Everything is Lessons

LAUREN MAKIN is probably the greatest sibling you could ever ask for – she is someone with the unique ability to be a great spouse, loving mom, devoted daughter, amazing aunt, and a talented professional. She navigates life with her magnetic personality, profound hustle, and unmatched sense of humor. As she has gotten older, I have loved to watch her live life with transparency and grace, loyalty and joy. Our shared childhood was not always easy, we overcame a lot together,  and I have always been grateful to have her by my side– siblings like this are more than sisters – they are remarkable and faithful friends.

During our conversation today, you are going to hear about the importance of community and what it takes to cultivate lasting, meaningful relationships.

Here is my amazing sister Lauren Makin with her lesson “Find Your People” - here we go!

MARLON BLACKWELL is one of the most accomplished and successful Architects I know. 

His work has received almost every award and recognition imaginable. His Architecture is elegant, timeless, and rooted in place. However, for me, what makes Marlon special is his profound wisdom and perspective. Our relationship began as a cold call 14 years ago only to evolve into a mentorship and now a friendship. Beyond his immense talent, Marlon is kind, generous, and thoughtful and those may be his greatest gifts.

During our conversation today, you are going to hear a lesson about commitment and dedication, persistence and belief.

Trust me when I say this – you will need a pen and paper for this episode. Marlon is one of the most quotable people I know. When he gets going – it is so good. Without any further delay, here is Marlon Blackwell and his lesson “Whatever it Takes” - here we go!

Marlon Blackwell Architects

https://www.marlonblackwell.com/

JOEL DANIELS is my former pastor and current Interfaith Chaplain at Claremont University. 

I have known Joel since we moved to Boston 11 years ago. Where he jump-started a faith community in Somerville called Reunion. Beyond his spiritual influence, Joel has been someone who continues to see life through a prism. To consider, acknowledge, and understand multiple perspectives at the same time. His greatest strength (beyond his sense of humor) is his ability to articulate and navigate the intersection of mental and spiritual health. His way of living inspires people to live with heightened awareness and consideration, with abundant care and generosity.

During our conversation today, you are going to hear about the importance of healing as a process. Something that inevitably will touch us all.

This conversation is worth your time and attention – grab a pen and paper and let’s see what he can teach us with his lesson “Healing is Continuous” – here we go!

ALLI PETRONE is one of our closest family friends.

She has known us for 11 years and become an integral part of our lives here in Watertown. She is intelligent and determined, driven and adventurous. We are especially fortunate to have her in our daughter’s lives – where she is a role model and a constant source of love and kindness. Alli is simply a wonderful friend who is always ready to think deeply and act generously which is why this conversation will undoubtedly be so special.

During our conversation today, you are going to hear about the importance of creating margin. To leave space for others and for the potential of what an unscheduled life could be.

I think you are going to really enjoy hearing us chat as Alli shares her lesson “Room for Magic”

Let’s see what she can teach us – here we go!

Five Minute Journal

https://www.intelligentchange.com/products/the-five-minute-journal

NICHOLAS RUIZ is an unforgettable person. He is energetic and talented, entrepreneurial, and inspired – most of all he has a wonderful laugh. We grew close during a very formative period of our design careers when we were roommates in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Ever since he continues to impress me with his relentless pursuit of what is good and meaningful. Whether in life or design, Nick's value-based approach is a refreshing way to think about life.

During our conversation today, you are going to hear about the importance of being genuine, pursuing humility, and finding peace. Three sought after human traits that weave together into a beautiful ethos for living. I think you are going to really enjoy hearing us laugh as Nick shares his lesson “Genuine, Humble, Peaceful”

Let’s see what he can teach us – here we go!

See his work on Instagram: Forager California - https://www.instagram.com/forager.california/

TESSA AND TOBIAS HATHORN are a dynamic, authentic, and loving couple that I have been fortunate to know for a long time. Tessa and I went to Architecture school together 22 years ago – yikes. But since that time we have grown incredibly close balancing life, kids, and work despite our current geographic distance. Her husband Tobias came along later and was the best spouse-friend you could ever ask for - funny, creative, and talented! 

When you meet people like Tessa and Tobias you are inspired to do two things – make something and make yourself better. These are two of the most creative and beautiful people you could ever meet, and they happen to be married. They are basically good at everything - including life. We have known each other for 20+ years and when you know someone that long you remain friends on purpose. Tessa is a brilliant Architect, Musician, and Seamstress – thoughtful and thorough, courageous and kind. Tobias is a Product designer and Artist – he is engaging and energetic, dynamic and driven.

During our conversation today you are going to hear about the importance of purpose, reflection, and listening. And how two seemingly disparate lessons overlap and make a beautiful connection.

I think you are going to love hearing from these two as they teach us a two-part lesson “Find your Why” and “Listen for Signals”

Let’s see what he can teach us – here we go!

JOSHUA PEDERSON is one of the most intelligent and kind people I know. I met Joshua 4 years ago while dropping our kids off at the same daycare. Then created a wonderful connection during Pre-K registration – waiting outside on an early January morning. Since that time our friendship has grown and flourished based on a deep love of teaching, books, writing, and karaoke. If you don't know Joshua well this is what I can tell you...

Joshua is a tenured professor, a thoughtful writer, and a wonderful father. He is intelligent and caring, humble and generous. Perhaps it is our midwestern roots that have created such a strong friendship or maybe just our shared belief that life should be meaningful and fulfilling. Conversations with him resonate – they are profound and personal traversing all of life’s mysteries and complexities.

During our conversation today you are going to hear about the importance of humility and how we might live more intentionally with others in mind.

I think you will really enjoy this authentic and honest conversation with Joshua Pederson and his lesson “I don’t know.”

Let’s see what he can teach us – here we go!

JOSH BLANCHARD is the bravest person I know. We met him and his wife Christy back in 2015 and I found an instant connection through our love of BBQ, the Chiefs, and Chevelle. More recently Josh and his family moved to DC and we always look forward to his periodic visits back. Which leads us to this special in-person episode. If you don’t know Josh here’s what I can tell you…

Josh is one of those people who would do anything for those around him. He encourages and challenges you with how he lives his life. His military past has given him a global perspective that would take most people a lifetime to gather. He is someone who inspires you a better person. His quiet confidence, outstanding leadership, and deep humility are traits that are seldom found in one person. This unique combination is something that has always drawn me to his wisdom and his company.

During our conversation today you are going to hear about the importance of values and the questions we should ask to live with more intention and purpose. I think you will really enjoy this engaging discussion and the questions that he left us with – here is that conversation with Josh Blanchard and his lesson “Live Life Backwards”.

Let’s see what he can teach us – here we go!

NATASHA LARSEN and her husband Gershon have been friends of ours since2012. We found an immediate kinship over serving others and meeting over coffee at extraordinarily early hours. Since that time, she has become a constant source of joy and encouragement our lives.

When you meet Natasha you never forget her. She is intensely kind and full of joy. Her smile will light up a room and somehow encourage you at the same time. Nothing seems out of reach after you have been lifted up by a conversation with her.

Her voice is jubilant and full of life. Her presence is peaceful and wise. She is known for her relationships and how she makes others feel. In a way, her sense of optimism is infectious, like her laugh or love of Hallmark movies – all of which make her particularly memorable.

Natasha is a friend whom you meet after a long time and feels like time never passed.

During our conversation today you are going to hear a lot about the power of seasons and why life is better experienced in this way. Her story will simply amaze you – they have overcome so much with unexpected joy and intention.  So let’s get to my conversation with my dear friend Natasha Larsen – and her lesson “Embrace Every Season”.

Let’s see what she can teach us – here we go!

HEATHER NICHOLS is in some ways the perfect person to start Season 2 - she may be one of the wisest people I know. We met during a financial planning course in 2014 and immediately hit if off when we realized we were both “struggling” to not charge anything as we hung out for drinks after each class. Since that time, she has become one of my wife’s closest friends and I like to think I am not far behind. We have packed a lot of life experiences into 8 years of knowing each other – Sunday meals, laughing together, traversing difficulties, sharing holidays, raising kids, and growing as people.

When you meet Heather you notice something beyond her midwestern hospitality. Her strength is quiet and her voice is confident. Her spirit is calm and wise. Her love and support of her family and friends is perhaps her greatest gift. She is generous beyond measure.

Heather sees things with great perspective and immense purpose. She is a friend whom you measure all others against – she is there for you no matter what.

During our conversation today you are going to hear a lot about defining your beliefs and values and establishing what is truly important. This conversation has been resonating with me since we had it.

Heather is someone who provides equal parts hospitality and charcuterie – banter and laughter – fine wine and fine conversation. This is a person who makes you comfortable and then challenges you to make you better. So let’s kick off Season 2 with my conversation with my dear friend Heather Nichols – and her lesson “Let it Go”.

Let’s see what she can teach us – here we go!