In this episode of My Simplified Life, we delve into the intriguing world of mystery writing with author Marcy McCreary. Marcy shares her journey from a marketing and sales professional to becoming a noted author of the Ford Family Mysteries series. She also discusses the process of writing her books and how real-life experiences often inspire her stories. This conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Marcy shares about her husband Lew McCreary's battle with dementia and their collective efforts to get his latest book published. What we’re talking about Real-life experiences can fuel the process of writing. The importance of editing and refining as you write. The personal impact of Lew McCreary's dementia on his and Marcy's lives. Real-life experiences can fuel the process of writing Marcy's writing process is largely intuitive, and she often draws inspiration from real-life experiences. She identifies as a 'panzer' or an intuitive writer, and she lets her characters lead her through the story. This approach allows her to create narratives that are relatable and grounded in reality. The importance of editing and refining as you write Editing and refining are integral parts of Marcy's writing process. She edits as she writes, reviewing the previous day's work before moving forward. After completing a draft, she takes a break before returning to edit with fresh eyes. This process helps ensure that her books are cohesive, engaging, and polished. The personal impact of Lew McCreary's dementia on his and Marcy's lives Lastly, Marcy shares her personal experience with her husband Lew McCreary's dementia. Lou, a critically acclaimed author himself, has been a significant part of Marcy's writing journey. His cognitive decline has had a profound impact on their lives, emphasizing the importance of cherishing our loved ones and their legacies. Despite the challenges, Marcy and Lew continue to work together to ensure that Loew's latest book sees the light of day. LINKS MENTIONED Marcy McCreary’s Website https://www.marcymccreary.com/ Marcy McCreary’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcymccrearyauthor/ Lew McCreary’s Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lewmccreary/the-13th-step

In this solo episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac talks about the importance of setting boundaries in both personal and professional life. She delves into how setting boundaries is a form of self-care and shares her experiences navigating relationships with differing beliefs. She also discusses managing the expectations of others and the necessity of understanding one's capacity and setting boundaries accordingly in a work context. What we’re talking about Setting boundaries is essential for self-care Managing the expectations of others in your business is crucial Navigating relationships with differing beliefs requires setting clear boundaries Setting boundaries is essential for self-care Michelle emphasizes that setting boundaries is a key aspect of self-care. She shares her journey of creating boundaries, which has led her to a better understanding and control over her time and tasks. She encourages listeners to value their happiness and prioritize it by setting effective boundaries. Managing the expectations of others in your business is crucial Another key topic Michelle addresses is managing others' expectations, particularly in a business context. She shares her experiences as a business owner, highlighting that it's important not to overestimate what others will do for your business. Understanding this helps to set realistic expectations and can lead to more successful business relationships. Navigating relationships with differing beliefs requires setting clear boundaries Lastly, Michelle discusses the challenges of navigating relationships with differing beliefs. She shares personal experiences of realizing that some beliefs can be deal-breakers in friendships, emphasizing the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. She encourages listeners to set boundaries where necessary to preserve their mental and emotional well-being.   LINKS MENTIONED Ep 9: Creating Boundaries As A Form Of Self-Care Ep 29: Managing Expectations Of Others In Business Ep 155: Saying No & Making A Difference Ep 219: Managing Expectations

In this episode, host Michelle Glogovac introduces us to her friend and novelist, Angela Brown. They discuss the trials of finding oneself while being content and the struggle of wanting more while being happy. Angela shares her journey to becoming a writer and the inspiration behind her book, Olivia Strauss is Running Out of Time. This conversation provides valuable insights into personal growth, career changes, and the challenges of creating a fulfilling life.   What we’re talking about It's possible to seek personal growth without needing to disrupt a happy life. Each choice, good or bad, leads to something important. Age is not a barrier to pivot and try something new. It's possible to seek personal growth without needing to disrupt a happy life.  Angela Brown shares the concept behind her book, Olivia Strauss is Running Out of Time. She wanted to present a story about a woman who is content and happy yet seeks change and personal growth without causing chaos in her life. This narrative deviates from the traditional portrayal of a woman needing to "find herself," which usually involves significant life disruptions. Each choice, good or bad, leads to something important.  Angela emphasizes that every decision we make, whether a seemingly bad choice or a good one, contributes to our journey. These choices, she suggests, even the ones that lead to mistakes, are necessary stepping stones that guide us to our next phase. She credits the trials and errors of her past for leading her to become a writer and believes in the butterfly effect of choices. Age is not a barrier to pivot and try something new.  Angela and Michelle discuss the societal expectations around age and career and how they challenge these norms. Angela shares her personal experience of publishing her first book at 40 and how she sees this age as a pivot point. Rather than viewing it as a time to settle, she considers it an opportunity to explore new paths, demonstrating that age should not limit personal growth and career changes. LINKS MENTIONED Angela Brown’s Website angelabrownbooks.com Angela Brown’s Instagram https://instagram.com/angelabrownbooks  Olivia Strauss Is Running Out Of Time by Angela Brown https://www.amazon.com/Olivia-Strauss-Running-Out-Time/dp/1662516355

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Elle Evans, an anesthesiologist and author of Wedding Issues. They discuss Elle's journey from being a big reader in her childhood to becoming a doctor and then deciding to write a book. Elle also shares her bridesmaid experiences and how those experiences influenced her book.   What we’re talking about Elle's love for reading and writing started from an early age. The importance of taking risks in life. Wedding planning can bring up many other emotions and stories. Elle's love for reading and writing started from an early age.  Elle shares that she loved reading books from a young age and even brought books to school to read during breaks. She wanted to be a writer initially but eventually chose to pursue a career in medicine. The importance of taking risks in life.  Despite initially hesitating to pursue a career as a writer due to the perceived risks, Elle eventually decided to take the leap and write a book while working as an anesthesiologist. Her story serves as a reminder that it's never too late to pursue your passions. Wedding planning can bring up many other emotions and stories.  Elle shares how her experiences as a bridesmaid influenced her book. She noted that wedding planning can bring up many other emotions and stories, not just for the couple getting married but also for their friends and family. This inspired the backdrop for her book. LINKS MENTIONED Elle Evans’ Website https://www.elleevansbooks.com/  Elle Evans’ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elle.evans.books/?hl=en  Wedding Issues by Elle Evans https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/our-books/wedding-issues

In this episode of My Simplified Life, Michelle Glogovac interviews Stephanie Hockersmith, better known as Pie Lady Books. Stephanie shares her inspiring journey from severe illness to her unique career creating beautiful pie art inspired by book covers. She discusses how she turned her passion project into a thriving business and the process of making each of her distinctive pies.   What we’re talking about Stephanie's journey from illness to pie artist The creation process of the pie art The evolution of Pie Lady Books into a business Stephanie's journey from illness to pie artist In her early twenties, Stephanie was diagnosed with severe brain damage and had multiple seizures a day due to severe gluten allergy. She discovered her hidden talent in pie art during her lengthy recovery period. She started creating pies as a way to thank her husband for his support and found the process to be therapeutic.   The creation process of the pie art Stephanie explains that she starts her week by making a pie base and filling, then creates a new top for each day of the week. Each pie design is unique, which makes every day different and exciting for her. Despite the fragility of the designs, she hopes to find a way to deliver the pies to the authors of the books she features.   The evolution of Pie Lady Books into a business Stephanie initially started Pie Lady Books as a passion project to share her love for books and pie art. However, her unique approach quickly gained attention from authors and publishers, leading to her business's growth. She now gets commissioned to create pies for book promotions, and her Instagram following has grown to 97,000 followers. Despite the business's success, she remains committed to supporting authors and promoting books she loves.   LINKS MENTIONED Pie Lady Books Instagram https://instagram.com/pieladybooks Pie Lady Books Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pieladybooks/

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac has a heartfelt conversation with Meg Nocero, a former federal prosecutor turned empowerment coach. They discuss Meg's journey from law to personal development, the importance of storytelling, and the transformative power of loss. What we’re talking about The importance of storytelling in all aspects of life The transformative power of loss and grief The role of personal development in career transition The importance of storytelling in all aspects of life  Meg shares her experiences as a federal prosecutor, where she learned the significance of storytelling, particularly in the courtroom. She emphasizes the impact a compelling narrative can have, which she now applies to her career as a personal development coach and author. The transformative power of loss and grief  Meg opens up about her mother's passing and how it served as a wake-up call. Her mother's advice to "do what you love now" deeply resonated with her and led her to reconsider her life's trajectory. This experience also inspired her to write "The Magical Guide to Bliss," a book that helped her navigate through her grief. The role of personal development in career transition  Meg illustrates how her interest in personal development played a significant role in her career transition. As a legal intern coordinator, she had the opportunity to mentor young minds, which she found to be an exciting experience. Meg's career transition shows that shifting from a traditional career path to following one's passion is possible.   LINKS MENTIONED Meg Nocero’s Website http://www.megnocero.com/

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Dara Levan to discuss her debut novel, It Could Be Worse. The two delve deep into the themes of resilience and authenticity throughout Dara’s work and her unique journey from a speech therapist to a published author. They also touch on the importance of maintaining long-lasting friendships and the value of self-discovery.   What we’re talking about The Power of Resilience The Importance of Authenticity The Value of Long-Lasting Friendships The Power of Resilience Dara’s novel, It Could Be Worse, explores the theme of resilience. She believes that radiance emerges from our breaking points and that life's challenges don't have to break us. This theme also resonated with Michelle, who agrees that while people may have their 'bad' moments, it doesn't make them entirely bad. The Importance of Authenticity Dara emphasizes the importance of being authentic in relationships. She believes every relationship might not turn out as we want them to, but that's okay. This theme is embodied in the relationships between the characters in Dara’s novel, who are seen as being their authentic selves and calling each other out when needed. The Value of Long-Lasting Friendships Michelle and Dara discuss the importance of maintaining long-lasting friendships. They believe such friendships offer a unique perspective as they allow us to see and know a person through various stages of life. Dara’s novel also explores this theme through the friendship between the protagonist Allegra and Ruby, who have known each other since their summer camp days.   LINKS MENTIONED Dara Levan’s Website www.daralevan.com  It Could Be Worse by Dara Levan https://rb.gy/78ny5t  Dara’s Instagram https://instagram.com/dara.levan Dara’s Facebook https://facebook.com/daralevanwriter  Every Soul Has A Story Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/5wx1bGK5Rc96uhTQgL7D43?si=af25f0b783f94725

In this special live episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac is interviewed by KTLA’s Kirk Hawkins at Zibby's Bookshop in Santa Monica, CA. Michelle shares her journey from working in corporate aviation to becoming THE Podcast Matchmaker™, and the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences through podcasting.   What we’re talking about The importance of building relationships in business The concept of repurposing your content The need for self-promotion in a positive light Building Relationships in Business Michelle emphasizes the importance of building relationships in business. Whether in the aviation industry or podcasting, her connections with her clients and hosts are the most rewarding part of her work. She believes understanding and sharing each other's stories can change the world by making education and knowledge more accessible. Repurposing Your Content  Michelle introduces the concept of repurposing your content. According to her, a single podcast episode can be turned into multiple pieces of content, such as quotes, clips, and transcripts. This practice not only maximizes the value of each episode but also provides a steady stream of content for your audience. Self-Promotion in a Positive Light  Michelle discusses the necessity of self-promotion, especially in the podcasting industry. She argues that self-promotion doesn't have to feel uncomfortable or 'gross.' Instead, it is about sharing your knowledge, celebrating your wins, and inspiring others. It's a way for others to see what's possible and celebrate your achievements.   LINKS MENTIONED How To Get On Podcasts by Michelle Glogovac https://michelleglogovac.com/how-to-get-on-podcasts/ Kirk Hawkins https://getkirk.com/  Zibby’s Bookshop https://zibbymedia.com/pages/zibby-s-bookshop

In this solo episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac discusses the importance of podcast interviews in promoting a product, service, or book. Sharing her personal experiences from the launch of her own book, she emphasizes the necessity of continuous promotion for creating ongoing momentum and growth. What we’re talking about Podcast interviews can provide longevity to your promotion efforts. Repurposing content is crucial for reaching a wider audience. Promoting a product or service is also about promoting your brand and yourself. Podcast interviews can provide longevity to your promotion efforts  Michelle highlights the value of podcast interviews in maintaining a product's visibility long after its launch. As these interviews are shared and reshared on different platforms, they help sustain the promotion, ensuring that a product or service continues to reach new audiences regularly. Repurposing content is crucial for reaching a wider audience  Michelle stresses the importance of repurposing content to extend its reach. You can ensure that a wider audience sees it by resharing content at different times and across various platforms. This strategy not only helps to maintain visibility but also provides additional content for hosts to share. Promoting a product or service is also about promoting your brand and yourself  Michelle points out that you are also promoting your brand and yourself when promoting a product, service, or book. By sharing your knowledge and story, you are enhancing your brand's visibility and helping to grow your business. This approach emphasizes the importance of genuine and ongoing engagement with your audience.   LINKS MENTIONED How To Get On Podcasts by Michelle Glogovac https://michelleglogovac.com/how-to-get-on-podcasts/

In this solo episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac delves into expectations. She shares her personal experiences dealing with the pressures of expectations in various aspects of life, including her recent book launch, business, and personal relationships. Michelle emphasizes the importance of reflecting on why certain expectations were unmet and how it's okay to change expectations rather than lower them.   What we’re talking about Expectations cover many areas in life, from personal relationships to business outcomes. It's important to reflect on why certain expectations were unmet rather than just lowering them. Sharing our disappointments and expectations with others can lead to understanding and growth. Expectations cover many areas in life, from personal relationships to business outcomes Michelle begins with an exploration of how expectations permeate many aspects of life. She discusses how expectations can create pressure, especially when launching a new project or business. She also highlights the importance of understanding that not all expectations will be met and that reflecting on why this is the case is essential. It's important to reflect on why certain expectations were unmet rather than just lowering them Next, Michelle talks about how critical it is not to simply lower expectations when they are unmet. Instead, she suggests changing the expectations to better suit your current situation or understanding. This can mean shifting business goals or reassessing what you want from personal relationships. Sharing our disappointments and expectations with others can lead to understanding and growth Lastly, Michelle emphasizes the value of sharing our disappointments and unmet expectations with others. She encourages listeners to allow themselves to be disappointed and to express these feelings in a safe space. By acknowledging these feelings, we can gain a deeper understanding of our expectations and how we can manage them in the future.   LINKS MENTIONED How To Get On Podcasts by Michelle Glogovac https://michelleglogovac.com/how-to-get-on-podcasts/

In this episode of My Simplified Life, Michelle Glogovac chats with debut author Rosey Lee, who has released her first novel, The Gardins of Edin, under a pen name while maintaining her full-time job as a physician. They discuss her unique experience of navigating two demanding roles, the process of creating a pen name, and her journey to becoming an author, which began with a passion for writing in college. What we’re talking about The experience of using a pen name Balancing a full-time job and writing The journey of becoming an author The experience of using a pen name  Rosey Lee shares her unique experience of using a pen name, which she chose to honor women in her family. She discusses the initial process of keeping her author identity separate from her professional persona and the excitement of seeing her pen name on her debut novel. Balancing a full-time job and writing  Rosey talks about the challenges of navigating two demanding roles as a full-time physician and debut author. She explains her work model, splitting time between patient care and community health consulting, and how she manages her schedule to incorporate her passion for writing. The journey of becoming an author  Rosey shares her journey to becoming an author, which began with a passion for writing in college. She initially wanted to be a fashion designer and actress, but her parents encouraged her to pursue a career in medicine. Despite this, Rosey never let go of her love for writing and eventually found a way to combine her passion for health education with writing fiction. She also discusses her initial publishing strategy of releasing a free reader magnet to build her author platform.    LINKS MENTIONED Rosey Lee’s Website https://www.roseyleebooks.com/ Rosey’s ebooks https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rosey-lee

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac has an intriguing and enlightening conversation with Boo Trundle, author of the unique and thought-provoking novel, The Daughter Ship. They delve into the journey of the book's main character, the unconventional storytelling approach, and the creative process Boo used to craft this one-of-a-kind novel. Boo also shares her experience with her artistic practice and how it influenced the book. What we’re talking about The book's narrative structure is unique and requires the reader to adjust their reading style. The story goes deeper with each repetition of themes, emotional truths, and question marks. Boo's artistic practice influenced the writing and presentation of the book, including the cover art. Boo’s Narrative Structure Boo's novel, The Daughter Ship, is a unique narrative that requires the reader to adjust their reading style. It's not a straightforward plot; instead, it continually revisits certain themes and questions, going deeper each time. This unique storytelling technique sets the book apart and adds a layer of depth and complexity that isn't found in many novels. An Innovative Approach To Storytelling The story's structure is not linear but "vertical," as Boo puts it. Instead of a traditional beginning, middle, and end format, the narrative keeps returning to the same themes, question marks, and emotional truths, exploring them more deeply each time. This innovative approach to storytelling creates a rich, multi-faceted narrative that delves deep into the psyche of the main character. How Boo’s Art Background Influenced The Daughter Ship Boo's background in art greatly influenced the creation of The Daughter Ship. She not only wrote the novel but also created the cover art. This creative process was not just limited to the writing; it extended to the visual representation of the book, making it a holistic work of art that showcases Boo's creative genius. Links Mentioned Boo Trundle’s Website www.bootrundle.com  Boo Trundle’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bootrundle/?hl=en  The Daughter Ship by Boo Trundle https://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Ship-Novel-Boo-Trundle/dp/0593317297/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1706207958&sr=8-1

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac interviews Donna Hemans, the author of The House of Plain Truth. Michelle and Donna discuss Donna's journey from being a journalist to becoming an author. They delve into the inspiration behind Donna's latest book, her writing process, and how she incorporates aspects of her Jamaican heritage into her stories. Donna also shares her unique hobby of ceramics, particularly making teapots. What we’re talking about Donna's writing process involves a non-linear approach, moving around different parts of her story until it all comes together. Family history and personal experiences can significantly influence an author's writing. Beyond writing, hobbies like ceramics can provide a creative outlet and contribute to an author's overall creativity. Donna's Writing Process  Donna shares that her writing process does not follow a linear path. Instead, she moves around within her story, writing different sections as they come to her. She prefers the surprise element of letting the story unfold as she writes rather than outlining it beforehand. This approach provides a unique perspective on creative writing and shows that there isn't a 'one-size-fits-all' method. Influence of Family History and Personal Experiences  Donna's Jamaican heritage and family history significantly impact her writing. She pulls from her life and community when writing her stories, adding authenticity and relatability to her work. Her latest book, The House of Plain Truth, was inspired by her grandparents' story, demonstrating the power of personal history in storytelling. Hobbies Beyond Writing  Ceramics, specifically making teapots, is a hobby that Donna picked up, which provides her with a creative outlet outside of writing. It's interesting to see how writers can have passions outside their main profession that still enhance their creativity and can even influence their work.   LINKS MENTIONED Donna Hemans’ Website https://www.donnahemans.com/  The House of Plain Truth by Donna Hemans https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-house-of-plain-truth-donna-hemans/19712258?ean=9798986241814  Zibby Books https://www.zibbyowens.com/zibby-books

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac interviews guest Sagit Schwartz, a licensed psychotherapist and author of the upcoming thriller novel Since She's Been Gone. They discuss Sagit's journey as an author, the inspiration behind her book, and the importance of addressing eating disorders in adult contemporary fiction. Here are the key takeaways from the episode: What we’re talking about Writing a Dual Timeline Thriller Educational and Emotional Impact Finding Success on TikTok Writing a Duel Timeline Story Writing a dual-timeline thriller adds depth and intrigue to the story, capturing readers' attention and keeping them engaged throughout. Sagit shares how she originally wrote the book in the present tense but later transformed it into a dual timeline thriller with alternating chapters between the past and present. This creative choice has resonated with readers and added depth to the story. Educational Impact Sagit's firsthand knowledge and experience as a licensed therapist contribute to the book's authentic portrayal of eating disorders, creating awareness and understanding among readers. As a licensed clinician, Sagit brings her expertise to the book, providing an authentic portrayal of eating disorders and mental health issues. Readers have praised the book for its educational value and its ability to create empathy and understanding for those dealing with such challenges. Finding Success on TikTok TikTok has given Sagit a unique platform to connect with a wide audience and share her writing, showcasing the power of authenticity and the potential for unexpected opportunities. Sagit discusses her foray into TikTok, where an influencer with millions of followers narrated one of her short stories, leading to viral success. She also highlights the power of authenticity on the platform and the unexpected opportunities it has brought her. This episode delves into the creative process behind Since She's Been Gone and highlights the importance of addressing mental health topics in fiction. Sagit's personal connection to the story and her dedication to raising awareness shines through in her writing.   LINKS MENTIONED Sagit Schwartz’ Website http://www.sagitschwartz.com/ Since She’s Been Gone by Sagit Schwartz https://sagitschwartz.com/#preorder  Sagit’s Instagram https://iInstagram.com/sagitschwartz Sagit’s TikTok https://tiktok.com/@sagitwriter  Sagit’s Short Story on Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/um3b3j/someone_impersonated_my_therapist_and_then_came/?rdt=62323  Sagit’s Short Story on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@literallylizzi/video/7141875683671854382?lang=en

In this special episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac celebrates the launch of her new book, How to Get on Podcasts. She shares her excitement and gratitude for the day finally arriving, reflecting on the hard work and years of effort she put into creating her book. Michelle talks about her upcoming book signings and her anticipation for her book's audiobook and international release. What we’re talking about The launch of Michelle's new book, How to Get on Podcasts The journey to the book's creation and release An expression of gratitude for her listeners and supporters The launch of Michelle's new book, How to Get on Podcasts Michelle launches her new book, How to Get on Podcasts, and discusses the surreal feeling of seeing the book in physical form and available for purchase in bookstores. She shares her anticipation for upcoming book signings and the chance to interact with her readers in person. The journey to the book's creation and release The journey to the book's creation and release was not an overnight process. Michelle reflects on the years of hard work, planning, and effort that went into creating her book. She likens it to planning a wedding, where months of preparation lead to a single day that passes in hours. An expression of gratitude for her listeners and supporters Lastly, Michelle expresses deep gratitude for her listeners and supporters. She acknowledges their trust in her to provide valuable tools and knowledge, and she expresses her humility and appreciation for the support she has received throughout her journey. She ends the episode by inviting her listeners to share their successes and experiences with her book.   LINKS MENTIONED How To Get On Podcasts by Michelle Glogovac https://michelleglogovac.com/how-to-get-on-podcasts/

In this episode of My Simplified Life, Jessica Saunders opens up about her journey of writing her first novel, Love, Me, while balancing her full-time job as an attorney and her responsibilities as a mother. She shares valuable insights about her writing process, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned.   What we’re talking about Turning a dream into reality takes time and commitment The value of a structured approach to writing The importance of balancing career, passion, and motherhood Turning a dream into reality takes time and commitment  For Jessica, writing a novel wasn't just a dream but a goal she actively worked towards. After losing a close friend, Jessica was inspired to turn her lifelong dream into a reality. Despite her demanding job and family responsibilities, she dedicated her spare time to writing and completed her first draft in just three months. The value of a structured approach to writing  Jessica’s background as an attorney greatly influenced her writing process. She understood the importance of deadlines and structure, which helped her stay focused and maintain momentum. She also discovered the freedom of writing without editing along the way, allowing her to keep moving forward and edit later. The importance of balancing career, passion, and motherhood  Jessica’s story is a powerful reminder that it's possible to pursue a passion while maintaining a successful career and fulfilling family responsibilities. She wrote a novel while working full-time as an attorney and raising two daughters. Her ability to juggle these different roles demonstrates that with determination and effective time management, you can achieve your goals without sacrificing other important aspects of your life.   LINKS MENTIONED Love, Me by Jessica Saunders  https://www.unionsquareandco.com/9781454950790/love-me-by-jessica-saunders/ Jessica Saunders’ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessicaSaundersbooks Love, Me on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/173833902-love-me

In this episode of My Simplified Life, Julie Chavez, a repeat guest and author of the memoir Everyone But Myself, shares her experience of going through an intense period of anxiety and depression after neglecting her own needs for the sake of others. The episode provides an enlightening view on mental health, the importance of self-care, and the challenges of balancing personal life and professional commitments. What we’re talking about The cost of extended periods of self-neglect The importance of seeking professional help The value of having a supportive network The Cost of Extended Periods of Self-Neglect  Julie talks about her struggle with severe anxiety and depression that surfaced after she spent too long prioritizing the needs of others over her own. This serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and the potential dangers of not maintaining a balance between caring for others and caring for oneself. The Importance of Seeking Professional Help  Julie emphasizes the value of seeking professional help when struggling with mental health issues. Despite some initial struggles in finding the right professionals to help her, Julie’s story underlines the significance of not giving up and the potential benefits of getting the right help. The Value of Having a Supportive Network  Julie’s husband played a vital role in helping her navigate through her mental health struggles. This highlights the importance of having a supportive network, be it family or friends, when going through difficult times. It also underscores the value of open communication within these networks.   LINKS MENTIONED Julie Writes Words https://www.juliewriteswords.com/  Everyone But Myself by Julie Chavez https://www.juliewriteswords.com/everyone-but-myself

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac explores the concept of storytelling and the importance of sharing our personal experiences. Michelle discusses the complexities of sharing one's story, the challenges of deciding what to include and exclude, and the potential impact these stories can have on others. She also shares tidbits from her own life and encourages listeners to embrace their stories as a part of their identity. What we’re talking about Our personal experiences shape who we are. Sharing our stories can be a powerful tool for connection and understanding. Embracing our personal stories can lead to personal growth and acceptance. Our personal experiences shape who we are:  Michelle emphasizes that our personal experiences, both good and bad, play a crucial role in shaping who we are today. These experiences influence our actions, our words, and our perspectives. We can better understand ourselves and our motivations by acknowledging and accepting our past. The act of sharing our stories can be a powerful tool for connection and understanding: Sharing our personal stories can help us connect with others more deeply. It allows us to express our authenticity and show others they are not alone in their experiences. Michelle encourages listeners to consider the impact their stories might have on others and the potential for these stories to inspire and motivate. Embracing our personal stories can lead to personal growth and acceptance:  Accepting our personal stories, including the challenging and uncomfortable parts, is a key step toward personal growth and self-acceptance. Michelle discusses her journey towards embracing her story and encourages listeners to do the same. Doing so can make us more comfortable with who we are and our past, leading to a more authentic and fulfilled life.   LINKS MENTIONED How To Get On Podcasts by Michelle Glogovac https://michelleglogovac.com/how-to-get-on-podcasts/

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Silvia Vasquez-Lavado, the first Peruvian woman to climb Mount Everest and the author of In the Shadow of the Mountain. Silvia's life story is a journey of courage, resilience, and healing. Throughout the conversation, she shares her insights on dreaming with intention, the importance of faith, and the transformative power of narrative. What we’re talking about The Power of Dreams and Intentions The Importance of Faith in Achieving Goals The Transformative Power of Narrative The Power of Dreams and Intentions  Silvia believes in the power of dreams and intentions in shaping our lives. From her vision of writing a book to her aspiration of climbing Mount Everest, Silvia emphasized the importance of dreaming with intention and putting it out there. She shares her personal experience of how her dream manifested into reality, inspiring listeners to dream big and believe in the magic of their dreams. The Importance of Faith in Achieving Goals  Silvia's journey is a testament to the importance of faith in achieving our goals. She talks about the need for trust and faith in our journey and surrendering to the divine timing. While she acknowledges that this idea might not resonate with everyone, she encourages listeners to cultivate a belief in their ability to attract and create anything. The Transformative Power of Narrative  Silvia's life story, as detailed in her memoir, underscores the transformative power of narrative. She shares how writing her book allowed her to revisit and process her past, facilitating healing and personal growth. Her story serves as a reminder of the power each person has to shape their narrative and use their experiences, both positive and negative, to propel them forward.   LINKS MENTIONED Silvia Vasquez-Lavado’s Instagram https://instagram.com/silviavasla  Silvia Vasquez-Lavado’s Website https://www.silviavasla.com/

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac shares her reasons for writing her book How to Get on Podcasts. Michelle opens up about her love for books, her desire to help others share their stories, and her ambition to set industry standards for podcast guesting. She encourages listeners to show up authentically, share their truth, and make a difference in the world one voice at a time. What we’re talking about The importance of sharing authentic stories The need for industry standards in podcast guesting The transformative potential of podcasting Sharing Authentic Stories  Michelle strongly believes in the power of sharing authentic stories. She emphasizes that people connect with the truth. By showing up as you are and sharing your story in the most truthful way possible, you can make a difference. This authenticity also has the potential to positively affect your business, book sales, or any other endeavor. Setting Industry Standards  Michelle expresses her desire to set standards in the podcasting industry. She criticizes the practice of copying and pasting pitches and urges individuals and agencies to take the time to listen to the shows they pitch to. She highlights that podcast guesting should be viewed as a partnership and a collaboration, requiring genuine connections and mutual respect. Transformative Potential of Podcasting  Podcasting has transformative potential. It can change the lives of the host, the guest, and the listeners. She emphasizes that every podcast episode is a valuable contribution, and she encourages hosts to realize the value of their work. Michelle's book aims to make podcast guesting accessible to everyone, helping more voices be heard and more lives to be changed.   LINKS MENTIONED How To Get On Podcasts by Michelle Glogovac https://michelleglogovac.com/how-to-get-on-podcasts/