Basically Brilliant

Loving a pet means eventually facing one of the hardest seasons of your life—and most people are unprepared for how deep that grief can go. Carol-Ann Cramer shares what three recent and very different pet losses have taught her about anticipatory grief, making end-of-life decisions with compassion, and how to keep fear of the future from stealing the time you still have. Join us for a candid, deeply practical conversation with Carol-Ann about what pet grief actually feels like—from the shock of a sudden cancer diagnosis to the slow ache of chronic illness and the weight of saying goodbye after years together. If you’ve ever wondered why losing an animal can hit so hard, or how to support someone going through it, this episode offers clarity, comfort, and concrete help.

For more help, download the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center guide: How Will I Know.

What if the most powerful leadership skill is simply helping people hear their own voice? Alicia Roach has spent more than 25 years in corporate America mastering the art of encouraging, connecting, and making people feel seen—and her perspective on confidence, mentoring, and growth lands exactly where it matters most. Join us for a conversation that is warm, personal, and surprisingly practical. Alicia shares how a lifetime of influence from the women in her life shaped her gift for coaching others, why small breakthrough moments matter so much, and how she helps coworkers, peers, and women find the confidence to speak up—even when they are not sure they are ready. This episode is for anyone who needs a reminder that confidence can be built, voices can be found, and progress does not have to be dramatic to be life-changing. If you lead people, mentor others, or are trying to trust your own voice a little more, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged, grounded, and ready to take the next step.

Love, respect, and kindness are more than nice ideas - they’re Stephanie Watkins’ operating system. In this conversation, the environmental analyst opens up about the life experiences that shaped her, from becoming a mom at 23 and starting a new career at 40 to learning how therapy, self-awareness, and a little extra grace can change everything. Join us for a warm, deeply personal interview that reveals the heart behind Steph’s work and relationships. You’ll hear how she built a life around showing up for people, why she believes every nice word matters, and how she uses simple habits like thoughtful check-ins, meaningful compliments, and honest communication to brighten the lives around her.

Stephanie is the kind of guest who makes you rethink what strength looks like. She’s kind without being performative, reflective without losing her edge, and refreshingly honest about the ongoing work of becoming a better human. Her perspective is especially relevant if you’re juggling family, work, personal growth, and the pressure to have life figured out by some imaginary deadline. If you need a reminder that it’s never too late to change direction, speak more gently, or lead with compassion, this episode delivers it. Perfect for anyone who wants more meaning, more connection, and a practical nudge toward being part of the solution.

What happens when a husband and father decides to surrender what was preventing him from reaching his full potential and rebuild his life around faith, health, and purpose? Dan Gretzner shares the story behind his alcohol-free journey, the word-of-the-year practice shaping his mindset, and the simple habits that are helping him transform as he approaches his 60th birthday. Join us for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about the moments, choices, and relationships that shaped him - from 29 years at Consumers Energy to the lessons he carried over from his days as a sportswriter. Along the way, Dan opens up about the habits that keep him grounded, the people who changed his life, and why he sees his role in the world as helping others shine.

This week’s episode features our first guest, Susan Osbeck, a business development professional who lives in Denver, Colorado. Susan shares numerous life experiences including pivotal career decisions as well as personal milestones such as reuniting with her biological son. She also shares wisdom around executing without guarantee of outcomes, embracing introversion, striving for peace of mind and the dangers of an open mind.

Learn more about the thought behind the new podcast, Basically Brilliant, including why you should listen, who you will hear from, where to find episodes, what to expect, etc. Your host, Marj Longcore, will also provide a sample of some of the questions that will be asked of each guest, by answering a few of them herself.