Yes!! This a podcast about joy, perspective, and being human. I share stories from my own life—the things that make me laugh, make me think, and sometimes make me rethink everything. No expertise. No perfect answers. Just one person paying attention and sharing what she finds along the way. Join me every Tuesday and Thursday for a new episode. Enjoy the journey.
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Sep 29, 2026 · 11:27
Today I share a bit more about our trip to the Finger Lakes but, really, today is all about expectations. What is my life with Andy, the most active man on the planet, going to…
Sep 24, 2026 · 12:41
Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their perception of their lives -- aka find more JOY. Here are links that I mention in the show!! 🌱…
Sep 22, 2026 · 12:40
Life got so busy I almost forgot to tell you about Vermont! Vermont is a funny place for me — it’s my home, it’s a place my kids feel is very much their second home, and yet, in…
Sep 17, 2026 · 11:30
Today I share an update -- about Ben, me, and life in general. I think my rambling is getting worse, friends. At this point, some episodes are so all over the map that I’m not…
Sep 15, 2026 · 10:50
I've been toying with the idea of going back to school. I have a little PTSD from getting my master's over twenty years ago, so I'm not exactly sure what “school” would even look…
Sep 10, 2026 · 10:02
I shared all the details of Ben’s move-in on Tuesday. But how am I actually doing (because it’s all about me, right??). If you need the CliffsNotes version because you can’t wait…
Sep 8, 2026 · 12:41
So, this is it, friends! No, don't freak out — I'm not ending the podcast, but the move is here. Ben has officially moved to Rochester (land of 90 inches of snow — no…
Sep 3, 2026 · 12:02
My dear friend Caitlin hit the nail on the head when she said, 'Your mother is a freakin' icon!' Well, there you have it folks -- I am the daughter of an icon. I think you'll…
Sep 1, 2026 · 11:54
Well, it's not actually my birthday. As you are listening to this, my birthday was a few weeks ago. I am sorry -- there's no way for me to write and record in actual real time.…
Aug 27, 2026 · 9:17
What mom wants their kid to suffer or struggle? I don't know many. But where is that line between supporting your kids and taking over? I have no clue because I probably cross it…
Aug 25, 2026 · 9:43
I love getting older. I love that, at this point, I know myself pretty well. I even know what my nervous system needs. Sometimes I forget -- like when I make a doctor's…
Aug 20, 2026 · 13:24
From California we fly west! To Hawaii! Middle seat again. Hawaii brought up lots of childhood memories, too. And the Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation was probably worth the…
Aug 18, 2026 · 14:41
Today I share a bit more about our time in California. Driving south to Monterey brought up all these memories of time with my parents in Monterey, Carmel, and then San Simeon…
Aug 13, 2026 · 13:12
Today I share some stories from the start of our family trip in San Francisco. I honestly travel with a very funny crew -- from Andy, who likes to 'pump up the crowd' by playing…
Aug 11, 2026 · 10:00
As I write today's episode, I'm on a plane headed to California with my crew (middle seat -- I always get the middle seat!), but I'm really thinking about how much time is left…
Aug 6, 2026 · 8:27
What does your rich life look like? I love this question. Not what will you do someday when you have more money, but what kind of life do you actually want to create? Today,…
Aug 4, 2026 · 9:58
What do you want to be when you grow up? I kind of love that question. Little kids' answers are the absolute best — firetruck might still be my favorite. But somewhere along the…
Jul 30, 2026 · 12:23
Does luck exist? I love the word luck — it makes me think of rainbows, leprechauns, and little pots of gold — but I'm not sure I actually believe in it. Today, I share a week…
Jul 28, 2026 · 10:43
I know -- you've been waiting with bated breath. Did Ben actually come to the beach?? I know the last five days of waiting have been torture -- but the wait is over! I reveal the…
Jul 23, 2026 · 12:15
I always thought those moms who said their kids start pulling away before college were talking about their kids -- not mine. Well...they were right. Today I'm sharing the story…
Jul 21, 2026 · 13:04
My mom is moving! If you know my mom, or you attended one of my retreats in 2025, you know this is a really big deal. I'm so excited for her. Honestly, it feels like she's one of…
Jul 16, 2026 · 10:48
Today's episode is all about a New York Times monthly challenge that invites readers to spend ten minutes looking at a painting. The idea was inspired by an assignment from a…
Jul 14, 2026 · 12:44
My grandparents lived in a retirement community called Century Village. My childhood joke was that you had to be 100 years old to live there. It's not quite as funny now that I'm…
Jul 9, 2026 · 15:20
Don’t be turned off by the title of today’s episode! Yes, there’s a little physics talk -- in honor of my dad -- but today is really about miracles. Miracles that exist within…
Jul 7, 2026 · 10:49
Don't worry -- I promise I'm not about to rank our favorite family games. This episode is about one very special game -- one that turned out to be the greatest gift Andy or I…
Jul 2, 2026 · 9:35
No, I didn't get some time away. But someone in our family did. Today's episode is about Ben's first trip away with his friends -- and how I went from 'there is absolutely no way…
Jun 30, 2026 · 11:02
Even your joyful, fearless (if you've listened to ALL the episodes about my absurd fears of ice and falling, you're probably shaking your head at that one!) podcast host can feel…
Jun 25, 2026 · 8:44
Sometimes you never know what something is going to be like until you are in it. Right? We had a new dynamic this week -- just me and the twins for a night -- and it surprised…
Jun 23, 2026 · 9:32
And here we are at graduation. I keep trying to wrap my head around the fact that my oldest child will no longer be living in my home full time in just a couple months. It's not…
Jun 18, 2026 · 7:52
I kind of laughed writing 'summer bodies' as the title of today's episode because, if you've listened to even one of my podcast episodes, you could predict that this episode is…
Jun 16, 2026 · 10:25
I started my newsletter five years ago. Friends, that is crazy! Today is the story of how one starts a business literally out of thin air. And, a huge thank you to my amazing…
Jun 11, 2026 · 8:58
After over 300 episodes, you can probably guess how this is going to -- Melissa is going to use the word 'treasure' but there will be no mention of actual treasure, gold,…
Jun 9, 2026 · 9:38
Well, if you've been listening to this podcast for any length of time, you know when I ask a question like: Can you become a beach person? -- the answer is most likely, 'yes!'…
Jun 4, 2026 · 10:46
Today's episode is about a memory, really more of a thought, that just sticks in my brain. I couldn't even tell you what I had for dinner last night and, yet, this image from…
Jun 2, 2026 · 10:15
Yes, I know it's early June for you listeners and here I am talking about Mother's Day. But I would say this episode could apply to any special day -- birthdays, anniversaries,…
May 28, 2026 · 9:55
Believe it or not, your fearless leader/podcast host (me) had never actually attended a retreat for herself until now. Well… that’s partially untrue. But still, I did it! I…
May 26, 2026 · 9:07
Yes, I know we all do it -- we like to try and predict the future. I am definitely guilty of it. Today I share a recent story where I could not have predicted the outcome. A good…
May 21, 2026 · 11:18
After Tuesday's episode about the backstory, today I finally share a bit about the April retreat. There's always a theme, a take away that comes from each one -- and this one was…
May 19, 2026 · 10:24
Today’s episode is a little backstory on how I started leading retreats in the first place. I’ve always found origin stories fascinating -- the unexpected ways things come to be.…
May 14, 2026 · 10:57
For full disclosure, I do begin today’s episode with some bowling talk. I mean, we can’t go too long without talking about bowling! But the primary focus is what happens when we…
May 12, 2026 · 10:30
Yes! Ben went to the prom. Let’s talk about the prom -- I know for some people it can be this big, magical event: a defining moment, a before-and-after experience. For me, it…
May 7, 2026 · 8:08
Today's episode started with me thinking about spring and my dogwood tree, and somehow ended up spiraling into an episode about time flying, my boys growing up, and how the goal…
May 5, 2026 · 10:21
So, you may think more or less of me after today’s episode -- which features teenage boys, a drone, and some very questionable judgment. Spoiler alert: everyone is fine and no…
Apr 30, 2026 · 10:13
Yes -- today is all about money. I could probably do dozens of episodes about this topic, but in this one I’m sharing a bit of the history of money -- from cowrie shells to…
Apr 28, 2026 · 7:36
Today's episode is inspired by words by Bonnitta Roy (and shared by my friend, Cara Bradley): Go Slow, Stay Wide, Don't Chase. I think we all need permission to slow down and…
Apr 23, 2026 · 8:39
I love the idea of being spontaneous and go-with-the-flow but, the truth is, I'm not. I love planning. I love structure. I love being prepared. So, after many years, I've decided…
Apr 21, 2026 · 11:05
Well, it's been a big few days in the Bloom/Kish household. Ben made his college decision -- in a very 'Ben' fashion. All about the 'feeling.' I would love to make decisions like…
Apr 16, 2026 · 8:58
The weekend continued! Following the Ben college visit (Tuesday's episode), I then held my first workshop. You know I needed a nap after all this excitement! Today, let's chat…
Apr 14, 2026 · 8:58
It’s rare that we get a weekend alone with Ben (our oldest!). But this weekend kicked off our final quest to help him decide where to attend college this fall. And it was great —…
Apr 9, 2026 · 8:59
Today we’re talking about the 2026 L.A. Marathon—well, and marathons in general—and the mental gymnastics it takes to finish, especially when you’ve got a specific goal in mind.…
Apr 7, 2026 · 8:05
Today's episode is a bit about Alexander (one of my twins) and a bit about the afterlife. We recently had a conversation about 'the other side' -- he was curious as to what I…
Apr 2, 2026 · 8:08
I like to picture myself as brave and fearless at this point in my life but I still get tripped up by small, scary things. Today, let's talk about doing things even when we are…
Mar 31, 2026 · 7:57
It can be really tough to measure our impact. Our words and actions can have such lasting impact -- a ripple effect -- and yet, sometimes, we really have no idea. Kindness,…
Mar 26, 2026 · 8:51
Guess what?? Today I got an ovation. Not a standing ovation -- let's not get too crazy. But an ovation nonetheless. Let's talk about appreciation -- it is nice to be appreciated.…
Mar 24, 2026 · 6:27
Today's episode is a must listen -- because we all need more miracles around us! Especially when life feels heavy, it's easy to forget that we don't live in a 'nuts-and-bolts'…
Mar 19, 2026 · 8:11
Today I share some really wonderful questions that were submitted during my February JOY SCHOOL call. I love this group -- I love the questions, the discussion, all of it! Thanks…
Mar 17, 2026 · 7:37
I am very 'mixed' about the Nike slogan 'Just Do It.' One the one hand, I think it's terrible advice but then, on the other hand, there's a part of me that thinks it's probably…
Mar 12, 2026 · 9:16
No, don't get too excited, I haven't been taking swim lessons. Today, I share another wonderful Hannah Rosenberg poem entitled 'Swim Lessons' and I do reminisce just a bit about…
Mar 10, 2026 · 8:39
Today's episode is about my husband (and some advice he recently gave -- good advice!) and trees! He's not often one for emotional conversations but he really pulled through this…
Mar 5, 2026 · 7:56
Today I share another incredible poem by poet Hannah Rosenberg from her book of poetry, 'Same.' I love this poem: Magic Disguised as Ordinary Life. More and more, I am compelled…
Mar 3, 2026 · 8:40
Today's episode is about my friend, Eddy. Sometimes friendship can surprise you. I've never met Eddy in person, we communicate solely through audio messages, and yet I consider…
Feb 26, 2026 · 10:25
Today's episode is a bit heavier because the truth is: sometimes life is grossly unfair. As much as I see so much beauty in this world, there is so much grief and suffering too.…
Feb 24, 2026 · 7:54
Yes, today's episode is about a quiet moment -- but not just any quiet moment. A very specific one -- the moment I pressed 'publish' on my book (now three years ago!). Some…
Feb 19, 2026 · 8:37
A snow day is a great way to determine how much of a homebody someone is! Today, I chat about homebodies (yes, that's me!), introverts/extroverts, and more! I do love how we are…
Feb 17, 2026 · 9:00
Today's episode is all about the twins! The big snow we all experienced in much of the country coincided with the twin's birthday. As it did 15 years ago. Today, I reflect on…
Feb 12, 2026 · 8:19
In today's episode I share another of Cara Bradley's famous 'Sparks!' This one is so good. Let's chat about how much we love to 'overexplain' our decisions and choices. Maybe…
Feb 10, 2026 · 8:59
Today's episode is about a local food packing/distribution organization -- JRA. Well, it's really about how much fun I had at a recent food packing event. This episode is replete…
Feb 5, 2026 · 9:11
Today's episode is about the word 'communion.' No, not 'holy communion' but the concept of unity, of being connected deeply to one another. This episode features wisdom from our…
Feb 3, 2026 · 10:09
I do find it fascinating who we marry: are they like our parents or the total opposite? How do we choose? For full disclosure, I ponder some of these questions in today's episode…
Jan 29, 2026 · 8:12
Today I share a few excerpts from an opinion piece written by New York Times columnist, David Brooks, called 'The Great Detachment.' In his piece, he sets up a conundrum that I…
Jan 27, 2026 · 8:23
No, I'm not moving! Today's episode IS about a potential move, just not mine. It's funny how we often move through life as though nothing will change and then, all of a sudden,…
Jan 22, 2026 · 8:08
It's the first day of 2026 and I am a bit reflective (just a little) -- thinking about releasing goals, control, and resistance. I'm choosing to 'allow.' Allow all aspects of my…
Jan 20, 2026 · 9:52
I recently read a NY Times article in which the author compiled the best reader submitted advice of 2025. Today I share some of those nuggets of wisdom --- there are a few really…
Jan 15, 2026 · 9:19
I know the holidays are over and done but let's revisit them for one episode. It was a Christmas in Vermont -- cold, icy, but full of love. Thanks so much for listening! I love…
Jan 13, 2026 · 9:33
I know -- the title of today's episode might be a slight turn off for my male listeners (all SIX of them!) -- but I promise it's not just about menopause. You'll just have to…
Jan 8, 2026 · 9:02
Yes, I know it's a bit cliche to refer to these chaotic days with kids at home as long days and short years but it's the truth. I'm trying to get my head wrapped around how I…
Jan 6, 2026 · 6:59
As today's title implies, this is episode number 293! And that seems just crazy to me. How did that happen? Today, let's chat about how small changes, starting one new thing, can…
Jan 1, 2026 · 7:46
It's 2026 -- that's crazy! Happy New Year my friends. Today, let's chat about intention setting. If you are looking for some suggestions of how to approach this new year with an…
Dec 30, 2025 · 7:02
Today I share my own poem (a first for me!) to help ring in the new year: Let This Be the Year! Thanks so much for listening! I love helping people change (and improve!) their…
Dec 25, 2025 · 10:33
And just like that the holiday is here --- it's Christmas! Today's episode isn't exactly about Christmas but more ways that we mark time -- how we create monuments to remember.…
Dec 23, 2025 · 7:54
Yes, December is almost gone for you listeners. But, for me, it's December 1st. Which means this Jewish family dives head first into advent! Let the countdown to Christmas begin!…
Dec 18, 2025 · 8:34
Today I share some stories of 'synchronicities' or signs. We don't have to figure out the 'why' -- sometimes that's really well above our pay grade. But it's fun to pay more…
Dec 16, 2025 · 6:15
Today I share another one of Cara Bradley's Sparks 'Oh the Haters.' The question is -- are we afraid of the real haters (of whom I believe there are very few) or the idea that…
Dec 11, 2025 · 7:59
Today I share a really great JOY SCHOOL question (and some responses) that was submitted prior to Thanksgiving but is very relevant for this period of holiday gatherings. Because…
Dec 9, 2025 · 7:10
Today I share two poems from poet Hannah Rosenberg from her recently published book of poems Same. I love these two poems -- I can't tell you how often I've read them. They are…
Dec 4, 2025 · 6:41
It's tough making new friends as you get older -- sometimes I think there should be a dating app but just to make new friends. I've made some new friends lately and I'm thrilled.…
Dec 2, 2025 · 9:23
In my hunt for some paint brushes for the craft projects (from last week's episode), I stumbled into a veritable treasure trove! I can't wait to share the 'treasure' with you!…
Nov 27, 2025 · 7:56
Some recent school projects have provided the needed stimulus for me to remember my crafty days of yore. It's so interesting when you haven't really done something for like 30…
Nov 25, 2025 · 6:50
My dad would have enjoyed today's episode -- I share some thoughts about what he liked to call 'process' and how to make some of your holiday busyness feel a bit more doable…
Nov 20, 2025 · 7:49
Today I share some very 'light' advice as holiday gatherings approach. My hope is that you can be present, relaxed, and truly enjoy your holiday get togethers. And maybe today's…
Nov 18, 2025 · 8:17
Yes, as the title of today's episode implies, today is about books. What I'm reading, what I'm putting off (I do love procrastinating), and why I'm a huge fan of reading in…
Nov 13, 2025 · 6:43
Today's episode is all about being grateful for what you don't have. And, just to entice you to listen, I share stories of your fearless podcast host doing dumb things. See, now…
Nov 11, 2025 · 6:19
If you've ever wondered: what it is like to have twins? Then today is your day! Well, to give you a real picture of 'twin life,' I might need to write a second book. But at least…
Nov 6, 2025 · 9:21
Don't worry -- I'm not spilling state secrets or even major family secrets. These are not the kind of secrets you have to wait for some folks to pass on before you can share…
Nov 4, 2025 · 7:29
People change. I know that old saying: you can't teach and old dog new tricks. Well, I'm not so sure that's true. We are all changing/evolving and sometimes we have to remember…
Oct 30, 2025 · 8:37
I do a lot of driving. But today's episode is not about my driving, but Ben's. Yes, the editor of this podcast is finally working on getting his driver's license and, as with…
Oct 28, 2025 · 8:14
This past weekend I flew to North Carolina to lead a retreat at a friend's house. My first time doing something like this so I was excited and a bit nervous. It was wonderful,…
Oct 23, 2025 · 6:51
Inspired by yet another one of my friend Cara Bradley's Sparks, let's talk about the adage 'How you do one thing is how you do everything.' Because when it comes to 'energy,' it…
Oct 21, 2025 · 8:07
Today's episode is exactly as advertised. For once -- no rambling, no random stories. Proving that, despite the last 270 episodes of this podcast, I can actually stay on topic…
Oct 16, 2025 · 9:48
In today's episode I share a bit about the mother/daughter retreat I hosted in September -- namely to share some 'visuals' that the girls created during the retreat. Friends, you…
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