Ever Better Today

Pam Slim has a passion and talent for building intentional communities and helping small businesses grow. She is an award-winning author, speaker, business strategist and coach. Her best selling books Escape From Cubicle Nation and Body of Work have helped entrepreneurs and thought leaders around the world are favorites of mine!

Her belief that we can enjoy our lives and ensure economic well-being for all, were instrumental in creating K'é, a small business, community space in downtown Mesa, Arizona, where she conducts classes, hosts networking events, and creates virtual programs. Pam lives with her husband Darryl, their two children, and three dogs. Darryl's Navajo heritage has fueled Pam's appreciation and love of Native American culture. In fact, K'é, means "kinship" in the Diné culture.

Listen to the podcast to hear Pam talk about:

• Her years of travel and adventure before getting married and having children, including being an exchange student in Switzerland
• A life full of doing the work she loves, chasing kids and dogs, time at the soccer field, traveling, having a connected family, and "living a pretty chill life"'
• Growing up in Sana Soma, California across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco
• Meeting her husband, Darryl, at a traditional Navajo prayer ceremony while on a trip to Arizona with her friend Peter Bratt (Benjamin Bratt's brother)
• Learning and teaching Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art
• The contrast between Pam's childhood in California while Darryl grew up on the Diné (Navajo) reservation herding sheep
• Speaking and hanging out at Camp Good Life Project (GLP) and asking, "We are at Camp Iroquois, but where are the Iroquois people?" Being married to a Native American has caused Pam to be much more aware of places and events that lack a native presence.
• In our day- to-day lives, when we are looking at our neighborhoods, walking down Main Street, or thinking about our business and customers we should be asking "Who is here?" and really celebrate that, and then ask 'Who is not here?', and "Why are they not here?
• Pam's delivered a powerful message of connectedness and community-building at Camp GLP that set off a chain events honoring a Navajo prayer. During the Saturday night talent show, Pam's children recited a Navajo prayer on video, while campers played Native American flutes. The next morning, Emiliya Zhivotoskaya lead a group in an IntenSati workout while reciting the prayer. You can watch the video here and a picture is below. (I'm in the middle of the group - well hidden!) And the chain continues! I recite the prayer at the end of this podcast.
• Escape From Cubicle Nation, Pam's first book.
• Body of Work, Pam's second book that helps people to see the thread that runs through their life and work.
• Pam's "unbook tour" across 25 cities to talk to her community of people, her faithful readers, about trying and testing ideas and seeing what really worked. That tour took her to Fargo, ND where she was inspiried by people working together in such unified, passionate way. To learn more about what's happening in Fargo, listen to Podcast 031, featuring Greg Tehven.
• "Driving kindness" throughout Fargo and creating an open, welcoming environment.
• Pam's daughter interviewed the mayor of Fargo for a school project. She asked, "What do you want people to know about Fargo?" He responded, "I want Fargo to be welcoming for others that come here, If people come here from other countries, they are refugees, they can come here, they can feel safe. They can sit down and have hot chocolate together."
• Opening a small business idea and community incubator in downtown Mesa (126 W. Main Street, Mesa, AZ)
• Beware of advice like "Just do it." or "Jump and the net will appear." Be realistic about your financial situation and responsibilities and be thoughtful about each step you take.
• Crowdfunding the development of K'é through an Indie Go Go campaign that raised $40,000 in 3 days with the help of Infusionsoft, Go Daddy, and Tuft & Needle.
• Getting help from Clay Herbert to structure the campaign.
• The building's rich history running back to the days of prohibition when alcohol was smuggled through the basement. Pam and crew transformed it from a photography space with windows painted black, to a bright, colorful space decorated with murals, some painted by Darryl's son, Jeffrey.

Quotes from Pam:

"A passion area for me is building community and being very intentional about community. Thinking about who are we including? And who are we not including in our communities? Who feels welcome?"

"We can see work in an amazingly transformative way. We can enjoy our lives and also really ensure economic well-being for all. You really have to know that just driving good business is something that can also drive what every family needs in order to sustain themselves."

"I love to write snappy things and I always want my books to read well but I really need to make sure that what I say works and I have evidence."

"The feeling that I want to have in this space is one where everyone is welcome, where we have inter-dependence and inter-connectedness. As humans we ARE all related."

Contact Pam:

pamelaslim.comFacebook: KeInMesa Twitter: @PamSlim

Contact Lisa: [email protected] Twitter: @EverBetterU

Jessie Newburn is a Gen Xer who has embraced the gig economy! Sometimes it seems like all eyes are on millenials and baby boomers, but Jessie and I bring the conversation back to what it was like coming of age for those of us born in the 60s.

Jessie shares stories about living a gig economy life, the themes of community that her home, Columbia, MD were built on, and some of her most memorable Uber passengers. She gives us a glimpse into the Burning Man Festival, which she attends each year. The festival is a 9-day gathering of 70,000+ people in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada.

For this discussion's purposes, I'll define the gig economy as "making a living through a series of jobs or through multiple on-going gigs. Some might be for a corporation, and some might be as an entrepreneur. In Jessie's case, she's got five or six income generating activities that include driving for Uber and sharing her experiences with the world through her e-book, The Uber Chronicles.

You can find Jessie's e-book on Amazon. The Uber Chronicles

Contact Lisa: [email protected]

This week's Ever Better Podcast is a journal episode that features discussions with three women who play a behind the scenes role in movies and television shows. Each of them uses their talents, skills, and experience to make a difference to the people that they work with. And as you'll hear, each one has a very positive influence on the communities they are involved with.

These women are Tasia Valenza, my guest on Episode 014, Lori Hart, from Episode 030, and Sarah Shaw, from Episode 037.

TASIA VALENZA

Tasia ValenzaTasia is one of the most successful voice over artists in the country and calls herself "a recovering actress." If you watched All My Children in the 80s, you'll know Tasia from one of her earliest roles as the Emmy nominated actress who played the beautiful and manipulative Dottie Thornton.

If you watch Disney's animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, you'll know her as the wise Jedi Shaak Ti. She also does voice overs for the Hallmark Channel, and plays Femme Fatale, Poison Ivy in the Arkham Trilogy video games.

Tasia also uses her voice in ways that most people are not aware of. She literally donates her voice to Vocal ID and is passionate about helping others to speak most effectively in a range of interactions. She gives talks and workshops about what she calls "Giving Great Voice."

Through her work with Vocal ID, Tasia literally donated her voice to people who speak through computerized voices – think - Stephen Hawking. So, there are actually people out in the world who are communicating using Tasia's donated voice. If this is something that interests you, Vocal ID is always looking for more voices.

LORI HART

Lori HartLori Hart is a beauty specialist who uses non-invasive procedures to help women and men transform from the inside out. Early in her career, she did makeup for Playboy photo shoots. Many of the models she worked with were having plastic surgery, and she decided to do it too! She went in for liposuction, expecting a minor procedure that would leave her thinner and happier. Instead, she woke up with unexpected scars and digestive issues that have worsened over the years. That left her with the mission to use her talents to make the most of each person's natural beauty.

She's worked with Laura Dern, Charlize Theron, Marielle Hemingway and Timothy Dalton to name a few. So, when you see a women or man of a certain age on the red carpet, who looks natural and glowing, chances are, that person knows Lori Hart.

Lori explained to me that she no longer works on movie sets. Actors visit her to get their makeup and bring it to the set. Listen to the podcast to hear what happened when Donald Sutherland paid her a visit…

SARAH SHAW

Sarah ShawSarah Shaw, my guest on episode 38, began her entrepreneurial career by making handbags at her home. She was working as a costume supervisor in Hollywood and wanted to create something using her own design. She built a multi-million dollar business designing and selling handbags that have been owned by Live Tyler, Julia Roberts, and Kristin Davis. But after the events of 9-11 she lost everything. Her investors pulled out and she lost the company, including the right to use her own name on future products.

But Sarah never gave up. She says "When in doubt, take the next step." Sarah's next step was to design and patent a closet organizer for handbags. Running the company out of her garage, she sold over $500,000 in the first two years. She then founded Sarah Shaw Consulting to work with entrepreneurs to help position and sell their products. Sarah and her team help with product development, public relations, celebrity endorsements, and building sales. She specializes in getting her client's products to some of the biggest names in Hollywood, such as Betty White, Allison Janney, Lynda Carter, and Madonna. This is a win-win situation for the business owners who want their products to be seen, and the celebrities who appreciate a beautiful or clever item.

So, next time you watch tv or a movie, check out the outfits, and the items strategically placed on a table. Sarah Shaw just may be the hidden element behind these product placements.

I was introduced to Sarah through my 4th podcast guest, Connie Inukai. Connie is a retired professor turned inventor who has been working with Sarah to market her product, the Tip n' Split. And that's where Madonna and Lynda Carter come in…

CLOSING

I hope you enjoyed hearing from Tasia, Lori, and Sarah – three remarkable women whose stories I'm proud to highlight, since so many of their contributions are behind the scenes! Here is a challenge for today…As you go throughout the rest of your day take a look around and think about all the people and the activity involved in making your life easier.

If you'd like to share your thoughts about this or other podcast episodes, please send me a note at [email protected].

Pam Felix has created a life full of laughter for herself, her family, her customers and employees. She's the founder of the D.C. Improv, a comedy club, and California Tortilla, a casual restaurant that services Mexican re-imagined. Pam says that her businesses are built on having fun and given that California Tortilla has grown into a successful franchise with over 50 locations, Pam's clearly onto something.

Pam joined me to discuss how and why she became an entrepreneur, how she balances her family life as the mother of two children, and offers advice for aspiring business owners.

Her journey as an entrepreneur has taken Pam from coast to coast and from dream to dream. She graduated from the University of Buffalo in the 80's and then moved to California with the intention of heading to law school, only to find herself on a very different path. Pam and her husband live in Washington D.C. with their two sons.

In this discussion, Pam shares her wisdom for creating a franchise, her understanding of the connection between laughter and quality customer service, the routines that keep her centered, and the absolute importance of entrepreneurs loving what they do. Listen to the podcast to hear Pam discuss:

• The similarities between comedy clubs and restaurants
• Opening the first California Tortilla restaurant in Bethesda, Maryland in 1995 with her friend, Alan
• The shocking law school "recommendation" from a college professor that shocked her into taking a different path
• How working in San Diego changed the direction of her life
• Progressing from waitress, to manager, to owner of multiple comedy clubs
• Finding motivation and direction in a Mexican restaurant on Long Island
• Learning what makes people laugh at the Improv and baking those lessons to California Tortilla
• Why the focus on laughter, light heartedness, and fun have created a culture where employees thrive in and customers love to return to
• Wacky attention-getting ideas like a sign that read "Over a Billion Bowls of Chili Sold" on the second day CalTort was open; getting burrito ideas from customers and using stickers with their pictures on the wrappers; having customers spin a giant wheel to win free stuff
• Increased regulations in Washington, D.C. that make starting a brick and mortar business difficult
• How high rents and a high minimum wage affect small businesses
• Creating a franchise with 50 locations while keeping the culture and consistency
• Returning from the franchise headquarters to the store because Pam missed the fun there!
• Surrounding yourself with great people
• Empowering employees to make customers happy and management easier
• Taking a day off alone to visit Mount Vernon
• Reading the Washington Post at 5 a.m. each day in her favorite char
• Joel Stein's column in Newsweek
• Her husband's ability to put things into perspective
• The importance of loving what you do!

Quotes from Pam:

"We went back to the restaurant. We were both so happy to get back in the restaurant and just kind of get our hands dirty. It was so much more fulfilling, so gratifying."

"It is so important to empower your employees to make your customers happy. If they want to give away a burrito because they made a mistake, they don't have to call me.

Sarah Shaw works with entrepreneurs to help get their products into the hands of celebrities, in the media, and out into the public.

Sarah is connected to Ever Better through a previous podcast guest, the amazing Connie Inukai, who is working with Sarah to market her Tip n' Split, a device created for use in restaurants. Connie is a retired professor turned inventor who is thoroughly embracing her second act! Thanks to Sarah, the Tip n' Split is now owned by Madonna, Betty White, and Lynda Carter and will soon be featured in 2016 holiday gift guides.

Sarah began her career as a costume supervisor in Hollywood, before stepping out of her comfort zone and becoming a designer for the stars. She built a multi-million dollar business designing and selling handbags that have been owned by Liv Tyler, Julia Roberts, and Kristin Davis. But after the events of 9-11 she lost it all. Her investors pulled out and she lost the company, including the right to use her own name on future products. But Sarah never gave up. She says "When in doubt, take the next step."

Sarah's next step was to design and patent a closet organizer for handbags. Running the company out of her garage, she sold over $500,000 in the first two years. She then founded Sarah Shaw Consulting to work with entrepreneurs to help position and sell their products. Sarah and her team help with product development, store placements, public relations, celebrity endorsements, and building sales. She specializes in getting her client's products to some of the biggest names in Hollywood, such as Betty White, Allison Janney, Lynda Carter, and Madonna.

Listen to the podcast to hear Sarah discuss:

• Creating her first handbag and overcoming her fear of showing it in public
• The events that transpired when Sarah carried her handbag for the first time
• A chance encounter with a department store buyer, giving her the courage to continue on her journey of starting her own business
• The friend who gave her the kick in pants that she needed to get started
• Making handbags at her dining room table
• Growing her company over that million dollar mark
• Selling her products in over 1,200 boutiques and most department stores, including Saks, Neiman's, and Barney's
• The main reasons people are afraid to share their product ideas:
  • Fear of someone stealing or copying the design
  • Fear of rejection
• Getting her bags into the hands of celebrities
• Liv Tyler shown in Style Magazine and Kristin Davis in US Weekly with one of her handbags
• Handbag placements in movies, Legally Blonde and America's Sweethearts and with Julia Roberts in Ocean's Eleven
• Making a comeback after losing her company and the rights to her name
• The support and encouragement she received from her father to continue with her career
• Carrying on family tradition as a 4th generation entrepreneur
• Her grandfather was a factor who lent money in exchange for a fee, a common practice in the fashion industry
• Both her grandmothers working in the fashion industry with celebrity clients
• Creating and patenting a closet organizer for handbags
• Being encouraged to teach others to create and market products
• Learning from other people all the time including coaches, mentors, assistants, web designers, graphics designer, everyone on your team
• Working with inventor, Connie Inukai, the fourth Ever Better podcast guest. You can listen to her here!
• Studying the marketing practices of large companies and emulating what they do well, in your own voice
• Working with a diverse group of other clients, such as:
  • Stiletto Coffee
  • Afropolitian Boutique Store
  • Cheeky n' Charming
  • Vertere Skin Care
  • Say Hello to the World
• Launching an affiliate program to help market Sarah Shaw Consulting's DIY programs

Quotes from Sarah:

"When in doubt, take the next step!"

"I want to teach my children that when you get money you need to spread it around, whether it's donating a portion to a charity, or sharing it through a celebration."

"When you don't know how to do something, you can choose to stay stuck and stay where you are, or you can choose to take that next little step, even it that step is only a millimeter."

"I'd love to encourage everyone that if they have a dream they should follow it."

"Sometimes meeting somebody and asking how to get started, or how something works, or what the first step is, can really change your life and make it a life that you really love."

Contact Sarah: SarahShawConsulting.com

Contact Lisa: [email protected]

Deborah Owens founded Corporate Alley Cat to provide a safe space where people of color can discuss and address challenging situations. It's a destination and a community that offers tools, strategies, and access to experts who offer individual coaching.

While working as a corporate manager, Deb found herself challenged by a boss who seemed to be discriminating against her. She wasn't comfortable sharing the situation with her peers and wasn't exactly sure what to do. She attempted to directly address it with her supervisor but got no response. After several months, she reported her dilemma to the president of the company and was able to finally get resolution.

Racism silences many. People fear the repercussions of speaking out in the work place. Deb chose not to be silent, she chose not to give into fear. Her motto, "Sometimes you got to get scrappy!" did not let her down. She used encounters with a boss who marginalized her as an opportunity to speak out, to change the culture in that company, and then go on to found an organization that invites others to do the same.

In our discussion, Deb explains the steps she took to make a difference in her life and the lives of others. She says, "I think the world will be a better place when people are fulfilled, are able to give back, and able to be fully who they are."

Listen to the podcast to hear Deb discuss:

• Why she founded Corporate Alley Cat and the steps she took to get there
• Challenges facing a person of color in the corporate world
• The importance of sharing our stories
• Playing the race card - it's not common...
• Dealing with passive aggressive behavior and perceived racism
• Documenting her experiences and why this is important when faced with a challenge
• Refusing to speak out can mean that your career is "over in place"

• Becoming a diversity inclusion advocate and working to change the attitudes in her company allowed her to be a productive and high performing
• Knowing you don't have to quit, you don't have to be miserable, and you don't have to compromise who you are
• The steep learning curve involved in starting your own business
• The thrill of waking up each day excited about her work and contributions
• Working with Insight 180 to refine the Corporate Alley Cat brand and develop the website
• Investing in the early stages of your business to work with the best people you can
• Having a huge number of supporters - enough to fill the Verizon Center!
• Sharing the wisdom you gain with others
• Why sometimes it is not about fighting, it's about honoring who you are, and holding yourself and others accountable
• Why interviewees should ask how companies are achieving diversity and inclusion
• How everyone can benefit from Corporate Alley Cat - you don't have to be a person of color!
• Video workshops offering career advice. See video below!
• Managing your career before, during, and after performance reviews
• Bias, and how it can show up in the performance review process and how to address it
• Deb's inspiring parents! The pride of watching her parents continue to learn new things, be engaged with people and issues, travel, talk to people, and being committed to doing their very best work Being taught at a very young age by her parents that one person can make a difference

Quotes from Deb:

"My vision is to change the corporate experiences for people of color, one person at a time."

"I would not be one of those people who just quit and quietly go away. I just didn't feel that it was right, for anybody."

"When you use your voice and ask for what you want, and what you need, and what is right, oftentimes, you'll get it."

"I could fill the Verizon Center with the people who I rely on for support. I mean, I don't do this alone."

"Sometimes you got to get scrappy!"

"It might be a little uncomfortable but we're all big kids here. We can handle it. But it's got to change!"

"The reason that we are focusing on being proactive is because if you're proactive then these situations don't have to escalate."

"I don't want to be retired, because my role models aren't retired. I want to be able to live my life in a way that allows me to make a positive change in this world."

"There are going to be some rough patches but you'll get through it. I think we will see that this world will be a better place when people are fulfilled, and are able to give back, and they're able to be fully who they are."

Learn More: CorporateAlleyCat.com

Contact Lisa: [email protected]

More information abot working with Lisa: www.EverBetterU.com

After breaking both her arms in a bicycling accident, Meg Daly was forced to explore Miami without a car - Something that Miami is not designed for!

One day, while walking in the shade under Metrorail, she envisioned a safe, beautiful space for walking, biking, and gathering. Her vision is being realized as The Underline, a 10 mile linear park, urban trail, and living art destination that will link to other trails in the Miami area.

Step-by-step Meg has assembled an army of almost 1,000 volunteers and has attracted government, foundation, and private partners. She now feels connected to her city and community in ways that she never thought possible, and is leading Miami to a better future!

Meg has lived in Miami for most of her life and has been married for 30 years to John, an entrepreneur, composer and former Olympic butterfly swimmer. They have two children who live in New York City. Meg leads The Underline project full-time (for free) and is exhilarated by the energy and expertise of her volunteers and the community members who are getting involved!

During our discussion, Meg shares ideas for getting an idea activated and explains how she got traction with the Underline. She also shares her thoughts on:

• Living in Miami, which is the fourth most dangerous place to walk in the country
• Building cities for people not cars and returning to mobility solutions other than cars
• Creating spaces where people 'collide' and ideas are shared
• Features that include benches, water fountains, garbage receptacles, native vegetation, nature play areas, dog parks, outdoor living rooms for congregating and conversations, picnic areas, scenic overlooks, art, birding areas and exercise zones
• Shaping the Underline based on community input
• Support from University of Miami, the County Parks Department, the Transit Department,Swire Properties, the Knight Foundation
• Surrounding herself with experts in urban planning, landscape design, and interacting with the local political system
• The Highline in New York City, the Atlanta BeltLine, and how they have positively changed their communities
• The Public Space Challenge: How the Underline got it's start and other Miami projects can as well. Submit your idea to get started!
• Gaining public awareness and adoption through Pokémon Go and monthly bike rides
• The Under Lounge event that will feature the world's longest putting green, a two hundred foot chalk mandala, three bands, and a Marlin's batting cage
• Studying design of public spaces in Copenhagen thanks to the Knight Foundation
• In-kind donations and pro bono services that are critical to success such as office space, legal, accounting, marketing and architecture
• The commitment of board members,
• Remarkable people Meg interacts with including her parents, husband and children
• The Crowdsourceress, a book about crowd funding written by Alex Daly, Meg's daughter

Quotes from Meg

"Every idea is a good idea; it can get better, so be willing to shape it. Don't be rigid, be flexible. Never lose your vision. Dream big, because people always try to chip away at your idea and make it smaller. Don't get discouraged, but be realistic."

"Surround yourself with people who know more than you do and HAVE FUN! If you're not having fun don't do it."

"This is probably the most fun I've ever had in my life and I feel like everything I've done in my past has brought me to this moment."

"I'm deeply entrenched and invested in the city now."

"You're pushing a rock uphill and you're doing all the work. And then you get to a tipping point where you've got this momentum and then it goes over the top and the momentum comes in the shape of other people coming up with great ideas and other people bringing their expertise to the table. "

Learn More

Visit: TheUnderline.org

Twitter

Facebook

email Meg directly at [email protected]

Order Meg's favorite book, written by her daughter!

The Crowdsourceress, by Alex Daly

Contact me

I love to hear from listeners! You can reach me directly at [email protected].

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton has represented Washington, D.C. for 25 years, but her responsibilities are different than those of other representatives.

Because Washington, D.C. is not a state, she doesn't have a vote on the House floor. This would seem to make her job more challenging than it is for other representatives but she has risen above this limitation time and again, finding creative ways to demonstrate the importance of legislation that matters most to her district. She shares some of those stories in our discussion.

Congresswoman Norton was born and raised in D.C. during a time when schools and restaurants were segregated. She was one of the only African-American women at Antioch College, one of the only women at Yale law school, and she has fought for civil rights throughout her life. She is inspired by stories about her great-grandfather – a slave who escaped to D.C. and was able to thrive as the capital city grew. She is a loving mother and grandmother who describes herself as a "type A – oldest child."

Listen to the podcast to hear Congresswomen Norton discuss:

• Why D.C. residents pay the highest Federal taxes per capita, but have no vote in the House or Senate
• The complicated legislative process that must happen in order for D.C. to become a state and gain full representation in Congress. How the National Rifle Association (NRA) was able to stop that process in 2009.
• The notion that the first born comes into the world and doesn't have role models, so she strikes out on her own. (Hint: Eleanor was first born!)
• Encouraging young women to look at others who have achieved great things such as Harriet Tubman. See the link to her biography below.
• Eleanor's biography,"Fire in my Soul," that tells the story of how her great-grandfather, Richard Holmes, escaped from slavery and thrived in Washington, D.C.
• How Richard Holmes avoided being captured and how that taught Eleanor the value of thinking and planning ahead
• Civil Rights progress and the work that remains
• Legislation championed by the bipartisan Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus
• The Able Act which helps disabled people to engage in banking and saving, and helps move them toward independence
• Founding the Caucus on Black Men and Boys with Representative Danny Davis and bringing Trayvon Martin's parents to the Hill to testify
• The connection between the loss of stable manufacturing jobs and the breakdown of the family in African-American communities
• The effect of 70% of children in African-American communities being raised by a single mother
• Her thoughts on the first African-American President and the possibility of the first women President of the United States
• Ways to effect change even when your political party is not in power
• Cultivating a relationship, a friendship really, with the Republican Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, and how that kept D.C. open during government shutdowns
• Revitalizing areas of D.C. in ways that don't displace residents
• Getting in exercise during her busy day
• The joys of spending time with her grandsons
• Enjoying D.C.'s green spaces including Theodore Roosevelt Island, Rock Creek Park, The Mall, Dupont Park, and Kenilworth Park
• Lunchtime Music on the Mall, an initiative to encourage Federal employees and others to use the Mall during the day

Quotes from Congresswomen Eleanor Homes Norton

"If you sit around thinking about how difficult something is instead of how to go about doing it, even if incrementally, you just won't get there."

"Read about the lives of people who accomplished great things under great duress."

"You've got to understand the progress you've made, but any satisfaction with it is deadly, and will keep you from moving forward."

Contact Lisa at [email protected]

Sarah Bartosz shares a story of inspiration which is also a story of heartache and hope. In this episode, you'll hear how a non-profit organization, Gold In September, or G9, was founded by a family after losing their son, Jack, to pediatric cancer.

Sarah describes how they learned of Jack's diagnosis, their struggle to find a cure, and his twin sister Annie's drive to take action. Annie wondered, if the color pink helps to raise funds for breast cancer, what color symbolizes childhood cancer and what month is dedicated to raising awareness? The answers are Gold and September.

G9 is dedicated to increasing funding for childhood cancer research and initiatives by growing awareness that inspires action to help every child, everywhere. It's the manifestation of the house that Jack inspired, Annie envisioned, John designed, and Sarah is determined to build.

G9 Vision: Coloring the world gold, so every child, everywhere will survive cancer.

G9 Mission: Raise awareness and inspire action for childhood cancer initiatives.

Sarah and Annie are planting seeds of hope and encouraging us all to grow gold for childhood cancer! They are encouraged by recent progress to raise awareness. In fact, the Milwaukee Brewers will be wearing gold at their baseball game this Labor Day, and many schools are raising funds through "Penny Wars."

Annie's philanthropy initiative was recently honored as she was named a "100 Everyday Amazing" individual by Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center.

Musician Josh Wilson has been a great supporter of Gold in September. He played at Jack's end of life celebration and you'll hear part of his song "Pushing Back the Dark" during our discussion. and the entire song at the very end. You can also check out his video at the bottom of this page.

Listen to the podcast to hear Sarah discuss:

• Leaving no stone unturned to find Jack the best possible care
• Neuroblastoma
• Annie's idea to create Gold In September when she was 10 years old
• How working for the American Cancer Society armed her with knowledge of treatments before Jack's diagnosis
• Losing her husband, John, to the effects of his own cancer treatments
• Growing gold for childhood cancer
• Josh Wilson's music and how it inspired Jack
• Professional athletes making a difference
• Generational philanthropic opportunities
• Advice for parents facing cancer or other illnesses

Contact Lisa: [email protected]

In 2015 Greta Schaaf graduated from a public high school in northern, VA. She had applied to, and been accepted at, University of Delaware but she didn't feel quite ready to make that transition. Taking a gap year wasn't an option that was widely discussed at her high school but she followed a hunch that it might be a good path for her and attended a gap year fair. Representatives from various programs were discussing options involving travel and adventure and some very large price tags. Americorps didn't have a table at the fair but someone there suggested that she look into it. Greta did her research and learned that Americorps is a one year volunteer program that pays participants a stipend, a modest scholarship, and offers the opportunity to earn college credits. Greta applied for a program on the west coast, and after some frustrating bureaucratic delays that she describes in the podcast, was accepted. Through AmeriCorps, Greta has been able to travel, see the world, and work with amazing from across our nation. The skills that she gained during that time are sure to serve her well as she now prepares to begin her college career. Greta has a family connection to the Ever Better Podcast. Lise Metzger, Greta's mother, was my guest on podcast episode 26, Grounded Photographer. Lise is a photographer and writer who documents the lives and work of women farmers on her blog, GroundedWomen.com. In our podcast discussion, Lise talked about her daughter's gap year and the great experience she was having. That piqued my interest because my son is a high school senior, so I pay close attention when someone discusses the paths that students are taking after graduation. In fact, if you know of someone who is considering post-high school options, send them a link to this podcast so that they can learn from Greta's experience. Listen to the podcast to hear Greta discuss:

Her decision to take a gap year and the leap of faith that guided her to Americorps

Diversity in Service Learning credits that she earned that will apply at U. Delaware

Accepting the program on short notice

Packing everything she would need for ten months into a green military bag, a couple of hours before catching her flight to California

How AmeriCorps is structured

Why the travel and the focus on the environment made the National Civilian Community Corp (NCCC) a good fit

Environmental stewardship projects including:

Removal of invasive species

Cleaning habitat areas

Learning about the drought in California

The San Jose "Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful" Project as well as her interaction with the "Downtown Streets Team," which helps the homeless transition into housing and job

The way that AmeriCorps pays individuals for their project work

How her team pooled their money to shop for food

Learning about budgeting and food shopping

Why her dad says "You look so much older. You've gained so much experience. This year has been so good for you."

Her mom's initial concern that she would not want to go to school after this experience

Why some colleges are recommending a gap year

Long-term contacts and networks that Greta gained through AmeriCorps Greta's plans to do another AmeriCorps program after college

Quotes from Greta: "I am so glad I got into AmeriCorps!" "I am ready for school now. I wasn't really ready last year." If you have a question for Greta send it to [email protected] and I'll get it to her!

Contact Lisa:

[email protected]

@EverBetterU