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Re-Air: Ep. 55 - The Lows and Highs of my Sophomore Year

Release Date: 10/14/2025

A Thousand Tiny Steps

I finally found the term that describes me: Generation Jones. Not a Baby Boomer, but not quite Gen X either. The in-between that’s sandwiched between two generations and as I talked with my friends I realized many of them felt the same way. Key Takeaways: [0:30] So I’m technically a boomer - but I’m not [3:01] I’m a generation Jones [4:35] Biggest difference between baby boomers and gen jones [6:01] The political and technological differences [11:57] Idealists vs realists [14:07] Feeling like you don’t belong in a generation [14:53] Keeping...

Barb (okay, Boomer) V.S. Gen Z Gracie

A Thousand Tiny Steps

One Boomer. One Gen Z. Who will prevail? In this battle of wits both generations hash out what Riz means, how to use a landline, and if crop tops were truly a move forward in fashion. It’s going to get groovy - with a little turbulence! So hold on to your seats, sit back, put your oxygen mask on first, and enjoy the episode. Key Takeaways: [2:02] How did you find info without the internet? [3:28] Slang: cap, riz, stand on business [6:32] Did you have to rewind a VHS or use a payphone? [7:39] What’s a Tamagotchi? [8:04] How did you entertain...

Taking Care of My Aging Mother

A Thousand Tiny Steps

As my mother ages and new challenges arise, my life is becoming increasingly complex and overwhelming as I try to find a way forward that preserves my mother’s dignity and my sanity. Part of me feels like there is a reason to charge forward with my work and the other part of me feels like giving up. Key Takeaways: [1:31] The Netflix documentary Empty Rooms [5:58] My mother living with us has been a struggle [9:54] Not having my own space [12:24] My mother has this expectation that she just gets things [16:09] I never thought my adult parent would live with me ...

My Most Impactful Guests

A Thousand Tiny Steps

As I am still battling the flu, running my household, spending most of my day sleeping, and binge watching TV shows I’ve had time to think. It’s given me time to think about my mindset, where I live, what I’m doing next, and it’s given me time to look over the wonderful guests I’ve had that continue to inspire me. Key Takeaways: [1:23] Binging Stranger Things and realizing the choices in front of me [5:58] Shows involving time travel and grief [9:23] Being sick, sleeping a majority of the day, and calling myself a victim [11:52] Is my...

I'm Motherless

A Thousand Tiny Steps

I feel directionless in life, I don’t know what to choose next, and I need to figure things out. Because in Motherland? I have no other choice. I’ve been goal setting, problem solving, and trying to learn how to take care of myself in an effort to find a solution. But one thing keeps getting in the way. How do I mother others without someone mothering me? Key Takeaways: [1:09] My TV interview and why I chose the title Motherland [3:08] Waiting for things I know won’t happen [4:48] My mom’s losing her independence and I’m left mothering myself [6:52] My psychic,...

A, B, C, D, E, F, G(RACIE)

A Thousand Tiny Steps

Gracie and I got together to talk about New Year’s resolutions, Wicked, our favorite swear words, and how we’ve grown. From lessons on not comparing yourself to others to realizing setbacks can actually be an opportunity for growth, listen to us as we come up with the most creative curse words we can think of. G is for the grumbling that I do. R is for the resolutions, toodle-oo. A is very, very asshole-a-ary. C is cunnnnn-tinuing another year to go. I is insomnia that gives no rest. E is existential dread all year… Key...

Strategies for Grief During the Holidays

A Thousand Tiny Steps

Grieving during the holidays sucks. I’ll never “be over it” as some people like to say. I will grieve again and again for Molly. My grief has changed how we celebrate holidays, but at the same time having Jack is also changing how we celebrate. I don’t know what’s ahead, but no matter what my message is the same - celebrate the holidays how you want. Key Takeaways: [4:40] Not feeling excited about anything anymore [6:13] The non-profit Compassionate Friends [11:15] Going through the stages of grief over and over again [16:45] I’m never letting...

You Can't Sit With Us

A Thousand Tiny Steps

The current school board is beginning to feel like… Regina Georgia’s lunch table. It reminds me of previous years on the board, my relationship with Chris Rath, all the emails on my school account, and so many other mistakes I made. One thing's for sure: I need to learn to notice the change in the weather unless I want to sit with more regrets soon. Key Takeaways: [1:34] Wanting to keep things the same and not noticing a change in the weather [3:07] Not becoming president of the school board [5:54] The board is twisting my realities into something it’s...

If I Interviewed Myself...

A Thousand Tiny Steps

If a clone of me was suddenly created and I interviewed myself here’s what I’d say. Because trust me, I did not want to do another episode where I talk about the sadness of grieving during the holidays. So instead, enjoy as I talk about everything from what I’d tell myself at 18 to the name of my book - if my enemy wrote it. Key Takeaways: [4:23] What people misunderstand about me most [5:30] My biggest failure and what I learned [7:17] What I want to be remembered for [7:53] My favorite holiday movie [9:29] The advice I’d give to my 18 year old self...

My Anger Consumes Me

A Thousand Tiny Steps

After my job loss, I was invited to do an interview which became the most popular one on our local radio show. A few days ago was the 40th year anniversary of a school shooting in Concord and I talked to one of the students who went through it. In this episode, I go on a trip down memory lane. Key Takeaways: [1:25] I don’t feel like I’ve made a lot of progress [2:12] 40 years ago there was a school shooting in Concord [5:40] The overwhelming grief of the mother [6:34] I talked to one of the students that went through it [8:02] Why is my...

More Episodes

My sophomore year was full of ups and downs. I went into the year not knowing where to sit at lunch, and unsure of myself. I ended up going to Germany, quitting gymnastics, joining the cheer team, and becoming a track star. As all these amazing things happened, I spent more time with my teacher, science guy, which quickly became something more.

Key Takeaways:

[8:30] Going to gymnastics camp again and feeling harassed

[11:03] Gymnastics camp giving me a social life

[12:36] My eventful first day of 10th grade as a cheerleader

[13:58] Mr. Smith made such an impact on my life

[17:07] Going to science guy’s class and being humiliated

[19:34] Enjoying cheerleading, dances, getting drunk and in trouble

[24:35] Quitting gymnastics and struggling with my asthma

[26:25] Keeping myself insanely busy and trying to find a new social group

[28:39] Starting to spend time with science guy in his apartment

[30:28] I struggle with boundaries and where lines can blur with teachers

[34:01] Making excuses to spend more and more time with science guy