The Delicious Story

News alert: I’m not perfect. Of course, this isn’t news, but it makes the contradiction of receiving criticism an odd struggle. Each of us knows we are works in progress, yet having others point that out can still be a hard pill to swallow. Call it constructive criticism, critique, or “gentle love,” we need to have an outside point of view to help us see ourselves with fresh eyes. I began this episode of The Delicious Story with the premise that criticism is a push-pull concept, a necessary jab to the psyche. With the help of a panel of women—experts in their businesses and professions—we dig beyond the narrow view of the need/pain paradigm. We discuss feedback as an essential skill set, both giving and receiving it, and how to maximize results. The Panel of ExpertsI proudly highlight successful women who generously share their wisdom in this show. Each comes with a varied background of experiences and brings compelling observations. Tracey Kelley worked as a corporate manager and now provides writing services on a contract basis. In addition, she has also been a yoga instructor for more than a dozen years. Tracey toggles these areas—both at the organizational and individual instruction-level—where critique is essential. Jennifer Phipps is a massage therapist who practices out of Des Moines, Iowa. She speaks particularly to building trust with her clients and minimizing chronic pain. Her work can only happen with candid feedback, which she invites. Celest Rose came from a corporate background in coaching. In 2018 she started a business as a certified body confidence coach and recently earned certification in Integrated Sexuality. Celeste views the subject of criticism through the organizational lens that has evolved with an emphasis on intimate relationships. Felicia Coe owns Cirque Wonderland Studios and Cirque Wonderland Entertainment. Her performers provide circus arts, aerial arts, acrobatics, and more. On the studio side, Cirque Wonderland teaches the many performance arts of her craft. Felicia works with clients who hire Cirque Wonderland Entertainment for their private and business events as an entertainment outlet. Feedback is essential for both of her business operations. Clair Williams-Vavra came from the hospitality management field and used her expertise to segue to Sales Engagement Manger with startup QuickHire about two years ago. Harnessing statistical analysis systems and technology, she helps clients recruit and retain the right hires for their businesses. For Clair, feedback has got to be two-way to build trust within her team. What is Constructive Criticism Anyway?For many, the word criticism harbors only a negative association, as in being criticized – or berated – by someone. A quick internet search reports that the word critic came from the Greek word kritos which means to judge. Fast forward to the 20th century, criticism developed into a scholarly analysis, providing balanced judgment. We think of negative criticism about you or your performance in something like a job review. But the definition of “constructive criticism “focuses on providing helpful guidance, supported by specific examples.Strong leaders who want to encourage the best from their teams evaluate them based on their efforts and accomplishments first. And more than that, recognize the inherent skills of the individuals involved. Ready to Give or Receive Feedback? Set the MoodStill, there is this friction between giving instructive criticism that butts up against an individual’s willingness to accept it in the first place. To get the full scope of the wisdom our TDS guests offer, take a listen to the podcast, or enjoy viewing the discussion in vodcast mode. Here are some high points of our conversation:•Go to “critique.” If you get...

Pssst. Listen. Do you want to know a secret? Do you promise not to tell? Then lean in, and I’ll tell you one: for most people, the promise of information that is “hush-hush” is intoxicating. We want to know—almost need to know—details that seem to put us in the know or give us an edge in the world. We all gossip or have been in circles where gossip takes place. Gossip plays out in families, friends, work, even in politics and other national organizations. At its core gossip usually comes with darker undercurrents—emotion laced with fear and judgement. We talk about difficult subjects, frightening stories, the things we can’t talk about in public or give the light of day. Most of us associate gossip with shame—shame about the information being told, and a kind of shame for ourselves for engaging in it, if it veers malicious. But fear not about any the roles you’ve played in gossip. Here we talk with Leah Ackerman, intuit, empathic, and sexual health /wellness coach, about the dynamics of gossip. She talks about us feeling more empowered to redirect our conversation. Leah spends her time coaching women how to feel good in their own skin. After years in the corporate world of marketing, Leah found her calling to supporting women. But as gossip is a gender-neutral phenomenon, the tools and ideas shared apply to everyone. What is gossip and why do we do it? Per Merriam, gossip is the action of telling a “rumor or report of an intimate nature.” Gossip travels from one person to another and group to group. It is often based on some truth. We spread news (rumor, conjecture, and true details) via gossip with the innate idea of protecting the herd. Example: so-and-so got food poisoning from X restaurant. We are likely to believe the gossip, in part, because it comes from someone else – and if that person is someone we know, we latch onto the information. I was ready to go generally negative on the concept of gossip, but it turns out to be one way that news informally spreads. Per the BBC article, “Do We Have Gossip All Wrong?” gossip is a societal tool. We often share information we don’t feel that we can receive otherwise. As a study in social science, gossip is talk about someone else that involves evaluation of that person, good or bad. The news spreads person-to-person and the community is notified. But the article does make the point that gossiping often stems from a place of feeling powerless. “…groups traditionally shut out of power and influence, may find empowerment through their own channels and interpretations of the truth.” Could this gossip thing be the source for people readily believing conspiracy theories and misinformation generally? When it comes to power, we equate it with more control or autonomy of self. We seek information to verify what we think, and that which we want to believe and have others believe, too. The Four Agreements Frame of MindBut when it comes to control, the only thing we have a crack at is influencing how we feel. The news or information aside, it is what and how we believe about ourselves and our place in the world, that really matters.If we focus our lens to the kinds of gossip that circulate about those in our immediate circles, the activity of gossip doesn’t feel so good. Whether the information we disperse is true or not, an internal moral gut sense often shouts out a “yuck” in our ear, especially when we relate news that is unkind or none of our business. Whether you’ve been the gossiper or the subject of it, gossip can also reveal pain and helplessness. If we don’t confront that feeling of lacking, we in fact have less power. When you look at gossip and its correlation to pain, it amounts to a whole lot of suffering going on!Leah delves into her discovery of the informative book The Four Agreements by...

Have you ever looked out on the world (listened to too much news) and wondered, "why can't people just get along?"We all want roughly the same things: a happy life, experience love and family, prosper and live. But we all seem ready to roll over others to achieve these goals, desperate in our feelings of lacking.Indeed, global peace and recognizing each other's shared needs and desires seem unimaginable. It is easy to feel hopeless and powerless in that reckoning because even many of our close relationships are at odds. Our country seems more at war within in recent years, and the fighting spills over into families. We've lost sight of each other while entrenching ourselves in our camps.Do you feel that tug of toxicity – from entrenched opinions about thorny subjects like religion and politics – with some people in your life? I do. But wait, we must have some influence, if not on the world stage, at least in our backyards with family and community.Our families are a microcosm of humanity, a path to understanding our bonds to the larger world. Through family and friendships, we gain insights into how to be humane. So, when intimate ties crash, we can feel lost not just in who we are but also in what purpose our lives even serve.If you've struggled to find peace within and without, this episode of The Delicious Story is for you. Here I chat with Elena Greenberg, a practicing attorney, mediator, and professional mentor.Elena walks us through steps and ideas to help us find common ground and harmony with family, not just for the holidays, but the long haul, too.Our Separateness We are each unique in our views of the world. You've probably realized this when you've shared an experience, witnessed an event, or even read the same book with others and noted that you don't "see" the facts or their meaning the same way.We each interpret the outside "reality" based on our prism of life knowledge and prejudices. And the truth of the variations of perspective is that sometimes objective facts become irrelevant. Often, two people can't agree on what is, infact fact. We become stranded in subjective opinion instead.And what's more, the person you are now and the opinions you hold dear may not be relevant later as you grow and change. Thus, you can't be certain that the opinions you believe today, will be yours by tomorrow.So, in theory and based on experience, we get that we're different. And we either come to terms with the differences, find them exciting or unimportant or deny they exist at all. We often seek those we believe are the "same," because differences can cause us internal stress.When it comes to strongly held opinions, like those of politics and religion, we become entrenched in the "facts" (code for opinions) that we believe even at the expense of important relationships. And the more we insist on our rightness, the less we hear or seek to understand any other point of view. Growth is not possible.Finding Our Common GroundI've been thinking a lot about estrangement in families lately since I've read Karl Pillemer's book Fault Lines: Fractured Families and How to Mend Them. Throughout the book, he interviews numerous people experiencing estrangement from family members.Pillemer suggests that these fractured bonds don't serve us and leave holes in our family ties that impact generations into the future. He also tells stories of those who decide they want to end the estrangement.Reconciliation hinges on a few points. To mend, all involved realize that the past disagreement is no longer critical. They also recognize they don't require an apology for an old wrong. And ultimately, the path to a relationship lies in going forward.If you've been teetering on the brink of fissures in your family because of toxic topics, try to turn a corner for the...

Even as baby boomers march by the millions into older age, redefining what it means to be old, we still struggle as a culture by limiting beliefs about seniors. And of all the fiction about aging, one devastating falsehood that seems to stick is that elders can't learn new things, including technology. In this episode of #thedeliciousstory, we chat with Senior Savvy's expert Abbie Richie who busts the myth that seniors can't learn tech. Abbie shares her inspiring story of helping seasoned adults everywhere frolic on the internet to connect and live productively in the new age of aging. AN ARCHAIC NOTION OF AGE It's not just our society that has trapped seniors into the confines of antiquated ideas about aging. The lie has been thousands of years in the making; perhaps ageism fallacies can be traced back far into the depths of human history. Notably, a view of aging surfaced with the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384 BCE - 322 BCE). He likened the aging brain to a wax tablet that cools with age, becoming rigid and brittle to forming new concepts. Fast forward nearly a couple of millennia to 1523, when the idiom "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" first appeared in a book about animal husbandry. The literal meaning was that it is hard (but not impossible) to train an older dog new tricks and procedures. We naturally are drawn to catchy quotes and sayings, especially if they encapsulate a grain of truth. In 1546 when the "old dog" phrase appeared in John Heywood's proverb collection, it was sold to our collective brain and has been circulating in our shared truisms lexicon ever since! The old dog principle is a perfect example of how history never wholly dies, even if we lose track of it. SENIORS CAN BE TECH-SAVVYWe are learning new things about ourselves and the world each day, no matter our age. Those who are savvy and want to age well do themselves a favor by putting in efforts to gain new knowledge with intention. Not just occasionally, but regularly. It's good for your brain to acquire new information. To resist learning simply because of the 'age excuse' is to give in to a self-defeating stereotype and promulgates the concept. Per the BBC, "The Amazing Fertility of the Older Mind," David Robson cites a study at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. For this study, participants memorized a list of items that they then compared and referenced with a table of word pairings. Adults over the age of 60 were "more reluctant to rely on their memory, preferring instead to laboriously cross-reference the two tables, even though it took significantly more time. For some reason, they weren't confident that they had learned the pairs accurately.This distrust of self has looped over into tech learning as an older adult, too. The issue proves worse likely because seniors compare their ability to learn against younger generations' second nature tech know-how.The comparison is a false paradigm, however. Younger people grew up with 21st-century technology, while older people have had to incorporate it later. After all, if you're over the age of 50, you were full-blown adulting when home computers and cell phones burgeoned in the 1980s and '90s. As Abbie points out, older people can feel lost in the language of technology not because they can't learn it, but because it seems foreign, not understanding some basics about the context of use or steps. Abbie explains that it's most helpful for older adults to start with a base of why and move on from there. Her point is to shift from a can't learn mindset to how-to learn instead. CRUSTACEANS AS FOODAs with all episodes of The Delicious Story, I asked our interesting person Abbie to share her memorable meal story. If you're a lobster lover, you'll particularly enjoy her tale.I like the idea of lobster more than the...

Each person has a story to tell, but not everyone believes that – or even wants to tell theirs. However, others have the drive to share their story because of a particular experience, one that perhaps scarred them but left them with an important life lesson as well. If you seek to write your story but don't know where to begin or how to accomplish it, then this episode of The Delicious Story is for you. Here you'll meet Stormi Lewis, the published author of several books and a story-sharing coach. Stormi works as a muse and coach to help others find their writer's voice and turn the book's concept into reality. In this interview, we'll delve into how she became a writer and storytelling expert. Then we'll explore some tips for those who wish to write their story (both fiction and nonfiction) and how to publish it. We will also chat about the most significant publishing hurdles, which can make the writing challenge pale by comparison. WHAT DOESN'T KILLS YOU SHOULD BE WRITTENDuring the podcast, Stormi explains her backstory and what compelled her to write books, especially her memoir. There is inspiration through her experience that will resonate for many and offer encouragement for anyone who doesn't think they can write a book. I was thinking about memoirs and looking at a list of titles via a quick Google search: what do you think is the #1 circumstance for writing memoirs? It turns out – per the New York Book Editors post – that life's transformation and transitions are the primary impetus for writing most memoirs. Something significant occurs in someone's life, forever changing them, and they want to write the story to share it and perhaps bolster others. So, understanding the lesson of your story is key to knowing how to start writing it. We also chat with Stormi about the distinctions between autobiography and memoirs and fiction contrasted with nonfiction. Stormi is all about both fiction and nonfiction in her writing and dives into the value of each. But when it comes to memoir, the driving force is when something significant transpires in our lives, and instead of losing oneself, the storyteller finds their way through to another side. We all seek those stories, especially in times when we struggle, because they provide hope. It's like the saying that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger – when it comes to memoir, what doesn't kill you, is worth turning into a book!HOW TO STOP STALLING AND GET TO WRITINGStormi understands what holds many writers back from being productive. During our interview, she offers up tips for feeling stalled in the writing process while navigating complications in life. And there is always that stubborn internal voice that can sabotage writing and publishing a book. You'll discover why Stormi brings an understanding to her coaching, too, because she has had her struggles and managed the process while holding down a full-time job. She understands busy. So, if doing your writing is the essential piece for your memoir experience, instead of hiring a ghostwriter such as Storied Gifts, it makes good sense to have such a coach in your corner. MARKETING IS THE ELEPHANT Stormi walks through an overview of the differences between self-publishing versus working with a publisher. Either way, you choose to go, it's essential to have the full picture of what awaits you once you complete your memoir. Then there's the next step, marketing!Marketing is not for the weak of heart. It's the enormous elephant muscling its way out of the corner and taking up nearly the entire space in the room after you publish a book. Once you write your story, craft it, take hours editing it, and see it finally realized into print, your book has become your baby. Your newborn needs your entire investment and hard work, physically and emotionally, to share it. Stormi shares some of...

Indulge your senses and feel the splashy effervescence of life in this interview (#thedeliciousstory podcast #63) with chef Terrie Kohl. Based in Des Moines, Iowa’s largest metropolitan area, she is a one-woman culinary powerhouse that dazzles and delights, one great meal at a time!With a career in the food industry that spans decades, you’ll learn how Terrie took brave steps that earned her the credentials to become a top chef. She launched her business Country Club Market, where she offers outstanding catering and cooking classes. I promised you “cooking party” ideas at the opening, and Terrie delivers. Sharing anecdotes of some of the cooking class styles she has provided over the years – she serves up a slew of ideas that will get your creative wheels turning for your next party. Listen and soak in Terrie’s exuberance and her delectable food stories and suggestions. From her experiences, you’ll glean ideas to savor more of your own time around the table. THE ART OF THE COOKING PARTYIf you find you’re one of those people who gets stumped when it comes to creating a memorable party for an event, then you’ll discover inspiration in Terrie’s cooking class tales. She has instructed many groups, some as large as 150 people and others as intimate as a gathering of 2. Sharing food is a rich connector. No matter how different we feel we are from one another, we all must eat to live. Try as we might to differentiate ourselves from one another, we are all in this human story together, and eating, plus the pleasure of it, is one way we can all relate. It makes sense that in addition to connecting through eating, you can blend in the cooking as a part of your gathering. Terrie describes several ways to bring cooking classes into your home – or hers – for a winning and memorable party. Think about weddings, birthdays, special business clients, anniversaries, and you are just beginning to scratch the surface of the many cooking class party ideas. The key is to bring in an expert like Terrie, who can assure that everything is prepared from the thoughtfully selected ingredients, the engaging recipes, and stunning presentation that raises cooks at all levels. PREPARATION IS KEY A funny (and embarrassing) sidenote about this interview is that I lost it for a time. I recorded with Terrie back at the end of 2019, intending to publish it as a podcast and blog in January of 2020. Somehow, I mislaid the interview in the early months of the new year and just recently realized I’d missed publishing this gem. I blame it on the crazy of pandemic times. Of course, the things Terrie talks about, from meal preparation to holiday planning and parties, are all timeless and valuable. But it feels especially great right now as we all plan for potentially opening up our lives after socially quarantining, entertaining again with family and friends once everyone is vaccinated. Terrie’s advice about entertaining and how to make these special events work are spot-on practical. I bet we’ll all feel the heightened sense of pleasure as we gather at tables with friends and family and still being able to keep the focus on the people. A MEMORABLE MEAL FOR THE BOOKSFor those of you who proudly wear the mantle of “foodie” or love a bit of food history, Terrie’s memorable meal story is a stellar and one that involves culinary legend Julia Child. The story is set in Boston at the Westin Copley Square, 1997, and relates a scholarship from Les Dames d’ Escoffier. I drop these bits of information because I wasn’t aware of the organization. Les Dames is a professional culinary organization that began in 1976 “for women leaders in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry.”At the time of this story, Julie Child was already in her 90s. She has passed away but remains an icon of fine...

Something rare awaits you in this episode of The Delicious Story. We visit with aviation and urban historian Dr. Janet Bednarek, professor at the University of Dayton. She takes us on a journey covering the historical highlights of aviation after WWI, including the evolution of the airport system, and the role of barnstormers in igniting the public’s interest for flight. You’ll also learn the surprising impact the United States Postal Service played in aviation development. Prepare to be surprised and intrigued by the history that makes your travel by plane possible today. Seat backs up and buckle in. LADIES IN AVIATIONDr. Bednarek does stand apart in the aviation historian world. It turns out that female aviation historians are quite a rarity. She was the only one who appeared in my search, as a matter of fact, but she assures me there are other women in the field of study as well.Dr. Bednarek and I connected to talk about the unique role of woman in aviation and how their involvement led to greater safety in the early days of flight. Those ladies were true trailblazers given they had to face the headwinds of inequality of opportunity, many of them active right around when women were finally given the right to vote. My fascination with females in aviation started with the story of Bessie Coleman who was the first African American and Native American woman to earn her pilot’s license in the mid-20s. Her achievement was doubly notable as a woman of color. Did you know that the history of aviation spans 3000 years? If you include all the ways humans have interacted with sending things aloft, it all began with the first kite invented in China in 1000 B.C.E. Ever since then, ladies had to work extra-hard to make their way into the air, and yet they kept on taking every opportunity to do so. After the Wright brothers got the first plane airborne in 1903, Blanche Scott was permitted to taxi a plane and it became airborne making her the first female pilot. A quick review of Scott’s bio reveals that she was known to be an adventurer, having completed a transcontinental automobile journey before she became a pilot. Her tour by car occurred in the early 1900s at a time there were no more than 218 miles of paved roads outside of cities across the U.S. Blanche’s life spans a period of incredible changes in aviation, from when planes were invented to watching Glen Armstrong set foot on the moon. It was men and women who made the flight you can take today a reality. BARNSTORMERS IMPACT FOR AVIATIONIt’s easy to get sort of romantic about the courage (and craziness) of barnstormers who piloted temperamental planes made of wood, wire, and paper surrounding an engine. These men and some women would do nearly anything to fly, which is why so many of them turned to entertaining audiences. Here is footage from the 1920s with a sampling of the types of air acrobatics these aviation daredevils would perform. Dr. Bednarek explains the circumstances that led to the barnstormer phenomenon. You’ll also learn more about the state of the military after WWI, that led pilots to become entertainers. It was the barnstormers who captured the imagination of the public. These flyers brought entertainment and aviation antics to the masses. Audiences found flight exciting, but the draw also might have been an appetite for watching death-defying tricks in case they turned for the worse. Unfortunately, just like Bessie, many pilots didn’t live a very long life. And as to the influence they had on the public, Dr. Bednarek explains that their feats may have worked against those who were trying to make air travel more mainstream. For some pilots, there were additional employment opportunities to consider. Dr. Bednarek explains how the United States Postal...

In this episode of #thedeliciousstory, we visit with Ginger Johnson, expert connector, author, and coach, about how the world you live in is filled with the opportunity to connect, an adventure just waiting for you to grasp it. Her goal is nothing short of epic—to ignite your curiosity and help you find the thrill in looking out and seeing the possibilities when you engage with others. If you’re asking, “Why do I need a refresh on how to connect with others?” The answer is because connectivity done with purpose will enrich your relationships and even spill over to positively impact how you live. WHERE DID YOU LEARN SOCIAL SKILLS?Who taught you your social graces? What were the significant takeaways from those lessons? “Do share. Be nice. Smile. Don’t interrupt.” Is that the gist of it? It’s likely that how you encounter other people and form friendships is influenced by those who raised you as well as the first people you really connected with. Ginger dives in to help us unpack old concepts we acquired from original connections and then review a new kind of attitude. What is “connectivity?” As a contrast, Ginger refers to “networking,” which is its antithesis. If you hear the word “networking” and think a tooth extraction sounds better, take heart. You can find joy and confidence and less pain in connecting with others if you approach it from a frame of mind Ginger explains in this podcast. MAKE YOUR LIFE RICH IN CONNECTIONI’d like to segue here with an honest personal experience. The truth is, I’m a nervous chatter person in public settings, which others probably misconstrue as an extrovert in action. The blabbering is actually cover for the introvert that I am. I get gummed up, worried about how others perceive me, and probably act either kind of aloof or whacky. If you can relate, then chances are, we should be friends. For some time, I’d been watching Ginger’s videos about connectivity and reading a lot of her posts on LinkedIn. I was at once blown away by her energy and impressed by her suggestions. Finally, I decided I did want to try and improve my connection skills, so I purchased her book, “Connectivity Canon.”Right off, I was touched because she signed the book filled with vibrant yellow pages. She then vividly revealed concepts I could understand. The kicker was the action steps offered as an experiment to try immediately. Without over-revealing it, I admit the first exercise was fun and made a powerful impression. Ginger, as you’ll discover, doesn’t want any of your time wasted, and she doesn’t riff off platitudes. She is a passionate storyteller driven to give ideas you can try right away. In fact, she provides three things each of us can do right now. Consider these a gift to lift you out of this pandemic hibernation! GINGER’S MEMORABLE MEALAs anyone who listens to The Delicious Story knows, in each episode, I visit with interesting people and ask each guest to share a memorable meal story. It’s the way we vicariously enjoy the magic of a meal that brings people and precious memories together without adding the extra calories to the waistline! Ginger delivers on that promise with a charming meal memory that also serves as a love story. There is even the mention of the cult classic film, Rocky Horror Picture Show. The 1975 movie is based on the 1973 stage production of the musical of the same name. Rocky Horror is a parody tribute to science fiction films and B horror movies, for those who haven’t seen it. The plot involves a young couple, stranded when their car breaks down. They venture into a castle where they encounter the head of the house, a Dr. Frank N. Furter, who is a mad scientist and transvestite. The musical is a romping great time with fabulous tunes, and a signature performance by Tim Curry in full-on black bustier. It’s info that will help you...

In this episode of The Delicious Story we chat with Stephanie Hoover, history author and podcaster, who researches and writes about true crime stories and the spiritualism movement of the 19th century. Stephanie digs deep to unearth events and people of intrigue and reveal historical culture and ancestors who often acted upon their belief in the supernatural. With nine books to her credit and the ranking podcast “Stephanie Hoover Has That Story,” she has amassed impressive knowledge of our fascination with spiritualism. Her latest book, “Pretty Evil Pennsylvania,” comes out in 2021.How relevant is spiritualism in life today? We discuss this during the show, so you can decide for yourself where you fall on the topic. From crossing paths with black cats to stepping on cracks in the sidewalk, many of us harbor superstitions. It’s ingrained in our thinking, passed on by family folklore and nursery rhymes. Humans have been grappling with life’s meaning and what comes after it for centuries. Spiritualism has helped fill the void of that unknown. To get a quantitative sense of how long we’ve been searching, Universe Today provides some quick numbers: human-like creatures have walked the planet for about six million years, but it’s only been the last 200,000 that humans, as we are today, have been in existence. Our civilizations are younger still, with only 6,000 years in our rear-view mirror. Most of the spiritualism that we have, came from within that same frame of time. Throughout that greater era, we’ve struggled to rectify what we see with what we don’t to make sense of what happens when the light snuffs out. Sometimes, the answers we create provide solace—and other times, the ideas simply freak us out. CLARITY SPIRITUALISM, SPIRITUALITY, RELIGIONFor anyone like me who’s a bit unclear about the word “spiritualism” (especially when compared and contrasted with the concepts of spirituality and religion), here are the definitions: Spiritualism: (noun) Is a religious movement based on the belief that the spirits of the dead exist and have both the ability and the inclination to communicate with the living. Spirituality: (noun) The quality of being concerned with the human soul as opposed to the material or physical things. Religion: (noun) A social-cultural system of designated behaviors and practices, morals, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations, that relates humanity to supernatural transcendental, or spiritual elements. Whatever your thoughts of spiritualism and communing with the dead, Stephanie is not here to judge but to report on what she finds. She tells you stories enthusiastically based on her in-depth research and skilled writing that give you something to think about—no matter where you rest on the subject ghostly spirits. A SIDE TRIP TO PUERTO RICO We then make a complete segue to talking food, and on that subject Stephanie explains another project outside her usual where she helped craft a layered narrative that brought together a cookbook called “A Taste of Latin America.” You’ll find her anecdotes about the book a treat, especially if you know little of Latin American food and want to learn more. My limited sampling is based in Peru because my daughter lives there, but I was surprised to discover some carryovers to Puerto Rican food. As Stephanie explains, the cuisine is hearty, largely comprised of comfort dishes that have a lot to do with roasted meat, plantains, and starches. Think stick-to-your-ribs savory and flavorful fare and you’ll get the idea.A prevailing item mentioned in the recipes I found online is something called pigeon peas. I’d not heard of them, and chatted briefly with my daughter to see if she had since she has traveled to other Latin American countries. She made the observation that potatoes are...

Until recently, the only thing I knew of Peru was that Paddington the Curious Bear (with tattered hat, old suitcase and all) came from there. The beloved character of children’s books was made famous by British author Michael Bond, describing the bear that lived in “darkest Peru” before becoming a stowaway deposited at a railway station in London. My knowledge of the South American country all changed a few years ago when my daughter Alexandra moved there after falling in love with Lima, thereafter, making her home in Lima the South American city by the sea. She met a wonderful guy and launched her business there as well. In this episode of #thedeliciousstory, you’ll have a chance to meet Alex and David and learn fascinating details about their cosmopolitan adventures—all while enjoying a virtual sampling of signature dishes of Lima!THE SILVER LINING OF A PANDEMIC LOCKDOWNThe Peruvian government was an early responder in addressing the spread of COVID-19. Even before the U.S. went into lockdown, the country mandated serious restrictions on their population, including a strict quarantine lasting over 100 days. It does this mother’s heart good to know that her baby lives somewhere where lives and public safety are so important. I wondered, though, how she, David, and their little Shih Tzu dog named Charlotte managed to remain sane for almost four months of confinement in their fifteenth story apartment! For months, the three weren’t permitted to go anywhere except to make grocery store runs (and only one person at a time), which became a treat. Restaurants, bars, and everything else was closed.Alex and David share the experience of their daily life holed up in a city that went nearly silent. They were fortunate in many ways, and provide some interesting insights into how the normally-noisy and crowded city changed after the start of quarantine.SIGHTSEEING SPOTS OF LIMAAlex and David describe details of a few more prominent amenities, and you can sense their joy in it, because they love to give friends and family a more intimate understanding of their city. You can glean ideas of the variety of attractions in Lima, a city made up of districts (each with its particular “flavor”). The parks and green spaces are an oasis for Lima dwellers to connect with nature. For Alex and David, their favorite is the Roosevelt Park (interestingly named after the U.S. President), which is near their apartment and became a mental health lifeline during the pandemic. Another treasured and particularly beautiful park they discussed is the Bosque del Olivar. The main feature of this large area of land is the forest grove of olive trees established by Spaniard Antonio de Rivera, who brought more than one hundred olive saplings from Spain in the 1500s. It is a wonderful place to walk and think about the history these trees have seen of the city, including when Peru gained their independence in 1821. A CITY OF EXCEPTIONAL DININGAlthough Lima isn’t so much a tourist destination (but, instead, a brief stop to other parts of Peru such as Cusco), it is as stunning as it is a notable dining mecca. Alex and David delve into a few of the signature dishes there, including ceviche, or fish “cooked” in citrus, and anticuchos, which are grilled kebobs of beef heart. One dish I can report is always worth eating is lomo saltado. Anywhere I’ve ordered this during my visits to Lima I always find it tasty. Alex provides an overview of the influences of the foods of Lima, too. Think roasted and wok-cooked meats, a variety of seasonings with an emphasis on sauces, and you’ll get some idea. And I bet you’ll be surprised to learn of Peru’s role in the history of spuds, which today are a mainstay all over the world! Like any city, Lima is a place shaped by hundreds of years of cultural diversity....

If you enjoy good food, particularly when it’s accompanied with good wine, then this episode of #thedeliciousstory is for you. This week I talk with Todd White of Dry Farm Wines about the benefits of natural wine, his journey in creating a business that sources the organically-grown varietals, and how nourishing your body with intention can be good for your wellbeing, too. At our house, wine goes hand-in-hand with the evening meal. We’ve spent years selecting, tasting and amassing a wine library of knowledge and preferences. And so, because I have an interest in wine, I was drawn to Dry Farm Wines when I discovered the world of sugar free, natural wines.I’d not thought about sugar in wine before that, nor considered that there were organic versions of wine. I’d assumed, and perhaps you have too, that the production of wine is a natural process, so what could make “organic” or “not?”In the interview, Todd walks through the difference with a good dose of science and explains how the wine industry operates today. He then describes his personal voyage and the accident that lead to his interest in natural wine, and how he has turned curating these wines into a successful business venture. At the heart of Dry Farm for Todd and his team are integral values that balance what they do. This is the core on which they build relationships with the growers who cultivate specifically for the organic wine market. And from there is the wine, where each selection must meet a rigorous criterion to be certified as a part of their catalog. SUGAR AND ALCOHOLThe subject of alcohol and wine is an interesting one, particularly as it relates to health. I like to think of wine as “healthful,” but it does contain alcohol, which is not particularly healthful. Scientists periodically dispense studies which seem to suggest moderate drinking is acceptable and perhaps even “healthy,” but I like to hold onto that notion. However, per an article over at the Mayo Clinic, the distinction of moderate consumption is based solely on underlying health. A person with certain conditions, for example, can’t imbibe “moderately” when compared to a healthy one. Some conditions do not permit alcohol consumption at all.So, alcohol is always a consideration when drinking wine, but it was the sugar content I’d not thought about that captured my attention. Todd delves into the role of sugar found in most of the commercial wines on the market, how it becomes part of the wine, and why it’s an issue for those trying to live a healthy lifestyle. Todd provides a robust explanation of how the sugar and higher alcohol content make the wine we drink generally more dangerous when consumed over time. I could almost hear my pancreas screaming, given I have more than thirty years of hearty commercial wine consumption under my belt. Todd described his personal choices of diet, meditation, and conscious consumption in a way that seemed both daunting and admirable, but with a rational that anyone who takes a long view of their life would want. For those like me, I’m all about baby steps after what feels like a lifetime of impossible reversals. As I listened to Todd, and maybe you’ll think this also, I wondered, could the simple action of drinking a healthier wine be the cornerstone to other healthy choices? THE DISTINCTION OF YEASTYou may feel a need to put goggles on and pull out a Bunsen burner when Todd explains the science of yeast in Dry Farm Wines. You can listen and let him do the heavy lifting of walking you through the natural yeast found on the grape versus the cultured yeast pumped into nearly all the commercial wine we drink. And it is that yeast that plays such an important role in the sugar and alcohol content as well. Clearly, Todd loves talking about how a Dry Farm wine differs, and sees it as a pure and healthy...

Food, particularly plant-based produce, is anything cultivated for the purpose of consumption. Or perhaps the real definition is broader. For instance, what about foragable plants that grow randomly in nature? Today on #thedeliciousstory, we chat with wildlife biologist Karen Viste-Sparkman about this more ancient path to food. As a city dweller, I count on obtaining food from the grocery store and mostly think of what I eat as coming from an agrarian model. However, long before the agricultural system developed, and well before the Europeans landed on the continent, Native Americans tended to the land, grew crops, and often foraged from the earth for their sustenance. In Iowa, the land was mostly covered with tallgrass prairie. In this interview, Karen takes us on an audio tour of the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. There, we walk through prairie and oak savannah brought back much as it was hundreds of years ago. We also explore some of the plant life available for the picking, literally, to use for a dish at the table or for a hot drink. NEAL SMITH REFUGE AND THE FOUNDERKaren explains how the refuge began with 300 acres and grew to the 6,000 it encompasses today. In 1990, their goal was an ambitious one: to return the land to the condition it was before the settlers came and turned it into farms and towns. Remarkably, it all began with a change of opinion about nuclear energy, which thankfully left Iowa with one less power plant and the opportunity to enjoy an oasis instead. Located in Jasper County, near Prairie City, the park offers walking trails, an educational center, and a scenic drive through the refuge to see bison roaming the land. This was the vision of Neal Smith, a former American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for the Democratic Party for Iowa from 1959 until 1995. Prior to his service in the House, Smith was a WWII bomber pilot, an attorney, and lifelong advocate for the environment and projects that permit Iowans to connect with nature. Per an article in the Des Moines Register from March of 2020, Smith celebrated his 100th birthday this year and was supposed to be honored publicly for the positive legacy he has had on our state, but COVID-19 derailed the plan. Celebrations aside, we have Smith to thank for features such as the refuge that bring Iowans and visitors from outside the state to beautiful attractions. Smith is associated with several other venues as well. In addition to the refuge, there is the Neal Smith Trail, which starts in Des Moines and winds through the Saylorville Lake and Big Creek areas. There is a federal building in downtown Des Moines with his name, too, and he and his wife are behind the Neal and Bea Smith Law Center where they both earned degrees in law decades earlier. A LITTLE NATURE ON YOUR PLATEFor anyone who hunts or fishes, the idea of eating from the wild isn’t strange at all. But somehow, at least to me, foraging for the unplanned bits of nuts, berries and other edibles seems more of a stretch. Other than morel mushrooms, I was less certain about the viability of this practice, although I’ve interviewed octogenarians through Storied Gifts who have mentioned dining on dandelion leaves for salads, and who also enjoy the sweetness of wild strawberries and rhubarb. It turns out that foraging is a practice many embrace, but as Karen points out, you MUST know what you are doing before you start grazing from the wild. A few resources that can help you explore the subject beyond this interview include:•Midwest Wild Edibles & Foragers Society•Edible Wild Plants•A Beginners Guide to Wild Edible Plants in the Grinnell AreaKaren detailed several plants that you might find worth eating, including sericea lespedeza, stinging nettles, and wild...

If you’ve been inclined to feel a bit jaded about the world (or is just me?) then this episode of #thedeliciousstory will revive your hope in humanity. And how will you get to that happy state of mind? With a little help from the past, of course. For this interview, we visit with history blogger Howard Dorre, an unapologetic history enthusiast who is “plodding” his way through research into the presidents of the United States. As you listen, you’ll discover how he migrated from trudging along with a small audience to flying high and capturing the attention of thousands of thrilled followers. Plodding Through The Presidents began in 2013 with Howard’s simple self-improvement goal to read biographies and learn. And from there, “the rest is history” as it goes, because soon he became so enthralled that he began to dig deeper into the scandals, myths, and mysteries of our country’s presidents and found he liked sharing what he learned. And as he excavated further, that’s when things got really interesting. Mixed with Howard’s excellent writing and keen observations, he takes the audience of Plodding on an ongoing history romp. With titles including, “Facts, Firebolts, and a Founding Fetus: An Update,” see if you don’t want to go ahead and read about George Washington’s gestation story! Howard’s irreverence is such fun I found myself guffawing immediately, egged on by scintillating titles such as “Andrew Jackson’s Slut-Shaming Evolution,” and “How to Teach Your Baby About Slavery.” Once you dive in, you too can get a belly-laugh learning about the very underbelly of our past. PASSION AS THE GUIDEI was lucky to “find” Howard, not only because there is so much to learn by way of plodding with him, but also because he is creating this information out of love for the subject. Howard is a project manager by day, a spouse and dad fulltime, and then a roving history warrior in between those roles. You’ll hear how Howard balances it all with the support of his wife, Jessica, who is his co-host for the podcast they’ve launched as well. During their episodes, the couple shares a lovely banter that makes subjects such as John and Abigail and smallpox a delight. Who says a plague can’t be fun? But honestly, I’m a sucker for anyone who does something worthwhile for the pure joy of doing it. People rising to learn and create is a story I never tire of hearing. See if you don’t feel inspired by Howard’s journey and the pleasure he has for producing his work. THE ADAMS FAMILYI’m the first to admit that my grasp of history can be spotty, so here I mention the two Adams discussed during the podcast as a favor in case you suffer from Adams confusion as well. John Adams: John Adams was the second president of the United States from 1797 to 1801. Since everything I actually “know” about history I learned from movies and musicals, just to place Adams, he was the VP for George Washington before becoming president. He is NOT actually featured in “Hamilton,” the musical, although he was one of Alexander’s best buddies and fellow federalists. On the other hand, Adams is one of my favorite characters in the musical “1776.” I’m thinking of the song “Sit Down John” as a great example. John Quincy Adams: John Quincy Adams was the sixth president of the United States from 1825 to 1829. He was John and Abigail Adam’s second child and first son. This meant he received all the pressure associated with being the firstborn boy. Howard explains how this played out for John Quincy, and you can decide for yourself whether the force of helicopter parents was a good or bad thing in his case. THE FOUNDING PRESIDENTS AND FOODSeveral of our Founding Fathers observed food preferences that they swore by for health. Howard teases out a few examples during the interview, but my favorite was about George Washington and...

There is almost nothing more essential to our existence than food, and nothing as deeply personal for humans in particular. Think about it: we communicate through food, express culture via food, and forge connection when we eat together. Food binds us to the earth and reminds us that we are equals in our need for nutrition to survive. This week on the #thedeliciousstory, we visit with Michelle Book of The Food Bank of Iowa who explains the status of food insecurity in Iowa. In doing so, she also lays out the toll of human suffering due to hunger and explains some surprising ways in which we can benefit with more inclusive access to food. SHARED SUFFERING IN HUNGERI was surprised, and perhaps you will be too, by how long The Food Bank of Iowa has been around. Michelle details the history of the organization, their relationship to Feeding America, and their role in assisting food pantries in 55 counties around the state. Perhaps what is most startling for a local listener is the level of hunger Michelle points to in Iowa BEFORE the latest pandemic crisis. She breaks down the numbers during the interview and also reveals the exponential growth of the issue we are facing right now. We all deal with fear at some point. It’s unavoidable. Even if you’re not personally facing hunger, you can appreciate on some level what fear of your own survival feels like. For those who are at greatest risk and don’t know where their next meal will come from, the suffering is tenfold. Maybe you have faced that fear in the past, or have neighbors and friends who are facing it themselves. I once heard someone refer to the monthly bill-paying ritual as “keeping the wolves at bay.” I’ve never lost that imagery over the years, especially in the context of those who have the least.And oh, how the wolves do howl. From month to month, they circle and encroach. Without resources, some are faced with an insurmountable hurdle—one they face day-to-day. What has to get paid first? Most likely, rent. Then, the car if there’s a job that requires it. By the time they cross off essentials, there may be little, or nothing, left for food. These are the people who come to the food pantries. And these days, the people in the lines at the pantry include so many who never imagined they would face this need. As Michelle explains, food insecurity is nothing new for Iowans. Michelle details where we were in terms of hunger post the 2008 recession. The recovery has not been equal or fully realized by many who often work fulltime earning and unlivable wage. As of data reported in 2019, 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 7 children are struggling with hunger. The pandemic has exponentially impacted Iowans increasing the roster of those who are suffering. It’s understandable to feel paralyzed by the numbers and to wonder if hunger is an issue that that can quickly and practically be addressed. One piece of the answer that many people don’t realize is that we all benefit when everyone has access to good nutrition. Per the Center for American Progress 2010 data, each of us pays more than $500 per year for hunger-related problems in the U.S. due to lost economic productivity and increased health care costs. Simply by assuring adequate nutrition, we address future problems before they arise. KICK FEAR AND DO SOMETHIHNG I asked Michelle about the issue of food waste as one way to help solve food insecurity. Pre-pandemic, the issue was daunting. Per the UDSA, in the United States food waste was estimated at 30-40 percent of the food supply, meaning approximately 133 billion pounds (and $161 billion worth of money that would have gone into the economy) lost in 2010. Certainly, food waste is an important issue, but you’ll be stunned by the situation as it has unfolded recently, and how these new developments are impacting the donation...

The mention of stuff—from the clutter in the basement and the garage to the pictures and items we treasure but have so many of—can, for many of us, elicit stress as well as guilt. We have baggage about what we cart around in life. Teri Ernst and Courtney Work of Preserved LLC understand that burden well, and work with their clients to gently free them of it while keeping the best of what matters. In this episode of #thedeliciousstory, the two of them talk about the process of decluttering and how you, too, can feel pleasure in the space where you live and the things that surround you! HOW THEY MET AND HOW THEY WORKAs the interview begins, you’ll note what a marvelously joyful collaboration there is between Courtney and Teri. The real surprise is how they joined forces to create Preserved and how their differences and similarities have worked so very well together. The two of them began their venture in business in 2018, and since then have enjoyed rapid growth, precisely because of their approach and personalities. There are many organizing and minimizing gurus to tap into from books, videos, and websites, but for many of us we need a greater push to get things done for real. At no other time can this be more overwhelming than when you need to make some changes in order to age in place or right-size your home. Our things are all placeholders that mark where we’ve lived and what we’ve seen. And, as we move along in life, we accumulate more evidence, which we find hard to part with later. Those things are all the vessels of the chapters behind us. When you understand that connection to stuff, is it any wonder we have problems getting rid of things? Courtney and Teri get this, and that’s why they work diligently with clients to keep the treasured part of the stuff—the memories and evidence that are real and valuable, and not truly locked in the general “things” we possess. Preserved is about helping clients find the balance between the things they and the relevance to their lives right now. Courtney and Teri help their clients flip the thinking from the classic downsize dialogue—it’s not so much about releasing from your past, but bringing the best it with you into your today. “Out of clutter, find simplicity.” Albert Einstein THE TRUE VALUE OF THINGSI can’t tell you the number of estate sales I’ve seen with tables upon tables of collectable items—antique glasses, bobbles and porcelain figurines, all on display for passersby. At some point, all the possessions around us could become the fodder of such a sale, because the younger generations seem not to be too interested in taking this stuff off our hands!Hiring pros like Courtney and Teri helps people have the conversation objects with monetary value, and more importantly those with emotional value. It’s interesting how much of the time the two don’t coincide. I think you’ll find Courtney’s story about this issue sums up the point nicely. BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY TRIVIAAs you listen to this interview, I guarantee you’ll start to feel a lightness about the notion of organizing your things. And from there, we segue to food, and the chatter takes a yummy turn. First off, I find it hard to believe that the movie Bridges of Madison is 25 years old. Where has time gone? I remember guiltily reading the book while my husband jibed me for reading a romance story, but literature opinions aside, the movie, directed by Clint Eastwood, was a good film. Eastwood knows how to focus on the character development and storytelling in a way that helps a movie unfold. Merle Streep provided one of her stellar performances in Bridges, too, and the scenery of rural Iowa was beautiful. But until this interview, I hadn’t given the food scenes much thought. Although, I remember that Francesca, a farm wife, was in action in several scenes preparing...