The Commons with Karla

In this episode I am talking with a wonderful lady named Missy who I met when she contacted me after hearing me on a book podcast. From there our friendship grew.  Missy lives in a rural area, where finding community can be challenging with the physical barriers of not having people living very close together. To help overcome this challenge of distance from other people, and larger cities, Missy reached for books. She expresses how when she was a child her small village didn’t have a public library, so a Book Mobile would come to visit her area to bring in books from other libraries. Missy now gets creative with how to get her books, mostly turning to ebooks on Kindle. She has been able to use a few different online book resources to hear book talk and help find community. Missy, like many readers, uses reading as a source of self care and finds ways to fit it into her schedule. She usually does this by reading during meals (aka her quiet time). Check out this episode for some great resources for readers, and to learn more about Missy's story! 

Episode Highlights:

●     What it is like to live in a rural area

●     Bookmobile as source of books in small village

●     Libby app for reading ebooks and audiobooks

●     Goodreads - track books and link to libraries Library Extension

●     The StoryGraph - track books and get data on your reading life

●    Book Podcasts: What Should I Read Next?, Currently Reading, BookTalk Etc, Novel Pairings, and Sarah’s Bookshelves Live  

●     Catherine’s blog GilmoreGuidetoBooks.com

●     Book podcast that started Karla and Missy friendship WSIRN Episode 236

●     The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

Connect:

●     Connect with Missy on IG @steiner.missy and see what Missy is reading on Goodreads

●     Connect with Karla on IG @karla_osorno and see what Karla is reading on Goodreads 

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●     10 Day Connection Challenge free 

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Jeanie Clip offers a solution for those annoying holes in your tees caused by the abrasive part of jeans.  Simply clip the Jeanie Clip on the button of your jeans and stop the damage.  Get 20% off of your Jeanie Clip order with the code KARLA20 at JeanieClip.com/discount/KARLA20.  

Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same. Thanks for your support!

Today we are chatting with Kari Sweeney. Kari is a busy working mom, who like the most of us, has a full schedule. Something that Kari loves to do for herself is to read books and to talk about books. She found that when she didn’t make time to do that, it showed in her mental health and in her relationships with others. Kari decided she was going to always make it a priority to make time for herself, and get lost in a book. She prioritizes her time creatively, like reading a book in the school pick up line or listening to an audiobook while doing chores around the house. Kari now has an online book community that allows her to share her love for reading in conversation with others. She is a wonderful example of how we need to make our hobbies and passions a priority, even with our busy schedules. Check out this episode to learn more about Kari and her story. 

Episode Highlights:

●     Making time for reading with a busy schedule 

●     Modern Mrs Darcy online book club and community - Join as a member

●     Intentional conversations with people online

●     Book darts - Buy on Amazon

●     Bookstagram - keeping it fun (not obligatory) and being authentic

●     Kari makes beautiful book sleeves from fabric to protect your books - message Kari

●     How books can launch deeper conversation

●     Selecting the right book for you 

●     What Should I Read Next Podcast - Karla’s WSIRN episode 236

●     Reflecting and documenting why you like a book - Anne Bogel’s book journal

●     Kids and planting the seeds for lifelong reading

●     Buddy Reads as motivation for reading longer books

 
Connect with Guest on Instagram- @whatkarireads

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●     10 Day Connection Challenge free 

●     Learn at The Commons with Classes 

●     Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram

 
Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same. Thanks for your support!

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated.

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memories fade. We lose people in our lives. We go our whole lives without asking our loved ones to tell their precious stories.  We miss hearing the laughter in their voices and laughing at humorous comments and inside jokes. There is another option. Let Memory Lane Chats help you capture these voices and stories. Each package gives you a 90 minute audio recording of an interview style conversation with the person you love. Get more information and order yours today at MemoryLaneChats.com.

Today we are talking with my friend, Victoria. Victoria really is a wonderful example of a woman who values community, family, and faith. In this episode, she talks with us about how she navigates tough conversations and conflict in her relationships while still honoring her values. Victoria’s strength in her faith shines through and reflects in all of her relationships. She also is involved in a book club with her close friends in order to stay connected.  Listen to this episode to hear more about Victoria’s story, and how it can encourage you to handle relationships with grace. 

 Episode Highlights:

●      Time in community including fun trips and serving together.

●      Unity in marriage even with ups and downs.

●      Learning to accept your spouse and your differences.

●      Navigating tough conversations in marriage.

●      Living a life of faith as yourself.

●      Marriage & ministry - the breaking and the restoration - while parenting twins.

●      Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians mentioned - a film/story about Victoria’s husband and others.

●      Deep relationships take time, work, and commitment. 

●      Book clubs or movies as a way to engage, have conversations, and create community.

●      “I started eavesdropping and realized that the books they read were just an excuse to talk about their own lives.  Every character, every broken heart, every twist of fate inspired a story about an unruly mother-in-law, a philandering father, or the cousin who came out to his unforgiving parents. Sometimes it sounded more like a therapy session and a book discussion.” Quote from Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi

 Connect with Guest:

●      Connect with Victoria on IG @pinkpopmedia and Pink Pop Media.

●      Media Owner Victoria has these other sites DarlingQuote.com, Tattooglee.com, FunPartyPop.com, PinkPopDesign.com, MommaTeen.com and PinkPopMedia.com

 Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●      Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram

Thanks to our Sponsor: 

Fit 36 Clothing is the place to get anything you need for your active lifestyle.  They have the softest leggings, cute sports bras, tanks, hats, water bottles.   Fit 36 Clothing is female owned and locally operated by two native Nevadans. And because they are based in Nevada, some of their designs have Nevada and Lake Tahoe mixed in.  They sell locally if you're in Reno or ship nationwide.  So if you're looking for high quality fitness apparel, at a reasonable price you will be thrilled with your finds at Fit 36 Clothing! Get 10% off of your Fit 36 Clothing order using the code KARLA10 at fit36clothing.com.

 Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated.

Life’s challenges don’t seem so scary when you have a community who helps you know that you are not alone.

In this episode, I am talking with my dear friend Karen. Karen is blessed with two amazing children with Down Syndrome. In this episode Karen talks about how through the journey of raising her kids, she is able to make great connections and friendships with other parents who also have children with Down Syndrome. Within this community, Karen is able to ask questions to others who have had or will have similar challenges.  Being able to have a support system is so important. I hope Karen’s story encourages you to reach out to a support group that helps you know you are not alone. Listen to this episode to learn more about Karen and her story and to hear her recommendations for moms.

Episode Highlights:

• Chase your dream so you have no regrets
• Life has ups and downs and hard times are formative
• Be real when things are hard
• Work through things together in marriage
• Raising children with Down Syndrome
• Give your kids confidence and tools to be successful
• Value of Parent Support Groups
• Buddy Walk Northern Nevada
• October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month - National Down Syndrome Society
• Maintaining self-care while caring for your children
• Know “it’s okay to not be okay”, admit things are not great, and to ask for help
• Finding the good in each day and situation

Connect with Guest:

• Connect with Karen on IG @momoftwo21s
• For runners, walkers, and everything in between - Silver State Striders running group
• Inspire, Educate, and Empower one another - Trail Sisters running group
• Trail Sisters on IG
• Down Syndrome of Northern Nevada - learn more

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

• 10 Day Connection Challenge free
• Learn at The Commons with Classes
• Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Jeanie Clip offers a solution for those annoying holes in your tees caused by the abrasive part of jeans.  Simply clip the Jeanie Clip on the button of your jeans and stop the damage.  Get 20% off of your Jeanie Clip order with the code KARLA20 at JeanieClip.com/discount/KARLA20. 

Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same. Thanks for your support!

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated.

Do you feel deeply rooted within your community, or are you just going through the motions most days?

Over the past few weeks, we have discussed how to navigate different relationships and begin fostering deeper connections within them. This week we are discussing how to connect deeper within our communities.

Connecting within our communities is good for our well-being and it takes our lives from the mundane day-to-day tasks to richer more meaningful days. But being more intentional with how we connect in our communities can have a ripple effect making an impact on more than just our own lives.

When we choose to get intentional about making even the tiniest impact on those around us, it inspires others to do the same and ultimately leads to healthier relationships and flourishing communities. Listen today to learn more and glean some tactical tips on how you can begin connecting deeper within your community today.

Thank you for joining us today at the Commons with Karla!

Things we discussed in the episode:

• The impact we can have on our communities by connecting.
• Things we can do on a daily basis to better connect with our community.
• Why connection within our communities is important.
• The impact connection can have on our overall quality of life.
• The Turquoise Table
• The Turquoise Table Book by Kristin Schell
• The Commons with Karla Episode 4- How to Find Your Community as an Introvert with Karen
• Cup of Coffee Mention - Gratitude and appreciation for interconnectedness of our world - Thanks a Thousand: A Journey of Gratitude by A.J. Jacobs

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

•  10 Day Connection Challenge free
• Learn at The Commons with Classes
• Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram

Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same. Thanks for your support!

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on  Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated.

As we get older and have children, most of us find it more challenging to stay connected with friends during the busy season of raising kids. What if we used some of these opportunities with our children as a reason to make new connections, rather than as an excuse not to?

In this episode, I am talking to Christina who was able to be a stay at home mom and be very involved in her children’s school activities. She walked through a hard season of loneliness after losing both parents; however through these volunteer opportunities, Christina made new friends with moms who were able to relate to her season of life and provide support for one another. Check out this episode to learn more about Christina and her story of finding connection through school. 

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

• 10 Day Connection Challenge free 
• Learn at The Commons with Classes 
• Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Jeanie Clip offers a solution for those annoying holes in your tees caused by the abrasive part of jeans.  Simply clip the Jeanie Clip on the button of your jeans and stop the damage.  Get 20% off of your Jeanie Clip order with the code KARLA20 at JeanieClip.com/discount/KARLA20.  

Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same. Thanks for your support!

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated.

It’s true that there are now more ways than ever to make new friends. You can hop online and look within certain interest groups, or head to various social gatherings to connect face to face. With technology, it’s easier than ever to connect with people across the world or right in our very hometowns. But while there are more ways than ever to make friends, it can still seem at times that we are losing the ability to truly connect.

Are our friendships truly flourishing?

An important thing to remember when it comes to friendship is that the focus should be on quality rather than quantity. Quality of time spent, quality of conversations had, and quality of friendships overall.

In today’s bonus episode, we are talking more about the importance of quality over quantity. We are also discussing ways we can continue to foster these relationships so that we can truly thrive in them. Friendship is a valuable asset in life and ensuring that we nourish these relationships well is a great privilege.

Things we discussed in the episode:

• What causes loneliness in friendship.
• What to do with jealousy.
• The importance of caring about what your people care about.
• How to be a better friend with deeper relationships.
• The importance of connecting in real life.

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

• 10 Day Connection Challenge free
• Learn at The Commons with Classes
• Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram

In honor of “Back to school” time, I am having conversations with people who are in the thick of building community and making a difference at school.  I am interested in talking with educators and parents to get their firsthand perspective on what it is like to form connections and relationships with staff and students in the school buildings.

Today I am talking with one of the best teachers I know. Wendy is the kind of teacher that we all want our children to have. She believes in forming true relationships with her students and realizes that these connections are the foundation for academic success. She has a passion for making sure that all her students feel seen, heard, and loved. Wendy’s empathy for her students is truly inspiring. Check out this episode to learn more about Wendy, her passion for teaching, and her strategies for creating relationships with students.

Find More on Guest:

• Connect with Wendy on Facebook
• Blood Donation through Red Cross Organization
• Follow @thecommonswithkarla to see pictures Wendy shared

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

• Listen to the free 10 Day Connection Challenge
• Learn at The Commons with Classes
• Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Jeanie Clip offers a solution for those annoying holes in your tees caused by the abrasive part of jeans.  Simply clip the Jeanie Clip on the button of your jeans and stop the damage.  Get 20% off of your Jeanie Clip order with the code KARLA20 at JeanieClip.com/discount/KARLA20. 

Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same. Thanks for your support!

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated.

Do you have a distant relative that often crosses your mind that you haven’t spoken to in a while?

Life can get crazy, and it can be easy to get lost in the day-to-day, connecting with those we run into within our daily communities, but not really going any further. Before we know it, days, weeks, and even years might have passed where we have lost touch with those we love.

Is the work worth it to rekindle? Are the awkward conversations worth the time? Today, we are diving deeper into the importance of connecting with extended family and the how-to behind it. Relationships can be complex, and navigating them can be difficult at times, but connection with our loved ones makes life richer for all involved. Life’s too short to not pick up the phone and start the conversation.

We hope you find encouragement to initiate the call today. Thank you for being part of The Commons with Karla.

• Why connecting with extended family tends to be more difficult.
• Real life stories about connection struggles.
• Tips on different ways to connect with extended family.
• A word of encouragement to those hoping to connect with extended family.

Mentions:

• Article about Storytelling (and Masterclass) - Read the article
• Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend - Buy the Book on Amazon

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

• 10 Day Connection Challenge free
• Learn at The Commons with Classes
• Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram

Today we are talking with a school Principal named Krissy or Ms. Brown as most people in our community call her. Krissy talks with us about how as a child she was able to go with her father to his school when he was a teacher and coach, then later as principal and superintendent. Krissy was inspired by her father’s love for education, so she decided to follow in his footsteps.  She was able to bring her daughters along with her to work to keep the tradition alive. I admire Krissy and the heart that she has for her career and her students. She truly goes above and beyond to create a positive atmosphere for the teachers, students, and staff in her building. Krissy’s passion for the kids goes beyond the walls of the school and outreaches into the community. Check out this episode to learn more about Krissy’s beautiful story.

Find More on Guest and Mentions:

• Connect with Krissy on Facebook and IG and Twitter
• Principle Centered Leadership by Stephen Covey
• Two Way Immersion (TWI) - program to help kids become bilingual and biliterate
• Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) College and Career Readiness

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

• 10 Day Connection Challenge free
• Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Jeanie Clip offers a solution for those annoying holes in your tees caused by the abrasive part of jeans.  Simply clip the Jeanie Clip on the button of your jeans and stop the damage.  Get 20% off of your Jeanie Clip order with the code KARLA20 at JeanieClip.com/discount/KARLA20. 

Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same. Thanks for your support!

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated.