become

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. 
 

being charitable with praise

This episode's guest is Jason Jackson. Jason began working for the State of Nebraska in 2016 as the Chief HR Officer for the Governor and continues to serve in that capacity as well as being the Department of Administrative Services Director since 2018. Originally from California, Jason moved to Nebraska because he wanted to experience the “Good Life,” and return to public service. As the Governor’s CHRO, Jason is responsible for driving strategic talent initiatives to enable a more efficient and customer focused state workforce. Prior to joining State Government, Jason worked in HR in the software industry. Before beginning his HR career, Jason served for five years as a Navy Officer, earning the Navy Achievement Medal and Navy Commendation Medal for his service in the War on Terrorism. Jason is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and has earned a Master of Arts in Political Science from San Diego State University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law.

bridge the gap to independence

Have you ever met a person and thought, "Wow, the legacy they are living, and at some point will leave behind, is something out of this world!"? When those moments happen to me, I usually walk away thinking, "How can I be a better version of myself?" Or, "What more can I do to leave my own imprint in this world?" The thoughts tend to get introspective real quick! Bryan Seck, the Executive Director at Lincoln Literacy is one of those people to me. Bryan has had a vast career starting by teaching English in Peace Corps Kazakhstan to launching nonprofit programs and collaborating on workforce development projects. His current role at Lincoln Literacy, has him supporting his team who provides English and workplace skills to our newest neighbors. Bryan's resume is impressive, but it's his heart that speaks volumes! He is creating a legacy with a mindset that work should not be everything in your life. Your passion also does not have to be nonprofit...you can just "do stuff". In this conversation, Bryan and I are going to talk about the ways we can all leave a legacy manifested through charity and love.
"MyLink":  https://lincolnne.mylnk.app/categories?language=en

Cry. Laugh. Drink Coffee.

Here's some solid advice: dare yourself to be different. Think about it. In today's world we are surrounded by influencers. Influencers in tech, sports, politics, and self-improvement, just to name a few. Influencers can absolutely be helpful in things like learning something new or staying in "the know". But, on the other hand, really cool things can happen too when we decide to create our own ideas, instead of blending in with the crowd. Leya Helmer, works as a talent acquisition recruiter for a hospital. She focuses on putting together events like job fairs, screening applicants, interviewing and in the end finding the best job fit for those seeking a new opportunity. In recruitment there tends to be a lot of influencers. Influence can come from the applicant's expectations of culture, pay and benefits, or growth for their career. The recruiter can also influence a job seekers decision on whether the job is the right fit for them or not. Again, influence is everywhere. 
But, today, let's dare ourselves to be different; ignore the status quo and follow our hearts. 

just the "right size"

Different phenomena surround the concept of wanting to "organize well." Minimalism, essentialism, intentional living, downsizing, and rightsizing just to name a few. Many of us may turn to the internet for advice on which method will work best for our organizing needs. We find there are many methods and one size doesn't fit all. And that's ok! Jeannine Bryant is a "rightsizing expert"! She is the owner and CEO of Changing Spaces SRS, a senior move management company. While at work, Jeannine focuses on helping older adults through the downsizing and moving process. While she's not at work, she finds great gratification on staying organized in her own life. Jeannine considers staying organized her coping mechanism – it's how she gets through life! In this episode, Jeannine will talk about how getting rid of excess stuff in our lives helps us to be so much lighter and more free! A life hack that will surely bring great benefit!

new trend: asking for help

Why is asking for help so hard? Is it the fear of rejection? The appearance of incompetence? Or, it is the emotion of embarrassment? The inner voice can be a loud one sometimes! Creating constant chatter which gets intertwined in our reality. But why...why do we do this to ourselves? When you really think about it, shouldn't we feel encouraged that we've surrounded ourselves with kind and compassionate people who are ready to lend a helping hand? Kerry Semrad, General Manager at KZUM Community Radio, is all about asking for help. As an expert in public media, she is constantly building a strong and smart community of partnerships. Partnerships that can positively influence the impact she helps make on the radio for her listeners and supporters. In this episode, Kerry and I are going to explore what it might be like to turn down the volume of our inner voice and find the positive side to asking for help. Join us as we build a new partnership!

kindness matters

What comes to mind when you think about making a gesture of gratitude towards a good friend... is it a gift, like a bouquet of flowers? Is it sharing your time with them, by taking them out to coffee? Or is it sharing a simple smile as you pass them by? The way we share our happiness and gratitude for others shows up in different ways. There is no right or wrong way, however, in my opinion, there is one thing to always keep in mind... is your gesture coming from a place of authenticity. Are you being your best self in that moment? Tracy Haefele chooses to spend her time giving back to others by encouraging them to be their best selves. Bringing joy to others, while helping them understand that THEY too can bring joy to others, is her passion. Tracy and I are going to discuss the idea behind small acts, compared to big gestures and how sometimes the most valuable gift is just recognizing that another person wants to be "seen" and accepted.