Episodes

  • Episode 186: Why Not Symphony? 95 Years of Music and Empowerment with Sadie Varlas
    Mar 20 2025

    Keywords

    Wheeling Symphony, arts, culture, community events, music, Sadie Varlas, Empower Fest, concert experience, local orchestra, fundraising

    Summary

    In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Jayla Robinson and Shaye welcome Sadie Varlas, the Marketing and Communications Manager of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. They discuss the upcoming Empower Fest, the history of the Wheeling Symphony, and the importance of community support for the arts. Sadie shares her journey in the arts, the orchestra's funding, and the experience for newcomers attending symphony concerts. The conversation highlights memorable performances, guest artists, and the orchestra's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to attend the symphony and embrace new experiences.

    Takeaways

    • The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 95th season.
    • Eleanor Caldwell, a woman, founded the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra.
    • The symphony is primarily funded by donations and grants.
    • Community involvement is crucial for the symphony's success.
    • Concerts are designed to be accessible and welcoming to everyone.
    • The orchestra features a rotating cast of musicians based on concert requirements.
    • Sadie Varlas emphasizes the importance of not taking oneself too seriously.
    • The symphony offers student discounts to encourage youth participation.
    • Upcoming concerts include a Broadway-themed event and a 95th anniversary celebration.
    • The podcast encourages listeners to explore local arts and culture.
    • Celebrating 95 Years of the Wheeling Symphony
    • Empower Fest and Community Engagement
    • Meet Sadie Varlas: A Passion for the Arts
    • "A woman started the orchestra. That's amazing."
    • "The symphony is for everybody."
    • "You don't have to have a background in music."
    • "You can come just as you are."
    • "You can come in a t-shirt. It really does not matter."
    • "Why not grab a friend and go to the symphony?"
    • "Why not try something new?"

    Chapters

    00:00Introduction to the Podcast and Upcoming Events

    01:37Meet Sadie Varlas: Marketing and Communications Manager

    04:27Sadie's Journey in the Arts and Music

    08:50The Rich History of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra

    12:40Funding and Community Support for the Symphony

    14:59Musicians and Concerts: Behind the Scenes

    18:21Accessibility and Experience for Newcomers

    24:12Memorable Performances and Guest Artists

    31:10Upcoming Concerts and Celebrations

    34:40Closing Thoughts and Why Not Challenge

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    33 mins
  • Episode 170: Mindset Munchie-Gratitude Reset: The Daily Practice That Changes Everything
    Nov 21 2024

    Keywords

    Why Not Have Radiant Vibes? Journal

    gratitude, mental health, self-esteem, positivity, Thanksgiving, daily practice, joy, emotional well-being, community support, personal growth

    Summary

    In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Shaye and Jayla discuss the importance of gratitude, especially as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. They emphasize the benefits of maintaining a daily gratitude practice, which can enhance mental health, self-esteem, and overall joy. The conversation also touches on practical ways to incorporate gratitude into daily life, such as writing down things to be thankful for and reaching out to loved ones. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace gratitude as a means to foster positivity and connection, particularly during the holiday season.

    Takeaways

    • Gratitude can transform your mindset and emotional well-being.
    • Daily gratitude practices can enhance mental health and self-esteem.
    • Practicing gratitude helps you focus on the positive aspects of life.
    • Creating a gratitude journal can be a powerful tool for reflection.
    • Gratitude can be cultivated through simple daily actions.
    • Sending messages of appreciation can strengthen relationships.
    • Collective gratitude practices can enhance family bonds during holidays.
    • Recognizing the value of what you have leads to contentment.
    • Gratitude can help navigate challenging emotional situations during holidays.
    • Taking moments for self-reflection can deepen your gratitude practice.
    • Embracing Gratitude: A Path to Joy
    • The Transformative Power of Thankfulness
    • "Joy is the hardest emotion to feel."
    • "Energy flows where attention goes."
    • "Send a text to someone you appreciate."

    Chapters

    00:00Introduction to Gratitude and Community Engagement03:00The Science of Gratitude and Its Benefits05:38Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude



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    8 mins
  • Episode 160: Backstage at the Capitol: Renovations, Performers, and Community Impact
    Sep 5 2024

    Summary

    In this episode, Jayla and Shaye interview Kyle Knox, the marketing manager for the WesBanco Arena and the Capitol Theater. They discuss the recent renovations at the Capitol Theater and the upcoming shows, like Gabby Barrett to kick off the grand re-opening. Kyle shares some behind-the-scenes stories of working with performers and the diverse history of the theater. They also talk about the importance of the Capitol Theater to the downtown Wheeling community and the efforts to bring a variety of shows to the area. Kyle emphasizes the value of outdoor activities for stress management and mentions the various ways to stay updated on upcoming shows.

    Keywords

    Capitol Theater, renovations, shows, performers, history, downtown Wheeling, variety, outdoor activities, stress management

    Takeaways

    • The Capitol Theater in Wheeling has recently undergone renovations to improve its facilities and enhance the shows it can host.
    • The theater has a rich history of hosting a diverse range of performers, from country music stars to rock legends.
    • The Capitol Theater is an important part of the downtown Wheeling community and contributes to the success of other businesses in the area.
    • The theater aims to bring a variety of shows to cater to different interests and preferences.
    • Engaging in outdoor activities can be a great way to manage stress and find relaxation.
    • To stay updated on upcoming shows at the Capitol Theater and West Banco Arena, visit their websites and follow their social media pages.
    • Bringing a Variety of Shows to the Community
    • The Capitol Theater: A Vital Part of Downtown Wheeling
    • "We have God's Mac."
    • "Gabby Barrett is a valley girl."
    • "We have Taylor Nation."

    Titles

    Sound Bites

    Chapters00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

    02:55 Upcoming Event and Interview with Kyle Knox

    06:31 Renovations at the Capitol Theater

    08:18 Shows and Performers at the Capitol Theater

    12:13 The Capitol Theater and Downtown Wheeling

    14:49 Kyle's Journey and Personal Connection to the Area

    19:43 Opening Weekend and Future Shows

    22:45 Booking Shows and Variety of Performances

    25:06 Stress Management and Outdoor Activities

    27:46 Why Not Question and Conclusion

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    30 mins
  • Episode 181: Reimagining Wheeling: How Community, Culture, and Mindset Spark Growth
    Feb 13 2025

    Keywords

    Wheeling, destination marketing, Capitol Theater, economic development, community engagement, tourism, personal growth, leadership, podcast

    Summary

    In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Shaye Pentino andOlivia Litmandiscuss the evolution of Wheeling, West Virginia, focusing on Olivia's role as the marketing director forVisit Wheeling. They explore the impact of the Capitol Theater purchase on the community, the challenges faced during economic downturns, and the importance of mindset and personal growth in navigating these changes. Olivia shares insights from her 17 years in the industry, emphasizing the need for community engagement and the positive developments in Wheeling's tourism and cultural landscape.

    Takeaways

    Olivia has been the marketing director for Visit Wheeling for 17 years.

    The Capitol Theater purchase was a significant turning point for Wheeling.

    Economic development is crucial for community growth and engagement.

    Wheeling is often seen negatively by its residents, but it has much to offer visitors.

    The city has seen a resurgence in tourism and community pride.

    COVID-19 presented challenges but also opened new opportunities for growth.

    Mindset plays a vital role in personal and professional development.

    Leadership West Virginia helped Olivia connect with others and grow professionally.

    Community events are essential for fostering a sense of belonging.

    Wheeling's history and culture are key to its identity and future.

    Sound Bites

    "We started really shifting and it was around 2009"

    "We bought the Capitol Theater and that is unheard of"

    "We were very fortunate in the state of West Virginia"

    "Wheeling is our own worst enemy"

    "We have a lot of things to be thankful for here"

    "I always hear it's so funny"

    "It was very eye-opening"

    Chapters

    00:00

    Introduction and Guest Introduction

    01:57

    Olivia's Role in Destination Marketing

    06:05

    The Impact of the Capitol Theater Purchase

    11:58

    Economic Development and Community Engagement

    18:02

    Challenges and Opportunities in Wheeling

    23:53

    Mindset and Personal Growth

    30:12

    Conclusion and Future Outlook

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    41 mins
  • Episode 172: Dyslexia Decoded: Insights on Diagnosis, Education, and Resilience
    Dec 5 2024

    Keywords

    Dyslexia, Learning Disability, Speech Pathology, Education, Child Development, Diagnosis, Accommodations, Parenting, Brain Differences, Awareness

    Summary

    In this episode of the Ask Yourself Why Not podcast, hosts Shaye and Jayla engage with Jaimee Szymanski PhD, CCC-SLP, a speech and language pathologist specializing in dyslexia. They discuss the challenges and misconceptions surrounding dyslexia, including its signs, symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Jaimee shares insights on the brain differences in individuals with dyslexia, the impact of accommodations in education, and the broader implications of dyslexia on emotional well-being and academic success. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding of dyslexia, encouraging parents to trust their instincts and seek help for their children.takeaways

    • Dyslexia is a common learning disability affecting one in five individuals.
    • Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for children with dyslexia.
    • Dyslexia is not related to intelligence; many individuals with dyslexia are highly intelligent.
    • The brain processes information differently in individuals with dyslexia, leading to unique strengths and challenges.
    • Accommodations in education can significantly help students with dyslexia succeed academically.
    • Parents should trust their instincts if they suspect their child has dyslexia.
    • Dyslexia can lead to emotional challenges, including increased risk of anxiety and depression.
    • Reading can be achieved through various means, including audiobooks and verbal communication.
    • Awareness and open discussions about dyslexia can reduce stigma and shame.
    • Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, but with the right support, individuals can thrive.
    • Why Not Trust Your Gut?
    • The Emotional Impact of Dyslexia
    • "Dyslexia affects one in five."
    • "Your brain is bigger than everybody else's brain."
    • "Dyslexia is an emergency. Treat it as such."

    Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

    01:28 Understanding Dyslexia and Its Impact

    04:34 Signs and Symptoms of Dyslexia

    10:25 Differentiating Dyslexia from Other Disorders

    14:11 The Brain Differences in Dyslexia

    16:52 The Misconception of Intelligence and Dyslexia

    20:03 Steps for Parents: Seeking Help and Diagnosis

    24:29 The Importance of Accommodations in Education

    28:00 The Broader Implications of Dyslexia

    30:20 Closing Thoughts and Mindset Shifts

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    33 mins
  • Ep. 139: We are interviewed by Allie from the Growth Mindset Gal: Unveiling the Feel Good 5 Method with Shaye & Jayla
    Mar 14 2024

    Hey, incredible listeners! 🌟 It’s Shaye and Jayla here, and we’re beyond excited to share something super special with you on our "Ask Yourself Why Not" Podcast. This time, the tables were turned – we got to be the guests on the amazing Growth Mindset Gal Podcast with the one and only Allie Brooke!

    In this episode, we dove deep into our personal journey and shared the secrets behind our Feel Good 5 Method. This isn’t just any method; it’s a transformative approach designed to significantly boost your self-worth and self-confidence. We’re talking real change that starts from within. 🌱

    Here’s a sneak peek of what we covered:

    • The backstory of our Feel Good 5 Method and why it’s so darn powerful.
    • Practical steps you can take today to start seeing yourself in a new, more confident light.
    • How implementing this method daily has not only changed our lives but the lives of our listeners too.

    We’re so grateful to Allie for giving us the platform to share our message and connect with even more beautiful souls out there. 🙏 This episode is packed with heartfelt advice, laughter, and those lightbulb moments we all live for.

    So, why should you listen? Well, if you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or found yourself stuck in a loop of negative self-talk, this episode is your sign to break free. Let us show you how the Feel Good 5 Method can lead you toward a path of self-love and unshakeable confidence.

    Don’t miss out on this episode featured on our podcast. We promise it’ll leave you feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to tackle anything with a badass attitude. 💪✨

    Tune in, share the love, and remember, the journey to loving yourself starts with a simple question: Why Not?

    With all our love and excitement, Shaye and Jayla 💖

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    39 mins
  • Episode 6- becoming a feel good magnet
    Feb 16 2021
    In this episode we discuss meditation techniques towards becoming a magnet for what you desire and how to release resistance quickly in order to feel good.
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    13 mins
  • #108: How to find delight and fix unhappy by making fun a habit with Mike Rucker, PHD
    Jul 20 2023

    Join us on this enlightening episode as we delve into the transformative power of making fun a daily habit and finding solutions to combat unhappiness. 🎉💡 Discover practical strategies, insightful tips, and inspiring stories that will help you infuse joy into your everyday life and break free from the shackles of unhappiness. 🌞🔓


    Our expert Mike Rucker, PHD, renowned psychologists and and author of The Fun Habit: How the pursuit of joy and wonder can change your life, share's his wisdom on cultivating a positive mindset, embracing playfulness, and finding happiness in the simplest moments. 🌻🤹‍♀️ He offers practical techniques to shift your perspective, boost your mood, and create a fulfilling life filled with laughter and joy. 💃😄


    Tune in to this episode and embark on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and the pursuit of genuine happiness. 🎙️✨ Let's learn together how to make fun a habit and reclaim our innate ability to live a joy-filled life. 🌟🌈 #MakeFunAHabit #FixUnhappiness #EmbraceJoy


    Resources:

    " target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">The Fun Habit

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    50 mins