The Commons with Karla

Today, I have the pleasure of being joined by Nicole Frens. Nicole possesses a remarkable talent for writing and exceptional communication skills and is a dedicated homeschooling mother – all of which she balances with her genuinely cool and engaging personality. Her witty humor and boundless creativity consistently bring joy to those around her, including myself. Nicole's versatility shines through in her abilities, whether it's teaching, connecting with children, maintaining composure in challenging situations, adapting gracefully to life's changes, or uncovering the bright side of any situation. Nicole's proficiency extends to various pursuits, whether it's mastering a new craft, crafting a novel, delving into the pages of a book, or engrossing herself in a captivating conversation. In everything she does, Nicole approaches it with a blend of excellence and a zest for enjoyment. In today’s episode, Nicole and I will delve into the intriguing subjects of evolving relationships and navigating the transitions that life presents. Furthermore, we'll explore Nicole's life as a creative individual. I hope this episode encourages you to get in touch with your creative side. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Writing a novel 

●       Difference between writer, author, and novelist

●       What Nicole is reading 

●       Life and community in Idaho 

●       Homeschooling 

●       Coaching Robotics 

●       Losing yourself in motherhood and being a wife 

●       Empty Nest 

●       What Nicole is looking forward to 

Find more on Guest:

●      Email [email protected] to stay in touch about Nicole’s upcoming novels

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Welcome back to The Commons with Karla. Today I am in conversation with Vicky. Vicky is strong, creative, and kind. She likes to encourage women to grow as athletes and weekend warriors. Vicky grew up surrounded by her many siblings and family friends. However, Vicky now spends a lot of time on her own while her husband is away working as a guide and hunting. In this episode, she shares how she enjoys solitude and how she seeks community through running and backpacking. Vicky has so much wisdom to share - I hope this episode encourages you to find what makes you really happy and to celebrate how your moments add up to a beautiful life. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Vicky’s community 

●       Vicky's career as a book designer 

●       Running Community 

●       Dealing with double knee replacements

●       Vicky’s earlier life

●       Graphic Design School 

●       Creating a book 

●       Encouraging other women 

Find more on Guest:

●       Vicky’s website Ponderosa Pine Design

●       Vicky’s IG @ponderosapinedesign

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

●       Website 

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

We all know that life is not guaranteed, but it’s different when you are face to face with that reality.  Today’s guest, Jamie, was faced with this when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, not once, but twice. Jamie’s story is one of strength and triumph. Through her obstacles, Jamie has found community, balance, and the ability to keep a smile on her face. She is an honest and open person. Our conversation was such a breath of fresh air. I hope this episode encourages you to keep pushing through the hard times because you will have a reason to smile again. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Jamie’s move to Bend, Oregon 

●       A Day in the Life of Jamie

●       Pilates teacher 

●       Jamie’s superpowers: smiling and balance 

●       Diagnosis of breast cancer 

●       Taking government classes online 

●       Creating new friendships as adults 

●       What Jamie is looking forward to 

Find more on Guest:

●       Jamie on IG @jskuse77

●       Listen to Episode #22: Life is an Adventure with Johanna

●       Club Pilates Reno

●       Here’s Where It Gets Interesting pod

●       Link to The Food Nanny 

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

I am delighted to be in conversation today with Jenny Owen. Jenny is a wife, mom to two teens, small business owner, and martial arts instructor.  Jenny openly discusses her struggle with perfectionism. Over the years, Jenny has found freedom through her faith and has been able to accept that she doesn’t need to place her identity in her achievements; however, her identity is placed in her Savior.  Jenny talks about finding a healthy balance in your life while working towards your purpose.  I know that our conversation today will relate to many of you who are listening, and my hope is that this episode will allow you to give yourself grace and kindness. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       A typical day in Jenny’s life 

●       Parenting teens 

●       Jenny’s early life 

●       Jenny’s love for martial arts

●       Being aware of your emotions

●       Showing yourself kindness and grace 

●       Jenny’s business - Raw Dog Food for Dogs 

Find more on Guest:

●       RunningWildRawFood.com

●       Jenny on IG @jrowen99

●       FreestyleMA.com

Find More on The Commons with Karla: 

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

Today is a replay of Episode 86 with Laurie.

 What role do adventure and sports play in your life? 

 In today’s episode, I am in conversation with Laurie. Incorporating adventure into her life has been very important to her since she was young. As a child she was introduced to so many new places, and in return has given her daughters the same experiences. Laurie also talks with us about how being involved in sports from a young age taught her life long lessons that she still uses to this day. She talks with us about how adventure and sports are so valuable in shaping who you are as a person, how they can provide community, and appreciating the lessons that they bring. I hope this episode encourages you to take the leap into your next adventure! 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Laurie’s trip to Germany

●       Running a mini triathlon with her daughter 

●       Saying yes to new things

●       Sunday night dinners 

●       Traveling and adventure 

●       Laurie’s daughter studying abroad 

●       How sports shaped Laurie’s life 

●       Sports providing community with others 

●       What Laurie is looking forward to 

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       Karla on IG @karla_osorno

●       10 Day Connection Challenge 

●       Coaching with Karla - free consult or jump in 

Thanks to our Sponsor 

Memory Lane Chats is the best way to record the story of your family. Knowing the story we were born into and understanding the people who came before us is powerful, beautiful, and healing. Invite your loved one to tell their stories at MemoryLaneChats.com. Stories matter and Memory Lane Chats wants to help you tell yours to future generations. 

Have you ever wondered what comes next? 

Today’s guest, Brandy, has asked this question many times. Whether completing missions around the world, moving to Iceland, or homeschooling her two children- Brandy has faithfully listened to God’s voice and followed the direction He has for her life. Sometimes, the waiting in the mundane season of life holds the most important work that you will ever do. Brandy talks about how to discern the difference between an open door and a closed door, and how to follow the calling on your life. If you are in a waiting season, wondering what will come next- I hope this episode inspires you to listen to what God has in store for you. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Brandy’s background story 

●       Brandy’s love of dance 

●       Where Brandy’s true faith started 

●       What Brandy’s community looks like now

●       Classical Conversations

●       Moving to Iceland 

●       Figuring out the next steps 

●       Brandy’s personal businesses-Esther’s Remedy and YaBasicShirts

Find more on Guest:

●       Esther’s Remedy on Facebook

●       YaBasicShirts on Etsy

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memory Lane Chats is the best way to record the story of your family. Knowing the story we were born into and understanding the people who came before us is powerful, beautiful, and healing. Invite your loved one to tell their stories at MemoryLaneChats.com. Stories matter and Memory Lane Chats wants to help you tell yours to future generations. 

What does self-care look like to you? 

It can be different for everyone. Some people may feel refreshed by going to the spa, while others may enjoy going for a jog, and some people may even feel energized by just quietly meditating at home. Today’s guest, Pamela Zimmer, is a self-care concierge- who helps other women learn the importance of taking care of themselves. Pamela was diagnosed with Postpartum Depression after having her second son and not feeling like herself for quite some time. This pivotal moment is what led Pamela to have a passion for spreading the need for self-care. In this episode, Pamela talks about what self-care is (and isn’t), the importance of it, and practical tips to incorporate self-care into your life. I hope our conversation will inspire you to care for yourself and realize that self-care isn’t selfish. 

Episode Highlights: 

●      A day in the life of Pamela 

●      Pamela’s two sons and her husband who miraculously survived COVID 

●      Pamela’s early life

●      Moving to a new country at the age of 11

●      Transferring from a career to being a stay-at-home Mom 

●      Struggling with Postpartum Depression

●      Pamela’s Book- Reclaim the Joy of Motherhood

●      Self-care concierge

●      The importance of self-care & practical tips

●      What is Pamela Reading?

Find more on Guest:

●      Reclaim the Joy of Motherhood by Pamela Zimmer

●      Pamela’s website PamelaZimmer.com

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●      On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memory Lane Chats is the best way to record the story of your family. Knowing the story we were born into and understanding the people who came before us is powerful, beautiful, and healing. Invite your loved one to tell their stories at MemoryLaneChats.com. Stories matter and Memory Lane Chats wants to help you tell yours to future generations. 

Are you truly enjoying your life? 

Today’s guest, Shayla Palmer would answer that question with a resounding- yes! Shayla is a mom of two beautiful daughters who share her love of traveling and exploring the world. Shayla creates goals for what is most important to her, plans to achieve those goals, and then executes them. She models how important it is to live a full life by doing what you enjoy while being surrounded by the people that you love. Shayla also helps others experience that freeing feeling through her work as a financial advisor. I hope Shayla's story encourages you to live to the fullest and to truly enjoy your life. 

Episode Highlights:  

●       Shayla’s family and background story 

●       Where Shayla’s love for traveling came from 

●       Life in London 

●       Passing along her love of travel to her daughters

●       Lessons learned from her parents

●       Shayla’s community now

●       Hosting Retreats on Personal Finances 

●       Reading the Atomic Habits by James Clear

●       What Shayla is looking forward to 

Find more on Guest:

●       Shayla Palmer at GPS Wealth Advisors

●       Email Shayla

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

●       Coaching with Karla - 30 minute consult

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memory Lane Chats is the best way to record the story of your family. Knowing the story we were born into and understanding the people who came before us is powerful, beautiful, and healing. Invite your loved one to tell their stories at MemoryLaneChats.com. Stories matter and Memory Lane Chats wants to help you tell yours to future generations. 

May is National Foster Care Month! 

Today I am in conversation with Tawnya Robertson. Tawnya is a devoted and loving Christian, wife, mother, and Social Worker. We all have pivotal moments that shape the trajectory of our lives. Tawnya is vulnerable with us in sharing the trauma and hardships she faced as a child. However, she also tells us how those experiences led her to become a Social Worker to support families who are going through similar struggles. Tawnya declares to us today that our past does not have to define our future, and I hope this episode encourages you to believe that for yourself as well. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Tawnya’s background and childhood experiences 

●       Career as a social worker

●       Pivotal moments in Tawnya’s life 

●       Dealing with abuse as a child 

●       Supporting foster children who age out of the foster care system 

●       Mentoring program for teens in foster care

●       Connecting to Foster the City

Find more on Guest:

●       For more information on about fostering, adopting, and mentoring in Washoe County, visit HaveAHeartWashoe.us

●       Contact Tawnya through email [email protected]

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memory Lane Chats is the best way to record the story of your family. Knowing the story we were born into and understanding the people who came before us is powerful, beautiful, and healing. Invite your loved one to tell their stories at MemoryLaneChats.com. Stories matter and Memory Lane Chats wants to help you tell yours to future generations. 

Today I am in conversation with a dear friend of mine, Angie, from High School. Angie is a wife, and a mom of two boys who are in High School and Middle School. Angie’s sons are very involved in sports all year around, which usually fills her schedule and keeps her busy.  She is a woman who enjoys bringing people together. Angie talks with us how her community has evolved over the years- from High School, all the way to moving to a new place where she didn’t know anyone and was struggling with postpartum depression. Angie’s story is uplifting and inspiring. I hope this episode encourages you to embrace your evolving community. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       A day in the life of Angie

●       Being a busy Mama of two boys involved in sports 

●       Angie’s early life 

●       The strong women in Angie’s life

●       The grief of losing your mother  

●       Angie’s friendships 

●       What Angie’s community looks like now 

●       Struggling with postpartum depression

●       Joining a Mom’s Group

●       Fragmented community

●       Angie’s recent trip to Africa 

Find more on Guest:

●       Angie on IG @anginbend

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno
●       Coaching with Karla schedule free 30 minute call

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memory Lane Chats is the best way to record the story of your family. Knowing the story we were born into and understanding the people who came before us is powerful, beautiful, and healing. Invite your loved one to tell their stories at MemoryLaneChats.com. Stories matter and Memory Lane Chats wants to help you tell yours to future generations.