become

serendipitous entrepreneurship

Nebraska - "The Good Life"! By my own observation, it's a place that tells the story of quiet perseverance and triumph throughout history, has hidden outdoor adventures like beautiful hiking and plentiful prairie land with impressive wildlife, and home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the country. It also has some of the most kind-hearted and genuine people enjoying life here that I've ever met. It's "The Good Life" for sure! Our guest today is Nick Cusick, an enthusiastic Nebraskan. Professionally, Nick is the Co-Founder and CEO of Bison, Inc., a Lincoln-based manufacturer of sports equipment. Personally, he is active in a wide range of community boards that serve in a variety of ways. He is passionate about making Lincoln and Nebraska a great place to live! 

relationships matter

Peter Ferguson approaches his life as Maya Angelou defined hers: to “not merely survive but to thrive; and do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Peter is a mission-driven empowerment specialist dedicated to empowering others throughout his career. He is widely known and recognized, with over 25 years of experience facilitating and coordinating professional development engagements. As the founder and PBO “Primary Belief Officer” of Peter Ferguson BHS, LLC., he is the Coordinator of Culture, Inclusion, and Scholar Development for Lincoln Public Schools. Peter's message reinforces that relationships matter and are the foundation of every person's success. He also continues to honor his mother, a 40-year educator, through service and championing the fight against Alzheimer's. Let's engage our mindsets to learn more about how personal experience, bias, and cultural proficiency can facilitate building stronger relationships! 

whoa!

"Whoa" is defined by the Oxford dictionary as a word used to express surprise, interest, or alarm, or to command attention. My "whoa" in this moment is, "whoa, this is so cool, I'm chatting with another Michaella today. I wonder if she feels superior because our names are spelled almost the same way, but hers is elevated by an extra 'L'"? Michaella Kumke is an impressive human being who currently leads the Food Bank of Lincoln as President & CEO. The Food Bank of Lincoln is a successful non-profit agency that connects millions of meals to neighbors annually. In her work, she serves alongside a dedicated team of professionals, volunteers, and advocates who believe in the power of being a good neighbor. Together they also share in a belief that equitable access to nutritious and comforting food is vital to a thriving community. My guess is her and her team's days are filled with many beautiful and surprising, "whoas"! 
 
Credits: Music by Ellie Westfall. Artwork by Kristina Bachman. Produced by Greg Joyce.

life hacks, magic, and weird words: part II

[this episode may contain strong language]
In this episode, we will return to the question of "life hacks: what's gained and what's lost in chasing them?". This episode is a continuation of last week’s conversation with James Tucci. During this segment, James and I will consider more about what’s going on in our thoughts and if those feelings and actions align with who or what we want to be. Enjoy!

life hacks, magic, and weird words: part I

[this episode may contain strong language]
Life hacks: what's gained and what's lost in chasing them? When this show started, sharing life hacks felt like an objective. But I quickly learned the intention behind the conversations on "become" is and has been much, much deeper. Interestingly enough, today's guest has challenged the very thought behind the moniker, "life hack". James Tucci is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner with Tucci Counseling & Consulting, PC. James says: to have a life hack is to only create more problems that will require more life hacks. It may never do what your mind tells you it will. It “strengthens” the illusion or keeps us in the trance-like state that there is some code to crack and once we do life will be “easier.” In a real way, what’s gained and what’s lost in chasing life hacks?
 
Credits: Music by Ellie Westfall. Artwork by Kristina Bachman. Produced by Greg Joyce. 

be the forever learner

Let's see where the wind takes us... that's generally the theme of this show. Exploring the depths of life's journey, discovering the meaning behind those unexpected turns, and asking all the questions without aiming for a single direct answer. Chet Bennetts is an expert in retirement and financial planning. However, even after a fruitful career in this field, he too has stayed curious about what is and was bringing him joy in life. After eighteen years of being a practitioner in the financial planning profession, Chet transitioned to being an academic and is completing his PhD. His scholarly contributions span a diverse range of topics, including the application of AI in financial planning, the influence of behavior on investment allocations during volatile markets, and the positive impact of bequest intentions on retirement satisfaction. His influential work on the necessity of financial planning/counseling in PTSD treatment for Veterans has been recognized and utilized by Congress and White House staff. During a legislative fellowship he was awarded in 2023, this advocacy led to his involvement in Congressional hearings and assisting in the drafting of legislation. These efforts resulted in the VA creating FINVET which is a no cost, robust informational portal and allows veterans and caregivers the ability to meet with an Accredited Financial Counselor. So, let's see where the wind takes us! 

becoming

This is season two! And, a very special episode to kick off a new year! This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Saro Cider in Lincoln, Nebraska. Maggie Pleskac, Julie Masters and Michaela sat down together to explore how to accept, appreciate and find beauty in all aspects of life’s journey. Especially in those moments where we become more aware of the aging process. They shared stories of resilience, acceptance and how being comfortable with the uncomfortable can help us find more joy in each step along the way. Welcome to another season of become! 
 
Credits: Music by Ellie Westfall. Artwork by Kristina Bachman. Produced by Greg Joyce. 

Season 2, here we come!

As we wrap up season one, I would like to share my sincere thanks to all of you as supporters for listening to our episodes. I’d also like to wish you a very happy holiday season. We look forward to season two. See you in 2025!
 
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/auld-lang-beat.
License code: SEUCVE4SK7QD3B2L

a garden of happiness grown by a filmmaker

[this episode may contain strong language]
In this episode, I sat down with Adam Rehmeier. Adam is a cinematographer and director, known for Dinner in America, The Bunny Game and Snack Shack. Adam and I explore how persistence and committing yourself fully to any project will create something amazing in the end because you had fun during the process and pride and love for what you accomplished.

a beautiful story

Our guest today is Linda Cordes. Linda is a one of the beautiful residents living at Legacy Retirement Communities. She was raised in Oshkosh, Nebraska and at age of 40 went to college - with her kids! She worked as a hospital x-ray tech for 28 years and also as a medical services officer at a disability agency. Linda and her late husband, Chuck met at work at B&C Steel in Lincoln and knew quickly they would be getting married. They eventually had three children who blessed them with eight grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Chuck and Linda are dog lovers and currently have Sarah, a Morkie.