Passing Through Life

Luanne Bole-Becker

"Passing Through Life" is an opportunity to hear how people of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences have made it through significant life transitions. This includes deaths, relocation, unusual job choices, new businesses, illnesses and special needs, creative projects, etc. Hearing how others have managed major transitions both teaches and inspires us! Emmy winning host Luanne Bole-Becker interviews a new guest each episode to share a motivational story of persistence and perspective, complete with invaluable lessons learned. Music and production is by Bryan Becker.Visit www.facebook.com/passing-through-life-podcast for a summary of upcoming episodes ("About" section) and written transcripts for the early episodes.

  1. #11-- Shifting Cultures

    05/29/2019

    #11-- Shifting Cultures

    Transitions thrust us into new worlds. What's it like when that new world is an ocean away?  And in a foreign country with another language and different cultural, religious, and political perspectives? Our podcast guest, Kevin Risner, was an English major whose love of the language led him in a variety of directions, one of which was to teach English to students in Istanbul, Turkey. Follow along as Kevin not only moves to a foreign country, but experiences transitions involved in evolving from student to teacher, and also constantly expanding from teacher to writer. *************************************************** NOTE:  This show transcript is still raw.  Once final edits are made, it will be noted right here in the show notes. This episode was recorded 11.21.18.  All portions are copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker. **************************************************** Here are links to some of Kevin Risner's writing work: My Ear is a Sieve https://bunkysbooks.com/collections/bottlecap-press/products/my-ear-is-a-sieve-by-kevin-a-risner Lucid http://thepoetryannals.co.uk/#june Poetry anthology that includes one Risner poem in it; all profits from this collection go to Save The Children http://thepoetryannals.co.uk/#winter Information about bombings Kevin Risner talked about: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Istanbul_bombings https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Istanbul_bombings Link to Pamuk’s novel Snow https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11691.Snow

    1 hr
  2. #10--The Battles We Didn't Choose

    05/15/2019

    #10--The Battles We Didn't Choose

    If you've only been married five months and your wife is the one who gets diagnosed with breast cancer?  Well, clearly your honeymoon is REALLY over. Even though cancer hits way too many of us, we are still shocked when it attacks someone particularly young and vibrant.  Such was the case with Jennifer Merendino.  Her husband Angelo is our guest this episode, recounting how he and his wife Jen dealt with  her double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and breast reconstruction before their first wedding anniversary.  And then how they eventually dealt with the cancer returning, trying to explain long distance to family and friends the journey they were going through.  A heart-wrenching, brutally honest series of photographs emerged from this experience. Angelo Merendino also discusses how photography became his passion and livelihood, as well as the challenges of life as a young widower. https://www.mywifesfightwithbreastcancer.com/ Angelo started a non-profit to help current victims of breast cancer.  It is called The Love You Share.  The mission of The Love You Share is to provide financial assistance to breast cancer patients in need while they are receiving treatment.  Its goal is to make life easier, even if only for a short time, for someone who is fighting for life. https://theloveyoushare.org/ You can view more of Angelo Merendino's photography here: https://www.angelomerendino.com/ NOTE:  This show transcript is still raw.  Once final edits are made, it will be noted right here in the show notes. This episode was recorded 10.23.18.  All portions are copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker.

    1h 11m
  3. #8--No Regrets

    04/17/2019

    #8--No Regrets

    Finally!  We turn the tables as our host Luanne Bole-Becker shares her story of transitions, including dealing with Alzheimer's. At first, it's a story of improbable job changes.  With a degree in accounting but a constant urge to infuse life with more creativity and adventure, Luanne eventually transitioned into an exciting career working with the families of the Challenger astronauts.  (Even when they were based in another city, they created a job just for Luanne!)  It takes an awful lot of persistence and effort, but it's possible to make something like that happen. The bulk of the podcast, however, deals with the transitions surrounding Alzheimer's disease.  Luanne's husband and creative partner was diagnosed unexpectedly at the young age of 58.  Managing this disease well requires significant and ongoing transitions, both on the part of the person suffering memory/brain loss, and their caregiver(s).  Learn how Luanne and her husband Bob have traveled this long and challenging journey.    Here are some of the resources and organizations that have helped tremendously in dealing with Alzheimer's. CLEVELAND ORGANIATIONS: https://www.alz.org/cleveland https://farrellfoundation.org/ (Note:  The Farrell Foundation is so unique.  They offer free, arts-based programs several times a week for you and your loved one.  This often leads to new friendships and an invaluable network of resources and suggestions.) https://www.rockportseniorliving.com/services/elder-daycare/ (Note:  Not every day center is well equipped to deal with people suffering memory loss.  Rockport Senior Living IS.  It's a casual, caring, flexible environment offering meals and personal care as well as person-centererd activities.) http://www.hospicewr.org/patients-and-caregivers/our-services/hospice-houses/Documents/Western%20Reserve%20Nav%20brochure.pdf (Note:  The Hospice of Western Reserve Navigator program is available at ANY stage of dementia.  In addition to access to a nurse 24 hours and regular social worker consultation, it can provide a weekly volunteer to stay with your loved one at no cost while you take an hour or two for yourself.  It is a life saver!  Do not wait on this one.  IGNORE the word hospice and call right away.) NATIONAL RESOURCES: https://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/ https://teepasnow.com/ This episode was recorded 9.18.18.  All portions are copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker.

    1h 7m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

"Passing Through Life" is an opportunity to hear how people of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences have made it through significant life transitions. This includes deaths, relocation, unusual job choices, new businesses, illnesses and special needs, creative projects, etc. Hearing how others have managed major transitions both teaches and inspires us! Emmy winning host Luanne Bole-Becker interviews a new guest each episode to share a motivational story of persistence and perspective, complete with invaluable lessons learned. Music and production is by Bryan Becker.Visit www.facebook.com/passing-through-life-podcast for a summary of upcoming episodes ("About" section) and written transcripts for the early episodes.