throughout her life, Robin often felt out of place, questioning her place in the world. However, through moments of deep reflection and personal growth, Robin came to realize that those things that made her different were actually her strengths.  Robin opens up about the key moments that helped her fully accept and embrace her unique path. She explains how leaning into what sets us apart—whether it's our life experiences, challenges, or spiritual journeys—can become a source of profound growth and transformation. Her story serves as a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the freedom it brings. Robin shares valuable insights on how embracing our individuality can lead to more authentic, fulfilling lives, where obstacles turn into opportunities for empowerment and deeper connection with others.   Bio: Growing up in a home shaped by the journey of recovery, Robin Berning became aware at an early age of both the pull and dangers of addiction. Despite this awareness, she faced her own challenges with addiction in her teens. At 39, a life-changing decision brought her to a program of recovery, where she embraced a new path. Now, 17 years sober, Robin is living her best life! She views life not as the school of hard knocks, but as a school of opportunity and growth. Today, as the owner of her own business, she works as an Advanced Certified Life & Spiritual Life Coach and a Classical Feng Shui Consultant. Robin helps others find themselves and step confidently into their truth, empowered and ready to thrive in an ever-changing world. https://livingyourbliss.net/

Life throws both joy and challenges our way - it's how we respond that truly shapes our experiences. This week, Dr. Shayna Kaufmann dives deep into her own story and the art of riding life's emotional waves. She shares the hidden cost of resistance, the pain of ignoring our struggles, and the trap of clinging too tightly to the good moments. Despite her many successes, Shayna found true peace when she learned to let go and embrace every emotion, from anxiety to happiness.  Shayna's journey led her to focus on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in middle age. From navigating the shifting dynamics of self-identity to redefining purpose in both personal and professional lives, she explores how this stage of life can be a powerful time of transformation. Tune in as Shayna shares her #PerfectlyImperfect journey and teaches us all how to ride the wave.   Bio: Dr. Shayna Kaufmann is a clinical psychologist, certified mindfulness meditation teacher, decades-long Zen practitioner, and Founder of Embrace the Middle—a company dedicated to serving women in midlife. Dr. Kaufmann is also a published researcher, a community leader, popular speaker, and former faculty at Alliant International University and National University. She lives in San Diego with her husband Eric and dog Nola, and treasures visits from their daughters, Tara and Maya. Website: https://www.embracethemiddle.com/

In this episode, we dive into the profound lessons our furry friends teach us daily. From gratitude to unconditional love, animals show us the qualities we often neglect in our fast-paced lives. Sherry and Anne share personal stories about our own pets and explore how caring for any living being—whether a pet, a garden, or another person—enriches our lives in deeply meaningful ways. 

Which mountain are you climbing? That's the exact question Bonnie Wan asked herself when her life hit a crisis point, both at work and at home. Instead of staying stuck, Bonnie went all in—taking the same tools she mastered as an Advertising Agency Creative Director and turning them inward. The result? She created a Life Brief—a no-holds-barred roadmap to how she truly wanted to live. And she didn't just skim the surface. Bonnie dug deep into her core values, peeled back her beliefs, and got crystal clear on what she wanted to feel every day. Spoiler alert: It worked. Bonnie unlocked achievements beyond her wildest dreams, and now she's on a mission to help others do the same with her book, The Life Brief, plus workshops and talks worldwide. Don't miss this episode where Bonnie explores her perfectly imperfect journey.   Bio Bonnie is creator and author of The Life Brief, a simple and profound action-driving practice that helps  people navigate life's biggest and trickiest decisions with clarity, creativity and courage.  The Life Brief applies the art and science of brand strategy to how we live our lives, helping people get clear, take meaningful action, and live with greater intention and imagination.   As Partner and Head of Brand Strategy at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners (GS&P), Wan leads strategy for  Fortune 500 companies including Blackstone, BMW, Comcast/Xfinity, Frito-Lay, and Kraft-Heinz. She also  harnesses strategy to create powerful, provocative, award- winning campaigns fighting racial injustice,  child sex trafficking, cyberbullying, college campus rape, and gender inequality. Wan has been named an  Advertising Icon, an Ad Age Leading Woman, and Chief Strategy Officer of the Year.   The Life Brief has evolved from an agency talk to keynotes, workshops and now a best-selling book. The  Life Brief: A Playbook for No Regrets Living is the essential tool for aligning your daily actions with your  ambition and values. As a Brand Strategist turned Life Strategist, Wan not only helps companies  innovate from a place of purpose, but also guides everyday people who seek to realize their potential.  Wan has taught The Life Brief at Accenture, AirBnB, Apple, Change.org, Chief, Google, SXSW, and World  50 Group as well as for Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop, and Jane Goodall's Activating Hope Summit.  Wan appears in Jeff Goodby and Rich Silverstein's Masterclass on Advertising and Creativity and is  featured in the documentary film, The Big Flip, chronicling the lives of four women breadwinners and  their families. She has also been interviewed on Katie Couric's Katie show and HuffPost Live. Her articles  have been featured by Fast Company, Campaign Magazine, AdAge, and Adweek.  The Life Brief website: https://thelifebrief.com/

Kerri Kelly, author of American Detox, joins us on the podcast this week to talk about her life and the lessons she learned through the process of writing her book. Kerri takes us on parts of her journey, beginning with 9/11 and how that changed her life as she grappled with tremendous loss, both personally and societally.  Ultimately, Kerri takes a hard look at the way healthcare functions (or doesn't), while never shying away from the role we as individuals play. While this all sounds heavy, Kerri's willingness to laugh at herself, share her story so openly and encourage us all to think more collectively is incredibly uplifting.   Bio:  Kerri is the founder of CTZNWELL, a movement that is democratizing wellbeing for all. A descendant of generations of firemen and first responders, Kerri has dedicated her life to kicking down doors and fighting for justice. She's been teaching yoga for over 20 years and is known for making waves in the wellness industry by challenging norms, disrupting systems and mobilizing people to act.    Links: American Detox: https://www.americandetox.co/  CTZNWELL: https://www.ctznwell.org/ 

Julian Pistone had a lot of amazing things going for him: a great education, friends all over the world, and a fantastic job with one of the world's most recognizable brands.  But his father's untimely death and two incredibly serious illnesses leveled Julian physically, mentally and spiritually.  As he lay completely immobile on the floor in his mother's home, Julian realized that neither numbing nor ignoring his pain was getting him through it. The only thing that helped him was to muster the courage to face it.  By being with his pain, the pain lost its control over him and a whole new way of looking at life was born.     Bio Julian Pistone is a former sales leader at Google, an international speaker, board member, and advisor to Fortune 500 companies.   After triumphing over two chronic illnesses, Julian's journey through pain ignited a mission to infuse courage into the world.   Blending nearly two decades of global corporate experience with a background in Buddhism and transpersonal psychology, Julian empowers individuals and teams to build courage, clarify their legacy intentions, and determine how they want to be remembered. His confrontation with mortality, disability, and mental illness led him to co-found Cor:age, a global impact network and retreat series that unites visionary makers — from political leaders and business executives to philanthropists, social advocates, investors, world-renowned scientists, and creatives — to catalyze change towards a more sustainable world. Julian advocates for embracing the awareness of death to live and lead with greater intentionality, authenticity, and purpose. His speeches inspire leaders worldwide to thrive in constant disruption and consider the lasting impact of their actions on their organizations, communities, and future generations. Alongside award-winning filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer Juan Herrero, Julian is the creator of Cor:age Journeys — a content series that embarks on a mission across civilizations to explore the anatomy of courage and the transformative power of adversity. Through raw conversations with remarkable individuals, he uncovers extraordinary stories of human resilience and hope. Julian is a global citizen who divides his time between The Americas and Europe, and speaks English, German, Spanish, Italian, and French. He travels the world, delivering keynote speeches and interviewing some of humanity's bravest individuals, reminding us all how our darkest moments can reveal our most profound bravery. VICE article about Katia: What It's Like Knowing You'll Die of Cancer at 35 Katia | Hope, Joy, and A Little Bit of Color   COR:AGE CONTENT SERIES trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8G-gykphN4

“Life moves pretty fast.  If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Ferris Bueler   We love this quote from the 1986 movie that embraces living life to the fullest.  The problem is, as we age, we have increased responsibilities and a vision of “who we are supposed to be.” We let sneaky words like ‘should', ‘must', and ‘have to' sneak into our vocabulary and we lose sight of our autonomy and the choices that we uniquely own.  Listen in to hear Sherry and Anne discuss how to be more intentional in your choices, and we invite you to consider how you can do life just a little more on purpose. 

Have you ever taken your eyes off the road, even for the briefest moment, to check your phone or look at the kids in the back seat?  That split-second glance was all Claire Carr had when she came upon a stopped vehicle—and three people—in her lane while traveling at 70 miles per hour.  As if in a movie, Claire let out a scream, cranked the wheel hard to try to avoid the stopped car and the people standing nearby.  And in that same blink of a second, everything in Claire's world changed.  This is a story of tragedy and trauma, resilience and renewal.   Bio Claire is the mother of two adult children, one with neurodivergent challenges, and has been a practicing attorney in Richmond, Virginia for over 3 decades. She is a Vice President and managing partner of her firm and actively participates in the legal community, serving and chairing both local and national organizations.  In 2018, following a motor vehicle accident which changed her life, Claire started an annual fundraising auction for a national charity which raises money for children of parents who have been catastrophically injured on the job so that they can attend college, and she frequently donates her time and resources to others in need in the local Richmond community. 

It is not a recipe she would recommend, but Fanny Slater mixed one part alcohol, one part low self esteem, a dash of fame, and a sprinkle of insecurity, and ultimately found herself spiraling down a tunnel headed straight for rock bottom.  Luckily Fanny also had a heap of support and love from friends and family which helped her when she needed it most.  This is a story about reinvention from the winner of a cooking contest on the Rachel Ray show to an aspiring sobriety mentor. Hers is a story about finding herself, after almost losing everything.     Bio: Fanny Slater has food flowing through her genes. Her mom founded the nationally acclaimed bakery business Rachel's Brownies in 1975, and together—her parents created an enormously successful corporation that would live on for decades. Fanny grew up in Raleigh where, at age four, she began her home-taught kitchen apprenticeship when her dad pulled up a chair next to the stove and handed her a spatula. She worked in restaurants and prep kitchens to receive culinary exposure, but was equally drawn to performing arts. At twenty-five, Fanny moved to Hollywood, California to pursue acting and improv training with the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles. Several years later, she followed her stomach back to the east coast to open her own catering company. She moved to Wilmington, North Carolina in 2012. In 2014, she beat out nearly 1,000 other hopefuls from across the country who entered Rachael Ray's Great American Cookbook Competition. Fanny won the grand prize of a publishing contract under Rachael's imprint, and Simon & Schuster published her cookbook, Orange, Lavender & Figs: Deliciously Different Recipes from a Passionate Eater, in 2016. In the following years, Fanny co-hosted the Food Network series, Kitchen Sink and became a regular on Cooking Channel's longtime popular series, Best Thing I Ever Ate.  In 2020, Fanny was living in Illinois with her husband when her longtime issues with alcohol came to a head. Within one year, she would move back to North Carolina, get a divorce, come out of the closet, and attend a 40-day rehab program. Today, Fanny is 3+ years sober and living near the beach in Wilmington with her girlfriend, two dogs, and a cat. She works as a food and beverage writer specializing in recipe development, food photography, and content creation for social media. As of recent, Fanny has pivoted her focus towards being a sobriety enthusiast who encourages others to speak up about their struggles. She uses her Instagram platform @fannyslater to bluntly share her journey of going from a self-destructive addict to an advocate for mental health, recovery, and self-love.

What started as a mishap - trying to catch an exhibit at a local museum, only to find out it was closed that day -  turned into a mindfulness practice.  How does this happen?  Take two inspiring, creative women and set them loose in San Francisco with an unexpected few hours, and a whole new way of living their days was born.  An amazing Instagram page, a book and many workshops later, Willow and Deborah join the podcast to share what they've learned and engage Sherry and Anne in an impromptu “Today I Noticed” practice.     Bio: Willow Older and Deborah Huber are the founders of Today I Noticed, a creative mindfulness practice, and the authors of Today I Noticed: A Little Book of Mindfulness that Will Change the Way You See the World and the 2025 Today I Noticed: A Year of Inspiration and Mindfulness daily desk calendar. They lead mindfulness workshops for companies, teams, and conferences of all sizes.   Willow is an internationally published writer who runs her own editorial services business. Deborah has spent her career in various creative and management roles in the tech industry designing and managing the development of digital products.  

Sue Lambert survived her abusive childhood by numbing her pain with alcohol as she tried to live up to an idealized perfection standard.  Through pure guts and determination, Sue left home, did well at work, and started a family, but always felt that she was not “normal.” After undergoing surgery, Sue became addicted to pain pills in addition to her alcohol addiction, spiraled downwards, and eventually landed in prison. One of the classes she signed up for while incarcerated was with the Enneagram Prison Project. In this unlikeliest of places, she found a doorway to examine her ingrained ways of operating in the world and ultimately found hope.  Sue now knows true perfection lies within the imperfect.     Bio Sue Lambert is an Enneagram Prison Project (EPP) Ambassador. She is also a retired EPP Faculty Member and Guide, a Life Coach, certified ACE (adverse childhood experiences) trainer, an IEA (International Enneagram Association) Accredited Professional, and Certified Narrative Enneagram Teacher. Sue identifies with Type 1 on the Enneagram and is passionate and driven to support others as they navigate their personal growth and development post-incarceration. She finds joy and fulfillment in nurturing others to reach their highest potential. Sue lives with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids and is “Nanny Granny” to them all. She feels a strong connection to her essential self when she is outside and enjoying nature and animals (horses/dogs/wildlife), where she knows in her heart that everything is “perfect” the way it is. Sue learned about the Enneagram and EPP behind bars and exemplifies the work, inspiring people worldwide to find inner freedom. Sue's story includes what she describes as a dark time in her life, where she was also able to find light, and one of those light beams was the union she found with EPP, the Enneagram, and her true self, an impact she says saved her life. Oprah Daily article on Sue: https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/health/a60583312/enneagram-test-prison-program/  Enneagram Prison Project: https://www.enneagramprisonproject.org/

She was at the top of her game with one of the world's most iconic brands, doing the work that had taken her across the world and back multiple times. From the outside looking in, things looked really good for Shelley Paxton. But, she had a secret.  Shelley would be awoken every night by the same nightmare and walked through her days with anxiety, both of which she tried to numb with busyness and alcohol. She finally reached a point where she couldn't tolerate the pain of playing to someone else's version of success and went on a journey to find her lost soul.  Shelley no longer believes in following the rules, and wants to lead a revolution for all of us to reclaim our rebel nature and fully dance to the beat of our own music.     Bio   Think Brené Brown meets Biker Babe, with a dash of Liz Gilbert. As former Chief Marketing Officer of Harley-Davidson, Shelley Paxton found herself at the top of the proverbial mountain feeling success-EMPTY instead of success-FULL. That awakening led her on a profound journey that became her mission, business, and Simon & Schuster- published bestselling book, Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel's Guide to Finding Your Best Life.    She's leading a REBELution to rewrite the script of success.   Shelley's inspiring work has been featured on NBC, CBS, Forbes, Thrive Global, Inc., Business Insider, Yahoo!, and a TEDx stage.   Her signature keynote – “Where Soul Meets Success” – is an essential roadmap for leaders and organizations to redefine success in ways that celebrate humanity, well- being, and fulfillment. It's the post-pandemic antidote to burnout and seeking.   She's based in Chicago (when not indulging her wanderlust) and is obsessed with mental health advocacy and the color orange.   Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel's Guide to Finding Your Best Life at Amazon  For more info and booking: www.shelleypaxton.com IG: @theshelleypaxton

As children, play was a fundamental part of how we lived our days - whether it was an impromptu game with neighborhood friends, recess at school, or creating secret worlds with dolls or army figurines.  There was no agenda, there was just fun for the sake of it.  What we didn't know then was how important play was to our development, creativity, and overall health. As we get older, something shifts and we are increasingly asked to “act like a grown-up.”  We lose play as a regular part of our lives, and with it, a tool that can be so helpful in our continued growth, and happiness.  In this episode, Sherry and Anne explore the importance of play as adults and how to welcome more of it back into our lives. 

When Suzanne Beaumont saw an advertisement for a marathon that invited readers to “change their life,” she was 49 and not much of a runner.  But something called to her and she started lacing up her trainers.  Several months later she finished that marathon and had the realization that doing hard things was not only possible, but could also propel her to move out of her comfort zone in other ways.  Suzanne feels like she has had a brand new beginning at midlife and now follows her passions wherever they take her - writing, traveling, and discovering herself.  Listen in to Suzanne's perfectly imperfect journey.     Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. Soren Kierkegaard   Bio Suzanne Beaumont has lived in Wake Forest, NC for 25 years, raised three beautiful children there, and has been writing for the past eight years. She writes to simply know herself and explore the world around her. She studied writing with Natalie Goldberg and is currently studying haiku with Clark Strand. As Suzanne reads or listens, phrases will often catch her attention and she'll discover a poem or essay that she didn't know was inside her. And so it goes. She began running in 2006, and stepped way out of her comfort zone when she signed up to run her first marathon with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's team in training (TNT) program. She's since run a half-dozen marathons, a handful of ultra marathons, and too many half-marathons to count, and served as a TNT volunteer coach for ten years. Suzanne recently retired from her long-term career as a software architect, at organizations including Alcatel-Lucent, Research in Motion, Lenovo, and most recently, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. She writes most days just like she runs most days; these are her practices that keep her grounded and moving forward.

Shirin Etessam was born in Iran and enjoyed a fairly happy and privileged childhood.  When her parents immigrated to the US, after some initial struggles, she found her place in high school and began to flourish.  She experienced success after college, working in film and television. Eventually she fell in love and adopted 2 children with her wife, with whom she initially had a nine-year friendship. While everything looked great from the outside, there was a problem bubbling below the surface: Shirin had started losing parts of her soul along her journey and had shrunk into a much smaller version of herself.  When her relationship eventually ended, Shirin began a multi-year, painful process of clawing her way back to her true self, through much self-reflection, spiritual teachings, and most importantly, the power of play.   Bio: Shirin Etessam is a renowned play expert and storyteller, blending her background in film, TV, and branded content with a deep passion for the transformative power of play. Following a pivotal life event, Shirin embarked on a journey that shifted her focus from external achievements to the joys of internal fulfillment through play. With over a decade of dedicated research and exploration, she harnesses the principles of curiosity, creativity, and spontaneity to promote mental and spiritual health. Shirin advocates for integrating play into all facets of life, emphasizing its crucial role in today's world for achieving true contentment and joy. Her work stands at the intersection of science and play, aiming to enlighten others on its essential benefits for our well-being.   Website: https://www.shirinetessam.com/  Free to Be: A Six Week Guide to Reclaiming Your Soul: https://www.shirinetessam.com/freetobe/ 

Life can be messy. Unexpected things happen, we may encounter issues or struggles, and, at times, things just get hard. No one enjoys the struggle, but as Patrick Ness reminds us - it is not about how we fall - it's how we get back up. This is the core of resilience. Given the fact that we will all have something that gets difficult, how can we not only survive it but also grow?  Resilience is like a muscle that can be built and strengthened with the right focus and attention.     Listen in to hear about some of our own challenges and the tools we use to get back up again.     In this episode, Sherry references Amy Purdy's book https://amypurdy.com/amy-purdys-book-on-my-own-two-feet/

Shasta Nelson's brand is all about helping people connect authentically in real life.  For over 15 years Shasta has facilitated, taught, and modeled how to build healthy relationships, and has written a few books about friendships along the way.  Yet it was her own deep connection to the person who eventually became her husband that rocked Shasta's world, and caused her to lose friends, her job, and the church she was serving.  Shasta's journey was an incredibly painful one, but she emerged more deeply connected to herself, and as a thought leader in the human connection arena.  Listen in to hear Shasta's perfectly imperfect journey.   Bio  A pioneer in belongingness, Shasta Nelson is an in-demand keynote speaker, popular media resource and contributor to the Harvard Business Review, and author of three books in which she teaches how to build healthy relationships, including The Business of Friendship: Making the Most of the Relationships Where We Spend Most of Our Time. For over 15 years, Shasta has been translating the science of human connection into actionable practices that lead to greater belonging in our communities and workplaces. Her expertise has activated organizations such as Google and LinkedIn to intentionally create and accelerate the high-trust and resilient relationships that lead to higher employee retention, engagement, and collaboration. ​ Shasta has been featured in hundreds of publications such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and TIME magazine, and has appeared as a guest on the Harvard Business Review podcast, Today Show, and Steve Harvey Show. Shasta is a two-time featured TEDx speaker, with her first TED talk receiving over 800,000 views, and she has delivered 500+ keynotes for over 20 different industries, including tech, healthcare, nonprofits, education, and more.   Website: https://www.shastanelson.com/ TedX Talk: Relationally Fit: The Social Secret to a Longer, Happier Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irRtftdsW8E

One day, when she was a teenager spending the summer in Ireland, Libby DeLana took the bus into Dublin and was awed by the Book of Kells. Little did she know that moment would change her professional trajectory. Fast forward to several years later, with an undergraduate degree in hand, Libby went to culinary school with a friend and discovered that as much as she enjoyed creating delicious food, she was far more enthralled with the layout of a beautiful menu. She listened to these whispers of what really lit her up and had a very successful career in advertising. Fast forward a bit more, and while everything seemed great on the surface, Libby realized something felt off in her life.  Once again, she listened to the whispers, laced up her shoes and went for a walk.  And she has kept walking, every day, for the past 12 years.  Libby has turned this walking practice into more than just being in nature.  She has a whole new chapter in her life, has written a book and hosts a great podcast. Listen in to hear Libby's perfectly imperfect journey.   Bio Libby DeLana is an Executive Creative Director, founder of This Morning Walk™ (thismorningwalk.com / @thismorningwalk / #thismorningwalk) and is co-host of the podcast This Morning Walk with Alex Elle. She spoke at The Do Lectures 2022 with Cheryl Strayed about the transformative power of a walk. Libby spent her career in advertising and was the Design Director at MullenLowe for 15 years, then went on to co-found Mechanica, a small boutique agency in Massachusetts. Libby's work has won many industry awards, has been featured in publications like PRINT Design Annual, Graphis Design & Logo, Fast Company, Communication Arts, and has been profiled by the BBC for the series called The Chain in which, “leading figures name the woman who's inspired their success for the next interview in this audio chain.”   Please feel free to join this walking community by following @thismorningwalk @parkhere on Instagram or for more info and resources thismorningwalk.com

As a young person, Maggie Kane had big plans to leave her hometown of Raleigh, NC, and find adventure in Italy.  While she was lucky to get to Europe during college, it was a volunteer gig with a day shelter for people experiencing homelessness that planted the seeds for her true adventure of a lifetime.  That volunteer gig turned into a paid job and it was through relationships with the people from the shelter that Maggie found her true calling: starting the first “pay what you can” restaurant in her hometown.  Through many twists and turns, and unexpected stops and starts, A Place at the Table was born, and with it, Maggie has truly found her community.  Listen in to hear Maggie's #perfectlyimperfect journey.    Bio: Maggie is the Founder and Executive Director of A Place at the Table, Raleigh's first pay-what-you-can nonprofit cafe. She graduated from NC State University in 2013 and began working for a nonprofit with people experiencing homelessness. By befriending many people living on the margins, she saw the challenges of food insecurity as well as providing dignity to those in need. In February 2015, A Place at the Table was born and Maggie never looked back. Opening in January of 2018, Table has served thousands of people in Raleigh with a dignified and an affordable meal, together. Maggie has a heart to serve, a desire to always be inclusive, and a passion for loving people. She lives in Raleigh, loves to jump rope, and eats a large amount of peanut butter. She loves hiking in the mountains, and all things sunflowers. You'll find her watching movies at the theaters in those big comfy chairs, skydiving, or breaking away for a quick 2-day weekend trip. A Place at the Table: https://tableraleigh.org/

Every February, around this time, approximately 8 billion small heart-shaped candies are created and exchanged.  These candies bear messages of love and care, and are often used as gifts to express feelings for another person.   In each episode featuring a guest, we ask them if there are any words of wisdom they might share with their younger selves. These words of wisdom are like those Sweetheart treats, but instead of representing love for someone else, they are messages of love directed to our guests themselves, and by extension, to all of us.  We are so inspired by the wisdom our guests shared, so we put all these beautiful words together, as a little love treat for our listeners.  Enjoy!   Thank you to our amazing guests for their words of wisdom: Donna Peek, Darren Gold, Leslie McGuirk, Mike Robbins, Susan Olesek, Laila Tarraf, Nichelle Trambell Spellman, Rachel Bitecofer, Bridgette Corridan, Mary Lin McBride, Ali Ingersoll, Cara Jones, David Richman, Chris Pierce, Chris Tsakalakis, Jill Santa Lucia, Forrest Wright, Aisha Ponds, Donna Rhode, Kristin Firpo, Marney Sullivan, Deborah Egerton, Rebekah Rotstein, Daryan Rahimzadeh, Kat Gordon, Kat Williford, Jeff Slater, Bryan Gillette, Oneika Mays, Vanessa Loder, Kerri Kelly, Seane Corn, Sarah McDonald, Mary Felice, Shelly Tygielski, Joe Walsh, Rebecca Ward, Nicole Swiner, Natalie Grumet, Marti Grimminck, Ava Lashay, Maureen Aarons, Josh Izenberg, Trish Hegarty, Kim Hunter, Ashleigh Parker, Chris Hendricks, Danny Rosin, Michelle Simmons, Katherine Kennedy, Tony Lillios

Please note that there's some pretty salty language in this episode.   Our conversation with political scientist Rachel Bitecofer was originally released on 8/31/22. Rachel has been a strong voice on saving our democracy and her new book, “Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game," was released in Feb 2023. Given how important her message is, we decided to re-release her episode.    This was a milestone episode for us. Sherry has admired Rachel Bitecofer's work from behind her Twitter screen for years.  When she used that same screen to ask Rachel to join us on the podcast, we were both thrilled she said yes.     We are even more thrilled with the conversation we got to have with Rachel. Like most of us, she's had a bumpy road to get to where she is today: a well respected political scientist, polling expert, and commentator who has appeared in the NY Times Opinion pages, on The Daily Show, and in many other publications. But it took her a while to figure it out. After following the Grateful Dead around for a while, she did find out what her “thing” was and enrolled in a junior college. And how did she figure it out?  She paid attention to what was fun. Lucky for us, politics was fun for her, and the rest of us are better because of it. Please listen in to Rachel's perfectly imperfect journey, not to mention her uproariously funny sense of humor.     As long as I get to experience life, I'm pretty happy.  ~ Rachel Bitecofer   Bio Rachel Bitecofer. Ph.D. is a political scientist and election forecaster turned political strategist. Her interviews and analysis have been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Salon, Politico, The New Republic, Real Time with Bill Maher, CNN, MSNBC and many other prominent news sources. Rachel was recognized for her novel theory that predicted the size of the “Blue Wave” in the 2018 midterm elections much earlier than other forecasters. She then used her methodology to anticipate that Democrats would recapture the presidency in 2020, more than a year out from the election. Known as The Election Whisperer, Rachel “The Doc” Bitecofer offers hold-no-punches political commentary and has become a sought-after political strategist. She earned a Ph.D. in political science and international affairs from the University of Georgia.

So much of what we focus on in the podcast is about people's lives and their journeys. Yet, so much of life is focused on the destination.  When Josh Gerben was growing up, he was always more interested in where he was going, instead of where he was at that moment. Josh had a happy childhood, he has built a successful career as an attorney and is a very proud dad and husband. However, it's only recently that he has come to realize the wisdom of a sign that used to hang in his Dad's shop; The End is Nothing, the Road is All.  Listen in to Josh's perfectly imperfect journey and the ways in which he is now bringing more focus to being in the moment.     Bio Josh Gerben is a trademark attorney and founder of intellectual property law firm Gerben IP. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, Josh opened Gerben IP in 2008 to test his own entrepreneurial skills. Since the firm's opening in 2008, Josh has overseen the registration of over 7,500 trademarks for clients in the United States and around the world. With 15+ years of experience, Josh is a nationally recognized, sought-after thought leader in the trademark space, regularly appearing in publications such as CNN, Wall Street Journal, ESPN, NPR, New York Times and the Washington Post. Josh also regularly appears on CNBC to discuss news in the trademark world. Josh also launched his own podcast in 2019, titled “The Josh Gerben Show.” Across the span of 29 episodes, Josh gives a wide variety of tips and advice for small business owners and law firms. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, how to create an effective website, developing a personal brand, digital marketing strategies, and time management. Links Podcast:  https://joshgerben.com/podcast/ Website:  https://www.gerbenlaw.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuagerben/

We all have a story. But often our stories live just in our minds or hearts, never making it out into the world. Sometimes we hold back because we don't believe we have anything interesting or important to say, and other times it's because we simply don't know how to put it into words.  Katherine Kennedy spent much of her early career helping others tell their story but kept her own truth bottled up inside.  She helped launch young people into academic success and she coached professionals to unearth their authentic truths. But for years she held back from having the difficult conversations in her own life to help make sense of her own story until that finally became untenable. Listen in to hear Katherine's Perfectly Imperfect journey and her advice on how to access your own story.     Bio Katherine Kennedy has almost 30 years of experience helping people tell their stories. After two decades of building Summer Search into a national nonprofit and mentoring hundreds of youth, she launched her own coaching business in 2015 focused on helping people speak with more authenticity and confidence. She has coached clients on TED talks, toasts, presentations, interviews and the soul-affirming exploration of telling your story. She has a gift for helping you communicate in a way that lands right in the audience's heart. This is what she does for others and this is what she did with her book Speaking to What Matters: My story of learning how to share what's inside.   Katherine is a mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend. She is grateful to have found her purpose but knows that it is her relationships with the people in her life that make life meaningful and worthwhile. To her, this is what matters most.   https://katherinekennedysf.com/

Even under the best of circumstances, happiness can be an elusive thing.  And, right now the world does not feel to be in the best of circumstances and it is easy to perceive it as a dark place. When the clock ticked over to 2024, none of our problems magically disappeared, leaving many of us wondering if it's even okay to feel happiness right now with so much happening around us and the broader world. And yet, when we look into the deeper meaning, we believe it is exactly those moments when things feel the most difficult, that we want to move toward happiness.  With all due respect to Walt Disney, there is no magical kingdom of happiness, but just like a fitness routine, we believe with a little patience and practice, you can build an increasingly  stronger happiness muscle and bring more joy into your life.  Happy New Year, everyone…emphasis on the happy!   https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/01/world/europe/finland-happiness-optimism.html   https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-year-of-hygge-the-danish-obsession-with-getting-cozy

If you believed anything was possible, what would you do?  Tony Lillios comes from an immigrant family that somehow made things happen…whole family pitching in to start a small business on a greek island?  No problem.  Squishing 10 family members into a station wagon, along with bikes and all the necessities for a week at the beach?  A little duct tape and rope, and they were off for their holiday adventure.  As an adult, this translated into Tony's work and personal worlds, starting several businesses, completing 12+ IronMans, and and recently climbing in Bhutan with a world famous entrepreneur. However, even for someone who sees limitless possibilities, there are moments when Tony finds himself conforming and feeling smaller than he truly is. It is a growth edge for him, and there are valuable lessons for all of us to learn from his experiences.  Listen in to hear Tony's perfectly imperfect journey.     Bio Tony Lillios is a serial entrepreneur, Integral Coach, TEDx speaker, film producer, and triathlete that has also co-founded Speck Design and Speck Products. Chances are, if you owned a phone between 2008 and 2014, you owned a Speck Products case. Tony and his partners sold the company to Samsonite in 2014 for a reported 85 million dollars and that's when he turned his attention to personal and professional coaching. Today, Tony coaches others by developing an ongoing set of practices that allow them to develop new skills, capacities, and awareness. This system of integral coaching puts you on your path to sustainable transformation. Tony's unique integral approach comes from a blend of his training through New Ventures West, Stagen's Integral Leadership Program, and self-discovery.

From the outside looking in, it would be easy to assume Michelle Simmons is invincible.  She is an 18-time IronMan athlete (including 4 times at the world championships), has run countless half triathlons and has coached other athletes to triathlon successes.  Even when cancer struck at age 25, Michelle never skipped a beat, keeping a super positive attitude and staying focused on getting past her treatment and back to competing.  But during her cancer treatment, there was a seed planted that would fester and then rear its head 20 years later.  Almost to the day of her original diagnosis, Michelle was sure there was something seriously wrong.   There was something wrong, just not what she thought.  And no amount of athleticism or positive attitude could help.  Her ultimate savior?  Writing down her story.  Listen in to hear Michelle's perfectly imperfect journey.  Bio Michelle Simmons is an esteemed endurance coach, athlete, and inspirational mentor with over 15 years of experience in triathlon coaching. As the founder of TeamBSC Triathlon in Hawaii, she has dedicated her career to helping athletes achieve their full potential by fostering a blend of physical preparedness and mental resilience. A graduate of Arizona State University, Michelle's academic background laid a solid foundation for her initial career as a classroom teacher. Her five-year tenure in education honed her skills in communication, leadership, and motivation—skills that would prove invaluable as she transitioned to full-time coaching. Michelle's expertise is not just theoretical. Her credentials include competing in 18 Ironman races, with four appearances at the Ironman World Championships in Kona. However, her personal athletic achievements are just part of her story. After overcoming a cancer diagnosis at the age of 25, Michelle faced a prolonged battle with anxiety and health issues stemming from the fear of recurrence. This challenge propelled her into Story Work, leading her to become a Level 2 Enlifted Coach and Level 2 O23 Coach. She empowers athletes and individuals alike to rewrite their internal narratives, acknowledging the profound impact of thoughts and beliefs on physical health and performance. In addition to her coaching business, Michelle's commitment to her community shines through her volunteer work, contributions to the Aloha State Bicycle Racing Association, and her initiative to lead a monthly women's bike ride, creating a space for camaraderie and empowerment. At home, Michelle's role as a wife and mother to a dynamic 15-year-old daughter is a source of personal joy and grounding. Her balanced approach to life, emphasis on happiness in athleticism, and passion for teaching others to thrive mentally, physically, and emotionally, make her an extraordinary figure in the world of endurance sports coaching. Michelle Simmons' life and work are a testament to the power of determination, the importance of mindset, and the transformative impact of supportive coaching. Her story and expertise are sure to inspire not only her clients but also all those who have the pleasure of listening to her speak. Michellesimmonscoaching.com 

As a youngster, Danny Rosin received the dubious distinction of having the most demerits in the history of his school. Some might think that would have led to a somewhat bumpy life, but instead it laid the groundwork for Danny's lifelong commitment to giving back to community.  Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride is not only a drink at one of Danny's favorite local bars, but it also describes his philosophy in life.  Whether diving into a mosh pit or out of an airplane, Danny is the type of person who lives life to the fullest.  This does not mean it has all been smooth sailing for him; listen in as Danny describes his perfectly imperfect journey and how sometimes a little mischief can lead to a lot of happiness.   Bio: Danny Rosin is co-owner of Brand Fuel, a branded merchandising agency that is a certified B Corp. He is also the co-founder of Band Together, a nonprofit that has donated $12 million to the nonprofit community through live music experiences. He serves on the board of A Place at The Table, a “pay what you can” café and is advisor to Gabi's Pals, a nonprofit that empowers people with special abilities through fulfillment programming. He is also the proud co-founder of social impact orgs like PromoKitchen, PromoCares, Reciprocity Road and Operation Smile International's Student Programs. Rosin is a tireless community builder who likes to start organizations that do work that matters. He is married with two teenage daughters and has come to grips with the idea that well-behaved women rarely make history. www.linkedin.com/in/dannyrosin https://twitter.com/DannyRosin

It is an unfortunate fact of life: none of us will escape unscathed and all of us will encounter some difficulties throughout our life.  It is part of the premise of The Perfectly Imperfect Journey - we will all have hardships, and tragedy and just plain ol' crappy days when nothing seems to go our way.  In this episode, we talk about our own experience of difficulties in our lives and what we have learned.  Listen in to hear some suggestions for when things get hard.     “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.  In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” ~ Maya Angelou

There are all kinds of reasons Chris Hendricks could have a poor outlook: he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 4 and his doctor told him he would have a hard time in life; he was in and out of a wheelchair in middle and high school and suffered the particular brand of cruelty practiced by teenagers; at one point, he lost his grandmother, his girlfriend and his band all at the same time. Life has not been easy for Chris. However, Chris chooses to look for magical moments instead of miserable ones. He uses music when he needs inspiration and lives by the philosophy that believing is seeing instead of the opposite. Please listen in to hear some of Chris' story, and his amazing music that are part of his perfectly imperfect journey.     Bio  Chris Hendricks' music is a blend of pop and RnB with sprinkles of influence from James Taylor to Eminmen. Chris began singing at the age of four for friends and family and hasn't stopped since. He's been a songwriter, poet, lyricist and guitarist for over 15 years. His debut album Noise (2010) sold over 10,000 units. He's performed across the United States, Canada and in Europe.  His music has been used by the National Hockey League, the National Football League, and Major League Soccer. He's written music for film (Hunny Bunny in 2020, Carol of the Bells in 2021, OCD in 2021) and television (Radical Dating in 2017). His single “Noise” was the theme song for the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers for the 2012 and 2013 season. His song “Anthem” was used as the signature “goal scoring song” for both NHL teams as well. His most recent releases “Soul on Fire” and “Stars” (2022) have been used as pump up music for the Sandiego Chargers.  Chris has toured with, and opened for grammy award winners Amy Grant and Mercy Me as well as the grammy nominated group Delta Rae. Chris has shared the stage with well known artists such as Daughtry, Parachute, Tyler Bryant, Andy McKee, Geri Jewell, Kathy Buckley, Donnie/Andy Demmers, and Jim Parsons. Chris has performed the National Anthem for the Carolina Hurricanes and Durham Bulls. Chris has performed in Prague, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean. Chris has performed at notable venues across the U.S. including the Alex Theater (LA), Bluebird Cafe (Nashville), The Listening Lounge (NYC), Eddie's Attic (ATL), The Carolina Theater (Durham, NC), The Evening Muse (Charlotte, NC), Lincoln Theater (Raleigh, NC) and Disney World. Chris has performed at many colleges and universities including Elon University, East Carolina University, University of Pittsburgh, UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Wilmington, UNC Greensboro, Duke University, and Peace University. Currently he lives in Chapel Hill NC with his partner Heather and daughter Fern. Website: http://www.iamchrishendricks.com/ Latest Album: https://music.apple.com/us/album/stars-single/1655076559

Throughout her life, Ashleigh Parker would get whispers of wisdom that, in her younger days she would ignore. Her Dad, a well-respected attorney, was a great role model to her, but she had no interest in practicing law until the moment it became clear that she was being called to that path. With that clarity she applied to, and graduated, from her father's alma mater and began her career as a prosecutor. She was equally as certain that she had no interest in procedural law, until she found fulfillment when she joined the NC Attorney General's office and was assigned to the DMV.  Being a judge seemed far out of the realm of possibility, until she was named the youngest African American female to the NC bench. When considering where she wanted to work as a judge, she had zero interest in family court, until that was her assigned courtroom and she discovered that she loved it. Ultimately Ashleigh made the choice to stop letting resistance stand in the way of what she is meant to do, and instead, now finds her clarity by being still and listening to her gut, her god, and her guides.    Bio: Judge Ashleigh Parker is a District Court Judge in the 10th Judicial District, which encompasses Wake County, located in Raleigh, NC.  Prior to her appointment by Governor Roy Cooper in 2017, Judge Parker served the citizens of North Carolina as an Assistant Attorney General at the North Carolina Department of Justice and as an Assistant District Attorney at the Wake County District Attorney's Office. Judge Parker graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wake Forest University and cum laude from North Carolina Central University School of Law.  She has been practicing law since she was 24 years old.  At age 30, Judge Parker was only the 3rd and youngest African American female to hold this position in Wake County since the District Courts were established over 50 years ago. Judge Parker prides herself on her judicial philosophy of being “R.E.A.L.: Respectful, Efficient, Active in the Community, and Learned in the Law."   Judge Parker is passionate about increasing equity within the criminal justice system and educating our youth.  She has written for multiple publications, including the North Carolina State Bar Journal, on topics related to racism, sexism, and natural hair within the legal profession.  Additionally, Judge Parker has held numerous leadership positions in her profession and is currently Vice Chair of the NC State Bar CLE Committee and President of the 10th Judicial District Bar and Wake County Bar Association where she is the first African American female to be President of both bars and the youngest ever.  Judge Parker serves as the lead Child Support Judge in Wake County and one of two Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Judges.  She is the Co-Founder of the Capital City Lawyer's Association Law Day Program.  Since its inception in 2014, this program has afforded over 900 minority high school students the opportunity to engage in a mock trial, interact with minority officers and attorneys, and take a tour of the local jail.  Most recently, Judge Parker is also the Co-Founder of the Wake County Legal Support Center which opened on January 9, 2023. This Center provides free legal information for individuals who wish to represent themselves with domestic and housing issues. Lastly, Judge Parker is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.  She lives in Raleigh with her 2 sons where they attend Elevation Church.  For more information about Judge Parker you can visit her website at www.JudgeAshleigh.com. Links to articles: Sexism: The Elephant in the Courtroom My Crown is Professional Justice Isn't Always Blind A Call to Action: Fighting Racial Inequality Behind the Bench

In the 2nd half of 2023, we have Beyonce and Taylor Swift selling out stadiums and Barbie filling seats in the movie theaters.  It feels like we are at an inflection point: more success and empowerment for women as represented in these social activities, or less, as reflected in supreme court cases and state restrictions?  Join us as we discuss recent books, movies, and personal histories with regards to women's rights and independence.  We invite all of our listeners to consider their own connection to misogyny, and when it is time to take the front seat. 

Kim has been a “dabbler” most of her life…she started her career in software, but it didn't give her much energy.  She knew she had a passion for food and started looking for ways to become more immersed in that world. She worked at her local farmers market, did some catering and worked in a couple of restaurants. She opened a restaurant, which gave her an outlet to create food that she loved and a community, but although it had a good run and moved her in the right direction, it still wasn't quite the right outlet. She tried a food truck and quickly discovered that too was not for her, but every one of these steps has been an important part of her journey. Kim has found that going quiet in between her different ventures has always led her down the right path and she believes this regeneration time is critical to happiness.  Kim now shares her passion for food and community through hosting farm to table dinners in Western North Carolina.  Please listen in to hear Kim's perfectly imperfect journey.    Bio: Kim Hunter is a chef, host, and curator of events that bring people together around the table. Inspired by sustainable ingredients that regenerate the land, she uses food as a medium for love and connection. Kim is a frequent chef and collaborator in underground supper clubs and pop-up dinners, and is passionate about food justice and equity. Kim was the chef/owner of her farm to table Korean restaurant in Raleigh, NC before relocating in 2022 to the mountains of North Carolina. Information on upcoming events and pictures of gorgeous food: https://www.instagram.com/chefkimh/

Trigger warning: this episode includes a discussion of eating disorders.   When Trish Hegarty joined the cast of Survivor in 2014, it may have been her first experience in the Philippines, but she had already lived a lifetime of surviving family addiction issues, an eating disorder, and an unstable marriage. Listen in to hear Trish's story of resilience and the power any of us can have to change someone's life simply by sharing our own story.    If you or someone you know needs help with an eating disorder, here is a resource:   Eating Disorder Helpline: 888.375.7767 Or chat: www.anad.org/get-help/helpline-email/   Bio Trish Hegarty was raised in the Boston area in an Irish Catholic family.  While it went undiagnosed as a child, Trish suffered from a learning disability, so she focused much of her energy into sports, eventually earning a spot as the Captain of her university's women's soccer team.  After graduation, Trish transformed that passion for athletics into teaching Pilates and has owned her own studio for the last 25 years.  Trish is the proud mother of two fantastic girls whom she raised on her own.     In 2014, after several years of trying to get on the show, Trish was a contestant on the CBS program, Survivor.  Through her tenacity and grit, Trish made it 36 days out of 39 and was eventually voted out 5th.  In August 2022, Trish was also a contestant on the show Snake in the Grass.   Trish still lives outside of Boston and is currently writing her autobiography. 

Serendipity is the unexpected, and often delightful, intersection of luck, coincidence, and opportunity.  Chance events are happening all around us, we are often just too busy to notice.  In this episode, Sherry and Anne talk about their own experiences with serendipity and how it is not enough to just wait for good things to happen; it is about mindset, a willingness to move beyond the analytical / thinking mind and to create action around serendipitous moments.  Along the way, we encourage you to embrace curiosity, openness, and adaptability to meet serendipity when it arises.

Josh Izenberg started his college career with many interests and no solid idea of what he wanted to do after graduation.  Along the way he fell in love with filmmaking and headed to LA to make his dreams of being a wildly successful filmmaker come true.  Unfortunately, that did not turn out as planned, so Josh ditched his expectations of what “being a success” looks like and made a small film with some friends in Eastern Tennessee.  And there he had a revelation: with no expectations comes total freedom.  Josh has had several twists and turns on his way to winning multiple awards for his documentary films and his latest release, Eco-Hack!.  Please listen in to hear Josh's perfectly imperfect journey.     Bio Josh Izenberg is a documentary filmmaker based in the California Bay Area. His film, SLOMO (2013), won over a dozen awards, including best short documentary at SXSW, premiered as a New York Times Op-Doc, and was shortlisted for an Academy Award. His subsequent film, the Netflix Original, Resurface, won the Jury Prize at Tribeca and was nominated for an Emmy. He's since co-directed the short documentaries Game Hawker (2022) for Patagonia Films and Eco-Hack!, which won an audience award at Hot Docs and premieres with The New Yorker today, July 19, 2023   Website: http://joshizenberg.com/ Films: http://joshizenberg.com/films 

For the majority of her life,  Dr. Maureen Aarons was a people pleaser, raised in a strict Catholic family where many decisions were presented as binary.  Even her decision to go to medical school seemed like a choice: be a doctor, or become a mom.  When she married the love of her life, who happened to be Jewish, Maureen describes it as “breaking their family's hearts.” When she was diagnosed with cancer 3.5 years ago, Maureen began to more fully embrace the power of Yes, And.  Yes, she can still serve her patients, be present for her family, give back to her community AND she has to attend to her own needs to keep doing all the things she wants to.  Maureen believes “Yes, And” is the way to live a more fulfilled life.  Please listen in to hear Maureen's beautiful life story.   Bio: I have been a daughter/sister for nearly 61 years, physician for 35 years, wife for 33 years, mother for 31 years and cancer patient for 3 and a half years. As long as I can remember I was drawn to asking questions, solving problems, and connecting with people of diverse ages and backgrounds. My diagnosis of invasive breast cancer opened a crash course in self-care, self-awareness and openness to change. "Shut up and listen” has long been my professional habit and has become (imperfectly;) my mothering mantra, as our three children grew.  Receiving a life-threatening diagnosis caused me to really stop and listen to myself. While self-care is the ONLY work that ONLY we can do, healing cannot happen in isolation. My husband, our children, our friends, our extended family, and even my patients and acquaintances, were my scaffolding while my body and spirit underwent an intense period of renovation. The work of healing was both internal and communal. I received gifts and accepted help without hesitation and without anxiety. I said “yes” to everything that felt supportive and limited anything that didn't serve my overriding purpose of wellness. My life before chemotherapy (followed immediately by Covid) was extremely productive but sometimes at the price of adequate sleep and any time for play. Though I had emphasized the great value of rest and personal boundaries to my children and to my patients, I did not prioritize either in my own life.  Now, back to full time work in a brand new practice, I stay more consistently connected to myself and my own needs throughout each day, no matter how busy. Inside and outside of my office, I laugh more, spend more time with friends, stress less and stay much more curious about possibilities, present and future. The reciprocity of healing relationships allows us to both give and receive, in equal or unequal measure, without keeping score and and even with wild abandon. Website: https://www.visiondermatology.com/ 

Ava LaShay grew up never quite knowing where he fit in. He was a mixed kid in a suburban, predominantly white town when he figured out he was gay. Surrounded by negative perceptions of gay people, he suppressed that part of his identity and dedicated himself to caring for his young niece and nephew. Finally, during college, while being part of a queer support group on campus, Ava first encountered the world of drag.   “I have never felt more connected to life itself than I have since I started drag.“   Drag has opened up new avenues for Ava to engage in meaningful conversations with others, to support the queer community and to bring joy to people's lives. And when she dons her wig and high heels, Ava TRANSFORMS. Through drag, Ava can embody any persona she desires, and her stage presence is magnificent. Join us as we delve into Ava's perfectly imperfect journey. Bio Ava LaShay is a Bay Area, CA based drag entertainer and event emcee. Often referred to as the Queen of the East Bay, Ava has spent the past 8 years building a name for herself in the community through hosting, producing and performing in countless shows and events. She loves to bring laughter and joy to people through the art of drag but also uses her artform to raise awareness of everyday issues the LGBTQIA+ community faces.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avalashay/

Marti Grimminck's love of travel was cemented in her childhood growing up in New York and traveling with her parents. Her desire to connect was born out of this same love of travel; never missing an opportunity to meet someone new, Marti created relationships all over the world and founded a business focused on bringing a global perspective to companies in the US and abroad. Join us to hear Marti's unique perspective and the serendipity that has formed her life.    Bio   Marti Grimminck is a global business executive, social entrepreneur, keynote speaker and futurist designer. Working with corporations and governments, she designs the future of work, future of education, future of communities. She speaks globally on the future of work, hybrid workplace, virtual engagement and consumer trends of GenZs and Millennials.   As the Founder and CEO of International Connector, Marti has deep knowledge of emerging trends through the cultivation of an unparalleled global network of GenZs and Millennials across 190 countries. With 20+ years experience working on developing promotional campaigns, brands, products and platforms, Marti's work is remarkably diverse and globally spread. She is the Executive Director of a portfolio of social impact programs developed through her innovation work including: Your Big Year youth empowerment, Innovative Resilience building connected resilient communities, and Future of Women in Tech elevating women leaders in business.    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martigrimminck/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martigrimminck_global/

Beyond being fun to say, “don't should on yourself” can be an important mantra to live by.  Every time you say I should…(fill in the blank) you are creating a scenario where you are already behind the 8 ball.  There is judgment in I should.   There is abdication in I should.  There is disempowerment in I should. Check out this week's episode for some strategies to get rid of the “shoulds” and walk more fully into your “I choose.”

TRIGGER WARNING: The conversation includes the 2017 Las Vegas mass gun shooting. After spending a great day with her husband, celebrating their lives, and 10 years cancer free, Natalie Grumet walked through the gates at the Route 91 Music Festival in Las Vegas to join her friends. With her favorite musician on stage, Natalie initially thought she heard fireworks, but didn't see anything in the sky. Seconds later she felt a searing pain in her face. She had been shot. For the next 11 minutes, Natalie crawled, hid, and ran trying to escape the gunfire, while holding a stranger's shirt to her jaw to stem the bleeding.  This is an amazing story of a true warrior, surviving both aggressive breast cancer and the deadliest mass shooting in the US. And it is also a story of hope, resilience and love. Please listen in to hear Natalie's perfectly imperfect journey.     Bio On the evening of October 1, 2017, while attending the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on the Las Vegas Strip with a group of friends, a gunman opened fire shooting Natalie in the face nearly killing her. The Las Vegas shooting massacre quickly became known as the deadliest mass shooting in United States history. For Natalie, this event began an agonizing and painful journey toward recovery while uncovering her endless strength, bravery, and resilience along the way.  After making her way to safety at a nearby hotel, she was taken via ambulance to Sunrise Hospital where her jaw was noted to be completely obliterated – her chin fractured in half, facial nerves destroyed, leading the left side of her face partially paralyzed.  She spent 20 days in the Intensive Care Unit and underwent nine surgeries during the first year. ​ Surprisingly, this was not Natalie's first attempt at fighting for her life.  At the mere age of 27, Natalie was diagnosed with a devastating and highly aggressive form of breast cancer. After undergoing six rounds of intensive chemotherapy and numerous surgeries, Natalie beat the odds and eventually recovered.  Soon after going into remission, she dedicated herself to patient care and rebuilding her life. ​ After 10 years in remission from breast cancer, Natalie found herself fighting for her life once again on the fateful night of the shooting in 2017.  During her recovery, Natalie began sharing the coping mechanisms she has developed over the last decade to help others break down the walls to realize their full potential and overcome adversity.  This true story of a life being shattered and rebuilt in a mere decade has given strength and hope to thousands of people across the United States and world.  Natalie is a survivor and a true warrior, and her message is one of perseverance to help others find their inner warrior to keep fighting and moving forward. ​ This story of determination, dedication, and tenacity for survival despite the odds has reached middle-school aged children to young adults and established professionals across the world.  Since surviving the Las Vegas shooting with dignity and grace, Natalie has been interviewed by Dateline, ABC, FOX, Inside Edition, and CBS.  With her soft smile and riveting life experiences, she is able to captivate diverse audiences. She uses touching moments of her own survival mixed with humor to keep her listeners engaged. Her story is unique in that while she has undergone horrific traumatic events, she maintains a compelling positivity that empowers those around her while engaging her listeners and providing strength and motivation for them to believe in themselves. ​ In her down time, Natalie enjoys spending time by the ocean near her home in Southern California with her husband of 16 years and their 5-year-old miniature Pinscher.  She also enjoys gardening, getting lost in a good book, volunteering, and she jokingly calls herself a dessert connoisseur.    Please visit Natalie's Facebook Group she created called “I am a Warrior” where she journals frequently and shares life experiences. Other links: Website: https://www.nataliegrumet.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalie_grumet/ “11 Minutes” documentary: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/11-minutes/: “Through emotional first-hand accounts, 11 Minutes immerses viewers in the largest mass shooting in U.S. history, telling stories of courage and survival.

From the outside it looked like Nicole Swiner had it all. She was a co-owner of a successful family medicine practice and a popular doctor with a happy marriage and a growing family. Then one day Doc Swiner found herself collapsed on the floor at work, wondering what had happened. It took some of the most important people in her life to gently point out that she was suffering from Superwoman Complex. That was the first time she had ever heard the term and she dove into understanding its meanings and repercussions. Nicole's journey has had its share of twists and turns, but she is now claiming more of her own time and setting boundaries that keep her physically, mentally and spiritually happy. This is a great story of transforming a health scare into a new way of living. Bio: Voted 1 of 10 Best Doctors in NC, Doc Swiner is a family physician, 6-time best-selling author, speaker, wife and mother in Durham. She is also affectionately known as the Superwoman Complex expert and has written 2 best-selling books on the topic, which has now evolved into the #nosuperwoman lifestyle brand. She also owns and runs Swiner Publishing Company, she helps writers become best-selling authors and entrepreneurs, and Serenity Hydration and Wellness, providing IV hydration and self-care consults to clients. Her loves are Minority Health, Women's Health, Self-Care, DEI and Female Entrepreneurship. She attended Duke University and went to medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina. She speaks nationally and has appeared on news, media and as a main stage speaker at Essence Fest and Radio One's Women's Empowerment. She has become one of the nation's experts on self-publishing, self-care, imposter syndrome, physician burnout and work-life balance.   Website: www.docswiner.com How to Avoid the Superwoman Complex: 12 Ways to Balance Mind, Body & Spirit: https://www.amazon.com/How-Avoid-Superwoman-Complex-Balance-ebook/dp/B00UJTYBZ2/ Contact her at @docswiner (@realdocswiner on IG) on social media or email: docswiner@gmail.com for further info.

Many moons ago, when we were trying to choose the name for our podcast, we thought about the essence of what we wanted to share with the world. Yes, we wanted to talk to people about their lives and their journeys and to  share some of the learnings we had acquired through a western and eastern lens. But we also wanted there to be a “so what.”     Why do we care about the things we talk about on the podcast?     Because it is our hope that it leads to a more fulfilling experience in all of our lives. The challenge though is that it is an inside job. No amount of watching or listening to others will actually  create more fulfillment.  It is the work we do internally: how we learn from our experiences, and what we do with that learning.     Listen in as we discuss what fulfillment is, and some steps to get there.