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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 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...

Would You Rather...

A Thousand Tiny Steps

This week, I’m throwing away toxic gratitude and playing Would You Rather because we all need some fun in our lives. I contemplate knowing when vs knowing how I would die, someone seeing all of my photos or all of my texts, and so many other ponderings. Key Takeaways: [0:28] Throwing away toxic gratitude and playing would you rather [3:17] See a little into the future or a lot? [3:53] The ability to read minds or move things? [4:25] Sing or dance to every song you hear? [4:45] Jail or coma for 5 years? [5:15] Chronically under or...

What is Emergence?

A Thousand Tiny Steps

Emerging and changing my ways one tiny step at a time is not easy. Between school board, my living situation, my neighbor dying and my desire to keep things the same, but also change can feel like climbing an uphill battle. Key Takeaways: [0:28] We’re supposed to be grateful in November, but I don’t want to be [2:35] What emergence means in my life [7:37] Feeling ignored and not liked on school board [11:24] My desire to change, but keep things the same [18:15] Having no time alone at home, but having to share [21:42] Thinking about...

My Nightmare Coaching Job

A Thousand Tiny Steps

I was fired from my coaching job, dealt with an inappropriate dad, an emotionally unstable teenager, and people that shot me nasty looks. All while having an unsupportive administrative staff that didn’t have my back. This is the story of the ups and downs of my coaching job at Bow. Key Takeaways: [3:21] Being hired at Bow High School as a coach [5:55] The new athletic director hated me [9:42] Our first meeting he chastised me for talking about Molly too much [10:53] Transportation and me having the kids in my personal car became a problem [12:19] Where the...

Re-Air: Ep. 113 - The Power of Friendship

A Thousand Tiny Steps

I looked back on the two friends I’ve lost since I recorded this episode and the ones I’ve kept. In this episode, I thought about the people I surrounded myself with, what that meant, and the wonderful support I receive. It’s interesting to look back and see the toxic people I spent time with and how much my life has changed since then. Key Takeaways: [0:00] Getting sucked into a cycle of mistreatment [4:15] Fight, flight, fawn, and freeze [7:02] Susan is someone who brings me so much joy [9:40] Roberta learns so much about me through 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