Between Over & Next Robert Allen & Holli Ehrlich

Life is a series of moments strung together, colored by experiences that mark our journey from one milestone to the next. Join hosts Holli and Robert as they celebrate their age and talk fondly of their six decades lived as a testament to their resilience and positivity.  They share insights on marriage, parenting, and the value of a strong support system. Spanning topics like career transitions and entrepreneurship, personal growth, and family dynamics, the duo candidly shares the wisdom garnered from their own experiences, shedding light on the trajectory from their youth to the seasoned perspectives they now hold in their sixties. The episode doesn't shy away from discussing the significance of growing older with gratitude, maintaining health, forging and nurturing relationships, and embracing change. This episode of 'Between Over & Next' will inspire listeners to lead a life brimming with joy and fulfillment, irrespective of their age.
Key Takeaways: Age is just a number; mindset and embracing every moment are the true determinants of a fulfilling life. Investing in personal and professional growth in your twenties lays a strong foundation for the future. The thirties and forties are pivotal for balancing family life with personal aspirations and maintaining strong relationships. Reflection and reevaluation become more intrinsic in one's fifties, setting the stage for a focused and intentional approach to the coming years. Lifelong learning, self-care, and giving back to the community are essential practices for a happy and meaningful life. Holli & Robert Quotes: "Time seems to move so much faster as you get older."
"Invest in your relationships over and over and over again."
"We are the architect of our happiness."
"I am grateful for the abundance in my life."
 
 

In today's rapidly evolving world, the concept of a lifelong career is no longer the norm. The journey between where we are, where we have been, and where we want to be can often seem like a complex maze. However, as the insightful podcast "Between Over and Next" reveals, it also offers a rich space full of possibilities for personal and professional growth. Hosts Holli and Robert introduce us to the inspiring story of Shannon Mayernik, who at 41, discovered her passion for herbalism and transformed her life by leaving the confines of a loathed publishing job to create a business bursting with purpose. 
Shannon reminisces about the pivotal moment that shifted her career trajectory - a spontaneous visit to a local farm that led to her epiphany and decisive career shift from a twelve-year stint in publishing to pursuing herbalism. The narrative unfolds as she shares her explorations in herbalism and the joys of working harmoniously with nature. Shannon deconstructs the idea of plant medicine, touching upon how common herbs like ginger, lemon balm, and chamomile can be used as natural remedies for the body's well-being. This podcast episode illustrates the power of embracing one's true calling and how nature, entrepreneurship, and personal well-being can intertwine to foster a meaningful life.
Key Takeaways Shannon Mayernik took a significant leap from a career in publishing to founding her own herbalism business, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion. Plant medicine and herbalism offer natural alternatives to conventional medication for common ailments such as colds, sleep issues, and digestive troubles. Herb gardening can be both a therapeutic pastime and a sustainable way to cultivate personal health remedies. Educating oneself and being financially pragmatic are crucial when transitioning to a passion-led career. Starting small and growing one's passion for natural health into a business is possible with dedication, patience, and support. Shannon Mayernik Quotes:  "I went to a local farm just to pick up eggs in the morning. And as I was driving out, it just hit me. I said I had to quit my job. This is not what I want to do."
"I followed my passion. I fell in love with herbalism and really just followed it."
 "You don't want to just grow all of these plants and then come fall, they die. You want to be using them throughout the year."
"Dandelions? Everyone looks at it as a weed. It's not a weed. It could be used medicinally from flower to root. And it's great for your digestive system. It's good for immunity, it's good for the liver."
"You're always going to be thinking about work... It just comes with owning your own business."
About Shannon Mayernik   Shannon is an herbalist and plant medicine maker who started her green journey back in 2012. She graduated from Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine and became an herbalist under the apprenticeship of Robin Rose Bennet. Shannon graduated from the Academy of Culinary Nutrition in 2015 and became a Master Food Preserver in 2019. In 2022, Shannon became a Level 1 Certified Aromatherapist through the School for Aromatic Studies & in 2024, Shannon became a Flower Essence Practitioner. In 2015 she launched Mayernik Kitchen with her husband Matt, a Modern Day Herbal Apothecary in Pompton Plains, NJ. They are committed to producing pure herbal preparations and educating others on the art of growing and making medicine from plants. They offer a wide spectrum of plants and herbal medicines, integrating and preserving the sacred bounty. They create more than 75 products, created from many of the herbs sourced from their New Jersey farm. 
Courses Learn about gardening, growing flowers, & maintaining house plants
Herb Farmer Apprenticeship 
The Mayernik Kitchen Table embraces natural wellness and sustainability while enjoying video lessons, live events, conversations, and Q&A sessions

In this episode of "Between Over & Next," hosts Holli and Robert sit down with Jill Frechtman to delve into her journey from creating a popular office party snack to becoming the powerhouse behind a nationally admired gourmet brand, Fretzels. The episode promises a blend of personal storytelling, practical advice, and inspiring entrepreneurial insights that are bound to engage listeners from various walks of life.
Known for her innovative approach to marketing and her expertise in branding, Jill articulates the challenges and triumphs of starting and scaling a business, touching on key moments such as receiving overwhelming support and the serendipitous feature on Daily Candy that skyrocketed her sales. She provides a candid look into the evolution of a business, the strategies deployed to thrive in the competitive market, and the bittersweet but necessary decision to close the doors to her venture. As a bonus, listeners will gain an understanding of how personal experiences and professional expertise can pivot to seize new opportunities and guide others.
Key Takeaways: Jill Frechtman shares her story of transitioning from advertising to entrepreneurship, building the Fretzels brand from scratch. Serendipitous opportunities, such as being featured in Daily Candy, can significantly boost a new business. Transitioning a product from direct sales to retail requires a rethinking of packaging, branding, and distribution strategy. The importance of excellent customer service and personal touches in building brand loyalty and standing out in the marketplace. Closing a business can be a complex emotional journey, yet the experience gained is invaluable for future endeavors and mentoring others. Jill Frechtman Quotes: “I never invented chocolate-covered pretzels, but nobody was marketing it as a high-end gourmet gift item."
"I just leaned into what I knew and what was available to me when I started."
"Say yes and figure it out later."
"Attention to detail is really important. It's the little things that are important."
"People just want to be seen and heard and understood."
"I certainly knew nothing about the food industry."
About Jill Frechtman Jill Frechtman is an award-winning entrepreneur turned brand strategist and trusted startup advisor. Her journey from advertising to entrepreneurship embodies the spirit of resilience and reinvention.
Inspired by the acclaim her homemade chocolate pretzels received at an office holiday, Jill launched Fretzels by Jill in 2005 as an online gift business for just $300. Her creative ingenuity propelled Fretzels into a nationally recognized brand, featured on The Today Show and in The Wall Street Journal. Navigating the challenges of the 2008 recession, Jill pivoted to wholesale distribution and secured retail partnerships with Nordstrom, The Fresh Market, and various independent specialty food shops.
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, she played a pivotal role in expanding Chocolate Works, a second-generation chocolate company, into a national franchise. Her roles at organizations like TIGER 21 and Russell Reynolds Associates further honed her branding, marketing, and community engagement expertise.
Today, as a consultant and educator, Jill shares her insights with aspiring food entrepreneurs, teaching brands to stand out and set themselves up for success. She recently co-founded and launched The Aura Project, a community for women leaders navigating a period of personal reinvention due to a career transition.
 

In this inspiring episode of "Between Over and Next," hosts Holli and Robert sit down with the seasoned writer and journalist, David Noonan, to discuss the transformative journey of a writer across the decades. From the typewriter era to the digital age, David shares the evolution of his writing career and offers profound insights into the art of storytelling, the craft of writing, and the ever-changing landscape of the written word.
David unpicks some of the most memorable jobs he's had and how these experiences have shaped his approach to writing. He illuminates the complexity of translating medical and scientific information into accessible, engaging feature articles. Later, he delves into his short stint in screenwriting, describing how it honed his appreciation for visual storytelling. Then, David reminisces about his foray into songwriting - a new boundary in his creativity - and expounds on the exhilarating process of capturing stories within melodies.
Key Takeaways Discovering and nurturing your talents early in life can lead to a fulfilling career - David knew he wanted to be a writer since 7th grade. Diverse experiences across various jobs can enrich one's approach to storytelling - from the assembly of toys to screenwriting. The transition from typewriter to digital platforms has opened up more avenues for writers to publish and share their work, lowering barriers to entry. Songwriting presents a unique and mystical form of storytelling that combines personal memories, feelings, and the sensory experience of music. Artificial intelligence is seen as both a potent tool for writers and a non-threat to the inherently human experience at the core of storytelling. David Noonan Quotes "One of the good things about getting older... there's more to write about." - refers to David's treasure trove of experiences to draw upon in his writing.
"I learned more outside of these structured systems than I could ever learn in school." - this relates to the wealth of knowledge David has accumulated outside traditional education.
"The secret of being a writer is that basically, you spend your life learning." - this emphasizes the continual learning process inherent in a writer's journey.
"I just remember things that never happened." - David's unique approach to fiction writing, where he visualizes fictional events with as much detail as memories.
"It's so purely creative... when I'm playing my guitar and I'm trying to write a song, I'm strumming away... it's happening to me more than writing novels and nonfiction stories." - this describes the organic and enveloping process of songwriting.
About David David Noonan is an accomplished writer with an extensive 50-year career in the writing industry. He has established himself as a seasoned journalist, feature writer, and author. Notably, David has contributed to prominent magazines with his works published in notable outlets such as the New York Times Magazine, Scientific American, Esquire, Sports Illustrated, Smithsonian, and Newsweek, where he was the Health and Medical Senior Editor for 10 years. He was also the National Affairs Editor at Readers Digest. He has explored various writing genres, including screenwriting, and his versatility encompasses a wealth of subjects from science and medicine to sports and fiction. David's ability to adapt his storytelling across various platforms showcases his lifelong commitment to the craft of writing.
David is the author of two books, the critically acclaimed novel Memoirs of a Caddy, and the non-fiction Neuro. His Kindle Single, Attempted Hippie, was named one of the Top Ten e-singles of 2013 by Thin Reads. David is currently working as a freelance writer and communications consultant, specializing in science, medicine, and healthcare.
38 Jobs A Life’s Work by David Noonan
Fun Facts: Besides pumping gas, burying people, and caddying, he has worked as a plumber's helper, a dishwasher, a cab driver, a diamond weigher, and a rous

In this emotionally charged episode of 'Between Over And Next,' join Holli and Robert on a profound exploration of the significance of leaving a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With Holli's energetic engagement and Robert's extensive background as a documentarian, the episode encourages listeners to document their narratives, spotlighting the indelible impact such records can have on both the present and future generations.
The episode delves into the essence of legacy and the various forms it can take, from recorded memories to imparted wisdom. Holli and Robert draw from their journey, touching upon their familial history and the professional experiences that have bolstered their belief in preserving personal stories. With persuasive narratives and practical advice, the duo accentuates the impact of legacy videos, the advances in documenting technology, and the ways to overcome the common apprehension associated with starting such a venture.
Key Takeaways: Legacy involves preserving impactful events and the essence of a person's life for future generations. Documenting one's personal story, values, and life lessons on video is a compelling medium to leave a lasting impact. The episode underscores the therapeutic benefits of creating legacy videos for both the storyteller and descendants. Robert shares heart-warming insights and practical advice derived from his time at 'Thru My Eyes', where he created video biographies for terminally ill individuals. Holli and Robert provide an exclusive free guide with biography questions and best practices to help listeners start documenting their legacy. Holli & Robert Quotes: "We passionately advocate for the documentation of life stories." "Your story serves as a reminder of how far you've come." "Imagine the chance to watch your grandparents' wedding video." "Everyone has the capability to document their family history." "100% of the time...we always ended with the person feeling grateful." Mentioned In Episode 12: Episode 4 'Between Over & Next': Celebrating Achievements Of The Parent-Child Journey

Thru My Eyes Featured on CNN
In Episode 2 'Between Over & Next': A Conversation On Entrepreneurship, Robert shares his experience working with the organization “Thru My Eyes” and the importance of documenting one’s story

Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange, NJ

Yogi Berra Museum 

In this insightful episode of "Between Over and Next," hosts Holli and Robert dive into the theme of navigating life transitions and their impact on relationships. As they engage in candid conversation, they open a window into how different stages of life, such as anniversaries, career changes, and retirement, can either strengthen bonds or present challenges in our connections.
The episode highlights the importance of communication and intentional connection as the foundational pillars of any relationship. Holli and Robert provide tangible advice on fostering resilience and growth within partnerships, whether facing the excitement of new beginnings or the adjustments of later life stages. With a focus on embracing change, they underscore the potential for relationship milestones to become enriching chapters in a shared story of love and life.
Key Takeaways Life transitions are pivotal in shaping relationships and may reinforce bonds or cause tension. Effective communication and active listening are vital in adapting to changes within relationships. Establishing new traditions and expressing appreciation are key to keeping the connection alive. Changes in intimacy and romance can be navigated by redefining their meanings and staying close through life's ups and downs. Viewing changes as opportunities for growth, and committing to growing together instead of apart, can transform transitions into enriching relational experiences. Notable Quotes: "Communication matters. And the other thing that matters in evolving relationships is prioritizing connection and quality time."
"Intimacy and romance are a really important part of a couple's life. And it's very often, I think, ignored or not talked about enough."
"It's about communication and sharing feelings and thoughts. And those can be a mixed bag."
"So ultimately, it's the commitment to grow together rather than apart. And that transforms these transitions into enriching chapters of a shared story."