POPULARITY
Categories
Hello to you listening in Gaborone, Botswana!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Maybe like me you have spent time looking for something even if you don't know what it is. After feeling stuck in the cross-roads of my life where the true way was wholly lost to me, I set out on a new road. I left everything I knew: a home, a community of 20 years, a successful national litigation consulting practice and drove 1500 miles north washing up on the shores of Whidbey Island. Why Whidbey? Pretty place, nice people, good pie.Little by little over the past 7 years I've cobbled together a home, a community, my Quarter Moon Story Arts business, a global podcast (still holding in the top 3% worldwide), and being of use.I'm forging the life I want even if I don't know all that it could be. I'm curious to learn, “What happens next? And now what?”Story Prompt: What you're looking for is looking for you. How are you preparing yourself to meet it? Write that story and share it out loud!You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Corning, New York!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.One of the first signs of recognition a new mother looks for in her infant is - a smile. Look! She's smiling at me! Yes! Baby sees you. Baby recognizes you.From earliest days we are cued to the smiles of other human beings. Remember what we missed in the COVID time with masks masking our smiles? Sure, we crinkled our eyes to signal a smile but it wasn't the same as receiving a smile from another human. Sometimes the tone of our voice was a good substitute. The “music of the spoken word” stood in for our smile. We did the best we could with what we had. Like a smile, the "music of the spoken word" brings written text to life with inflection, pause, tone, emphasis, and cadence. Reading text alone is quick, cheap, and easy but the human voice lends expression and emotional meaning.I create each 60 Seconds episode with you in mind to offer a measure of hope, delight and imagination, as well as thoughts to ponder, stories to share, a practical tip to lighten and brighten your day. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my podcast episodes. My voice is me smiling at you. You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Mountain View, California!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga. Hand on heart: I can still behave like an over-stretched, over-committed, dutiful, responsible, and driven first-born daughter. Do it right or don't do it at all.Maybe like me you find yourself doing it all wrong by trying to do it all right. We have these notions--born of long-ago outdated, outmoded stories--about what we're supposed to do, have, create, earn, market, publish, reconfigure, reorganize, envision, and connect. But I can't and I don't want to do it all perfectly. I want to Be rather messy in my life. Practical Tip: Let's stop for a moment. How would it feel if we “should” less on our own good selves? What if - even for a moment - we invite the power of the pause, peace and space. Did you just breathe a deep sigh of relief? Perhaps drop your shoulders? Maybe even smile at your silly human self? Me, too. You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
What if witnessing 10 deaths in 23 years changed your view on life? In this episode, Kyle Skalisky shares how he helps teams build cultures of trust, respect, and accountability through his company Wyld Sky Aerospace and Management Consulting. After 23 years as a fighter pilot (F-15, F-16 aggressor, and F-18 in operational flight tests) and 15 years in the aerospace industry doing flight tests, Kyle recently stepped down as president and CEO of Check Six Aero Solutions to focus on giving back. His book "A Skyless Traveled: A Maverick Life of Leadership, Resilience, and the Pursuit of Purpose" shares lessons learned from the cockpit about building exceptional teams. Kyle believes good teams need three things: character (how people treat those who can do nothing for them), competence (people who can get the job done and are willing to learn), and commitment to the mission. He also wrote the book for his six and four-year-old sons, wanting to leave something showing what their father did for 50 years before they were born. Kyle reveals three relationships that shaped him: meeting President Ronald Reagan at his Air Force Academy graduation in 1984, whose speech about being solution-oriented rather than a naysayer set the tone for his career; his parents who married at 16, had six kids by 29, and just celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary teaching him dedication and never giving up on people; and his best friend Malibu, a talented pilot who died at 30 when he hit the ground during a Red Flag exercise. Witnessing 10-11 deaths in 23 years of flying changed Kyle's perspective—he stopped worrying about what people thought and started pursuing what brought joy, realizing that if no one will remember it in five years, it's just not that important. [00:04:20] From CEO to Giving Back Recently stepped down as president and CEO of Check Six Aero Solutions Now runs Wyld Sky Aerospace and Management Consulting Wrote book "A Skyless Traveled: A Maverick Life of Leadership, Resilience, and the Pursuit of Purpose" Serves wonderful wife Dr. Kyra Carpenter and two boys Wilder (6) and Colt (4) [00:06:00] Why Write the Book Experience is great but people never get opportunity to pass it on to next generation All people's stories are wonderful, wishes more could tell them Wants to lift up next generation that will follow Wrote book for his 6 and 4-year-old boys as older father [00:06:40] Leaving a Legacy Doesn't know how long he gets to be with boys growing up Wanted to leave something showing 50 years before they were born Show what their father did and what he believed in Pass message down to true legacy: children and family [00:07:20] Growing Up in Wenatchee, Washington Parents married at 16, had six children by 29 Didn't have much but knew wanted to do something bigger Didn't fly on airplane until 17 years old, senior in high school First flight was to Air Force Academy physical at Whidbey Island [00:08:00] The First Flight That Changed Everything Had state playoff baseball game that afternoon across state Local orchardist Jim Wade flew him in Cessna 172 Flying over Cascade Mountains, seeing Mount Rainier was transformative Changed into uniform in car, was third batter, hit three-run homer off future major leaguer [00:09:00] Air Force Academy and Finding His Passion Second time flying was leaving for US Air Force Academy (only way to get to college) Got exposed to things small town guy never traveled beyond family station wagon Found passion for flying airplanes at young age Stumbled into it with no idea it would be 23 years as fighter pilot [00:10:00] Fighter Pilot Career Flew F-15 operationally around the world for 23 years Was F-16 aggressor (adversary/bad guy that trains combat pilots) Did exchange tour with US Navy, flew F-18 in operational flight tests Retired after 23 years, went to Raytheon [00:10:40] Entrepreneurial Years Owned Great Harvest Bread company franchise (had a bakery) Co-owner of pro indoor football league team in Spokane Taught him when it's your own money, think more about spending it Helped when managing other people's money at Raytheon and Mitsubishi [00:13:20] Proudest Moment: The Team That Didn't Need Me At Raytheon, experimental R&D test airplane transitioning from single customer Customer said they don't want exclusive use anymore, won't pay for it Five year task to redefine mission, vision, create new organization After five years: "This team doesn't need me anymore, they can do this without me" [00:14:40] From One Program to 15 Had to go out and advertise capability to other Raytheon programs Restructured team to support multiple test projects instead of just one Asset went from supporting one program to 15-16 programs Worth billions of dollars in sales to Raytheon [00:15:40] Mitsubishi: Six Months of Success Mitsubishi trying to certify new regional jet, program having problems Took over program management and flight test team Program for previous 5 years never met schedule or been on budget Within first month, for next 6 months straight met schedule and under budget [00:17:00] Refocusing the Team Just through refocusing team, aligning tasks to priorities Giving people clear idea of what they did and why important to mission Aligned the focus and became best flight test team in business Better than Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, Embraer or any large OEMs [00:19:00] Character, Competence, and Commitment Good teams have people full of character (how they treat those who can do nothing for them) Team needs competence (people who can get job done, willing to learn and improve) Third C is commitment to what they're doing Finding right people with all three is when you will succeed [00:21:20] Meeting President Ronald Reagan Air Force Academy graduation 1984, Reagan handed him diploma Speech that day embodied how Kyle wanted to live his life Not enough to be naysayer pointing out everything wrong Have to be person who can bring forward solutions [00:22:40] Reagan's Impact Shaped views about what was valuable throughout life Optimistic but understood reality, charismatic but not fake Had guiding principles but willing to change Genuinely liked people (important for any leader) [00:24:00] His Parents' Influence Parents are who really had impact on who he became Never made it feel like they gave up something for kids Felt true blessing was getting to have kids in their lives Father was athlete of year, worked morning job, bartended at night while in college [00:25:40] 72 Years Together Parents both 88 years old, just had 72nd wedding anniversary Even when times are hard, don't give up on people, work through it Father didn't become major league player but channeled into coaching Oldest brother became professional baseball player with Philadelphia Phillies [00:27:00] Learning to Live in the Moment Finding joy means learning to live in the moment Let go of past but learn lessons, don't let it define you Don't be so focused on future that you forget what's in front of you Take opportunities that may take you on detour in life [00:28:20] Losing Malibu Best friend Jim "Malibu" Reynolds was academy graduate, talented flyer Designed and built own aerobatic airplane, flew in air shows Made mistake on range in Red Flag exercise, hit ground and died at 30 Changed Kyle at 30 years old, realized it can all end very quickly [00:29:40] 10 Deaths in 23 Years Saw at least 10-11 deaths in 23 years of flying Changed how he looked at things and approached them Before worried about everything, how people thought of him Now: if no one will remember in 5 years, it's just not that important [00:33:00] The Squadron Bar Ritual Friday nights not just about drinking, it's a ritual Chance to bond with people going through similar experience Way to relax, find friendship and bonding in non-retribution way Learned more in one-on-one conversations than formal meetings KEY QUOTES "I wrote a book because I have those six and four-year-old boys. I am an older father and I don't know how long I get to be with those boys growing up. I wanted to leave something to show for those 50 years before they were born, what their father did and what I believed in." - Kyle Skalisky "Good teams have people full of character. You can't define that on a resume. It's how people treat those who can do nothing for them. But you also have to have competence. Then the third C is commitment." - Kyle Skalisky CONNECT WITH KYLE SKALISKY
Hello to you listening in Torino, Italy!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories With Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.I spend 2 hours every Thursday afternoon with my wonderfully supportive, encouraging, questioning, criticizing, hot seating, creative MasterMind Group. Before we get together we exchange our 4Rs from the prior week detailing our Results, Reaches, Resistances and Resources.Ah, Resistance! Tricky is thy name. It's the step you don't want to take because you're afraid, bored, uncertain, anxious, tired, or just plain disgusted with it all. As the poet David Whyte reminds us: "We must start close in taking the first step - the one we don't want to take."Click HERE to listen to Whyte recite his own poem, Start Close In.If you're like me you've probably learned that the sooner you face up to your resistance and move toward your task or project the more confident you are likely to feel and perhaps begin asking yourself, “What took me so long?”Story Prompt: What was powerful, striking, exciting, maybe even liberating about the notion of taking that first step, the one close in? Now, where will you go? Write that story! And tell it out loud. Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something. All that matters is you have a story.You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Bethesda, Maryland!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories With Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga. When I launched my communication consulting practice, Quarter Moon Story Arts, I established a uniquely forward-looking, story-based business founded on the power of story to profoundly and positively shift our awareness, our behavior, even our culture. Like magic, the sorcery of stories is this: they help each of us to be seen and heard, to understand and be understood.As the eldest of 7 children, an incest survivor, nurse, attorney, litigation consultant, and professional storyteller I had to teach myself again and again how to be seen, heard, understood, and listened to. How did I do that? I learned to tell my personal and professional stories in my own words with my own values in my own way. Always it was a now-or- never chance to become a stubbornly courageous speaker willing to give life to my authentic voice. My mission is language. Language is power. Your stories, visions, ideas, and messages are powerful; but only if they are brought to life. What if you could tell the story that advances your business, creates clarity in life choices, persuades your clients, or produces effective results from your ideas?CTA: If you have a desire to say what you mean and mean what you say, come as you are and change inside Quarter Moon Story Arts.Book a Discovery Call and get your story going => Email me => Info@quartemoonstoryarts.netYou're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source. Thank you!
Hello to you listening in Bywong, Australia!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories With Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.I remember taking part in a 2-week Outward Bound mountaineering trip high in the Canadian Rockies with 5 other women. In pairs we climbed up and then rappelled down the rock face of a near vertical mountain wall. The guides were far above us, out of sight, having anchored the ropes. With fear in her voice my climbing partner froze partway up her ascent and cried out: “I can't find anything to hold on to.” Time passed. From far above us a voice replied, “Grab it with both hands...” It worked! She trusted the guides, their advice and herself sufficient to climb all the way to the top and descend the rock face. I can still see her triumphant smile when her feet touched rocky soil again. Question: What if Life grabbed you with both hands and offered you an unexpected opportunity? Would you trust what Life was offering you? How would you know? What would motivate you to find out and take it? You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Stillwater, Oklahoma! Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga. As a storyteller I've had many opportunities over the decades to learn about and use the power of the pause. I've come to know that inviting the space of silence in a story creates an opportunity for teller and audience to rest, live and breathe inside the story. Our job is not to rocket along to the end, but to sit together quietly in the beating heart of the story. To inhabit that world together. That's the "sorcery of stories" I work with.Story Prompt: Pause. Be. Here. Now. As long as it takes. What happens next? Write that story! And, share it out loud!You're invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, follow, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by the website, check out the Services, arrange a Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with Diane and Quarter Moon Story Arts and on LinkedIn. Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present: for credit & attribution Quarter Moon Story ArtsALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Ferndale, Washington!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.Earlier in life I had tendencies toward behaving like a spring-butt. You know the type. The over-eager know-it-all with her hand in the air. Teacher! Teacher! I know! I know! Think Hermione Granger in the early years of Harry Potter. Over time I learned to take to heart what my mother always said: “Just because you thought of something, Diane, doesn't mean you have to say it.” I can still hear her voice as mom continues to pull me back from “I know! I know!” Practical Tip: Prompted by Jim Burke in a recent BizCatalyst 360 Friendship Bench discussion, I offer 3 questions that might have the same effect on you that mom's voice has on me:Does it need to be said?Does it need to be said now?Does it need to be said by me? I know. I know ..... You're invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, follow, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by the website, check out the Services, arrange a Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with Diane and Quarter Moon Story Arts and Substack. Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present: for credit & attribution Quarter Moon Story ArtsALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Keenesburg, Colorado!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga. If you followed my New Year's Day Polar Bear Dive story published in Episode 774 and Episode 776 it might have sounded all too easy: show up, scream, run, dive in, go home.I'm here to tell you that I'm a dyed-in-the-wool introverted kinda gal. I do not do well in settings where I have to show up alone, don't know anybody, have to make small talk, and may end up looking the fool. The Polar Bear Dive was a real challenge for me. Not the part where I dove into the 43 Fahrenheit degree water of Puget Sound but showing up. I could have stayed in bed, stayed at home, walked onto the beach and turned back, stayed on the beach but hung out in the background watching the others. You know what I'm talking about. And, no one would have known. I could have lied about what I did or didn't do.But that's not how I live anymore. Practical Tip: Here's what I've learned: the courage isn't about getting to the Finish Line; the courage is agreeing that you will start. And once you start it's all Finish Line from there on out! Guaranteed!You're invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, follow, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by the website, check out the Services, arrange a Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with Diane and Quarter Moon Story Arts. Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present: for credit & attribution Quarter Moon Story Arts
Hello to you listening in Falkenstein, Germany!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Like a story in the making we are balanced between what was and what will be. All we need is the middle: what happened. A whole story can be daunting to write; but a sentence is manageable to give you a structure that gets you started. This 3-part template is designed to celebrate the challenges you have overcome, the doubts you have erased, and the fears you have undone to change what was to what is.Three phrases and you fill in the blanks, like so: If you had told me 20 years ago that I would [fill in the blank]I might have [fill in the blank]but instead if you could see me now I'm [fill in the blank].Here's mine: "If you had told me 20 years ago that I would walk 500 miles across Spain estoy solo on a 5-week pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago carrying all I needed in a red backpack weighing 15 pounds I might have snorted my coffee and shaken my head in disbelief at such a ridiculous notion but instead if you could see me now having made that journey when I uncovered what I love and discovered who I am ... now ready for next ... come what may!" Story Prompt: Now you. Write that story and share it out loud!You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.Perhaps you are feeling open, poised for the race ahead, curious, or, maybe a little apprehensive now that 2026 has shown up all ready to rock and roll. I have a suggestion that might make it easier for you. Did you know that what you're looking for is looking for you? It is! As David Wagoner reminds us in his poem, Lost:Lost"Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside youAre not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,Must ask permission to know it and be known.The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,I have made this place around you.If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here.No two trees are the same to Raven.No two branches are the same to Wren.If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knowsWhere you are. You must let it find you." From Traveling Light: Collected and New Poems. Copyright 1999 by David Wagoner. The Poetry Foundation 1971You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Shah Alam, Malaysia!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.The beginning of a New Year can feel daunting. All those plans to kick start, days to fill, resolutions to keep, and more to do! There's no shame in admitting feeling a wee bit wobbly-legged about going forward in the face of wide open frontiers. What to do? Gain some courage by reversing your Bucket List. Instead of a list of what is yet to be done, what about a list of what you've accomplished from the littlest things that you felt made a difference to the biggest things you never thought you would achieve. You might begin by asking yourself:What made me proud?What have I learned?How did I transform my thinking about strangers to compassion and kindness?Who revealed the meaning of true love to me?Where did I find the hope and resilience to face whatever came my way?When did I feel most content or fulfilled?What would I do all over again just for the joy of it?What did I long for as a child? What have I created or, at least, not destroyed?Who have I lifted up?How have I defined my life? What dreams came true? And, which was I happy to leave by the wayside? What or whom did I fight for and why?When did I take time to play? In my experience the Reverse Bucket List invites us to pay attention to what we've done, won, gained, lost, learned and kept on living no matter what. It's proof that over and over again we have stepped outside our comfort zone to strive for something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for! Give it a go. Reverse your Bucket List and shine a light on you. You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening all over the world!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday in the New Year and your host, Diane Wyzga.Old Man Winter sighed, letting go of the last snowflake as midnight chimed, releasing tiny, glittering sprites of memories from the past year to dance away, making room for the mischievous, bright-eyed Spirit of New Beginnings, who whispered, "Twelve new chapters, 365 new chances!" as the world filled with fresh hope and the promise of endless possibilities, readying us to honor the coming days with compassion, loving kindness, and adventure.Story Prompt: Imagine this: the old ways of being have faded and a heartwarming spirit has arrived, full of potential, ready to inspire visions, curiosity, imagination, and even a bit of magic. Let's embrace the Promise of the New Year, letting go of what was, welcoming second chances, and stepping forward with hope and gentle optimism for the future we'll create. Write that story and share it out loud! You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you, Marilyn, listening in Hancock, New Hampshire!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington, this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Wednesdays on Whidbey—this final day of the old year—and your host, Diane Wyzga. Shoveling Snow With Buddha by Billy Collins"In the usual iconography of the temple or the local Wokyou would never see him doing such a thing,tossing the dry snow over the mountainof his bare, round shoulder,his hair tied in a knot,a model of concentration. Sitting is more his speed, if that is the wordfor what he does, or does not do. Even the season is wrong for him.In all his manifestations, is it not warm and slightly humid?Is this not implied by his serene expression,that smile so wide it wraps itself around the waist of the universe? But here we are, working our way down the driveway,one shovelful at a time.We toss the light powder into the clear air.We feel the cold mist on our faces.And with every heave we disappearand become lost to each otherin these sudden clouds of our own making,these fountain-bursts of snow. This is so much better than a sermon in church,I say out loud, but Buddha keeps on shoveling.This is the true religion, the religion of snow,and sunlight and winter geese barking in the sky,I say, but he is too busy to hear me. He has thrown himself into shoveling snowas if it were the purpose of existence,as if the sign of a perfect life were a clear drivewayone you could back the car down easilyand drive off into the vanities of the worldwith a broken heater fan and a song on the radio. All morning long we work side by side,me with my commentaryand he inside the generous pocket of his silence,until the hour is nearly noonand the snow is piled high all around us;then, I hear him speak. After this, he asks,can we go inside and play cards? Certainly, I reply, and I will heat some milkand bring cups of hot chocolate to the tablewhile you shuffle the deck,and our boots stand dripping by the door. Aaah, says the Buddha, lifting his eyesand leaning for a moment on his shovelbefore he drives the thin blade againdeep into the glittering white snow."My New Year wish for you: As the old year folds onto itself and the new year dawns I wish for you that your everyday activities, even the very simple tasks, bring humor, contemplation, and a sense of magic in the ordinary. May you find your way on the path following a compass heading of True North. May the love you seek wend its way to you. May you dream well, journey far, and be sustained in hope that what you're looking for is looking for you.You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Suffolk, Virginia!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for an important story) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Each one of us - if we're determined - finds a way to compost the regrets, poor decisions, failures, shames and blames that are part and parcel of living life into something almost beyond description: personal transformation. My long time friend, podcasting colleague, disabled military vet, and avid hiker, Keith McNally, is a man finding his path to transformation.His goal? Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail beginning on March 29, 2026, crossing 14 states on the East Coast and finishing 2,197 miles 5 months later. Some of the challenges include constant rough terrain with difficult footing, a series of steep grades, climbs and descents, as well as river crossings balanced on logs, extreme weather, insects, and rock scrambles using hands for climbing. The elevation profile of the AT over its length is akin to summiting Mount Everest from sea level and back approximately 16 times. So yes, physical fitness is a must to take on the AT; but it is mental fortitude and the ability to adapt to unforseen challenges that is key to finishing the hike.Keith's journey will be a test of perseverance, a tribute to the beauty of the natural world, and an opportunity for personal growth. Even more importantly, Keith is setting the groundwork for a non-profit foundation to help military veterans find their own Trails to Transformation. This first hike is just the beginning. But here's something else. Keith is not walking alone. He has also been steadfastly training an indefatigable Aussie cattle dog he named Ashley after rescuing her from a shelter. Click HERE to watch a short video entitled: Introduction to Ashley - Trail Partner and Training CompanionAs you can imagine, an expedition like this one does not come cheap. I know money is dear. And, here I am asking you to please reach deep into your pocket to give what you are able to Keith & Ashley's GoFundMe project. On the GoFundMe site you'll find all the details as well as a punch list of expenses so you can see where your contributions will go. Click HERE to access Keith's GoFundMe, add what you can, and invite others to be part of the mission. I did! If you are curious about keeping up with Keith's training, stories, photos and more, click HERE to access his overwhelmingly popular newsletter published on Tuesdays on LinkedIn [Keith J. McNally | LinkedIn]Thank you for listening and giving a hand up because Each One Lift One is the way we roll hereYou're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Hannover, Germany!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga. Once upon a time long ago and far away there lived a farmer. His most treasured possession was a fine stallion. Oh my, said the neighbors: what good fortune to own such a fine horse! Perhaps, said the farmer.One night the stallion ran off in a storm. Oh no, said the neighbors, what a disaster to lose your horse! Perhaps, said the farmer.But after some time the stallion came back and following him a mare and a pony. Oh my, said the neighbors: what good fortune! You had no horses and now you have 3! Perhaps, said the farmer. One day the farmer's son galloped off on the mare, hit the branch of a tree, fell to the ground, and badly broke his leg. Neighbors found him, carried him home and said, Oh no, what a disaster for your poor son. Perhaps, said the farmer.The son was in bed with his broken leg when a tribe from the north descended on the village. Every able-bodied man and boy went out to defend their homes and farms. Many died that day. But the farmer's son who could not fight —through no fault of his own— was spared. Oh my, said the neighbors, what good fortune your son was spared! Perhaps, said the farmer.And so the old ones say that just beneath good fortune crouches disaster but always perched above disaster one finds good fortune and it is impossible to know which is really which.Story Prompt: Life shows up in such integrated complexity, how can we know whether what happens is good or bad? What about you? How do you know what's what? Write that story and share it out loud! You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening all around the world this Christmas Eve!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.It's that time of year when it feels like the hurrier we go the behinder we get. I have a solution for you. For just a moment let us breathe and practice keeping still this Silent Night with Pablo Neruda. KEEPING QUIET "Now we will count to twelveand we will all keep stillfor once on the face of the earth,let's not speak in any language;let's stop for a second,and not move our arms so much. It would be an exotic momentwithout rush, without engines;we would all be togetherin a sudden strangeness. Fishermen in the cold seawould not harm whalesand the man gathering saltwould look at his hurt hands. Those who prepare green wars,wars with gas, wars with fire,victories with no survivors,would put on clean clothesand walk about with their brothersin the shade, doing nothing. What I want should not be confusedwith total inactivity.Life is what it is about;I want no truck with death. If we were not so single-mindedabout keeping our lives moving,and for once could do nothing,perhaps a huge silencemight interrupt this sadnessof never understanding ourselvesand of threatening ourselves with death. Perhaps the earth can teach usas when everything seems deadand later proves to be alive. Now I'll count up to twelveand you keep quiet and I will go." [~ by Pablo Neruda]Translation of this poem by Pablo Neruda is by Alistair ReedYou're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
More Whidbey Island 911 calls as we recap the year gone by....
Hello to you listening in Jakarta, Indonesia!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.As the old ones say, “If we are not grateful for what we have in this present moment, what makes us think we will be happy with more?” Maybe it's true and maybe it isn't but long ago and far away there lived a man in a small country village. He had everything he had ever asked for: friends, livelihood, wife, family - and yet and yet something was stirring in him: Looking around he asked himself, Is this all there is? Perhaps I am meant for something more, something better. Perhaps I should go and seek my happiness outside the village.One summer morning he left his home, carefully closed the garden gate behind him and walked away. He walked for miles and miles until he could no longer see where he had been. Night fell and he found himself deep in a dark forest. Having no other shelter he took off his shoes, spread his coat on the ground, and fell asleep against the trunk of a tree for he was very tired.Watching him sleep his angel shook her head at the folly of his adventure. But what could she do? She could turn his shoes around facing them back in the direction from which he came. And so she did.When the man awoke he pulled on his coat, put his feet into his shoes and began to walk. After many miles of walking the man began to see familiar fields, a few farmhouses, a village - all looking very much like what he had left; but how could that be? People in the village market greeted him as if he was familiar to them; but how could that be? Arriving at a cottage with a garden gate he was startled to be greeted by children and a woman as if he were their long lost father and husband; but how could that be? They welcomed him inside, took off his shoes, sat him at a table very much like one he knew, fed him food that tasted like home; but how could that be?To this very day the man lives with that family in that home in that village and wonders, “If this isn't happiness, what is?” As the old ones say, “If we are not grateful for what we have in this present moment, what makes us think we will be happy with more?” You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Post Falls, Idaho!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Maybe it's true and maybe it isn't but once there was a soldier walking home from the war. He had been walking many days, sleeping rough, eating little, and was very hungry. He stumbled into a small village that looked worse than he felt but surely, he thought, someone could spare a bite to eat. He knocked at the first door he came to but the woman who answered his knock said ......How we treat each other, help each other, brings people together, makes food taste better, makes life better. Going into the coming days we will need each other like never before. We will need to feed each other with stone soups and nourishing stories.Story Prompt: Think of a time when you were nourished by someone or something that felt as magical as ..... stone soup! Write that story! And share it out loud! You're always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe and spread the word with a generous 5-star review and comment - it helps us all - and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out Services I Offer,✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your communication challenges, get in touch with me today✓ Stay current with Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on Substack, LinkedIn and now Pandora RadioStories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.
Here is another batch of some of our favorite Whidbey Island 911 calls from the past year!!
Hello, to you listening in Neenah, Wisconsin!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.A few years ago I had to make the decision to send my kitty over the Rainbow Bridge. He had been living pretty well with kidney disease but I noticed changes. What to do? Is it time? We're coming into the holidays. Will the home visit vet be available?The day before they were to leave for a week with their son and daughter-in-law my sister and her husband were faced with the Rainbow Bridge decision for their good and faithful dog who had been ailing with cancer and old age. What to do? Cancel the trip? Find a dog sitter?Recently, my friend was placed in a position of having to leave a relationship because it had become very difficult and dangerous. What to do? How to do it? When to do it?Maybe you see yourself in these situations. I have a solution. The choice we're called on to make isn't between what is right and what is wrong. The decision is between what is right and what is best.My sister and I knew we had done right by our animal companions over the many years of time together and care. Now it was time to do what was best for them. Likewise, my friend knew that she had done what was right for the relationship; now it was time to do what was best for herself. Practical Tip: When faced with a situation that places you at a crossroads of what to do and how to do it, consider asking yourself: How might I choose between what is right and what is best? I just know you will come to the right answer. Thank you for listening.You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
All year long the calls just keep coming!
Hello to you listening in Marseille, France!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Maybe like me this time of year brings you face-to-face with something going not quite right in your business or maybe you're life. Maybe you're using an old play book that used to work but no longer does. Maybe your attitude could use a reboot.Deep down, we all know it - don't we? We have a hunch what's gone missing, a risk we need to take, a habit we need to break. It's like a desire to take up daily walking for all the right reasons. There's not much to it; only the decision to move our bodies and the wisdom to accept the difference between our will and our won't.Question: What's the risk you've been avoiding? What's the risk you're willing to take? And what might happen next? You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Today's late edition of "I can't believe its news" featured a batch of Whidbey Island 911 calls!
A man died when he fell from a rooftop pickleball court...a death metal band abandoned their lead singer at a gas station and took off...and Whidbey Island 911 calls!
Hello to you listening in Wilmington, Delaware!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.I remember my mother taking me to our local library when I was a very little girl so I could apply for and receive my very own library card. To this day one of my most treasured possessions is my library card. Reading becomes us. “To read means to borrow; to create out of one's reading is paying off one's debts.” [Charles Lillard, poet & historian]Story Prompt: What have you read? What have you borrowed? What have you created? What debts have you paid off? Write that story and tell it out loud! You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
In today's episode, I sit down with Rachael Grochowski, founder of RHG Architecture + Design, for a conversation about the deeper purpose of the spaces we inhabit. Rachael invites us to rethink design not as decoration or function alone, but as a pathway to connection, meaning, and self-discovery. Together, we explore how the environments we create can nurture our well-being, support who we're becoming, and help us feel more grounded in our daily lives. Rachael shares: Three key areas of the home where intentional design can have the greatest impact How thoughtful details and unique objects can spark belonging and bring us closer—both to ourselves and one another Why design, at its core, is an invitation to slow down, notice, and feel more at home in the world If you're curious about how your space influences your energy, attention, and sense of self, this conversation will inspire you to look at your home with new eyes. Share your takeaways with Rachael and I on Instagram @OneWade and @RHGDesign Winter Mindfulness Retreat (January 16th-18th on Whidbey Island, WA) Check out details and apply here: https://retreat.centeredinthecity.org/ Order my interactive self-care journal: 100 Mindful Moments to Balance & Energize ***** Rachael H. Grochowski is a visionary wellness architect, designer, and thought leader with over thirty years of experience and recognized for her philosophy that Design is Spiritual™. Rachael's work focuses on creating environments that foster wellbeing, balance and community, transcending aesthetics to cultivate calm, interconnectedness, and a profound sense of belonging. As the founder of RHG Architecture + Design, Rachael leads a team dedicated to creating respectful, inclusive spaces through thoughtful craftsmanship and sustainable practices, all rooted in her experience with various wisdom traditions. Her diverse portfolio spans residential, commercial, hospitality, wellness and spiritual projects, all of which reflect her commitment to intentional design and an approach informed by her experiences as a world traveler, yoga practitioner, and student of history and nature.
Hello to you listening in Spokane, Washington!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.“I will tell you something about stories, he saidThey aren't just entertainment.Don't be fooled.They are all we have, you see,all we have to fight offillness and death.” ~ Leslie Marmon Silko, Haida Ceremony [The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant, p. 145]Haida NationI may be an old fashioned storyteller clinging to the oral tradition, especially when working with your narratives that function as origin stories, creation myths, messages of all kinds to be seen, heard, understood, repeated and followed, as well as cautions for the young and memories for the elders. Why do I insist on the music of the spoken word? Because that's where the magic happens: at the intersection of the story, the listener, and the teller's voice with its cadence, tone, inflection, repetition, pacing, and energy.So much gets lost in translation to the printed page. What we yearn for without even knowing it is human connection. My clients learn how to connect with their stories and with themselves to be in better service to their purpose.Question: What would you like to learn about the power of story? When you're ready I can help. Reach out by email => info@quartermoonstoryarts.net OR r arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
A police officer dressed as Santa busted a couple guys stealing Christmas trees from a Safeway...a drunk driver crashed into some cops during a Christmas tree lighting...and Whidbey Island 911 calls!
Today's early edition of "I can't believe its news" featured a batch of Whidbey Island 911 calls!
Hello to you listening in Den Hague, the Netherlands!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Who is Saint Nicholas? Little is known about the historical Saint Nicholas who was born during the third century in the village of Patara in Asia Minor on what is now the southern coast of Turkey. The earliest accounts of his life were written centuries after his death. Click HERE to learn more. But it is believed the life and deeds of St. Nicholas gave rise to the Christmas character we know as Santa Claus.From a very early age I remember how my family celebrated December 6th as the Feast of Saint Nicholas; a reminder that Christmas is on its way and someone is watching us - from a distance - to be sure we stay on the nice side of naughty. On the night of December 5th each child put a pair of shoes outside their bedroom door. On the morning of the 6th there was a small gift in the shoes left by Saint Nicholas himself, reminding us to be of love a little more careful than anything else this season.Story Prompt: What one tradition or ritual do you continue at this time of year? Who might it remind you of? What special meaning does it hold for you? Write that story and tell it out loud!You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
An elderly woman was scammed out of $600K in gold bars...a man used stolen credit cards to buy $65,000 worth of liquor...and Whidbey Island 911 calls!
Today's late edition of "I can't believe its news" featured a batch of Whidbey Island 911 calls!
Hello to you listening wherever your feet touch the ground.Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (& a bit more) for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.Maybe like me you see us careening to the end of 2025 and wondering WTF how we've been living and what, if anything can we change for the better? The following several paragraphs entitled, A Few Final Thoughts, are excerpted from Warren Buffet's Final Shareholder Letter dated 10th November 2025. Click HERE to access the entire letter published as a pdf on the Berkshire Hathaway website.“One perhaps self-serving observation. I'm happy to say I feel better about the second half of my life than the first. My advice: Don't beat yourself up over past mistakes – learn at least a little from them and move on. It is never too late to improve. Get the right heroes and copy them.Remember Alfred Nobel, later of Nobel Prize fame, who – reportedly – read his own obituary that was mistakenly printed when his brother died and a newspaper got mixed up. He was horrified at what he read and realized he should change his behavior.Don't count on a newsroom mix-up: Decide what you would like your obituary to say and live the life to deserve it.Greatness does not come about through accumulating great amounts of money, great amounts of publicity or great power in government. When you help someone in any of thousands of ways, you help the world. Kindness is costless but also priceless. Whether you are religious or not, it's hard to beat The Golden Rule as a guide to behavior.I write this as one who has been thoughtless countless times and made many mistakes but also became very lucky in learning from some wonderful friends how to behave better (still a long way from perfect, however). Keep in mind that the cleaning lady is as much a human being as the Chairman.Prompt: What do you make of the notion that greatness is defined not by wealth or power, but by the kindness and help we offer to others in everyday situations? Can you share a personal story that illustrates a moment when you realized a need for change in your behavior, similar to Alfred Nobel's realizations after reading his premature obituary? What helps you live each day in a way that aligns with the values and legacy you'd wish to be remembered for?”A Few Final Thoughts is excerpted from Final Shareholder Letter by Warren Buffet dated 11-10-25You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
This morning's early edition of "I can't believe its news" featured a batch of Whidbey Island 911 calls!
A woman in the UK is going on trial for walking the opposite way on an escalator...a raccoon broke into a liquor store, got drunk and passed out on the floor...and Whidbey Island 911 calls!
Hello to you listening in McHenry, Illinois!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Maybe it's true and maybe it isn't but once there was a corrupt politician in the 1920's named John A. McCarthy; but he was known as Fishhooks McCarthy. He lived and worked on the Lower East Side of New York City. Being a devout man every morning he stopped at a little Catholic Church, St. James Church on Olive Street, to pray. Same prayer every day: “O Lord, give me health and strength. We'll steal the rest.” Fishhooks sounds like one of those politicians you shouldn't trust; but people remembered him as a Robin Hood who used graft and corruption to redistribute money to his unemployed and working class poor constituents.Let me be very clear! I am not advocating for theft, bribery, corruption, immorality, stepping outside the law, and all the rest. We have more than enough of that with the Trump/MAGA Regime. What I am saying is that in these historic times we have once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to examine our core values, our moral code, and ask ourselves: what do I stand for and what won't I stand for?Question: While you have health and strength what can you do to be of good use? You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Brittany, France!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.As a storyteller for some 30 years now I can say this: when life is upside down and backward we call on the old stories. The old stories of who we are and where we came from ground us in the truth of the origins we might forget when distracted by shiny things, especially at this time of year.Shopping [by Faith Shearin]"My husband and I stood together in the new mallwhich was clean and white and full of possibility.We were poor so we liked to walk through the storessince this was like walking through our dreams.In one we admired coffee makers, blue potterybowls, toaster ovens as big as televisions. In another, we eased into a leather couch and imaginedcocktails in a room overlooking the sea. When wesniffed scented candles we saw our future faces,softly lit, over a dinner of pasta and wine. Whenwe touched thick bathrobes we saw midnight swims and bathtubs so vast they might bemistaken for lakes. My husband's glasses hurthis face and his shoes were full of holes.There was a space in our living room wherea couch should have been. We longed for fancy shower curtains, flannel sheets,shiny silverware, expensive winter coats.Sometimes, at night, we sat up and made lists.We pressed our heads together and wroteour wants all over torn notebook pages.Nearly everyone we loved was alive and we were in love but we liked wanting. Nothingwas ever as nice when we brought it home.The objects in stores looked best in stores.The stores were possible futures and, youngand poor, we went shopping. It was nicethen: we didn't know we already had everything.""Shopping" by Faith Shearin, from The Owl Question. © Utah State University Press, 2002.My mother always told us that we were rich we just didn't have a lot of money. When money was even tighter we weren't poor; we were just broke. Mom was right. The shiny things have come and gone but the richness of the stories - who I am, where I came from - those remain close to heart.“We Ain't Buying It!” is a nationwide movement to pause shopping from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday with major corporations that are enabling the administration's lawlessness: Target, Home Depot & Amazon. Click HERE to learn more.Story Prompt: If you had one wish, what story would you most like to hear again; what would it say to you; what remarkable bit of contentment would it provide? Write that story and tell it out loud! You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Sumner, Washington!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.Over a three-day period, almost 200 volunteers lend their time to prepare upwards of 700 free Thanksgiving Turkey Dinners with all the trimmings. This will be my 8th year as a Mobile Turkey Unit volunteer. Together we slice and box pumpkin pies, peel mountains of potatoes, scoop buckets of cranberry relish, carve hundreds of pounds of freshly roasted turkeys, stir vats of stuffing, and bag rolls, butter, napkins, utensils, and coffee. On Thanksgiving morning I'll be a delivery driver bringing some of those free Thanksgiving dinners to folks on the Island who otherwise might not have one. This nonprofit community event was founded in 1999 by Tom Arhontas, who had a special place in his heart for people in need. Mobile Turkey Unit volunteers have been feeding Whidbey Islanders a free Thanksgiving dinner ever since.Click HERE to check out the story, photos and videos of what we do and how we do it here on our Island.Question: What is good and nourishing in your life right now?You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Suffolk, Virginia!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for an important story) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Each one of us - if we're determined - finds a way to compost the regrets, poor decisions, failures, shames and blames that are part and parcel of living life into something almost beyond description: personal transformation. My long time friend, podcasting colleague, disabled military vet, and avid hiker, Keith McNally, is a man finding his path to transformation.His goal? Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail beginning on March 29, 2026, crossing 14 states on the East Coast and finishing 2,197 miles 5 months later. Some of the challenges include constant rough terrain with difficult footing, a series of steep grades, climbs and descents, as well as river crossings balanced on logs, extreme weather, insects, and rock scrambles using hands for climbing. The elevation profile of the AT over its length is akin to summiting Mount Everest from sea level and back approximately 16 times. So yes, physical fitness is a must to take on the AT; but it is mental fortitude and the ability to adapt to unforseen challenges that is key to finishing the hike.Keith's journey will be a test of perseverance, a tribute to the beauty of the natural world, and an opportunity for personal growth. Even more importantly, Keith is setting the groundwork for a non-profit foundation to help military veterans find their own Trails to Transformation. This first hike is just the beginning. But here's something else. Keith is not walking alone. He has also been steadfastly training an indefatigable Aussie cattle dog he named Ashley after rescuing her from a shelter. Click HERE to watch a short video entitled: Introduction to Ashley - Trail Partner and Training CompanionAs you can imagine, an expedition like this one does not come cheap. I know money is dear. And, here I am asking you to please reach deep into your pocket to give what you are able to Keith & Ashley's GoFundMe project. On the GoFundMe site you'll find all the details as well as a punch list of expenses so you can see where your contributions will go. Click HERE to access Keith's GoFundMe, add what you can, and invite others to be part of the mission. I did! If you are curious about keeping up with Keith's training, stories, photos and more, click HERE to access his overwhelmingly popular newsletter published on Tuesdays on LinkedIn [Keith J. McNally | LinkedIn]Thank you for listening and giving a hand up because Each One Lift One is the way we roll hereYou're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Feliks Banel's guests on this LIVE BROADCAST of CASCADE OF HISTORY include Paul McClintock of Whidbey Island, who created many 18th century documents for Ken Burns' "American Revolution" documentary series currently airing on PBS; Mitsy Hunter of Spokane Preservation Advocates on the recent successful grassroots campaign to defeat a city ordinance which would have created a moratorium on historic districts; highlights from a 2021 interview with seasoned journalist (and "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" announcer) Bill Kurtis on his 1971 coverage of the D.B. Cooper skyjacking; and Julie Green Lombardo -whose father Del Green was a member of long-ago Seattle barbershop quartet the Four-Do-Matics - for whom we play a vintage recording by the group on an old LP that she'd never heard before. We also shared sad news from Jean Sherrard about the passing of longtime Seattle historian and author Junius Rochester - to whom we will pay tribute in an upcoming broadcast. Links to information about all of these stories are available at the CASCADE OF HISTORY Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/cascadeofhistory This LIVE broadcast of CASCADE OF HISTORY was originally presented at 8pm Pacific Time on Sunday, November 23, 2025 via SPACE 101.1 FM and gallantly streaming live via www.space101fm.org from historic Magnuson Park - formerly Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle. Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes.
Hello to you listening in Shallotte, North Carolina!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.The Witch of Whidbey has been walking in the autumn-drenched fields and forests, some leaves not yet ready to let go of their branches, scattered clouds, hints of rain on the horizon, wood fires holding at bay the Pacific Northwest chill, and, (as if we could ever forget) the fast-approaching Holidazed nipping at our heels.Gazing at the landscape brought to mind two lines from the poem, Three in Transition, by David Ignatow. [American poet, author, editor] wrote:“I wish I understood the beauty in leaves falling.To whom are we beautiful as we go?”As we open the door to this ThankfulGiving Season, let's step in, pause, look deeply at friends, loved ones, and colleagues gathered together, and in that moment reflect on their beauty as they come and go in our lives.Story Prompt: What do you see in them? What might they see in you? Write that story. Tell it out loud!Click HERE to read an analysis of Three in Transition by David IgnatowYou're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening all over Whidbey Island and wherever your feet touch the ground.Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.What's better than Food & Music is the Whidbey Rising Benefit Concert! Join us as a brilliant array of musicians and performers from across Whidbey Island come together for a benefit concert to feed our island community.Money raised will go to the Whidbey Food Resilience Fund, administered by the Whidbey Community Foundation. Funds will be shared across the island through rapid, equitable grants to food banks, meal programs, and other community-based organizations, ensuring that Whidbey residents have reliable access to nutritious food during the holiday season and beyond.DETAILS here and on the Indivisible Whidbey website:When: Saturday November 22, 2025Time: 2:00 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 Where: Coupeville High School's Performing Arts CenterNOTE: Please arrive early to ensure a seat. RSVP on Mobilize is for crowd size planning; seating will be First Come First Served.Click HERE to check out the amazing list of performers and make an early immediate donation! You are welcome to pay what you are able. Every dollar counts!Click HERE to RSVP on Mobilize; but be sure to arrive early to get a First Come First Served seat for what is sure to be a sold out event! See you there and see you then!You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Sayville, New York!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.The other day I was talking with my longtime friends, colleagues and brainstormers, Tania and Leanne, about times when we set out to achieve X but an unintended, better-than-expected Y happened. You know what I mean: the mystery of unintended consequences that turns out to be amazing!Here's one: The Scottish biologist Alexander Fleming was working on a project on Staphylococcus bacteria at St. Mary's Hospital in London. He took off on vacation leaving behind an uncovered petri dish of bacteria. When he returned he saw a blue-green mold (like what you might find growing on bread exposed to moisture) growing on the dish and that the Staph bacteria were being killed in the area of the mold. Fleming - knowing a good thing when he saw one - identified the mold as the fungus penicillin notatum, and Shazaam! developed penicillin as an antibiotic. Fleming's unintended discovery of penicillin revolutionized the treatment of infections.Click HERE to learn more about the Discovery and Development of Penicillin 1928-1945Now, as to the moldy bread in your kitchen. Yes, penicillin is an antibiotic produced by a fungus called Penicillium notatum. Yes, this fungus is commonly found on moldy bread. Yes, when the fungus grows on bread, it releases penicillin into the surrounding environment.Let me caution you! Not all moldy bread contains penicillin. Moreover, eating moldy bread is a very big “No! No!” as it can contain harmful substances. Having said that think twice before you toss out what might be an unintended answer to a problem. Question: When did you set out to achieve X but an unintended Y turned out to be what you were looking for? What happened next?You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Victoria, Texas!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.Maybe like me you're familiar with the line, “Everything old is new again.” Some attribute the saying to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, to Jonathan Swift in the 1700s, or to Churchill, Mark Twain, or even a Chinese proverb. Genesis aside, what does the saying mean? In brief, old patterns, music, items, ideas, and so on come around again to inspire new forms. Like this example from Ben Tuna, the Glass Cowboy, a second-generation stained glass artist. His most recent creation involves a vintage Porsche (scorched by the fires in Los Angeles) and windows salvaged from decommissioned churches.To quote from the Glass Cowboy website: “By merging sacred architecture with the burned-out shell of an icon of speed and design, Ben explores the tension between ruin and reverence. These windows, once still in chapels and cathedrals, now move - reframed in steel, placed in motion, and carried forward by a new purpose.This body of work asks: What survives disaster. What beauty do we carry with us. And how can broken things be reborn, not as what they were—but as something entirely new.”Click HERE to learn more Click HERE to contact Ben Tuna at Glass Vision StudioClick HERE to follow Glass Cowboy on InstagramStory Prompt: What in your life has survived disaster? What beauty still remains? How might you imagine what's broken being reborn as something entirely new? Write that story and tell it out loud!You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
Hello to you listening in Dong Nai, Vietnam!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.Imagine this: parents taking matters into their own hands and dialing back on their children's cell phone access by bringing landlines into their homes. In one dad's words, “Landlines strip communication skills back to basics.”What makes this move look like something out of The Wayback Machine? Because it confronts the digital mainstream with unsung values grounded in new ideas. In our house this is how we're doing it; not so much to return to artifacts of the past but to values, manners, civility, listening, and a way of being in the world that is not tied down to and held hostage by the ever-present DEVICE. I believe that our yearning for a more humane way of life in this digital age is showing up in what we decide to let go of as well as what we choose to hold on to. Click HERE to watch the 4-minute Today Show segment to learn more.Question: It's not just about a mom or a dad with an idea but an idea that's resonating. What ideas do you have to marry the pre- and post-digital worlds by calling on the unsung values of the old ways? You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.
What happens when a real estate investor decides to buy an airport? In this episode, host Tait and Ryan sit down with Robert DeLaurentis, the “Peace Pilot,” to unpack how he transformed a rundown airport into a thriving hub of aviation and community life. Robert shares how his decades in multifamily real estate funded his passion for flying, why legacy matters more than luxury, and how creative business models can make even airports profitable. From flying over both poles to battling bureaucracy, his story is a masterclass in purpose-driven investing, resilience, and vision.Robert DeLaurentis is a pilot, real estate entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author known as “The Peace Pilot.” A Gulf War veteran and world traveler who's flown to 53 countries, Robert combined his real estate success with his passion for aviation to purchase and renovate Oak Harbor Airport on Whidbey Island. Through his foundation, films, and books, he's on a mission to inspire aviators and entrepreneurs to lead with purpose, build legacy projects, and fund what they love through smart investing.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(4:28) Ryan's first impression of the renovated airport(7:05) The decision to buy a failing airport(11:20) Was it passion or profit?(13:00) How volunteers and “angels” made it work(22:29) The state of general aviation airports today(27:06) How pilots can help protect their airports(34:22) Finding sponsors and business angels(35:37) The eight-month polar circumnavigation mission(41:23) From house hacking to owning multifamily assets(46:00) Living lean, investing early, retiring young(52:03) The mentor who changed everything(55:00) Where to find Robert's books, film, and foundationConnect with Robert DeLaurentis:Website: https://flyingthrulife.com/https://poletopole.flyingthrulife.com/Watch Peace Pilot on Amazon Prime, Google TV, or Apple TV: https://flyingthrulife.com/peace-pilot-movie/DeLaurentis International Airport at Oak Harbor: https://delaurentisairport.com/—If you're interested in participating, the latest institutional-quality self-storage portfolio is available for investment now at: https://turbinecap.investnext.com/portal/offerings/8449/houston-storage/ — You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/ Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilotsCheck us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilotsGet our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at ask@passiveincomepilots.com See you on the next one!*Legal Disclaimer*The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.
What happens when a real estate investor decides to buy an airport? In this episode, host Tait and Ryan sit down with Robert DeLaurentis, the “Peace Pilot,” to unpack how he transformed a rundown airport into a thriving hub of aviation and community life. Robert shares how his decades in multifamily real estate funded his passion for flying, why legacy matters more than luxury, and how creative business models can make even airports profitable. From flying over both poles to battling bureaucracy, his story is a masterclass in purpose-driven investing, resilience, and vision.Robert DeLaurentis is a pilot, real estate entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author known as “The Peace Pilot.” A Gulf War veteran and world traveler who's flown to 53 countries, Robert combined his real estate success with his passion for aviation to purchase and renovate Oak Harbor Airport on Whidbey Island. Through his foundation, films, and books, he's on a mission to inspire aviators and entrepreneurs to lead with purpose, build legacy projects, and fund what they love through smart investing.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(4:28) Ryan's first impression of the renovated airport(7:05) The decision to buy a failing airport(11:20) Was it passion or profit?(13:00) How volunteers and “angels” made it work(22:29) The state of general aviation airports today(27:06) How pilots can help protect their airports(34:22) Finding sponsors and business angels(35:37) The eight-month polar circumnavigation mission(41:23) From house hacking to owning multifamily assets(46:00) Living lean, investing early, retiring young(52:03) The mentor who changed everything(55:00) Where to find Robert's books, film, and foundationConnect with Robert DeLaurentis:Website: https://flyingthrulife.com/https://poletopole.flyingthrulife.com/Watch Peace Pilot on Amazon Prime, Google TV, or Apple TV: https://flyingthrulife.com/peace-pilot-movie/DeLaurentis International Airport at Oak Harbor: https://delaurentisairport.com/—If you're interested in participating, the latest institutional-quality self-storage portfolio is available for investment now at: https://turbinecap.investnext.com/portal/offerings/8449/houston-storage/ — You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/ Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilotsCheck us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilotsGet our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at ask@passiveincomepilots.com See you on the next one!*Legal Disclaimer*The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.