In this season opener of Hey Pops, Cori returns to the mic after three months away—on a date that holds deep significance: February 12th, the last time she spoke to her dad. From uncovering old text messages to preparing for yet another move, she reflects on the unexpected ways grief and life keep colliding.

This episode is a mix of nostalgia, resilience, and the bittersweet humor that comes with navigating the chaos of change. Cori shares how she’s been rebuilding—financially, emotionally, and physically—after another rough season and how, even in the hardest times, her dad’s words still find a way to guide her forward. With big moves (literally) on the horizon, she’s leaning into the unknown, trusting the process, and, of course, planning a pizza party.

Show Notes:

• Season 2 Kickoff: Cori returns to Hey Pops on a meaningful date, unsure of where this season will go but ready to dive back in.
• The Last Call: February 12th, 2021, was the final video chat Cori had with her dad and brother. She reflects on that moment, the screenshot they saved, and why it still matters.
• Old Texts, New Moves: A four-year-old message from her dad resurfaces at the perfect time—just as she prepares for another big life transition.
• Rock Bottom and the Climb Back Up: Cori opens up about the financial, emotional, and personal struggles of the past few months, plus the steps she’s taking to rebuild.
• Creating Rituals in Grief: How she’s making this move a ceremony of its own, aligning it with her birthday, her dad’s day, and her love of making ordinary moments meaningful.
• What’s Next: A new home, a fresh start, and a season ahead full of stories, reflection, and maybe even a few surprises.

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 with the Dan Culhane Memorial Fund: https://www.danculhanememorialfund.org/

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In this heartfelt season finale of Hey Pops, Cori reflects on the journey that season one has been. From navigating waves of grief and anxiety sparked by both personal and global events to celebrating the quiet victories of consistency and connection, Cori shares raw and honest insights into what it has meant to process loss in the public sphere of podcasting. She opens up about the U.S. election's impact on her sense of self as an American abroad, as well as the realizations she's had about her career path and personal goals. The episode wraps up with a glimpse into what listeners can expect in season two: more stories, deeper conversations, and maybe even a few guest interviews. Take a listen as Cori closes this chapter, acknowledging the journey so far and envisioning what's next.

Show Notes:

• Season Wrap-Up: Cori reflects on the personal milestones and challenges of creating Hey Pops and Missed Calls over the past year.
• Living with Grief: From feeling the loss of her father anew to processing complex emotions during the recent U.S. election, Cori discusses the layers of grief and how they’ve intertwined with global events.
• Identity and Belonging: As an American living abroad, Cori contemplates what “home” means amid political shifts and personal growth.
• Rediscovering Purpose: After a year of exploration and new projects, Cori shares her evolving journey toward meaningful work that aligns with her values—taking on behind-the-scenes roles, podcast editing, and community engagement.
• Looking Ahead: Hints at season two, including more stories and potentially introducing other voices and interviews around shared experiences of loss and resilience.

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/

Suggested Podcast:

• Listen to Flowcast here - https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/UXNYj7SrmOb

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In the latest episode of Missed Calls, Cori navigates the anxieties of U.S. election week from abroad, sharing her experience of leaning on her late father for comfort and connection. She reflects on welcoming his presence into virtual gatherings that honor ancestors and creating a personal altar, a practice inspired by Bali's rich traditions. Balancing these tender moments, Cori channels her energy into a fitness challenge to help manage her stress, embracing movement as a way to find calm amidst heightened emotions. Join her as she blends reflection, resilience, and a touch of holiday anticipation in a week marked by both anxiety and connection.

Key Takeaways:

• Election Anxiety: Cori candidly shares her election-related stress and apocalyptic thinking, finding solace in sharing her worries with her dad.
• Honoring Ancestors: She integrates her father’s memory into her spiritual practices, joining online communities and creating a personal altar.
• Embracing Movement: Cori commits to a workout challenge, using exercise to manage anxiety and find grounding.
• Balancing Reflection and Celebration: With the election chaos looming, she looks forward to the comfort of holiday traditions, crafting joy even from afar.

Stay Connected:

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

Subscribe & Review: 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports me in continuing to share these stories.

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In this emotional episode, host Cori takes listeners on a moving journey through her father’s legacy, sharing touching clips from his professional career, personal moments, and beloved family memories. Cori includes heartfelt tributes from her dad's colleagues and friends, reflecting on his impact in the Twin Cities radio community and his unwavering support for his family. Listeners will hear not only his memorable voice but also rare, personal audio capturing his essence beyond the microphone.

Key Takeaways

• Tributes from Colleagues: Warm recollections from WCCO coworkers and other radio professionals highlight Cori's father’s kindness, humor, and impact on those around him.
• Professional Clips: A montage of radio segments, ad spots, and audiobook narrations celebrating her father’s versatility and influential voice in the media.
• Personal Moments: Private clips from family gatherings and commute recordings with jazz music in the background capture intimate, cherished memories and their shared love of music.
• Reflections on Loss: Cori reflects on the bittersweet journey of going through her father’s archives, reconnecting with his voice and presence.

Links:

• 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/

Radio Clips from WCCO:

• https://omny.fm/shows/chad-hartman/remembering-our-friend-dan-culhane
• https://www.audacy.com/wccoradio/news/local/wcco-radios-dan-culhane-dies

Audiobook excerpts:

• Never Chase Men Again by Bruce Bryans (narrated by Dan Culhane)
• Dating Deal Breakers That Drive Men Away by Bruce Bryans (narrated by Dan Culhane)
• Ice Breakers by Tom “Big Al” Schretter (narrated by Dan Culhane)
• Pre-Closing For Network Marketing by Keith & Tom “Big Al” Schretter (narrated by Dan Culhane)
• The Complete Three-Book Network Marketing Leadership Series by Keith & Tom “Big Al” Schretter (narrated by Dan Culhane)

Commercial Compelation:

• www.danculhane.com

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In this episode of Missed Calls, I return after a little break to leave a voicemail for my dad. It’s been a while since I’ve spoken to him, and a lot has happened. I share updates on my recent travels to Vietnam—a place that will always feel like home. From catching up with old friends and enjoying local hot pot spots to reflecting on past memories, this episode is a mix of nostalgia and healing.

Listen in as I talk about reconnecting with the people and places that mean so much to me, Creature’s latest adventure (and vet visit), and how I’ve started to feel more like myself again after such a long time. I reflect on the transformation I've undergone since 2019 and how it’s led to a "new normal" in my life. I also share my thoughts on the connection I still feel with my dad, especially through dreams, and how his legacy of kindness continues to resonate in the world around me.

Key Moments:

• [00:00] – Intro: Catching up after a break
• [02:10] – Vietnam trip reflections: Friends, food, and favorite memories
• [09:00] – Creature’s adventure: Vet visits, motorbike rides, and rainstorms
• [12:00] – Reflecting on life changes since 2019 and finding a "new normal"
• [19:00] – Dreams of my dad: The comfort of mini-hangs and cherished memories
• [23:00] – Grateful for my dad’s influence: Learning to embrace adventure, difference, and love
• [26:30] – Looking ahead to future episodes: Sharing clips from Dad’s radio career

Next Week:

I’ll be sharing a special episode filled with various clips from my dad’s voiceover and radio career. Stay tuned for a trip down memory lane with the sound of his voice!

Thank you for joining me on this personal journey. If you’d like to leave a voicemail for my dad or share a story about him, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach out through the contact details below.

Don’t Miss:

• Submit Your Voicemails: Want to share your own stories or memories? Submit a voicemail here. We'd love to hear from you!
• Get involved and learn more about the Dan Culhane Memorial Fund - https://www.danculhanememorialfund.org/

Stay Tuned: Next week is a full Hey Pops episode - with a compilation of audio clips of my dad from his career in radio and voiceovers

Remember to learn something new today, and thanks for listening!

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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?

Subscribe: 

Don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to catch all future episodes of Hey Pops!

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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In todays episode, Cori recalls the special Friday morning calls she shared with her dad during the pandemic, where they would catch up on life despite being across the globe. These conversations, often joined by Cori’s brother, were a cherished routine and a time to connect as a family. Cori opens up about the bittersweet emotions tied to these memories and the ongoing process of adjusting to life without her father.

Throughout the episode, Cori shares updates on her personal life, including her health reset, managing her mental well-being, and her work projects. She also reflects on how much her father inspired her journey and the sense of closeness she feels through continuing her creative work and building connections.

Listeners are invited into Cori’s world as she processes her grief, while simultaneously celebrating the growth and lessons she has gained.

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] – Introduction to the third "Missed Calls" episode and reflections on weekly calls with dad during the pandemic.
  [00:01:00] – Sharing memories of a final family video call with dad and brother from different parts of the world.
  [00:02:00] – Reflections on grief and how those calls brought connection and joy.
  [00:02:17] – Voicemail from dad: “Hi, it’s Dan…”
  [00:02:25] – Cori’s voicemail begins: “Hey, Pops.”
  [00:03:00] – Sharing updates about friends and life in a place that shaped who Cori is today.
  [00:04:00] – Feeling good after a month of health reset, physical changes, and personal growth.
  [00:05:00] – Reflections on mental and physical health, and dealing with depression.
  [00:06:00] – Acknowledging how far Cori has come in personal growth and the lessons learned from dad.
  [00:07:00] – Financial stability, earthquakes, and navigating future uncertainties with a calm mindset.
  [00:08:00] – Sharing thoughts on the world today and feeling prepared for whatever comes.
  [00:09:00] – Upcoming travel plans to Vietnam and feeling grateful for a peaceful life.
  [00:10:00] – Expressing how much Cori misses dad and how he is always present in everyday life.
  [00:11:00] – New podcast projects inspired by dad and the connection with others.
  [00:12:00] – Closing thoughts: Upcoming Vietnam trip, holiday vibes, and gratitude for the listeners.

Stay Connected:

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

Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports me in continuing to share these stories.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. See you next week for Episode 4 of "Hey Pops."

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In this episode of Hey Pops, I opened up about my personal journey with grief therapy and how it guided me through the overwhelming emotions after my dad’s passing. I share how my regular therapy wasn’t enough to process such a profound loss and how joining a grief support group with other women who had also lost their parents created the space I needed to heal. From the transformative 12-week program to the invaluable strength of these women, this episode highlights the importance of finding the right support when navigating grief.

I want to give a special shoutout to Flora Baker, author of The Adult Orphan Club, and my incredible grief counselor, Tara Nash, who both played key roles in helping me through this process. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance. You can learn more about their work in the show notes.

Tune in next week for a special ‘missed calls’ episode, and stay tuned the following week for episode 4 of ‘Hey Pops,’ where I deep-dive into my dad, Dan, ’s professional life and share some of my favorite clips from his speaking career. 

Key Takeaways - 

• Grief therapy offers a unique space for healing
• The power of a shared experience 
• Multiple forms of support are key 
• Community matters
• Grief doesn’t follow a timeline

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/

Resources Mentioned:

• Flora Baker’s The Adult Orphan Club https://linktr.ee/florabaker
• Tara Nash’s Conscious Grief Book  https://linktr.ee/tara_nash_seeker

Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports me in continuing to share these stories.

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In this episode of Missed Calls, Cori explores the power of leaving voicemails for her late father, finding comfort and relief from anxiety through these small moments of connection. She reflects on how these calls help her feel close to him, especially during stressful times like the "Sunday Scaries."

Cori also shares memories of her dad’s influence on her love for creating an atmosphere around everything she does, from making mixtapes to curating moods for her favorite shows. Along the way, she touches on themes of loss, pets, and how those we love continue to shape us, even after they're gone.

In a special treat, Cori plays a nostalgic recording of her dad’s voice from when he was the automated announcer for a car wash, highlighting how even the smallest memories can bring comfort.

Finally, she invites listeners to share their own stories or leave a voicemail for her dad, creating a space for connection and reflection.

Episode Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Intro and reflections on voicemails as a source of comfort
• [00:01:00] Conquering the "Sunday Scaries" by calling Dad
• [00:03:00] Nostalgic memories of music, mixtapes, and shared moments
• [00:05:00] Embracing Dad’s creativity of turning everyday activities into immersive experiences
• [00:06:00] Dealing with loss and the heartache of losing a beloved pet
• [00:09:00] Special connection to her father through shared experiences
• [00:10:00] Reflections on how her dad’s influence continues in her life
• [00:11:00] A special car wash recording featuring her dad’s voice

Don’t Miss: At the end of this episode, enjoy a heartwarming surprise—a recording of Cori’s dad as the voice of an automated car wash. It’s a small but touching way to hold on to the sound of a loved one’s voice.

If you’d like to share a story, memory, or even leave your own voicemail for Cori’s dad, you can do so by clicking the link in the show notes. Your message can be anonymous, and Cori can even edit it for you if you’re feeling a bit shy. Whether you want to reminisce or just need someone to listen, she’s here for you.

Let’s keep the conversation going—submit your voicemails and stories here: https://bit.ly/47hYUHg

Stay Connected:

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

Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports me in continuing to share these stories.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. See you next week for Episode 3 of "Hey Pops."

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In this episode of Hey Pops, I start with a heartfelt thank you to all of you who’ve been tuning in. Your support means the world to me. Today, I’m diving into the unexpected twists of launching this podcast and how it’s been a dual exercise—processing grief and learning new skills along the way.

I’m sharing some of the struggles and small victories, like figuring out podcast platforms, celebrating my first paid gig, and navigating through the vulnerability of putting myself out there. I also touch on the deeper challenges: adjusting to life without my dad, figuring out who I am now, and trying to live in this new skin that grief has forced me into.

Join me as I reflect on all that I’m grieving—not just the loss of my dad but the many other parts of life that have shifted. It’s raw, it’s real, and at times a little rambly. But that’s grief, right? It doesn’t follow a plan.

I’d love to hear from you—whether you knew my dad or have gone through your own journey of grief. Send me a voicemail, a message, or even just a "hi." Let’s keep this connection going. And hey, while you're at it, learn something!

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00:00] - Opening with Gratitude: A heartfelt thank you to listeners for their support.
• [00:01:00] - The Struggles of Letting Go of Control: Grief isn't something you can structure, and that’s been a hard lesson.
• [00:03:00] - Learning Through Podcasting: From post-production to publishing, it's all new territory.
• [00:04:00] - Celebrating the Small Victories: My first paid gig in this new chapter of life.
• [00:05:00] - Vulnerability and Marketing Myself: The fear of being seen and heard as I rebuild my career.
• [00:07:00] - Grieving More Than Just My Dad: Exploring all the different forms of grief I'm carrying.
• [00:10:00] - Who Am I Now? Discovering who this new version of me is post-loss.
• [00:11:00] - The Constant Presence of Grief: It never goes away, but we grow around it.
• [00:12:00] - Finding My Style and Identity Again: How grief has changed my perspective on everything, including how I present myself.
• [00:16:00] - Closing Thoughts: This podcast is bringing me back to life, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here.

My Fave Takeaways:

• Grief is nonlinear and unique to each person.
• Small victories are worth celebrating, especially in times of darkness.
• It’s okay to ask for help—whether that’s financial, emotional, or otherwise.
• Figuring out who you are after loss is a journey in itself.
• Lean into what feels good, even when the world feels heavy.

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/

Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports me in sharing these stories.

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