Ever Better Today

Dr. Caren Cooper is passionate about involving people in the scientific process as citizen scientist. Growing up, she wanted to study wildlife and the environment. Her interests led her to earn a Ph.D., to fieldwork in Australia, and to a position at Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology. She is currently Associate Professor of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University as well as Assistant Head, Biodiversity Research Lab, NC Museum of Natural Sciences.

During our discussion, Caren shares how residents of Flint, MI acted to have their water tested and their voices heard, and how Cape Cod residents took action when they noticed higher than normal breast cancer rates.

Caren's recently released book, Citizen Science: How Ordinary People are Changing the Face of Discovery, details the history, process, and importance of how all people can work in conjunction with scientists, to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. Caren says that "Citizen Science advances new knowledge that wouldn't be possible without collaboration between scientists & the public."

Through my Discover What's Next Coaching program I use all of my personal and professional experience to help women find purpose and fulfillment. Learn more.

Key Takeaways:

[3:25] Caren wanted to write a book about citizen science after discovering the research was undervalued and understated.

[7:49] What is a Citizen Scientist?

[10:46] The Flint Michigan Water Crisis is a great example of citizen science can help solve an environmental issue. [13:21] As far back as the 1700's, people have been collecting scientific data, including Thomas Jefferson.

[20:10] Participants do not need to know how to write for a scientific publication to contribute.

[26:09] The Cape Cod, Breast Cancer, Silent Spring connection. [31:36] Caren's thoughts on eliminating the EPA and other aspects of the Trump administration.

[35:19] Resources to help listeners connect to the Citizen Science community.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Citizen Science Alliance

CitSci

Citizen Science: How Ordinary People are Changing the Face of Discovery, by Caren Cooper

SciStarter Students Discover

Silent Spring Institute Earthwatch

Research For All

Remarkable Creatures

Ever Better

Discover What's Next Coaching

Contact Lisa: [email protected]

How and why does someone start an adventure travel company? Diane Valenti joined me on the podcast to share her story.

As a corporate consultant specializing in instructional design, Diane works with Fortune 500 companies. She loves to travel and jump into new projects. But it was a vacation with her father in Peru that truly activated Diane's adventurous side!

During that holiday, Diane "met a guy," returned several times to visit, and was inspired to activate a different kind of travel company. She created Llama Expeditions to offer travelers an authentic experience in South America, and an opportunity to work with local non-profit organizations.

Why llamas? They represent unconditional love and are a perfect symbol of her carefully planned tours that respect local cultures and follow the motto "It's OK to leave a trace, just make sure it's the right trace."

Diane's philosophy on starting a business is: "It's OK if you don't know everything about the business you are starting. Just roll up your sleeves and stay in the game." She says that sometimes you're better off not knowing the details and tackling challenges as they come!

If you're thinking about your next adventure but you're not sure how to get started, check out my Discover What's Next Coaching program!

Key Takeaways:

[2:46] Unbridled kindness from a local community led Diane to make giving back part of her eco-adventure business.

[10:16] Eco-adventure travel is traveling with a sense of consciousness.

[13:05] Diane explains why she uses a llama to represent her business.

[16:45] The challenges Diane ran into setting up an eco-adventure travel business and the lessons she learned.

[22:40] Like many adventure travelers, discretionary time and income allow Diane to continue traveling.

[24:09] Websites can be a great source of information, but they don't include everything you need to know.

[30:20] Learning new things, like the Turkish language, keeps Diane inspired.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Llama Expeditions

Italki, a website for learning languages

Ever Better

Discover What's Next Coaching

[email protected]

Dr. Michael Lennox is a spiritual teacher, a psychologist, an astrologer, and a dream interpreter. His intimate understanding of the subconscious mind, and of our collective connection to the universe resonates through his dream interpretations.

He believes in the power of using your voice and explains how he expresses gratitude, out loud, each morning. He says "Something spoken out loud is more powerful than something thought quietly in the mind."

Michael is the author of three books, including The Complete Dictionary of Dreams and says that all of life is interpretable as a dream. His point is proven during our discussion when I select three symbols from the dictionary and he explains what they would mean in a dream. Although my selections were completely random, they told a highly relevant story!

During our conversation, Michael shares how he became a dream interpreter. Hint: There is a line in Fiddler of the Roof: "Tell me what you dreamed, and I'll tell you what it meant." He shares the history of dream interpretation including references to dreams in the Bible, and the number one thing you need to do to better understand your dreams.

Michael says, "Let your dreams speak powerfully as you tell yourself the story of you."

If you want more fulfillment and purpose in your life, check out my Discover What's Next Coaching program.

Key Takeaways:

[2:05] A daily spiritual practice is a brief reminder you that you are connected to the universe.

[9:01] How does someone become a dream interpreter?

[16:40] You can get lost trying to figure out your dreams mentally.

[17:31] Dr. Lennox embraces his gift and finds fulfillment in the intimate connections it affords him.

[19:46] Examples of dream interpretation in human history, including the Bible and Qur'an.

[24:35] Exploring physical and metaphysical aspects of dreams.

[28:15] How to signal to your unconscious mind (so it knows you are interested in hearing from it.)

[31:02] Uncovering the collective unconscious and appreciating the random power of synchronicity.

[37:36] A dream circle is a safe space for collective dream interpretation.

[43:04] How to connect with Michael Lennox in 2017.

[45:11] Last thoughts; Dreams profoundly serve us.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ever Better

Discover What's Next Coaching

[email protected]

Michael Lennox

Perchance to Dream on Facebook

The Complete Dictionary of Dreams

This is part two of a conversation with Shannon Varley about her journey to find, purchase, and raise her family on the farm of her dreams.

After the emotional ordeal of losing their home to a fire after carefully restoring it over two years, the Varleys wondered if it was time give up on farming. Shannon toyed with the idea of opening a bed & breakfast, but she knew in her heart she shouldn't relinquish her dream.

You don't have to listen to the first part to appreciate this episode, but if you'd like to hear Shannon's full story, check out Ever Better Episode 56.

Support from family and friends helped the Varleys to keep their animals, but the winter was difficult. Then, after a series of remarkable events, the family was able to bid on the farm Shannon and her family will never want to leave.

Their new home, "The Village Farm," is located in Stafford, Vermont, and Shannon says she's created a life that she never has to retire from. "It evolves and grows better."

Shannon shares her vision for her life, her children, and how the farm can be a source of food, a place to gather, and a place to teach about the environment.

I hope you find this story of the power of the human spirit as inspirational as I do.

Key Takeaways:

[1:37] After the fire, the Varleys weren't sure if they should continue farming.

[6:37] In order to provide stability for their children, Shannon and her husband renovated another "beautiful money pit".

[15:21] A series of favorable coincidences allowed the Varleys to bid on their dream farm.

[21:32] The family has big plans for their 'forever' farm, and are excited to get things started.

[24:40] Shannon is drawn to farming because it is a platform for everything she cares about.

[28:23] Shannon shares her vision for her children.

[31:08] Shannon speaks of her inner strength and the desire to pay it forward.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ever Better

Discover What's Next Coaching

[email protected]

This is the story of Shannon Varley's journey to raise healthy children, grow sustainable, organic food, and nourish the community. I am astounded by Shannon's persistence and determination that led to her success in creating a wholesome, sustainable lifestyle. In our discussion, she opens up about all aspects of her heartwarming and heartbreaking journey.

Her story begins in Ohio and moves through Maryland, West Virginia, and Vermont where she and her family are now settled. After many years of working towards owning her dream farm, Shannon seems to have finally achieved it.

I've always thought of farmers as having been born into the business. I imagine families working farms over multiple generations. But Shannon grew up in Suburban Pittsburgh, the daughter of teachers. Her first venture into farming came after she graduated from Denison University, about 20 years ago. She didn't have a firm plan for her next step after college so she and a friend decided to lease some land and leap into farming.

After that adventure ran its course, Shannon decided to pursue a job where she could wear a suit rather than overalls and earned her Master's Degree in Environmental Law. As she was considering job possibilities, she came across an opportunity at Red Wiggler Community Farm, and has been farming ever since!

Shannon's tale is chock-full of determination, setbacks and rewards - and she's got a lot to share. So, I'm bringing you our conversation in two episodes. In this first episode, you'll hear how Shannon got started in farming and how and why she kept getting pulled back in. Shannon's had plenty of support from family and friends, but she and her family have also experienced the heartbreak of seeing two years of intense work destroyed in a fire.

Join me for the second part of Shannon's journey in Episode 57 (coming Feb. 23) to hear how persistence made her dreams come true.

Key Takeaways:

[3:10] Shannon shares her journey from loving being outside to becoming a 21-year-old vegetable farmer.

[21:25] Shannon was on her way into the corporate world, when a neighbor suggested she start a farm employing young adults with developmental disabilities.

[25:00] Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and small agriculture are not subsidized by the U.S. Government.

[28:46] Shannon and her new husband created their first homestead in Vermont but were still in search of their perfect farm.

[37:07] After two years of work remodeling their 1800's home, it was featured in This Old House Magazine, and then ended up as a pile of ashes.

For pictures and additional show notes, visit EverBetterU.com.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ever Better

Discover What's Next Coaching

[email protected]

Grounded Women

Red Wiggler Community Farm

Cassie Parks is a writer, entrepreneur, podcast host, and coach who discusses how to manifest more money and the importance of rewarding yourself when you've been successful. She also discusses the power of getting to know your future self.

Cassie was able to retire early from her corporate position by investing in real estate. She capitalized on her entrepreneurial spirit by writing books, manifesting good things into her life, and into the lives of her coaching clients. From her beautiful Denver apartment (view shown below), she hosts two podcasts: Manifest it Now and Happily Ever After. Cassie's life motto is , "You are worthy of living the best story you can tell."

Key Takeaways:

[4:14] How Cassie became a writer, podcaster, and coach.

[6:27] Cassie had a corporate job, but has always been an entrepreneur at heart.

[9:44] Her coaching practice helps entrepreneurs welcome money into their lives.

[11:15] Manifest $10,000 is a course that helps clients have fun with money.

[18:32] 50 Days into the Manifest $10,000 course, a client manifested $20,000.

[19:40] Cassie defines what it means to manifest, and common blocks to manifesting.

[23:44] Getting to know your future self.

[26:33] A business success story.

[33:08] The thread that runs through Cassie's life.

Contact Lisa: [email protected]

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ever Better

Discover What's Next Coaching

Manifest it Now Podcast

Happy Ever After Podcast

@spiraluptoday is Cassie Parks on Twitter

Pay After You Manifest

This episode looks into the power of persistence, and how it leads to greater impact.

Don't let adverse conditions stop you from cultivating your skills and talents. Celebrate even a little bit of progress every day! Know that it takes continual effort and belief in your intentions to achieve significant accomplishments.

In this podcast, I share examples of today's female icons contrasted with the amazing efforts of women from the 1800's whose steady work and scientific breakthroughs are largely unrecognized. Later in the podcast, we hear how Conner Vogt is continuing his musical progress that started with trumpet lessons at school, through creating beats.

Key Takeaways:

[1:24] Remarkable Creatures tells the tale of persistence and consistency.

[3:19] Looking more deeply into Tracy Chevalier's piece of historical fiction.

[6:57] The Ever Better Podcast includes the theme of persistently and consistently building skills.

[7:34] Tasia Valenza stepped away from the superficial and into the impactful.

[8:41] Dr. Debbie Norris chose mindfulness as her path.

[9:35] The Ever Better Podcast, Discover What's Next Coaching, and My Little Bird.

[10:40] Cultivating skills that will lead to something impactful.

[12:07] Beats by Conner Vogt.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ever Better

Discover What's Next Coaching

[email protected]

Ever Better Podcast EP14 with Tasia Valenza

Ever Better Podcast EP43 with Debbie Norris

My Little Bird

Robert Sharpe is an inspiring and optimistic man who brings out the best in people. His live radio show, Bringing Inspiration to Earth is filled with inspirational triumphs from people who have overcome adversity. Robert has written two e-books, he interprets dreams, and works as a ghost writer. He reminds us that opportunity comes in many different forms, and to explore ideas to find hidden treasures lurking in the unfamiliar.

If you are ready to make a life transition, but are not sure where to start, my Discover What's Next Coaching Program can help you create a more fulfilling life.

Listen to my conversation to hear Robert discuss:

• Becoming self-aware
• Discovering opportunities that hold unseen gifts
• His first book, Joy Potential
• Recognizing opportunity to experience and create your own joy
• The part that positivity plays in your experiences
• Overcoming negativity
• His transition from the corporate banking world to the restaurant industry to becoming an author and host of Bite Radio - (Bring Inspiration to Earth)
• The challenges of doing a live, daily radio show
• The themes of inspiring people, spirituality and self-help, children's literature, and environmental awareness on his show
• The "little bit at a time" philosophy
• Using a perception change to improve your job/career outlook
• His second book, It's No Secret, Spirituality Bites
• Identifying the needs of difficult people
• Writing books and journaling as a means of therapy
• Journaling to plant "the seeds of inspiration"
• The gift of gratitude as it minimizing struggles
• Writing two new books simultaneously
• • Being a caregiver and the struggles of coping as a caregiver
  • Science Fiction - dream interpretation
• Recommended books:

  Dream Sight: A Dictionary and Guide for Interpreting Any Dream, by Michael Lennox

  Dreams 1,2,3, by J.M. DeBord

Quotes from Robert:

"It's the ripple effect. If you change one person's life then, everyone who their life touches, changes as well."

"Awareness is where it all begins."

"Talking to people, hearing their stories, finding out what they did, really helped me raise my awareness of their challenges."

"Life is all about relationships."

Contact Robert:

Website: Bite Radio

Facebook: Robert Sharpe @RPSharpe

Linkedin: Robert Sharpe

Book: Joy Potential

Contact Lisa: [email protected]

Work with Lisa: EverBetterU.com/WorkWithMe

This solo episode is about the importance of taking the first step, from Ever Better Podcast host, Lisa Conners Vogt.

Do you ever go through this thought process? "I should try this. I might be good at it. But then again, I might be a total failure."

"It seems like this would be fun. I'll meet new people who do interesting things. I'll have a more interesting social life. But then again, maybe I won't fit in. Maybe I'll feel out of place."

"I'm sure I can figure out how to do that. My friends will be so proud! They'll say 'Look what you're doing! How awesome!' But what if I try it and fail? They'll laugh and say 'I told you so.'"

"There are so many things to think about. What would I do first? This is way too complicated. I don't know where to start. I'll think about this again next week."

And so it goes. You put off, yet again, that project that deep down, really interests you and could change your life.

Does any of that sound familiar? People go through this all the time when they're thinking about starting a new project or taking on something new.

The gym tailspin

Are you thinking about joining a gym? I listened to a friend work through a series of questions that stopped her from actually taking the first step of even visiting a gym.

She was caught in a tailspin wondering…

"What gym should I go to?"

"What are people wearing to the gym these days?"

"Do I have to get new clothes? What about sneakers?" "I'm sure I don't have the right sneakers or workout clothes. Whew! That's a lot of shopping!"

"I don't look as good in yoga pants as those women do. Is there another option?!"

"If I join a gym, what will I do there? I haven't used any of that equipment in years. It's probably all different."

"Will I do classes? What's Zumba? What's Pilates?"

"I'd probably be one of those people who pay the monthly fee all year and never show up."

"When would I go? I'm too busy already!"

Does this sound at all like your thought processes? Are you in the same tailspin about the gym or something else? It could be about taking a college class, playing a musical instrument, finding a new job, starting a business, trying online dating, or creating a blog.

Each of these ventures involves a lot of steps if you stop to break them down. But if you do that, you risk getting caught up in a million details and never taking the first tangible step that will lead to another step, and another.

Don't get me wrong. I truly believe in project management and have practiced it throughout my career. When you're working for someone else, you need to establish a start date and an end date, a project budget and think through anything that might derail a project.

However, if it's a personal project that will stretch you physically, socially, and creatively, you don't need to know every little step in advance.

You don't need to know exactly where you're headed or even how you'll get there. Once you get started, if you like what you're doing, you'll find your way. Tim takes the first step

About 18 months ago, my husband Tim, who has always worked out, wasn't as fit as he used to be and wanted to improve his cardio fitness.

A few of his friends at work were running, as was his brother, and two of my brothers. And in our area, you can't drive down the street without passing a group of runners, regardless of the weather.

So Tim thought about running. He did A LOT of reading online and talked to others who ran.

Our chiropractor suggested that he start very slowly with short distances and to not worry about speed. He suggested mixing walking and jogging to let his body adjust to the new workout.

One day, Tim was ready. He stopped researching and decided to start running.

He started by doing a circuit through our neighborhood of about one mile. He ran and walked and ran and walked.

His first time out was more walking than running. And so was his second and third.

He wore the same clothes he had been wearing to the gym. He didn't buy special sneakers. He just went with what he had. And he kept at it.

The first time he ran through the whole neighborhood without stopping was a big milestone! And then he added a second loop and was eventually able to run two times around without stopping.

Soon, he felt strong enough to venture outside of the neighborhood. His running wardrobe grew. He bought new shorts and a few shirts. Several said "Run" on them. I think they might have given him an extra dose of confidence.

It got cold and he got a hat and gloves and running tights. And then, about 15 months in, he signed up for a 10K, which is 6.2 miles. He hadn't run that far yet, but he was getting closer to that distance every week, and now he had a new goal.

The week before the race he ran 6 ½ miles - .2 miles further than the course distance.

On race day he ran with 22 thousand others over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Annapolis, MD to Kent Island. That was a great milestone!

This past Christmas, Tim got a special watch to track his miles, his times, his calories, and who knows what else! And now, he's up to 8 miles.

Because he started slowly and adjusted, he's never been injured and he's continuing to build his distance and speed. His new goal is a half marathon. And, I know he'll get there eventually.

When I look back on this running journey that he's been on, I'd have to say that his biggest milestone was taking the first step out the door. It didn't matter that he wasn't ready to run the neighborhood loop yet. The important thing is that he got started.

He didn't have the right sneakers, shorts, shirts, watch, hat, gloves, or socks. But over time, he figured out what he needed and slowly built up his running gear.

When he started he didn't know he would do the Chesapeake Bay 10K. I kept asking him about doing 5Ks and he would say, "No, that's not for me. I'm just doing it for the health benefits." But one day, it was for him but in a bigger way! He skipped right over the 5K and went directly to the 10K!

He didn't get caught up in figuring out all the details before he got started. He consulted with a doctor and then he stepped outside and TOOK the first step!

I mean, he LITERALLY TOOK THE FIRST STEP!

As Martin Luther King, Jr. said: "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."

That's what Tim did and that's what I did when I wrote this podcast.

The first step for this podcast episode

If you're familiar with my podcasts, you'll know that I'm not afraid to jump into new projects or subjects, but writing a solo show isn't something that I do regularly. But, it's something that I want to do more of in 2017.

This one took me more weeks that it should have to get started. I've been creating a list of topics, but I always found something to do other than sit down and actually write.

The first step wasn't deciding that I wanted to do a solo show, or even making that list of topics. That part was easy. My first step, my first REAL step towards making this happen, was scheduling it on my calendar. Because when I put something on my calendar – I get it done!

And for this step, I have to thank Sarah Shaw, my friend and guest from Ever Better Podcast 37. Sarah helps entrepreneurs market their products and specializes in celebrity placements. She holds group coaching calls for her clients so that they can learn from each other's questions and from her coaching.

I recently participated in one of her calls and a client asked about the best way of planning for a trade show. Sarah talked about the importance scheduling to the level of detail that helps you get to where you need to be. She explained that one of her clients even schedules when she's going to do laundry.

Scheduling laundry! What?! That was a lightbulb moment for me.

I'm a big calendar person. Discussions with my podcasts guests are scheduled well in advance and guests get automated reminders in the days before our discussion. I schedule my Pilates and Spin classes and my work days revolve around my calendar. So why didn't I schedule the time to write a solo podcast?

If I'm going to be my own podcast guest, why not set it up on my calendar so that I get my own automated reminders?! So that's what I did! My first step in creating this episode was scheduling time for myself to write.

The cool part about my "aha" moment from Sarah is that she has a signature saying: When in doubt, take the next step."

Sarah says that if you've taken the first step and you've started on a journey, don't allow yourself to get stuck! It might not be the perfect next step, but if you take it, you'll continue to move forward.

And I'm telling you today that if you take the first step, and then the next step, eventually you'll find that you're ready to run a 10K, or write a 10th podcast episode, or take your 10th Pilates class, or whatever else you're thinking about doing.

A first step you can take now

If your calendar is in your phone or your purse, take it out. If it's hanging on your wall or on your refrigerator, walk over to it.

Write down when and where you'll take your next step. After that, schedule your next step. And your next. And before you know it – you'll be off and running. Don't get sidetracked by thoughts about what others might think and whether you'll fail. Who cares what anyone else thinks! You're doing this for you! And, you'll be better off for it.

I'd love to hear about how you took your first step to get on your way! Visit the Ever Better Facebook Group and share your first step story to help motivate others.

Discover What's Next

If you've taken the first step and you could use some help reaching a larger goal, or if you're having a hard time getting started, check out my Discover What's Next coaching program. Or, send me an email at [email protected] to learn more about how we can work together.

I'm putting together a Discover What's Next Workshop in the D.C. area in March. Let me know if you'd like to get more information by sending me an email.

Wendy Baird is a singer, speaker, Reiki Master, Music Director, and mother whose son is a gainfully employed college graduate! She is the President and Creative Director at Insight 180, a brand consulting and design company in Ellicott City, MD. For over fifteen years, Wendy and her team have helped organizations "that sell the invisible" discover what makes them different and bring those unique characteristics to life through creative brand strategy, messaging and visuals.

Wendy has been through some major transitions in the past year. About six months ago, her office was destroyed by historic flooding in Ellicott City, MD. For days, she wasn't even allowed to enter the building and when she did, she found that almost everything had to be thrown away. But with some help from friends and the community, Wendy and her team persevered. And they are now creating plans for a new location and ways to show gratitude to everyone who rallied around her and other businesses in Ellicott City.

Wendy shares the practices she uses to embrace gratitude and calm her mind during difficult circumstances. She also describes how she heals others through transferred energy, and her family's growing musical legacy. Listen to my conversation to hear Wendy discuss:

• How singing helps with public speaking
• Her 17 years at Insight 180 and helping people to discover their unique brand messaging and visual identity
• Insight 180 client, Deborah Owens, President of Corporate Alley Cat
• How and why she decided to become a master practitioner of Reiki
• How interests and talents develop and evolve as an adult
• Her experience as a business owner during the flood in Ellicott City, MD
• The positive effects of the flood
• The power of love and support in her community
• Changing your perspective by thinking about an event "happening for you" rather than it "happening to you."
• Being prepared for emergencies
• The Conscious Capitalism Movement - doing well by doing good.
• Finding the balance, beauty, and harmony in the little things
• Radical self-care and the benefits of meditating
• Changing your approach to life and finding your center
• Some of the difficulties in leading an intentional and mindful life 24/7
• How meditation awakens and how to focus on gratitude
• How to start meditating
• Camp Good Life Project - where Wendy and Lisa met!
• Recommended Reading and Podcasts:
  • Brené Brown
  • The Endless Practice
  • Malcom Gladwell
  • Krista Tippett
  • Firms of Endearment
  • Conscious Capitalism

Quotes from Wendy: "Being able to help bring someone else's vision to life is so exciting." On Reiki: "It's all about intention and love and passing energy through." "Reframing a tragedy from 'this happened to me,' to 'this happened for me.'"

"I always say that love is a thread through everything." "Nothing delights me more than helping a company find their true brand, and to see them shine and provide so much value that they're having a greater impact on their community." "For me, bringing harmony, order, and balance to projects, to all areas of my life….that's a really important thread." "I usually meditate first thing in the morning. I try to do it for at least 10 minutes or sometimes longer." "I just find that when I'm really busy or stressing out, that just taking a moment to take a deep breath, or two or three, is incredibly grounding." "Start here, now." "People used to come to us to make them look like someone else. They would say, 'I want to look like that..or be like that.' I love helping to uncover or reveal their true brand. Now people are understanding how important it is to be different." "Be the best you, you can be. Authentically you."

Contact Wendy:

Website: www.insight180.com

Facebook: Insight 180

Twitter: @insight180

Linkedin: Wendy Baird

Contact Lisa: [email protected]