THANKS for doing that

“When we carry out the dreams we have inside of us, there’s so much refinement and growth that happens. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it.”

“I think really all good times are happening usually around a table of food. Now I get to be someone that helps curate spaces where people can connect and enjoy themselves.”

In this episode of Thanks for Doing That, host Heather Winchell talks with Olivia Smith, the owner of Sunny Stacks Pancakes, a modern breakfast food truck in northern Colorado. Olivia shares her inspiring journey from teaching and ministry to entrepreneurship. With a vision for connection and community, she discusses how Sunny Stacks curates meaningful breakfast experiences using fresh, seasonal ingredients and even collaborations with family members. Olivia opens up about overcoming unexpected challenges, embracing hard work, and finding joy in the diversity of people her food truck brings her into contact with. This uplifting conversation highlights the power of resilience, creativity, and creating moments of light in a busy world.

• Website: SunnyStacksPancakes.com
• Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
  (Details for booking and following the food truck’s journey.)

Book Sunny Stacks for Your Event!
(Staff appreciations, back-to-school nights, celebrations, and more are available for booking on their website.)

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“Books have a way of giving voice to what we’ve felt but never quite known how to say. They remind us we’re not alone—even in the hard stuff.”

In this heartfelt Book Club Edition of Thanks for Doing That, host Heather Winchell welcomes her “Core Four”—a close-knit group of friends who’ve shared life for two decades and spent the last two years exploring stories together.

From Beth Moore’s honest memoir All My Knotted Up Life to the haunting beauty of City of Thieves and the big questions posed in Imagine Heaven, this episode is packed with favorites, surprises, and real talk. The group reflects on which books made them laugh, which sparked deep conversations (and fact-checking debates), and which ones stayed with them long after the final page.

With haikus, memorable quotes, and the ultimate lit-lover’s question—What would you ask your favorite author?—this episode celebrates the power of story and the gift of friendship.

Whether you’re looking for your next read or just love a good conversation, grab your coffee (or wine) and join us for a joyful, thoughtful dive into the books that brought us together.

1. Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World by Jenny Allen
2. All My Knotted Up Life: A Memoir by Beth Moore
3. City of Thieves by David Benioff
4. Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story by Bono
5. The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor by Eddie Jaku
6. Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You by John Burke and Don Piper
7. No Cure for Being Human: And Other Truths I Need to Hear by Kate Bowler
8. America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie

✨ P.S. These are Amazon links, but don’t forget to support your local bookshop when you can.

📲 Follow along @thanks.for.doing.that.podcast

💬 Tell us what book changed you—DM us or drop a comment!

#ThanksForDoingThat #BookClubEdition #BookLoversUnite #StoriesThatMatter #CoreFourReads #MemoirMagic #FaithAndFriendship #WomenWhoRead #PodcastForReaders #BooksAndBanter #BethMooreMemoir #ImagineHeaven #KateBowler #SurrenderByBono #CityOfThieves #BookishPodcast #FriendshipGoals #ReadingTogether

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What does it take to rebuild a career from the ground up in a whole new country?

In this episode, I’m joined by Jenny, a former English teacher turned career coach who now walks alongside internationally trained professionals—think doctors, dentists, and educators—as they navigate the long and complicated road of credentialing and career reentry in the U.S.

Jenny’s work at the Spring Institute puts her face-to-face with stories of grit, resilience, and incredible talent that’s too often overlooked. We talk about the systems that make it hard for immigrant and refugee professionals to get back into the careers they’ve already trained for—and the quiet victories that keep her going.

You’ll hear about the real humans behind the headlines, how proximity changes everything, and what it looks like to be a good neighbor in a complicated world. This conversation is full of heart, honest questions, and a deep belief in the value of every person’s contribution.

✍️ Episode References

Spring Institute
Migration Policy Institute
American Immigration Council
The Ungrateful Refugee (book)
Upwardly Global
Office of New Americans
Simplify Language
Colony House (band)

#ImmigrantVoices #CareerReentry #RefugeeSupport #CredentialRecognition #HiddenTalent #DignityInWork #HumanFirst #CommunityCare #InclusiveHiring #InternationalProfessionals #WorkforceDevelopment #SpringInstitute #UpwardlyGlobal #TheUngratefulRefugee #HeatherWinchellPodcast #ThanksForDoingThat

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A celebration of 10 delights from 2024 and an encouragement to look back in order to get some perspective as we move forward. 


• Sharing the joy found in Muji pens 
• Celebrating the journey of starting a solo podcast 
• Highlighting kids' creativity through family experiences 
• The friendship and connection fostered within a book club 
• Finding joy in writing haikus 
• Appreciation for national parks and natural beauty 
• Convenience of grocery delivery in a busy household 
• Cherishing conversations and connections through podcasting 
• Embracing the relaxed mindset of sui bian 
• The importance of curating input for deeper reflection

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Embark on a journey that challenges  stereotypes as Wendy and Colin Hornback of Mission Taxidermy reveal the artistry and emotional depth behind hunting and taxidermy. These crafts preserve cherished memories and stories, reflecting the unique spirit of each animal. Their personal anecdotes transform the concept of mounts from mere trophies to meaningful symbols of shared experiences and God's intricate designs in nature.

Explore the ethical side of hunting with Wendy and Colin, who emphasize the importance of utilizing the whole animal. Learn about the nutritional benefits of often-overlooked organ meats like the heart and liver and the legal frameworks that support sustainable hunting practices across different states. Discover the fascinating challenges within taxidermy as they share their encounters with diverse creatures, from the tough skin of alligators to the unique features of the Barbary sheep.

Get inspired by the dynamic partnership of Wendy and Colin as they navigate business and marriage with strategies rooted in effective communication and collaboration. Their stories remind us of the satisfaction in aligning our lives with personal values and finding joy in the little things, like a well-deserved scoop of ice cream.

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Did you know that sometimes life comes through devastation? This is true of the Sequoia pinecone and can also be seen in the troubles of life.

My guest for this conversation - Vince Black of Blackcone - shares his personal experience with finding beauty and life in the midst of devastation. After losing his oldest son to leukemia in 2022, Vince had to fight to learn that beauty can indeed come from what only feels like death and loss. Whereas lathe-turning started as an outlet for his grief, it has become a source of redemptive creativity.

Blackcone works primarily with wood that has been discarded or devastated by Colorado wildfires and beetle kill. Each piece is transformed into a striking and beautiful work of art. The wood is given new life and, in this, each piece is a marker of hope.

Blackcone website
Follow along on IG @blackconeworks

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What stories shaped your childhood, and how are they influencing today’s generation? Join me, Heather Winchell, as I sit down with Paige Gowing, an inspiring elementary school librarian whose passion for storytelling and education is infectious. Paige opens up about her journey from dreaming of becoming a writer to finding her calling as a librarian, all fueled by a family tradition of reading aloud. Discover how Paige utilizes her love for physical books to cultivate a rich library at home and instill a deep appreciation for literature in her students, all while working hand in hand with parents to nurture character through impactful stories.

We unravel the art of selecting the right books for young readers, diving into Paige's thoughtful criteria that emphasize moral literacy and the balance between classic literature and lighter reads. With examples ranging from "Tom Sawyer" to "Captain Underpants," we explore how various narratives contribute to character development and moral understanding. Paige shares her views on how historical shifts have redefined storytelling, inspiring imaginations and influencing personal growth over generations.

Faced with modern distractions, how do we keep the magic of reading alive? We tackle the impact of screens on reading engagement and offer creative solutions like audiobooks for kids who are always on the go. Paige also reflects on book-to-movie adaptations, sharing her admiration for Greta Gerwig's "Little Women." To end on a heartfelt note, we celebrate Paige's colleague, Amy, whose passion for music education enriches their community. Ready to recognize the beauty in our world? We welcome your nominations for future episodes—a call to appreciate the inspiring individuals and tales around us.

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In this episode, Heather Winchell sits down with Collin Quigley, a mentor, coach, and friend who embodies the spirit of a Renaissance man. Collin shares his journey through various life chapters, from working with international organizations to embracing new hobbies and becoming a grandparent. As the founder of Q Coaching Associates, Collin discusses the importance of living in one's true identity and untying the knots that hold us back. Together, they explore the transformative power of joy over fear and the value of mentorship in finding one's path. Collin also shares insights into men's mental health, his passion for coaching, and the joy of helping others navigate life's challenges. Join us as we delve into the heart of what it means to live fully and authentically.

Referenced in episode:
Q Coaching Associates
Living Fearless by Jaime Winship

00:00 - Heather Winchell welcomes Colin Quigley to the podcast

00:51 - Colin has diverse interests and enjoys exploring new opportunities

04:45 - Heather asks if Collin has had any mentors in your journey

08:24 - Q coaching associates focus on helping people move through fear

11:24 - Joy is the fuel that gets us through, right?  It's the fuel to creativity

12:56 - Anxiety and depression go hand in hand. We know that. There's a couple of thoughts that come up about fear

14:10 - Some people wonder if working with a coach is really necessary or worth it

18:58 - Men's mental health is an area of specific concern for me

22:32 - Raising boys

25:32 - How can people connect with A coach or get connected to your resources

26:15 - Closing questions for Collin

30:32 - Show Haiku

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Heather is joined by fine artist and grad student Meagan Tarka to discuss the story and process behind one of Meagan's collections known as The Heart Series. The collection showcases twelve renderings of an anatomical human heart displayed through twelve diverse mediums. Each "heart" represents an emotional state on the journey from trauma to healing or pain to hope.

In this conversation, Meagan unpacks the story behind each piece and speaks to the surprising and beautiful ways this series has affected her life and the lives of others.  Heather and Meagan also talk more broadly about the importance of art and the power of expression.

You can find more information about Meagan and her art at her website or on instagram @meagantarka.

Episode mentions:
Makoto Fujimura - author and maker of slow art
Some examples of Tara Donovan's art
Morning Air, Morning Light - book of poetry Meagan mentions

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“Your passion comes from your story. If you want to find work that excites you, start by unpacking the moments that have shaped you.”

“Focusing on your weaknesses creates mediocrity. If you want to thrive, double down on what you do best and let someone else handle the rest.”

....

Heather Winchell sits down with career coach and strategist Jim Dodgen, a man with over 40,000 hours of experience helping people uncover their potential and step into meaningful careers. Jim is a branding expert (dubbed the Obi-Wan Kenobi of his field) and a LinkedIn enthusiast and strategist, dedicated to guiding individuals toward professional fulfillment.

We talk about owning your career, the importance of self-awareness, and why passion is rooted in your story. And, as a fun twist—did you know Jim used to be a lion trainer? Stick around for that wild story!

 Plus, learn why half of all employees hate their jobs—and what to do about it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How passion is connected to your personal story

✅ The two key questions to ask when exploring career paths

✅ Why the traditional “Apply Now” button is a job search black hole

✅ How to market yourself effectively (hint: it’s about positioning)

✅ How LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking (beyond just job searching)

✅ Why fear and risk hold people back from meaningful careers

✅ The value of coaching in unlocking your full potential

Episode Chapters

🔹 [00:00] Welcome & Introduction — Meet Jim Dodgen, career strategist (and former lion trainer!)

🔹 [03:00] From Mechanic to Career Coach — Jim’s early struggles and career pivot

🔹 [07:40] The Lion Training Story — A wild tale of family business and marketing

🔹 [12:15] “It’s Your Career, Own It” — The philosophy behind Dodgen & Co.

🔹 [18:30] The Power of LinkedIn — Beyond job hunting: how to build your network

🔹 [23:50] Career Exploration 101 — Why curiosity and storytelling matter

🔹 [27:00] The Strengths-Based Approach — Why focusing on strengths (not weaknesses) leads to success

🔹 [30:00] Why 50% of People Hate Their Jobs — And how to break free

🔹 [35:00] Finding Clarity in Solitude — The impact of executive retreats

🔹 [42:00] Jim’s Advice for Career Changers — It’s never too late to pivot

🔹 [50:00] Fun Questions & Closing Thoughts — Jim’s haiku, hobbies, and gratitude

Resources & References

🔗 Find Jim on LinkedIn: Jim Dodgen

📚 Books Mentioned:

• StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath

• Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller

Join the Conversation!

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