Life Notes from Chair 17

We know we love all-things Halloween and October. But we also have a new(er) appreciation for the Mexican celebration Día de los Muertos thanks to one of our favorite animated films, 'Coco.' Join host CH this week as she discusses how the overall story and theme of the film inspired her to reflect on the importance of family and legacy, and to embrace remembering those who have gone before us in a vibrant, celebratory way vs. a sad, tragic way. Whether you're familiar with Día de los Muertos or are just now hearing about it, tune in for a thoughtful discussion on how stories, music, and celebration help inspire and connect us all across time.

Show Notes

• To learn more about the Disney/Pixar film, "Coco," check out its Wikipedia page or its IMDb listing.

• Episode 14 - Share the Chair: Colleen Coleman

It's not often one pulls off a sequel. And in OUR sequel with Ellie Cornell, she makes good on her promise to return to the podcast to help us celebrate Scary Movie Month, joining host CH to talk about her legacy role as Rachel Carruthers in 'Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers' and 'Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers.' From the casting (Ellie was actually NOT director Dwight Little's first choice) to her chemistry with co-star Danielle Harris (they are still friends to this day) to the unique experience of filming iconic scenes like the rooftop chase (yes, the infamous protruding-nail-injury-stop-filming-for-a-second scene) and the climactic truck showdown (spoiler: the truck was not moving), Ellie shares her insights and reflections on the life-changing role. Whether you're a die-hard 'Halloween' fan, a horror genre fan, or just a film fan in general, this episode is a treat for anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling, and the enduring nostalgic look at the magic behind the scares.

Show Notes

• Ellie's full list of film, television and producing credits can be found on her IMDb profile.

• 'Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers' is here

• In chatting with CH, Ellie recalls that both Genie Francis and the late Rebecca Shaffer may have also been in consideration for the role of Rachel.

• 'Horror in Haddonfield: 'Halloween's' Untold Stories' by Andrew Grevas, available for pre-order via Tucker Press

• Our When 'Thriller' Met 'Halloween' episode was our fourth episode of our podcast, recorded in October 2023, and gives a comical account of how host CH went from being unable to watch anything scary to mastering scary movies.

We are now in a our second year as part of the podcast universe - officially! Join CH this week for a quick update on changing up our posting cadence to every-other-week so as to provide more space between the episodes AND to ensure we continue to build our C17 community over the long term. This might be one of our shortest episodes yet, but it is a chance for CH to explain the change while also thanking you all again for your continued support. Plus, we didn't want to leave everyone hanging or think we disappeared!

52 weeks. 52 episodes. One full year of being here in the podcast universe! To commemorate this special milestone, we did another in our Share the Chair series of episodes with CH's former senior marketing operations leader, Jen Phillips, who is currently the host of the The Progress Report Podcast. CH's heartfelt conversation delves into Jen's inspiring journey from professional burnout to personal rejuvenation, and how it ultimately led her to abandon her former sense of self (affectionately referred to in this episode as RoboJen - yes, as in robot), and find a new sense of purpose and well-being. Tune in for a great hour of discussion that delves into the importance of self-care, the impact of workplace culture on mental health, and the transformative power of taking time for oneself - three themes that have remained very important to us here as we navigate life ... one story at a time.

Show Notes

• If you would like to check out Jen's podcast, The Podgress Report, you can find it where you get your podcasts.

We've all had those jobs that are just ... not the best. But when a good job goes off the rails, it takes an unexpected toll - both while we are still IN the job, but also perhaps long after we've left. Join CH this week's as she discusses the lasting impact that difficult - perhaps even toxic - job environments can have on our mental health and professional confidence. She shares her own personal journey of having faced a traumatic work situation, the emotional toll it took and the (longer) road to recovery. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that encourages us all to make brave bets on ourselves, prioritize our well-being and have the courage to leave a harmful job environment.

Show Notes

• IMPORTANT NOTE: This episode does NOT provide any medical advice; always consult with a professional.

What do Caesar salads, MotorolaStarTACs, a traumatic childhood rollercoaster experience, being stung by a stingray, never pulling an all-nighter and always making sure to name a car have in common? They are just a few of the 50 Shades of CH that we are celebrating as we reach our 50th episode here on the podcast (sorry, '50 Shades of Grey' fans but this episode has NOTHING to do with the books or the films). Instead, tune in for some thoughtful reflections on some of the quirky, funny, heartfelt and entertaining moments that have been part of CH's life journey thus far - all wrapped up in one episode. Whether you're a longtime C17'er or tuning in for the first time, we're pretty sure this episode will bring a smile to your face, maybe even a laugh or two, might even be a walk down memory lane, and is for sure an opportunity to get to know CH a bit more than you may have during the previous 49 episodes!

Show Notes

• Some fun callouts that are featured in this episode:

• Dave and Buster's - the only place CH really has played video games (and of which she loves).

• First Computer - Apple IIc

Ever thought you could - or would - take an unplanned sabbatical? Neither did we. But sometimes, those life curve balls end up being the best thing EV-er. Join CH this week as she reflects on what turned out to be the unexpected summer sabbatical - embracing the chance to pause, step-back and recharge. She looks back on her hesitance to make the decision, the debate within herself of should she or shouldn't she (thanks, Captain Jack Sparrow), and how the encouragement from friends and peers ultimately helped her give HERSELF the permission to take a much-needed break.

Show Notes

• CH makes a playful reference to the "Up is Down" scene from 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' where Captain Jack Sparrow is talking to miniature versions of himself - one on each shoulder - as he ponders (among other things) his future. For those not familiar, you can view the scene here.

We've all been there. Prepped extensively for a job interview only to clam up, stumble over our words and feel like we failed a test. Are we right? Join CH this week as she reflects on her experience having sat on both sides of the interview table, and how she has come to believe job interviewing should ideally be a collaborative event, not a one-sided interrogation. And that meaningful dialogue is just as important as being able to answer questions. She also delves into her own unique analogy of how job interviews can sometimes resemble an actor auditioning for a part. At the end of the day, though, it's all about the importance of actively listening, balancing preparation with authenticity, seeing the entire experience as a two-way conversation, and feeling empowered to walk way if red flags start to appear - no matter how much we may want the job.

Show Notes

• CH references the term active (or actively) listening throughout the episode. You can Google the term to learn more, or check out the Wikipedia definition.

Feedback is a gift. But it is also important to understand the impact of what we say and how we say it. Join CH this week as she explores how to be helpful and constructive when leaving reviews or providing critical feedback rather than being vitriolic and vengeful. Drawing from her own experience working as a Voice of Customer analyst, CH shares why it's crucial to give feedback that promotes growth and improvement, and how to balance criticism with kindness so as to communicate effectively and make a positive difference.

Show Notes

• The 80/20 customer feedback rule CH talks about is a variation of the Pareto Principle, where the majority of customer feedback is often only coming from about 20% customers; and, those 20% of vocal customers are identifying 80% of the issues or concerns (sometimes constructively, sometimes not).

The art and science of being able to read a room. Is it something you know how to do? Or maybe you know someone who is really good at it? Recalling a life wisdom her mother gave her years ago (even when she wasn't all the interested in it), join CH this week as she discusses the importance of understanding the vibe or mood of the environment we find ourselves in - whether we're interacting with one person or a group, or whether we are in a  professional setting or our every day life. In short: if we do it, it can often make us better team players, more effective communicators and create far more inclusive interactions.

Show Notes

• The definitions CH mentions in this episode for the phrase "read the room" were taken from the Collins Dictionary and The Free Dictionary.