Living Your Sparked Second Half Laurie Wright

EP401: Meet Heather Rivera, a woman whose story is nothing short of extraordinary. I met Heather on my recent yoga retreat in Thailand and thought her story of finding her way to her authentic self, despite the pressure to be someone she wasn’t, just had to be shared as proof that true happiness can only be found when we follow our own path - no matter how winding the road may be.
Raised in a cult, Heather's early years were marked by turmoil, uncertainty, and a feeling that what she was being told simply didn’t add up. Something deep inside of her had a knowing that kept her questioning the “rules” she was being told to follow. 
Unfortunately, the turmoil that stirred within her, led her down the path of drug and alcohol addiction as she attempted to navigate her way out of the cult, but through this difficult journey, Heather ultimately found her way to sobriety, tapping into her inner strength and unearthing her passions that led her to a fulfilling career path.
In this episode we talked about:
The challenges and confusion she faced during her early years being raised in a cult.
The struggles and obstacles she encountered on her journey to overcome her addictions.
The many twists and turns that grew her confidence and fulfillment in her professional life.
Her belief in the inherent potential for growth and learning in every situation.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Heather's story is her unwavering belief in the value of every experience, no matter how challenging. The example of her failing business and how she’s successfully rebounded from that experience reminds us that adversity can be a catalyst for personal transformation, and there is always an opportunity around the corner, even in the darkest of times.
Heather truly embodies the spirit of adventure and fearlessness, embracing new opportunities with enthusiasm and determination. But the best part is that Heather is exactly who she is meant to be, ensuring her a fully sparked future! 
Tune in to hear Heather's inspiring story and get inspired to stay true to yourself and walk the path that is only yours. 
Other ways to find and connect with Heather are:
Website: https://heatherriveradesigns.com/ Contact: https://heatherriveradesigns.com/pages/contact Corporate Website: https://thevosteam.com/ 
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at lauriewright@notyouraveragegrandma.com or send a message using any of the sites below:

Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com               Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright                Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma             YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma     
 
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP400: In this special episode, I share the gifts I got as a result of my recent inspirational trip to Thailand, offering reflections on what I learned, what I was reminded of, and how I want to move forward in life for at least the near term, and most important, how crucial unplugging is for the soul.  
I talk about my surprises with the long-haul flight, the revelations about Thailand, and the passion that was reignited by this trip and what inspired action it led me to take. I also include a review of some of the travel purchases I shared in Episode 396 before I left highlighting what worked and what didn't.
All in all, this episode is a narrative that captures the essence of travel as a catalyst for change and self-discovery. Let it inspire you to plan an adventure that will allow you to unplug, listen for those inner whispers that could alter your path forward, and gain the knowledge you need to be fulfilled in the time you have left.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at lauriewright@notyouraveragegrandma.com or send a message using any of the sites below:

Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma    Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP399: In today’s episode, I’ve invited a past guest, Rita Black, who is a clinical hypnotherapist and leading expert in the fields of smoking cessation and weight loss, to join me again because our last conversation was so powerful, and it’s worth hearing again. Plus she has something special coming up that, if you’re curious about trying hypnosis for weight loss, I want you to know about.
Not only is Rita the author of the best-selling book "From Fat to Thin Thinking: Unlock Your Mind for Permanent Weight Loss," she also hosts her own podcast called "Thin Thinking."
I’ve split this episode into two parts with the first part the highlights of our last conversation in June of 2023 and the second part being an new conversation where we delve deeper into Rita's methodologies for facilitating lasting change through hypnosis, emphasizing the significance of shifting subconscious beliefs and identities that can shift seemyly unbreadkable habits in just one session, like the session she experienced that changed the trajectory of her life and, more importantly, her health.
This episode includes so many great nuggets of information including:
How one hypnosis session helped her kick her 30+ year smoking habit.
How her personal experience lit a fire within to learn hypnotherapy so she could help people struggling with the problems she had overcome with hypnosis.
Her personal experience with bulimia and her perspective in the dieting industry 
Her tips for breaking free from destructive habits and achieving success in weight loss and smoking cessation 
Rita recounts her transition from Hollywood script writer to hypnotherapy and the pivotal role hypnosis played in her personal evolution. Her expertise and practical strategies will inspire you to make lasting changes and step into the second half of your life with renewed vitality.
If you’re seeking a weight loss solution and would like to check out Rita’s FREE weight loss masterclass, Breaking Free: Mastering Your Mindset for Lasting Weight Release, which includes a light hypnosis session, check it out by CLICKING HERE. This approximately 75-minute masterclass will walk you through how to remove the subconscious weight barriers that keep you struggling. Definitely worth the time spent!
This episode offers invaluable insights into personal transformation, tackling challenges related to smoking and weight, and the profound impact of hypnosis. 
Other ways to find and connect with Rita are:
Podcast: https://podcast.shiftweightmastery.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShiftWeightMastery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftweightmastery/ 
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at lauriewright@notyouraveragegrandma.com or send a message using any of the sites below:

Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright               Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma             YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma    
 
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP398: Today’s guest is Mary Jo Hoffman, a former aeronautical engineer turned artist and photographer, who shares her transformative journey from engineering to becoming a full-time “still” photographer who engages deeply with the natural world through a daily creative practice.
Mary Jo is celebrated for a 100 day project, where she commited to take one photograph of nature every day. That daily commitment not only surpassed its first 100 days but has continued over several years resulting in stunning photographs. 
In this episode we talked about:
Her transition from aerospace engineer to artist in her mid-40s and now a published author at age 59.
The inspiration behind her ongoing project, "STILL," and her daily ritual of capturing still photos of nature.
Reflections on the importance of embracing creativity and noticing the beauty in the everyday.
The importance of being present and how creative practices are a channel for that.
Our discussion also covered the interesting relationship between creativity and mathematics and gave encouragement to embark on your own 100 day creative journey. 
Mary Jo's husband, Steve, is a food writer, and their experiences as a family living in France further enrich our discussion, highlighting how embracing creativity and mindfulness can lead to fulfilling second acts in life.
Other ways to find and connect with Mary Jo and her husband are:
Website: https://stillblog.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryjohoffman/ Mary JO's Book: STILL: The Art of NoticingSteve Hoffman's Book: A Season for ThatSteve Hoffman’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjrhoffman 
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at lauriewright@notyouraveragegrandma.com or send a message using any of the sites below:

Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright               Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma             YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma    
 
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP397: Today’s guest is Jeanne Blasberg, a seasoned author on the brink of releasing her third book, who shares her captivating story of starting anew at the age of 58 by bravely venturing into the realm of regenerative farming alongside her husband in a state she had never visited, leaving behind their former life in bustling Boston.
Our conversation unravels the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which served as a catalyst for Jeanne to reevaluate her existence and how she was contributing to the world after launching her 3 children. What that process led to was a profound shift towards minimizing her material possessions and moving towards a sustainable lifestyle focused on cultivating the land and developing a new model for food sourcing.
In this episode we talked about:
Her transition to regenerative farming in Wisconsin and how launching a brand new business at this stage in life has stretched her in positive ways.
The term reinvention and what it means to each of us having both gone through midlife pivots.
Her latest novel,'Daughter of a Promise,' and how writing has impacted her life.
How connecting with nature has been key for her on this personal growth path.
Jeanne offers insights into her writing process, revealing how storytelling and the transformations of her characters has influenced her life choices. Listen as we explore the profound wisdom and courage gleaned from Jeanne's remarkable journey towards a life rich in purpose and connection.
Other ways to find and connect with Jeanne are:
Website: www.jeanneblasberg.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanneblasbergauthor/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanneblasbergauthor/ 
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at lauriewright@notyouraveragegrandma.com or send a message using any of the sites below:

Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com             Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright              Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma            YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma   
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP396: I’ve been shopping on Amazon in preparation for my upcoming trip to Thailand so I thought it would be helpful to share with several of the gadgets and goodies I've recently snagged. These items are sure to make your travel experience, not just more convenient, but downright enjoyable.
I've curated a list of 12 game-changing products that run the gamut, from helpful gadgets and useful gear to comfy clothing. Ever heard of an Apple AirTag that will reduce your travel worries? Or a hanging dresser that you put your clothes into and then pack in your suitcase so you don’t have to spend unnecessary time unpacking and organizing when you arrive at your destination?
Throughout the episode, I'll be emphasizing just how versatile and utterly essential these affordable items are in tackling common travel challenges, AND I’m giving you the product links below for easy reference.
While podcast episodes don’t typically require you to consume them visually, this is one you might want to watch on my YouTube channel so you can see what these products look like.
If you're ready to level up your travel game and make your next adventure more fun, join me in this episode of 'Living Your Sparked Second Half.' Your convenient, worry-free journey awaits!
Here are the products I shared:
Sockwell Women's Heart Throb Compression Socks
SublimeWare International Power Adapter
Conair TravelSmart Dual Voltage Hair Dryer
ODODOS Tummy Control Yoga Athletic Shorts
ODODOS Women's Black Palazzo Lounge Pants
OLLY Extra Strength Sleep Gummies (60 count)
Inflatable Travel Neck Pillow
Biaggi Hangmates ZipCube Hanging Shelves
OlarHike Travel Toiletry Hanging Bag
BevLedge Airplane Window Organization Station 
Apple AirTag
Biaggi Carry Cube Backpack
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at lauriewright@notyouraveragegrandma.com or send a message using any of the sites below:

Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright   
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma    
             
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
             
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.