Endlessly Searching For Moments of Joy and Fun with Author Stephanie Smartschan (Ep 18)

💐 Episode SummaryWhen Stephanie Snartschan joins host Dinah for this episode, the emotions are overflowing. The musical selections stand the test of time, much like their 22-year-long friendship. From Jewel to Augustana, and three choice Billy Joel songs, the 90s are well alive on this funeral playlist. Dig into this episode for some real talk on aging and the legacy we leave behind. And Stephanie delivers real insight into what “success” means you can’t unhear. 💿 Songs Mentioned​“Just Dance” by Lady Gaga​“One Song Glory” by Adam Pascal from the musical RENT​“La Vie Boheme” from the musical RENT​“The Story of Tonight” by Lin-Manuel Miranda from the musical Hamilton​“Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw​“True Colors” by the cast of Glee (original by Cyndi Lauper)​“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond ​“All For You” by Sister Hazel ​“100 Years” by Five for Fighting ​“Shoop” by Salt n Pepa​“Only The Good Die Young” by Billy Joel​“Long Live” by Taylor Swift​“Vienna” by Billy Joel​“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac​“That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick​“Lean On Me” by Bill Withers​“Shallow” by Lady Gaga​“Boston” by Augustana​“And So It Goes” by Billy Joel ​“Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves​“Basket Case” by Green Day​“American Idiot” by Green Day​“Hands” by JewelYou can hear Stephanie’s playlist here on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3d51a1ec14434e98bf30ae8ddfe5b6a6sune?ref=dm_sh_FfP7xGEGGyrmBSF8hf19xlKmX&referrer=dm_sh_messages 🎙 About the GuestStephanie Smartschan is a former journalist, published author and insatiable reader who has spent the past 15 years working in marketing and development for nonprofit organizations. Her book, “Evitchka: A True Story of Survival, Hope and Love,” came out in 2024. She lives in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with her husband and two daughters. You can find her on Instagram at @bystephaniesmartschan for book recs and writing updates.🙏🏽 Thank You to Our SupportersTremFit — Kara Tremel’s boutique online training experience helping every body feel strong, confident, and cared for.Second Home First — The hit podcast rethinking homeownership and wealth-building. What if your 401(k) came with a fire pit and a lake view?🌹 About Play This At My FuneralPlay This At My Funeral is a deeply fun, slightly macabre, always heartwarming podcast about the songs that shape our lives — including the ones we’d play at our funerals. Each episode, Dinah invites a guest to curate their hypothetical send-off playlist and share the stories behind the music. Think Desert Island Discs meets Films To Be Buried With — with more vibes and fewer survival scenarios.Created and hosted by Dinah Susan Alobeid. Edited and co-produced by Alice Marcondes.💜 Stay ConnectedSubscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, leave a 5-star review, and share with someone building their own “funeral playlist.”Follow on IG @PlayThisAtMyFuneralPodcast, TikTok @PlayThisAtMyFuneralPod, and Dinah @DinahSusanAlobeidWrites.Watch the full video episodes on YouTube and join Dinah’s Substack community, Write, Dance, Repeat.🎙 About the HostDinah Susan Alobeid is a writer, dancer, and VP of Communications & Content. Her writing appears in Porter House Review, Five on the Fifth, Reverie Literary Magazine, Spectrum Magazine, and more. She lives in New Jersey with her partner and their rambunctious toddler.I hearby declare that I do not own the rights to any music or lyrics played during the recording of this podcast. All rights to the music and audio belong to their respective owner(s).