She’s Working on it!

Summary: This week, I’m reflecting on habits, fresh starts, and the importance of checking in with ourselves along the way. I share what I’m reading, including The Children’s Train and The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control, which has me rethinking perfectionism, identifying my own perfectionist tendencies, and considering how to keep the parts that serve me while loosening my grip on the ones that don’t.

✨ Mentioned in This Episode

📚 Books

The Children’s Train by Viola Ardone

The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis

The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power by Katherine Morgan Schafler

🎙️ Podcasts

Stop Doing Things the Hard Way with Angela Duckworth THE HAPPINESS LAB

Why Smaller Goals Lead to Bigger Changes with Eric Zimmer THE HAPPINESS LAB

Your Perfectionism isn’t a Problem-If You know How to Use it NPR LIFE KIT

🌟 Let’s Connect

• Substack: She’s Working On It — Read & Subscribe Here

Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: In this episode, I’m following the ideas that have been getting my attention lately, from back-to-school rituals and finding more time for play and connection to books, podcasts, fashion, and even perfectionism. It’s a bit of a rabbit hole, but one that reminds me how staying curious, paying attention, and trying something new can keep us inspired and moving forward.

✨ Mentioned in This Episode

📚 Books

The Perfectionists Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power by Katherine Morgan Schafler

My Life in France by by Alex Prud'homme and Julia Child

Strangers by Belle Burden

The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin

🎙️ Podcasts

Your Perfectionism isn’t a Problem-If You know How to Use it NPR LIFE KIT

NPR’s It’s Been a Minute: In America, are you what you wear?

Articles of Interest with Avery Trufelman

🌟 Let’s Connect

• Substack: She’s Working On It — Read & Subscribe Here

Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: In this episode, I’m embracing fresh-start energy and rethinking how I use my time. Inspired by Laura Vanderkam’s Tranquility by Tuesday, I revisit nine practical strategies for creating calmer, more intentional weeks. I also explore perfectionism, productivity, and how small shifts can help us make more room for what truly matters.

✨ Mentioned in This Episode

📚 Books

Tranquility by Tuesday by Laura Vanderkam

168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steve R Covey

The Perfectionists Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power by Katherine Morgan Schafler

▶️ Videos

Laura Vanderkam Ted Talk: How to Gain Control of your Free Time

🎙️ Podcasts

Your Perfectionism isn’t a Problem-If You know How to Use it NPR LIFE KIT

🌟 Let’s Connect

• Substack: She’s Working On It — Read & Subscribe Here

Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: In this episode, I continue my exploration of aging through the lens of my 89-year-old father. I share some of the realities of caring for an aging parent, while considering what we can learn from their experiences about staying active, socially connected, curious, and engaged as we grow older ourselves. I also share a quick update about my new Substack and how I’m using it as a companion to the podcast.

✨ Mentioned in This Episode

📝 Articles

• Aging: What to Expect - The Mayo Clinic
• Ageing and Health - World Health Organization
• How Exercise Targets the Seven Pillars of Aging to Promote Healthy Longevity - Diagnostic Detective NETWORK

🎙️ Podcasts

• So your Parents are Old with Vanessa Grigoriadis
• How to be a Better Human: Lessons from a 102-year-old swimmer
• She’s Working on it!: Episode 20 Tennis: The Game That Tells His Life Story-An Interview With My Dad
• She’s Working on it!: Episode 49 Aged to Perfection: My Dad on Wine (and Life)

📺Videos

• Meet Maurine Kornfeld, 100-year-old USMS swimming legend 😃

📰 Newsletters/blogs

• The Oldster Magazine

🌟 Let’s Connect

• Substack: She’s Working On It — Read & Subscribe Here

Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: In this episode, I revisit one of my favorite topics, Creative Pragmatism, while exploring what it means to age well. From healthy aging habits to the growing presence of older women in fashion, I reflect on how our relationship with personal style can evolve with age, confidence, and experience.

✨ Mentioned in This Episode

📚 Books

Younger: A Breakthrough Program to Reset Your Genes, Reverse Aging, and Turn Back the Clock 10 Years By Dr. Sara Gottfried

How to Be Old: Lessons on Living Boldly from the Accidental Icon -by Lyn Slater

The Creative Pragmatist by Amy Smilovic

📝 Articles

Are You Aging Well? Try These Simple Tests to Find Out - New York Times

4 Weird Signs You’re Getting Older- New York Times

Ageless Beauty- New York Times

📺 Show and Documentaries

Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones- Netflix

🌟 Let’s Connect

Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: This week, I begin a deeper exploration of aging. Blending personal stories, research, and Nora Ephron's unforgettable observations, I reflect on the physical changes, beauty standards, and mindset shifts that accompany growing older and why embracing the journey may be the healthiest approach of all.

✨ Mentioned in This Episode

📚 Books

I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron

Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging with Power by Vonda Wright

The Smallest of Joys by Dianne Shiffer

📝 Articles

When Life Gave Her Ageism, Sari Botton Created ‘Oldster’ - The New York Times

Can We Reverse Aging? - The New York Times

Are You Aging Well? Try These Simple Tests to Find Out.

The Gift of Getting Weirder With Age - The New York Times

📱 Social Media 

Substack Olders Magazine by Sari Botton

Instagram DianneShiffer

🎙️ Podcasts

The Good Life Project: The Midlife Muscle Loss Lie: How to Stay Strong at Any Age | Dr. Vonda Wright

🌟 Let’s Connect

Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: In this episode, I share what I’m learning from two thought-provoking books: Tranquility by Tuesday by Laura Vanderkam and The Creative Pragmatist by Amy Smilovic. We explore the power of intentional planning, sustainable habits, creativity, and making time for what truly matters. Along the way, I reflect on aging, curiosity, and the surprising disconnect between how we feel on the inside and what we see in the mirror.

✨ Mentioned in This Episode

📚 Books

Tranquility by Tuesday by Laura Vanderkam

The Creative Pragmatism, 2nd ED., By Amy Smilovoc

▶️ Videos

Tibi Color Wheel- This will COMPLETELY change the way you wear color by Christina Mychas

Amy Smilovic:  One, Ton or None

Style Class All Day: Tibi Color Math

Tibi Color Method: Bigs and Pigs

Tibi Styling Tip Big, Slim & Skin

🌟 Let’s Connect:

Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: In this episode, I reflect on a whirlwind trip to New York and coastal Connecticut for my nephew’s graduation, sharing thoughts on family, nostalgia, travel, and the emotional reset that often comes with returning home. Along the way, I talk about the books, movies, podcasts, and ideas that inspired me, and how sometimes stepping outside of your normal routine can help you return with a fresh perspective.

✨ Mentioned in This Episode

📺 Show and Movies

Girls: 2012 Series 6 Seasons

Julie & Julia

Mystic Pizza

Heatburn

Everything is Copy: Nora Ephron Scripted & Unscripted

📚 Books
Famesick: A Memoir By Lena Dunham

Tranquility by Tuesday by Laura Vanderkam

Heartburn by Nora Ephron

🌟 Let’s Connect:

• Instagram: @virginia.markman
• Facebook: @virginiacrablemarkman

Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: In this episode, I reflect on why so many of us feel mentally exhausted and disconnected, even when life seems full. Inspired by a podcast conversation about meaning and happiness, I talk about our obsession with productivity, the importance of slowing down, and the small everyday experiences that help us feel more grounded, connected, and present.

✨ Mentioned in This Episode

🎧 Podcasts
The Good Life Project: Arthur Brooks: Meaning in Midlife & Beyond

Am I Doing it Wrong? Practical Tips For Gratitude That Could Change Your Life (with Dr. Laurie Santos)

📚 Books
The Meaning Of Your Life: Finding Purpose In An Age Of Emptiness by Arthur C. Brooks

🌟 Let’s Connect:

• Instagram: @virginia.markman
• Facebook: @virginiacrablemarkman

Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!

Summary: This episode takes you on a journey across Mexico, from the rugged beauty of the north to the lush landscapes of the Yucatán. I share stories, food, and cultural highlights, along with a deeper reflection on how travel allows us to step away, not just physically but mentally, and create space for clarity, connection, and perspective.

✨ Mentioned in This Episode

🍽️ Restaurants

Dos Aguas- Chihuahua, Chihuahua

Kuuk Restaurante- Mérida

Raza- Mérida

Where to eat, stay, and play in Mérida, the Yucatán Peninsula's Inland Gem- Condé Nast Traveler

📍 Attractions

Hotel El Mirador- Divisadero, Chihuahua 

Posada Hidalgo- El Fuerte, Sinaloa

Trasmuro Instagram: Where we stayed in Merida Youtube

Parque Barrancas- Divisadero, Chihuahua 

El Chepe Express

Zona Arqueológica de Uxmal

Tekit- Capital de la Guayabera

Celestún-Beach and Mangroves

Cenote y Hacienda Mucuyche

🌟 Let’s Connect:

• Instagram: @virginia.markman
• Facebook: @virginiacrablemarkman

Send me a message or leave me a voice mail!