In our season one finale, we tackle the topic of change—how do we handle our everchanging lives and selves, and how might be approach making changes in an effective way? Our conversation leads us to discussions on grief, articulating our needs, and how to better support people. Robyn goes to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra and Michelle loves that she doesn’t have to shovel. 

Recorded on December 8th, 2024

Timestamps:

(0:20) Intro

Resources, references, and further exploration:

Trans Siberian Orchestra: https://www.trans-siberian.com/

Books mentioned:

Songwriting Without Boundaries by Pat Pattison https://www.patpattison.com/store

Quotes, ideas, and insights:

Amor Fati: https://dailystoic.com/amor-fati/

“slow moments are common after a period of serious growth they should not be feared but embraced as opportunities to get to know the new you as you mature, you release so many layers that you sometimes change radically, and your mind and body feel like a new home slow moments are for renewal and integration of recent lessons learned but a slow pace often finds a way to test how you have grown; this is an important time to observe your progress and notice where you need further work” - yung pueblo (Diego Perez) - Clarity and Connection, Page 173

“Well-being is realized by small steps, but is truly no small thing.” - Zeno (Source: https://dailystoic.com/remember-little-things-are-not-small/)

Links:

Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/

Credits:

Art by: Robyn Lester

In a society that lionizes “hustling” and “the grind”, rest can feel like a revolution. In this episode, we talk about the different types of rest, why rest is important, and how we think about it in our own lives. We also dive into why modern work isn’t working for our brains and how it makes it harder for us to rest and recover the way we need. Robyn sees the wonderful poet Shane Koyczan live and Michelle tries to save (digital) fox cubs from extinction. 

Recorded on November 24th, 2024

Timestamps:

(0:20) Intro

Resources, references, and further exploration:

Shane Koyczan: https://www.shanekoyczan.com/

Books mentioned:

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara: https://www.unreasonablehospitality.com/#TheBook

Links:

Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/

Credits:

Art by: Robyn Lester

This episode was inspired by Michelle’s reading of Matthew Hussey’s book Love Life. We share our thoughts on self-love and explore some of Matthew’s ideas on self-love. Robyn gets some more sleep and Michelle goes to see Jordan Rakei.

Recorded on November 10th, 2024

Timestamps:

(0:20) Intro

Resources, references, and further exploration:

Ben Fensome’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somebenfen/?hl=en

Books mentioned:

Love Life by Matthew Hussey: https://www.harpercollins.ca/9780063294387/love-life/

Quotes, ideas, and insights:

Selected quotes from Love Life:

Links:

Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/

Credits:

Art by: Robyn Lester

In this episode, we discuss the role acceptance plays in being able to manage the expectations we have about ourselves and our lives. Robyn says “yes, and” to more acting and improv classes, and Michelle finishes writing a song. 

Recorded on November 3rd, 2024

Timestamps:

(0:20) Intro

Resources, references, and further exploration:

David Epstein on Diary of a CEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsERVcx0Qg8&t=217s

Books mentioned:

Songwriting Without Boundaries by Pat Pattison: https://www.patpattison.com/store

Quotes, ideas, and insights:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” - Reinhold Neibur

Links:

Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/

Credits:

Art by: Robyn Lester

In this episode, we discuss the ways we unintentionally hold ourselves back. We explore the importance of understanding ourselves when it comes to addressing unhelpful patterns, and share some of the things we might tell ourselves that repeatedly get in our way. Robyn rewatches Buffy and Michelle still loves her Kindle.

Recorded on October 6th, 2024

Timestamps:

(0:20) Intro

Resources, references, and further exploration:

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118276/

Books mentioned:

The Tell Tale by Clare Ashton: https://rclareashton.wordpress.com/books/the-tell-tale/

Links:

Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/

Credits:

Podcast art by: Robyn Lester

Following on the heels of our last episode on stories, this week, we’re each sharing a few of our own favourite stories. We also share a quick overview of the songs from our September playlist. Robyn starts acting classes and Michelle loves her new Kindle. 

Recorded on September 22nd, 2024

Timestamps:

(0:20) Intro

Resources, references, and further exploration:

Harry Potter: https://www.wizardingworld.com/

Organizations helping whales:

https://whale.org/ https://savethewhales.org/ https://www.canadianwhaleinstitute.ca/ https://uk.whales.org/

Books mentioned:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/286387/pride-and-prejudice-by-jane-austen-edited-with-an-introduction-and-notes-by-vivien-jones-original-penguin-classics-introduction-by-tony-tanner-cover-by-coralie-bickford-smith/9780141040349

Links:

Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/

Credits:

Podcast art by: Robyn Lester

Story time! We all love a good story, and in this episode, we explore why storytelling is such an important part of being human. We also also consider in what ways stories can work against us, and what constitutes a good story. Robyn arranges flowers and befriends Disney characters, and Michelle (finally!) cleans out her filing cabinet.

Recorded on September 9th, 2024

Timestamps:

(0:20) Intro

Resources, references, and further exploration:

Disney Dreamlight Valley (the game Robyn has been playing): https://disneydreamlightvalley.com/

Books mentioned:

The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr: https://www.thescienceofstorytelling.com/

Definitions, clarifications, and fact checking:

For anyone curious, here is the definition of a florist:

“A florist specializes in the art of floral design and arrangement. Florists work with various types of fresh, dried, and artificial flowers to create beautiful bouquets, centerpieces, wreaths, and other floral displays for a wide range of occasions and events. They have a keen eye for color, texture, and design aesthetics, allowing them to arrange flowers in visually appealing and meaningful ways that suit the occasion or the customer's preferences. Florists may operate their own floral shops or work in flower stores, garden centers, event planning companies, and other related establishments.

In addition to creating floral arrangements, florists also provide valuable advice and recommendations to customers regarding flower selection, care, and appropriate arrangements for specific events or sentiments. They may work closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences, crafting custom designs to convey emotions, celebrate special moments, and enhance the overall atmosphere of weddings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant occasions.” Source: https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/florist/

Jon Hamm fact check: So, Jon Hamm is listed as being active as an actor from 1996 to the present, so that would make him around 25 when he started. But he did teach eight-grade acting after he graduated college, and one of his students was indeed Ellie Kemper! Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Hamm

Article - How Reading Fiction Increases Empathy and Encourages Understanding (there is a link to the study referenced as well, for anyone interested in reading that): https://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/how-reading-fiction-increases-empathy-and-encourages-understanding

Links:

Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/

Credits:

Podcast art by: Robyn Lester

Life is full of challenges so in today’s episode, we each share a challenge we’re currently facing and what we’re doing to work through them. Robyn practices positivity and Michelle shares some appreciation for Mel Robbins. 

Recorded on August 25th, 2024

Timestamps:

(0:18) Intro

Resources, references, and further exploration:

Mel Robbins’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@melrobbins

Books mentioned:

Nevermoor Series by Jessica Townsend: https://www.hachette.com.au/jessica-townsend/

Links:

Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/

Credits:

Podcast art by: Robyn Lester

Those were the days! In this episode, we explore nostalgia—how we experience it, and how it can get in the way of us being fully present and embodied in the moment. We also discuss the Olympics, gratitude, some of our favourite nostalgia triggers. Robyn is inspired by Céline Dion’s comeback performance and Michelle starts a morning walking routine. 

Recorded on August 11th, 2024

Timestamps:

(0:27) Intro

Resources, references, and further exploration:

Bent Knee’s upcoming album Twenty Pills Without Water: https://bentknee.bandcamp.com/album/twenty-pills-without-water

Books mentioned:

Mel Robbins’ book The 5 Second Rule: https://www.melrobbins.com/books#the-5-second-rule

Quotes, ideas, and insights:

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” - John Lennon, from the song “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)”

Links:

Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/

Credits:

Podcast art by: Robyn Lester

In this episode, we attempt to tackle the topic of artistic identity. What is it? When is adopting an artistic identity helpful, and when might it become an issue? Robyn’s dog turns to a life of crime, and Michelle is having a hard time writing the lyrics for a song. 

Recorded on July 20th, 2024

Timestamps:

(0:30) Intro

Resources, references, and further exploration:

Mark Lettieri’s new album Can I Tell You Something?: https://www.marklettieri.com/can-i-tell-you-something Michelle’s blog post on doing what you say: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/do-as-you-say Michelle’s blog post on healing her relationship with music: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/how-i-healed-my-relationship-with-music

Books mentioned:

Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

Links:

Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/

Credits:

Podcast art by: Robyn Lester