Stories of Change & Creativity

For college grads

In this short solo-episode, I hope to send a message of encouragement to college grads.   

Standing at life's crossroads after graduation doesn't mean you need to have all the answers—just take that first step.  You've got this. 

The path reveals itself through action, so it's important to make a start.

Key Takeaways

• Feeling uncertain is normal and where the significant growth begins
• Life is...

Judy Oskam shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating and delivering her TEDx talk at Texas State University.  She turned the microphone over to her long time friend and mentor Carole Barasch about the process, challenges, and insights gained.  Earlier in her career, Carole was an award-winning TV news anchor and reporter and public relations professional.

This is an honest conversation about the emotional and strategic work t...

In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, I talk with Kyle Hawley, founder of Letterpress PLAY and creative director at 26 Keys. Kyle shares how growing up in a multi-generational household shaped her creative journey and her approach to entrepreneurship and motherhood.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Kyle’s path from a theater and mass communication student at Texas State University to entrepreneur
• How a thes...

Andy Bell had a life changing event that rocked his world.   And now he's working to change the world of education.  As CEO of Thinkery, Andy shares his vision for revolutionizing education by combining AI technology with joyful learning experiences.

During our conversation you'll learn: 

• how a brain cancer diagnosis gave Bell clarity and urgency about his mission to transform education
• that our traditiona...

Mark Paz II shares his journey from shy kid to award-winning communication professor and TEDx coordinator and coach at Texas State University. He's on a mission to build strong relationships and develop good people.

Mark was my TEDx coach and I think he's a rock star.  Thanks to his coaching,  I was able to find my voice, craft my message and deliver my talk from the red carpet.  

During our interview, you will learn how: <...

On this episode, I'm excited to share my interview with J.R. Gonzales.  J.R. shares his remarkable journey from growing up in South Texas to becoming a successful entrepreneur, speaker, and podcaster.  He's also a proud Texas State University graduate.  

J.R. recognizes his Latino heritage as a superpower that changed the trajectory of his life and career.  He traces his family roots to the 1700's and says 'my an...

In this solo-episode, I share some insight about the graduate class I'm teaching - Creative Problem Solving in Mass Communication.   I designed the class to connect students with creative entrepreneurs, business and media leaders.  This semester, my students have met with three fantastic guest lecturers.

• Wendy Conklin, founder of Chair Whimsy
• Dr. Carrie Angell, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau 
• Fred Poston III,...

Happy Valentine's Day! 

In this short solo episode, I celebrate the support we receive from friends, family, and colleagues. It’s a heartfelt reminder of the kindness that helps us navigate life’s challenges and embrace change.

Key Takeaways

• A grocery store encounter highlights the hidden struggles of others 
• Navigating change requires a strong support system 
• Friends and colleagues play vital ...

Are you navigating your 20s? or know someone who is?  Many young adults in their 20s think their life should be carefree and non-stop fun. We've all heard that these should be 'the best years of your life.'  But in reality, the decade of your 20s is challenging and often not the happiest time of life.    

On this episode I talk with Dr. Meg Jay, a developmental clinical psychologist, and faculty member at the Universi...

Goal-Setting for Women: Understanding your Strengths with Caroline Adams Miller  - Part 2

In part two of my interview with Caroline Adams Miller, she explores goal setting for women.  We talk about gender differences and what women can do to achieve their dreams. 

The episode explores how women can effectively achieve their big goals by understanding their character strengths and confiding in the right suppo...

Big Goals with Caroline Adams Miller  - Part 1

In this episode, Caroline Adams Miller explores effective goal setting and presents a research-backed approach to achieving personal and professional aspirations. 

In this episode, you will learn:

• The limitations of the SMART goal system
• Introduction of Locke and Latham's goal-setting theory
• Key differences between performance and learn...

What if a career change could unlock your creativity and transform your life? That's what happened to Content Creator and Podcaster Kelsey Graves.  She is the creator and host of the Trip Tales podcast. 

Kelsey inspires listeners with her journey from marketing to content creation. During our conversation, Kelsey showcases the power of embracing change while nurturing creativity. She shares her experiences of manifest...

In this solo episode, I share some personal insight about how we can start 2025 and embrace new beginnings.   

Takeaways

• Embrace new beginnings 
• Let go of the past to make room for new starts
• Find opportunities to make a new start in your day 
• Recognize and celebrate moments of joy
• Give yourself permission to begin again
• Think tiny.  Take a small step forward 

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year. 

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible conversations we've had this year. In this short solo episode, I’m revisiting some of the most impactful interviews that touched on leadership, resilience, health, and personal growth. These episodes have sparked new insights, challenged old paradigms, and shared inspiring stories that I hope have resonated with you and contributed to your own journey...

Ever wondered how artificial intelligence is reshaping our world and what it means for your future career?  I'm certainly following this topic along with my university colleagues.   

Join me for an enlightening conversation with TIM HAYDEN, CEO of Brain+Trust Partners and Texas State University alumnus, as we dissect the rapid evolution of AI. Discover how intuitive models like Perplexity are transforming the way we a...

I’m excited to share my interview with Conny Dassen.  I met Conny in The Netherlands….she and my husband went to high school together and have been friends for decades. I interviewed Conny from the charming setting of her historic farmhouse in eastern Holland, near the German border. 

Career

Join us as we explore the heartwarming and adventurous life of Conny Dassen, whose career journey has taken her from busy ...

Are you training for the next decade?  Can therapeutic yoga revolutionize the way we approach back pain and functional mobility?

Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Nydia Tijerina Darby, a physical therapist and therapeutic yoga specialist.  Dr. Darby is always training for the next decade.   Discover how Nydia’s passion for movement helped her combat anxiety and depression, setting her on a path to a rewardin...

Have you ever wanted or needed to change your life and wondered how to do it? Well, this interview may be for you. 

On this episode, I'm excited to share my conversation with Elisabeth Sharp McKetta. Author of 13 books, Liz teaches writing for Harvard and Oxford and is the founder of the Book Year Writer's Circle.

McKetta's latest book is entitled Edit your Life: A Handbook for Living with Intentio...

This is a Happy Birthday episode.  Join me for an unforgettable conversation with my incredible mother, Joan Barnes, as she celebrates her 93rd birthday.

Hear about the early years of her marriage to my dad, their adventures during his Navy service, and their 1st year together in Bermuda. Joan's stories offer a unique perspective on the wisdom, love, and resilience that have been the backbone of our family for genera...