The Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to the Main Thing Podcast, where every episode brings you a concise, high-impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get a little better at this thing called life. Courage & Community-Building are Par for the Course with Alison Stepping onto a golf course is a serene escape for some, but for Allison Ibarra, it was the beginning of a journey that led her from competitive golf to transforming a near-derelict bowling alley into Pinhead's Family Fun Center—a community gem in Oak Hill, West Virginia. Join me as...
info_outline Ep. 117 - Jon Beck Navigating ALS with Acceptance & GratitudeThe Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to the Main Thing Podcast, where every episode brings you a concise, high-impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life. Jon Beck Navigating ALS with Acceptance and Gratitude If you were diagnosed with a serious, perhaps fatal, health condition, would you be able to approach it with acceptance—much less gratitude? I’m fairly certain I’d struggle to do so. Yet that’s exactly what has enabled Jon Beck to get to where he is today. Unyielding Spirit in a...
info_outline Ep. 116 - Conversation Curator Shannon Wheatley Hartman Shares WisdomThe Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to the Main Thing Podcast, where every episode brings you a concise, high-impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life. Fostering Democracy and Personal Growth Through Collaborative Exploration What if embracing diverse ideas could transform not just your personal growth, but also strengthen democracy itself? Tune into an enlightening conversation with Dr. Shannon Wheatley Hartman, president of the Interactivity Foundation. She reveals how an exploratory...
info_outline Ep. 115 - Gifted Educator Denise Workman Shares WisdomThe Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to the Main Thing Podcast, where every episode brings you a concise, high-impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life. Denise Workman's Journey in Nurturing Exceptional Minds In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Denise Workman, a passionate educator who has dedicated her life to advocating for— and nurturing the talents of — special needs students. How can hope and humility transform the lives of gifted students? Denise brings her...
info_outline Ep. 114. - Skip's Quips: The Power of WordsThe Main Thing Podcast
Join me for a powerful exploration of the influence of language in our lives in this special, debut edition of “Skip's Quips.” Today, I share a wisdom lesson that highlights the profound impact words can have on our bodies and minds. A seemingly innocent phrase once caused me to faint in my doctor's office. This incident underscores how words can trigger intense physical reactions, from fear to laughter. By sharing this experience, I hope to illustrate the incredible influence words wield, not only in causing fear but also in creating positive outcomes. In addition to this...
info_outline Ep. 113 - Superconnector Bob Coffield Shares Inspiring WisdomThe Main Thing Podcast
Join us on The Main Thing Podcast as we share the extraordinary wisdom of superconnector Bob Coffield, celebrated for his innovative thinking and extensive network. Bob is an early adopter of technology and a cultural trend spotter, whose gifts often align in the connection of ideas and people. Host Skip Lineberg highlights Bob's ability to see possibilities and connect the dots. During this dynamic wisdom conversation, you will get valuable input on several important aspects of personal growth, including: Vital importance of relationships; Value of sharing big ideas, rather than...
info_outline Ep. 112 - Bold Business Leader Holly Fussell Shares WisdomThe Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to The Main Thing Podcast! Each episode we bring you a concise, high impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life. Curiosity, Climbing and Community: Wisdom Lessons from SEAL Spouse, Bold Business Leader Holly Fussell Holly Fussell is one of the most diverse and curious people I’ve ever met. She’s a certified yoga instructor, an experienced triathlete, and a formally trained sommelier who studied at the Culinary Institute of America. Holly...
info_outline Ep. 111 - Hall of Fame Broadcaster Tony Caridi Shares WisdomThe Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to The Main Thing Podcast! Each episode we bring you a concise, high impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life. Voice of the Mountaineers: Tony Caridi on Sports Broadcasting, Love, and Life Lessons What does it take to be the enduring voice of a sports team and earn the loyalty of its fans? Join us in a riveting wisdom conversation with Tony Caridi, the iconic voice of the West Virginia University Mountaineers, as he shares the secrets behind his...
info_outline Ep. 110 - Building Your Dream with Entrepreneur Amy McLaughlinThe Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to The Main Thing Podcast! Each episode we bring you a concise, high impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life. Building Your Dream: Exploring the Entrepreneurial Journey What kind of magic is required to transform a 120-year-old building into a contemporary haven filled with original local art? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of Amy McLaughlin and her husband/co-founder, who turned their vision into Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals in...
info_outline Ep. 109 - Youth Pastor Dylan Frercks Shares Generational WisdomThe Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to The Main Thing Podcast! Each episode we bring you a concise, high impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and Learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life. Living with Intention: A Youth Pastor's Journey of Purposeful Wisdom and Creative Ministry In the labyrinth of life's endless choices and pathways, it is the rare individual who walks with deliberate steps, who finds a compass in the chaos. Dylan Frercks is such an individual—a 29 year-old youth pastor whose spirit is infused with a wisdom that belies...
info_outlineFrom 'Watch for Deer' to Wisdom: A Journey of Creativity, Resilience, and Self-Discovery with Pamela Kesling
Welcome back to The Main Thing Podcast! I’m your host Skip Lineberg.
Growing up in the countryside of West Virginia, my dear friend Pamela Kesling was infused with a creative spark that continues to shine brightly in her life today. Her journey is a captivating tapestry of creativity, resilience, and wisdom. It’s one that's seen her wear many hats, from being a business development director for a law firm to the president of the board for Habitat for Humanity, and from being a writer and singer to a joy-seeker. We fondly reminisce about our shared country roots and explore how her childhood catchphrase 'Watch for deer' embodies her journey from rural life to her cross-country music tour, never losing sight of her beginnings.
As we delve deeper, Pamela authentically shares her experiences on how remaining soft and open can help to connect with diverse people, rewrite our narratives and strengthen our resilience in the face of life's adversities. We touch upon her spiritual journey of self-awareness and inner peace, exploring her practices of reading religious texts, meditating, and journaling. Listen in to discover how Pamela’s insights on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and the power of introspective moments can bring clarity and calm to your life.
Get ready for an inspiring conversation with one of the wisest people I know, Pamela Kesling.
Brief Bio for Our Wise Guest
Pamela Kesling is the business development director for Spilman, Thomas and Battle, a mid-sized regional law firm based in Charleston, West Virginia. She is also the president of the board of Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha and Putnam.
In her free time, Pamela is, by turns, a writer, singer, creator and joy seeker.
Pamela has co-founded an online music festival, helped produce albums and performed on stages across the country. She also enjoys photography, but her real love is reading and writing poetry.
She is a mother to a 10 year old boy and a rescue dog and cat.
Resources
Connect with Pamela Kesling on LinkedIn
Pamela Kesling on Instagram: @pamelalives
Pamela’s website for her shared creative works
Books recommended by Pamela, both by author Don Miguel Ruiz:
Credits
Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss
Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski
PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell
Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg
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Episode Chapters
(0:03:55) - Growing Up in Rural West Virginia and “Watch for Deer”
Pamela Kesling shares her childhood creativity and wisdom on nature's role in her life. The story behind her Tweet, an essential WV phrase that went viral
(0:7:30) - Making a Lifelong Connection
Serving coffee in a book shop, leading to a career in marketing and business development, plus a lifelong friendship.
(0:10:00) - Pamela’s Main Thing Wisdom
Pamela shares her journey to inner peace through reading, reflection, meditation and intentional joy-seeking. Her focus on being soft and open is key to letting go and being resilient.
(0:12:40) - How to Avoid Getting Caught Up in the Swirl
Being present and pausing: a quick, in-the-moment meditation to become centered and calm. Pamela discusses her journey to self-awareness and learning to trust herself.
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Show notes developed in part with resources from: https://podium.page