We've hit another milestone in our podcast journey: 75 episodes. At the same time, we find ourselves at a bit of a crossroads, which is leading us to prepare to take a hiatus. Join host CH as she reflects on the life journal podcast journey so far - sharing immense gratitude for our loyal community of C17'ers. She also shares the reasons why we feel we need to take a break and reassess the direction of the show as we navigate the ever-changing 2025 socio-political climate, and its impact on how we aim to share the personal narratives on which this podcast was founded. This episode is still in the vein of being a warm hug to our listeners, and still encouraging self-care and kindness amidst all of these very challenging times. Whether you are just finding us for the first time or have been with us from the beginning, we invite you to join us in celebrating our 75th episode ... even if it might be our last for a while.

Show Notes

• In this episode, CH references Boston College professor and historian, Heather Cox Richardson. For those interested, Heather has a Substack called, "Letters from an American" as well as a YouTube channel. Highly recommend for those seeking a historical, grounded perspective on various topics - none the least of which is the current climate in the United States (as of July 2025).

Taking control and redefining success. Two concepts much easier said than done, but often necessary when we hit a fork in our life journey road. Join us this week in another of our Share the Chair series as CH sits down with friend, former colleague and host of the AP Taylor Swift podcast, Jodi Innerfield, who shares the transformative journey she's been on since being laid off earlier in 2025 and of which has found her embracing not only her own entrepreneurial spirit but redefining what it means to be successful. Jodi opens up about how this career fork is a little bit different than those in her past, and how she has embraced the transition from a structured corporate role to carving her own path as an independent consultant fueled by a newfound sense of control and direction.

Show Notes

• For those looking for more information on Jodi:
  • Her Web site is JodiBeth.com.
  • She is co-host of the AP Taylor Swift Podcast that is available on all major podcast platforms.
  • Her Substack is JodiBeth.Substack.com
    • Her "So you've just been laid off, now what?" on her Substack documents her journey of working through her layoff in 2025.
    • Influential books Jodi mentions are as follows:
      • • You Are a Badass
        • The Obstacle is the Way
        • Designing Your Life
        • Be Ready When the Luck Happens
        • Necessary Endings
        • Year of Yes
• James Lipton's Inside the Actor's Studio questionnaire, and the original Bernard Pivot/Marcel Proust versions that inspired it, can be found here. Our C17 version is our own take on these two famous questionnaires.

Happiness. Specifically, life happiness. Or being happy in life. Or saying one's life is happy. In some instances, some of us can answer this easily and without hesitation. But in other instances, it's more nuanced. Join CH this week as she discusses how approaching happiness doesn't always have to be a large, lifelong, philosophical question. Inspired by listening to a recent interview with one of her faves, actress Jodie Whittaker, CH reflects on what it means to find happiness in simple, everyday moments rather than as a lifelong destination or philosophical life goal. At the end of the day, it can be about creating small spaces of joy and instant connection that, over time, weave happiness through the tapestry of our lives - which is especially important in times of stress, anxiety, challenge or struggle.

Show Notes

• Inspiration for our episode came from an interview that CH listened to with actress Jodie Whittaker. It can be found out on Big Finish Productions YouTube channel. The question of "What is your idea of happiness?" and Jodie's response to this question begins at around the 18:30 mark in the video.
  • Additional note: CH mentions this quote from Jodie: "It's ok to be wrong, it's ok to be scared, it's ok to not know. But above all do not lose hope." It comes from her 2020 Salon Talks Interview.
• Previous episode mentions
  • Episode 42: Foreign Exchange
  • Episode 23: Diary of a First Time Comic Con-er