9 to Thrive

We'll look at the year in review and reasons for optimism, then have part 2 of a conversation with Azi Golshan, a public defender in Georgia about career, community, and creativity. Join us at 4:30 pm on @WMUA, or online at working9tothrive.com, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

This week's episode features a review of Peter Jackson's Beatles documentary, Get Back, with a lens on career, community, and creativity—and how when a team is unsupported, it falls apart. Then part 1 of our conversation with Azi Golshan, a public defender in Georgia, about finding a place that feels just right. Join us at 4:30 pm on @WMUA, or online at working9tothrive.com, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Today's guest is illustrator, author, and cartoonist David Milgrim, and the book review is The Power of Giving Away Power by Matthew Barzun. davidmilgrim.comThe Power of Giving Away Power

Today's episode features a review of Drive, by Daniel Pink, and part 2 of our conversation with illustrator, author, and cartoonist David Milgrim about creativity, and if you ever feel like you've made it. davidmilgrim.comDrive: the surprising truth of what motivates us

80% of what parents and kids argue about is school. What happens when we take that out of the equation? Join us for the rebroadcast of the second half of my conversation with Julie Leonard.Also: how do we learn if we bypass the shame of not reading "on time"? Thank You For Arguing

A rebroadcast talking about making the holidays saner; what you're not missing out on this year; and more.

In this rebroadcast, my guest, writer Sage Ingles, and I talk about kid business and true socialization. Mexico School Story Oliver Sacks

Sometimes giving everybody space makes everything come together. In this rebroadcast, my guest, writer Sage Ingles, finds time to create amidst four kids. We talk about giving space physically, and mentally.

I, this rebroadcast, Sarah Wall talks with me about creative ways to make a living while you educate the kids. We discuss handling learning disabilities, MLMs, kid businesses, and entrepreneurship.You'll want these links:  Find Your Work From Home Best Day Planner XeraSupport

On testing, learning, and The Dip.A rebroadcast of part 1 of our conversation with Sarah Wall, on single motherhood and homeschooling, working, and figuring out what you need for support. XeraSupport The Dip

Starting off today with a review of Every Tool's A Hammer by Adam Savage, followed by the second half of our talk with artist, educational publisher, and book illustrator, Eric Hamilton, including his tour-de-force decade of Halloween celebration. True Crimes from Rhyme Square Every Tool's A Hammer

First off, a review of the book Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger by Soraya Chemaly, followed by the first half of our interview with artist, educational publisher, and book illustrator, Eric Hamilton. True Crimes from Rhyme Square Rage Becomes Her

Join us today as we review Creativity Rules and talk with Kendra Gardener, designer/architect, on creating space, and living internationally. How do you move through your world, what could make that more joyful? 24 Hour Magic: How Changing the Energy in Your Space Can Change Your LifeCreativity Rules

Book review of The Invisible Gorilla: How Our Intuitions Deceive Us by Christopher Chabris & Daniel Simons, and part two of our talk with Kerry Kaye, performer, coach, and rigger with Cirque du Soleil, on finding time to do what gives you energy. The Invisible GorillaCirque du Soleil Orlando

A review of the delightful book by Bill Bryson: The Body, A Guide for Occupants. Then part one of my conversation with the inimitable Kerry Kaye, performer, coach, sousaphone player, and rigger for Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil Orlando The Body: A Guide for Occupants, Bill Bryson

First, a review of Physical Intelligence by Scott Grafton, followed by part 3 of an interview with writer, musician, artist, and Dante scholar, Dr. Adoyo. Rain by Adoyo Dante's Divine Comedy Physical Intelligence by Scott Grafton

Part two this week with Dr. Adoyo, a writer, musician, artist, and Dante Scholar about mentoring, parenting, and building trust. Also, a review of the book, Show Me How, Show Me How, by Lauren Smith & Derek Fagerstrom.   Rain by Adoyo Dante's Divine Comedy Show Me How, by Lauren Smith & Derek Fagerstrom

Join us this week as I talk with Dr. Adoyo, a writer, musician, artist, and Dante Scholar about trust, community, and how those things allow people's creativity to blossom. Also, a review of the book, The Power of Meaning, Crafting a Life That Matters by Emily Esfahani Smith. Rain by Adoyo Dante's Divine Comedy Aristotle on Ethics The Power of Meaning, Crafting a Life That Matters by Emily Esfahani Smith

This week, the second half of our conversation with entrepreneur and motivational speaker Tim Fisk, about how you can leverage creativity everywhere, including at work, and in community. And Tim persuades me I can use the other C word: career. Book review of The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't, by Robert I Sutton. Plum Boutique Summit Salon Business CenterParker on Main Salon Herdis The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't

Join us as we talk with entrepreneur and motivational speaker Tim Fisk about creating leadership opportunities for others, and how deeply profound something ordinary can become. Book review of When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, by Daniel Pink. Plum Boutique Summit Salon Business CenterParker on Main Salon Herdis When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing

The second half of our conversation with Molly Keehn of CoJourn about the spirit of self-compassion and managing ourselves for success. A review of The Power of Bad John Tierney & Roy F Baumeister. Oh and I mention CBT, but forgot to define it: it's Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which is the dominant form of talk therapy in the US. CoJourn The Power of Bad John Tierney & Roy F Baumeister Time to Think Punished by Rewards Nudge So You Want To Talk About Race The Influence You Have

Talking with Molly Keehn of CoJourn about how working with a partner and learning how to leaving space with each other can both forge deep connections and give us the deep satisfaction of doing our own work. Also, not a book review, per se, but the blog Wait But Why by Tim Urban. CoJourn Wait But Why Tim Urban Ted Talk Time to Think

The second half of my conversation with historian and noted game designer, Meguey Baker. Deep history and what is the history of now going to look like? Book review: So You Want To Talk About Race, by Ijeoma Oluo. Meguey Baker on Twitter @nightskygames Night Sky Games Apocalypse WorldSo You Want To Talk About Race

Today's guest is Meguey Baker, historian and noted designer of many notable role playing games including Apocalypse World and 1001 Nights. We talk about who makes the narrative, and the power of story. Book review of Diversity in the Workplace, by Bärí A. Williams. Meguey Baker on Twitter @nightskygamesNight Sky Games Apocalypse World Diversity in the Workplace

Join us for part two of our conversation with author Elia Winters, who writes saucy, sex- and queer- positive erotic novels. We talk about editing after you’re totally done with the thing, do you need to be a writer full-time to be “successful”, promotion and making things fun. Also, a review of The Infinite Game, by Simon Sinek. EliaWinters.com twitter & facebook @EliaWintersAmazon The Infinite Game

This week, more heat to your summer—award winning erotic romance novelist Elia Winters. How she finds the time to write, how NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) gave her a kick start, and how relationships are everything to becoming a successful writer, because your competition is not competing with you, they’re all readers, too. Also, a review of the book Start Right Where You Are, by Sam Bennett. eliawinters.com twitter & facebook @EliaWintersAmazonStart Right Where You Are National Novel Writing Month

The second half of talking with Renaissance woman Trenda Loftin on equity, equality, work, and land. Domain shifting: The Fabric of Civilization by Virginia Postrel. trendaloftin.comTrenda Loftin RealtorThe Fabric of Civilization

This week, Trenda Loftin on creating theater to hear voices we need to hear, community, housing, and compost. Also, what does "personality" mean anyway? trendaloftin.comColdwell Banker Community Realtor: Trenda Loftin

This week we're having the second half of our talk with Jessica Gifford of wellstudent.co about making—and keeping—connections. Also, How To Be An Imperfectionist, by Stephen Guise. Baba Yaga HousesHow To Be An Imperfectionist

How do you make and keep friends in college and beyond? And how is it essential for mental health? Find out in our conversation with Jessica Gifford. Also, a review of the book Rising Strong, by Brené Brown. wellstudent.coRising StrongLanguishingDictionary of Obscure Sorrows

This week we start with a book review of Presence, by Amy Cuddy, then we'll continue with the second half of our conversation with Ted Rau, consultant and trainer and cofounder of Sociocracy for All. If you think voting, consensus, and the management taught in business school is the best—or only—way to make an organization run smoothly, you're in for a treat. sociocracyforall.org Presence

We're off and running with new guests! First up, a book review of The Power of Habit, then we'll be talking with Ted Rau, consultant and trainer and cofounder of Sociocracy for All. If you don't recognize that term, or Dynamic Governance, be prepared for this episode to blow your mind. We can organize businesses, communities, and even families to make decisions in an equitable and low-stress way. sociocracyforall.org The Power of Habit

New episode! Recorded in 2019, but we were recently able to recover the audio file. Part one of taking with photographer, photojournalist, and artist, Matthew Cavanaugh. Be sure to follow Matt's instagrams~ @westernMAphoto@the_good_light_@matty.cvwww.matthewcavanaugh.com 10% Happier

New episode! Recorded in 2019, but we were recently able to recover the audio file. Part one of taking with photographer, photojournalist, and artist, Matthew Cavanaugh. Also, a review of the book, The Body Keeps the Score.   The Body Keeps the Score

A talk Victoria Quine, Outreach Coordinator at the New England Center for Circus Arts. A former gymnast and competitive dancer, she has a degree in cognitive psychology and child development, and a special interest in social circus. We talk about pedagogy and what we learn from the act of teaching, the importance of asking, that we’re not alone, and how it all works out.   New England Center for Circus Arts Theory of Multiple Intelligences Howard Gardner:  Frames of Mind Theory in Practice New Horizons The Unschooled Mind Changing Minds Truth, Beauty & Goodness Reframed Leading Minds WWOOFing Juggling AYCO Circademics

A conversation with Tone Nunes, whose background as an actor has made him a fearless advocate for animals, and leader in management. We chat about how the higher up in a company you get, the more replaceable you are—the business will run without you—and how necessary it is to tell the truth to people in power, giving them the choice to make substantial change, or not. And how the cause dearest to Tone’s heart is the duty of care we have to our animals. Charity Navigator, animal organizations

Elaine Carrol, an environmental civil engineer who figures out ways to make sure the rain in Ireland ends up as clean, manageable water. We talk about how she came to find her profession, the ways her work leads to creativity and community; and her involvement with No Drama Theater, an inclusive and supportive theater company, as well as the need to spend time in your head, balanced with the need to spend time in your body. No Drama Theatre

This week I’m revisiting a conversation with comedian Àine Gallagher. Besides her hilarious standup, she runs Bright Club, where she builds bridges between comedy and academia. We chat about how one thing leads to the rest, and when it gets rolling, you need to build in time to take stock, recognizing standup as an art form, and not needing validation from others to do what you’re doing.  ainegallagher.comÀine's comedy on YouTube Bright Club Funny Women

This week we're revisiting a conversation from 2018 with John Bechtold. He creates, produces, fosters, and teaches immersive theater in Western Massachusetts. His shows are unlike anything you've ever experienced. DASAC: Find out more about the Deerfield Academy Summer Arts Camp: deerfield.edu/dasacEggtooth Productions: eggtooth.orgPunchdrunk immersive theatre London: punchdrunk.org.ukLaramie project  https://amzn.to/2BC1Hwj

Revisiting guest Meg Burch, a nurse and former epidemiologist, environmental defender, and public health official. Her creative outlet is Taekwando, a discipline where she’s recently become a teacher. We talk about going from being over scheduled to balance, making deliberate intentions to broaden your world, serving your community, and the deep importance of the growth mindset. How to find a Taekwando school Growth Mindset for adults: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance Mindset: The New Psychology of Success  For kids I Can't Do That, YET: Growth Mindset

This week we revisit a talk with Craig Addis, a mechanical engineer with a second and third life of teaching, designing and building gorgeous boats, and mentoring kids through Boy Scouting. You can get a boat in eight weeks! Also, make life less stressful by frontloading the calendar.

Goodwin's Law, measurements are not targets. Revisiting author Alison Jean Lester. Talking about taking yourself away to get things done, self confidence, isolation and the importance of your champions and the “not to do list.” She's the author of wonderful books including:  Yuki Means Happiness  Lillian on Life Restroom Reflections Locked Out  Communication, Your Key to Success

A blast from the past! Join us today in a throwback conversation with drag queen extraordinaire, Hors D'Oeuvres. Also, Conway's Law: how to use it for a better life. Hors D'Oeuvres

Going back to revisit some conversations, starting with theatre director Linda McInerney. Is it really procrastinating if the bathroom gets clean? Also: Don't Shoot The Dog by Karen Prior

It's an early Father's Day! This week's show with business specialist Rocky Lalvani. Being an involved dad, and not being a Bean Dad.Don't miss it!

Is more institutionalization for everybody the only option? What other directions could we take? Photographer Cheryl Adams, who teaches at Rhode Island School of Design. Bleak House, by Charles Dickens (audiobook here) The Art of Possibility, by Rosamond Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander

Are schools preparing kids for today's workplace? What can we learn from the arts? Part 2 of my conversation with photographer and RISD professor Cheryl Adams: teaching and learning.

Language is how we figure out the world. Small kids need clarity, patience, and space to do what they're told. Part 1 of my conversation with Cheryl Adams, photographer and professor at RISD. She's got an extraordinary household. Bunny the Dog Counterclockwise, by Ellen J Langer Business Insider New York Times

80% of what parents and kids argue about is school. What happens when we take that out of the equation? Join us for the second half of my conversation with Julie Leonard.   Also: how do we learn if we bypass the shame of not reading "on time"?

Talking about making the holidays saner; what you're not missing out on this year; and more. Guest: Julie Leonard, nurse and homeschooler, pt 1

My guest, writer Sage Ingles, and I talk about kid business and true socialization. Mexico School StoryOliver Sacks

Sometimes giving everybody space makes everything come together. My guest, writer Sage Ingles, finds time to create amidst four kids. We talk about giving space physically, and mentally.

Sarah Wall talks with me about creative ways to make a living while you educate the kids. We discuss handling learning disabilities, MLMs, kid businesses, and entrepreneurship.   You'll want these links:  Find Your Work From Home Best Day Planner

On testing, learning, and The Dip. Today's guest, part 1 of a conversation with Sarah Wall, on single motherhood and homeschooling, working, and figuring out what you need for support. XeraSupport The Dip

The Measure of A Man and It’s Only A Phase The second half of my conversation with Ali Wicks-Lim The Bump Check: a hack for getting out of the house with what you need The Leaderboard The Scorecard: reframing arguments Admitting what we do wrong instead of blaming.

More on averages; looking for primary sources; and raising kids who ask the right questions. Secular Eclectic Homeschoolers Zinn Project Kanopy Films—documentaries Howard Gardner

Attention and connection. Radically change how you perceive your kids, and how they see themselves. And I talk with Christine Hebert, entrepreneur and homeschooler, about kids being both in and out of school, and making time work for you. Family values—have you ever stopped to figure out your own?

If you change the context, can you remove the disability? How to integrate homeschooling into your week, how to do right by kids with challenges, and part 1 of my conversation with Christine Hebert, an entrepreneur who's homeschooled several of her seven kids.

Homeschooling is not remote schooling. Different approaches and resources. How a monkey can help us with procrastination, and how to get hold of our own minds. This week is the second half of my conversation with Dr. Joli Hamilton. How do we free ourselves and each other to learn? Procrastination: Wait But Why Finding Your Career: Wait But Why

Talking today about how to talk so people can listen; the mindset you need if you're going to survive mixing education with your family life. My guest is a mom of 7 who worked and got her degrees while homeschooling kids. If anyone can talk about the secrets of time management and family learning, Dr. Joli Hamilton is it. Part one of our conversation.

We're now broadcast on WMUA 91.1 Amherst Massachusetts Wednesdays at 4:30 Eastern time! This episode is an introduction to the kind of topics this show is interested in: work + community + creativity, and how to homeschool kids in this mix.

Professor John Dion of the College of Saint Rose joins us today to talk about embedding service into work, negotiating different perceptions abroad, and the flow state. “The difference between you and me and someone who’s homeless is a run of bad luck. Unless you go out and talk to people, and experience their humanity, things don’t get better."   Underground Railroad History Museum of Political Corruption

This week, Katie Zobel, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. Can fundraising be a spiritual practice? We find out. Plus stop calling them nonprofits, the creativity involved in seeking beauty, stop being so hard on yourself, learn to be critical in a loving way, and if you went back and gave advice to your younger self, would you even listen? The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts What are Community Foundations?

A world in which Brené Brown and Charles Dickens overlap. Reviewing guests Mathew Ragan, Angela Patrick Silva, and Andrew Dell'Antonio, plus book review of Dare to Lead by Brené Brown. Dare to Lead The Learning Dip And if you are interested in my creativity, I've got tshirt designs here: Incandescent WombatNontoxicWordforge

This week's guest, Matthew Ragan of Obscura Digital talks about the process it takes to transform code into art, making transformative experiences, storytelling, authenticity, and how math can help you create a world. Obscura Digital Art on the Mart project page Art on the Mart launch show

This week, Angela Patrick Silvia about her journey from meteorology to radiology, her work fundraising for bone marrow and cancer charities, and her sewing business. I got such an insight into what it’s like to be on the other side of the x-ray, and the thoughtful compassion health workers bring every day. Links to all the awesome things we talked about below.   LukeStrong Angela's Stitchin' Styles St. Baldrick's

University of Texas music historian and deep thinker Andrew Dell'Antonio joins us to talk about management, feminism, and disability access. We chat about how institutions can change, how to open up education, and how a sense of purpose helps you to keep centered, and how to reconnect with yourself. And that Andrew’s optimism is well-justified, a great message to his younger self. People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond Find a Taekwando class Universal Design in Higher Education: From Principles to Practice

Safety and fear, trust and joy. Key takeaways and thoughts about the last three guests, Tone Nunes, Pam Victor, and Victoria Quine. Plus Book review: You Are A Badass More books by Jen Sincero You Are A Badass With MoneyYou Are A Badass Every DayYou Are A Badass Calendar

This week’s guest is Victoria Quine, Outreach Coordinator at the New England Center for Circus Arts. A former gymnast and competitive dancer, she has a degree in cognitive psychology and child development, and a special interest in social circus. We talk about pedagogy and what we learn from the act of teaching, the importance of asking, that we’re not alone, and how it all works out.   New England Center for Circus Arts Theory of Multiple Intelligences Howard Gardner:  Frames of Mind Theory in Practice New Horizons The Unschooled Mind Changing Minds Truth, Beauty & Goodness Reframed Leading Minds WWOOFing Juggling AYCO Circademics

Today's guest is Pam Victor: improv comedian, teacher, consultant, author, and nice person. When you feel bad, ask yourself, where’s the joy, and if there’s no joy, where’s the peace? Energy is more beautiful than effort, so go experience the zen of improv, and set your heart singing. Happier Valley Comedy Improvisation at the Speed of Life Bad and the Word Launcher pamvictor.com

Today I’m talking with Tone Nunes, whose background as an actor has made him a fearless advocate for animals, and leader in management. We chat about how the higher up in a company you get, the more replaceable you are—the business will run without you—and how necessary it is to tell the truth to people in power, giving them the choice to make substantial change, or not. And how the cause dearest to Tone’s heart is the duty of care we have to our animals.   Charity Navigator, animal organizations  Cardigans for Prostitutes

A review of discussions with John Bechtold, Àine Gallagher, and Eileen Carroll. Bringing your spheres of work, community and creativity together. Bringing an innovative, creative, even play-based mindset to work.   also, a review of the book Nudge tabs with writing jobs: Current & Contena a site on writing better, and writers supporting each other: Scribophile

Today’s guest is Elaine Carrol, an environmental civil engineer who figures out ways to make sure the rain in Ireland ends up as clean, manageable water. We talk about how she came to find her profession, the ways her work leads to creativity and community; and her involvement with No Drama Theater, an inclusive and supportive theater company, as well as the need to spend time in your head, balanced with the need to spend time in your body.   No Drama Theatre No Drama on Facebook

This week I’m talking with comedian Àine Gallagher. Besides her hilarious standup, she runs Bright Club, where she builds bridges between comedy and academia. We chat about how one thing leads to the rest, and when it gets rolling, you need to build in time to take stock, recognizing standup as an art form, and not needing validation from others to do what you’re doing.    ainegallagher.com Àine's comedy on YouTube Bright Club Funny Women

John Bechtold creates, produces, fosters, and teaches immersive theater in Western Massachusetts. His shows are unlike anything you've ever experienced.   DASAC: Find out more about the Deerfield Academy Summer Arts Camp: deerfield.edu/dasac Eggtooth Productions: eggtooth.org Punchdrunk immersive theatre London: punchdrunk.org.uk Laramie project  https://amzn.to/2BC1Hwj Winter’s tale: https://valleyadvocate.com/2016/09/26/walking-through-time/ Before You Became Improbable: https://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/node/617 and  ttps://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/ John Bechtold project site https://sites.google.com/arps.org/performingarts/home?authuser=0

Thoughts on episodes 005: Craig Addis, 006: Chris Oakley, and 007:Meg Burch and Book review: 10% Happier by Dan Harris and Tabs: Your Hiring Process is Broken by Kira Leigh Dictation transcription audio to google docs The Author’s Business Plan Podcasting data for business The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll Bullet Journals  This Emotion Can Make You Eat Healthier by Shanna B. Tiayon What If The Placebo Effect Isn’t A Trick? by Gary Greenberg Hoodie 1 & Hoodie 2 Applied Improvisation Network   Is Management Humane? by Dan Pontefract Mission Based Management by Brett Steenbarger The Five Characteristics of Fear-Based Leaders by Liz Ryan   Full disclosure, Amazon links are affiliate links.

This week’s guest is Meg Burch, a nurse and former epidemiologist, environmental defender, and public health official. Her creative outlet is tae kwan do, a discipline where she’s recently become a teacher. We talk about going from being over scheduled to balance, making deliberate intentions to broaden your world, serving your community, and the deep importance of the growth mindset.   How to find a Taekwando school   Growth mindset for adults Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance  Mindset: The New Psychology of Success    For kids I Can't Do That, YET: Growth Mindset

SHOW Circus School founder Chris Oakley talks about life skills, the zen of organization, the creative side of policies and procedures, and taking a performance break. SHOW Circus Studio

This week is Craig Addis, a mechanical engineer with a second and third life of teaching, designing and building gorgeous boats, and mentoring kids through Boy Scouting. You can get a boat in eight weeks! Find out more about building boats at the Hill Institute Volunteer and support the Boy Scouts of America More on the necessary elements for creative work: Lifehacker: The Science Behind Creativity

Why I started this podcast and a review of key takeaways from the first three guests. Book review: How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett Listen to: Invisibilia on NPR This great blog: Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Alison Jean Lester joins us today, talking about taking yourself away to get things done, self confidence, isolation and the importance of your champions and the “not to do list.” She's the author of wonderful books including:  Yuki Means Happiness https://amzn.to/2PSa7c4 Lillian on Life https://amzn.to/2FdAfdB Restroom Reflections https://amzn.to/2qDhLZW Locked Out https://amzn.to/2FfZ60d Communication, Your Key to Success https://amzn.to/2PMSquv

This week we welcome Hors D'Ouevres, drag queen extraordinaire. Hors runs her own entertainment company featuring body-positive, pun-filled burlesque and drag brunches. She cultivates and encourages new artists to grow a vibrant performance community. Find out more here: houseofhors.com and here: Valley Advocate review

Teaching, acting, directing, producing. Finding the courage to learn a one-woman show, and go put it on.    For more information on Eggtooth Productions: eggtooth.org and thetakemagazine.com/eggtooth-productions-takes-its-all-the-worlds-a-stage-seriously