Curious Navel

Each week Jane Markson asks the same questions to anyone willing to answer, as she tries to figure out if we have more in common than just our navels. Whether we do or not doesn't matter — she's curious to ask, eager to listen, and enjoying conversations that wouldn’t otherwise take place.

Ep 150 - Stay Tuned ... 07/06/2023

Ep 150 - Stay Tuned ... This adventure started based on an idea that came to me like an Elizabeth Gilbert Big Magic Moment. I didn’t have any expectations other than to welcome anyone willing to speak with me into a community where others could learn about their story – because each one of us has an important and special one to share. It’s been an honor to listen and get to know so many wonderful people, and I look forward to the next iteration where we continue to explore what we have in common. I hope you listen to this wrap up with my producer and his wife Jenn, and then join me again on the next installment of this journey! /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/27372489

Ep 149 - Bob Pagani 06/29/2023

Ep 149 - Bob Pagani He’s semi-retired from radio and now edits crappy novels and creates art that makes you scratch your head. He will tell you without hesitation about his ADHD and the fact that he doesn’t plan, but drifting and leaving himself open to opportunity has led him down some amazing and surprising paths. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/27317844

Ep 148 - Steve Laret 06/22/2023

Ep 148 - Steve Laret impressed me with his incredible confidence and ability to change course whenever an opportunity for success presented itself. We may not see eye to eye on politics or raising children, but his try anything attitude is something to remember. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/27134778

Ep 147 - Midge Kirchner 06/15/2023

Ep 147 - Midge Kirchner She is a self-proclaimed who keep things simple for herself and her nutrition clients. She realized early on that even though she wasn’t encouraged to succeed, it was her only way forward. This ballroom dancing non-spinster is as motivated as they come. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/27086127

Ep 146 - Jonathan Epstein 06/08/2023

Ep 146 - Jonathan Epstein He’s an and but you will remember him most for his demeanor and the fact that he is definitely “not a jerk”. He shares advice with kindness and compassion and knows from experience that getting through the difficult parts will be worth it. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/27038361

Ep 145 - Betsy McMillan 06/01/2023

Ep 145 - Betsy McMillan Betsy can write anything, whether it’s a scientific research article, a humorous children’s book, or a harlequin romance. And she will always find a solution to accomplish her goal – even overcoming her fear of public speaking to become a lounge singer. She follows her own advice to never give up and I doubt she ever will. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/26986029

Ep 144 - Krystel Seier 05/25/2023

Ep 144 - Krystel Seier This born and bred Texas girl is a performer and writer who turned her love of theatre into a voice over career and most recently, a career in . She’s grateful for all her bumps in the road and has learned the lessons we all need to hear….start sooner, don’t be afraid, and my personal favorite, he’s not worth it. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/26924310

Ep 143 - Adrien Soriano 05/18/2023

Ep 143 - Adrien Soriano loves being a pro-wrestler and performing for a crowd as much as he loves coaching and teaching his skill to the next generation of wrestlers. He has learned to listen to his instincts and be a loving and reliable brother and boyfriend. Here’s to hoping he finds the perfect chocolate chip cookie! /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/26852820

Ep 142 - David Falcaro 05/11/2023

Ep 142 - David Falcaro Dave moved into a 300-year-old farmhouse for his health but he did more than transform the home – he discovered a way to heal the incredible pain he was experiencing. He would not trade his journey because it helped him gain a skill and perspective very few know. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/26773599

Ep 141 - Stacey Redfield 05/04/2023

Ep 141 - Stacey Redfield From body building to acting to running a Pilates studio, doesn’t let anyone stop her. She takes chances because she doesn’t want to leave this life with regret. She may not ever run for office but I vote that she share her secret to loving life. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/26739315

Ep 140 - Doug "Flex" Yasinsky 04/27/2023

Ep 140 - Doug "Flex" Yasinsky Doug transitioned from pro wrestling to sales but from his perspective, they are no different – everyone is a natural salesman whether you are asking your parents for a toy or asking someone for a date. My goal is to hang with Doug and hope some of his natural Zen attitude rubs off on me – right after I watch his …with a beer. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/26662278

Ep 139 - Nick Friday 04/21/2023

Ep 139 - Nick Friday He became an athlete to avoid being bullied and played football in college, but it wasn’t until he was comfortably miserable at a desk job that he turned his passion for fitness into a personal training and self-defense business. And at the core of his coaching is a simple rule – have empathy and don’t live for anyone else’s approval. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/26616663

Ep 138 - Marvin Benson 04/13/2023

Ep 138 - Marvin Benson Marvin is definitely the person you want to answer when you contact a call center. He will resolve your issue with his kind and easy-going manner. He’s willing to dive off a mountain in a wing suit, doesn’t worry about fear, and finds his joy in just hanging with his friends and playing video games. We could all use some Marvin attitude in our day. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/26494584

Ep 137 - Kate Elfatah 04/06/2023

Ep 137 - Kate Elfatah Whether working with her clients or producing a burlesque show, is a kind and charming truth teller. She ignores her fears but will help you with yours – unless it’s finally the day she puts herself first. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/26445867

Ep 136 - Shmuel Chaim Naiman 03/30/2023

Ep 136 - Shmuel Chaim Naiman Shmuel moved to Israel not only for his spiritual journey, but also for the culture, the people, and the proximity to nature. His venture embraces his belief that keeping it simple and incorporating mindfulness and spirituality is key to complete health. His modesty, honesty, and perspective on addressing fear is certain to resonate. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/26345844

Ep 135 - Jeff Newkirk 03/23/2023

Ep 135 - Jeff Newkirk If you are looking for a , look no further. Jeff shared the straightforward guidance on which his clients rely that will stay with me as well -- set your core values and remind yourself of them daily, remain true to who you are, and remember that you can improve your future based on what you’ve learned in the past. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/26311575

Ep 134 - Frankie Raye 03/16/2023

Ep 134 - Frankie Raye Though Frankie has not needed her back up plan, she doesn’t consider it wasted time. She’s a who cherishes her independence and knows how important it is to simply show up for your creativity – even if it finds you because a stranger has you ticked off. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/26220789

Ep 133 - Paul Vecchione 03/09/2023

Ep 133 - Paul Vecchione Once a Long Islander, always a Long Islander. But Paul does more than love the Yankees and the beach, he is a compassionate teacher whose goal is to lend his support when someone is struggling. He lives his mission through his – and his empathy skills came in handy when he met his wife. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/26159157

Ep 132 - Hugh Gallagher 03/02/2023

Ep 132 - Hugh Gallagher With seven kids in his blended family and a full-time business to run should be stressed but he loves it all – work, family, and friends. He’s acquired his emotional intelligence along the way and has great advice for all of us – have no regrets but start sooner. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/25941579

Ep 131 - First, it’s about me and second, everything is about to change 02/23/2023

Ep 131 - First, it’s about me and second, everything is about to change After over 130 episodes, I’ve been struggling with how to keep Curious Navel fresh and interesting when people know what I’m going to ask. While I do my best to pick up nuggets that an answer reveals and explore the stranger I’m trying to get to know, I think it’s time to change it up and start fresh with a new set of questions. But first, since I thought you might be curious to know how I would have answered the questions I’ve been asking, Steve will interview me. In full disclosure, I thought ahead about some of my answers, but really enjoyed the curve balls Steve threw me. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/25950951

Ep 130 - Lindsey Parks 02/16/2023

Ep 130 - Lindsey Parks Whether or not her innate optimism derives from being a descendant of some of the first settlers in Massachusetts, has listened to her intuition to create her life and has a personal and professional life rich with meaningful connections and love. She is the person you want to run into at the grocery store and be invited to her pot-luck party – as long as you don’t give anyone food poisoning. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/25948653

Ep 129 - Riah Gonzalez 02/09/2023

Ep 129 - Riah Gonzalez Being fired was perhaps the best thing that ever happened to Riah because it taught her that there is success in failure, led her to becoming an entrepreneur, and gave her the motivation to write a book. She is not afraid to talk about her mistakes, and has learned the hard way that life without pain is life without joy. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/25732932

Ep 128 - Aesha Tahir 02/02/2023

Ep 128 - Aesha Tahir From Pakistan to Pennsylvania, and from computer science to exercise science, Aesha has made a journey to find her best life. Coach Aesha’s skill and enthusiasm help her clients , and her positivity impacts everyone she meets (except for snakes.) /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/25690821

Ep 127 - Kimberly Spencer 01/26/2023

Ep 127 - Kimberly Spencer As a leadership coach, Kim changes lives – but she did that in her prior careers as well from screenwriter to Pilates instructor. Her resilience and strength helped her break patterns of childhood trauma, and her creativity and ambition keep her “glittering” career moving forward. (Warning – glitter water is not for drinking.) /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/25690686

Ep 126 - Michael Marvosh 01/19/2023

Ep 126 - Michael Marvosh My conversation with changed my day and I only wish I had several hours to speak with him. He may have started out guessing what he was going to be, but he landed at a place where he shares his useful articulations of truth to our benefit. His views moved and motivated me and I trust you will feel the same. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/25651773

Ep 125 - Chuck Thomas 01/12/2023

Ep 125 - Chuck Thomas Chuck may say he is afraid of failing but I think he’s relatively fearless. He’s transitioned across a few different careers to become an , and he is willing to explore a world without indoor plumbing. He certainly heeds his own advice – be flexible. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/25536513

Ep 124 - Jaciel Cordoba 01/05/2023

Ep 124 - Jaciel Cordoba Speaking with Jaciel was delightful – he is genuine, upbeat, thoughtful, and kind. And incredibly brave – a news anchor who is comfortable singing and acting in a starring role! You won’t see him headlining on a cruise ship, but if you have the chance to meet Jaciel, grab it. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/25512744

Ep 123 - Mary K. Savarese 12/29/2022

Ep 123 - Mary K. Savarese is living her best life in West Palm Beach writing and bringing her positive attitude everywhere she goes – and it all started when she saw a tiger plunge into a bubble bath. As Mary says, never give up on yourself, and you are certain to find your joy and purpose. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/25430832

Ep 122 - Albert Lanier 12/22/2022

Ep 122 - Albert Lanier Albert surprised me – he started off quietly explaining how he ended up in Hawaii and his life in journalism, but ended up sharing some of the most interesting perspectives and life views. He is a different person now, and still on the quest to share truth, just like Clark Kent. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/25402311

Ep 121 - Cathy Colangelo 12/15/2022

Ep 121 - Cathy Colangelo Cathy has recreated her life more than once – from being brave enough to leave a job where the stress outweighed the joy, to at a seaside retreat, to running a nonprofit. And through it all, she has demonstrated her mantra – don’t be afraid to look silly and don’t compare yourself to others. Cathy’s perspective will brighten your day. /episode/index/show/curiousnavel/id/25291272

Curious Navel

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