Empirical Peapod

Here we are at the end of our health journey! Courtney and I do a final check in after trying to get healthy over the last three months.

Courtney and I check in for part five of the Getting Better series... what happened to part 4? We don't talk about part 4. Welcome to part 5!!

It's been a month since Courtney and I started our journey of getting healthy together! In this episode we check in as usual, but also we weigh in to see what kind of progress we're making...if any.

In this episode Courtney and I follow up after the first couple weeks of our health journey.

Courtney and I start our health journey! We discuss things that have worked or not worked in the past plus any current blocks we have. We also try to set realistic goals/commitments, and we do our first weigh in.

Kicking off Season 4 with me explaining where I've been, what's going on presently, and what is coming up in the near future. Also, I take a bit of a dive into an emotional black hole brought to you by music!

Today I sit down for a different kind of conversation. In this episode I offer my space to allow someone else to share their vision of what their podcast will look like when it launches! Don't worry, I still manage to derail the conversation and fly off on random tangents so it feels familiar! But, the point is...and I can't tell you how genuinely excited I am for this podcast to become a reality, enjoy a preview and an introduction to Qadira Rising created and hosted by (from S1E12) Nafeesa Askia!!

Today I sit down for another conversation with Amie. Realizations, unmarried, letting a crush be a crush, healthy boundaries, dialing in diet, dialing in gym time, fake tan, bedazzled bikini, first body building competition, sexual awakening...but not in a slutty way, cohosting a new podcast with me.

Today I sit down with my friend Jenna. Growing up in New Orleans, young love, stereotypical movie romance, leaving the bayou for Illinois, growing interest in psychology, creating her own trauma recovery course, finding her true calling, creating The Pleasure Temple Mystery School...which touches on many topics, such as; tantric alchemy, goddess based astrology, sensual leadership, and erotic wholeness.The Pleasure Temple

Today I sit down with Jess Stewart. Learning that our lives ran parallel when we were younger, child of divorce, needing a hug...but not in a bad way? Married young, amazing kids, betting on herself, explaining divorce to children, co-parenting, a new... old relationship, being happy, another amazing kid, the beauty of communication, healthy relationship, complete family, genuinely thriving!

Today I sit down with Vada Marshall! Having teenage parents, co-parenting, raised by a village, being pulled in multiple directions, the anxiety of striving for perfection, realizing what you think is normal is not normal, younger siblings, being a second mom, learning healthy boundaries, working with kids, asking google for hobby ideas!?

This week's episode is all about favorite albums! Dave joins me again and we literally just discuss our favorite albums and why they're relevant to our lives!

Today the entire AP crew of J, Guy, Randy, Tim, Yunker, and Dave gathers in my tiny office to reminisce and talk about our experiences throughout the years as a local band. I also gave Dave creative control over the intro/outro and mix, so hopefully it sounds good, otherwise...we shake Dave!Absolutely Perfect - The Angel In The Marble

Today I sit down with Dr. Melissa, for the second time! This time we discuss the multiple books she's written. A children's book on how to deal with anxiety, and an adult book about eliminating anxiety. At the time of recording she is putting together a proposal for her third book, so we discuss that also!10 Tips For Overcoming Anxiety: A Pocket Guide For KidsAlchemizing Anxiety

Today I sit down with my friend Erica. Having "fun" at prom, growing up in Boulder Hill, shifting friends, second thoughts about school, degree in photography, working in the mall, CNA, job at a dealership, crochet, small town living, pressure of being what you're supposed to be? Appreciating where you are, releasing expectations, being an amazing self made person, recognizing how far she's come!

Today I sit down with Amaya Askia, who is my cousin (pretty sure 2nd cousin technically), and is only eighteen... but I was curious what her perspective and experience has been like in life so far, for instance; being the oldest of six inter-racial kids, being second mom, growing up in an abusive house, etc. I'm honestly and genuinely excited to say that while Amaya can't speak for her generation as a whole, if she is any indication of how the current youth is processing the unfortunate reality of generational physical, mental, and emotional trauma... then the future is going to be quite amazing!

Today I sit down with the amazing Katie Boeke. K9 Drone search and rescue, coming up in Boulder Hill, searching for bodies in the river, not becoming a vet, not becoming a chiropractor, car accident, inspired by fire fighters, thinking girls can't be a fire fighter!? Working at a bank, becoming a fire fighter and paramedic, working twenty four hour shifts, horse training, keeping super busy, maintaining mental health, trying to maintain or have a personal life.

Today I sit down with the wonderful Jenni Watgen! Growing up in Boulder Hill, being a good student, a little shy, volleyball, coming out of her shell, following the rules. I teach Jen how to use reverse psychology on her phone, neighborhood friends, becoming a psychologist, getting married, starting a family, co-parenting, betting on herself, moving forward!

Today I sit down with my friend Alex, a fellow bass player! Church, making friends, making music, ska band, party house, mental health, getting better, video games, and of course a couple good friends getting emotional about comic books!

Today I sit down for the second time with one of my favorites, Katie. After a short catch up we jump right in and talk about the journey she's been on since we last spoke, which is...framed...or anchored, I guess around what I'm going to call an in depth look at my astrological identity and birth chart!!

Today I sit down with my friend Jen! Barely growing up in Jersey, a life time in Batavia, becoming a D1 athlete, making music, starting a band, substitute teaching, relating to teenagers, video games, recording/releasing music (I obsess over my favorite song), playing shows constantly, and the final words of wisdom... (I'm not gonna tell you here, give it a listen!)Checkout Jenny Scara on Spotify!

Today I sit down with my oldest friend Raya, who has known me since the day I came home from the hospital as a baby. We have not seen or spoken to each other since we saw Jurassic Park in the cinema together well over thirty years ago! Anyway, in utero projection, being the baby, close neighborhood, moving away, not feeling right in your own skin, growing up, getting married, starting a family, tired of hiding, unfortunate and unfair consequences, being unapologetically yourself!

Today I sit down with one of my oldest friends Zack. Disclaimer; we definitely spent the first twenty five to thirty minutes talking about wrestling... so enjoy that, or skip it! Childhood tragedy, amazing stepdad, amazing sister, more tragedy, never feeling like he belongs, becoming a social chameleon, being a polarizing person, taking responsibility for his actions, taking his life in a new direction!? Also, I don't think Zack understands how microphones work, because he kept throwing his head back and covering his face when he talked... it's probably fine?

Today I sit down with my friend Taylor. Playing football, body transformation, being a Marine, sustaining an uncomfortable amount of concussions, factory shenanigans, becoming a fiancé! I also couldn't let him leave without discussing his recent win in a strong man competition!

Today I sit down with my amazing friend Ashley. Being grateful for being born, raised by a single mom, growing up, becoming a masseuse, an uncomfortable amount of college, having a family, the benefits of not getting married to your partner, being a nurse, first hand opinions about the medical field, insurance, and covid?

Today I kick off season three by sitting down with the wonderful Silver Siemasko! Growing up, making friends, high school pregnancy!? Listening to me explain what I've decided has happened in her life, mental health, physical health, co-parenting, insane job, settling down, merging families... way too many children!

Today I sit down with Annie, Jason, Andy, Yunker, and Walsh. We share stories and memories of our beautiful friend T. Kindergarten Circus '89 - Mrs. Krase's Kindergarten Class The Infamous Photo by the Pool Super Joystick Radio

Today I sit down (for the second time) with the very handsome Jason Kerry. Losing his mother, having no idea what to do, trying to figure out why we're so mean to ourselves and each other, the Nebraska story, rating the most handsome men in Hollywood, wondering if intent is ignored in our current society. Needless to say, this conversation is all over the place! Also, I was a little sick when we recorded so I apologize for coughing into the mic periodically!

Today I sit down with my newest friend, Aimee Blaze! Being the baby, and the only girl, willingly moving to Joliet, getting married, getting divorced but genuinely staying close friends, getting in to stand up, dealing with "being funny for a girl" bs, eventually running the show with her brother, seeing the scene evolve, running a weekly live podcast (thehappycornerpodcast), trying to find balance, being ready to write and perform again!

Today I sit down with the wonderful Meg! Cheerleading, recognizing depression early, seeking help, not enjoying school, finally feeling seen...at least by one person. Horrific accident, mental struggles, seeing the man she wants to marry, ten years later... meeting the man she wants to marry! Getting married, building a life, profound loss, slowly returning to herself. Mindfully moving forward and excited for the future!

Today I sit down with my friend Gina! Close family, Catholic school, moving to Oswego, making friends, taking care of siblings, moving to the other side of Oswego, going to college, getting engaged... getting less engaged, silly drama, getting married, starting a family, unbearable loss, comfort through faith. Putting family first, moving forward together!!

Today I sit down with Sasha Loomis...in person! Which is a real rarity to catch her here in town! Moving around, raising siblings, lack of supervision, running the "party" house, moving to Wisconsin, moving to Arkansas, focusing on mental health.

Today I get to sit down with my friend Rob, who I haven't seen since we graduated high school. Starting in California, bouncing around for a bit, showing up in Oswego in 8th grade, back to California after high school. Meeting his wife, starting a family, collecting odd information, starting a new chapter in Michigan!

Today I sit down with The Walsh's! Growing up, older brothers, moving around... a little serendipity? Meeting in high school, late nights at Denny's, car stuff? Embracing being boring, awkward/adorable proposal, planning a wedding, buying a house, building a life on their terms... a beautifully boring one!

Today I sit down at my computer to chat with the wonderful Maggie! Bouncing around as a kid, ending up in Oswego, country music, social butterfly, growing up religious... in a good way? Starting to rebel, partying through high school, art, graphic design, being part of a decent size group that migrated to Chicago, finding a job in pizza!? Becoming a badass woman in the trades with the plumbers union! Chicago Women In Trades

Today I have a virtual conversation with my friend Sarah! She joins us from her place in the mountains of Washington, which while being beautiful is not great for internet chats! I did my best to edit this one (yes, I actually edited it) but there may be a few minor hiccups here and there, apologies! More importantly, Sarah! Deciding to leave school in 2nd grade, taking herself to Europe at 13, moving out the day she graduated!? Traveling the world teaching and learning yoga in a cult!? Living in Chicago vs living in Washington. Plus, creating a safe space for healing in nature!

Today I sit down and talk to my friend Jordan, who I met through the band (Absolutely Perfect) when he was a teenager. Growing up in Iowa, making friends anywhere he can, incorrectly thinking the members of AP are cool, sharing a passion for wrestling with myself and Jay, getting married, three kids, getting divorced, getting sober (July 21st was one year sober!!), learning to wrestle, bowling, girlfriend... ...juggling way too much, new lease on life through sobriety, looking forward to the future!

Today I virtually sit down with my friend Jordee, this is our first face to face conversation, we met through playing video games like ten years ago! Growing up in Vancouver, getting pulled out of school...just to be interjected in to a different school, leaving a job making tons of money to take a job making barely any...but being able to snow board daily! Learning a trade, meeting his wife, going to Japan to meet her family, starting a family, being made fun of by his daughter for not speaking Japanese correctly!

Today I sit down with my friend Kristen Desler!! Being an athletic kid, graduating high school a year early, art history degree, getting married and starting a family, traveling, some how working at the park district for twenty years at 34 years old!? Plus, being a guest on a famous comedians podcast, and being part of a team dedicated to building a strong local community!

Today I sit down with the amazing Jessica Punzo! Being the first generation born in America. Not being pushed, but having a deep desire to succeed. Changing majors from Law to Psychology. Eventually ending up with her high school crush, and creating a family. Creating a successful private practice (https://middlepathpsychotherapy.com/). Becoming a "crystal" person. Exploring psilocybin and the role it can play in emotional and mental recovery. Also, I don't think I pronounce psilocybin correctly one time!? I'm not smart...

After much rescheduling on both our parts, I finally get to sit down and talk to my friend Liz! Growing up in Sierra Leone during a civil war over diamonds, being seperated from family with no contact for years at a time, having to bounce around and live in the woods for a few years after being forced out of her home by armed men. Eventually making it to America, coming in at a 2nd grade education level but being put in 8th grade because of her age, going to college, becoming a Packers fan because of a propsal!? Having two weddings (Irish Catholic and traditional African)!!

Today I sit down with the amazing Nickie Elizondo! Moving to Oswego, growing up in the family business, developing an entrepreneurial mindset, establishing a strong work ethic, running the local bar where all us jerks always were for a time, motherhood, co-parenting, trauma bonding with me, and eventually heading out to Florida to build something new!

Today my friend Noah and I meet out at the lake at Silver Springs to have a nice little chat! Growing up in Aurora, coming up through alternative/opportunity school, working random jobs, moving to AZ, starting a successful business, co-parenting, letting go of anger. Plus, the super awesome addition of not one but two people coming along cutting the grass as we're talking... it's mostly in the background, builds a nice ambiance, you'll feel like you're there with us!

Today I sit down with the wonderful Kate Player! Third generation Oswego resident, watching surgeries as a kid... but in a good way? Schooling in Urbana, a summer in Colorado, learning behaviors and training in Denmark? Leaving a job for not being allowed to listen to music, trying to date... which of course leads to the ol' "if he calls me back after this date I'm gonna marry him" routine! Starting her own practice, opening her own clinic (check out Bristol Veterinary Clinic and their FB Page). Plus showing and breeding dogs! We talk about so much in this episode, and I found it incredibly educational!

Today I sit down with one of my newest friends! Anthony Sorbera and I essentially have our first conversation where we talk about; climbing rocks, his deceptively interesting job, shirts being optional, living in the "Illinois" of Caliornia? Plus growing as a partner, effective communication, setting up a proposal... which of course leads to him being married to one of my favorite people in the world, Amie Langus!

Today I sit down with one of my favorite people that I unfortunately don't see that often, Sam Hermansen!! As you may have presumed, we talk about her life growing up. We also discuss the lack of enthusiasm for school, moving to Chicago, the reverse commute of living in the city and working in the burbs, learning improv, acting!? That's right, apparently our amazing Sam has done some acting. The conversation eventually takes a sharp turn to conspiracy theories, which we talk about in jest more than as a serious conversation... we're not completely crazy!

In this episode, I sit down with Kristen Jones, who shares her unique journey, from being adopted four days after being born, to meeting her birth mother. She offers valuable insights, highlighting the importance of pursuing one's passions (like dancing) and embracing the complexities of blended families, as well as co-parenting. Her story is a testament to love, resilience, and the beauty of having those things genuinely reciprocated!

In this episode I talk to Joe and Kelly, who give us a glimpse into their dynamic lives. Joe, juggling a full-time job while pursuing a career in stand up comedy, and Kelly, working in tech support, share the ins and outs of dating, marriage, and starting a family together. Their unwavering support for each other underscores the importance of standing by one another through life's ups and downs.

Today I sit down with one of my favorites, Emily "I'm good at everything I try the first time" Schwertfeger! Growing up in Utah, ending up Colorado, tragedy and trauma of loss, being inspired to create, slinging coffee, being a school nurse!? They literally let her be a school nurse... ...with zero training or knowledge! Colorado is definitely different.

Today I sit down with the amazing Nikki Osterloh! Advocating and showing up for kids with no one, working with special needs kids, being a surrogate...twice! Having kids of her own, doing the family thing... co-parenting, betting on yourself! Plus a little reminiscing about simpler, crazier times!