In this episode of Crossing the Alameda, host Charles Michelet and co-hosts AJ Riebli and Mike Kline reconnect with Lisa Secan Strain.The conversation explores Lisa's journey from her time at Santa Clara, her experiences living abroad in London, the impact of significant life events, and her career in property management. Lisa shares heartfelt memories of her classmates, the lessons learned from loss, and the importance of cherishing each day. The episode highlights the value of reconnecting with old friends and reflecting on the past as they count down to their 35th reunion. In this engaging conversation, Lisa Secan Strain shares her experiences in property management, including some wild stories that highlight the unpredictability of the job. She discusses her passion for gardening and her commitment to the Master Gardener program, emphasizing the importance of community service. The conversation also touches on her children’s lives after college, their careers in San Francisco, and the joy of family connections. The discussion wraps up with a fun segment of rapid-fire questions, revealing personal insights and preferences. In this engaging conversation, the participants reflect on their musical influences, memorable concerts, and the importance of seizing opportunities in life. They share personal anecdotes about historical figures they admire, discuss the significance of community and friendship, and offer heartfelt advice for living authentically. As they look forward to their upcoming reunion, they express gratitude for the connections they've maintained over the years and the joy of sharing their experiences with one another.

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting with Classmates

03:19 Lisa Secan Strain: A Journey Through Time

06:07 Memories of Santa Clara University

09:02 The Impact of Education on Life

12:09 Life Abroad: London and the Earthquake

15:12 Reflections on Loss and Life's Lessons

20:03 Life After Graduation: Career and Family

25:22 Property Management: Insights and Experiences

26:37 Crazy Property Management Stories

30:55 The Joy of Gardening and Master Gardener Program

39:19 Life After College: Kids in San Francisco

41:15 Family Connections and Celebrating Life

45:25 Fast Five: Fun Questions and Answers

49:11 Musical Memories and Influences

50:10 Historical Figures and Personal Connections

51:08 Concert Experiences and Nostalgia

54:17 Life Lessons and Advice for the Future

57:45 Reflections on Friendship and Community

01:01:03 Looking Forward to Reunions and Connection