Tangential Inspiration

Episode 57: The Inner Beauty of Lizzie Velasquez

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the US.  A time when we reflect on our lives and express gratitude for what we have.  We at Tangential Inspiration are thankful to share our stories with you and hope that along the way you find some inspiration that sparks action, hope, and kindness.  This week, we share some stories about people who share with others in different ways.  Amy starts off with Edesia, a non-profit company that makes life-saving Plumpy'Nut, feeding millions of hungry children around the world and giving the gift of life and a chance at education to some of the poorest children.  Teresa tells the heartwrenching story of Lizzie Velasquez, who has overcome so much hardship and heartache but lives her mission of kindness to others and helps lead a movement to end bullying.  Teresa also talks about Mr.Beast, who searches for fame and followers like other YouTube superstars but does it through amazing acts of generosity and kindness.  There is a bounty of inspiration laid out to feast upon.  Dig in!
#BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We would love to hear from you. Send us your comments or even your own inspirational stories at tangentialinspiration@gmail.com. Follow us on our social media: Website: tangential-inspiration.com Instagram: tangentialinspirationpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tangentialinspiration Twitter: https://twitter.com/TangentialInsp1   Produced and Edited by Craig Wymetalek

Episode 56: The Indivisible Nate Boyer

Just one more week until Thanksgiving.  November is moving fast!  Time to take a moment to slow down, breathe deep, and find some inspiration.  This week, Amy starts off with a contest set up by famous documentary filmmaker, Ken Burns, which celebrates hometown pride.  Teresa does a deep dive on Green Beret and football play Nate Boyer who is using football to tell the story of one America and help close the divide between Americans by listening to what we have in common rather than what sets us apart.  Finally, Teresa talks about 52 Lives, a group that picks one person or family each week and asks the community to change their lives.  Whether it is making a child's last few days magical or helping a student's dream of going to college, communities come together to make something amazing happen.  It's a beautiful story, and something we should recreate here in the US.  There is a Thanksgiving-themed QandA with Teresa.  Wrap up in a warm blanket of inspiration and find a little Zen.
#BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We would love to hear from you. Send us your comments or even your own inspirational stories at tangentialinspiration@gmail.com. Follow us on our social media: Website: tangential-inspiration.com Instagram: tangentialinspirationpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tangentialinspiration Twitter: https://twitter.com/TangentialInsp1   Produced and Edited by Craig Wymetalek

Episode 55: Sutton Foster - Overcoming Crisis One Craft Project at a Time

Ok- now it is just dark and wet in the Pacific Northwest.  What better time to bundle up inside and get inspired by a podcast.  Let's get the ball rolling with Vanessa Severo, a Brazillian writer, and actress who is telling the amazing tale of Frieda Kahlo, the famed Mexican artist, on the stage.  Then there is another stage performer, Broadway star Sutton Foster, who has written Hooked, How Crafting Saved My Life.  This book explains how the simple pleasure of crafting can be a mental health anchor in your life.  Teresa, in recognition of Veteran's Day, tells the story of Julia Parsons and her role as a secret codebreaker during World War II and how she just celebrated her 100th birthday.  Teresa asks Amy some Thanksgiving questions to round out this November podcast.  Come on in, snuggle up with a warm drink, and find a little inspiration. 
#BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We would love to hear from you. Send us your comments or even your own inspirational stories at tangentialinspiration@gmail.com. Follow us on our social media: Website: tangential-inspiration.com Instagram: tangentialinspirationpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tangentialinspiration Twitter: https://twitter.com/TangentialInsp1   Produced and Edited by Craig Wymetalek

Episode 54: The Deliciously Generous Paul Newman

November is here.  The leaves are almost all down and in the Pacific Northwest, we are getting ready for a few months of wet and cold weather.  Halloween is over and Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas is about to start playing non-stop.  Where can you find some inspiration as the weather turns all gloomy?  Right here.  Teresa tells you the story of how music can change the lives of people living with dementia, and how they can even compose their own music.  Amy tells the fascinating tale of how actor Paul Newman started his Newman's Own brand of salad dressing and the amazing things they have done with all those profits.  And then Amy tells the sweet story of her memories of her father as we approach Veterans Day on November 11.  Capping off the episode there is a quick Q&A with Amy.  It may be getting dark and gloomy outside, but in here, it's sunshine and inspiration!
#BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We would love to hear from you. Send us your comments or even your own inspirational stories at tangentialinspiration@gmail.com. Follow us on our social media: Website: tangential-inspiration.com Instagram: tangentialinspirationpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tangentialinspiration Twitter: https://twitter.com/TangentialInsp1   Produced and Edited by Craig Wymetalek

Episode 53: Tig Notaro - the Luckiest Unlucky Person

Just days out before Halloween, Fall is in full swing and here in the Pacific Northwest, when it's not dumping rain, the trees are gorgeous!   Some great stories for you this week.  Amy tells the story of Club Kindness, an organization that is doing amazing things, that grew out from the love of a young man who brought hope to others even though he was terminally ill.  Teresa talks about comedian Tig Notaro, who despite going through a series of tragedies, still looks to bring laughter to others.  And Teresa tells the story of the American Dream of Sonia Sotomayor, who grew up a poor Puerto Rican girl and through hard work and determination became a US Supreme Court Justice.  This is an amazing story.  This week is full of inspiration to help you launch into November with a happy heart.
#BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We would love to hear from you. Send us your comments or even your own inspirational stories at tangentialinspiration@gmail.com. Follow us on our social media: Website: tangential-inspiration.com Instagram: tangentialinspirationpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tangentialinspiration Twitter: https://twitter.com/TangentialInsp1   Produced and Edited by Craig Wymetalek

Episode 52: John Pavlovitz -Hope is a Superpower

This week we start off with a plethora of inspiring stores- short hits on inspiring people.  Then Teresa talks about the unconventional John Pavlovitz who preaches love and hope as superpowers that we can all use to fight the darkness.  Amy talks about a couple who opens their homes to dozens of college students to build community and give the students a taste of home by providing home-cooked meals.  There is a quick Q&A round with Amy to wrap things up.  I know I say this every week, but there is a lot of inspiration trapped in 41 minutes and 41 seconds. 
#BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We would love to hear from you. Send us your comments or even your own inspirational stories at tangentialinspiration@gmail.com. Follow us on our social media: Website: tangential-inspiration.com Instagram: tangentialinspirationpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tangentialinspiration Twitter: https://twitter.com/TangentialInsp1   Produced and Edited by Craig Wymetalek

Episode 51: Craig Melvin- Breaking the Cycle

We have some fantastic stories for you this week.  We start off with a young (and I mean young) lady, Sofie Cruz, who is standing up for keeping immigrant families intact.  Amy tells the story of Craig Melvin, a news anchor on the Today Show, and how he has broken the cycle of alcoholism in his family and really leaned into the role of father for his children.  Amy also shares two short stories about a gym that helps people fighting addiction and a brand of water that gives 50% of its profits to funding rehabilitation for addicts who can't afford it on their own.  There is a short Q&A with Teresa to round things off.  There is inspiration for everyone here.  Take a listen!
#BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We would love to hear from you. Send us your comments or even your own inspirational stories at tangentialinspiration@gmail.com. Follow us on our social media: Website: tangential-inspiration.com Instagram: tangentialinspirationpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tangentialinspiration Twitter: https://twitter.com/TangentialInsp1   Produced and Edited by Craig Wymetalek

Episode 50: Atticus- The Mighty Little Mountain Dog

50 episodes!  We can't believe we have already done 50 episodes.  Thank you to all those who have listened to us!  We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our listeners!Our 50th episode is really great.  First, we have the amazing Betty Soskin- the hundred-year-old National Park Ranger who has been dropping historical truth bombs and challenging the politically correct history for years.  Then there is the heart-warming story of Atticus, the miniature schnauzer who conquered hundreds of mountains with his owner in the name of charity.  This is truly an inspiring story, and who doesn't love a cute dog in a snowsuit.  Amy then tells the story of the Billion Oyster Project in New York City where volunteers are bringing back oyster beds to the once super-polluted New York Harbor.  Can you believe that?  People and restaurants are helping oysters make a come-back in NYC!  There is also a quick Q&A with Teresa in the hot seat.  You can't miss Episode 50 or you will regret it, probably forever.  And who wants to live a life full of regret?
#BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We would love to hear from you. Send us your comments or even your own inspirational stories at tangentialinspiration@gmail.com. Follow us on our social media: Website: tangential-inspiration.com Instagram: tangentialinspirationpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tangentialinspiration Twitter: https://twitter.com/TangentialInsp1   Produced and Edited by Craig Wymetalek

Episode 49: Momma Smash - Serena Williams

We are closing out September and closing in on episode 50!.  This week, we start off with two just amazing stories loosely connected to some amazing food, but directly connected to happy hearts.  These bring the warm fuzzies.  Then it is all about Momma Smash- the amazing indomitable spirit of of Serena Williams.  Not only is she a powerhouse on the tennis court, she has an amazing heart!  Amy brings some more happy vibes as she talks about an amazing young man whose passion for racing led him to raise thousands and thousands of dollars towards helping teachers help students with dyslexia.  Finally, there is some quick Q and A with Amy.  I dare you to try to walk away from this episode uninspired.  I dare you!
#BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We would love to hear from you. Send us your comments or even your own inspirational stories at tangentialinspiration@gmail.com. Follow us on our social media: Website: tangential-inspiration.com Instagram: tangentialinspirationpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tangentialinspiration Twitter: https://twitter.com/TangentialInsp1   Produced and Edited by Craig Wymetalek

Episode 48: The Happiest Man on Earth- Eddie Jaku

Fall is definitely in the air in the Pacific Northwest.  We have had some much-needed rain and it certainly is cooling off and getting darker earlier.  And while we will be missing all that sunshine, we can still find the light.  This week, Teresa starts us off with two short stories about young men who are doing great things in their community to help others.  Then,  Amy tells the harrowing but amazing story of Eddie Jaku, who survived the Nazi concentration camps and now inspires others with his positive outlook on family, love, and kindness.  Its such an incredible story of the triumph of the spirit.  Amy then tells the story of a father-daughter team that has ridden across the country on old-timey high-wheel bikes (the ones with the giant front wheel) to honor a friend.  Finally, there are just a few updates on some earlier stories.  This is a fantastic episode and you don't want to miss it!
#BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We would love to hear from you. Send us your comments or even your own inspirational stories at tangentialinspiration@gmail.com. Follow us on our social media: Website: tangential-inspiration.com Instagram: tangentialinspirationpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tangentialinspiration Twitter: https://twitter.com/TangentialInsp1   Produced and Edited by Craig Wymetalek