Life Notes from Chair 17

Just Walk in that Direction

Turning and walking in the direction of the thing we know we want to do. It sounds simple enough, right? And yet it can often be anything BUT simple. Not to mention all the times we try to talk ourselves OUT of doing it. In an episode that we're calling a convergence zone episode - a combination of inspiration and actual events taking place at once - join CH as she discusses recognizing the signs that nudge us in the direction we need to go, and leaning into opportunities that lead us there even when the whole of the path is not fully mapped out. It's all about NOT talking ourselves out of it, making a calculated decision, and keeping life balanced - and real - while in the pursuit.
 
Show Notes
Parallel inspirations for this episode:
The turn and walk in the direction phrase came from Jen Phillips' interview with Chef Lisa Brooks on The Podgress Report podcast, in the episode titled: 'Recipe for Reinvention: Chef Lisa Brooks' Journey from Burnout to Thriving'.
The discussion of finding our purpose was featured during our Share the Chair episode with Courtney Andriunas last week.
The full quote CH references is from actor Annabeth Gish: "But if you have something inside you that is so determined to get there, that's how you're going to get there." (Source: Duke University | Baldwin Scholars)
The meteorlogical definition of Convergence Zone can be found on Wikipedia.
The music festival CH mentions is Glastonbury, which is held for five days during most summers in Pilton, Somerset, England. Visit the official Web site to learn more, or for a short summary check out Wikipedia.

Share the Chair: Courtney Andriunas

We all have a purpose, but have we found it, yet? Do we even know how to find it? In another of our Share the Chair series of episodes, CH sits down with namesake friend, mentor, and former boss, Courtney Andriunas, to talk about the pursuit of one's true calling. Courtney shares how her long-standing love of Boston, Massachusetts and a bucket list desire to take a class at Harvard lead her to a transformative workshop during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen in as she discusses what it means to truly find one's individual sense of purpose, what inspiring and authentic leadership looks like in the workplace (hint: it should NOT be that different from how we are in our personal lives), and how her passion for creating a supportive and encouraging space for others remains one of her key tenets. This episode has you covered with wisdom and uplifting energy from not one but two Courtneys.
 
Show Notes
Courtney's LinkedIn profile is here for those interested in learning more about her or connecting to talk further about the workshop (note: you will need a LinkedIn account to see her full profile and be able to follow her).
The workshop was through the Harvard Extension School.
More information on the discussion CH and Courtney were having regarding different leadership styles as defined by distinct colors (e.g., Red, Yellow, Blue, Green) can be found on a number of Web sites and through various organizations. You can try a Google search of "What are the 4 leadership colors" if you'd like to learn more.
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.

The Gift of Time

Age. Aging. Ageism. Just these words make some of us wince, right? Getting older is something we all do, but it is NOT something we tend to want talk about much - especially from a positive point of view. But what happens if we flip that script for a moment and see getting older as a gift of time - and one not necessarily afforded to everyone. Join CH this week as she reflects on getting older, cherishing the moments we have, and the lessons we can - and should - learn from older generations. This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on making the most of the years we are given, and seeing time as a gift - not a curse.
 
Show Notes
CH mentions a few actors during this episode and their thoughts on aging:
Helen Mirren
The full quote CH references is the following: "At 70-years-old, if I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to use the phrase 'f**k off' much more frequently."
'Prime Suspect', 'The Queen', 'Losing Chase', and 'Calendar Girls' are the four bodies of work CH mentions that are among her favorites from Helen's long list of television and film accolades.
Jodie Foster
Talked with People.com on how turning 60 was one of the best days of her life.
Jane Fonda
Discussed with Vanity Fair how she did not think she'd live past the age of 30, and the actual challenges of being younger (vs. older).

Foreign Exchange

When a Swedish pop rock group inspires you to become a foreign exchange student, it makes for one amazing life experience. And yes, that really IS how host CH decided to spend a summer abroad. Join us this week as she reflects back on that transformative time, and shares her thoughts on navigating language barriers, pushing through discomfort, finding joy in the simple things, leading with kindness, and appreciating the lifelong influences that resulted from the journey. You may just want to book your own trip to Sweden after listening to this episode (but we might be sliiightly biased)!
 
Show Notes
The Swedish pop rock group that inspired CH to pick Sweden as her destination country was Roxette. Fun fact: she still remains a fan to this day.
Youth for Understanding was the student foreign exchange organization that CH joined. Visit their official site to learn more.
The west coast of Sweden was home to CH during her summer exchange.
She stayed near the town of Henån, located in Bohuslän on the island of Orust, but in the smaller land-tied island village known as Vindön.
Both are located about an hour north of Gothenburg (Göteborg), the second largest city in Sweden; or, two hours south of Oslo, Norway.

The (Re)Connection

Have you ever had a ride-at-dawn kind of friendship that has faded into the distance? Join CH this week as she explores the nuances of reconnecting with old friends amidst life's ever-changing landscape, and the emotional intricacies of reaching out to those who were once significant in our lives but have since drifted away. It's an episode filled with reflections and practical advice on renewing the connections that shape our lives - even if that means having to accept it might never be what it once was.
 
Show Notes
CH references the song, "My Happy Ending," which was from Avril Lavigne's 2004 album, 'Under My Skin,"; she also references the 1971 film "The French Connection."

It's a Live Life Each Day List

We've made it to the big 4-0 - our 40th episode! In honor of this milestone, we share the story of how host CH came to create her very first Live Life Each Day list following a somewhat challenging 40th circle around the sun. Listen in as she reflects on being encouraged by her friend Sarah to go through the simple exercise, how it helped change her perspective, and how the noting down of simple joys that make up our day-to-day lives can bring clarity, insight and fulfillment - whether we're navigating a challenging period or seeking new inspiration.
 
Show Notes
CH references the film 'The Shawshank Redemption'; infor can be found via Wikipedia or IMDb.
The cakery in which CH received the inspired postcard "Be Honest. Stay True." from her friend Sarah on which to write her list is called Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery; it is located in the Ballard area of Seattle, Washington in the U.S.

Spirit of Place

Spirit of place. Have you heard of it? A certain locale - maybe a holiday spot, maybe your hometown - that you always yearn to return to find solace especially during challenging times? Join CH this week as she discusses what spirit of place means to her, shares her personal journey to her most spirited of spirited places (Truckee, California), and discusses the deep, sometimes historical, connections that can form within these locations as well as the rejuvenation they offer when we visit.
 
Show Notes
CH references the definition of spirit of place from Wikipedia.
For those interested in learning more about Truckee, California, visit the town's official Web site or VisitTruckeeTahoe.com.
For those interested in learning more about the Donner Party, you can review Wikipedia, view the PBS American Experience documentary or visit the Donner Memorial State Park official Web Site.
CH hiked a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that runs through Truckee; for information on the PCT, visit PCTA.org or Wikipedia.
The PCT is the trail Cheryl Strayed hiked in its entirety and recounted in her memoir 'Wild.'; additionally, a film adaptation was also done in 2014 with Reese Witherspoon portraying Cheryl Strayed. CH highly recommends BOTH of these.

The Strongest Part is the Broken Part - Pt. 2

10 years. To the day. From the accident that defined a life mantra. That is this very special episode - the second in our two-part series - of how the journey of recovering from a broken ankle led to the development of a powerful life mantra. From having her first major surgery to the first steps of recovery, join CH as she recounts the emotional journey of embracing pain, reconnecting with the most broken part of herself - literally - and finding the strength and courage to move forward.
 
Show Notes
The city CH was surfing at is Westport, Washington. 
The surf break she was at is known as "The Jetty." More information and a visual can be found here via ExperienceWestport.com.
CH received her orthopedic care from Proliance Orthopedic Associates, under the supervision of Dr. Erik Novak.
CH's physical therapist was Kari Studley, who now has her own practice called StudleyPT.
A full list of CH's key life mantras can be found on the About section of our Web site, LifeNotesfromChair17Podcast.com.

The Strongest Part is the Broken Part - Pt. 1

What happens when enjoying one of your favorite hobbies turns into one of the scariest moments of your life? It becomes the inspirational source for a still-true life mantra. In the first of a two-part series honoring the 10 year anniversary of this life changing event, CH reflects on how breaking her ankle while surfing ultimately helped her form one of her most important life mantras: the strongest part is the broken part. This episode is a vivid recount of not just a physical injury, but a journey of resilience and recovery - overcoming both physical and emotional challenges. Tune in to hear about the initial incident and stay tuned for part two, which will delve into the recovery process and the lessons learned.
 
Show Notes
The city CH was surfing at is Westport, Washington. 
The surf break she was at is known as "The Jetty." More information and a visual can be found here via ExperienceWestport.com.
A full list of CH's key life mantras can be found on the About section of our Web site, LifeNotesfromChair17Podcast.com.

Share the Chair: Quynh Nguyen

Entrepreneur. Artist. Author. Podcaster. Optimist. Those are just a few of the words to describe Quynh Nguyen, who joins CH this week in another episode in our Share the Chair series to talk all-things resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Listen in as we delve into Quynh's self-made journey, from starting her own catering company to becoming a celebrated paper flower artist, and how she has masterfully turned her creative passions into successful businesses. It's an hour of heartfelt conversation about overcoming challenges, seizing opportunity, the importance of family and community, and celebrating the simple joy of creation.
 
Show Notes
To learn even more about Quynh and her work as a paper flower artist and educator, visit her official site, PinkandPosey.com.
Her socials include: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest and LinkedIn.
Her Paper Talk Podcast can be listened to via PaperTalkPodcast.com or on various podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Quynh's new book, "The New Art of Paper Flowers," releases on October 1, 2024. Check here to see where the book is available to preorder/order as it varies by country.
In the United States, it is available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org, Hundson Booksellers, Powell's, Target and IndieBound.
Quynh will also have an eBook release in October called "Back to the Basics." In the interim, check out her Paper Flower Blog for more information.
If you are interested in learning more about the tools Quynh uses, such as Kai Scissors and Aleene's Tacky Glue, or additional resources with regards to floral paper art, visit the "Supplies and Resources" page on Quynh's Web site (located under "Paper Flower Courses" from the main menu).
To watch Quynh on "CBS Sunday Morning," the episode is available via YouTube (Quynh's segment begins around the 1:45 mark).
For those not familiar with farm-to-table, check out the Wikipedia entry for additional information and context.