In this thoughtful and expansive episode, Susanna talks with interdisciplinary artist and embodied listening practitioner Wenlin Tan about the deeper meaning of listening and how it can transform the way we relate to one another and to the natural world. Wenlin shares how her path has woven together psychology, behavioral health, participatory art, and ecological awareness, leading her to develop practices that invite people to listen beyond language through movement, rhythm, and sensory attention.

Together, Susanna and Wenlin explore the idea that listening is not simply hearing another person speak. It is a relational act that requires presence, curiosity, and humility. Wenlin describes her work along the River Po in Italy and explains how her creative process is guided by the five elements and the cycles found in nature. This conversation opens a doorway into a different way of being in the world, one where listening becomes a practice of connection with ourselves, with others, and with the places we inhabit.

01:02 – Introducing Wenlin Tan
14:47 – Susanna and Wenlin discuss what it means to listen beyond words and why listening is fundamentally a relational practice.
34:45 – Wenlin describes the difference between “listening to” someone and “listening with” them, using the metaphor of musicians accompanying one another.
55:40 – Wenlin reflects on what she hopes listeners will remember about the power of attention, presence, and listening.

Wenlin Tan is an interdisciplinary artist and embodied listening practitioner whose work explores the intersection of participatory art, ecology, and relational awareness. Drawing from a background in behavioral health and psychology, she has spent more than fifteen years facilitating workshops and group experiences across Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Her practice invites people to listen beyond language through movement, rhythm, and sensory attention, cultivating deeper relationships with one another and with the natural world. Based in Turin, Italy, Wenlin’s current research unfolds along the River Po, where she continues to explore creative ways of listening to place and community.

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In this imaginative and heartfelt episode, Susanna talks with Wendy Ulmer about bravery, creativity, and the courage to follow unexpected downloads. Wendy shares stories of the life leaps that shaped her journey, from driving alone across the country on what she calls her “Courage Quest,” to reading a deeply personal story at her father’s funeral, to sending a manuscript onto a slush pile that would launch her publishing career.

Together, Susanna and Wendy explore intuition, walking as a creative practice, dragons as catalysts, and the mysterious way stories arrive when we are willing to listen. Wendy reflects on opening her “heart box,” trusting the ideas that come, and embracing the identity of a brave adventurer. This conversation is a reminder that creativity requires courage, that inspiration asks us to let go, and that each of us is called to cross thresholds in our own way.

01:02 – Introducing Wendy Ulmer
08:08 – Wendy shares her “Go West” download and the solo road trip that became her Courage Quest.
10:16 – The story behind Poppy’s Campfire and how a slush pile submission led to her first published book.
15:57 – Dragons, downloads, and the surprising origin of The Call trilogy.
25:18 – Wendy talks about writing The Marsh and the idea of the “heart box.”
30:30 – Wendy shares her final words of encouragement for the listeners.

Wendy Ulmer is a former public-school music and English teacher with 21years experience. Prior to teaching, she was a Registered Music Therapist, working in both clinical and public-school settings. Wendy earned a BS in Music Education from Lebanon Valley College and a Masters in Education in the Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University.

She is the author of 10 books for children, including The Journals of Anterg, inspired by the village in Pennsylvania where she grew up. Today Wendy lives on Arrowsic Island, near Bath, where she can be found combing the beach for treasures or roaming through the woods looking for dragons.

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In this rich and moving episode, Susanna talks with Annie Schneiderman Valliere about legacy, calling, and the power of remembering the women who came before us. Annie shares her own Heroine’s Journey alongside the extraordinary life and influence of her great-aunt, Rose Schneiderman, a pivotal leader in the American labor and women’s rights movements. She also reflects on growing up with the presence of Rose in her family, the slow and determined work of writing her biography, and the moment she felt Rose’s power moving through her.

Together, Susanna and Annie explore immigration, labor history, women’s dignity, and the lasting impact of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. This conversation is a reminder that our personal stories are inseparable from collective history, and that honoring where we come from helps us understand who we are and how we are called to act in the world today.

00:49 – Introducing Annie Schneiderman Valliere
08:32 – Annie reflects on feeling Rose Schneiderman’s influence as part of her heritage and identity.
10:23 – Annie shares more about the immigrant roots of Rose Schneiderman and how early hardship shaped her activism.
13:50 – Susanna and Annie discuss the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and why its legacy still matters today.
29:49 – Annie talks about “Bread and Roses” and what Rose believed every worker deserved.
45:42 – Annie recites “Bread and Roses” and shares a message she hopes listeners remember.

Annie Schneiderman Valliere is a writer, singer, therapist, and social worker who has spent more than a decade researching and writing about her great-aunt, Rose Schneiderman, one of the most influential labor organizers and women’s rights leaders of the early twentieth century. Annie’s work weaves together personal memory, cultural heritage, and historical research, illuminating the ways family stories shape our values, purpose, and sense of justice. Through her writing and music, she keeps alive the legacy of women whose courage helped transform labor rights and women’s lives in America.

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In this heartfelt episode, Susanna talks with Rev. Holly Reid about the long, persistent call that led her from decades of nursing into full-time ministry. Holly shares how a quiet inner tapping became impossible to ignore, the financial and emotional hurdles she faced in midlife, and the transformative experiences that shaped her work in prison hospice and pastoral care. Her story is one of courage, faith, and learning to leap into the unknown, reminding us that a Heroine’s Journey can begin at any age and often unfolds through unexpected doors, deep compassion, and a willingness to say yes to what’s calling.

00:46 – Introducing Holly Reid
08:11 – Holly describes the persistent “tap, tap, tap” she felt from God, the car ride where she bargained, and how that tapping finally quieted down.
13:55 – Holly talks about leaving nursing to attend seminary, missing her first CPE placement, and how that “closed door” led her exactly where she needed to be.
26:23 – Holly shares her ongoing work with the hospice group at the Maine State Prison and the powerful lessons that her journey has brought to her.
38:07 – The biggest takeaway Holly wants every listener to remember.

Rev. Holly Reid is an ordained United Church of Christ minister and registered nurse with nearly four decades of experience in community health and pastoral care. After following a midlife call to ministry, she earned her Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and now serves as pastor of The Neighborhood in Bath, Maine. Holly is passionate about community, compassionate presence, and restorative justice, and she continues her work at the Maine State Prison supporting incarcerated men who provide hospice care. Her ministry is grounded in dignity, connection, and a deep belief in the possibility of transformation.

The Neighborhood Website

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In this illuminating episode, Susanna talks with Leslie Parker, a pelvic floor physical therapist and author of The Art of Control: A Woman’s Guide to Bladder Care. With more than 25 years of experience, Leslie has helped countless women regain confidence and control by addressing one of the most common yet least discussed issues: urinary incontinence. In this conversation, she shares her personal path to purpose, the science behind healthy bladder habits, and practical tools every woman can use to improve her bladder health, no matter her age or stage of life. Together, Susanna and Leslie uncover surprising truths, like why drinking more water actually helps you pee less, the four biggest bladder irritants, and how it’s never too late to take control of your body and well-being.

01:09 – Introducing Leslie Parker
05:30 – Leslie opens up about what led her to specialize in pelvic floor health and later write her bestselling book, The Art of Control.
11:00 – Susanna and Leslie break down “the ferocious four”: the top irritants that make your bladder unhappy.
15:05 – Leslie shares the counterintuitive truth about “just in case” peeing and how it can actually train your bladder to misbehave.
25:27 – Leslie’s tips for restoring bladder strength, the power of the “I’m not ready” mantra, and hydration routines.
35:44 – The two biggest takeaways Leslie wants every listener to remember.

Leslie Parker, PT, is a pelvic floor physical therapist, author, and educator with over 25 years of experience in women’s, men’s, and pediatric pelvic health. Known affectionately as “The Bladder Queen,” Leslie’s mission is to empower women with the knowledge and tools to take control of their bladder health and improve their quality of life. Her bestselling book, The Art of Control: A Woman’s Guide to Bladder Care, blends expertise, empathy, and practical advice to help women understand their bodies and reclaim their confidence.

The Art of Control: A Woman’s Guide to Bladder Care

Website

Contact Leslie: [email protected]

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In this inspiring episode, Susanna sits down with Ellen Webster to explore her extraordinary journey of gratitude, resilience, and buoyant living. At 56, Ellen set out on what seemed like the improbable goal of handwriting 10,000 thank you notes. What began as a personal practice of appreciation blossomed into a viral story featured on Good Morning America, the Today Show, and beyond. Ellen shares how her practice of “I See You, I Appreciate You, You Matter” was born, the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, and how listening to her heart (and diving beneath the waves) became central to living buoyantly as she ages. Her wisdom reminds us that the Heroine’s Journey is found in the everyday moments of courage, love, and choosing what lights us up.

00:35 – Introducing Ellen Webster
02:10 – Ellen reflects with Susanna on beginning her journey of handwriting 10,000 thank you notes and the framework of “I see you, I appreciate you, you matter.”
13:38 – Ellen shares her path to HeartMath, stress resilience, and listening to the wisdom of the heart.
14:44 – How Ellen’s project gained attention and why she said “yes” to stepping into the light.
21:45 – Ellen’s reflections on aging, diving, and the importance of Living Buoyantly and choosing what lights you up.
31:56 – The message Ellen hopes listeners will carry forward.

Ellen Webster is a writer, speaker, and coach passionate about helping women live buoyantly at every stage of life. Known for her practice of handwriting 10,000 thank you notes, Ellen weaves together the science of HeartMath with lived wisdom to show how small acts of appreciation can transform our inner and outer worlds. Through her project, her newsletter, and her website, she inspires women (especially over 60) to connect, choose joy, and discover what lights them up.

Website

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In this moving episode, Susanna sits down with Creighton Taylor to explore her deeply personal journey through decades of depression, healing, and self-discovery. From navigating the early signs of mental illness in her youth to undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as an adult, Creighton offers a brave and honest account of what it means to live with chronic depression while still showing up for family, for joy, and for herself. Her story is one of vulnerability and quiet strength, reminding us that the Heroine’s Journey doesn’t always look like adventure, it often looks like survival, resilience, and learning to ask for help.

00:44 – Introducing Creighton Taylor
05:34 – Creighton reflects on her lifelong struggles with severe treatment-resistant depression, her decision to try ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), and how her experience through that journey was different than previous expectations.
22:58 –  Susanna and Chreighton discuss the importance of speaking your truth, finding the right support, and talking about the difficult topics no one else wants to talk about.
30:18 – Creighton opens up about her writing journey, including her aspiration to turn her lived experience into a book that could help others navigating depression.
40:15 – Creighton shares her advice for the listeners. 

Creighton Taylor is a mother, thinker, and truth-teller living in Maine. In this powerful conversation, she shares her decades-long journey with depression and the healing path that’s included both struggle and strength. By speaking openly about her experience with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Creighton challenges stigma and creates space for others to feel less alone. Her wisdom, humor, and willingness to be seen make her story a moving reflection of what it means to walk the Heroine’s Journey...one that includes pain, resilience, and deep inner transformation.

Resources:
If anyone has a question about ECT, Electroconvulsive Therapy, contact the National Alliance for Mental Illness to be directed to where you can find information about the treatment near you.

National Alliance on Mental Illness 

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In this eye-opening episode, Susanna sits down with writer and artist Christine Richards to talk about the power of noticing, the joy of writing letters, and how paying attention to life’s small moments can lead to big shifts. Christine shares her heroine’s journey from running a successful graphic design business to pursuing her love of writing, creating books, and cultivating a practice of mindfulness through story and correspondence. Her story reminds us that even the smallest step forward can open the door to a more authentic, meaningful path.

00:40 – Introducing Christine Richards
07:38 – Christine shares her heroine’s call to change and her leap into a new direction
14:48 – Susanna and Christine reflect on how following creative yearnings, even when they don’t pay, can still lead to fulfillment
17:06 – Christine talks about her books, pen pals, and her love of typewriters
33:34 – Christine’s advice on taking small steps and paying attention to what really matters

Christine Richards is a Maine-based writer, graphic designer, and collage artist with a passion for noticing the details of everyday life. Through her books, blogs, and beautiful letters, Christine inspires others to slow down, observe, and find meaning in the ordinary. She is the author of Things I Notice When I Walk the Dog, A Few Good Things About Today, and more — each work reflecting her belief that storytelling and letter writing can connect us to ourselves and to others in profound ways.

Christine also shares weekly reflections and stories on her blog at Waystation Whistle, where she continues to explore the art of short stories, journaling, and creative noticing. When she’s not writing or designing, you might find her baking, tending to her pen pal correspondence, or enjoying the quiet beauty of Maine’s seasons.

Book: Things I Notice When I Walk the Dog
Journal: A Few Good Things About Today
Website: waystationwhistle.com
Instagram: @waystationwhistle

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In this heartfelt episode, Susanna sits down with artist and educator Sara Wells to talk about listening to your inner voice, embracing change, and following your creative calling. From a fulfilling career in elementary education to building her own art studio and launching a business, Sara shares how she answered the call to live a more authentic and inspired life. Through setbacks and triumphs, she’s stayed rooted in her love for nature, creativity, and connection — reminding us all that the journey to becoming who we are meant to be is not always easy, but always worth it.

00:38 – Introducing Sara Wells
4:57 – Sara shares how she got the heroine's call that sparked her to step over the threshold and make a life change.
11:39 – Sara talks about trusting the unknown after crossing the threshold and how she finds peace through patience and slow progress.
14:25 – Sara shares how she built an art shed with her brother and is launching a new creative chapter in her heroine's journey.
23:00 – Sara gives her final advice for the listeners on the importance of mentors, nature, and listening to your inner voice.

Sara Wells is a Maine-based artist with a deep love for seascapes, nature, and storytelling through watercolor. After 13 years of teaching elementary school, Sara followed a powerful inner calling to fully pursue her creative path. She now paints from her home studio and coastal art shed, capturing the beauty of the Maine coast with every brushstroke. Her journey from classroom to canvas is a powerful example of the Heroine’s Journey; one marked by courage, resilience, and the quiet strength of listening to what your soul is really saying.

When she’s not painting or tending to her garden, Sara co-creates meaningful work with Susanna Liller, including the forthcoming Heroine’s Journey workbook for coaches and creatives alike.

Connect with Sara
Website: swellsartanddesign.com
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swellsartanddesign

Photo Credit Goes To: https://www.instagram.com/melissajalbertphotography

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In this deeply heartfelt episode, Susanna sits down with artist, writer, and spiritual seeker Alexsondra Tomasulo for an inspiring conversation about loss, resilience, and the power of creative and spiritual transformation. Alexsondra shares how grief became a profound teacher in her life following the sudden loss of her husband, and how rituals, writing, and even cold ocean swims helped her reconnect with herself and the divine. From spiritual morning practices to the courage of cold plunges and burnt popovers, Alexsondra reminds us that healing often begins when we allow ourselves to truly feel. Her stories of divine encounters, personal reflection, and intentional living are powerful guideposts for anyone navigating change or loss — and yearning to live more fully in tune with love.

00:58 – Introducing Alexsondra Tomasulo
10:22 – Alexsondra opens up about sudden loss and how unprocessed grief can resurface decades later.
16:20 – Alexsondra shares how her sacred morning practice of prayer, tai chi, and reflection help nurture her spiritual practice and set the tone for her day.
24:44 – Susanna and Alexsondra explore her interactions with "The Funny Looking Man" and how his questions helped knock down Alexsondra's walls of arrogance to see spirituality in a new light.
35:54 – Alexsondra gives her advice to the listeners, as well as a reading of her poem, "Being There".

Alexsondra Tomasulo is a lifelong artist, writer, and spiritual guide based in Maine. A potter for over 50 years and a writer for more than 20, she views art as a sacred and meditative practice. Alexsondra is the creator and host of The Artist’s Haven, a sanctuary space where travelers and creatives from around the world come for quiet, reflection, and healing. Her work explores the intersections of grief, love, forgiveness, and transcendence, always rooted in deep listening and spiritual inquiry. She shares her reflective essays and poetry on her Substack newsletter, and continues to guide others into wholeness through her hospitality, storytelling, and wisdom.

Connect with Alexsondra
Website: www.theartistshaven.com
Substack: https://substack.com/@alexsondra
Instagram: @artistshavenmaine

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