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This episode begins with some women-on-the-street interviews asking two questions:

1- When you graduated from high school, what was it like? What did you expect your life would look like?
2. Did things turn out the way you expected?

Jazmin Geografo left the city of Manilla, Philippines (population 21 million)  to try her hand at teaching science in the United States, specifically, the small town of Knappa, Oregon, (population 1800)

 Originally, she sought to become a journalist major, but plans changed when she wasn't admitted to her preferred school. 

Listen in to her passion for teaching and cultural changes she's adjusted to. 

And her fun final activity for her students- making ice cream!

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Julie's website

This episode features a discussion with Julie McDonald Zander, an inspiring woman who turned her journalism career into a personal history business.

Fascinated with history, Julie's passion led her to the creation of Chapters of Life, where she has published more than 75 books and beautifully captured various individual and local histories.

An interesting highlight was Julie's work with Rosie the Riveters, preserving their powerful stories.

Julie McDonald Zander, an avid fan of history, earned a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from the University of Washington.

After working two decades as a newspaper reporter and editor, she launched a personal history business to capture and preserve life stories.

Her company, Chapters of Life, has published more than seventy-five books.

She and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest, where they raised two children.

Her nonfiction book about Matilda Koontz Jackson, Washington Territory's Grand Lady: The Story of Matilda (Glover) Koontz Jackson, was a finalist for the Western Writers of America Spur Award and the Will Rogers Medallion. 

It can be found at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers.

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Jan's website
Contact Patricia Baum for voice-over: [email protected]

Patricia Baum, an ordinary woman leading an extraordinary life in Mexico, shares her journey from being a surfer in Oregon to owning a surf shop in Todos Santos, Mexico. In addition to running her business, she's also been a property manager, T-shirt designer, environmental advocate, and founder of a bilingual library. Her most recent venture is voice-over, with a focus on audiobooks.

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North Coast EOL Collective

Mission, Vision, Values

Collective Story and Founders

Death Cafe

Benefit Corporations for Good

In this special episode, Margot Lalich, the co-founder of the North Coast End of Life (EOL) Collective, joins us to talk about the organization's work in creating a collective approach towards death and dying. She shares her insights on the need for society to understand, prepare, and have a living relationship with mortality, challenging the fear, stigma, and taboo surrounding death.

She also shares about her many years work with community health.

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My Heart Attack Saved my Life Susan's book
Divine Detour by Lori Ann Wood

In this heartfelt podcast episode, Susan Smith shares her transformative journey following a heart attack. She discusses how, despite her busy lifestyle and tendency to ignore warning signs, she came to realize the importance of recognizing female-specific heart attack symptoms. 

Her story emphasizes the urgency of being proactive about heart health and how her experience led to a spiritual awakening. 

By slowing down and learning to just be, she now focuses on helping other women understand the risks and signs of heart disease, advocating for awareness and preventative care through her support group and public speaking.

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In this episode, Janet Racklow shares her unconventional journey from a dance major to a wildlife researcher. 

Janet's enduring fascination with animal behavior led her to study species across diverse ecosystems, from mountain sheep in Alaska to rhinos in Africa. 

Her current focus in the Pacific Northwest includes studying the ecological and behavioral intricacies of pygmy rabbits, highlighting the significance of sagebrush steppe habitats. 

Janet discusses the interplay between research, wildlife management, and conservation efforts, bringing attention to the challenges and importance of preserving endangered species and their environments.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

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In this podcast episode, Janet Racklow shares her unconventional journey from a dance major to a wildlife researcher. 

Janet's enduring fascination with animal behavior led her to study species across diverse ecosystems, from mountain sheep in Alaska to rhinos in Africa. 

Her current focus in the Pacific Northwest includes studying the ecological and behavioral intricacies of pygmy rabbits, highlighting the significance of sagebrush steppe habitats. 

Janet discusses the interplay between research, wildlife management, and conservation efforts, bringing attention to the challenges and importance of preserving endangered species and their environments.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

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Mylio website

Join us as we discuss the fascinating world of photo preservation with Angela Andrieux, a fine art photographer who balances her passion with a career at Mylio, a photography software company. 

Angela shares her expertise on organizing and safeguarding family memories, offering practical tips on photo archiving and the benefits of using Miylio Photos for managing digital assets. 

Discover how Angela's journey into photography led her to become a caretaker of family histories, mixing technical acumen with heartfelt storytelling.

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Welcome to "Women of the Northwest," a podcast where we dive into the lives and stories of women who embrace adventure, curiosity, and the joy of discovery.

 In this episode, join host Jan Johnson as she sits down with Melissa Reid Truax and her daughter Rebecca  to recount their unforgettable summer travels across Europe.

From the bustling streets of Spain and Portugal to the tranquil beaches of the Mediterranean, Melissa and Rebecca share vivid stories of their journeys. Hear about their experiences navigating foreign cultures, tasting exotic cuisines, and the unexpected challenges they encountered along the way.

But it’s not just about the destinations—this episode explores the deeper connections forged through travel, the personal growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, and the lasting memories created with friends. Whether you’re an avid traveler or someone looking for inspiration, these candid conversations will leave you eager to pack your bags and explore the world.

Tune in for tips, laughs, and heartfelt reflections on what it means to live a life full of adventure, all told through the lens of women who truly embody the spirit of the Northwest.

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Captain Marilyn's journey from crafting balsa wood boats in Seattle to becoming a seasoned maritime captain is one of passion, resilience, and adventure.

 From her early days racing hydroplanes to serving on university research vessels, Marilyn shares her remarkable experiences. 

Despite the male-dominated industry, she navigated her way through with skill and determination, facing unexpected challenges, from fighting fires on sea vessels to tendering crew amidst perilous situations.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com