Life Notes from Chair 17

Share the Chair: Jen Phillips - All Good Things

We're back with another in our Share the Chair series as we reunite with our good friend, the resilient Jen Phillips (and when we say resilient we are NOT kidding). Jen joined us in Fall 2024 just days before she would find herself in the wrath of Hurricane Helene, which would ultimately devastate her business and community in Asheville, North Carolina. After managing to rebuild her business in ... wait for it ... 60 DAYS (yes, really), then dedicating several months of her time volunteering with hurricane recovery efforts, the experience unexpectedly helped sharpen her focus to continue to find ways to create healthy workplaces AND ways of working. Listen in as she discusses the importance not only of resilience, but the power of community, connection and her new venture, The New Ambition, which is aimed at transforming workplace environments to be healthier and more supportive. Discover how being literally in the eye of a hurricane helped Jen further shape her mission to drive positive change and create cycles of good in both our lives AND at work.
 
Show Notes
Key links for Jen
Read/Join: The New Ambition
YouTube: @ThisIsTheNewAmbition
NOTE: This is where Jen has now moved all of what were her The Podgress Report podcast episodes.
Connect: Jen Phillips on LinkedIn
Visit IRL OR Shop Online: Non-alcoholic bottle shop in Asheville, North Carolina HeyNØLO.com (shipping to North Carolina only at this time).
Follow NØLO on Instagram @hey_nolo
Previous episode mentions
Episode 52: Share the Chair - Jen Phillips (From Burnout to Burning Bright)
Episode 45: Just Walk in that Direction
NOTE: This episode was inspired by the Jen's podcast episode, Recipe for Reinvention: Chef Lisa Brooks' Journey from Burnout to Thriving

That 70th Episode

It's our 70th. Episode, that is. It's a milestone - both in podcast years and in age years. And it's the latter that is the focus this week as CH ponders what life at 70 might look like for her in just two (short) decades from now. While we can't predict the future, we know it won't look like it does for those already at that milestone age today. As such, CH offers a thoughtful and light-hearted reflection (or should we say hypothesis) on the keys she is focusing on should she get to that milestone herself while also trying NOT to predict the future or get too caught up in that which may be beyond her control. In CH's own words: "This was a surprisingly fun episode to record. It gave me a lot to think about."
 
Show Notes
For those looking for some interesting podcast statistics (and why we continue to celebrate our milestone episodes): there are approximately 4.4 million podcasts in the podcast universe, but only 720K have more than 10 episodes; 44% of podcasts have 3 episodes are less. (Source: Podcastpage.io)
CH makes reference to the Taylor Swift song, "This is Me Trying" from the 'Folklore' album.

Mental Health Awareness Month 2025: Take a Step and Breathe

Not sure we ever thought we'd connect 'Xena: Warrior Princess' and Mental Health Awareness Month in a single episode, but there is a first time for everything. Join CH as she takes a trip in the wayback machine to reflect on a life mantra she came across back in 1998 from actor Renee O'Connor during Renee's attempt to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. In a story told to author Jane Treat, Renee's mantra, "Take a step and breathe," helped her push through the grueling physical and mental challenge of completing the trek even when her mother was forced to turn back. CH was inspired by the saying back then - so much so that she printed it out to have at her desk. Cut to today, it's a timeless and relatable mantra that can serve as a beacon of hope and a tool for self-care as we continue to focus on the importance of maintaining a healthy mental wellbeing.
 
Show Notes
The original article where CH first learned of the mantra, "Take a step and breathe," was authored by Jane Treat back in 1998 and titled "Renee O'Connor - To The Roof of Africa | ROC's Trek Up Mt. Kilimanjaro."
It is archived on the very longstanding ReneeOConnor.info site that still operates today as part of the AUSXIP Network.
For those looking for more information on Mt. Kilimanjaro, head over to the Wikipedia entry.
CH also does mention the mountain, K2, as an example of a mountain that requires technical climbing expertise in order to summit.
Previous episode mentions:
Episode 33: Ok Not Being Ok

Hard Conversations

We've all been there: we know we need to have THAT conversation but somehow ... we just don't. And yet, we NEED to have them to either find us a path forward or bring us a sense of closure. Join CH this week as she discusses how the term "hard conversations" first came to her (hint: Project Management Day Life 101), and the importance of having these conversations in either a professional setting or our own personal sphere. Although they might be difficult, challenging, perhaps uncomfortable and maybe not always go the way we expect, they often lead us to growth and the recognition of key life lessons.

Rant, Rave, Really: "Do You Have 8 Minutes?"

We are back with another in our "Rant, Rave, Really?" set of episodes where we lean into every day observations about something that we really want to give a shout out about, perhaps something that is a bit troubling, or something that is just plain confusing. In this episode, host CH gives a shoutout to a recent Instagram reel that crossed her feed discussing the importance of developing a code to communicate when we truly need support from our closest friend (or friends). In other words, NOT just treating it like any other reach out. And the interesting fact? It only takes 8 minutes of connection to help ease feelings of loneliness and isolation, and to create a sense of togetherness. (OF NOTE: This episode was recorded before we could source the author of the remixed Instagram reel. But we DID - its Simon Sinek. See our Show Notes below).
 
Show Notes
The "8 Minute Rule" that CH discusses in this episode was popularized by TED speaker and psychologist, Simon Sinek. You can check out his full talk on YouTube or this Forbes article.
 

Jazz Appreciation Month 2025: Finding My Own Way to Jazz Musicianship

It's April 2025 ... and that means it's national Jazz Appreciation Month here in the U.S.! Join host CH as she shares her own journey to not only coming to love the genre - particularly the classics and standards of the 1930s and 40s - but also how it has shaped her sense of musicianship when she resumed playing drums after a 10 year hiatus. She reflects on how the sounds of jazz surrounded her at a young age (even if she wasn't suuuuper interested at the time), and how her original love of playing pop/rock music evolved as her own musical leanings changed over time. She also reminds us of the importance of embracing music - no matter the genre - at any stage of life for the personal enrichment and inspiration it brings to us all.
 
Show Notes
Jazz Appreciation Month (known as "JAM") runs from April 1 - April 30 in the U.S. It culminates with the international celebration of International Day of Jazz on April 30th.
For those looking for more information and events that are scheduled for 2025, head over to the National Museum of American History, which founded JAM in 2001 (and of which is where CH pulled the quote that ended our episode).
Additionally, CH highly recommends the Ken Burns PBS documentary film, "Jazz", for those looking for a comprehensive examination and tribute to jazz from its earliest origins up to present day.
Some of the artists CH mentioned that played in her grandparent's house as she was growing up: Duke Ellington; Billie Holliday; Ella Fitzgerald; Glenn Miller; Benny Goodman; Frank Sinatra; Dean Martin; Nat King Cole. Additionally, her step-father was a fan of Brazilian jazz.
The Los Angeles radio station CH also grew up listening to was 94.7 The Wave (now known as The Soul of Southern California).
Previous episode mentions:
Episode 20: Episode 62: Share the Chair - Tobi Stone (A Lifelong Journey of Jazz)
Episode 25: Little Drummer Girl

A Woman of History: Tamsen Donner (1801-1847)

It's Women's History Month 2025. And although we completely missed the moment LAST March (our bad), we definitely wanted to do a special episode this year honoring perhaps a lesser-known woman of history: Tamsen Donner. Join host CH as she reflects on why she feels drawn to Tamsen's story of enduring strength and resilience, as well as her appreciation of a pioneering woman who defied some of the more traditional norms of her era while also facing incredible personal tragedy not once but twice during her short life. Although Tamsen is perhaps best known for her selfless acts during the infamous Donner Party expedition, she is just one of many women in history whose unyielding spirit still resonates today, and helps to remind us of the challenges and sacrifices faced by women of the past - and the power of their perseverance that continues to inspire our present.
 
Show Notes
For those interested in learning more about Tamsen:
WikiPedia: Tamsen Donner
Tamsen's Letters: Tamsen Donner Letters
Article: 'Tamsen Donner: Strong-willed matriarch of the Donner Party' by Mark McLaughlin || YourTahoeGuide.com
Book: 'Searching for Tamsen Donner' by Gabrielle Burton
Book: 'The Fateful Journey of Tamsen Donner' by Frankye Craig
The author who CH asked about the viableness of the elusive diary Tamsen supposedly kept during the Donner Party expedition is Ethan Rarick, who wrote 'Desperate Passage: The Donner Party's Perilous Journey West'.
The full inscription of the plaque dedicated to Tamsen and Elizabeth Donner that is currently at the Donner Memorial Picnic Site of California Highway 89 in Truckee, CA (wh), can be viewed here.
Donner State Memorial Park is located in the town of Truckee, CA.
The song, "I Hate it Here" that CH's references is from Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology' album.

Unscripted: Hot Mess, Anyone? (The Hanging in There Version)

Anyone else feeling like the world - particularly the U.S. - is a bit of a hot mess right now? We are there with you. In one of our first truly unscripted episodes, host CH highlights the significance and power of shared experiences in building resilience during a time where the world seems fraught with political uncertainty and sudden, uncontrolled change. And she reminds us once again to focus on some key tenets that we DO have control over: 1) that which brings us joy; 2) remaining connected within our communities; and 3) avoiding doom scrolling of the news cycle echo chamber. She also shares what it has been like working inside a non-profit cancer research center in the U.S. during a time of great uncertainty over funding resources. It's a deeply personal episode, but one that aims to still find light and hope in some darker, challenging times.
 
Show Notes
The full quote that CH paraphrased during this episode was: "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light." It was spoken by the character Albus Dumbledore, in 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.'

Introducing Rant, Rave, Really ...?

We are shaking things up a bit (we think, anyway) as we introduce a new set of episodes called "Rant, Rave, Really ...?", leaning into every day observations about something that we really want to give a shout out about, perhaps something that is a bit troubling, or something that is just plain confusing (because we've all been there, right?). Might be a direct life experience, but it  also might be an observed experience. Either way, it's all still part of navigating life one story at at time. For this first one, and inspired by attending a live jazz and jam session performance by a drummer she admires, CH reflects on the importance of nurturing young passions WITH support of family and mentors.
 
Show Notes
The Canadian jazz drummer, bandleader, composer and music educator CH went to see that was Jacob Wutzke. More information about Jacob can be found on his official Web site.
The Royal Room is the Seattle-area venue where the performance was held; more information can be found on its official Web site.

Share the Chair: Tobi Stone

In our first Share the Chair episode of 2025, we welcome talented jazz musician and educator, Tobi Stone. Tobi has played an important part of CH's own journey into jazz musicianship, and after almost a year's worth of planning (yes, really!), finally got the chance to sit down to talk all-things musical life journey - from Tobi discovering her passion for music at a young age; to knowing early on that she wanted to teach in addition to perform; to the key influences and experiences that have helped shape her career - including recovering from an early injury during her time studying jazz performance at the University of Washington. Tobi's uplifting approach to music education, and her ongoing efforts to support aspiring young musicians - especially female musicians - is all part of her goal to create an inclusive, empowering environment that blends the art of playing with the joy of teaching. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast, an aspiring musician, or simply curious about the life of a professional musical artist, this episode has a little bit of everything.
 
Show Notes
For those looking for more information on Tobi, you can visit her official Web site, Tobi Stone Music (tobistone.com). Some key highlights:
Her full list of credits and in-depth biography can be found under the About Tobi section of her site.
She has several key performances scheduled for the first part of 2025 that can be found under the Performances section of her site.
A key callout performance will be May 9, 2025 at the Black Box Theatre in Olympia, Washington. It will be a tribute performance for one of her saxophone teachers, Bert Wilson. It is part of the Washington Center for Performance Arts Women In Jazz Series.
The influential substitute teacher that inspired and influenced Tobi's early appreciation for the saxophone is professional saxophonist, Darren Motamedy.
The non-profit Tobi has started that aims to elevate musicianship of under served communities is called Kindred Blue Notes. Additional information can be found on KindredBlueNotes.org.
Tobi also is a long-standing faculty member of Seattle's Jazz Night School, where she teaches various combos and also offers private lessons.
The technique Tobi referenced that is used as an alternative treatment to improve both voice and posture for people in the performing arts is called the Alexander Technique.
James Lipton's Inside the Actor's Studio questionnaire, and the original Bernard Pivot/Marcel Proust versions that inspired it, can be found here. Our C17 version is our own take on these two famous questionnaires.
Previous episode mentions
Episode 20: Episode 20: Share the Chair - Nathan Waldvogel (Journey to Yoga Therapy)
Episode 25: Little Drummer Girl
Episode 29: I'll Take a Lesson
Episode 33: Ok Not Being Ok