Episode 7: What Are You Pouring into 2026? Let’s Talk About this Year’s Goals

I’m Renea, a retired educator turned wine bar conversationalist. This is Conversations Over Wine—where wisdom is poured and stories are shared.

Each week, we slow down, pour a glass, and talk about life’s lessons, aging with intention, and what really matters as we grow older. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s begin.

Ahh… the new year has arrived and with it comes the opportunity to set new goals and work towards making it count. I don’t want to see the year breeze by me, then wake up at the end of December and wonder where the year went. Together, let’s put some dreams, plans, and action steps in place so we can make it a year we won’t forget.

This year is the Year of the Fire Horse which will officially begin on Feb. 17th. The Year of the Fire Horse is an opportunity for creativity, breaking old patterns and habits, and provides the chance to go after your goals with a passion.

This year I want to continue with those goals as I want them to be more about lifestyle changes and not just temporary fixes. I plan to continue my health journey of daily exercise and movement including walking and weight training. I plan to make the majority of my meals be whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, meats, and grains. What goals are you carrying forward into 2026?

But what are some new goals I am working on?

• I am going to set new financial goals for myself. I am currently reading a book my friend Kim gave me for Christmas called, “Smart Women Finish Rich” by David Bach.
• Another goal I have is part of my recent minimal-ish lifestyle and is that I will only buy one new clothing item per month this year. Thrifting is okay, with limits of course.
• I also have started looking at the materials of the clothing before purchasing as I want to buy more sustainable natural materials such as cotton, cashmere, wool, etc. I

What are some new goals you have set for yourself for 2026? What do you want to make a priority because it will make your life even better?

• Do your goals inspire you, are they sustainable and not extreme? I’ve learned that you can’t just think about your goals and say things like “I am going to lose weight” or “I am going to do better with my money”. That is only the beginning.
• You have to be more specific and more intentional. What has worked for me is to pick a few (or even one) write them down in a journal, your notes on your phone, whatever is a good method for you.
• Next, you can make notes about how you are going to be successful with meeting the goal. What exact steps are you going to take?
• Then, make note of anything that could possibly get in the way and how you plan to address it.
• I have also found it helpful to speak my goals to someone. It certainly makes it real and also adds in accountability.
• And don’t forget to pat yourself on the back as you are making progress, and know there will be setbacks,
• Reaching for a goal, or aiming to do and be better is not a perfect science. As the saying goes, “It's a marathon, not a sprint”. Give yourself grace as needed.

Closing Toast

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please take a few minutes to like, comment, and download my podcast. It would mean so much to me!

Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given. Until next time, cheers.

Episode 6: Date Yourself Part 2

I’m Renea, a retired educator turned wine bar conversationalist. This is Conversations Over Wine—where wisdom is poured and stories are shared.

Each week, we slow down, pour a glass, and talk about life’s lessons, aging with intention, and what really matters as we grow older. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s begin.

After recording my last podcast titled: Date Yourself, I realized I had a lot more to say on the topic. As I stated in part 1, this is a topic close to my heart and something I have done often. I have personally seen and experienced the benefits of dating myself and have learned to embrace the solitude of it. Dating yourself allows you to still experience the things you want to do even if no one else is interested, can make it work, or maybe you decide to go alone simply because you want to!

We discussed how it can build confidence, teach you to sit in your own thoughts, and allow to embrace your own opinions and choices without needing to bounce them off another person. It also provides the opportunity to take in a lot more from your surroundings because you are not engaged in conversation with someone.

Dating yourself is very liberating, but does not come with challenges. Let’s get into those today while we sip and savor our wine (or coffee, soda, whatever your pleasure!).

Some of the challenges you might face in dating yourself are:

• Feeling others are judging you
• Feeling lonely
• Finding the time

Don’t forget to dress for the occasion, just as you would if you were on a date with someone else. Train your brain to remember you are just as valuable and worthy of looking your best even while alone!

Closing Toast

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please take a few minutes to like, comment, and download my podcast. It would mean so much to me!

Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given. Until next time, cheers.

Episode 5: Date Yourself

Today I want to talk about the beauty of dating oneself. You know, the taking yourself on dates, excursions, trips, classes, etc. because you’ve learned to value and enjoy your own company. Today’s episode is not only for single women, you can date yourself even if you are in a relationship. You SHOULD date yourself even if you are in a relationship! I believe it to be a valuable experience no matter your age or relationship status. Let’s discuss the why, how, when, and where and get into it!

• Why should we date ourselves? I believe we should date ourselves for several reasons. One reason is because it helps us to sit in our own thoughts and embrace our own unbiased opinions and decisions, not those bounced off another. I believe it builds confidence as you learn to navigate places and situations on your own. It takes confidence to sit alone in a restaurant, to travel alone locally, or even to another country I also believe it helps reinforce our own value. That our own company can be enough.

• Let’s move on to the how. How do we date ourselves? What does that look like? I can use some of my own examples, and examples I have seen other friends do. Going out to eat is very pleasurable with those you love, but it can also be enjoyable alone. If there is someone I am dying to visit and I just can’t get it work with others, or I just want to go alone, I can and do! I can sit in that restaurant at a table or the bar, and eat and drink what I want. I can eat at my own pace and take in the surroundings.

• Next up is the when of dating yourself. That’s an easy one! My answer to this is anytime it fits your schedule! Maybe you are dying to try a new restaurant but your significant other is out of town, or maybe just doesn’t have the same interest in the place. There’s a great time to go and venture out on your own.

• Last up, is the where of dating yourself. That is truly wide open, just like dating another person. The world is your oyster. Some of the places I have dated myself have included restaurants, bars, movie theaters, hiking and biking trails, gardens, museums, shops, wine tastings, markets, and even travel.
• So, I would encourage you to date yourself any chance you get. It can benefit you in so many ways, it can take you to new places maybe you wouldn’t otherwise go because you know others aren't interested. If all of this seems a bit scary, take it slowly and start small. It might just be going to the library, bookstore, or coffee shop alone. Then, build up the confidence and you will find yourself ready to date yourself in bigger ways, like a solo trip to Italy!

• I hope this chat today resonates with you in some way and will encourage you to take the first step, or if you’ve already been on the journey, maybe it just gives you a smile of understanding.

I hope you enjoyed our conversation over wine today. I know I did.

Closing Toast

Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given.If you are enjoying this podcast, please remember to follow, subscribe, and like the videos. I would appreciate all your support as I am getting my podcast on its feet! I also want to share that I now have a YouTube Channel, so please take a moment to follow me on YouTube. You’ll find me under “Conversations Over Wine”. Until next time friends, cheers.

Episode 4: How I Got My Healthiest Body Back

In Episode 4 I discuss how I got my healthiest body back in 2025. We will discuss mid-life challenges and how easy it is to let a few extra pounds sneak up on us. But the good news is…there are sustainable changes we can make to our lifestyle that will help us to be the healthiest version of ourselves.

So pour a glass, settle in, and join me as we begin this journey together.

Show Notes:

Let’s face it friends, putting on a few (or more) extra pounds sure seems to get easier as we age! There are several reasons for that, we can explore that topic more another time, but today I’d like to talk less about the why, and more about what I did when it happened to me. I’d like to share what I did when those extra pounds snuck up on me the last couple of years. I’m no expert, or licensed dietician, but I am someone who has done my share of research on the topic to help get myself back to where I was before. I’m talking about the comfortable weight and size that feels best to me. I bet we all have a happy place in that regard!

• I personally lost around 20 pounds in a 6 month time period
• Used My Fitness Pal to begin tracking my food
• Used an online calculator to calculate my daily calories goal in order to reach desired weight
• Used a food scale for proteins, and other measuring tools to measure my food
• Prioritized protein
• No off limit foods, just off limit quantities…so, I allowed myself to eat what I wanted sometimes, but just not all I wanted. Ex. If I craved a hamburger, I would eat one, but only half and I was full anyway
• 3 meals a day, snack only if I was really hungry, but I tracked snacks too so those calories had to be part of my calorie deficit for the day
• I did not cut out alcohol, but on days I drank, those calories counted and were tracked
• Lots of movement! I walk around 4 miles every morning, and move a lot during the day. I am not very sedentary. I lift weights 3-4 days a week for around 20-30 minutes.
• Prioritized home meals and shop the perimeter of the grocery store where I buy fruit, vegetables, and meats.
• I keep my refrigerator and pantry stocked with the foods I know make my body feel the best.
• I know what makes me feel good and what doesn’t and try my best to remember that when buying foods or eating out.
• The most important aspect of all to me is sustainability. Fad diets, extreme dieting, etc. is not sustainable.

Closing Toast

Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given.

If you are enjoying this podcast, please remember to follow, subscribe, and like the videos. I would appreciate all your support as I am getting my podcast on its feet! I also want to share that I now have a YouTube Channel, so please take a moment to follow me on YouTube. You’ll find me under “Conversations Over Wine”. Until next time friends, cheers.

In the last episode, I spoke of my word for 2025- Attraversiamo, which means “Let’s cross over” in Italian, and why I chose that word. I skimmed the surface of why that word fit my year. I also encouraged you to reflect on your word for 2025. I hope you took the time to do that because reflection is where we grow.

In Episode 3 I dive deeper into my less and more in 2025.

Episode 3 is about:

• Less stuff, or belongings.
• Less clothes and shoes
• Less work
• Less focus on things that only stressed me out, like what others think

Having less stuff, less work, and less worry about others’ opinions have all given me peace and a strong sense of contentment. Now it is, now I am ready for MORE of the good stuff!

So, what are some of the good things I added in 2025? I added more time reading for one. I have always loved to read!

• I have added more movement and exercise.
• I have added more time in nature.
• I have added better nutrition, including more protein.
• I have added more time with friends and family.
• I have added more downtime, reflection time and journaling.

If you’re navigating change, asking deeper questions, or longing for conversations that feel real and unhurried, this podcast is for you.

So pour a glass, settle in, and join me as we begin this journey together.

Follow Conversations Over Wine to stay connected and never miss an episode!

In episode 2 of Conversations over Wine I reflect, and encourage reflection on 2025. I dive deeper into my 2025 and how it reflects my word of the year- Attraversiaomo.

I reflect on my year, and how it was a year of change.

This episode is about:

• My many changes in 2025
• Reflection of those changes
• What my life looked like before, and how it looks now
• Anticipation of 2026
• What is your word for 2025?

If you’re navigating change, asking deeper questions, or longing for conversations that feel real and unhurried, this podcast is for you.

So pour a glass, settle in, and join me as we begin this journey together.

Follow Conversations Over Wine to stay connected and never miss an episode!

Episode 1: Why Conversations Over Wine

In this first full episode of Conversations Over Wine, I’m sharing why this podcast exists and what led me here.

After years as an educator and now working at a wine bar, I’ve come to believe that some of the most meaningful conversations happen when we slow down, sit together, and create space for honesty. This episode is an invitation to do just that.

I reflect on my journey from the classroom to the wine bar, and on a moment with a woman who came in alone one evening—carrying grief, love, and memory. Her story reminded me how deeply we all need places where it’s safe to feel, to remember, and simply to be human.

This episode is about:

• Life transitions and reinvention
• Aging with intention rather than fear
• The power of presence over advice
• Why listening matters more than fixing
• Creating space for meaningful conversations in the second half of life

If you’re navigating change, asking deeper questions, or longing for conversations that feel real and unhurried, this podcast is for you.

So pour a glass, settle in, and join me as we begin this journey together.

Follow Conversations Over Wine to stay connected and never miss an episode!

Welcome to Conversations Over Wine, a podcast where wisdom is poured and stories are shared.

I’m Renea, a retired educator turned wine bar conversationalist. After years in the classroom and now many evenings behind a wine bar, I’ve learned that some of life’s most meaningful conversations happen when we slow down, pour a glass, and tell the truth.

This podcast is about life’s lessons, aging with intention, and growing wiser with time. Together, we’ll talk honestly about health, wealth, relationships, loss, reinvention, and what really matters as we get older.

Each episode is meant to feel like sitting down with a friend—unhurried, thoughtful, and real.

So pour a glass, settle in, and join the conversation.

About the host:

Renea is a retired educator turned wine bar conversationalist. Through Conversations Over Wine, she creates space for thoughtful dialogue about life’s lessons, aging well, and what truly matters as we grow older.

Follow Conversations Over Wine to stay connected and never miss a new episode!

🎧 Episode 1 is available now.