Re-Story : Love in the time of COVID-19 Sissy Siero

Episode 5: What's Essential

Welcome to 5 “What’s Essential. I’m Sissy Siero your curator, your host for an audio story- wheel that’s stopping for a brief moment to check in with how we’re doing. We’ll hear stories about shifting priorities to find the what’s essential right now. Doing, having, perhaps being less, but better; a different gauge of time and energy spent. Also balancing personal relationships and purpose - not just how we work, where we live, and why we do what we do, but teasing, out of the tangle, the new essential - a closer look into the origins of patterns, and habitual thinking and life choices. Permission and room for the voice of innate, essential wisdom to have it’s say. Cracking open secret vaults, and daring to ask uncomfortable questions- how staying with them actually gifts us with a broader capacity for more grace, love, and confidence. The chance to lean into who we are now, and becoming. What a strange buffet this moment in our collective lives. The pandemic has been slowly deleting the noise obscuring, and distorting, the music I’d been trying to dance [to] my life to for years.



First we’ll hear from Meme – what became essential in her life during the pandemic and into the uncertainty of now…

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Next up a conversation with Melissa Grogran - a Voice and Movement Expert - she’s worked with yogis, Somatic Therapists, yoga and voice teachers, and business professionals - most notably as the Dialect Coach for the AMC series The Son, starring Pierce Brosnan.

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We’ll be right back with more of episode 5 after this…

Follow us on Instagram, and Facebook, at #LoveinthetimeofCOVID-19podcast, or at sissysierosvoiceatx, to get the latest episodes. You can also find us on my website - sissysiero.com, on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

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Now a reflection on what’s essential from acclaimed Austin-based Jazz musician Dan Redner. As an active Music director, pianist, songwriter, and educator, Dan’s incredible, generous heart, talent and music continues to touch so many lives; especially during the pandemic.



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Next is an introspective share from a longtime friend and hotelier who speaks to us from her home in Uruguay. Throughout the pandemic, Laura has been a captive audience to nature’s play of seasons – I’ve lived vicariously through her brilliant daily photo journal – curating nature, and the 2 and four legged fellow travelers - enshrined in verdant landscapes. daily bike treks in the surrounding area became the through-line of her life in the off season. Opening the hotel back up brings surprising questions and insights…Here’s Laura:

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I wish to thank my listeners, and story-tellers. I hope this episode inspires you to become a contributor on this podcast. Send your voice, your story because it matters, and you need to be heard.

This podcast moves in my life as a constant challenge to go deeper, look more closely – Episode 5’s theme, in particular, has sent me careening into more questions than ever. It started with the question: “Does it matter?” Does my work matter to anyone other than me, and a few close people. Is what I do and how I do it Essential? What’s my creative work’s tangible value? I know every artist has these seasons of doubt, but…. this is different. The next part of this wave of painful questions came when I began reading : “So you want to talk about Race” by

Ieoma Oluo. It’s demanding that I pay a deeper kind of attention; turn toward and into the ache of uncomfortable, and sometimes painful new questions, new spaces. If I haven’t been consciously part of the solution,

Episode 4: RESET

I’m Sissy Siero and I'm glad to welcome you to Episode 4–RESET. We’ll listen to stories of situations perhaps not unlike your own; a collage of lives, circumstances and businesses RESET during the global pandemic and social upheaval.



The question of why and how did-we-get here, morphed into the BIG RESET—we’re deep in it now. Hard to miss the headlines, by-lines, blog posts, songs, multi-media projects, and team meetings- all focusing on defining the indefinable new, global reality. The Alchemy of RESET is the juice, the propellent. Permission to shape-shift, conjure and re-imagine our lives, our beliefs – from the deeply personal and private to society’s consciousness. It moves us forward, even while disequilibrium shifts perceptions, at each step; cajoles us not to grasp for the familiar; to reach instead for affinity, and unity.

Reset: an essential invitation we can’t refuse - because we’re already there.

In this episode along with contributors’ stories, I’ll introduce you to Leigh Hurst for a conversation about her resets. Leigh is the founder and executive director of the Feel Your Boobies Foundation, has a book coming out in the fall entitled “Say Something Big: Feel your Boobies. Find Your Voice.” She’s also a Relationship manager at TrainingPros, Inc. and, most importantly, mother of 2 young boys!



A tech note – you’ll hear some different audio in parts, and that’s due to the nature of live, on site recording, and stories sent in from different contributors.

I’ll let you know how to get your stories to me at the end of the show.

Let’s get into Episode 4: “Reset”.

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Leigh Hurst – Welcome to the episode!

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We’ll be right back with more of my conversation with Leigh Hurst after this…

Follow us on InstaGram, and Facebook, at #LoveinthetimeofCOVID-19podcast, or at sissysierosvoiceatx, to get the latest episodes. You can also find us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.



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And now back to my interview with Leigh Hurst



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Leigh Hurst – thanks for bringing your stories and insights to the episode! It was truly great having you with me!



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Leigh’s passion carries the power of her focus & intention. Her story of resetting her life during Covid, with the courage to go further into self-acceptance; to claim time, space and focus to serve the needs of the moment- the wellbeing and a new understanding of the most important people in her life – her kids. Her life’s profound reset to turn a battle with cancer, into a conscious choice to transform a simple Tshirt message into a foundation with a life-saving mission.



The Now a story from a writer and entrepreneur on the East Coast: The story is read by University of Texas Student Mason Marriott-Vos:



“With each article I read, every person I speak with, the value and breadth of a RESET went flying off in a new trajectory. We’re all thinking about,and trying to plan for Resetting systems and processes; for what could be next- for sure, but I’m equally interested in how my thought process has changed. How my inner conversation has taken on a new tenor. This could be the opening I’ve, privately, been desiring for a long time. My business, and the economy – well, it’s more than a bit of a guessing game, but I’ve been working on models to help predict where my sales will go – based on a year of no vaccine. Personally, and for society as a whole, the objective is to establish a new equilibrium. How do I fit into that? The brave new consciousness among political, economic, social, and environmental systems have to FIT together; more urgently...

Episode 3: Sheltering in Grace

Welcome to Episode #3 - Sheltering in Grace

I'm your host, Sissy Siero. My guest for this episode is the multi-talented and truly wonderful Tasia Valenza, Emmy award winning Voiceover actor, Creator of Give Great Voice, recent TedX presenter, and mother of 3!

This show’s topic is near and dear to my heart and am excited to have Tasia to join me in this conversation to find how grace presents itself, how we learn our own ways to recognize, and become more available to it.

I’ll let you know how to get your stories to me at the end of the show.

So now let’s dive into Episode 3: “Sheltering in Grace”



Hey Tasia! Welcome! [Audio]



And now more of Episode #3 -Sheltering in Grace

And now a story from Charlie Love, and read by Claire Hamilton, a musician and songwriter from California:

“I have been using the practice of mediation daily to regulate fears and anxiety. I have found that when I use the energy from Sanskrit mantras, they transform my inner experiences of discord. The recitation of the mantra creates a sense of true peacefulness of the Self. I can use this anytime and the results are consistent. I am so grateful to have this practice to utilize in these unpredictable times.

On my shamanic path, I hike the first thing every morning. I have noticed how the outer environment has gotten quieter. I can hear louder than ever the wisdom of the trees, rocks, land and water. Ancient Wisdom is more available and wanting to be heard. That daily connection, helps me ground and know that the planet has stood in witness to so much dissonance. This gives me strength and helps me be present so I can choose to respond in interdependence communication. This too will pass and with the help of the elements and deep listening, I walk in balance and harmony during these unprecedented times.



And now a story from psychotherapist, grief advocate, writer, trainer and speaker -Candyce Ossefort-Russell- this is adapted from her Blog and is entitle “ Emotions are like Birds?” and I’m so happy that she agreed to share it with all of us here as well.

Candyce audio



Today, merely viewing a gallery of gorgeous photos taken on the grounds of a place sacred to me, made my heart melt into grateful tears… Little pieces of me, are flying back together, returning yet re-arranged in ways I didn’t know were necessary. Unbeknownst to me I have been Sheltered in Grace, even when I was sure I was lost and alone.



I wish to thank our contributors, and our listeners. I hope this episode dropped you all a little deeper into your heart of hearts, and reminded you, that You’re not alone. In our collective lives we are truly navigating and enduring a season unlike any other. As more and more truth and harsh realities are revealed, our voices of love, not hate, unity not division, are more urgently needed than ever before.

Please join me for the next Episode when we explore stories about lives ‘Reset” during the pandemic, and beyond.

Speak to you soon!

Episode 2: The Wedding

I’m Sissy Siero, your guide, your host, your virtual wedding coordinator - sharing an insider’s view of a socially-distanced blessed event - A wedding… right in our neighborhood; across the street no less.

How a clan of neighbors who, only 6 weeks earlier, went from waving to each other when we got into our cars, to a tightly nit group of new-found friends; banding together to make the best possible wedding, in the strangest possible situation, for a beloved couple - who had to postpone their big day, due to the pandemic.

You’ll hear live audio, from the Wedding and Reception, as well as other wedding stories; some from couples in the same situation as our friends, and a few stories from community writers remembering their own weddings.

I’m grateful to Justin and Mary Kate for allowing me to tell some of their story from this beautiful event, and to share it with all of you. It’s these moments that connect and remind us of who we are, what we’re doing and why - especially now when the pieces of our lives just don’t to fit together the way they use to.

First up the live Audio from Justin and Mary Kate’s wedding ceremony - April 24, 2020, ATX.

So, get ready- to raise a glass to love in Episode 2: The Wedding. [ audio from the Wedding ceremony]

This section of the show consists of more live audio from the wedding reception, and stories from couples experiencing the same thing as Justin and Mark Kate, as well as other stories of wedding memories.

And now… more of Episode #2 - The Wedding First up : 2 weddings in 35 days:

It was 2008, and we found out we could be legally married in - where else - California! So off we went.

Marriage license obtained at Beverly Hills City hall, where burly security guards congratulated us in gruff voices; queers of every stripe posing for happy photos on the steps; staring in disbelief as the license was pushed toward us through the slot and instead of a perfunctory close of the deal nod- this person looked up and gave us a warm, genuine smile.

Traci agreed to this adventure, more for me than anything, since to her it wouldn’t make a difference to our lives here in Texas. I know, but Damnit I wanted the piece of paper. I wanted what every other American citizen was legally able to do; it mattered!

That early evening It was to be just Traci, me, my BBF Hilary and her darling husband Jack, also there was an officiant I had met over the phone and spoke to twice.

Hilary and Jack had scattered rose pedals and hung chimes over the arch that looked out onto the blue pacific from park above Santa Monica - my idea of heaven.

When we held hands, looked into each other’s eyes and said our vows, my tears were not surprising - I could not believe my good fortune - was this really, finally happening! Wedding number 2 was 35 days later on our back deck in ATX. Full regalia this time. Family, flowers; Dad in his blue suit and pink tie, to walk me down the stone path. Traci’s Mother to walk her in to meet me; so many dear ones got up and read a wish, an invocation, a blessing for us, that became a book we still cherish; our darling friends decorated, helped with flowers, even hired a limo to whisk us away to a crazily decorated bridal suite at the Four Seasons; a few of our close boyfriends brought a sound system, set it up – DJ’s and Officiated.

We had a dance floor and catering; a photographer, white cafe lights and champaign and magic. And of course …beautiful Traci… - the way her hands felt in mine, her spirit filling my eyes….; our vows resonated with an even deeper intention this night. Time stretched and went it by in a whirl.

Something shifted in my consciousness that evening - 2 different weddings but somehow, the same experience. Without prompting my heart led the escape …melting a carefully constructed vessel I tried to keep it in.

Episode 1: Virtual Neighborhood

Welcome to “ Love in the time of COVID-19 ” -

you’ll join host, Sissy Siero- a distracted creative who is finally getting it together- and a chorus friends, family, neighbors, strangers, and colleagues; sharing poignant, honest, humorous, and sometimes, harrowing accounts of life, loss, love and restoration during the pandemic.

The podcast series’ mission is to create a welcoming space for a new community - one we never knew we needed. So pull up a lawn chair - at a safe distance of course - and listen to stories about ourselves, and each other.

Welcome - all of you …to my virtual neighborhood…I’m Sissy Siero your host, but really, I’m more of curator for the stories of your lives. This show is about all of us - it’s for you, for me - anyone who needs to speak, scream, rant, joke, cry or whatever - we here together and NEED to hear you- to know a slice of how your doing right now…today. We’re all gyrating to the heights and depths of our personal unknowns; the hidden moments of our lives.

Since I use my voice in business, I got the idea to offer to read other peoples’ stories; some don’t have the means, or just don’t want to hear the sound of their own voices! The process of collecting stories from around the neighborhood, and from around the world, is cheering me, and I’m very grateful to all of the contributors. As we get into the next episodes I’ll be enlisting some talented Voiceover colleagues to read your stories also, and to hopefully share some of their own. Speaking of which I want to thank, a long-time pal, music composer, engineer and producer extraordinaire and talented vo artist Simon Tassano for his spirited introduction! You Rock as always, handsome man!

Some tech notes - You’ll hear different audio quality and sound, throughout - and that’s intentional -stories are coming both in written form, and as audio shares.

I’ll let you know how to get your stories to me later in the show.

So here we go: “ Love in the time of COVID -19”

Stories: “Letter from Austin” [ 1.5 minutes]: I posted a selfie on IG wearing a homemade mask heading into Costco- the look in my eyes, says it all…it simply disturbs me a little deeper with every major shift; like when another daily habit, or ritual flies off the board. I keep remembering my Mom regaling me with stories of her childhood during the great depression and during WWII - hiding next to the stove reading, the kitchen dimly lit; a warm glow from streetlights through the newspaper covered windows; how they finally got use to air raid sirens going off at night. I think I kind of get it now since we're living with a constant undercurrent of unknowing and fear; don’t think I've ever had this level of stress before.

Austin is still mostly fine - if in general unsure where we all are , and where will be when and if the full force of the roiling wave hits us; there’s a palpable tilting back and forth between anxiety and laissez-faire.

Getting Home: Our airline had cancelled our flights so we had to shop new flights, and many of the routes looked dismal with three stops, all in airports i didn't want to be in. Meanwhile, the panic appeared to set in for a lot of folks who are scared, we are all scared, and I felt it well-up inside me everyday, a debilitating fear. We had many conversations about which decisions we are making in fear, and in our discomfort with uncertainty. Nobody is comfortable with uncertainty, and then with life or death circumstances, it is almost impossible to sort out the fearful responses from the beneficial ones.

“Trip to the Market –

“ZOOM” [ 1 minute] How many other people are stumbling through zoom meetings right at this very moment i wonder. Shit - I hate this! I hate the way my voice sounds - so like squeaky and pinched, like a teenager or some awkward geek; I’m an engineer - I’ve got a masters - what the hell is wrong with me!