How To Share

Wynne Leon

A podcast about the why of sharing and how to do it better. What kind of sharing are we talking about? Toys? Tools? Files? Calendars? Meals? Space? The planet? All of it. We do it professionally and personally. In boardrooms and in bedrooms we tease out our willingness and ability to share. That’s what this podcast is focused on: how to share – to the appropriate audience, at the right time, and also understand how to receive when others share.

  1. FEB 4

    How to Share Perspective with Andrea Simon

    In this episode, author and educator Andrea Simon talks with Wynne Leon about her novel 'Did You Live the Life You Wanted?' which explores themes of perspective, regret, and the meaning of life through the lens of female friendships and personal experiences. The conversation delves into the differences in how men and women perceive their life choices, the challenges of writing about family, and the evolution of storytelling in the digital age. Andrea shares insights from her own life and the lives of others, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and the impact of friendships on shaping our lives. Takeaways The novel spans 50 years, highlighting female friendships.Writing about family requires sensitivity and respect.Men and women often have different perspectives on life choices.Older women may feel they had fewer options in their careers.Photography has evolved, changing how we capture moments.Female friendships provide essential support throughout life.Regret can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.Teaching later in life can be more fulfilling than expected.Understanding characters' motivations enhances storytelling.It's important to pursue personal desires as we age.Links for this episode: How to Share homeHow to Share Perspective transcript Andrea Simon's website Did You Have the Life You Wanted? on Barnes & Noble, and Amazon From the host: Wynne's book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

    27 min
  2. JAN 28

    How to Share Compassionate Stories that Inspire and Connect

    In this episode of How to Share, host Wynne Leon interviews social psychologist and writer Anne Beall about her book, The Compassionate Writer. They discuss the importance of compassion in writing, exploring the four pillars: compassion for ourselves, for others, for the reader, and throughout the writing process. Anne shares her journey from academia to founding a literary journal, and how her unique perspective shapes her writing. The conversation also delves into the psychological aspects of storytelling, practical exercises for writers, and the reframing of fairy tales to uncover deeper meanings. Takeaways Compassion is essential for effective storytelling.Understanding our own narratives requires empathy.Writers should be gentle with themselves during the process.Compassion for the reader enhances engagement.Psychological biases affect how we perceive our writing.Different learning styles require varied teaching methods.Visualizations can aid in the writing process.Fairy tales often reflect societal values and biases.Seeing stories from multiple perspectives enriches writing.The tone of writing can create a more relatable experience. Links for this episode: ⁠How to Share home⁠ The Compassionate Writer on ⁠Barnes & Noble⁠, and ⁠Amazon⁠ ⁠Anne Beall's website⁠ ⁠Anne Beall on Substack⁠ ⁠Chicago Story Press Literary Journal⁠ From the host: Wynne's book about my beloved father: ⁠Finding My Father’s Faith⁠

    28 min
  3. JAN 21

    How to Share Music with Nancy Shear

    In this episode of "How to Share," host Wynne Leon engages in a captivating conversation with author and educator Nancy Shear about her memoir, "I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms." Nancy shares her remarkable journey, beginning as a teenager who snuck into the Philadelphia Orchestra, which ultimately led to her career as an assistant librarian for the orchestra at just 17 years old. Through her stories, she recounts her encounters with legendary figures like conductor Leopold Stokowski and cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, revealing the behind-the-scenes workings of orchestras and the profound impact of music on her life. The discussion delves into the essence of classical music, its relevance in today's world, and the beauty it brings to our lives. Nancy emphasizes the importance of finding one's own path, especially for young people who may feel limited by financial constraints. Her insights on courage, creativity, and the transformative power of music resonate throughout the episode, leaving listeners inspired to embrace their own stories and opportunities.Takeaways:"If you have no choice, then you make a life.""Money is not necessary; it led to my going backstage and meeting all these people.""Beauty still matters in this battered world.""What is to lose? You’re walking into a room of human beings.""Writing the book was where the courage really came in."Links for this episode:How To Share Music transcriptI Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms by Nancy Shear on Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Simon & SchusterNancy Shear's website: https://nancyshear.com/From the host:Wynne's blog: https://wynneleon.com and book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

    33 min
  4. JAN 14

    How to Share Snapshots of the American Dream

    In this episode of How to Share, hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with author Gloria Golec about her memoir, South Side Memories. The conversation explores themes of family, immigrant experiences, and the power of storytelling. Gloria shares insights on how her Polish heritage and family dynamics shaped her identity and writing journey. The discussion emphasizes the importance of preserving personal narratives, the emotional connections that come from sharing stories, and provides the inspiration for writing our own stories. Takeaways The book is a reflection of the American dream and immigrant experiences.Storytelling helps maintain connections to roots and loved ones.Writing can be a therapeutic process for personal growth.Family dynamics, especially gender roles, play a significant role in shaping identity.Cherished memories can provide clarity and understanding of past relationships.Cultural heritage is often intertwined with food traditions and family gatherings.Teaching experiences can influence one's writing and storytelling approach.Writing a memoir can be an emotional journey that brings past relationships closer.Encouragement to start writing by focusing on one story at a time.Sharing stories can inspire others and create a sense of community.Links for this episode: How To Share Snapshots of the American Dream transcript Gloria Golec's profile on Eckhartz Press South Side Memories on Eckhartz Press From the hosts: Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/ My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

    26 min
  5. JAN 7

    How To Share: From International Lawyer to Thriller Writer

    In this episode of 'How to Share', hosts Wynne Leon andVicki Atkinson engage with author Marc Ross about his latest geopolitical thriller, 'Attacking the Dragon'. The conversation delves into the book's plot, which revolves around China's Belt and Road Initiative, and how Ross's background as a lawyer influenced his writing. They explore the complexities ofChinese politics, character development, and the nuances of storytelling, as well as Ross's personal journey from law to fiction writing. Takeaways: Marc Ross's book 'Attacking the Dragon' explores China's geopolitical landscape.The Belt and Road Initiative is a significant yet under-discussed topic.Ross aims to portray China as a victim rather than an aggressor in his narrative.His legal background provides a unique perspective on the thriller genre.Character names in Chinese culture are complex but manageable for storytelling.Ross's writing journey reflects a long-held dream to become an author.He emphasizes the importance of creating unique protagonists in thrillers.The art of storytelling involves engaging readers through vivid descriptions.Ross enjoys the process of writing and values reader feedback. His experiences as a lawyer enrich his fictional narratives.Links for this Episode: How to Share home A. Marc Ross's website: https://www.amarcross.com/index.html Attacking the Dragon on Barnes & Noble and Amazon From the hosts: Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/ My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

    24 min
  6. 12/17/2025

    How to Share Our Luck with Gil Gillenwater

    In this enlightening conversation, Gil Gillenwater is with host Wynne Leon and shares his experiences and insights from over 35 years of philanthropic work along the US-Mexico border. He discusses his book, 'Hope on the Border,' which highlights the transformative power of education and community service. Gil emphasizes the importance of enlightened self-interest over traditional charity, advocating for a model that empowers individuals and fosters dignity. He explores the duality of poverty, the need for sustainable opportunities, and the joy found in serving others, ultimately presenting a vision for a more connected and compassionate world. Takeaways Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.Enlightened self-interest can lead to personal and communal growth.Charity should not be viewed as a sacrifice but as a mutual benefit.Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment.Welfare can disempower individuals and communities.Community service fosters connections and shared humanity.The disparity in wealth is a significant issue that needs addressing.Experiencing poverty firsthand can change perspectives.Creating opportunities in one's home country can reduce migration.The joy of service is a pathway to personal happiness.Links for this episode: How to Share home Hope on the Border at Amazon Gil's organization: Rancho Feliz Gil Gillenwater on Facebook Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/; Substack: https://wynneleon930758.substack.com/

    29 min
  7. 12/10/2025

    How to Share 1970's Chicago with Doug. E. Jones

    In this episode, hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with novelist Doug E. Jones about his latest book, 'Take Me Back to Chicago.' The conversation delves into the rich tapestry of 1974 Chicago, exploring the characters, music, and personal connections that shape the narrative. Doug shares insights into his transition from TV writing to novel writing, the thematic elements of his work, and the humor that permeates his storytelling. The episode highlights the importance of character dynamics and the personal experiences that inform Doug's writing, making it a delightful exploration of both the book and the author's journey.Takeaways Doug E. Jones's novel is set in 1974 Chicago, rich with cultural references.The protagonist, Rick, faces a significant debt left by his father.The book features strong female characters, including Rick's daughter Elena.Doug's writing process involves integrating real Chicago characters and events.The transition from TV writing to novel writing was liberating for Doug.Music plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the story.The character dynamics between Rick and his friend Javi add humor and depth.Historical context is woven into the narrative, enhancing the story's richness.Doug's personal experiences influence the characters and settings in his novels.The book is described as a 'beach read'—entertaining and engaging.Links for this episode: How to Share1970's Chicago Take Me Back to Chicago by Doug E. Jones on Eckhartz Press Q&A with Take Me Back to Chicago author Doug E. Jones

    28 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

A podcast about the why of sharing and how to do it better. What kind of sharing are we talking about? Toys? Tools? Files? Calendars? Meals? Space? The planet? All of it. We do it professionally and personally. In boardrooms and in bedrooms we tease out our willingness and ability to share. That’s what this podcast is focused on: how to share – to the appropriate audience, at the right time, and also understand how to receive when others share.