Navigating Professional Pivots and Finding Joy in Music

- Host: JR - Location: West Virginia - Guest: Ray Hartjen - Recap: After attending a podcast conference in Orlando, JR is back with an interview featuring Ray Hartjen. **Segment 1: Getting to Know Ray Hartjen** - Ray introduces himself as a writer and musician. - Shares an anecdote about the movie "City Slickers" and the concept of finding one's "one thing." - Reflects on his career journey, spanning investment banking, pharmaceuticals, and now writing and music. - Emphasizes the importance of storytelling in various professional fields and personal endeavors. **Segment 2: Embracing Change and Facing Challenges** - Ray discusses his diagnosis of multiple myeloma in 2019. - Describes how the diagnosis prompted him to reevaluate his priorities and adopt a motto of seizing the moment. - Shares insights from a timeline exercise that helped him recognize the value of time and relationships. - Explains how the motto "If not now, when?" influenced his decision to co-author a book about the Pittsburgh Steelers with Tom Oleinik. **Segment 3: The Healing Power of Music** - Ray talks about his acoustic band, Chronic Padres, and the therapeutic role of music in his life. - Explains the band's minimalist approach and love for playing live music. - Highlights the joy of sharing music with others and their experiences performing at wineries and breweries. **Conclusion:** - JR and Ray wrap up the conversation, reflecting on the importance of embracing change, pursuing passion, and finding joy in life's journey.