Between the Covers Podcast

My apologies for the noise disturbances in this episode. My microphone doesn't always want to cooperate and until I have the funds to replace it, sometimes it's going to be a pill.

Let's talk about what we are holding within us. I had an experience around my birthday where I had a release of emotion that I didn't know was stored within me. Times were tough and stress and pressure build up over some weeks. The disappointment with a ...

For this month's hero's study, we're looking at the character Mega Man X (X for short) from the...Mega Man X video game franchise. This titular protagonist of this post apocalyptic future of mankind is also the progenitor of a race of sentient robots called Reploids. X is one of those reluctant heroes. He was specifically built to protect the last remnants of mankind. He also has many hidden talents that are granted to him by his l...

Let's talk about some things I've learned from the game Stardew Valley. This is one of my favorite life/farming/adventure simulation games that came out in 2016. Just like any other game that touches on how life actually is, there are some striking lessons to learn from the character interactions throughout the game. As usual, I came up with a list of 10 and only talk about 5 because then these episodes would be as long as an inter...

Let's talk about the impressions our characters make. This is one of those actions speak louder than words kind of conversation. You see, at the time of this recording, there have been some incidents that have shows how people in power are saying one thing, but then acting in another. At the White House Correspondents Dinner, a shooter broke through a security checkpoint. Once it came to the attention of everyone in power that this...

Let's talk about what we are able to do, because we are all able to do something. This is inspired by the saying that comes up often in recovery that you can't do everything, but you can do something. Even if what needs to be addressed is something that you didn't contribute to. *cough*politics*cough* Regardless of what is bringing about our current situations, we can always do something, even if it's small and all you can do for t...

Let's talk about trying new things today. This is one of my favorite topics to discuss with my clients because I'm essentially giving them permission to play and explore. We all need to, even if we are adults. On my recent vacation to Victoria, BC with two of our friends, Libby and I tried a lot of new things. The thumbnail is a picture taken from the metal concert we went to for Three Days Grace. What did I discover? It's not my c...

For this month's hero's study, we are looking at Katniss Everdeen, the protagonist of the Hunger Games books and movies. This is a hero who has spent all her life in the almost abyss of District 12 of Panem and found herself the head of a rebellion against not one, but two forces of power vying for the right to rule. She overcomes so much threat, danger, and attention from millions of people, has to wrestle with the results of the ...

Let's talk about our need for control and how it's often an illusion. I'm reminded early on when working with my therapist that we reviewed a poster that said showed the most common things in life that people become anxious about and how that anxiety is often due to feeling like life is out of control when in fact we are trying to control things that we don't have control over. We want to be in control of people, situations, and ou...

Let's talk about advocates and the value in finding one, or two, or more. This is a wonderful privilege I have with my partner, friends, family, and even some clients. It's valuable to have someone standing beside us to help speak our thoughts and/or stand between us to fight for us when someone or a system isn't working for us. As a coach, I can be an advocate along with my roles of being a cheerleader and mentor. I share some exa...

Let's talk about respect. One thing that often makes our heroes a hero in our eyes is because we respect them. We respect their values, morals, actions, and words. They are people who don't just talk, they walk out their words and beliefs. Anyone that we admire likely exhibits some kind of heroic qualities. Respect is something that is earned, not demanded. Part of the journey is that we will gain and lose respect with others. When...

For this month's hero's study, we are looking at one of my favorite silent protagonists, Link from the Legend of Zelda franchise. Why is he one of my favorite heroes? He's the embodiment of courage, literally. He is the hero of time, the legendary hero, and he's the one who wields the Triforce of Courage. If you want someone to relentless help his friends and protect the land, Link's your guy...er...elf. Let's look at what Link's h...

*A correction: I misappropriated Joshua Haymes' words at belong to Brooks Potteiger until I found the actual clips. Brooks does want James Talarico crucified, but most everything I attributed to Brooks was actually said by Joshua.

Let's talk about how power corrupts people, using some real examples for 2026 here. One of the things that is causing so much harm in our world today is the blatant disregard for the humanity in others. D...

Let's talk about spiral dynamics today. This is a model of evolution that tries to explain the process that society takes as we develop toward, hopefully, a more egalitarian society. It uses colors to denote the different stages and what each one can tell us about a specific group of people. It's no wonder with the current power structures in the United States at the moment, this came upas they are a perfect example of what is deno...

Let's talk about another franchise that I love and adore that has taught me some lessons. I'll warn you in advance, this gets a little chunky with some fractions when I'm talking about rare item drop rates and finding rare enemies.

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Let's talk about what unites us today. In an age where we are more and more characterized by what makes us different, it's important for us to see what brings us together. Even people with different spiritual and religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds, political perspectives, and upbringing, there are more things that unite us than separates. A love for life. A desire for acceptance and comradery. To be accepted for who we are. To...

For this month's hero's study, I go back to the roots of these episodes. Today, we're looking at Samwise Gamgee from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Some have said at he's the true protagonist in the story. He exemplifies so many heroic traits through his loyalty, brave when he needs to be, and always supports those closest to him without question. In the epilogue of the story, he's one of the first to stand up to Saruman and Wormto...

Let's continue to talk about some political woes and why they are so exhausting. As we are moving into spring and looking toward the summer and the political landscape continues to heat up, it's important to remember what's happened over the last year and a half. This is a reminder so we don't forget.

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Let's talk about the notion that we are problems to be solves, because we're not! This is a message I've wrestled with since childhood and it's something that was taught by family, neighbors, friends, and society. If you've struggled with this message, then please tune in! We aren't problems to be solved. We may have problems that need to be worked on, such as mental and physical health, but that doesn't mean we are the problem. Wi...

Let's talk about what others are saying about us, and even what we are saying about others. If you're like me, then there is a running inner dialogue that is often less than flattering, but it doesn't have to be this way. If you are your own worst critic, then I challenge you to look outside yourself and see what others say about you. Let's face it, the people closest to us often see things differently from what we see and can shed...