Taking The Plunge

In this inspiring episode of Taking the Plunge, we delve into the heart of Curt's Cafe, a transformative initiative dedicated to empowering young people to rewrite their stories and lead fulfilling lives. Join us as we chat with founder Susan Garcia Trieschmann and executive director Tanya Jenkins, who share their journeys, the challenges they've faced in building this impactful program, and the incredible stories of the students they serve. Discover how Curt's Cafe not only changes the lives of youth in the community but also enriches the lives of those who work there. As we celebrate a week dedicated to kindness, we invite you to share your own acts of kindness for our collaboration with Hallie225. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that underscores the power of compassion and community support!For more information about Curt's Cafe: https://curtscafe.orgTo share an act of kindness, or nominate a small business that gives back to be on our show, email us at: Plungepodcastguests@gmail.comor follow us on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

In this engaging mini-episode of "Taking the Plunge," we delve into a wellness-filled weekend that opened doors to creativity and self-discovery. We begin by recounting our experiences at the Evanston Conscious Movement Fest, where we took part in a thought-provoking process painting event that emphasized the importance of the creative journey over the final product. This experience prompted us to confront our inner critics and embrace the joy of artistic expression. We then ventured to the enchanting Witchy Bitches Spring event, where we explored a vibrant array of vendors and even had our past lives read, uncovering surprising insights into our personal histories. Join us as we reflect on these transformative experiences and the lessons they imparted.To follow Taking The Plunge or to share an act of kindness with us: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/Or email: Plungepodcastguests@gmail.com

We're spreading kindness and celebrating creativity on this uplifting episode of Taking the Plunge! We'll start by sharing our latest wellness find - a puppy yoga experience that was as adorable as it was unexpected. Then, we'll share an unexpected random act of kindness that one of our listeners surprised us with, and we're encouraging you to send in your own stories to inspire others. After that, we're thrilled to introduce you to Art Makers Outpost, an Evanston small business cultivating community, sustainability, and artistic expression through unique classes, events, and recycled materials. From their sustainable maker camps for kids to their intimate live music series, there's something for everyone at this vibrant hub. Join us for an inspiring look at how one person's passion is making a difference!To Follow Art Makers Outpost:https://www.instagram.com/artmakersoutpost/To follow Taking The Plunge or to submit random acts of kindness:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

This is our special monthly episode featuring our ongoing collaboration with The Hallie225 Foundation, where we will be discussing our initiative, the Kindness Connection, along with many other important topics. In this moving episode, we welcome Lori Grossman, the mother of Hallie Grossman, who valiantly battled a rare form of cancer. Lori, one of the founders of the Hallie225 Foundation, shares her profound experiences of love, loss, and resilience while navigating the challenges of Hallie's illness alongside her own health struggles. As she recounts the emotional complexities of coping with grief and the impact of her vision loss, Lori emphasizes the importance of hope and the unique journey of healing. She offers practical advice for families facing similar challenges and discusses the mission of the Hallie225 Foundation, which honors Hallie's legacy by providing scholarships and medical grants to those in need. Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of community, kindness, and the enduring spirit of Hallie.To learn more about Hallie225: https://www.hallie225.orgTo follow or to share random acts of kindness with us: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/Or email us: plungepodcastguests@gmail.com

In this week's episode of "Taking the Plunge," we embark on an exhilarating journey as we share our first experience with the invigorating combination of an infrared sauna followed by a chilly cold plunge, sharing the benefits and surprises we encountered along the way. We're also excited to welcome our special guest, Jason Price, a renowned therapist and one of the owners of Affiliates In Counseling,  a leading therapy practice in the Chicagoland area, who shares his expert insights on AI relationships, continuing our conversation from last week. To wrap up the episode, we chat with Laura, the executive director from Elawa Farm, a fantastic nonprofit dedicated to enriching Great Lake County through experiential learning. She shares the community activities Elawa offers to promote nutritious food access and support local farmers. Tune in for an inspiring, laughter-filled episode that dives deep into wellness, relationships, and community impact!For more information on Jason and his practice:https://affiliatesincounseling.net To follow Taking The Plunge, or to share an act of kindness: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/ 

In this week's episode we tackle some intriguing relationship questions, exploring the new trend of forming connections with AI and what that means for the future of love. Join us as we delve into the implications of these digital relationships and how they might reshape our understanding of companionship.Additionally, we spotlight our Small Business of the Week, featuring an exciting conversation with Ernesto, of El Molcajete Sauces, a talented sauce creator from Evanston. We then dive into his creative process, the inspiration behind his flavors, and what makes his sauces a standout in the culinary scene.Tune in for a delightful blend of insightful discussions and delicious stories that are sure to spice up your day!To follow El Molcajete Sauces: https://www.instagram.com/el.molcajete.sauces/ To follow our show or suggest an act of kindness for our "Kindness Connection" initiative: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

In this week's episode, we delve into the intersection of wellness and entrepreneurship at Spin Art Nation in Chicago, a vibrant space that beautifully blends art, movement, and mental well-being. We'll share our personal experiences and insights from this inspiriting venue, highlighted by an enlightening conversation with the owner. We're especially excited to re-announce our collaboration with The Hallie225 Foundation, launching a new monthly segment focused on the "Kindness Connection." We believe that small gestures can have a big impact, and we invite our listeners to chime in with their ideas and share their own acts of kindness. We'll also share some of the acts of kindness we've done that bring us joy. Lastly, we'll reflect on our wonderful experience being interviewed by Rudy Ruiz, from the Evanston RoundTable. Join us for a fun and uplifting episode!

In this week's special episode, we sit down with David Grossman, a dear friend and co-founder of the Hallie 225 Foundation, established in memory of his daughter, Hallie Grossman. He is also the owner of Epic Burger. David shares heartfelt stories about Hallie's kindness and the foundation's mission.  In partnership with the Foundation, Taking the Plunge will be launching a monthly segment called "The Kindness Connection," aimed at spreading positivity through acts of kindness. We invite our listeners to share their own acts of kindness, and we will choose several of these stories to feature on future episodes,  Additionally, we discuss an acts of kindness giveaway at Epic Burger and the ISH initiative, which promotes acceptance of feeling "ish" in life. Join us as we honor Hallie's legacy, share inspiring stories, and encourage everyone to engage with the foundation and spread positivity. This is a touching episode you won't want to miss! For more information on The Hallie225 Foundation :https://www.hallie225.orgTo follow Taking The Plunge:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

In this week's episode, we dive into the transformative power of taking leaps of faith as we share our personal journeys of individual and collective plunges into the unknown. From some risks we've taken in our lives to the unexpected adventures we've embarked on together, we explore how these experiences shaped us. We also shine a spotlight on a remarkable small business owner who took a giant leap by opening her own apothecary shop, crafting handmade lotions, potions, oils, and so much more. Her heartwarming story serves as a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come from daring to take that first step into the unknown. Join us as we celebrate the courage to pursue what once seemed impossible!To follow Taking The Plunge, or to nominate a small business that gives back to be on our show:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/For more info about Witchy Woman World Apothecary:https://www.instagram.com/witchy_woman_world_apothecary/

In this week's episode of the podcast, we kick things off by exploring our wellness find of the week: foot detoxes. We discuss their potential benefits and playfully ponder whether they're truly effective or just a passing trend. Next, we delve into the multifaceted topic of forgiveness, examining the different perspectives and judgments that come into play, and highlighting some of the beneficial aspects of embracing forgiveness in our lives. Finally, we wrap up with our small business spotlight on Ward Eight, an amazing cocktail bar in Evanston. Join us as we chat with owner Jeremy, who shares his experiences and insights about running a vibrant bar in the community. Tune in for a thought-provoking and enjoyable episode!To follow  Taking The Plunge or to nominate a small business to be featured on our show:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/Check out Ward Eight: https://www.instagram.com/wardeightbar/

In this week's episode, we explore a variety of engaging topics centered around wellness and urban adventures. Mara shares her exhilarating experience of taking a live Peloton class in New York City, bringing the energy of the city into the workout. We both immerse ourselves in our inaugural Reiki sessions, revealing the intriguing contrasts in our experiences and the valuable insights we uncovered. Moreover, we invite our listeners to share their best tips for sleep, hinting at our future exploration of hypnotherapy. To wrap things up, we highlight a wonderful independent bookstore, featuring an insightful conversation with one of the owners, who also shares her top book recommendations that you won't want to miss . Join us for a fun and enlightening journey!To follow Taking The Plunge or nominate a small business to be on our show:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/To learn more about Booked in Evanston: https://www.instagram.com/bookedevanston/ 

In this week's episode we embark on a journey exploring the transformative power of vulnerability and creativity in enhancing our self-confidence. Through heartfelt personal stories, we'll open up about our own experiences. We're excited to introduce our wellness discovery of the week—Aerial Yoga—a practice that combines the joy of movement with the freedom of flight! Additionally, we'll shine a spotlight on a remarkable small business: a pop-up gallery that showcases local artistry and creativity you absolutely won't want to miss. Join us for an engaging and uplifting conversation as we celebrate personal growth, the beauty of artistic expression, and the incredible strength of community! To follow Taking The Plunge or to nominate a small business to be on our show:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

In this episode  we dive into the world of self-care and wellness, sharing our personal experiences with various tips we tried post-holidays—some were successful, while others led to some good laughs. We also discuss results from our Instagram poll, featuring the float tank experience, where serenity meets humor in unexpected ways. To wrap things up, we shine a spotlight on a unique coffeehouse by day and cocktail bar by night in Evanston, with insights about what makes this establishment so special. So grab your favorite drink and join us on this self-care journey!To nominate a small business to be on our show or to suggest a wellness challenge for us to try: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

Idioms, mantras, inspirational phrases: they are everywhere, passing through our consciousness with little effect.  We may pause for a moment, briefly reflecting upon its meaning, before moving on, unchanged.  But once in a while, we come across a phrase so extraordinary, we cannot simply move on.  We are changed, and our life must change with us.   For Rich Alapack, it was four words: We All Live Here. A simple phrase on an ordinary night was all it took for Rich to leave everything he knew. Join us as we learn how these four words changed Rich's life, and consequently, impacted thousands of lives throughout Chicago. For more information on We All Live Here:https://www.facebook.com/Wealllivehereproject/https://www.instagram.com/wealllivehere/To follow Taking The Plunge:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/  

What do you do, when the man who has loved you for 40 years, leaves you with no warning and no chance to say good-bye? Losing this relationship awakened a part of Jennifer that had laid dormant for years. It was from this place of immeasurable grief that Jennifer was inspired to create something of infinite hope. Follow Jennifer at: https://www.instagram.com/jazzifit/To follow Taking The Plunge, or to nominate a small business that gives back to be on our show: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

In this episode, we share practical holiday tips to help you stay positive and embrace the season with joy, emphasizing the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and maintaining a positive mindset. We share personal insights on managing holiday stress and the significance of gratitude and helping others. We also introduce a newly reopened Irish pub, giving you a sneak peek of what to expect, with more details to come when we chat with one of the owners in a few weeks. Additionally, we explore a new wellness find -compression therapy- discussing its benefits and our personal experiences with it. To follow Taking The Plunge or to nominate a small business that gives back to be on our show: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

In this conversation, we explore various wellness practices, mainly cryotherapy, and reflect on the benefits of trying new experiences. We discuss the importance of embracing aging, letting go of societal expectations, and focusing on personal growth. Our conversation highlights the significance of self-acceptance and the joy of engaging in activities that challenge us, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life. And then we jump into our  interview with  Pam,  the owner of Cloth and Home, a store dedicated to showcasing independent designers and their unique stories. Pam shares her journey of creating a space that connects customers with the makers of the products they buy. The conversation explores the importance of community engagement, partnerships with non-profits ,highlighting Bundled Blessings,  and the significance of storytelling in fashion.  TakeawaysCryotherapy has many potential health benefits that are discussed.Aging brings a sense of freedom from societal pressures.Self-acceptance improves overall happiness.Letting go of expectations can lead to a more fulfilling life.Engaging in new experiences fosters personal growth.Learning has no expiration date.Cloth and Home was created to support independent designers.The store features one-of-a-kind pieces made in small batches.Storytelling is a key part of the shopping experience.To learn more about Cloth and Home and for more information on Bundled Blessings: https://clothandhomeshop.com/To follow Taking The Plunge or to nominate a small business that gives back to be featured on our show:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

In this conversation, we discuss various wellness practices, the challenges of forming habits, and the complexities of change in relationships. The dialogue explores the importance of self-awareness, communication styles, and the significance of understanding whether issues in relationships stem from traits or habits. We also share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these challenges and the value of making changes in interactions with others. We then meet the owner of Animal Records and hear about his  journey as a lifelong music collector to opening his own store, the concept behind the store's name, and the appeal of vinyl records in today's digital age. Greg, the owner, shares insights on how to start collecting records, the importance of physical music, and highlights some rare finds in his collection. The conversation concludes with a discussion of personal favorite records and the joy of sharing music with the community.Habit formation is challengingPhysical health becomes more imperative with age.Self-awareness is crucial in understanding personal traits.Change in relationships often requires communication and compromise.Understanding communication styles can prevent misunderstandings.For more info on Animal Records:https://www.instagram.com/animalrecordsevanston/To follow Taking the Plunge or nominate a small business to be on our show:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/ 

Today we discuss wellness practices and the challenges of navigating breakups. The conversation delves into the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in relationships, the process of letting go, and the significance of trusting one's inner voice. The hosts share personal experiences with meditation, self-care, and the complexities of moving on from past relationships, emphasizing that healing is not linear and varies for everyone. They then turn to the small business spotlight of the week, and speak with Jean and Larry, the founders of YoFresh, about their journey from academia to entrepreneurship. They share the inspiration behind YoFresh, their commitment to community engagement, and their philanthropic efforts aimed at expanding opportunities for African-American youth. The discussion also highlights their popular menu items and the impact of their initiatives on the local community.Takeaways:There is no set timeline for healing from a breakup.Self-awareness is crucial in relationships.Letting go of judgment can aid in the healing process.Trusting your inner voice is essential for making healthy choices.It's important to focus on positive aspects of life during tough times.The idea for YoFresh originated from a desire for community.YoFresh serves as a communal gathering space for various groups.YoFresh donates yogurt to local educational centers weekly.Their business model is centered around philanthropy, not just profit. To follow Taking The Plunge or nominate a small business to be aired on our show:https://instagram.com/plungeshow?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw== 

In this conversation, we discuss various aspects of wellness, the significance of celebrating small wins, navigating relationships, and the importance of emotional intelligence. We also highlight a community-focused coffee shop that empowers individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the role of small businesses in giving back to the community.TakeawaysWellness wins can be small but significant.Latest wellness discoveries.Celebrating small victories is crucial for mental health.The secret to 25 years of marriage.Relationships thrive on commitment and emotional intelligence.Recognizing emotional awareness in partners is essential..Community empowerment is vital for inclusivity.The importance of engaging with individuals with disabilities in public roles.Support for local businesses fosters community growth. To nominate a small business or follow along: https://instagram.com/plungeshow?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==Or email @plungepodcastguests@gmail.com

In this new season of Taking The Plunge, we explore the transformative journey of life after 40, focusing on the importance of positive thinking, navigating relationships, giving back, and the beauty of aging. We discuss the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, navigating life changes, and the impact of small acts of kindness. We share personal experiences and insights, encouraging listeners to find joy and purpose in their lives as they navigate this stage of life.TakeawaysMeditation and mindfulness are essential tools for managing negativity.Perception of reality plays a crucial role in emotional health.Creativity and giving back can enhance personal fulfillment.Aging brings unique gifts and opportunities for growth.Small acts of kindness can have a big impact on others.It's important to focus on what you can control in life.Staying calm in challenging situations can change outcomes.To follow Taking The Plunge podcast: https://instagram.com/plungeshow?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==To nominate a small business please email us at: plungepodcastguests@gmail.com

Today we speak with Allison Jayne, a former practicing psychotherapist, who now focuses exclusively on coaching and empowering middle-aged women around the challenges of dating.  She uses the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), informally known as "tapping,"  to free her clients from fear-based beliefs, and find the love they have been looking for.  Allison talks to us about many of the themes in her book, Find Love Again: Learn to Date Like A Goddess, including:  -The neuroscience underlying the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and how it can transform relationships; -Why the love we seek as adults, often mimics the love we received as children,-How to overcome urges to text and call, when we know we'll regret it; -Why what is meant for you will never miss you; and -How to develop beliefs and practices that will lead us to living our best lives and finding our greatest loves.  To learn more about Allison:https://instagram.com/allisonjaynegoddessmaker?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==https://www.learntodatelikeagoddess.com/To follow Taking The Plunge:https://instagram.com/plungeshow?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==To be a guest on our show or if you have a suggested topic email us at plungepodcastguests@gmail.com

Join us as we speak with David Gregory, a Marine, car bomb survivor, who focuses attention on trauma healing, relationship coaching, and what he calls polarity consciousness. Our conversation focuses on wide-ranging topics, including:-the transformative effects of deep meditation and plant medicine;-how to show up for the person you love, even when they love someone else;-how to successfully manage an anxious attachment style in relationships;-how to break self-defeating patterns; and-the importance of redesigning coping mechanisms that stem from trauma To learn more about David:https://instagram.com/david.gregory.casler?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==To Follow Taking The Plunge:https://instagram.com/plungeshow?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==To be a guest on our show or for suggested topics email us: plungepodcastguests@gmail.com

Today we talk to Chantal Heide, a dating and relationship coach, whose ten books and 3 workbooks provide practical advice on how to form relationships that lead to deeper emotions and longer-lasting connections. During today's conversation, we learnHow to distinguish a “guy” from a “man”, and why it matters,How to overcome the fear of being alone,Tips for building an online dating profile that attracts people with long-term potential, andWhy three months of no kissing may be the key to long-lasting loveTo get in touch with Chantal: https://instagram.com/canadasdatingcoach?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==https://www.tiktok.com/@canadasdatingcoach?_t=8eqNGjDyry2&_r=1To Follow Taking The Plunge Podcast:https://instagram.com/plungeshow?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==To be a guest on or show or if you have a question for us, email: plungepodcastguests@gmail.com

Join us as we talk to Danielle, a content creator, storyteller, and mother of two about what it has been like to be in an open, committed relationship for the past 13 years. Danielle speaks candidly about how she felt when the man with whom she planned to spend the rest of her life first suggested the idea of non-monogamy, and the concerns it evoked, not only from within, but from those around her.  Danielle takes us through those early conversations, counseling us on the importance of taking things one step at a time. She regales us with escapades at swingers clubs, first dates with other people, and the decision to return to monogamy during the early years of parenthood. As with most relationships, Danielle's has been challenged by periods of heartbreak, jealousy and insecurity, but it has also been defined by open communication, deep love and an enduring commitment. Regardless of where you may fall on the monogamy/polyamory spectrum, you will undoubtedly leave this conversation wiser, and perhaps more open to the many shapes of loving and committed relationships.  For more information on Danielle:https://instagram.com/openlycommitted?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==https://www.tiktok.com/@openlycommitted?_t=8eeMlOmZMLO&_r=1http://www.opencommitment.com/To Follow Taking The Plunge podcast:https://instagram.com/plungeshow?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==To be a guest on or show, or have a topic you want discussed, email us at: plungepodcastguests@gmail.com

 Today we talk to Holly  about:What it feels like to be in an arranged marriage without any real love; How a devastating loss motivated her to take control of her life;How her daughter's words gave her the resolve she needed to end an abusive relationship;The relationship between familial patterns and toxic relationships;How a chance encounter on Tik Tok inspired an overhaul of her approach to dating;The three key questions she asks before every date; andHow she came to peace with being alone and finally realized she was enoughConnect with Holly:https://instagram.com/hope_with_holly?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==https://www.tiktok.com/@hopewithholly?_t=8eUSz2d1b0k&_r=1To follow Taking The Plunge podcast:https://instagram.com/plungeshow?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==To be a guest on or show  or if you have a topic  you want discussed on our show, email us at:plungepodcastguests@gmail.com

After many first kisses, James is ready to find the person with whom he will share his final first kiss.  However, finding a great love is formidable, even for someone as endearing and genuine as James.  On this week's episode, James walks us through the highs and lows of dating apps, sharing the games people play, and the lengths they will go to mask themselves.  For James, these are immediate red flags.  So what happens when an intriguing woman reaches out, just minutes before disappearing from the app?  Did she vanish without a trace, or will fate bring them back together, giving James another shot at his last first kiss? Tune in and find out!To get in touch with James:https://instagram.com/j.haroldsbarbershop?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==https://www.tiktok.com/@semaj_1969?_t=8eHrHyMhzWl&_r=1To follow Taking The Plunge:https://instagram.com/plungeshow?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==To be a guest on our show email us at: plungepodcastguests@gmail.com

Mike, an expert in sales and marketing, came of age at a time when people met at bars, and dating apps were as incomprehensible as a world without pay phones.  A self-proclaimed extroverted introvert, Mike took an immediate liking to 21st century dating, where meeting someone was as simple as swiping right - or so he thought. While dating apps have not yet delivered Mike his true love, they have certainly provided tremendous humor and misadventure along the way.  Join us as we learn about mistimed laxatives, skinny calves, and far too much baggage for a first date.Follow Taking The Plunge:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/To be a guest on our show, or if you have a topic you want discussed, email us:  plungepodcastguests@gmail.com

On this weeks episode of Taking The Plunge, we talk with Nicole. Nicole is a single mom of two teens sons living on the Jersey Shore. She is a UGC content creator and influencer on social media. Nicole shares her heartwarming story with us that is full of love, loss, and the many highs and lows she experiences along the way. To follow Nicole:https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolehibbardhttps://www.instagram.com/nicolehibbard1970/To follow Taking The Plunge:https://instagram.com/plungeshow?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==To be a potential guest on our show or to ask us a question we may answer on our show:Plungepodcastguests@gmail.com

Can a special ring get you off the dating apps? What can gift swaps teach us about swinging? And can people ever really learn their lessons when it comes to dating the wrong people? We cover all of these topics and so much more on this episode of Taking The Plunge.   To follow Taking The Plunge: https://instagram.com/plungeshow?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw== 

You are in for a wild ride on this episode of Taking The Plunge with our guest, Kim.  Join us as we learn what not to do on a first date, when to avoid the element of surprise, and why you should immediately run if someone says you remind them of their mother. This is a first date story you definitely don't want to miss!  Follow Taking The Plunge podcast:https://instagram.com/plungeshow?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw== 

After taking a break to manage life under the pandemic, this dynamic duo is back and ready to plunge into entirely new territory.  Join Marissa and Mara as they explore the unpredictable ups and downs of dating over 40.  Podcast guests share their craziest stories, opening up about the thrills and heartbreak of seeking “the one”.   They learn that dating apps are a necessary evil, and that the deepest love can come from the darkest days.  Inspired by their guests' stories, Marissa and Mara venture out into new terrain, challenging each other to push past the discomfort and fear of the unknown.  Join them in this new adventure, and you, too, may be moved to “take the plunge”.Follow Taking The Plunge Podcast:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

For more info on Dan: https://getmassagefit.com/services/ To follow Taking The Plunge podcast: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/ 

For more information about Lisa or to check out her incredible book, head to her website at:https://comfortableinmythickskin.com/ To follow Taking The Plunge podcast:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/  

On this episode we talk with the incredibly talented Jess Koehler. Jess is an  LA based family photographer, who has found a way to shift her creative focus, as a result of Covid-19, into a project that will truly go down in history. To check out her gorgeous work go to: https://www.jesskoehlerphoto.com/https://www.instagram.com/jesskoehlerphoto/For more information on Taking The Plunge Podcast:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/  

Have you ever felt uninspired? Like there has got to be more, better, something else out there? Natalie Tessler felt that way, but instead of sticking with comfort she took a leap of faith and ultimately found her purpose.....twice.  For more information:https://compassprobono.wpengine.com/To follow Taking The Plunge:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

Educational inequality is a fact. Most of us know the bleak statistics, but despite our best intentions, we don’t address it. We resign ourselves to the status quo, convinced of our powerlessness.   You will quickly learn that Brian Floriani  is not most people: how many of us would trade in private jets for weathered books?   In speaking with Brian, we learn about his remarkable plunge, and are reminded, that sometimes all it takes, is one person with a crazy dream to make the impossible, possible.  As Brian tells us: when the "why" is important enough, the “how” is irrelevant.     For more information on Bernie's Book Bank:https://www.berniesbookbank.org/https://www.instagram.com/berniesbookbank/To follow Taking The Plunge:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/ 

Idioms, mantras, inspirational phrases: they are everywhere, passing through our consciousness with little effect.  We may pause for a moment, briefly reflecting upon its meaning, before moving on, unchanged.  But once in a while, we come across a phrase so extraordinary, we cannot simply move on.  We are changed, and our life must change with us.   For Rich Alapack, it was four words: We All Live Here. A simple phrase on an ordinary night was all it took for Rich to leave everything he knew. Join us as we learn how these four words changed Rich’s life, and consequently, impacted thousands of lives throughout Chicago. For more information on We All Live Here:https://www.facebook.com/Wealllivehereproject/https://www.instagram.com/wealllivehere/To follow Taking The Plunge:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/Behind the scenes video footage of We All Live Here studio:https://www.dropbox.com/s/v71bsz0eqnes1ak/IMG_9343-3.mov?dl=0https://www.dropbox.com/s/0wwc9krau7wwaio/IMG_9345rich.MOV?dl=0https://www.dropbox.com/s/hfy3umetg2wtcze/IMG_9348%202.MOV?dl=0    

What do you do when it seems that all news is bad news? John Denney teaches us the importance of taking a pause, searching inward for the answers, and how his "plunge" into meditation has changed his life in extraordinary ways! For more information on this incredible meditation:https://theharmonyexercise.com/https://www.instagram.com/theharmonyexercise/To follow Taking The Plunge:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

We are told that we can have it all: the high paying job, the 2.5 children, the impeccably kept home. But what happens when having it all means waking up in a cold sweat at 3:30 am, not knowing which way is up; when your days become so consumed with endless tasks, you can't remember what it was like to sit quietly. In this podcast, we explore the stressors of modern-day society and learn that slowing down can mean the difference between life and death. For more information:https://www.northshore.org/pediatrics/specialty-programs/neonatology/perinatal-family-support-center/perinatal-depression-program/To follow our podcast and show:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

Once in a while, someone comes along with such extraordinary vision that anything seems possible. Such is the case with Zac Cohen, a person who by the age of 10 had touched the lives of over 10,000 children. On this episode we talk with Zac's mom Ellen, and sister Elana,  as they share Zac's relentless drive to live his life in the service of others. For more information on Zac's Zoo or to donate stuffed animals go to:https://www.facebook.com/zacszoo98/https://www.instagram.com/zacszoo98/https://www.zacszoo.com/Follow Taking The Plunge at:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

What do you do, when the man who has loved you for 40 years, leaves you with no warning and no chance to say good-bye? Losing this relationship awakened a part of Jennifer that had laid dormant for years. It was from this place of immeasurable grief that Jennifer was inspired to create something of infinite hope. Follow Jennifer at: https://www.instagram.com/jazzifit/

In the spirit of Taking the Plunge, Marissa and Mara pack up their Evanston studio, and head out to Nashville, Tennessee where they meet with Aron Plucinski, a former Hollywood Producer and Showrunner. Aron guides us through the highs and lows of a career in Hollywood, during which he achieved tremendous success, while also experiencing heartbreaking loss, and a deepening disillusionment with the industry. Exhausted from continuously chasing his next job, Aron abruptly leaves home, seeking a destination that knows nothing of fame or fortune. It is here, in a place of complete darkness and silence that Aron finds his answers.You can continue following Aron's story on Facebook and Instagram at:https://www.facebook.com/aronmidlifeawakening/https://www.instagram.com/mid_lifeawakening/Aron’s gorgeous paintings are available for purchase through his online Art Gallery at aronplucinski.com

On this episode of TakingThe Plunge, we talk about how and why we created this podcast and our hopes and fears around starting something incredibly out of our comfort zone.