Fill To Capacity (Where Heart, Grit and Irreverent Humor Collide)

Orna O’Reilly, accomplished interior designer shares her journey from Ireland to thrilling days in South Africa, where she queued 5 hours to vote for Nelson Mandela to perilous times dodging danger in Mozambique. 
Once back in Ireland, she felt the irresistible pull to the place of her dreams: Italy. Her passion for Italian landscapes and culture reveals her decade-long affair with the heart of Europe and her leap of faith in s...

“ Never seen but always heard!”  Jump headfirst into the high-stakes world of 911 dispatch with Marlis X with who navigates rapid-fire decisions and vital communications. Discover the daily work of emergency dispatch, where  multitasking and calm coexist.  Marlis talks about the mental gymnastics required to balance incoming calls, coordinate with first responders, and provide life-saving instructions, all while maintaining an isla...

In this episode, Natalie Zett shares a riveting narrative where she goes from storyteller to conduit for the voices that time almost silenced. She scours ethnic and neighborhood newspapers, offering an intimate look into the lives of immigrant families. Her translations of  historical documents, reveal the rich, culturally diverse voices silenced by the Eastland Disaster and opens a window into 1915 Chicago.

Natalie's Eastern E...

El baile no es solo movimiento al ritmo de la música; es la celebración de Liz Pimentel-Gopal de la identidad cultural y la autoreinvención. Desde las vibrantes calles de México hasta el foco de la NBA, la historia de Liz es un vívido bis de la vida a más de 55 años. Este episodio rastrea su resiliente ritmo desde una recién encontrada identidad americana hasta romper estereotipos con el equipo de baile Hardwood Classics de los Gol...

Dance isn't just movement to music; it's Liz Pimentel-Gopal's celebration of cultural identity and self-reinvention. From Mexico's vibrant streets to the NBA's spotlight, Liz's story is a vivid encore of life at 55+. This episode traces her resilient beat from a newfound American identity to breaking stereotypes with the Golden State Warriors Hardwood Classics Dance Team. Liz shatters age norms, embrac...

Objects that anchor us - do you have one? I’ve journeyed with an etched stone for 20+ years. It's been a silent guide through change, a puzzle in constancy, and a testament to life's irony.

Explore the wisdom, humor, and focus of strategic change-making with Shaun Floerke. As a judge, he shaped innovative specialty courts and programs fostering family unity within the legal system, but at the helm of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, he has shaped a proactive, compassionate outreach, highlighting the power of collective action and shared purpose.

Forget the status quo, for Shaun it's about revolutioni...

When Alice Grasset faced breast cancer at 40, her world was upended, leaving a corporate career to co-found the Yapura Wellness Center in North Carolina. This personal and professional collision led to the creation of 'Sparkles of Grace' – a holistic program guiding women through the emotional and physical labyrinth of cancer recovery emphasizing the power of yoga, meditation, and coaching in managing treatment side effec...

In this episode, we set sail on a voyage into the heart of storytelling and sea-bound living with Liz Shipton, an indie author who has carved out a life that's as unconventional as it is inspiring. Living with her boyfriend Trevor, and their dog Aloy on their 43’ sailboat, Liz gives us a glimpse into the realities of her day-to-day life at sea and how it feeds into her creative work.

We explore her book series about dystopian a...

Explore the power of creativity in self-discovery and healing with Kris Frykman, an acclaimed artist, educator, and art therapist. In this engaging podcast, Kris unveils how art therapy goes beyond aesthetics, becoming a vital tool for self-expression, healing, and coping with life's complexities. 
Discover her transformative work with the Suicide Survivors Club, where art therapy fosters hope, emotional growth, and connec...

What if resilience and compassion were life tools forged  in a violent childhood where poverty, alcohol and illness were constants? Could they pave the way for an unshakable sibling bond that becomes a journey of purpose and connection? 

Listen as Mick Cochrane, acclaimed writer and professor answers this question in his captivating narrative of growing up alongside his remarkable, humorous, and creative sister, Sue.  As a family co...

Get ready for this electrifying episode with Lori Grace Bailey, professional photographer, and storm chaser who not only survived being struck by lightning but has an incredible story to tell! 🌩️ 
In this eye-opening conversation, we delve into Lori's incredible journey, from chasing tornadoes and capturing lightning strikes to facing dramatic dust walls in the Southwest. Her passion is as fierce as the storms she photogr...

Join us on a journey of cultural exploration with Vesna Kittelson, a tri-located citizen of the world, gracefully navigating Croatia, Cambridge, and Minneapolis. Raised in Communist Yugoslavia, her compelling life story reflects the power of curiosity, offering unique perspectives on the world. Vesna’s artistic journey transcends not only borders but also linear time, weaving ancient Croatia, scholarly Cambridge, and vibrant Minnea...

Ready to ride the winds of innovation? Explore Windswept Kite Turbines, a game-changing technology led by visionary CEO Rod Read, located in the Shetland islands. Discover how these trailblazing kites are reshaping renewable energy by harnessing high altitude winds and their adaptability to various land or ocean locations. Rod shares insights on DIY kite turbine construction, safety, AI integration, and the potential to transform t...

Ready for takeoff? Join us as we soar into the captivating world of aviation with Mina Carlson. From high school dreams to becoming a certified private and commercial pilot, flight instructor, and serving in the Air Force Reserves as a flight engineer, Mina shares her remarkable journey while balancing multiple roles.

Explore the future of women in aviation, the pilot shortage and Mina’s vision for equality. Discover her experience ...

Peter Hurley’s journey to Mangone is where roots meet route. It's a trip where genealogy and family research become a roadmap to understanding. He proves that when you dig deep into your family tree, you don't just find names and dates—you find destinations.

Peter sets off on a 28-day odyssey to Mangone, his mother's ancestral village in Southern Italy. Though his local guide bails, Peter finds his way to th...

Step into the world of equine therapy, guided by the inspiring Lynn Moore, CEO of Acres for Life Therapy & Wellness Center. Listen to Lynn’s own transformative tale, one marked by mental health struggles and search for meaningful connection.

Take a virtual tour of Acres sprawling, verdant pastures where horses - each with a personality as diverse and layered as the humans they help- become mirrors to the soul.

Here, an old horse ...

Ever felt a story tug at your heart, altering your mood or even your view on life?  Join Patti Christensen as we unravel the magic of storytelling, time travel and its remarkable power to impact lives.  
Patti is a professional storyteller, drama specialist, and licensed clinical social worker who uses the intricate art of storytelling and story- listening as  tools for building connections. The settings may vary, like  a child...