In this episode of Hey Pops, Cori is back from her travels and dives into life’s twists and turns, reflecting on grief, change, and the beauty of living without a set plan. From a few panicky moments to embracing the unknown, she shares personal insights on navigating the unpredictable. Whether you're new to the show or a regular listener, this episode is full of thought-provoking musings on the highs, lows, and everything in between.

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing change and letting go of rigid expectations.
• Grief as a journey that shapes perspective on life and loss.
• Finding freedom and peace in life’s uncertainty.
• Navigating panic and discovering growth through acceptance

Timestamps:

[00:00] – Welcome back! Cori’s two-week break and reflections on her trip to Vietnam.

[01:00] – Remembering Pops through travel: the rituals that keep loved ones close.

[02:00] – Thoughts on grief: the blessing of experiencing true love and loss.

[02:38] – Grappling with nihilism: everything is made up, and nothing matters—but that’s a good thing!

[03:30] – On legacy: wanting to be remembered for how we make others feel.

[05:00] – The weight of fear and financial panic: recognizing it’s all temporary.

[06:36] – It's not all about me: cutting ourselves slack in the grand scheme of things.

[07:50] – Facing fear and choosing personal safety over toxic relationships.

[10:44] – Embracing change and living for yourself—career shifts, identity, and finding joy.

[11:09] – How losing pops forced a reevaluation of life, safety, and personal growth.

[13:05] – Closing reflections: loving life, accepting change, and a reminder that everything, good or bad, will pass.

[14:56] – What’s next? A voicemail to pops is coming in the next episode, followed by a compilation of his favorite clips.

Tune in next week! 

Don’t miss Cori’s personal voicemail to her dad—a raw and intimate reflection of her ongoing conversation with him.

Stay Connected: 

Follow Cori on Instagram at @coriorak for more updates, behind-the-scenes content, and reflections on life, grief, and growth.

Share Your Story:

If this episode resonated with you, feel free to leave a comment or send a message. How are you navigating your own journey with loss and love?

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Links & Resources:

• Learn more about the podcast - https://coriorak.com/hey-pops-podcast
• Submit your own voicemail or story about Dan - https://www.speakpipe.com/HeyPops
• Get involved and learn more about the Dan Culhane Memorial Fund - https://www.danculhanememorialfund.org/

This episode reminds us that it’s okay to not have everything figured out, to feel fear, and to embrace the messy, beautiful moments in life.

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