Nearest And Dearest Podcast - Bridging Family Dynamics

Ever wonder how a simple 'Wicked Happy' baseball cap 🧢 could sum up one's philosophy on life?  🧐That's what happened to me. I unravel the layers of happiness that have shaped my existence from my earliest childhood memories. 🛝🚲
 Rediscover the bliss of childhood joys, like those carefree days in Brownville with ice cream treats 🍦 and boundless outdoor play, and understand why these memories are more tha...

Nearest And Dearest Podcast is my hope that maybe, my stories will resonate with you! I still believe today, that if any of my content connects with you personally, it's priceless! 🫶 It's a testament to the strength of our shared human experience, one that even caught the attention of alcoholfree.com, where my stories provide solace to those embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle.
I'm humbled when I receive text m...

I'm glad you are joining me with Season 3 Episode 1 - Pushing The Pause Button ⏸ I'm looking forward to another season with you! ❤️ Have you ever caught yourself mid-sentence, wondering if silence might have been the wiser choice? 🤔 I'd like to think the older I get, the wiser I should be. Deciding to use pause as a powerful tool, can transform conversations, guide you when making a change & give yourself some q...

Have you ever felt like a tightrope walker in your own life, constantly striving for balance?  ⚖️ This 🔁 BEST OF episode is another reminder that YOU do have control. Weaving threads from my life alongside the narrative outlines of 'Eat Pray Love', one of my favs, I reveal how the quest for self-love and making resonant choices is not just about surviving our past decisions, but about thriving through them. 💥
 Reali...

Strap in and join me, as I remember facing my inner fears of driving 🚗 cross country from Northern New York to Mesa Arizona 🏜. I chose 🔁 BEST OF - You Did It! from Season 1 to remind myself & YOU , that by purposefully making a decision that  conquers 💥your own anxiety of the unknown 😫, can be a huge fulfillment!
It's not only about accomplishing huge personal inner struggles. It's also about reflecting upon ...

I picked this 🔁 BEST OF - Get Going Goals, which is from Season 1 actually, because I needed to remind myself about starting my new goals! Yes 2024 🎉 has started & you have put together your own set of aspiring goals for yourself. But, the real challenge of beginning those goals can be daunting and overwhelming.

 I'm sharing the pivotal lessons I've learned—like embracing the power of taking charge of what...

I want to share this special episode  🔁Best Of - Discovering My Italian Roots - Part 2 because of how very near & dear it is to my heart! ❤️
This personal episode isn't just a journey through my lineage; it's an exploration of the universal longing for connection, belonging, and the sweet discovery of where our truest selves reside.
The breathtaking views I encountered through the mountainous ⛰ terrain of Ca...

I'm choosing my episode S2E14, The Sauce as one of my favs.
Because I'm in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷🏝 for the winter, I don't get to see my family in person. I am feeling nostalgic and decided to share this episode to remind me of the connection I have with Joe & Sharri.🫶
When you are missing people who mean the world 🌎to you, you have to come up with other ways to still feel close, even if that means you are ...

Woody and I are back in our winter home in Puerto Rico!😎🏝🇵🇷 I'm choosing this particular episode as my next 🔁 BEST OF  S2E1 - Gaining More Patience, as a reminder for all of us to keep our patience in check! ✅
 Ever found yourself on the brink of losing your cool?  😤 Let's face it, we've all been there, but my experiences navigating island life in Puerto Rico and combating language barriers might just revea...

I picked S2E2 - Age Is Just A Number to be my next 🔁 BEST OF. As I get closer to my next birthday, I realize now, more than ever, to redefine what aging means -  it's not about a number, but about the life we choose to live, regardless of that number.
When I celebrated 🎉 my 57th birthday last year, it has sparked  ⚡️a reinvigoration in my zest for life, something I'm keen to share with you. I hope my personal stori...

I'm choosing this episode, S2E6 - Changing Gun Violence as my first 🔁 BEST OF because this subject needs to be continued.  It's unfortunately, a hot topic that needs to be discussed more.  As a society, especially if you live in the United States of America, we can't ignore the real tragedies that keep unfolding time & time again. I understand the sensitivity that goes along with these discussions. Change can on...

As autumn's crisp chill 🍂🍁🌬 starts to set in, I find myself in a reflective state, thinking about the bittersweet closure of a season. Here's a promise - you'll feel the same important nostalgia while you experience life's highs and lows, the importance of self-care, and the skill set of finding balance amidst it all, no matter where your own journey takes you.
It's never goodbye, only 'See ya ...

Have you ever sensed a spiritual connection with a place, so profound that it nudged you to alter the course of your lives?  Meet Ron Clapp and Janaina Leite, who gave a nod to destiny when they embarked on an astonishing venture of renovating the once majestic Wyckoff Villa  on Carleton Island.  Listen to their captivating journey, as they deftly navigate  🧭 the challenges of restoring this grand Villa, while preserving its histo...

There is something about the family kitchen that stirs up nostalgia. It's the beating heart of a home, a sanctuary of warm aromas, the site of shared meals and shared memories. ❤️
 The star 🤩 of this episode is my grandmother Mary's  cherished family tomato 🍅 sauce recipe 📝 ! This isn't just about tomatoes, salt, and herbs 🌿; it's about tradition, history, and love, poured into every pot 🥘 and simmered ...

Have you ever wondered how the power of remembrance fuels motivation and strength? 🤔 I decided for my  50th episode  🎉to share with you a sentimental journey, reflecting on some of my cherished memories, personal victories and challenges of my life.
I'll be discussing how a refurbishing project in which I had original plans to complete with my dear sister JoJo, has helped me honor her in a unique way, thank you to my hus...

Embark on a historical journey as I unfold the intriguing tale of William Ozmun Wyckoff, a man who rose from humble beginnings to build an architectural masterpiece on the serene Carleton Island. This episode promises to immerse you in literally rich history, breathtaking scenery, and inspiring stories of preservation.
 Learn about Wyckoff's rise to prominence in the typewriter industry, his opulent villa, the tragic fate ...

Does the thought of waking up to a panoramic view of the enchanting Gulf of Naples and spending the day navigating through the narrow alleys of the coastal town of Sorrento excite you? If yes, join me,  Julie,  as I walk you through the final days of my unforgettable 21-day journey through Italy, on this episode of  Nearest and Dearest Podcast. From renting a charming Airbnb, twirling through Sorrento's cafe-lined square, expe...

Come along, as I journey into the heart of my Italian heritage, starting at the Guardia Piemonte's Cultural Center.  Surrounded by the rich traditions protected by the dedicated local ladies, I was able to leave a mark in the form of a guest book signature and heartfelt donation. But the journey didn't stop there; with the guidance of Agostino, I ventured to Fagnano Castello Municipality, tracing my roots through the page...

Visiting Guardia was all about family! We spent 5 days with Joe & Becky's familia who live in the Calabria region, located in the toes of Southern Italy!
Cousin Agostino made our hotel arrangements at the Katisan Hotel & Pizzeria Bar. Guardia is located along the Tyrrhenian Sea. We were just a few blocks away from the seafront and the surrounding area is known as Guardia Marina.
It wasn't long before I re...