Episodes

When we think about the stages of a rose from seed, to bud formation, to swelling and anthesis, until it finally wilts. Through each stage of the lifecycle it can be a slow and steady journey that can test the patience of even the most advanced gardeners. Today I want to share with you a beautiful story inspired by my grandson Noah. Listen in as I reflect and think about: The third half of life is a new stage of opportunity and strength. Admiration and taking in all senses of an experience, th...

It does not matter what you have been through, where you have been or what has happened up to the third half of your life, you can make a change. And my guest today is Professor Theresa Agostinelli who shares her story of resilience, grit and fortitude. Join with me as I chat with Theresa about: Her journey from anxiety, shyness and depression and the healing journey she gifted herself to make significant changes in her life. How she has been given the spirit of power so we can empower others....

Beth Brown has had her fair share of 'life' and all its happenings. Depression, divorce, starting all over again with 3 kids and panic attacks, lead to a catalyst for change when she could hardly leave the house living alongside fear. Even through all the ups and downs she has experienced, she still feels 'rich' with joy, has devoted herself to healing and shines a light through the darkness. Currently, Beth is living a life she never dreamt possible through finding a passion for marketing (whic...

Sometimes we may think we know someone who we've witnessed in our life, yet find out it isn't all it appears to be to the outside world. Today I sat down with another retired English teacher, Gwen Parker. Gwen has been an inspiration to me over the years, specifically when it comes to her involvement in One-Act Plays, her students and consistently overcoming her own fears and chronic shyness. Listen in as we chat about: Going outside the comfort zone and following the curves in the road. Pushin...

Our guest today is Diane Martinez, and she brings a certain energy to this conversation that is electrifying, and I reckon you'll love it as much as I do. Diane starts with the famous quote from Abraham Hicks, 'Everything is always working out for me,' and from there, the conversation really takes off. Diane truly understands what it's like to know you have more to offer the world and knows we can either drift through life or consciously create it. Listen in as I chat with Diane about: Quiet co...

Our guest today is Diane Martinez and she brings a certain energy to this conversation which is electrifying and I reckon you'll love this conversation as much as I do. Diane starts with the famous quote from Abraham Hicks 'everything is always working out for me' and from there the conversation really takes off. Christine truly understands what it's like to know you have more to offer the world and knows we can either drift through life or consciously create it. Listen in as I chat to Diane abo...

Our guest today is Diane Martinez and she brings a certain energy to this conversation which is electrifying and I reckon you'll love this conversation as much as I do. Diane starts with the famous quote from Abraham Hicks 'everything is always working out for me' and from there the conversation really takes off. Christine truly understands what it's like to know you have more to offer the world and knows we can either drift through life or consciously create it. Listen in as I chat to Diane abo...

Even as a writer, there are times when I struggle to find the words to express how much certain moments in my life mean to me. All the way from my earliest childhood memories until now, there has been one particular person who has been there every step of the way, and that is my mom. Today we bring you a very special Mother's Day episode with myself and my brother Pete Hale. My mom (Jerry) is inspirational to all those who know her, and this conversation is very near and dear to my heart. Words...

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Y'all know that I love a good quote: after all, it's one of the opening questions I have asked each one of my guests for the podcast, and today is no different. However, I'd love to throw in a bonus quote for you today from a famous movie that includes fried green tomatoes, the Whistle Stop Cafe, and Fannie Flagg. "It's funny when you're a child, you think time will never go by, but when you hit about twenty, time passes like you're on the fast train to Memphis. I guess life just slips up on eve...

This episode piggybacks off last week's solo episode - although without so much of a Walton reference inside. If you've listened along with the Podcast for a while now you know Holly loves a good quote or few and today is no different. She opens with the quote from Jackson Pollock which says - the secret to success is to be fully awake to everything about you. Listen as Holly explores this very concept in her third half of life and talks about: Stepping back and taking a 360 degree look at ever...

*Trigger warning. This episode contains talk of attempted suicide and may be confronting for some listeners. If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in your local area. There is help available for you. There are often events throughout our lives that shake us to our core. Past relationships which are unhealthy with harmful patterns can push us to the limit. Unfortunately Debbie Griffiths was driven to her peak after exper...

There comes a point in time when you know what you're doing doesn't work, it hasn't gotten good results and you want to take steps to make it better. This rule can definitely be applied to our health and today's guest is an advocate for feeling good through our food choices. Former wellness designer, Suzanne Roth Paul is now known as a Wellness Warrior and she works with women ranging from 40-60 and stands for the silent, high achieving professional women who have had their health on the backbur...

There is a certain atmosphere in the conversation contained in this episode of the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast. Holly is joined with Kathy Magan Smith from aray wellness and blown away with the nuggets of wisdom, expertise and learnings within her ears. Kathy is passionate about embracing a holistic lifestyle for women in their third half of life. She uses the acronym R.E.I.N.S. to explore and explain an approach which fulfils those around her. Listen in as Holly and Kathy chat about: Ho...

Join Holly for this solo episode as she learns and recognises the importance of the spring and in particular the cleaning and cleansing process. This time of year, is one of migration, the weather is starting to get warmer, days longer as we open the windows to let the fresh air swirl. Listen as Holly reflects on what that means for her and thinks about: · Nostalgia, smells and emotions that intermingle in her memory and have carried across generations. · How it is not just the house we are cl...

Lisa Holzberger took a leap of faith which has come back to repay her in ways she never imagined. At 50, she found herself needing to branch out and start her own business, Prestige Realty and Property Management Services. As you listen to her talk about how that happened and the stepping stones for her it is nothing short of inspirational. Listen as Holly and Lisa discuss: When you feel that you can't go any further and how sometimes we need a wake up call to stop and keep your ears and eyes o...

Holly and Cathy are like two peas in a pod, and, in fact, two is the amount of times Cathy has now appeared on the Podcast. Returning inspired, tenacious and more life in her than ever – Cathy shares the changes since appearing on the Podcast in October 2021. Cathy is now a five-time Amazon #1 best-selling author, coach and mentor whose career is dedicated to helping women tap into their own greatness. Listen as Holly and Cathy discuss: · The aliveness of opportunities, possibilities and hittin...

There is something quite enduring and spectacular about one's closest and most cherished friend. Holly is joined with one of her greatest friends, Jennifer Ryan, for a memorable and 'inspire you to do better' conversation. Even Holly is surprised that they haven't joined together after so many episodes. Yet, it is worth the wait as Holly and Jennifer chat about: When life is happening thick and fast, allowing ourselves to stop and think - can I change it? Grief, loss and coping. Inspiring your...

As many of us approach our third half of life we want to be able to say we have no regrets, we gave it our all. A big part of being able to embrace that philosophy is welcoming transitions and learning how to deal with difficult change. Today's guest has done exactly that. A fellow Texan, Debbie Saviano retired from being a school principal and transitioned full force into the entrepreneurial world. Listen as Holly and Debbie discuss: Navigating the school system as a go getter and allowing dif...

There are so many fallacies we are fed about ageing and what that looks like for our third half of life. Holly is on a mission to combat myths such as letting ourselves wither away and sit around doing nothing. Today she talks about happiness and ageing and how important it is to embrace our relationships and inspires us to indulge and participate fully in our lives. Listen as she expands on: A Harvard Study started in 1938 which explores important aspects of happiness and longevity of life. I...

We're back for Part 2 of an absolutely enjoyable and heartfelt conversation with Karen Hoffman. Karen continues where she left off last week with her Words That Matter cards which have now extended to include cards for adults, teens and children alike. Listen as Holly and Karen continue in chatter and natter about: Playing Go Fish with Values and the opportunities that await in doing so. Learning and listening from experiences and watching creativity and other gifts unfold. Keeping doors open to...

What happens when two Texans meet in conversation and nerd out on words that matter? A purposeful, motivational and insightful conversation! Karen Hoffman joins Holly on the Teaching Yourself to Learn Podcast today. When she turned 60 at the end of 2020, Karen left her professional position as an administrator of a nonprofit, and founded he business, Living on Purpose, in early 2021, after taking a few months of what she refers to as a sabbatical - a period of time to rewire, not retire—a time t...

In this solo episode, Holly talks about making adjustments in life and how adjustments are nothing more than change. She provides examples of how we do this on a daily basis for different outcomes. Listen as Holly offers tangible steps to make adjustments and two types of adjustments we encounter in life: the adjustments we make every day to learn to function in society the adjustments we make to achieve something Holly also talks a little bit about her New Author Intensive, which helps anyon...