This is the final episode of 2023. I talked a bit about wrapping up the year and preparing for 2024. I also shared some information about getting help if you’re struggling mentally during this holiday season and beyond. Suicide Crisis Hotline (U.S. and Canada) 988List of Suicide Crisis Lines from around the world - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines

Fran Eldridge joined me to talk about her debut book A Moment of Clarity, a collection of short fiction stories based on her own experiences growing up in Nova Scotia and her life in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Author Kelly S. Thompson joined me again to talk about our recent in-person visit, setting intentions for 2024, and holiday traditions. You can find Kelly online at https://kellysthompson.com/

Writer Stephanie Kain joined me to talk about her latest book Lifeline: An Elegy in which she uses a variety of writing styles and perspectives to tell the story of caring for a friend intent on taking her own life.

Birthdays often get people thinking about their lives and the coming year. In this episode, I talk a bit about some recent travels and some thoughts on how I plan to spend my 53rd year around the sun.

As days turn grey and the temperature drops for many of us, it's important to look for some joy. In this episode I talk about finding joy for yourself and doing things to bring a bit of joy to others.

Author and all around great person Kelly S. Thompson joined me to talk about the importance of caring for yourself when you're a caregiver.

Writer, entrepreneur, and leader Ritu Bhasin joined me to talk about her new book We've Got This: Unlocking the Beauty of Belonging, having empathy for yourself and others, listening to your body, and caring for yourself when you're a caregiver.

Singer/song-writer Jesse Daniel Edwards joined me to talk about his latest album Violensia, our mutual California connection, and how he returned to his musical roots to write about how people have been feeling in these hard times.

Author Charlotte Gill joined me to talk about her latest book, Almost Brown: A Mixed Race Family Memoir, how others try to define our identities, and how change in higher education won't come from individual instructors, including elements of equity and inclusion in their syllabi.