In this episode of My Simplified Life, Michelle Glogovac discusses the intersection of politics and business, emphasizing the importance of sharing personal beliefs and values as a business owner. She encourages listeners to embrace compassion, empathy, and joy amidst political turmoil, and to use their voices to support communities and causes they believe in. Michelle highlights that politics permeates every aspect of life and that being vocal about one's beliefs can foster a supportive community.

What We're Talking About...

• Our lives are intertwined with politics.
• Everything we do has political implications.
• Our voice is our most powerful tool.
• It's essential to align with clients who share your values.
• Fairness and equality should be at the forefront of our beliefs.
• Embracing compassion and empathy is crucial in today's climate.
• Finding joy is possible even amidst chaos.
• We must not be afraid to express our beliefs.
• Building a supportive community starts with using our voices.
• We are not alone in our beliefs and struggles.

Chapters

00:00 The Intersection of Politics and Business 03:31 Personal Values and Business Representation 06:26 The Importance of Speaking Out 09:23 Finding Joy Amidst Political Turmoil 12:45 Empowering Voices for Change

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac speaks with Dr. Damon Korb, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, about his book Raising an Organized Child. They discuss the importance of instilling organizational skills in children, the role of parents in modeling these behaviors, and practical steps to help children become more organized and independent. The conversation covers various topics including the significance of routines, recognizing individual learning styles, and the benefits of chores in fostering independence and reducing anxiety in children.

What We're Talking About

• An organized child is not just about tidiness but a way of thinking.
• Parents must model organizational skills to teach their children effectively.
• It's never too late to start teaching organization, but earlier is better.
• Children thrive on structure and routine from infancy.
• Recognizing individual learning styles is crucial for effective teaching.
• Encouraging independence helps children learn to solve their own problems.
• Chores contribute to children's confidence and reduce anxiety.
• Gradual independence in tasks prepares children for adulthood.
• Electronics use should be balanced with responsibilities.
• Resources like books and websites can aid in teaching organizational skills.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 07:05 Starting Early: The Role of Infancy 12:18 Learning Styles and Self-Advocacy 18:09 The Dangers of Overparenting 23:42 Navigating College Preparation 29:57 Introduction to Parenting Challenges 30:26 Insights from Dr. Korb on Raising Kids

Links Mentioned

Dr. Damon Korb’s Website

www.devminds.com Raising An Organized Child by Dr. Damon Korb

www.raisinganorganizedchild.com

Organized Students Website www.organizedstudents.com

Organized Child on Instagram

https://instagram.com/organizedchild

Organized Child on Facebook

https://facebook.com/raisinganorganizedchild

Organized Child on Threads

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In this episode of My Simplified Life, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith explore themes of nostalgia through the iconic show Friends, discuss influential figures they would invite to a dinner party, delve into the principles of Buddhism and mindfulness, and reflect on the balance of depth and lightness in their conversations. They also share their love for British murder mysteries as a source of comfort and relaxation. In this engaging conversation, Michelle and Stephanie explore the intersection of dark themes in entertainment, particularly through the lens of shows like Mayor of Kingstown and White Lotus. They delve into the complexities of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, discussing its feminist undertones and the philosophical questions it raises about creation and responsibility. The discussion also touches on the power of dreams in the creative process, with references to Elizabeth Gilbert's insights in Big Magic. Finally, they share their favorite authors and the emotional connections they have with their works, highlighting the importance of storytelling in their lives.

What We're Talking About

• The nostalgia of Friends continues to resonate with audiences today.
• Successful women often have inspiring stories of overcoming adversity.
• Oprah's journey from humble beginnings to success is a powerful narrative.
• Mindfulness practices can be beneficial for stress relief and personal growth.
• Conversations can balance depth and lightness for a richer experience.
• British murder mysteries provide a soothing escape for many viewers.
• The importance of learning from others' life stories is emphasized.
• Dinner parties can be a platform for meaningful discussions.
• Exploring different cultures and philosophies can enhance personal understanding.
• Finding joy in simple pleasures, like watching comforting shows, is essential.  Dark themes in entertainment can be captivating and complex.
• White Lotus showcases beautiful cinematography alongside dark narratives.
• Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a profound exploration of creation and responsibility.
• The novel reflects feminist themes and critiques of ego and power.
• Dreams can inspire creativity and storytelling.
• Emotional connections to literature can shape our understanding of the world.
• Favorite authors often resonate with our personal experiences and emotions.
• Engaging with dark narratives can be a form of catharsis.
• The conversation flows naturally, reflecting genuine excitement and curiosity.
• Supporting independent bookstores is important for the literary community.

Chapters

00:00 The Joy of Nostalgia: Friends and Its Impact 06:00 Dinner Party Dreams: Influential Figures We Admire 10:05 Exploring Buddhism: A Journey to Mindfulness 11:59 Balancing Depth and Lightness in Conversations 14:02 The Comfort of British Murder Mysteries 17:10 Exploring Dark Themes in Entertainment 20:05 The Complexity of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein 29:35 The Power of Dreams and Creativity 31:43 Favorite Authors and Emotional Connections

Summary

In this episode of My Simplified Life Podcast, host Michelle Glogovac discusses the importance of connection and civic engagement during challenging times. She emphasizes the need for community involvement, particularly through initiatives like California Moms for Good, which aims to empower mothers and advocate for positive change. Michelle encourages listeners to stay hopeful and engaged while also taking care of their mental well-being amidst the chaos of current events.

What We're Talking About...

• It's important to connect with other people who understand your struggles.
• Civic engagement is crucial for the next generation's future.
• California has diverse political views that need attention.
• Encouraging children to be civically engaged is essential.
• Community collaboration can lead to positive change.
• Don't just complain; thank your representatives for their work.
• Staying active and engaged can combat feelings of hopelessness.
• Self-care is necessary to avoid being overwhelmed by negativity.
• In-person events can strengthen community ties.
• Hope and action can coexist even in challenging times.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and New Format 02:30 Launching California Moms for Good 03:53 The Importance of Political Awareness 05:23 Community Engagement and In-Person Events 06:36 The Importance of Connection in Challenging Times 09:27 Civic Engagement and Its Impact on Future Generations

Links Mentioned

California Moms For Good on Instagram

https://instagram.com/californiamomsforgood

California Moms For Good on Substack

https://californiamomsforgood.substack.com/ 

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac speaks with author Nanda Reddy about her debut novel, A Girl Within A Girl Within A Girl. They discuss the themes of immigration, identity, and trauma, as well as the writing process and the importance of representation in literature. Nanda shares her personal connection to the story and the challenges she faced during her journey to publication, highlighting the collaborative nature of writing and the role of research in crafting her narrative. The conversation concludes with insights into Nanda's future projects and her passion for storytelling.

What We're Talking About...

• Nanda's book explores the complexities of identity and immigration.
• The story reflects real-life issues faced by many immigrants today.
• Writing can be a cathartic process, revealing unexpected truths.
• Representation in literature is crucial for diverse voices.
• The writing process often involves collaboration and feedback.
• Research plays a vital role in creating authentic narratives.
• Nanda's personal experiences influenced her storytelling.
• The journey to publication can be long and challenging.
• Nanda's next book continues to explore important themes.
• The importance of community in the writing process is emphasized.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Book Overview 04:36 Themes of Identity and Immigration 07:10 Writing Process and Personal Connection 10:23 Exploring Difficult Topics 13:28 Representation in Literature 16:25 The Role of Research and Collaboration 19:10 Publishing Journey and Editing Process 22:29 Future Projects and Conclusion 29:27 Introduction to Nanda's Journey 29:27 The Writing Process Behind the Book

Links Mentioned

Nanda Reddy’s Website

http://www.nandareddy.com

Nanda Reddy’s Instagram https://instagram.com/nandareddyauthor

A Girl Within A Girl Within A Girl by Nanda Reddy

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9798989532513

In this episode of My Simplified Life, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith discuss various life updates, delve into literary discussions, and share insights from the Ruby Frankie documentary. They explore the importance of recognizing red flags in relationships, the impact of authors' backgrounds on their writing, and the significance of parenting lessons derived from documentaries. The conversation also touches on celebrity encounters, aspirations, and upcoming events, culminating in a light-hearted wrap-up of future topics to explore.

What We're Talking About...

• Books can bring awareness to ongoing issues.
• Trust your gut when it comes to people.
• Documentaries can provide valuable lessons for children.
• Recognizing red flags is crucial in relationships.
• Celebrity encounters can inspire personal aspirations.
• Literary discussions can lead to deeper insights.
• Parenting involves teaching children about trust and deception.
• It's important to have goals and dreams.
• Sharing experiences can create a therapeutic space

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 03:40 Celebrating Pi Day and Literary Character Day 06:32 The Importance of Relevant Literature 09:30 Authors with Diverse Backgrounds 12:45 The Ruby Frankie Documentary Discussion 15:46 Exploring the Tradwife Phenomenon 18:35 Consequences of Child Abuse and Parental Responsibility 21:14 The Dark Side of Fame: A Cautionary Tale 24:37 Spotting Deception: Teaching Kids to Trust Their Instincts 26:50 Learning from History: The Impact of Parental Influence 29:29 The Consequences of Toxic Relationships 31:44 Navigating Mental Health and Parenting 33:32 Celebrating Literary Joys: Positive Reads and Connections 38:14 Dreams and Aspirations: Meeting Influential Figures

In this conversation, Michelle Glogovac and Rhonda Foxx discuss the importance of women's voices in politics, the creation of the Persist network, and the need for civic engagement. Rhonda shares her experiences running for Congress and the challenges women face in political spaces. They emphasize the significance of grassroots organizing and the power of community in advocating for change. The conversation highlights the role of education in civic engagement and the necessity for women to support one another in their political endeavors.

What We're Talking About

• The Persist network aims to keep women connected and politically engaged.
• Women need to be encouraged to run for office and take leadership roles.
• Civic education is crucial for empowering future generations.
• Politics affects every aspect of our lives, making engagement essential.
• Grassroots organizing can lead to significant change in communities.
• Women often need to be asked multiple times to run for office.
• Political campaigns can be grueling and require resilience.
• Community building is vital for sustaining political movements.
• Advocacy and calling representatives can influence political decisions.
• The future of women's representation depends on collective action and support.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Women's Voices 02:50 The Persist Network: Building a Coalition 05:48 The Role of Politics in Everyday Life 09:03 Civic Engagement and Education 12:04 Running for Office: Rhonda's Experience 18:00 The Challenges of Political Campaigning 20:52 Engagement and Advocacy: The Power of the People 25:11 Future of Persist and Community Building

Links Mentioned

The Persist Network on Instagram

‌https://instagram.com/ThePersistNetwork 

The Persist Network on BlueSky

https://bsky.app/profile/thepersistnetwork.bsky.social

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac and co-host Stephanie Hockersmith interview author Stephanie Wrobel about her latest novel, The Hitchcock Hotel. The conversation delves into the influence of Alfred Hitchcock on Wrobel's writing, the complexities of artistic admiration, and the exploration of unlikable characters in psychological thrillers. Wrobel shares her journey to becoming an author, her thoughts on the future of her writing, and the delicate balance between reading and writing. The episode concludes with reflections on the nature of storytelling and the intricacies of human behavior.

What We're Talking About

• The Hitchcock Hotel is a thrilling homage to Hitchcock's films.
• Wrobel's journey into Hitchcock's filmography was a deep dive.
• The book explores the duality of Hitchcock's legacy.
• Artistic admiration can be complicated by an artist's personal flaws.
• Unlikable characters are essential in psychological thrillers.
• Wrobel's writing journey began with an MFA program.
• The future of her writing may include speculative fiction.
• Reading widely influences a writer's craft.
• The balance between reading and writing is crucial for authors.
• Understanding human motivations is a central theme in Wrobel's work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Authors and Their Work 04:15 Diving into The Hitchcock Hotel 07:11 Exploring Hitchcock's Influence and Legacy 10:15 The Dichotomy of Art and Artist 13:15 Understanding Unlikable Characters in Thrillers 18:35 The Journey to Writing Thrillers 21:14 Understanding Human Motivations 25:21 Career Path and Writing Journey 27:09 Exploring New Genres 31:15 The Writing Process and Idea Generation 36:21 Exploring The Hitchcock Hotel 36:49 Interview with Stephanie: The Author's Perspective

Links Mentioned

Stephanie Wrobel’s Website

www.stephaniewrobel.com

The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9780593547113

Stephanie Wrobel’s Instagram

https://instagram.com/stephaniewrobel

In this episode of My Simplified Life, the Booked & Unfiltered Wednesday series, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Steph Hockersmith discuss the importance of self-care, the power of reading, and the challenges of parenting. They explore various genres of literature, the significance of diverse voices in books, and the role of literature in navigating difficult times. The conversation is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful reflections on life, parenting, and the joy of reading.

What We're Talking About

• Your past and present don't define your future.
• Self-care is essential for balancing responsibilities.
• Books can build empathy and understanding.
• All books, regardless of genre, hold value.
• Literature can be a powerful tool for change.
• Encouraging children to read is vital.
• Diverse literature helps everyone feel seen.
• Reading can be both an escape and a source of knowledge.
• Parenting comes with its own set of challenges and joys.
• Conversations about books can lead to deeper connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for New Format 03:40 Self-Care and Balancing Responsibilities 06:35 The Power of Books and Empathy 09:35 Reading for Joy vs. Reading for Work 12:36 Diverse Reading Preferences and Genres 15:40 The Importance of Literature in Today's World 18:38 Encouraging Reading in Children 23:23 Aging and the Illusion of Adulthood 30:08 Parenting Realities and Dance Parties 36:39 Book Club Discussions and Literary Insights

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac speaks with Dr. Samra Zafar, a physician, author of Unconditional, and advocate for women's empowerment. Dr. Zafar shares her inspiring journey from being a child bride in a forced marriage to becoming a successful doctor and author. The conversation delves into themes of overcoming adversity, the importance of storytelling in personal growth, navigating relationships, and empowering the next generation. Dr. Zafar emphasizes the need for education and awareness around gender roles and the impact of trauma, while also encouraging listeners to take action in their own lives.

What We're Talking About

• Your past doesn't define your future.
• Overcoming adversity is possible with determination.
• Storytelling can make personal growth relatable.
• Empowering the next generation is crucial.
• Recognizing red flags in relationships is essential.
• Education is key to breaking cycles of abuse.
• Women should not give away their autonomy.
• Abuse can take many forms, not just physical.
• Healthy relationships are built on partnership, not competition.
• Engaging in conversations about gender roles is necessary.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Samra Zafar 05:22 The Journey of Overcoming Adversity 14:01 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth 21:09 Empowering Women and Challenging Societal Norms 27:33 The Importance of Education and Role Models 33:59 Breaking the Cycle of Abuse 34:58 Empowerment Through Storytelling

Links Mentioned

Unconditional by Dr. Samra Zafar

https://a.co/d/8byk9p5 A Good Wife by Dr. Samra Zafar

https://a.co/d/hZEQAWE Dr. Samra Zafar’s Website

www.samrazafar.com

Dr. Samra Zafar’s Instagram https://instagram.com/iamsamrazafar