Podcasts
Why good endings are good beginnings
I started “One-Minute Story Tips” almost 10 years ago – whaaaaaaaaaaat! – as a way of overcoming my shyness problem. Oh hahaha. While attending Toastmasters, a public-speaking club, I noticed a lot of people thought I was magical. Like a witch. A word witch. As I...
When “Imposter Syndrome” gets real
A number of weeks ago I wrote a letter to the New York Times. My email to their senior writer and managing editor was NOT a fan letter. I was complaining about a front-page “hit piece” I didn’t agree with or like. At all. But guess what? The senior writer wrote me...
Two ears, one GIANT heart
Imagine you have the word “heart” written on your chest. (Yes, you can be topless but no need to send me photos or request photos. We’re all bored and scared, I get it.) H-e-a-r-t. Do you see it? Drop the H and the T and you have the word “ear.” Oh, wait. Rainman has...
Why no one cares about big bad problems
So you have problems, right? And you probably want solutions to those problems, correct? Okay, so far so good. I’m waddling behind you, a-okay. But what about the big stuff? The nasty stuff you’re worried about AND you know how to solve. Stop blushing, Modest Mary....
Staying Mindful and Merry When Everyone Else is NUTS!
‘Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la, la la la la! All your family is coming to visit, fa la la la la, la la la la! The office (virtual) potluck, drunk-and-daring, fa la la la la la la la laaaaaaaa! Why are you crying, kind heart? Joy to the world, dashing...
The gift of chaos and confusion
Quick, tell me your favourite pet peeve. Quick, tell me what you hate about the world right now. Quick, tell me what you can’t stand doing on weekends. Quick, tell me why your boss or mother-in-law is a sociopath. Easy, right? <ahem> Hello? You’re still thinking...
There’s a BIG difference between spinning a story and weaving a web of lies
I grew up listening to one piece of advice. My father said it. My grandfather said. And the advice was always delivered in the potato patch. Or in front of a pumpkin. “Never let the facts get in the way of a good story.” Stories were currency in my family and if you...
Letting Go to Let in Light
When I used to travel and speak -- oh, the good ole' days! -- I'd go against protocol about how to finish a keynote or presentation. Toastmasters, keep breathing. A lot of professional speakers do NOT thank their audience at the end. Why? Because the audience should...