Basically Brilliant

Marjorie Longcore
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Society & Culture
  • Weekly

Basically Brilliant is a place where people of all walks of life are given a forum to share their life lessons. I'm your host, Marj Longcore, and I believe that everyone is here for a reason and has something important to contribute during our short time on earth. I find people fascinating and have discovered that I can learn something from anyone. I also know that I can help bring more love, kindness and compassion into the world by listening to and better understanding those around me. Most of the people interviewed on this podcast are not famous, but they will inspire you, make you laugh -- or cry -- and quite likely change your life perspective for the better. Access supporting content and learn more about me on my website, TheGratefulLed.com.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Ghosts, Bacon, and the Pursuit of Happiness

    What if getting laid off was the best thing that ever happened to you? Beth Anne Campbell shares the moment she walked away from 23 years in corporate tech and finally stepped into the life she had been circling for years—as an author, podcaster, speaker, and unapologetically herself. This week, we sit down with Beth, a former corporate leader turned full-time creative, for a conversation that goes far beyond career reinvention. Beth opens up about the panic, freedom, and unexpected relief that followed her corporate exit, and why losing the job she no longer loved became the push she needed to build a more joyful life. If you’re wondering whether it’s too late to start over, launch the thing you keep putting off, or trust the nudge toward something bigger, this conversation is for you. For Beth’s books, podcasts and other adventures, visit: https:/bethannecampbell.com

  2. Oct 26

    Came for a Career, Found a Calling

    A Hindu Brahmin priest family. An invitation to a play about Jesus. One moment of curiosity that changed everything. Danesh Manik shares the story of how hearing the resurrection story for the first time led him to investigate Christianity—and ultimately changed the course of his life. He reflects on the questions that shaped his journey, the challenges of sharing his new faith with family, and the surprising ways his mother and brother came to follow Jesus. Hear Danesh talk about his work as a technology leader, educator, and pastor. Across each role, he sees a common purpose: investing in people and helping them grow. Marj and Danesh discuss family, leadership, finding time to rest, and the lessons Danesh would share with his younger self. To hear Danesh speak on navigating life as a pastor in addition to his other responsibilities, visit the Michigan Ministry Network L3 Podcast and listen to Season 4, Episode 27 entitled "Danesh Manik: Co-Vocational Ministry" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-ep27-featuring-danesh-manik-co-vocational-ministry/id1662056200?i=1000779677392

  3. Oct 19

    From Introvert to Community Builder: The Dog-Loving Entrepreneur Story

    After nearly two decades in architecture, Christine Longcore made a major career change: she opened a Pilates studio and built a community of around 1,500 members. In this week’s episode of Basically Brilliant, Chrissy shares what led her from the comfort of a regular paycheck working in high-end retail design to developing her own Pilates business—and why creating a life that felt right mattered more than staying on a familiar path. Chrissy also offers advice for choosing a Pilates studio, including what to ask about instructor training and why safe, attentive instruction matters. Beyond business, she talks about managing stress as an entrepreneur, making space for real connection as an introvert, and the Dobermans who helped bring people together through her dog community. This candid conversation is for anyone considering a career pivot, growing a small business, or looking for inspiration to build a life around what matters most.

  4. Oct 12

    True Love Conquers All

    A 2013 Christmas Eve phone call changed everything for Lisa Monroe when her husband suffered a catastrophic fall and woke up with a life-altering brain injury. What followed is a story of grief, grit, faith, and a marriage tested in ways most people can barely imagine. Lisa opens up about the accident, the hospital days, the brutal recovery, and the reality of loving someone who is still here but profoundly changed. If you’ve ever wondered what commitment looks like when life stops looking anything like you planned, this conversation will stay with you. A powerful moment in this episode is when Lisa shares a journal entry from 2020 when she must finally say goodbye to the husband she once knew. Lisa also shares how this experience reshaped her understanding of love, forgiveness, and identity. She talks honestly about the strain of caregiving, the moments that nearly broke her, and the decision to stay when walking away might have seemed easier. Lisa Monroe is a bank professional, counselor, mother, grandmother, and woman of deep faith who has turned lived pain into wisdom for others. Her perspective is raw, compassionate, and practical for anyone facing a family crisis, marriage struggle, or season of unwanted change. This episode is for anyone who needs proof that you can endure heartbreak without losing hope. It’s also a powerful reminder that sometimes the strongest love story is the one that survives the unthinkable. To learn more about Lisa’s counseling business, Safe Harbor Counseling, email her at safeharborcounseling@yahoo.com.

  5. Oct 5

    Navigating Pet Loss

    Loving a pet means eventually facing one of the hardest seasons of your life—and most people are unprepared for how deep that grief can go. Carol-Ann Cramer shares what three recent and very different pet losses have taught her about anticipatory grief, making end-of-life decisions with compassion, and how to keep fear of the future from stealing the time you still have. Join us for a candid, deeply practical conversation with Carol-Ann about what pet grief actually feels like—from the shock of a sudden cancer diagnosis to the slow ache of chronic illness and the weight of saying goodbye after years together. If you’ve ever wondered why losing an animal can hit so hard, or how to support someone going through it, this episode offers clarity, comfort, and concrete help. For more help, download the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center guide: How Will I Know.

  6. Sep 28

    Raise Your Hand

    What if the most powerful leadership skill is simply helping people hear their own voice? Alicia Roach has spent more than 25 years in corporate America mastering the art of encouraging, connecting, and making people feel seen—and her perspective on confidence, mentoring, and growth lands exactly where it matters most. Join us for a conversation that is warm, personal, and surprisingly practical. Alicia shares how a lifetime of influence from the women in her life shaped her gift for coaching others, why small breakthrough moments matter so much, and how she helps coworkers, peers, and women find the confidence to speak up—even when they are not sure they are ready. This episode is for anyone who needs a reminder that confidence can be built, voices can be found, and progress does not have to be dramatic to be life-changing. If you lead people, mentor others, or are trying to trust your own voice a little more, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged, grounded, and ready to take the next step.

  7. Sep 21

    Every Nice Word Matters

    Love, respect, and kindness are more than nice ideas - they’re Stephanie Watkins’ operating system. In this conversation, the environmental analyst opens up about the life experiences that shaped her, from becoming a mom at 23 and starting a new career at 40 to learning how therapy, self-awareness, and a little extra grace can change everything. Join us for a warm, deeply personal interview that reveals the heart behind Steph’s work and relationships. You’ll hear how she built a life around showing up for people, why she believes every nice word matters, and how she uses simple habits like thoughtful check-ins, meaningful compliments, and honest communication to brighten the lives around her. Stephanie is the kind of guest who makes you rethink what strength looks like. She’s kind without being performative, reflective without losing her edge, and refreshingly honest about the ongoing work of becoming a better human. Her perspective is especially relevant if you’re juggling family, work, personal growth, and the pressure to have life figured out by some imaginary deadline. If you need a reminder that it’s never too late to change direction, speak more gently, or lead with compassion, this episode delivers it. Perfect for anyone who wants more meaning, more connection, and a practical nudge toward being part of the solution.

  8. Sep 14

    You Can't Spell Abundant without D-A-N

    What happens when a husband and father decides to surrender what was preventing him from reaching his full potential and rebuild his life around faith, health, and purpose? Dan Gretzner shares the story behind his alcohol-free journey, the word-of-the-year practice shaping his mindset, and the simple habits that are helping him transform as he approaches his 60th birthday. Join us for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about the moments, choices, and relationships that shaped him - from 29 years at Consumers Energy to the lessons he carried over from his days as a sportswriter. Along the way, Dan opens up about the habits that keep him grounded, the people who changed his life, and why he sees his role in the world as helping others shine.

  9. Sep 7

    Pursuing Peace and Progress

    This week’s episode features our first guest, Susan Osbeck, a business development professional who lives in Denver, Colorado. Susan shares numerous life experiences including pivotal career decisions as well as personal milestones such as reuniting with her biological son. She also shares wisdom around executing without guarantee of outcomes, embracing introversion, striving for peace of mind and the dangers of an open mind.

  10. Aug 18

    Basically Brilliant: An Introduction

    Learn more about the thought behind the new podcast, Basically Brilliant, including why you should listen, who you will hear from, where to find episodes, what to expect, etc. Your host, Marj Longcore, will also provide a sample of some of the questions that will be asked of each guest, by answering a few of them herself.

  • 10 Episodes

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Basically Brilliant is a place where people of all walks of life are given a forum to share their life lessons. I'm your host, Marj Longcore, and I believe that everyone is here for a reason and has something important to contribute during our short time on earth. I find people fascinating and have discovered that I can learn something from anyone. I also know that I can help bring more love, kindness and compassion into the world by listening to and better understanding those around me. Most of the people interviewed on this podcast are not famous, but they will inspire you, make you laugh -- or cry -- and quite likely change your life perspective for the better. Access supporting content and learn more about me on my website, TheGratefulLed.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Marjorie Longcore
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Marjorie Longcore
  • Show Website
    Basically Brilliant