The Good Soul

In Episode 69 of The Good Soul in this one of 2 part series, Patti Alvarez sits down with her dear friend Sue Ratcliff for a heartfelt and uplifting conversation about what it means to thrive in the face of change. From moving across the pond from the UK to raising incredible kids to navigating unexpected changes and embracing the beauty of post-50 living — this episode is a celebration of reinvention, resilience, and joy. If you’re ready to be inspired, this one’s for you.

In this powerful episode of The Good Soul, we explore the quiet, persistent feeling that you’re meant for more. If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns that don’t reflect who you truly are, this conversation will awaken something within you. You’ll learn how to let go of what no longer fits and begin to trust the pull toward a more honest, soul-aligned life. The life that’s waiting isn’t somewhere far away—it’s been inside you all along.

The Good Soul | Episode 66 | Empty Nesting

In Episode 66 of The Good Soul, Patti and Manny dive into the wild, wonderful world of empty nesting. From the joy of having the house to themselves, to the surprise return of their daughter (and her cat), to the emotional rollercoaster of sending her off again—this episode is full of laughter, love, and honest reflections on family life. Whether you’re approaching an empty nest or deep in the thick of it, this heartfelt and hopeful conversation will leave you inspired, comforted, and maybe even a little teary-eyed.

In this feel-good episode of A Good Soul, we sit down with Sandy Plemmons, the heart behind Hoptown Brewery in Mooresville, NC. From hops to heart, we talk about what it takes to craft exceptional beer, build a true community hub, and give back in big ways. With award-winning brews, local events, and a “good neighbor” philosophy, Hoptown is more than a brewery — it’s a vibe. Cheers to connection, creativity, and community!  www.hoptownbrewing.com

Join Patti on Episode 64 of The Good Soul podcast, "A Heavenly Head Spa," where we explore the rejuvenating world of scalp massages with Jessica Beaver, owner of Haven Head Spa. Discover the ancient origins and modern benefits of scalp treatments, how they compare to traditional massages, and the unique, personalized services offered at Haven. Plus, hear Jessica’s inspiring journey and her exciting plans for expanding this wellness haven. Tune in for a relaxing dive into self-care and holistic health!

In Episode 63 of the podcast, "Biohacking & Living Well," host Patti Alvarez welcomes Ben Vanhook, the superhuman owner of Livewell Spa @ Langtree in Mooresville. This inspiring episode dives into Ben's passion for transforming lives through biohacking. He shares his vision for a healthier world and highlights the innovative offerings at Livewell Spa, including infrared saunas, salt therapy, Vibragenix, and other transformative life hacks designed to optimize wellness and vitality. Sign me up!

https://livewellspanc.com

Dive into Episode 62 of our podcast, "Cool Words English Needs," where the charming soulmate husband-and-wife duo, Patti and Manny, bring you a fun and entertaining exploration of 32 unique words from other languages that English lacks. With their signature humor and chemistry, they unpack these fascinating terms—ranging from quirky to profound—offering a delightful glimpse into cultural concepts and expressions that will leave you laughing and longing for English to catch up. Tune in for a lively, lighthearted journey through the quirks of language!

Here's the Bees Rescue Gal we discussed: https://howsyourdayhoney.com/

1. Word: Sobremesa
   • Phonetic: soh-breh-MEH-sah
   • Origin: Spanish
   • Meaning: The time spent lingering at the table after a meal, chatting and savoring each other’s company—pure, unhurried bliss.
2. Word: Gezellig
   • Phonetic: heh-ZELL-ik
   • Origin: Dutch
   • Meaning: A cozy, warm feeling of togetherness, like a perfect evening with friends by a fireplace.
3. Word: Hiraeth
   • Phonetic: HEER-eyeth
   • Origin: Welsh
   • Meaning: A deep, nostalgic longing for a home or place you can’t return to, tinged with joy and sorrow.
4. Word: Meraki
   • Phonetic: meh-RAH-kee
   • Origin: Greek
   • Meaning: Pouring your heart and soul into something you love, like cooking or art, with total devotion.
5. Word: Ubuntu
   • Phonetic: oo-BOON-too
   • Origin: Nguni Bantu (Southern Africa)
   • Meaning: A profound sense of humanity—“I am because we are”—celebrating our shared connection.
6. Word: Komorebi
   • Phonetic: koh-moh-REH-bee
   • Origin: Japanese
   • Meaning: The magical interplay of sunlight filtering through tree leaves, a dance of light and nature.
7. Word: Gigil
   • Phonetic: GEE-gil
   • Origin: Tagalog (Philippines)
   • Meaning: That irresistible urge to squeeze something adorable, like a chubby baby’s cheeks!
8. Word: Fernweh
   • Phonetic: FEHRN-vay
   • Origin: German
   • Meaning: A longing for far-off places, a wanderlust that pulls your heart to explore.

Segment 2: Quirky Words for Life’s Oddities

1. Word: Tartle
   • Phonetic: TAR-tl
   • Origin: Scottish
   • Meaning: That awkward moment when you forget someone’s name mid-introduction—oops!
2. Word: Pochemuchka
   • Phonetic: poh-cheh-MOOCH-kah
   • Origin: Russian
   • Meaning: A person who asks too many questions, like a curious kid who just won’t stop.
3. Word: Tsundoku
   • Phonetic: tsoon-DOH-koo
   • Origin: Japanese
   • Meaning: Buying books and letting them pile up unread—a delightful habit for book lovers!
4. Word: Pelinti
   • Phonetic: peh-LIN-tee
   • Origin: Buli (Ghana)
   • Meaning: Moving hot food around in your mouth to avoid burning your tongue—we’ve all been there!
5. Word: Fika
   • Phonetic: FEE-kah
   • Origin: Swedish
   • Meaning: A cozy coffee break with friends or colleagues, a ritual of pause and pastries.
6. Word: Nito-onna
   • Phonetic: NEE-toh-ohn-nah
   • Origin: Japanese
   • Meaning: A woman so devoted to work she neglects her appearance—quirky but relatable!
7. Word: Backpfeifengesicht
   • Phonetic: BAK-fy-fen-geh-zikt
   • Origin: German
   • Meaning: A face that desperately needs a slap—cheeky and a little mischievous!
8. Word: Mångata
   • Phonetic: MOHN-gah-tah
   • Origin: Swedish
   • Meaning: The shimmering, road-like reflection of the moon on water—pure poetic magic.

Segment 3: Powerful Words of Strength and Resilience

1. Word: Sisu
   • Phonetic: SEE-soo
   • Origin: Finnish
   • Meaning: Gritty determination and courage in the face of adversity, a quiet inner strength.
2. Word: Ikigai
   • Phonetic: ee-kee-GUY
   • Origin: Japanese
   • Meaning: Your reason for being—what gets you up in the morning, blending purpose and passion.
3. Word: Friluftsliv
   • Phonetic: FREE-loofts-leev
   • Origin: Norwegian
   • Meaning: Living in tune with nature, a powerful embrace of the outdoors for strength and peace.
4. Word: Kintsugi
   • Phonetic: kin-TSOO-gee
   • Origin: Japanese
   • Meaning: The art of repairing broken pottery with gold, celebrating flaws as beautiful and strong.
5. Word: Gumusservi
   • Phonetic: goo-moo-SAIR-vee
   • Origin: Turkish
   • Meaning: Moonlight on water, a resilient glow that transforms the night with quiet power.
6. Word: Areté
   • Phonetic: ah-reh-TAY
   • Origin: Greek
   • Meaning: Excellence and moral virtue, striving to be your best self with purpose.
7. Word: Dépaysement
   • Phonetic: day-pay-eez-MAHN
   • Origin: French
   • Meaning: The disorienting yet strengthening feeling of being in a foreign land, growing through change.
8. Word: Hanyauku
   • Phonetic: hahn-YOW-koo
   • Origin: Rukwangali (Namibia)
   • Meaning: Tiptoeing across hot sand, a bold, quick act of resilience in tough conditions.

Segment 4: Intriguing Words of Mystery and Wonder

1. Word: Saudade
   • Phonetic: sow-DAH-deh
   • Origin: Portuguese
   • Meaning: A deep, melancholic longing for something absent, mysterious and bittersweet.
2. Word: Wabi-sabi
   • Phonetic: WAH-bee-SAH-bee
   • Origin: Japanese
   • Meaning: Finding beauty in imperfection and transience, a wondrous view of life’s flaws.
3. Word: Yūgen
   • Phonetic: YOO-gen
   • Origin: Japanese
   • Meaning: A profound, mysterious sense of the universe’s beauty, too deep to explain.
4. Word: Hyggelig
   • Phonetic

In Episode 61, Am I Living Up to What I’m Asking of the World?, husband-and-wife duo Patti and Manny dive into self-reflection with heartfelt humor and authenticity. They explore whether their actions match the expectations they set for the world, sharing candid anecdotes and lively banter. This short, this engaging episode invites listeners to laugh, reflect, and examine their own values in a warm, relatable conversation.

In Episode 60, "Dance, Dance, Dance," host Patti sits down with Josh Van Dyke, the Principal Dancer for the South Carolina Ballet, and his wife Dylan Van Dyke, an extrordinary and dedicated 10-year member of the company. Together, they share the triumphs and challenges of their lives as professional dancers, weaving in their inspiring love story and a mix of entertaining anecdotes that highlight their passion for dance and each other.
 To check out Dylan and Josh in action or to learn more about the South Carolina Ballet, visit https://southcarolinaballet.com/ 

In Episode 59, "Tales from a NICU Nurse," Patti sits down with Debbie Thompson, a seasoned nurse with over 30 years of experience in the neonatal intensive care unit. Debbie shares heartfelt stories from her career, offering a glimpse into the delicate and rewarding world of caring for newborns. She also provides practical child safety tips for parents, blending expertise with compassion in this inspiring conversation. Join us!