My Simplified Life

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac talks with Katie Prentiss, a multi-hyphenate creative who shares her journey from being a photographer to becoming an actor and filmmaker. Katie discusses how she stumbled into acting, her experience making her first film, and the importance of telling stories that resonate. She also delves into the challenges of the film industry, particularly for women in midlife, and outlines her current project, a feature film titled Wake Up Maggie.

 

What we’re talking about

• Embrace the Journey

• Create Your Own Opportunities

• The Power of Storytelling

Embrace the Journey

Katie Prentiss' transition into acting and filmmaking was not a planned route but a journey of curiosity and passion. Her story underscores the importance of being open to new experiences and following one's interests, even if they initially seem unconventional or daunting. This should encourage you to embrace your own journey.

Create Your Own Opportunities

Faced with the limited roles available for women in midlife, Katie took the advice of her acting coach to heart and began creating her own films. This takeaway highlights the importance of taking initiative and making your own path in industries that may not readily offer opportunities.

The Power of Storytelling

Katie's films, particularly those based on personal experiences, demonstrate the impact of storytelling. Her work shows how sharing personal stories can connect with audiences deeply, raising awareness and empathy for often overlooked issues.

LINKS MENTIONED

 

Katie Prentiss’ Website

https://www.katieprentiss.com/ 

Wake Up Maggie Movie

https://www.katieprentiss.com/wake-up-maggie 

Katie Prentiss’ Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/katieprentiss/

In this solo episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac celebrates the fifth anniversary of her podcast. She reflects on her journey, the valuable lessons learned, and the incredible relationships built through podcasting. Michelle shares how the podcast has become a vital part of her life, both as a personal legacy and a means of connecting with others. She expresses gratitude for her listeners and looks forward to continuing this journey.

 

What we’re talking about

• Embracing Realness

• Building Meaningful Relationships

• Creating a Personal Legacy

Embracing Realness

Michelle discusses how podcasting has helped her embrace her true self. Over the years, she has grown comfortable using her voice and sharing her opinions genuinely. She highlights the importance of showing up as herself, both on and off the air, and how this genuine approach has been a significant factor in her personal growth.

Building Meaningful Relationships

Through the podcast, Michelle has forged new friendships and professional connections that she might not have encountered otherwise. By inviting guests to her show, she creates a platform for meaningful conversations, which has expanded her circle and enriched her life. She emphasizes the joy and fulfillment these relationships have brought her and how they have created a strong, supportive community.

Creating a Personal Legacy

Michelle views her podcast as a legacy for her children and future generations. She reflects on how the episodes capture her thoughts, beliefs, and experiences, giving her children a unique insight into her life. This realization has added depth to her work, knowing she is leaving behind something tangible for her family.

 

LINKS MENTIONED

Chapters To Chats: An Author’s Book Club for How To Get On Podcasts

https://bit.ly/CTCPodSocial 

​The MLG Collective®

https://themlgcollective.com

In this episode of My Simplified Life, Mary Jones, the author of the short story collection The Goodbye Process, shares her journey as a writer and her deep love for short stories. Mary discusses the inspiration behind her work, the challenges of writing short stories, and how her background in psychology has influenced her writing. She also delves into the themes of loss and humor in her stories, providing insight into her creative process.

 

What we’re talking about

• The Art of Writing Short Stories

• The Role of Psychology in Storytelling

• The Intersection of Humor and Loss

The Art of Writing Short Stories

Mary Jones sheds light on the unique challenges and rewards of writing short stories. She emphasizes that while the shorter format might seem easier, it requires precision and clarity, as every word must be purposeful to convey the full depth of a character's life or a pivotal moment.

The Role of Psychology in Storytelling

Mary discusses how her background in psychology has enriched her understanding of human nature, allowing her to create more nuanced and relatable characters. Her studies have provided her with insights into why people behave the way they do, which she weaves into her narratives.

The Intersection of Humor and Loss

Mary shares her perspective on the balance between humor and sadness in her stories. She believes humor can offer relief and comfort when dealing with serious subjects, and it's a natural part of processing difficult experiences. Her stories often reflect this balance, providing readers with moments of levity amidst the exploration of loss.

LINKS MENTIONED

Mary Jones’ Website

http://www.maryjoneswriter.com

Mary Jones’ Instagram https://instagram.com/maryjoneswriter 

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac speaks with author Ava Dellaira about her journey in writing and the personal experiences that have shaped her latest novel, Exposure. Ava shares insights into the writing process, the themes explored in her book, and how real-life events and emotions are woven into her storytelling. They discuss the complexities of empathy, storytelling, and the cathartic nature of writing.

 

What we’re talking about

• The power of empathy in storytelling

• Balancing personal experiences with fiction

• Navigating the writing and publishing journey

The power of empathy in storytelling

Ava Dellaira emphasizes the importance of empathy in both writing and reading. She discusses how her novel explores the possibility of understanding opposing viewpoints and holding space for multiple truths, a theme she believes is highly relevant in today's world.

Balancing personal experiences with fiction

Throughout the episode, Ava delves into how her personal life experiences, including grief and motherhood, have influenced the characters and themes in her novel. She shares how writing became a means of processing her emotions and experiences, ultimately enriching her storytelling.

Navigating the writing and publishing journey

Ava recounts her path from aspiring screenwriter to published novelist, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. She discusses the guidance she received from mentors and the persistence required to bring her stories to life, offering valuable insights for aspiring writers.

LINKS MENTIONED

Ava Dellaira’s Website

https://avadellaira.com

Ava Dellaira’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ava.dellaira/

Exposure by Ava Dellaira

https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/our-books/exposure

In this episode of My Simplified Life, Liz Alterman, a long-time journalist and author, joins the conversation to share her journey from media professional to published author. Liz discusses her experience of being laid off alongside her husband, navigating unemployment, and ultimately channeling her experiences into writing her memoir, Sad Sacked. She also shares insights into the benefits and challenges of memoir writing, finding the right opportunities without a platform, and her experiences with Audible's pitch portal.

What we’re talking about

• The emotional impact of unemployment and the journey to self-discovery

• The significance of health benefits in career decisions

• The process of writing and publishing a memoir

The Emotional Impact of Unemployment and the Journey to Self-Discovery

Liz discusses the emotional toll of losing a job and how it spurred a period of introspection and self-discovery. She highlights the feelings of loss and uncertainty that accompany unemployment and the opportunity it presents for personal growth and reflection. By sharing her story, Liz aims to resonate with others going through similar experiences, offering a sense of solidarity and understanding.

The Significance of Health Benefits in Career Decisions

A recurring theme in Liz's story is the role of health benefits in shaping career choices. Despite dissatisfaction with his job, Liz's husband remained in his corporate role primarily for the health insurance it provided. This highlights the often-overlooked influence of practical considerations like healthcare on personal and professional decisions, emphasizing the need for a broader discussion on work-life balance and job satisfaction.

The Process of Writing and Publishing a Memoir

Liz provides insight into the journey of writing her memoir, from initial inspiration to eventual publication via Audible. She describes the challenges of capturing personal experiences in a way that resonates with readers and the satisfaction of seeing her work come to fruition. Liz's story underscores the importance of persistence and creativity in overcoming obstacles and achieving one's goals.

LINKS MENTIONED

Liz Alterman’s Website

www.lizalterman.com 

Sad Sacked by Liz Alterman

https://amzn.to/3AReYTX

In this episode of My Simplified Life, Michelle Glogovac sits down with James Rhee, an entrepreneur, educator, and author of Red Helicopter. They discuss James' unique journey, his philosophy on kindness and leadership, and the transformative story behind his work at Ashley Stewart. James shares personal anecdotes and insights highlighting the importance of compassion, resilience, and community in personal and professional life.

 

What we’re talking about

• The power of kindness and generosity

• The significance of leadership rooted in confidence and calm

• The impact of creating inclusive and supportive environments

The power of kindness and generosity 

James shares how simple acts of kindness, like sharing his lunch as a child, can have profound impacts. He emphasizes that kindness, far from being a sign of weakness, stems from a place of confidence and abundance. This perspective challenges the traditional view of leadership and success, promoting a more compassionate and human-centered approach that can inspire and bring hope to all.

The significance of leadership rooted in confidence and calm 

James elaborates on his belief that true leadership comes from a state of confidence and calmness. He argues that leaders who are secure and not driven by fear create environments where creativity and collaboration can flourish. This approach not only benefits the individuals within the organization but also leads to more sustainable and impactful outcomes, reassuring the audience about the power of confidence and calm in leadership.

The impact of creating inclusive and supportive environments 

James shares his experiences at Ashley Stewart, a company that serves and employs plus-size Black women. He reflects on how empowering and supporting these women led to the company's success. By fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, James turned around a struggling business and proved that compassionate leadership can drive social and economic gains, empowering and motivating the audience to create their own inclusive and supportive environments.

 

LINKS MENTIONED

Red Helicopter by James Rhee

Red Helicopter Website

James Rhee’s Instagram

James Rhee’s LinkedIn

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Hitha Palepu, author of We're Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris. Hitha shares her journey of writing the book, her admiration for Kamala Harris, and the challenges and triumphs she experienced along the way. The conversation touches on the importance of role models, the intricacies of political reporting, and the value of persistence and dedication.

 

What we’re talking about

• The importance of role models in personal and professional growth

• The challenges of political reporting for women

• The value of persistence and dedication in achieving one's goals

The Importance of Role Models

Hitha Palepu's admiration for Kamala Harris is palpable. She shares how Harris, a significant role model for her, instilled confidence and a sense of purpose. By observing Harris's career and demeanor, Hitha was able to navigate her own professional landscape with greater assurance and clarity, inspiring all of us to find our own role models.

The Challenges of Political Reporting for Women

The episode explores the difficulties women face in political reporting, often being subjected to caricaturistic portrayals and a lack of nuanced coverage. Hitha discusses her frustration with the media's treatment of Kamala Harris and the broader implications for women in leadership roles.

The Value of Persistence and Dedication

Hitha's journey in writing We're Speaking is a powerful testament to the value of persistence and dedication. From the initial proposal to the intense writing period, Hitha's unwavering commitment to the project showcases how determination and hard work can lead to remarkable achievements, motivating us all to pursue our goals with the same fervor.

 

LINKS MENTIONED

We’re Speaking: Life Lessons of Kamala Harris by Hitha Palepu

Hitha Palepu’s Instagram

Hitha’s Substack

In this solo episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac shares her thoughts on the upcoming election and emphasizes the importance of kindness, empathy, and effective communication. She discusses several books that have inspired her, offering valuable insights into leadership, finding your voice, anti-racism, civic engagement, and storytelling. Michelle encourages listeners to read these books, engage in meaningful conversations, and be kind to one another.

 

What we’re talking about

• The importance of kindness in leadership and daily interactions

• Finding and using your voice effectively

• Engaging in meaningful conversations about civics and politics

The Importance of Kindness in Leadership and Daily Interactions

Michelle highlights James Rhee's book Red Helicopter, emphasizing the role of kindness in leadership. She stresses that kindness should extend beyond simple gestures and be a fundamental part of how we interact with others. By incorporating kindness into our everyday lives and leadership styles, we can foster empathy and create positive change in our communities.

Finding and Using Your Voice Effectively

In discussing Permission to Speak by Samara Bay, Michelle underscores the significance of having faith in one's own voice. She encourages listeners to speak up and not be silenced by others. This takeaway is particularly relevant when discussing politics and personal beliefs, where it is crucial to communicate confidently and authentically.

Engaging in Meaningful Conversations About Civics and Politics

Michelle refers to Democracy in Retrograde by Sami Sage and Emily Amick, which provides practical ways to be an active and informed citizen. She emphasizes the need for constructive conversations about civics and politics, especially during election seasons. We can better understand each other and work towards a more inclusive society by engaging in these discussions with openness and respect.

Michelle's episode is a call to action for listeners to read, learn, and participate actively in their communities while maintaining a foundation of kindness and empathy.

 

LINKS MENTIONED

Full List of Book Recommendations on Bookshop.Org

Red Helicopter by James Rhee

We’re Speaking by Hitha Palepu

Democracy In Retrograde by Sami Sage & Emily Amick

Permission To Speak by Samara Bay

Heal Your Way Forward by Myisha T Hill

How To Get On Podcasts by Michelle Glogovac

In this solo episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac shares her journey of being featured in the Costco Connection Magazine. Michelle reflects on her long career in corporate aviation, her transition to podcasting, and the importance of patience and perseverance in achieving one's goals. She encourages listeners to give themselves grace and to take small steps every day towards their future.

 

What we’re talking about

• Achieving goals takes time and persistence.

• Building meaningful relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities.

• Taking breaks and giving oneself grace is essential for long-term success.

Achieving Goals Takes Time and Persistence

Michelle emphasizes that success doesn't happen overnight. She shares her six-year journey from being laid off to becoming a featured expert in a major magazine. Her story serves as a reminder that dedication and hard work over a long period are critical to achieving significant milestones.

Building Meaningful Relationships Can Lead to Unexpected Opportunities

Michelle highlights the significance of networking and building genuine relationships. Her feature in the Costco Connection Magazine came about through a tweet from a friend and fellow author, illustrating how strong connections can lead to unexpected and valuable opportunities.

Taking Breaks and Giving Oneself Grace Is Essential for Long-Term Success

Michelle discusses the importance of taking breaks and showing oneself grace. She took a few weeks off to spend time with her family and return to her work feeling refreshed. This practice is crucial for maintaining long-term productivity and well-being, and Michelle encourages her listeners to do the same.

LINKS MENTIONED

How To Get On Podcasts by Michelle Glogovac

https://amzn.to/3EHSofm 

“The Power of Podcasting” by Wendy Helfenbaum in Costco Connection July 2024

https://www.costcoconnection.com/july_2024/page4.html

B2B PR That Gets Results by Michelle Garrett

https://amzn.to/3ypLoEl

 

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac interviews Steve Hoffman, a tax preparer turned memoirist. Steve shares his unique dual career, how he transitioned from language and literature studies to tax preparation, and his family's adventurous decision to move to a small village in southern France. His recent memoir, A Season for That: Lost and Found In The Other Southern France, is a deep dive into their experiences living abroad, the challenges they faced, and the growth they experienced as a family.

 

What we’re talking about

• The interesting parallels between mastering language grammar and understanding tax codes

• The importance of immersing oneself in a new culture when living abroad

• The value of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown 

The interesting parallels between mastering language grammar and understanding tax codes

Steve's language and literature studies background laid a foundation for his tax preparation career, a connection most wouldn't typically make. He shares how his love for the linear rule-based elements of grammar translates to understanding and applying the United States tax code. His ability to empathize, listen, and translate complex tax language into plain English for his clients underscores the significance of his humanities training in his work.

The importance of immersing oneself in a new culture when living abroad

The Hoffmans' move to a small village in southern France wasn't just a geographical change but a cultural immersion. Steve and his family were initially outsiders in the tight-knit community of 800 residents, but their determination to be part of the community gradually earned them acceptance. This experience underscores the importance of immersing oneself in a new culture when living abroad rather than merely observing from a distance.

The value of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown

Lastly, Steve emphasizes the value of stepping out of his comfort zone, which didn't just help him integrate into the local community but also enriched his family's experience. From volunteering at the local butcher shop to participating in grape harvesting, Steve's actions reflect a willingness to embrace and learn from the unknown. This mindset is a powerful takeaway for anyone facing new and unfamiliar situations.

 

LINKS MENTIONED

A Season For That: Lost and Found In The Other Southern France by Steve Hoffman

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9780593240281

Steve Hoffman’s Website

https://www.sjrhoffman.com/