I Always Wanted To

Hi everyone. While I’m taking a break from this podcast I’m working on another one called Unpacking Peanuts, where 3 cartoonists take an in-depth look at the greatest comic strip of all time-- Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.   This is a labor of love from three smart, funny, comic artists, one of whom is my husband Michael. Regular listeners might remember my episode titled I Always Wanted to Create A Graphic Novel with Michael and Jimmy Gownley. The third member of the triumvirate is Harold Buchholz. They’ve all been friends for decades and all are lifelong fans of Schulz and Peanuts. Three years ago or so they had the idea to do a podcast looking at every year of the strip and discuss the development, the influences, and the genius of Schulz from a cartoonist’s point of view.   They got through the first 5 years of strips but the project stalled. It’s harder than you think to get a podcast out into the world. That’s where I came in. I volunteered to edit the existing recordings. Unfortunately all but the firs

I want to let regular listeners know that I’m taking a break from creating new episodes of I Always Wanted To. I have plans to make additional “best of” compilations like the Learn To Sing and Travel episodes I released at the end of last year. I’m also going to share some other projects I’ve been working on that I think you’ll enjoy. I will stay in touch now and then but not on a regular schedule.   I had no idea when I started how much I would come to love podcasting. I love listening to people talk about their passion. I love learning about this relatively new and exciting field. I love all the techy bits of recording and editing. And I’m deeply touched by all the compliments I receive on my interview skills.   Thank you all for joining me on this adventure. If you’re new to I Always Wanted To I hope you’ll check out the back catalog.    Until we meet again, in the words of Martin Mull, "Let’s not say au revoir. Let’s just say hors d'oeuvres."   I’m Liz Sumner, reminding you to be bold, and thanks for list

Allison’s interest in becoming a performing artist began when she joined FSU’s Flying High Circus in 2004 where she was able utilize her background in gymnastics training as well as other athletic sports. In 2007, she embarked on a professional career in the circus arts when she joined a 7-person flying trapeze act. Shortly after joining the troupe, Allison trained with the internationally recognized flying trapeze artist, Ivan Espana, and together developed a dynamic solo swinging trapeze act which utilizes the timing of the swing to accomplish several powerful release maneuvers creating an unbelievable and thrilling routine. Persistent in pursuing her passion, Allison continued to train several other aerial disciplines and is an accomplished aerialist on The Cyclone Cycle, Aerial Silks, Motorcycle on a High Wire and The Bungee Trapeze. Her performances have taken her across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Australia.   Allison has expanded her interests into not just performing but Producing. In

Josh Young is an athlete, leader, and follower of Jesus. He graduated from F&M with honors while playing two NCAA sports, D1 wrestling and football. Since then, Josh has worked in investment banking, non-profit, and helped run a successful political campaign.   Now, Josh is Chief of Staff at New Story, with a mission to pioneer solutions to end global homelessness. He declined acceptance to Harvard grad school to lead and love within his role at New Story.   New Story is one of the first non-profits to go through Y Combinator and has since built over 3,500 homes in Haiti, El Salvador, and Mexico. They led the construction of the world's first 3-D printed community. Their accolades include being listed four times as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies. Being featured in an Apple TV+ Documentary. And appearing on the front of the New York Times.   https://newstorycharity.org @newstorycharity on Instagram and Twitter   Videos Josh mentions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvM7jFZGAec   https://tv.a

Jess Reid is a self-care keto coach, a certified life coach with the International Coaching Federation, and the founder of her own coaching practice, The Keto Fit. She’s passionate about helping women to lose weight with a keto diet and a self-care mindset, by providing both the concrete scientific strategies to lose weight and the mindset work that will help women change their beliefs surrounding weight, food, and body image, so that they can have life-long success with ease, peace, and joy. Jess lives in Virginia Beach with her husband of 16 years and her 5 year old daughter. When she’s not coaching, Jess loves walking, coffee, shopping, and binge-listening to podcasts. theketofit.com  facebook.com/theketofit instagram.com/theketofit linkedin.com/in/theketofit   Her podcast: Self-Care Keto anchor.fm/selfcareketo   Carb Manager app - https://www.carbmanager.com/   REMARKS My guest, Jess Reid, believes in and talks in detail about the keto diet plan. While I was not looking for a diet, and have a fair amount

In late 2017, with no previous experience in audio-making or storytelling, Lori Mortimer simply decided it would be a good idea to start a podcast. Then she learned how hard it was. "Since then, I've studied the art and craft of podcasting, audio editing, interviewing, nonfiction storytelling, sound design, and podcast marketing. Through more classes and workshops than I can count, and the support found in online and in-person audio communities, I've stitched together the basic set of skills needed to get a show off the ground. It's taken a village to get me to the point where I consider myself a creator and podcaster. It's been a life-changing and affirming experience for me, which I am thankful to have had the privilege of experiencing." https://mementospodcast.com/ Twitter & Instagram @mementospodcast    REMARKS I have met some wise, wonderful, and generous people in the podcasting space and today’s guest is a delightful example.   Regular listeners will notice how often the topic of a supportive commu

Catherine is an audio storyteller with a background in art based in Oakland, CA, where they produce and host Material Feels, a podcast exploring the intimate relationship between artists and their materials. They began working with clay as a teen and considers the ceramics studio another version of home. They've worked as a fine art framer, gardener, ceramics instructor and art supply copywriter; their writing has been published in The New York Times, WIRED, The British Medical Journal, Leonardo Magazine and Art Dog, an art supply industry blog. CXM Productions -  http://www.cxmproductions.com/ MaterialFeelsPodcast.com REMARKS Hi everyone. Listening to Catherine Monahon talk about ceramics got me thinking about my own creative pursuits. Their world is tangible. The clay is gritty or buttery.  Catherine talks about the physical elements in it and the way you work it to make all the particles align. Listening to them describe the qualities of the material made me realize that I create in a much more abstract wa

Nicole Meier is a multi-published author and book coach living in the Pacific Northwest. Her debut novel, THE HOUSE OF BRADBURY, was chosen as a Best Book of 2016 by Refinery29. Her second book, THE GIRL MADE OF CLAY, was named a Top Book according to Bookbub readers. Her newest novel, THE SECOND CHANCE SUPPER CLUB, is out now.   Nicole has taught writing workshops in schools, libraries, wellness retreats, and writers' conferences. She currently works as a book coach for fiction writers, helping them bring their stories to life.   Her works have been published in The Oregonian, Cascade Journal, Southern Oregon Magazine, Women Writers Women’s Books, Brazen Woman, and more. Find her online at @nicolemeierwrites on Instagram. https://linktr.ee/nicolemeier https://www.skillshare.com/profile/Nicole-Meier/744480899 https://www.womensfictionwriters.org/ https://www.nicolemeierauthor.com/books ****************** REMARKS Hi Everyone. What do you like to read? Are you a fan of fiction? What kinds of stories grip you or

Nic Hyl (pronounced Nick Hill) is the founder and creative director of New York’s emerging and award winning swimwear, clothing and activewear brand, Nic Hyl Clothing. As a lover of travel, fitness, fashion and having previously worked in the fashion industry for brands including Norma Kamali and Ralph Lauren, Nic has taken her experience, love of fashion, Jamaican roots, and Florida upbringing to create a brand inspired by her love of quality fashion and a vacation inspired lifestyle.   After graduating with a BS in Psychology from The University of Central Florida, Nic changed her mind in career and pursued fashion design. Graduating with honors from The American Intercontinental University with a BFA in Fashion Design, and starting her apprenticeship in NYC with Norma Kamali a few short months later.   “It’s the beauty of fashion that I see on a daily basis on New York City streets coupled with my Florida roots, fashionable female role models in my family, and my Jamaican culture that has inspired me to c

Heather Hansen O’Neill is an international speaker, author, adventurer, and entrepreneur using her action-packed experience to Fire Up audiences. She stimulates vibrant energy, focus, and action for those who want to collaborate effectively, lead change, and achieve massive results. As host of the From Fear to Fire podcast, 2x TEDx speaker, and behavioral change expert, Heather's research and programs help individuals and companies’ breakthrough fears, judgments, and blocks to break limiting generational patterns and reach sales and leadership success. http://heatherhansenoneill.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherhansenoneill/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtib3bk9yJ64theJ8dFX6EQ REMARKS Today’s guest, Heather Hansen O’Neill, has tried the kinds of activities that most of us only dream-- or maybe have nightmares about. Sky diving, rock climbing, -- public speaking. She makes it her business to help people overcome fear. Each of her experiences has taught her something about herself, and she leads progr

In this year end episode I share some tips for creating New Year's Resolutions you'll actually keep, plus some alternative approaches from Dave Evans and Bill Burnett, authors of Designing Your Life.         TRANSCRIPT Hi everyone. I published these thoughts as an article a number of years ago, and I still believe them to be true. Here’s my take on New Year’s Resolutions that Work   What usually happens to your resolve in the New Year? Does it disappear before the pine needles are even vacuumed? Do you spend more energy on excuses than on execution? Can you even remember your intention by Valentine’s day? Try something different this year. Take some time to think through your plan before jumping into action. Here are some guidelines that can help. Your Downstream Self  Imagine a vital, successful, and grateful you five years in the future looking back and beaming with pride at your foresight. What are you grateful for? What seeds that you planted are now flourishing? What are you looking forward to this year

When I ask people what they’ve always wanted to do, a frequent response is travel. They want to go places they’ve never been and experience the cultures they’ve only read about or seen on the screen.   My episodes related to travel are some of my most popular. Over the years I’ve approached the topic from several angles and I’ve gathered some excerpts here to give you a sample.    My guests Jennifer Sumner and Barbara Castleton are seasoned travelers who share their experience and advice. Susanne Uhl Vening introduced me to Couch Surfing.com, a social network that can be a wonderful resource for people who want to connect with locals when they’re visiting a new area. Charles Mitchell is an experienced artist and teacher who leads painting holidays all over Italy. And Sarah Tarvin speaks 8 languages and is working on 4 more. She offers advice for people who want to go beyond English when they visit the world.   While many people dream of traveling the globe, one of the things that holds them back is the idea o

In late 2017, with no previous experience in audio-making or storytelling, Lori Mortimer simply decided it would be a good idea to start a podcast. Then she learned how hard it was. "Since then, I've studied the art and craft of podcasting, audio editing, interviewing, nonfiction storytelling, sound design, and podcast marketing. Through more classes and workshops than I can count, and the support found in online and in-person audio communities, I've stitched together the basic set of skills needed to get a show off the ground. It's taken a village to get me to the point where I consider myself a creator and podcaster. It's been a life-changing and affirming experience for me, which I am thankful to have had the privilege of experiencing." https://mementospodcast.com/ Twitter & Instagram @mementospodcast    Lori Mentions http://www.arianamartinezstudio.com/ http://www.alexlaughs.net/ TRANSCRIPT Lori Mortimer   One thing I would change overall, if I could go back in time is that I would have made more tim

This episode is a compilation of my favorite excerpts from my most popular podcasts-- the series on Learning To Sing. In putting this together I see the same themes expressed by each of my guests. Singing is joyful and expresses who we are. That vulnerability can be frightening and easily trampled. But there are excellent teachers available to help us get over our fears and rediscover the joy.   In part one, Nancy Salwen talks about her debilitating stagefright and how that led her to create the Fear of Singing Breakthrough Program. In part two, Judy Fine talks more about overcoming performance anxiety, and giving yourself permission-- to be where you are, to not be perfect instantly.  She also makes a great case for singers learning music theory both for the musical reasons and also for the additional confidence it gives us when working with other musicians.   Then we finish with a mini jazz master class from Isabella Celentano on improvising on the blues using the pentatonic scale. I thought this was magica

Liz wraps up Season 8 and talk about what's upcoming over the next few months.              I love hearing listener feedback. Here’s a sample from the recent series. The underwater explorer? I loved her. I bought her book. The cave diver? Aaack - it makes me claustrophobic. I totally understand Dr. Leslie’s love of self-contained solo riding. Oh come on, there’s nothing wrong with e-bikes. You were not all in agreement and that’s just fine. I want to hear what you think whatever it is. I was particularly moved by your response to Patrisha McLean’s account of leaving an abusive relationship. I have received multiple messages of thanks for sharing her story. I am honored to amplify the important work and achievements of my courageous and talented guests. So now Series 8 is complete. Over the next couple of months I’ll be preparing the next season and sharing a few bonus episodes and best of compilations. I’ll have new interviews for you in the beginning of the year.  Coming up in future episodes we’ll be talkin

Patrisha McLean is a photojournalist whose life was upended in 2016 when her husband of 29 years was arrested for domestic violence. The arrest set her free, and on a course of activism around women’s rights.  In 2019 she started the non-profit organization and movement breaking the silence of domestic abuse Finding Our Voices, which is at FindingOurVoices.net. She has a podcast and radio show of conversations with survivors and for 2021 was named one of 21 leaders for the 21st century by Women’s eNews.    Also, since leaving my ex,  I am doing everything I always wanted to do. "Scuba diving" is one thing, but the biggest thing is probably "making a difference in the world".    Patrisha’s Journey Our Voices in Biddeford https://www.facebook.com/breakthesilenceofdomesticabuse/ https://www.instagram.com/finding.our.voices/ https://twitter.com/patrishamclean   Resources Patrisha Mentions   FindingOurVoices.net   Power and Control Wheel https://findingourvoices.net/projects/#powerwheels *******************

Dr. Leslie Kasanoff has spent her life in healthcare, including 25 years as a holistic chiropractor on the Central Coast of California  and 10 years before that as a medical laboratory scientist. Recently, Dr. Leslie has been combining her science knowledge and her holistic & nutritional expertise in health coaching and consulting. She works with women who want to lose weight, address hormone issues, and resolve or reverse chronic health issues, not just treat them, using food and lifestyle as medicine. https://www.drlesliek.com/ https://www.facebook.com/leslie.kasanoff https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlesliekasanoff/ https://twitter.com/DrLeslieK https://www.instagram.com/dr.lesliek/ Resources Leslie mentions: https://www.warmshowers.org/ https://www.adventurecycling.org/ ********************* Please fill out a 5-question survey at lizsumner.com/survey. Let me know when you're done and I'll send you a coupon code for my online course, 8 Steps to Launch Your Dream Life. (launchyourdreamlife.com) ************

Dorit Chrysler has been dubbed a superior wizard of the theremin. An Austrian-born, New York-based composer, producer, and singer Chrysler is the co-founder of the New York Theremin Society and founder of the first school for theremin.  As much as the theremin is a tool in Chrysler’s electronic instrument arsenal she's also one of the most visible thereminists spreading the gospel of this mysterious sounding instrument which is basically played by massaging thin air. Her music has been described by Ann Magnuson in Paper Magazin, “Imagine if Marianne Faithfull and Nikola Tesla had a love child with Jane Birkin as the nanny and Bjork as the wayward Girl Scout Leader!”  Arte TV calls Dorit “Theremin Goddess” Wall Street Journal  “A futuristic Lotte Lenya“   DoritChrysler.comhttps://www.facebook.com/doritchryslerofficial/ https://www.instagram.com/doritchrysler/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=WKmMRtuLfCc&list=UU2FnHcTW8yYhKX8WGQcKEsA&index=1 Resources Dorit mentions: New York Theremin S

Scott Ruston is a Research Professor with Arizona State University’s Global Security Initiative, a university-wide interdisciplinary hub for researching complex challenges in the global security arena. He directs the Center on Narrative, Disinformation & Strategic Influence, leading research teams that combine humanities, social science and computer science in order to better understand manipulations of the information environment and develop technologies to identify malign influence activities. Also a member of ASU’s Center for Strategic Communication, Professor Ruston’s research focuses on the socio-cultural dimensions of the information domain. He has applied his expertise in narrative theory and media studies to a variety of counter violent extremism and counter violent extremist ideology research contexts, including: analysis of extremist narratives; strategies for counter or alternative narratives; and the neurobiology of narrative comprehension. He is co-author of Narrative Landmines: Rumors, I

Madonna Boclair Hanna  had a successful career in the fashion industry at the corporate level. She retired  as an award winning fashion marketing educator. Presently,  is a motivational speaker, freelance writer,  actress, amateur competitive athlete and she presently writes a monthly article for the Senior Scene publication chronicling her journey to the 2022 National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Madonna was selected as the January 2020 National Senior Games Association Athlete of the Month. Follow Madonna’s progress on Facebook @madonnabhanna or Instagram@madonnafitfastandfabulous. Website: Dropkickthedrama.com. You may contact Madonna for speaking engagements at contactmadonna@dropkickthedrama.com Article about Madonna and her coach Video of Madonna's recent wins at the Washington State Senior Games is available at ialwayswantedto.net ********************* I want to get to know you better. Please fill out a 5-question survey at lizsumner.com/survey.  Let me know when you're done and I'll send you