In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Kasia Van Schaik, a writer, professor, and artist, discusses the central themes of her book/memoir “Women among Monuments: Solitude, Permission, and the Pursuit of Female Genius.” We explore what it means to live a creative life, especially as a woman, and the ongoing search for permission both societal and self-given to pursue artistic fulfillment. We touch on the historical invisibility of women among cultural “monuments,” referencing literary figures like Virginia Woolf, which highlights the persistent relevance of these questions today.

We also delve into the concept of the “art monster” - artists who prioritize their work above all else, sometimes at the expense of others - and examine the tension between creative ambition and personal happiness. Kasia reflects on the importance of balancing solitude and community for creativity, the role of memory and memoir in shaping narrative, and the evolving language around gender and genius.

We conclude with insights on self-permission, the value of boundaries, and the subjective nature of genius, encouraging everyone to embrace their creative impulses without waiting for external validation and to follow their heart and dreams regardless.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Darla Nelson, a Christian life coach and the author of “I’m Fine. Really?: Moving from Stress and Anxiety to Peace and Calm.” We discuss how the phrase “I’m fine” often masks deeper struggles, and on the importance of being honest with ourselves and others about our true feelings. Furthermore, we explore vulnerability, especially in close relationships, and recognize that sharing our stories can create meaningful connections and reduce stress.

Although being vulnerable can be difficult, particularly for men, opening up to others is important for growth. In addition, setting boundaries and practicing forgiveness are essential for our well-being, and we are responsible for our responses to life’s events even when circumstances are beyond our control.

The power of gratitude and the need to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance can also increase to a more fulfilling life. This can be achieved by small, intentional changes, such as practicing self-kindness and embracing gradual progress and can lead to greater peace and authenticity. In fact, health is multidimensional, and nurturing our emotional and spiritual selves is just as important as physical exercise.

As we consider and appreciate the value of learning from life’s challenges, and as we continue being honest with ourselves and allow ourselves to make mistakes, we foster resilience, deeper connections, and a more compassionate approach to ourselves and others and feel truly “fine” in our skin.

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with behavioral expert, certified dementia practitioner and trainer Lisa Skinner about her book “Truth, Lies, and Alzheimer’s: Its Secret Faces.” We dive into the complexities of Alzheimer’s and dementia, challenging the common myths that surround these conditions while also acknowledging that Alzheimer’s and dementia are often misunderstood, with many people, even professionals, mistakenly believing they are just a normal part of aging (they are not).

That said, we also touch upon the differences between normal forgetfulness and signs and symptoms of dementia and note that occasional memory lapses are indeed a normal part of aging and should not be a cause for concern. However, when memory issues become frequent and start to impact daily life, it would be recommended to seek help.

Lisa explains that dementia is caused by over 100 different brain diseases but that a diagnosis does not mean life is over. We explore how people living with dementia, as well as their families and caregivers, can still find meaning, purpose, and joy within a diagnosis. We can help our loved ones live meaningful lives by focusing on person-centered care, validating their experiences, and not simply trying to “correct” them. When we focus on the individual rather than just the disease, we can help people live well for many years, provided we have the right knowledge, skills, and strategies.

When it comes to risks, there are significant differences between modifiable and nonmodifiable factors. While we cannot change our age or genetics, we can reduce our own risk by managing health factors like heart disease, sleep, and diet. Most importantly, with the right approach, there is hope and quality of life for those affected by dementia as we can help them live meaningful lives while at the same time supporting each other through the challenges and uncertainties that come with these difficult conditions.