Stories From Women Who Walk

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Not My Circus! Not My Monkeys!

Mon, 6 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Helsinki, Finland!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

These days it takes more than the usual effort to stop trying to burst people into flames with my mind.

What’s going on? What isn’t? The craziness is triggering our uncertainties, raising our blood pressure, interrupting our sleep, and worse.

My dad used to say, Diane, Nie mój cyrk. Nie moje małpy. Not my circus - not my monkeys!

Practical Tip: Do not sell your soul for peanuts to feed the monkeys at the circus. It’s not your circus. It’s not your monkeys. Instead, find a moment of beauty and shelter in that for now.

AND! Stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as Quarter Moon Story Arts on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: What’s a Journey Without a Destination?

Fri, 3 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in San Jose, California!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

If you don’t know where you’re going, how do you know you’re on the right track, how close you are, not headed to somewhere else, or even, if you’ve arrived?

Lazily drifting on a river of a summer afternoon is a worthy use of time. But if you want to move along with purpose, focus your energy, and track your progress, the smart and savvy traveler will define her destination, break the journey into manageable phases, and keep heading intentionally, consistently toward the place she wants to be. She also keeps track of where she’s been to know how far she’s come along the path.

As the old ones say, When we understand where we’ve been and where we’re headed, we clarify the potential we have to make our ideas, visions and goals come true.

Story Prompt: Think of a moment in time when you felt lost. Where have you come from? Where are you now? Where are you headed? How will you get there? Write that story and share it out loud!

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Celebrating 6 Years Together on the Global Airwaves!

Wed, 1 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening wherever your feet touch the ground!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Today marks the 6th anniversary of Stories From Women Who Walk that launched (no fooling!) on April 1st 2020. As you may remember the first year I interviewed woman who were walking their lives when a conflict unexpectedly showed up causing them to make choices, accept consequences, change who they were into who they became. The conflict that caused me to pivot from my interviews to my singular 60 Seconds format was COVID; we were no longer commuting in cars listening to longer podcasts.

Here we are 6 years, 1,300 episodes, and over 250,000 plays all over the world! Who made it possible? You did! Our global community. I’m still here because you’re still there. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Going forward we still have work to do as Ordinary Persons gathering into a growing Army of Ordinary Persons to demand a better way of life for all of us. You can count on me to provide ongoing 60 Seconds episodes to support, encourage, inspire, delight, illuminate, provoke, and energize! You can expect resilience and resistance balanced with hope and stories to help us live each day trusting that our collective decency, goodness, and strength will birth something so much better than what we have right now. I welcome you and each of you on the journey!

Write your stories, share them out loud, be well, do good work, and stay in touch!

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: How to Kindle Your Self-Expression & Become Visible Again

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Forres, Scotland!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

The Scots word “smooring” is an old practice of subduing a fire with ash or peat to keep the embers warm overnight until they’re rekindled in the morning. Maybe like me something or someone smoored your self-expression. Perhaps you were told that you were a handful, a free spirit, loudly curious, or just plain too much.

After a time you conformed to what they wanted. You smoored your self-expression. You stopped freely sharing your feelings, ideas, curiosity, and thoughts. As your self-expression was subdued, you became less visible.

And yet, like a smoored fire the embers of your self-expression are still there waiting to be rekindled into flame so that you regain your visibility.

4 Practical Tips: I have four tried and true tips for you:

1. Nurture self-awareness so that you become visible to yourself.

2. Awaken natural talents to reignite the fire of your self-expression.

3. Seek out the people and places where you belong, where you and your self-expression are welcome

4. Practice saying what you mean and meaning what you say as the courageous act of a warrior. The question is no longer: Who will let me?; the question is: “Who do they think they are to try and stop me?

Thank you for listening!

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: We the People Are Primed to Fight Injustice

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening all over these still United States!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I’m a long-time fan of the TV series, The Big Bang Theory. No matter how many times I’ve re-watched an episode I always learn something. Like the time Raj and Howard helped Amy with a dating app for her phone. Howard commented that one day there would be something to choose a date for her. AI was hovering in the wings.

Two of the characters are physicists. In physics every action has an equal and opposite reaction. When it doesn’t work because the laws of nature are broken by corrupt, power-mad, ego-maniacal psychopaths you end up where we are. In unprecedented threatening chaos.

This aberration of power must have an equal force to not only keep it in check but to keep it confined. We the People are the Force acting to knock this wannabe king and all the king’s men (and women) off the throne once and for all.

Story Prompt: Remember a time when you felt that a situation was unjust, you were forced to act, and your actions made a difference for the good. Write that story and tell it out loud!

AND! Stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me (info@quartermoonstoryarts.net) to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as Quarter Moon Story Arts on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: JOIN No Kings Rallies 3.0 on Saturday 28th March 2026

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening wherever your feet touch the ground!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for an important announcement) for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

NO KINGS Rally 3.0 is another national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses from Trump’s regime. This regime has cracked down on free speech, detained immigrants, killed American citizens, defied the courts, threatened anyone who would not bend a knee, enriched themselves and their obscenely greedy tycoons with unprecedented corruption, and started an illegal, idiotic war putting us on the eve of destruction.

On Saturday March 28th Americans are once again taking to the streets of our nation. Here on Whidbey Island, Washington, our protest (organized by Indivisible Whidbey and supported by peacekeepers from SOS Whidbey) will focus on defending democracy and civil rights.

Demonstrators will speak out against the illegal war in the Middle East, sending troops into communities to carry out aggressively lawless actions by ICE, and the ongoing attempts to subvert voting rights and the midterm elections.

“It’s more important than ever to speak out, to come together and demand a different path”, said Carrie Krueger, an event organizer from Indivisible Whidbey. “American citizens are being disappeared or killed in the street; our soldiers, including those from Whidbey Island, are in harm's way for a war that is illegal and devastating. The very foundations of our democracy, including separation of powers and free and fair elections, are being actively and intentionally dismantled.”

The event will feature music by Singing Resistance and chants led by local student leaders.

We will also raise money for the Neighbor to Neighbor Fund, a grassroots community fund supporting immigrants with financial assistance for food, housing, transportation and immigration legal fees.

All of us are committed to non-violent action including de-escalation of conflicts. Peacekeepers will be on hand to ensure a peaceful and positive event.

Our event will take place in Oak Harbor to support the veteran and active duty military who have served and are serving our country.

Saturday March 28, Noon to 2

Northeast 4th Avenue & State Route 20

Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Click HERE to learn more about No Kings Rally 3.0 and how you can get involved with Indivisible Whidbey

Click HERE to register to attend No Kings Rally 3.0 in Oak Harbor, WA

Click HERE to find No Kings Rally 3.0 events near you

Click HERE to access a comprehensive No Kings Rally 3.0 website

CTA: We’re no longer watching history - we are making it - to save Democracy and work together for a world that supports life for everything and everyone. Thank you for listening, for being one of us, and see you out on the streets March 28th!

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Discover Your Stories & Learn to Tell Them in Your Voice

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you women professionals listening wherever your feet touch the ground!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Since the beginning of time, humans have connected with each other by gathering together to share our stories. Around ancient fires, elders recited genealogies aloud while listeners traced how their own lives wove into the larger tapestry of the tribe. Creation tales, love stories, acts of heroism were passed from voice to heart, generation after generation.

Some cultures believe that each time you hear a story, you arrive as a different person seeing the characters and plot line through fresh eyes. That's the quiet magic of telling personal tales: you see how far you've traveled and who you're becoming.

Though many of our formal storytelling traditions have faded, they don't have to stay lost. You can reclaim that power in your family, your community, your career.

Your stories matter. Your voice carries energy that no written word can fully capture.

CTA: This is your invitation to discover the stories you've been living and learn to tell them effectively with the full resonance of who you are. When women share their stories, something powerful happens. Come find out what that is. Email me at info@quartermoonstoryarts.net for a no-obligation Discovery Chat.

Thank you for listening.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: My Dad’s Morse Code Work Motivated My Military Service

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Barking, East London, England!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Sometimes in passing he would whisper: dit, dit, dit, dah dah dah, dit dit dit. Morse Code for SOS, Save Our Ship. I’m thinking of a skinny, 18 year old inner city kid hunched over a Morse Code machine in a radio room on a warship tapping out messages somewhere in the Pacific. During World War II US Navy warships used Morse code to speak to each other while they were out at sea. My dad was a radioman. As I watched a WWII era training film to learn more I could imagine dad’s finger on that code sending device. Click HERE to watch a 1943 US Navy training film demonstrating sending Morse Code.

Dad didn’t talk much about serving as a US Navy radioman on a warship in the Pacific. Like so many stories our loved ones thought were inconsequential we end up cobbling them together from memory and archives.

But I do know this: I chose to become a US Navy Nurse motivated by my dad who chose to go war with his brothers and their friends to defend our democracy because that’s what you did then. You served your country.

Story Prompt: Who or what motivated your career choices? Write that story and share it out loud!

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: JOIN No Kings Rallies 3.0 on Saturday 28th March 2026

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening wherever your feet touch the ground!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for an important announcement) for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

The event will feature music by Singing Resistance and chants led by local student leaders.

We will also raise money for the Neighbor to Neighbor Fund, a grassroots community fund supporting immigrants with financial assistance for food, housing, transportation and immigration legal fees.

All of us are committed to non-violent action including de-escalation of conflicts. Peacekeepers will be on hand to ensure a peaceful and positive event.

Our event will take place in Oak Harbor to support the veteran and active duty military who have served and are serving our country.

Saturday March 28, Noon to 2

Northeast 4th Avenue & State Route 20

Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Click HERE to learn more about No Kings Rally 3.0 and how you can get involved with Indivisible Whidbey

Click HERE to register to attend No Kings Rally 3.0 in Oak Harbor, WA

Click HERE to find No Kings Rally 3.0 events near you

Click HERE to access a comprehensive No Kings Rally 3.0 website

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Your Voice Is Your Power - Are You Using Yours? with Frank Zaccari!

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in New Taipei City, Taiwan!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

How do you connect with and lead others? By using your voice to create stories with imagination, emotion and sensory detail. Curious to learn more? Take a listen.

I am beyond lucky to have shared a wonderfully enjoyable and value-packed conversation with my longtime friend and colleague Frank Zaccari, best selling author, keynoter, CEO of Life Altering Events, and the host of Bounce Back - in Business & Life podcast for anyone who wants to make sense of life and overcome its challenges. Join Frank and me as we explore why your voice is one of the most powerful leadership tools you possess. Together we share practical insights for anyone who speaks, leads, teaches, or presents. Here are a few:

1. Prepare — don’t wing it

2. Avoid rote memorizing word-for-word

3. Use movement to practice your message before you deliver it

4. Master the pause to draw people in

Bottom line: Your voice is as unique as your fingerprint. Use it with intention to inform, inspire, and move people to action.

Listen now to the entire 36-minute conversation: Your Voice Is Your Power — Are You Using Yours? on these podcast platforms:

Buzzsprout

Apple

Spotify

Check out the many ways to follow, connect with, subscribe to, and work with Frank Zaccari.

Frank Zaccari, CEO, Life Altering Events, LLC

5x #1 Bestselling New Release & 4x TAZ Award Winning Author, NAMCA Speaker

Trust the Process CoFounder

Email: frankzaccari@gmail.com

Phone: 916.718.5517

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4jSFziDx5ZQXP2ZY5-M0-w

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankzaccari/

https://www.frankzaccari.net/

https://fzaccari.substack.com/?

http://www.authorstrusttheprocess.com/

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Pearls, Toads and Speech

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Grants Pass, Oregon!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Once upon a time there was a young girl who lived with her wicked stepmother and wicked stepsister. One day the girl went to the well to fetch water. While there an old crone asked her for a drink of the cold water she was drawing up from the well. The girl gave her a drink and as a reward for her kindness the crone said, “Each time you speak pearls, jewels and roses will fall from your lips.”

Seeing this magic the wicked stepmother sent the wicked stepsister to the well to claim her own reward. At the well a beautiful princess asks for water; but the wicked stepsister says, “Draw your own water! I’m not your servant.” “Ah,” said the princess, “That is unfortunate. From this day forward scorpions, lizards and toads will fall from your lips when you speak.” Click HERE to learn more

Story Prompt: What if we could see our words even before we spoke them? How might we practice kindness and loving speech? Write that story and share it out loud!

AND! Stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as Quarter Moon Story Arts on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

60 Seconds For Wednesdays on Whidbey: Humans Like Trees Are Sturdier Than We Might Believe

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Aukland, New Zealand!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I’ve been walking in the rain to settle my restless, anxious spirit. I live in Washington. It rains. If don’t walk in the rain I’d probably never walk.

As I walked I reflected on something my teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said about people and the sturdiness of trees, “When you look at the tree during the storm you can see that the top of the tree is not solid. You can only see the tiny branches and a number of leaves on the top of the tree swaying back and forth under the effect of the wind. You have the impression that the tree is very vulnerable but if you look down to see the big branches and the trunk of the tree you see that the tree is strongly rooted in the ground. The impression that the tree is vulnerable will vanish. You see that the tree is much more solid than it looks at the top. We are like that, too."

Practical Tip: When you feel anxious, uncertain or vulnerable you can practice to get solid and peaceful again. The stability of your body will help bring about the stability of your mind. Sit beautifully and practice saying: “Breathing in I see myself grounded, breathing out I feel solid, peaceful.” And so you will become. Guaranteed.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Yes, It’s Madness; But Madness Will End

Mon, 9 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Brisbane, Australia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

It’s wretched madness, stupidity, corruption, and greed! Yes, this is the time we’re living in. While chances are it could get worse, I can also say that it is impermanent.

When does it end? How does it end? No clue. But then again I don’t know how electricity works. I can’t see it until it flares in a lightbulb. Maybe electricity is like faith: “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

What I have seen is the growing momentum of good trouble. Will it continue? Count on it. I’ve lived long enough to believe that We the People have the momentum to crush the madness. What this growing momentum is made of, how it will manifest, or where it will come from is yet to be seen.

Meanwhile, “When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” [~ Harriet Beecher Stowe] Guaranteed!

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Are You Doing It Wrong or Just Differently?

Fri, 6 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Alexandria, Virginia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Growing up in a family of 9 I remember a never-ending stack of dishes, cups, bowls and silverware to wash and dry. There was also the never-ending arguing about whose job it was to wash the dishes. Eventually our parents caved and bought a dishwasher; but the arguing didn’t end there.

Did you know there is a right way and a wrong way to stack items in a dishwasher? Who knew? Dishes face this way, cups face that way, silverware goes like so. One person’s different system was perceived as wrong by someone else. Believe it or not, one of the advantages of living in a big family is the ever-present teaching moment, like this one: "Just because you do things differently, you are not wrong.”

Story Prompt: When in your personal or professional life have you done something differently only to be told it was wrong? What happened next? Write that story and share it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as Quarter Moon Story Arts on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Let Go of Perfect & Grab Hold of Uncertainty

Wed, 4 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Woodburn, Oregon!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

We all want it - don’t we? Perfection! We wait to ship our work until it looks right, feels right, sounds right. We hold back on letting go of the paintbrush and calling it art. We want another rewrite of the story before we’re willing to share it out loud. We want our work to be perfect.

But what did perfect ever do for you? Your being perfect won’t help the world get better; but I guarantee you that shipping your imperfect work into the world will. How do I know? I’ve seen it happen. I’m not saying my imperfect work changes the world; but I‘m not saying it doesn’t.

When we trust ourselves to ship our imperfect work, we gain an opportunity to feel the magic of taking a leap of faith, welcome the unexpected, and connect with someone who has been waiting for our work. Join me!

And thank you for listening!

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Take a Tip From a Toddler: Say No!

Mon, 2 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Auckland, New Zealand!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

As the oldest of 7 children I learned early on the innate wisdom toddlers bring to the game of life. They know how to say No! And then the world shows them the error of their ways. We grow up saying Yes when we mean No!

What changed? We were taught that saying Yes is right, good, proper, helpful even and saying No! is just plain wrong. The problem is the more we say Yes when we mean No we forget how to make choices in our own best interest and well-being. This self-sabotage robs us of our ability to choose wisely, of our personal power, of our legitimate right to say No! with certainty, confidence, and clarity.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with saying Yes so long as we agree with ourselves, are not limited in our options, feeling compelled, or thinking we will be rejected or worse. It takes practice to practice saying No! As you get better at it you will come to value saying what you mean and meaning what you say.

Practical Tip: When asked to take on work you want to decline, say this, “No. It’s good work; but it’s not my work.”

And thank you for listening!

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: What Do Superheroes Say About Living Life as a Superhero?

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Pasadena, California!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I’ve been binge-watching The Big Bang Theory TV series as I do this time each year to humor me through our Pacific Northwest November to May Rain Festival. As you might know a consistent theme is the characters’ devotion to comics and superheroes. Why? The characters are highly intelligent, socially awkward nerds who have difficulty navigating society whereas the superheroes possess save-the-day abilities, rare powers, and bravery. Comics can be a safe place to fantasize living idealized versions of themselves as the nerd-turned-hero.

But what do the Superheroes have to say about living life as a Superhero? Following are 7 quotes:

1. “When you decide not to be afraid you can find friends in super unexpected places.” — Ms. Marvel

2. “Everybody’s story begins “once upon a time,” and it’s up to us to cherish the time we’re given to ensure we live happily ever after.” — Scarlet Witch

3. “I have no idea where I’m going to be tomorrow but I accept the fact that tomorrow will come and I’m going to rise to meet it.” — Donna Troy

4. “The fate of your planet rests not in the hands of gods. It rests in the hands of mortals.” — Thor

5. “The future is worth it. All the pain. All the tears. The future is worth the fight.” — Martian Manhunter

6. “The door is more than it appears. It separates who you are from who you can be. You do not have to walk through it… You can run.” — Franklin Richards

7. “A hero can be anyone. Even a man doing something as simple as putting a coat around a little boy’s shoulders to let him know the world hasn’t ended.” — Batman

Story Prompt: For a long time your character has felt that she is more than she appears to be but does not believe she has what it takes to show up fully in her power until one day a door appears in a wall and she .... write that story and share it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: What Happens When We Share Our Stories Out Loud?

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Olympia, Washington!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I am a storyteller of the old school. What do I mean? For over 30 years I’ve taught (and continue to teach) my clients and students the same thing: “Put down the paper and nobody gets hurt!” Why? Because storytellers have something to say that comes from their aliveness, which is what people most want to feel and connect with. Sharing our stories out loud brings them to light and life, and encourages us to do what most folks fear more than snakes: stand up and speak up in public.

Story spoken aloud is what we leave of ourselves in another person. A story is an intimate lasting legacy, a permanent inheritance much like a vow or an oath.

When we share our stories out loud, we connect with each other, we belong to each other. We might not realize it but we are creating a verbal promise, a vow, an oath of belonging. Think about how many times we’ve heard someone say, "Repeat after me: I solemnly swear..."

Marrying couples pledge faithfulness through the challenges and joys of marriage.
Lawyers uphold the law, maintain client confidentiality, and act as an officer of the court.
Doctors focus on ethics, patient care and societal responsibilities.
Politicians preserve and defend the Constitution.
US military support and defend the Constitution against all enemies.
Immigrants becoming US citizens swear the Oath of Allegiance to the United States during a formal naturalization ceremony.
From the time we are children in school we recite The Pledge of Allegiance, a patriotic promise of loyalty to the United States flag and the republic for which it stands.

What happens when we share our stories out loud? They become real. We say what we mean, we mean what we say. We—and those hearing us—know what we stand for and what we won’t stand for. Yes, you might write a story but it needs to be shared out loud to enrich and include the wider world. That’s the legacy of the stories we leave in those who have heard them spoken aloud.

CTA: If you’d like to learn more, email me at info@quartermoonstoryarts.net for a no obligation Discovery Call. And thank you for listening!

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: We Have the Power to Hold Musk & DOGE Criminally Accountable for Pirating Private SSA Data

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Spokane, Washington!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Christopher Armitage writing The Existentialist Republic on Substack posted an article entitled Democrats Can Launch Criminal Investigations into DOGE, Today. According to Armitage dozens of state investigations have the power to bring criminal actions to hold Musk/DOGE accountable for pirating private Social Security Administration (SSA) data and releasing it to third parties. Click HERE to read the article and get ready to take steps to e-mail your County Prosecutor, Governor and Attorney General.

Following are three email templates you can use if you live in the Great State of Washington. For all other states, please check the Substack article comments to find yours. If you don’t see your state, comment in the post to receive your state's relevant statutes and templates to email.

Thank you for listening and taking action wherever your feet touch the ground!

Email 1: To your Washington State County Prosecutor

Dear,

I'm writing to request that your office refer a matter to Attorney General Nick Brown for criminal investigation under RCW 43.10.232.

In a January 16, 2026 court filing in AFSCME v. Social Security Administration (D. Md., No. 1:25-cv-00596), the U.S. Department of Justice admitted that employees of the Department of Government Efficiency, while embedded at the Social Security Administration, transferred agency data to an unauthorized third-party server called Cloudflare outside all SSA security protocols. The SSA has confirmed it cannot determine what data was shared or whether it still exists on that server. A DOGE team member also sent an encrypted file believed to contain the names and addresses of roughly 1,000 people to the Department of Homeland Security and DOGE leadership, and the SSA has been unable to access the file to verify its contents.

The filing further revealed that a DOGE employee signed a "Voter Data Agreement" with a political advocacy group seeking to match Social Security records against state voter rolls to overturn election results in certain states. The SSA made two Hatch Act referrals to the Office of Special Counsel as a result. Separately, NPR has reported that DOGE engineer Aram Moghaddassi contacted the Florida governor's office about state voter data while working simultaneously at SSA and DHS, and that a DOGE associate publicly claimed to have matched SSA data against voter rolls at a political rally.

SSA records include the personal information of Washington residents in [your county]. This conduct may constitute violations of Washington's identity theft statute (RCW 9.35.020) and the Washington Cybercrime Act (RCW 9A.90). Federal officials do not have blanket immunity from state criminal prosecution when they exceed the scope of their authorized duties.

I'm asking you to refer this matter to Attorney General Brown so his Criminal Justice Division can investigate whether Washington residents were victims of state crimes. The AG's office has confirmed it needs a referral from a county prosecutor or the governor to act. You have the authority to open that door.

Thank you for your time and your service to our community.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

Email 2: To the Washington State Governor Ferguson

Dear Governor Ferguson,

I'm writing to request that your office refer a matter to Attorney General Nick Brown for criminal investigation under RCW 43.10.232.

The filing further revealed that a DOGE employee signed a "Voter Data Agreement" with a political advocacy group seeking to match Social Security records against state voter rolls to overturn election results in certain states. The SSA made two Hatch Act referrals to the Office of Special Counsel as a result. Separately, NPR has reported that a DOGE engineer contacted the Florida governor's office about state voter data while working simultaneously at SSA and DHS, and that a DOGE associate publicly claimed to have matched SSA data against voter rolls at a political rally.

These actions may constitute violations of Washington's identity theft statute (RCW 9.35.020) and the Washington Cybercrime Act (RCW 9A.90). The personal information of millions of Washington residents is contained in SSA records. Federal officials do not have blanket immunity from state criminal prosecution when they exceed the scope of their authorized duties, and a state conviction cannot be erased by a presidential pardon.

The Attorney General's office has confirmed it requires a referral from a county prosecutor or the governor to investigate and prosecute criminal matters. I'm asking you to make that referral so Attorney General Brown can determine whether Washington residents were victims of state crimes.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

Email 3: To the Washington State Attorney General's Office

The Honorable Nick Brown,

I understand that the Washington Attorney General's office requires a referral from a county prosecutor or the governor to investigate and prosecute criminal matters.

Toward that end I've written to both my [insert your county's name] County prosecutor [insert the prosecutor's name] and Governor Ferguson requesting that they make such a referral. Specifically, I've asked them to refer the matter of DOGE employees' handling of Social Security Administration data, as described in the January 2026 DOJ court filing and subsequent reporting, for investigation under Washington's identity theft statute (RCW 9.35.020) and the Washington Cybercrime Act (RCW 9A.90).

I wanted your office to be aware that this request is coming, and I hope Attorney General Brown will be prepared to act when the referral arrives.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Do You Know the Power of Your Own Story?

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Samish, Washington!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Imagine this: a storyteller in a room full of litigators. No! Not alligators - litigators. Trial attorneys who are curious about learning the tools to engage with their own narrative so that they could connect to the stories of their plaintiff clients - not as lawyers but as people. Once they know how to access their own stories they can engage the experiences of the jury, find common ground with the plaintiff’s story and, be well on their way to winning the trial.

Over 30 years my clients have learned that before you tell someone else’s story be very clear about your own. Do the hard work of an archeological dig on your narrative. Once we understand how our narrative shapes and re-shapes our life, our purpose, the relationships we have with others we are well on our way to knowing what we stand for, what we won’t stand for, and how we can be of service. Our story can become one of advocacy, leadership, and healing. Our story can shift attitudes, behaviors, even cultures.

CURIOUS TO LEARN MORE? Email me at info@quartermoonstoryarts.net for a no-obligation Discovery Call

Story Prompt: Your life isn't about what happened to you; it's about what you did next! What have you learned as you journeyed from There to Here, and how might it be a healing story of growth? Write that story and share it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Being Alive in Stillness & Silence

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Bellingham, Washington!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

There is nothing quite so still as an old growth forest to settle the anxiety I feel in these times of madness. Walking deep in the woods of the island’s old growth forests a stillness beckons me to stop and listen deeply. The stillness asks if I can hear the immense power and depth of silence. I am reminded that all sounds arise from silence and fade back into silence.

When we take the time to stop and experience silence we calm our mind, still the crazy chatter, breathe more deeply. Allow stillness. Stay with silence as long as you can. Tune in to your intuition, see clearly, hear your heartbeat, feel the blood coursing in your fingertips, and sense the steadiness of your breath coming and going easily. Remind yourself that we are alive and connected to all beings.

Question: How does it feel to seek a bit of refuge in the stillness of the present moment? How does it feel to be alive, vibrant, and in tune with silence?

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Give a Lift & Get a Lift

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening all over the world as we get ready to greet the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse last celebrated in 1966!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Imagine this: you’re a podcaster, storyteller, writer, or entrepreneur. You have honest-to-goodness talent, outshine all the rest of the competition on the field talent! But, what if talent isn’t enough? What do you need? Connection!

We are connected to allies, friends, colleagues and supporters who believe in us, who want us to succeed, who will go the distance for us. Think of your cohort of connections as a mini-culture. When we belong to a culture that embodies our beliefs, dreams and values they know us, we know them. We can ask for a trusted hand up when the time comes. What do we do in the meantime?

Practical Tip: “Each One Lift One is the way we roll here!” Before you ask for a hand up, give a hand up. Look around for those talented unheard voices you could help. Be a generous champion for them and their skills. In turn, someone will do the same for you. Guaranteed!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: An East Coast Girl Yearns for Winter’s Promise

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Layton, New Jersey and Hancock, New Hampshire!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday the 13th and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I’m an East Coast Girl born and raised. Winter was always a time of mystery and majesty. All that snow! All that wild and welcome time to trek, ski, snowshoe, winter camp, and skate frozen ponds. I yearn for the winter activities being enjoyed by my family still Back East; but even more I want what is yet to be. I want Winter’s Promise.

Winter’s Promise

“I do an awful lot of thinking and dreaming about things in the past and the future…

the timelessness of the rocks and the hills... all the people who have existed there.

I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape,

the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it,

the whole story doesn’t show.” –Andrew Wyeth

Story Prompt: What is the promise your life holds for you now? What will you do to realize that promise? What are the stakes? Write that story and share it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Inviting the GLAD Because It’s Not All Badness nor Madness

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Long Beach, California!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories from Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Might there be an antidote to what feels like escalating badness and madness in the world? Yes! The good in our lives. Some may say I’m a Dreamer, but I’m not the only one.

Inviting the good - even if we do it grudgingly - has the power to lighten and brighten our life. Donald Altman created a particularly useful approach for creating a positive attitude toward life. Of course it’s called G.L.A.D. Click HERE to learn more:

Practical Tip: At the end of your day record a wee bit of Gratitude granted, a Lesson learned, an Accomplishment accomplished, and a Delight that delivered wonder, curiosity, maybe even discovery. Take a chance, give it a go; the GLAD is guaranteed!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: You’re Not Dead Yet; You Can Still Dance!

Mon, 9 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in South Bend, Indiana!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk With 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

The line on the birthday card from my sister goes like this: “The sun is up and you are alive to see it. Start there.” [Lin-Manuel Miranda] It’s just what I need to light my way in the early morning dark to the coffee pot in the kitchen.

Following are 5 inspirations chosen for you. Dance with the one that calls today:

“Well, I've often felt that dreams are answers to questions we haven't yet figured out how to ask.” [David Duchovny playing the character Fox Mulder The X-Files 1995)]

“Roll out, snakes! It’s daylight in the swamp!” [The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich]

“Always remember Bilbo, when your heart wants lifting, think of pleasant things... Eggs and bacon. A good, full pipe. My garden at twilight.” [Gandalf & Bilbo Baggins]

"When nothing's working, it might be a cosmic conspiracy to get you to experiment." [Caroline Casey]

“What’s really important is not the big things others have created but the continuous, each-by-each little things you are bringing into being. Never underestimate your singular power as a creator.” [Diane Wyzga]

And thank you for listening.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Like the Gems Sewn in the Cloak of Our Story

Fri, 6 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Marion, Ohio!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

They say that when Marco Polo returned from his decades of travels through Asia along the Silk Roads, he had gems sewn in his cloak to prove the fantastical nature of his stories.

Where might we find the fantastical, the unexpected gift in our stories? What did we bring home from our journey? What was the agent of change? How were we transformed? And does any of it matter to someone else?

“It’s strange to think that there might be things we know that people who live one hundred years from now would like to know. We forget to say them.” [William Stafford]

The story we bring back from our journeys is the gift of grace that was passed to us as we journeyed through our fears, doubts, and failures bringing us from There to Here.

Story Prompt: What insight, glimpse of wisdom, shiver of compassion, or wee bit of knowledge have you received as you walk the story of your life? Write that story and share it out loud.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Make a Wish - Blow Out the Candles - Expect the Unexpected

Wed, 4 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Stellenbosch, South Africa!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

It’s a tradition to light the candles on a birthday cake and say, Make a wish! Blow out the candles!

Where did this tradition begin? Maybe it’s true or maybe it isn’t, but as the story goes the ancient Greeks in the time of Zeus brought round-shaped cakes adorned with lit candles when they visited the temple of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and the moon. The Romans called her Diana. As you can imagine, the lit candles made the round cakes glow like the moon. Others believed that the smoke from the candles carried the wishes and prayers heavenward where they would be granted - in time - although not always in the form they were expected.

Practical Tip: What Birthday Wishes of yours might have come true but not in the form they were expected? When it’s your birthday light the candles, make a wish and expect the unexpected will again come true for you. Birthday wishes are like that! Guaranteed!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: What If You Could Give Yourself Over to Your Purpose?

Mon, 2 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello and Happy Birthday to you listening in Daniels, West Virginia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I’m often asked: What was the most difficult lesson on my Camino de Santiago pilgrimage? Letting go. Letting go of the way I was. Letting go of my old self. Giving myself over to the walking.

You think it’s easy? Get up in the dark, pack in the dark, head out in the dark. Walk 15 or 20 miles a day, no matter how hot or cold or wet you feel. No matter how rocky or lonesome or tired. Nothing prepares you for walking Camino but to walk Camino.

How do you do it? Here’s a tip: surrender. Give yourself over. You are here now. Make the most of it. When you want to stomp around and make furious gestures, make the most of that. Make the most of your joys as well as complaints. Give voice to them all.

And then give yourself back to the only job you have: to walk. Every day my Camino lesson shows up like this: “Just walk it off, Diane!”

Question: What single-minded purpose of yours guides you along your way? And how are you walking?

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: This! Is the Life I’m Forging

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Gaborone, Botswana!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe like me you have spent time looking for something even if you don’t know what it is.

After feeling stuck in the cross-roads of my life where the true way was wholly lost to me, I set out on a new road. I left everything I knew: a home, a community of 20 years, a successful national litigation consulting practice and drove 1500 miles north washing up on the shores of Whidbey Island. Why Whidbey? Pretty place, nice people, good pie.

Little by little over the past 7 years I’ve cobbled together a home, a community, my Quarter Moon Story Arts business, a global podcast (still holding in the top 3% worldwide), and being of use.

I’m forging the life I want even if I don’t know all that it could be. I’m curious to learn, “What happens next? And now what?”

Story Prompt: What you’re looking for is looking for you. How are you preparing yourself to meet it? Write that story and share it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: My Voice Is Me Smiling at You

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Corning, New York!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

One of the first signs of recognition a new mother looks for in her infant is - a smile. Look! She’s smiling at me! Yes! Baby sees you. Baby recognizes you.

From earliest days we are cued to the smiles of other human beings. Remember what we missed in the COVID time with masks masking our smiles? Sure, we crinkled our eyes to signal a smile but it wasn’t the same as receiving a smile from another human. Sometimes the tone of our voice was a good substitute. The “music of the spoken word” stood in for our smile. We did the best we could with what we had.

Like a smile, the "music of the spoken word" brings written text to life with inflection, pause, tone, emphasis, and cadence. Reading text alone is quick, cheap, and easy but the human voice lends expression and emotional meaning.

I create each 60 Seconds episode with you in mind to offer a measure of hope, delight and imagination, as well as thoughts to ponder, stories to share, a practical tip to lighten and brighten your day. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my podcast episodes. My voice is me smiling at you.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Let’s Should Less & Smile More

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Mountain View, California!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Hand on heart: I can still behave like an over-stretched, over-committed, dutiful, responsible, and driven first-born daughter. Do it right or don’t do it at all.

Maybe like me you find yourself doing it all wrong by trying to do it all right. We have these notions--born of long-ago outdated, outmoded stories--about what we’re supposed to do, have, create, earn, market, publish, reconfigure, reorganize, envision, and connect. But I can’t and I don’t want to do it all perfectly. I want to Be rather messy in my life.

Practical Tip: Let’s stop for a moment. How would it feel if we “should” less on our own good selves? What if - even for a moment - we invite the power of the pause, peace and space. Did you just breathe a deep sigh of relief? Perhaps drop your shoulders? Maybe even smile at your silly human self? Me, too.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Defy Resistance & Take That First Step!

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Torino, Italy!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories With Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I spend 2 hours every Thursday afternoon with my wonderfully supportive, encouraging, questioning, criticizing, hot seating, creative MasterMind Group. Before we get together we exchange our 4Rs from the prior week detailing our Results, Reaches, Resistances and Resources.

Ah, Resistance! Tricky is thy name. It’s the step you don’t want to take because you’re afraid, bored, uncertain, anxious, tired, or just plain disgusted with it all. As the poet David Whyte reminds us: "We must start close in taking the first step - the one we don’t want to take."

Click HERE to listen to Whyte recite his own poem, Start Close In.

If you’re like me you’ve probably learned that the sooner you face up to your resistance and move toward your task or project the more confident you are likely to feel and perhaps begin asking yourself, “What took me so long?”

Story Prompt: What was powerful, striking, exciting, maybe even liberating about the notion of taking that first step, the one close in? Now, where will you go? Write that story! And tell it out loud.

Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something. All that matters is you have a story.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: My Mission for Professional Women - Language Is Power

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Bethesda, Maryland!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories With Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

When I launched my communication consulting practice, Quarter Moon Story Arts, I established a uniquely forward-looking, story-based business founded on the power of story to profoundly and positively shift our awareness, our behavior, even our culture. Like magic, the sorcery of stories is this: they help each of us to be seen and heard, to understand and be understood.

As the eldest of 7 children, an incest survivor, nurse, attorney, litigation consultant, and professional storyteller I had to teach myself again and again how to be seen, heard, understood, and listened to. How did I do that? I learned to tell my personal and professional stories in my own words with my own values in my own way. Always it was a now-or- never chance to become a stubbornly courageous speaker willing to give life to my authentic voice.

My mission is language. Language is power. Your stories, visions, ideas, and messages are powerful; but only if they are brought to life. What if you could tell the story that advances your business, creates clarity in life choices, persuades your clients, or produces effective results from your ideas?

CTA: If you have a desire to say what you mean and mean what you say, come as you are and change inside Quarter Moon Story Arts.

Book a Discovery Call and get your story going => Email me => Info@quartemoonstoryarts.net

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: What if Life Offered You an Unexpected Opportunity? Now What?

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Bywong, Australia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories With Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I remember taking part in a 2-week Outward Bound mountaineering trip high in the Canadian Rockies with 5 other women. In pairs we climbed up and then rappelled down the rock face of a near vertical mountain wall. The guides were far above us, out of sight, having anchored the ropes. With fear in her voice my climbing partner froze partway up her ascent and cried out: “I can't find anything to hold on to.” Time passed. From far above us a voice replied, “Grab it with both hands...” It worked! She trusted the guides, their advice and herself sufficient to climb all the way to the top and descend the rock face. I can still see her triumphant smile when her feet touched rocky soil again.

Question: What if Life grabbed you with both hands and offered you an unexpected opportunity? Would you trust what Life was offering you? How would you know? What would motivate you to find out and take it?

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: What Happens When We Invite the Silence Between the Spoken Words?

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Stillwater, Oklahoma!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

As a storyteller I’ve had many opportunities over the decades to learn about and use the power of the pause. I’ve come to know that inviting the space of silence in a story creates an opportunity for teller and audience to rest, live and breathe inside the story. Our job is not to rocket along to the end, but to sit together quietly in the beating heart of the story. To inhabit that world together. That’s the "sorcery of stories" I work with.

Story Prompt: Pause. Be. Here. Now. As long as it takes. What happens next? Write that story! And, share it out loud!

You’re invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, follow, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by the website, check out the Services, arrange a Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with Diane and Quarter Moon Story Arts and on LinkedIn.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: How Did a Spring-Butt Learn to Stand Down?

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Ferndale, Washington!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Earlier in life I had tendencies toward behaving like a spring-butt. You know the type. The over-eager know-it-all with her hand in the air. Teacher! Teacher! I know! I know! Think Hermione Granger in the early years of Harry Potter.

Over time I learned to take to heart what my mother always said: “Just because you thought of something, Diane, doesn’t mean you have to say it.” I can still hear her voice as mom continues to pull me back from “I know! I know!”

Practical Tip: Prompted by Jim Burke in a recent BizCatalyst 360 Friendship Bench discussion, I offer 3 questions that might have the same effect on you that mom’s voice has on me:

Does it need to be said?

Does it need to be said now?

Does it need to be said by me?

I know. I know .....

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: What Does It Take to Get to the Finish Line?

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Keenesburg, Colorado!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

If you followed my New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dive story published in Episode 774 and Episode 776 it might have sounded all too easy: show up, scream, run, dive in, go home.

I’m here to tell you that I’m a dyed-in-the-wool introverted kinda gal. I do not do well in settings where I have to show up alone, don’t know anybody, have to make small talk, and may end up looking the fool.

The Polar Bear Dive was a real challenge for me. Not the part where I dove into the 43 Fahrenheit degree water of Puget Sound but showing up. I could have stayed in bed, stayed at home, walked onto the beach and turned back, stayed on the beach but hung out in the background watching the others. You know what I’m talking about. And, no one would have known. I could have lied about what I did or didn’t do.

But that’s not how I live anymore.

Practical Tip: Here’s what I’ve learned: the courage isn’t about getting to the Finish Line; the courage is agreeing that you will start. And once you start it’s all Finish Line from there on out! Guaranteed!

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: 3-Part Structure for Your Personal Story

Fri, 9 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Falkenstein, Germany!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Like a story in the making we are balanced between what was and what will be. All we need is the middle: what happened.

A whole story can be daunting to write; but a sentence is manageable to give you a structure that gets you started. This 3-part template is designed to celebrate the challenges you have overcome, the doubts you have erased, and the fears you have undone to change what was to what is.

Three phrases and you fill in the blanks, like so:

If you had told me 20 years ago that I would [fill in the blank]

I might have [fill in the blank]

but instead if you could see me now I’m [fill in the blank].

Here’s mine: "If you had told me 20 years ago that I would walk 500 miles across Spain estoy solo on a 5-week pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago carrying all I needed in a red backpack weighing 15 pounds I might have snorted my coffee and shaken my head in disbelief at such a ridiculous notion but instead if you could see me now having made that journey when I uncovered what I love and discovered who I am ... now ready for next ... come what may!"

Story Prompt: Now you. Write that story and share it out loud!

Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: What You’re Looking for Is Looking for You!

Wed, 7 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Perhaps you are feeling open, poised for the race ahead, curious, or, maybe a little apprehensive now that 2026 has shown up all ready to rock and roll. I have a suggestion that might make it easier for you. Did you know that what you’re looking for is looking for you? It is! As David Wagoner reminds us in his poem, Lost:

Lost

"Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you

Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,

And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,

Must ask permission to know it and be known.

The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,

I have made this place around you.

If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here.

No two trees are the same to Raven.

No two branches are the same to Wren.

If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,

You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Reverse Your Bucket List & Shine a Light on You

Mon, 5 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Shah Alam, Malaysia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

The beginning of a New Year can feel daunting. All those plans to kick start, days to fill, resolutions to keep, and more to do! There’s no shame in admitting feeling a wee bit wobbly-legged about going forward in the face of wide open frontiers.

What to do? Gain some courage by reversing your Bucket List. Instead of a list of what is yet to be done, what about a list of what you’ve accomplished from the littlest things that you felt made a difference to the biggest things you never thought you would achieve. You might begin by asking yourself:

What made me proud?

What have I learned?

How did I transform my thinking about strangers to compassion and kindness?

Who revealed the meaning of true love to me?

Where did I find the hope and resilience to face whatever came my way?

When did I feel most content or fulfilled?

What would I do all over again just for the joy of it?

What did I long for as a child?

What have I created or, at least, not destroyed?

Who have I lifted up?

How have I defined my life?

What dreams came true? And, which was I happy to leave by the wayside?

What or whom did I fight for and why?

When did I take time to play?

In my experience the Reverse Bucket List invites us to pay attention to what we’ve done, won, gained, lost, learned and kept on living no matter what. It’s proof that over and over again we have stepped outside our comfort zone to strive for something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for! Give it a go. Reverse your Bucket List and shine a light on you.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: The Promise of the New Year 2026

Fri, 2 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening all over the world!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday in the New Year and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Old Man Winter sighed, letting go of the last snowflake as midnight chimed, releasing tiny, glittering sprites of memories from the past year to dance away, making room for the mischievous, bright-eyed Spirit of New Beginnings, who whispered, "Twelve new chapters, 365 new chances!" as the world filled with fresh hope and the promise of endless possibilities, readying us to honor the coming days with compassion, loving kindness, and adventure.

Story Prompt: Imagine this: the old ways of being have faded and a heartwarming spirit has arrived, full of potential, ready to inspire visions, curiosity, imagination, and even a bit of magic. Let’s embrace the Promise of the New Year, letting go of what was, welcoming second chances, and stepping forward with hope and gentle optimism for the future we’ll create. Write that story and share it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Shoveling Snow with Buddha at Year’s End & Beginning

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you, Marilyn, listening in Hancock, New Hampshire!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington, this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Wednesdays on Whidbey—this final day of the old year—and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Shoveling Snow With Buddha by Billy Collins

"In the usual iconography of the temple or the local Wok

you would never see him doing such a thing,

tossing the dry snow over the mountain

of his bare, round shoulder,

his hair tied in a knot,

a model of concentration.

Sitting is more his speed, if that is the word

for what he does, or does not do.

Even the season is wrong for him.

In all his manifestations, is it not warm and slightly humid?

Is this not implied by his serene expression,

that smile so wide it wraps itself around the waist of the universe?

But here we are, working our way down the driveway,

one shovelful at a time.

We toss the light powder into the clear air.

We feel the cold mist on our faces.

And with every heave we disappear

and become lost to each other

in these sudden clouds of our own making,

these fountain-bursts of snow.

This is so much better than a sermon in church,

I say out loud, but Buddha keeps on shoveling.

This is the true religion, the religion of snow,

and sunlight and winter geese barking in the sky,

I say, but he is too busy to hear me.

He has thrown himself into shoveling snow

as if it were the purpose of existence,

as if the sign of a perfect life were a clear driveway

one you could back the car down easily

and drive off into the vanities of the world

with a broken heater fan and a song on the radio.

All morning long we work side by side,

me with my commentary

and he inside the generous pocket of his silence,

until the hour is nearly noon

and the snow is piled high all around us;

then, I hear him speak.

After this, he asks,

can we go inside and play cards?

Certainly, I reply, and I will heat some milk

and bring cups of hot chocolate to the table

while you shuffle the deck,

and our boots stand dripping by the door.

Aaah, says the Buddha, lifting his eyes

and leaning for a moment on his shovel

before he drives the thin blade again

deep into the glittering white snow."

My New Year wish for you: As the old year folds onto itself and the new year dawns I wish for you that your everyday activities, even the very simple tasks, bring humor, contemplation, and a sense of magic in the ordinary. May you find your way on the path following a compass heading of True North. May the love you seek wend its way to you. May you dream well, journey far, and be sustained in hope that what you’re looking for is looking for you.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Keith McNally & Ashley Could Use a Hand Up to Help Prepare to Thru-Hike the AT

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Suffolk, Virginia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for an important story) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Each one of us - if we’re determined - finds a way to compost the regrets, poor decisions, failures, shames and blames that are part and parcel of living life into something almost beyond description: personal transformation. My long time friend, podcasting colleague, disabled military vet, and avid hiker, Keith McNally, is a man finding his path to transformation.

His goal? Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail beginning on March 29, 2026, crossing 14 states on the East Coast and finishing 2,197 miles 5 months later. Some of the challenges include constant rough terrain with difficult footing, a series of steep grades, climbs and descents, as well as river crossings balanced on logs, extreme weather, insects, and rock scrambles using hands for climbing. The elevation profile of the AT over its length is akin to summiting Mount Everest from sea level and back approximately 16 times. So yes, physical fitness is a must to take on the AT; but it is mental fortitude and the ability to adapt to unforseen challenges that is key to finishing the hike.

Keith’s journey will be a test of perseverance, a tribute to the beauty of the natural world, and an opportunity for personal growth. Even more importantly, Keith is setting the groundwork for a non-profit foundation to help military veterans find their own Trails to Transformation. This first hike is just the beginning.

But here’s something else. Keith is not walking alone. He has also been steadfastly training an indefatigable Aussie cattle dog he named Ashley after rescuing her from a shelter. Click HERE to watch a short video entitled: Introduction to Ashley - Trail Partner and Training Companion

As you can imagine, an expedition like this one does not come cheap. I know money is dear. And, here I am asking you to please reach deep into your pocket to give what you are able to Keith & Ashley’s GoFundMe project. On the GoFundMe site you’ll find all the details as well as a punch list of expenses so you can see where your contributions will go.

Click HERE to access Keith’s GoFundMe, add what you can, and invite others to be part of the mission. I did!

If you are curious about keeping up with Keith’s training, stories, photos and more, click HERE to access his overwhelmingly popular newsletter published on Tuesdays on LinkedIn [Keith J. McNally | LinkedIn]

Thank you for listening and giving a hand up because Each One Lift One is the way we roll here

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: How Can We Know Which Is Fortune & Which Is Disaster?

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Hannover, Germany!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Once upon a time long ago and far away there lived a farmer. His most treasured possession was a fine stallion. Oh my, said the neighbors: what good fortune to own such a fine horse! Perhaps, said the farmer.

One night the stallion ran off in a storm. Oh no, said the neighbors, what a disaster to lose your horse! Perhaps, said the farmer.

But after some time the stallion came back and following him a mare and a pony. Oh my, said the neighbors: what good fortune! You had no horses and now you have 3! Perhaps, said the farmer.

One day the farmer’s son galloped off on the mare, hit the branch of a tree, fell to the ground, and badly broke his leg. Neighbors found him, carried him home and said, Oh no, what a disaster for your poor son. Perhaps, said the farmer.

The son was in bed with his broken leg when a tribe from the north descended on the village. Every able-bodied man and boy went out to defend their homes and farms. Many died that day. But the farmer’s son who could not fight —through no fault of his own— was spared. Oh my, said the neighbors, what good fortune your son was spared! Perhaps, said the farmer.

And so the old ones say that just beneath good fortune crouches disaster but always perched above disaster one finds good fortune and it is impossible to know which is really which.

Story Prompt: Life shows up in such integrated complexity, how can we know whether what happens is good or bad? What about you? How do you know what’s what? Write that story and share it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Breathing & Keeping Still This Silent Night

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening all around the world this Christmas Eve!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

It’s that time of year when it feels like the hurrier we go the behinder we get. I have a solution for you. For just a moment let us breathe and practice keeping still this Silent Night with Pablo Neruda.

KEEPING QUIET

"Now we will count to twelve

and we will all keep still

for once on the face of the earth,

let’s not speak in any language;

let’s stop for a second,

and not move our arms so much.

It would be an exotic moment

without rush, without engines;

we would all be together

in a sudden strangeness.

Fishermen in the cold sea

would not harm whales

and the man gathering salt

would look at his hurt hands.

Those who prepare green wars,

wars with gas, wars with fire,

victories with no survivors,

would put on clean clothes

and walk about with their brothers

in the shade, doing nothing.

What I want should not be confused

with total inactivity.

Life is what it is about;

I want no truck with death.

If we were not so single-minded

about keeping our lives moving,

and for once could do nothing,

perhaps a huge silence

might interrupt this sadness

of never understanding ourselves

and of threatening ourselves with death.

Perhaps the earth can teach us

as when everything seems dead

and later proves to be alive.

Now I’ll count up to twelve

and you keep quiet and I will go." [~ by Pablo Neruda]

Translation of this poem by Pablo Neruda is by Alistair Reed

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday? Will We Be Happy With What We Receive?

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Jakarta, Indonesia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

As the old ones say, “If we are not grateful for what we have in this present moment, what makes us think we will be happy with more?”

Maybe it’s true and maybe it isn’t but long ago and far away there lived a man in a small country village. He had everything he had ever asked for: friends, livelihood, wife, family - and yet and yet something was stirring in him: Looking around he asked himself, Is this all there is? Perhaps I am meant for something more, something better. Perhaps I should go and seek my happiness outside the village.

One summer morning he left his home, carefully closed the garden gate behind him and walked away. He walked for miles and miles until he could no longer see where he had been. Night fell and he found himself deep in a dark forest. Having no other shelter he took off his shoes, spread his coat on the ground, and fell asleep against the trunk of a tree for he was very tired.

Watching him sleep his angel shook her head at the folly of his adventure. But what could she do? She could turn his shoes around facing them back in the direction from which he came. And so she did.

When the man awoke he pulled on his coat, put his feet into his shoes and began to walk. After many miles of walking the man began to see familiar fields, a few farmhouses, a village - all looking very much like what he had left; but how could that be? People in the village market greeted him as if he was familiar to them; but how could that be? Arriving at a cottage with a garden gate he was startled to be greeted by children and a woman as if he were their long lost father and husband; but how could that be? They welcomed him inside, took off his shoes, sat him at a table very much like one he knew, fed him food that tasted like home; but how could that be?

To this very day the man lives with that family in that home in that village and wonders, “If this isn’t happiness, what is?”

As the old ones say, “If we are not grateful for what we have in this present moment, what makes us think we will be happy with more?”

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: It's HoliDazed! Let's Welcome Sharing Food & Human Connection

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Post Falls, Idaho!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe it’s true and maybe it isn’t but once there was a soldier walking home from the war. He had been walking many days, sleeping rough, eating little, and was very hungry. He stumbled into a small village that looked worse than he felt but surely, he thought, someone could spare a bite to eat. He knocked at the first door he came to but the woman who answered his knock said ......

How we treat each other, help each other, brings people together, makes food taste better, makes life better. Going into the coming days we will need each other like never before. We will need to feed each other with stone soups and nourishing stories.

Story Prompt: Think of a time when you were nourished by someone or something that felt as magical as ..... stone soup! Write that story! And share it out loud!

You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe and spread the word with a generous 5-star review and comment - it helps us all - and join us next time!

Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

✓ Check out Services I Offer,

✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your communication challenges, get in touch with me today

✓ Stay current with Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on Substack, LinkedIn and now Pandora Radio

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Is it Right or Is it Best?

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello, to you listening in Neenah, Wisconsin!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

A few years ago I had to make the decision to send my kitty over the Rainbow Bridge. He had been living pretty well with kidney disease but I noticed changes. What to do? Is it time? We’re coming into the holidays. Will the home visit vet be available?

The day before they were to leave for a week with their son and daughter-in-law my sister and her husband were faced with the Rainbow Bridge decision for their good and faithful dog who had been ailing with cancer and old age. What to do? Cancel the trip? Find a dog sitter?

Recently, my friend was placed in a position of having to leave a relationship because it had become very difficult and dangerous. What to do? How to do it? When to do it?

Maybe you see yourself in these situations. I have a solution. The choice we’re called on to make isn’t between what is right and what is wrong. The decision is between what is right and what is best.

My sister and I knew we had done right by our animal companions over the many years of time together and care. Now it was time to do what was best for them. Likewise, my friend knew that she had done what was right for the relationship; now it was time to do what was best for herself.

Practical Tip: When faced with a situation that places you at a crossroads of what to do and how to do it, consider asking yourself: How might I choose between what is right and what is best? I just know you will come to the right answer. Thank you for listening.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: What’s the Risk You’re Willing to Take?

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Marseille, France!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe like me this time of year brings you face-to-face with something going not quite right in your business or maybe you’re life. Maybe you’re using an old play book that used to work but no longer does. Maybe your attitude could use a reboot.

Deep down, we all know it - don’t we? We have a hunch what’s gone missing, a risk we need to take, a habit we need to break. It’s like a desire to take up daily walking for all the right reasons. There’s not much to it; only the decision to move our bodies and the wisdom to accept the difference between our will and our won’t.

Question: What’s the risk you’ve been avoiding? What’s the risk you’re willing to take? And what might happen next?

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Reading, Creating & Paying Off Debts

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Wilmington, Delaware!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I remember my mother taking me to our local library when I was a very little girl so I could apply for and receive my very own library card. To this day one of my most treasured possessions is my library card. Reading becomes us.

“To read means to borrow; to create out of one’s reading is paying off one’s debts.” [Charles Lillard, poet & historian]

Story Prompt: What have you read? What have you borrowed? What have you created? What debts have you paid off? Write that story and tell it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: I Believe in Stories; I Can Help You Learn Their Power

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Spokane, Washington!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

“I will tell you something about stories, he said

They aren’t just entertainment.

Don’t be fooled.

They are all we have, you see,

all we have to fight off

illness and death.” ~ Leslie Marmon Silko, Haida Ceremony [The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant, p. 145]

Haida Nation

I may be an old fashioned storyteller clinging to the oral tradition, especially when working with your narratives that function as origin stories, creation myths, messages of all kinds to be seen, heard, understood, repeated and followed, as well as cautions for the young and memories for the elders.

Why do I insist on the music of the spoken word? Because that’s where the magic happens: at the intersection of the story, the listener, and the teller’s voice with its cadence, tone, inflection, repetition, pacing, and energy.

So much gets lost in translation to the printed page. What we yearn for without even knowing it is human connection. My clients learn how to connect with their stories and with themselves to be in better service to their purpose.

Question: What would you like to learn about the power of story? When you’re ready I can help. Reach out by email => info@quartermoonstoryarts.net OR r arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: A Tip to Run Free When Fear Blocks Your Creativity

Mon, 8 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Perry County, Pennsylvania!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday, and your host Diane Wyzga.

Imagine yourself talking with a very good friend and telling them a story about something that happened in your day. Imagine them listening with energy and delight. It helps you and your story to bloom, right? Your creative energy flows.

Now, imagine yourself telling the same story to someone who really can’t be bothered to take the time or be interested in you or what you have to share. When we feel unsafe, judged or misunderstood our creative energy stops.

Sometimes we end up standing in our own way by coming up against our fears that we have nothing worthwhile to say, to produce, to express. Our creativity stops.

Practical Tip: When you come up against fearful feelings blocking your creativity imagine yourself back with your delighted friend. Visualize yourself basking in the warm glow of their delight, support, encouragement. Imagine that this feeling is all about protective love and energy for you and what you have to offer the waiting world. Now, let go of what’s holding you back, and create your good work!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: St. Nicholas Legend & My Family’s Tradition

Fri, 5 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Den Hague, the Netherlands!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Who is Saint Nicholas? Little is known about the historical Saint Nicholas who was born during the third century in the village of Patara in Asia Minor on what is now the southern coast of Turkey.

The earliest accounts of his life were written centuries after his death. Click HERE to learn more.

But it is believed the life and deeds of St. Nicholas gave rise to the Christmas character we know as Santa Claus.

From a very early age I remember how my family celebrated December 6th as the Feast of Saint Nicholas; a reminder that Christmas is on its way and someone is watching us - from a distance - to be sure we stay on the nice side of naughty. On the night of December 5th each child put a pair of shoes outside their bedroom door. On the morning of the 6th there was a small gift in the shoes left by Saint Nicholas himself, reminding us to be of love a little more careful than anything else this season.

Story Prompt: What one tradition or ritual do you continue at this time of year? Who might it remind you of? What special meaning does it hold for you? Write that story and tell it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Wealth Is More Often Kindness Than Money

Wed, 3 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening wherever your feet touch the ground.

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (& a bit more) for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe like me you see us careening to the end of 2025 and wondering WTF how we’ve been living and what, if anything can we change for the better? The following several paragraphs entitled, A Few Final Thoughts, are excerpted from Warren Buffet’s Final Shareholder Letter dated 10th November 2025.

Click HERE to access the entire letter published as a pdf on the Berkshire Hathaway website.

“One perhaps self-serving observation. I’m happy to say I feel better about the second half of my life than the first. My advice: Don’t beat yourself up over past mistakes – learn at least a little from them and move on. It is never too late to improve. Get the right heroes and copy them.

Remember Alfred Nobel, later of Nobel Prize fame, who – reportedly – read his own obituary that was mistakenly printed when his brother died and a newspaper got mixed up. He was horrified at what he read and realized he should change his behavior.

Don’t count on a newsroom mix-up: Decide what you would like your obituary to say and live the life to deserve it.

Greatness does not come about through accumulating great amounts of money, great amounts of publicity or great power in government. When you help someone in any of thousands of ways, you help the world. Kindness is costless but also priceless. Whether you are religious or not, it’s hard to beat The Golden Rule as a guide to behavior.

I write this as one who has been thoughtless countless times and made many mistakes but also became very lucky in learning from some wonderful friends how to behave better (still a long way from perfect, however). Keep in mind that the cleaning lady is as much a human being as the Chairman.

Prompt: What do you make of the notion that greatness is defined not by wealth or power, but by the kindness and help we offer to others in everyday situations? Can you share a personal story that illustrates a moment when you realized a need for change in your behavior, similar to Alfred Nobel's realizations after reading his premature obituary? What helps you live each day in a way that aligns with the values and legacy you'd wish to be remembered for?”

A Few Final Thoughts is excerpted from Final Shareholder Letter by Warren Buffet dated 11-10-25

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Fishhooks McCarthy Was a Corrupt Politician & Praying Man

Mon, 1 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in McHenry, Illinois!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe it’s true and maybe it isn’t but once there was a corrupt politician in the 1920's named John A. McCarthy; but he was known as Fishhooks McCarthy. He lived and worked on the Lower East Side of New York City. Being a devout man every morning he stopped at a little Catholic Church, St. James Church on Olive Street, to pray. Same prayer every day: “O Lord, give me health and strength. We’ll steal the rest.”

Fishhooks sounds like one of those politicians you shouldn’t trust; but people remembered him as a Robin Hood who used graft and corruption to redistribute money to his unemployed and working class poor constituents.

Let me be very clear! I am not advocating for theft, bribery, corruption, immorality, stepping outside the law, and all the rest. We have more than enough of that with the Trump/MAGA Regime. What I am saying is that in these historic times we have once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to examine our core values, our moral code, and ask ourselves: what do I stand for and what won’t I stand for?

Question: While you have health and strength what can you do to be of good use?

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Shall We Shop or Call On the Old Stories?

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Brittany, France!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

As a storyteller for some 30 years now I can say this: when life is upside down and backward we call on the old stories. The old stories of who we are and where we came from ground us in the truth of the origins we might forget when distracted by shiny things, especially at this time of year.

Shopping [by Faith Shearin]

"My husband and I stood together in the new mall

which was clean and white and full of possibility.

We were poor so we liked to walk through the stores

since this was like walking through our dreams.

In one we admired coffee makers, blue pottery

bowls, toaster ovens as big as televisions. In another,

we eased into a leather couch and imagined

cocktails in a room overlooking the sea. When we

sniffed scented candles we saw our future faces,

softly lit, over a dinner of pasta and wine. When

we touched thick bathrobes we saw midnight

swims and bathtubs so vast they might be

mistaken for lakes. My husband's glasses hurt

his face and his shoes were full of holes.

There was a space in our living room where

a couch should have been. We longed for

fancy shower curtains, flannel sheets,

shiny silverware, expensive winter coats.

Sometimes, at night, we sat up and made lists.

We pressed our heads together and wrote

our wants all over torn notebook pages.

Nearly everyone we loved was alive and we

were in love but we liked wanting. Nothing

was ever as nice when we brought it home.

The objects in stores looked best in stores.

The stores were possible futures and, young

and poor, we went shopping. It was nice

then: we didn't know we already had everything."

"Shopping" by Faith Shearin, from The Owl Question. © Utah State University Press, 2002.

My mother always told us that we were rich we just didn’t have a lot of money. When money was even tighter we weren’t poor; we were just broke. Mom was right. The shiny things have come and gone but the richness of the stories - who I am, where I came from - those remain close to heart.

“We Ain’t Buying It!” is a nationwide movement to pause shopping from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday with major corporations that are enabling the administration's lawlessness: Target, Home Depot & Amazon. Click HERE to learn more.

Story Prompt: If you had one wish, what story would you most like to hear again; what would it say to you; what remarkable bit of contentment would it provide? Write that story and tell it out loud!

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: What Is Good and Nourishing in Your Life Right Now?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Sumner, Washington!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Over a three-day period, almost 200 volunteers lend their time to prepare upwards of 700 free Thanksgiving Turkey Dinners with all the trimmings. This will be my 8th year as a Mobile Turkey Unit volunteer. Together we slice and box pumpkin pies, peel mountains of potatoes, scoop buckets of cranberry relish, carve hundreds of pounds of freshly roasted turkeys, stir vats of stuffing, and bag rolls, butter, napkins, utensils, and coffee. On Thanksgiving morning I’ll be a delivery driver bringing some of those free Thanksgiving dinners to folks on the Island who otherwise might not have one.

This nonprofit community event was founded in 1999 by Tom Arhontas, who had a special place in his heart for people in need. Mobile Turkey Unit volunteers have been feeding Whidbey Islanders a free Thanksgiving dinner ever since.

Click HERE to check out the story, photos and videos of what we do and how we do it here on our Island.

Question: What is good and nourishing in your life right now?

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail With Keith McNally & Ashley the Trail Dog

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Suffolk, Virginia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for an important story) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Click HERE to access Keith’s GoFundMe, add what you can, and invite others to be part of the mission. I did!

Thank you for listening and giving a hand up because Each One Lift One is the way we roll here

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: The Beauty of Us

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Shallotte, North Carolina!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

The Witch of Whidbey has been walking in the autumn-drenched fields and forests, some leaves not yet ready to let go of their branches, scattered clouds, hints of rain on the horizon, wood fires holding at bay the Pacific Northwest chill, and, (as if we could ever forget) the fast-approaching Holidazed nipping at our heels.

Gazing at the landscape brought to mind two lines from the poem, Three in Transition, by David Ignatow. [American poet, author, editor] wrote:

“I wish I understood the beauty in leaves falling.

To whom are we beautiful as we go?”

As we open the door to this ThankfulGiving Season, let’s step in, pause, look deeply at friends, loved ones, and colleagues gathered together, and in that moment reflect on their beauty as they come and go in our lives.

Story Prompt: What do you see in them? What might they see in you? Write that story. Tell it out loud!

Click HERE to read an analysis of Three in Transition by David Ignatow

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: What’s Better Than Food & Music? Community Benefit Concert Sat 22nd November 2 pm

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening all over Whidbey Island and wherever your feet touch the ground.

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

What’s better than Food & Music is the Whidbey Rising Benefit Concert! Join us as a brilliant array of musicians and performers from across Whidbey Island come together for a benefit concert to feed our island community.

Money raised will go to the Whidbey Food Resilience Fund, administered by the Whidbey Community Foundation. Funds will be shared across the island through rapid, equitable grants to food banks, meal programs, and other community-based organizations, ensuring that Whidbey residents have reliable access to nutritious food during the holiday season and beyond.

DETAILS below AND on our Indivisible Whidbey website:

When: Saturday November 22, 2025

Time: 2:00 p.m. Doors open at 1:30

Where: Coupeville High School's Performing Arts Center

NOTE: Please arrive early to ensure a seat. RSVP on Mobilize is for crowd size planning; seating will be First Come First Served.

Click HERE to check out the amazing list of performers and make an early immediate donation! You are welcome to pay what you are able. Every dollar counts!

Click HERE to RSVP on Mobilize; but be sure to arrive early to get a First Come First Served seat for what is sure to be a sold out event!

See you there and see you then!

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Don’t Toss Out Your Moldy Bread Just Yet!

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Sayville, New York!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

The other day I was talking with my longtime friends, colleagues and brainstormers, Tania and Leanne, about times when we set out to achieve X but an unintended, better-than-expected Y happened. You know what I mean: the mystery of unintended consequences that turns out to be amazing!

Here’s one: The Scottish biologist Alexander Fleming was working on a project on Staphylococcus bacteria at St. Mary's Hospital in London. He took off on vacation leaving behind an uncovered petri dish of bacteria. When he returned he saw a blue-green mold (like what you might find growing on bread exposed to moisture) growing on the dish and that the Staph bacteria were being killed in the area of the mold. Fleming - knowing a good thing when he saw one - identified the mold as the fungus penicillin notatum, and Shazaam! developed penicillin as an antibiotic. Fleming’s unintended discovery of penicillin revolutionized the treatment of infections.

Click HERE to learn more about the Discovery and Development of Penicillin 1928-1945

Now, as to the moldy bread in your kitchen. Yes, penicillin is an antibiotic produced by a fungus called Penicillium notatum. Yes, this fungus is commonly found on moldy bread. Yes, when the fungus grows on bread, it releases penicillin into the surrounding environment.

Let me caution you! Not all moldy bread contains penicillin. Moreover, eating moldy bread is a very big “No! No!” as it can contain harmful substances. Having said that think twice before you toss out what might be an unintended answer to a problem.

Question: When did you set out to achieve X but an unintended Y turned out to be what you were looking for? What happened next?

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: If Everything Old Can Be New Again, What About Broken Things?

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Victoria, Texas!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe like me you’re familiar with the line, “Everything old is new again.” Some attribute the saying to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, to Jonathan Swift in the 1700s, or to Churchill, Mark Twain, or even a Chinese proverb.

Genesis aside, what does the saying mean? In brief, old patterns, music, items, ideas, and so on come around again to inspire new forms. Like this example from Ben Tuna, the Glass Cowboy, a second-generation stained glass artist. His most recent creation involves a vintage Porsche (scorched by the fires in Los Angeles) and windows salvaged from decommissioned churches.

To quote from the Glass Cowboy website: “By merging sacred architecture with the burned-out shell of an icon of speed and design, Ben explores the tension between ruin and reverence. These windows, once still in chapels and cathedrals, now move - reframed in steel, placed in motion, and carried forward by a new purpose.

This body of work asks: What survives disaster. What beauty do we carry with us. And how can broken things be reborn, not as what they were—but as something entirely new.”

Click HERE to learn more

Click HERE to contact Ben Tuna at Glass Vision Studio

Click HERE to follow Glass Cowboy on Instagram

Story Prompt: What in your life has survived disaster? What beauty still remains? How might you imagine what’s broken being reborn as something entirely new? Write that story and tell it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: How Landlines Turn Us Back to Unsung Values & New Ideas

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Dong Nai, Vietnam!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Imagine this: parents taking matters into their own hands and dialing back on their children’s cell phone access by bringing landlines into their homes. In one dad’s words, “Landlines strip communication skills back to basics.”

What makes this move look like something out of The Wayback Machine? Because it confronts the digital mainstream with unsung values grounded in new ideas.

In our house this is how we’re doing it; not so much to return to artifacts of the past but to values, manners, civility, listening, and a way of being in the world that is not tied down to and held hostage by the ever-present DEVICE.

I believe that our yearning for a more humane way of life in this digital age is showing up in what we decide to let go of as well as what we choose to hold on to.

Click HERE to watch the 4-minute Today Show segment to learn more.

Question: It’s not just about a mom or a dad with an idea but an idea that’s resonating. What ideas do you have to marry the pre- and post-digital worlds by calling on the unsung values of the old ways?

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Breathe. You Got This! It’ll Be Alright

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Show Low, Arizona!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe like me in times of difficulty you turn for comfort or encouragement to a favorite line from the past, that still makes you wonder: could this have been written with me in mind?

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe said, “Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Looking at its sad appearance who would think that those stiff branches, those jagged twigs would turn green again and blossom and bear fruit next spring; but we hope they will, we know they will.”

Goethe also said: “One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.”

As you set forth in days ahead, remember to pause; breathe; have faith that you got this; and it will be alright in the end.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: What You’re Looking For Is Looking For You

Fri, 7 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe like me you find yourself having lost track of the pathway of purpose. What’s my work for? Who’s it for? Why does my work matter?

When I hit this place I ask 4 questions to re-orient my compass heading to True North:

Why?

Why Me?

Why Me Here?

Why Me Here Now?

And then I set out on a walk to listen for the answers which will show up. Guaranteed! How do I know? Because what you’re looking for is looking for you.

Story Prompt: What are you looking for? What might be looking for you? Write that story and tell it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: We Are Responsible to Fight On Because They Ain't Whupped Us Yit!

Wed, 5 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Quezon City, the Philippines!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

In 2017 (years before the current madness) Pope Francis said, “Hitler didn’t steal the power, his people voted for him, then he destroyed his people.” That’s what con men do. Yes, there are days when We the People feel ashamed - even hopeless - for having been duped.

At the same time I’m reminded of a line in William Faulkner’s 1936 novel Absalom, Absalom!. “Well, Kernel, they kilt us but they ain’t whupped us yit!” The quote captures the spirit of the post-Civil War South, suggesting a resilience despite a devastating military loss. For those who paid attention, with that quote Tim Kaine introduced Hillary Clinton ahead of her concession speech. It still applies. Work still remains.

Question: If it’s true - and I believe it is - we are responsible for the world in which we find ourselves because we alone can change it, how are We the People showing up, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant? How are you finding your voice in these times and what are you saying when you speak up? We the People are casting off our feelings of helplessness, committing to action, reaching for miracle. Where do you find yourself reaching for miracles? Reach! They ain’t whupped us yit!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Poland’s 1000 Robes March Can Fortify Our Judiciary’s Fight for Our Democracy

Mon, 3 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Warsaw, Poland!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I am deeply proud of my Polish heritage and being a lawyer. These times are unprecedented; but especially for judges, the last line of freedom’s defense. Attacks on the independence of the judiciary are sweeping our country taking various forms ranging from court capture to direct attacks on judges. The cowards behind the attacks know that the independence of judges - the judicial branch of government - is foundational to democracy.

“Judicial independence is fundamental to the rule of law. The rule of law is fundamental to freedom. Freedom is fundamental to the protection of every citizen.” [John Macmenamin - Judge at the Supreme Court of Ireland]

Those are not my words. Those are the words of John Macmenamin, a judge at the Supreme Court of Ireland who joined with Polish judges at the “1000 Robes March”, an unprecedented event held in the name of judicial independence.

1000 Robes March was the greatest demonstration of judges in contemporary Europe, with more than 30,000 people, including hundreds of judges from 22 European countries marching in solidarity with their Polish colleagues in the fight for judicial independence. The silent march in January 2020 was a reaction to proposed laws that threatened to undermine the judiciary’s independence in Poland.

"A Thousand Robes" is a short (12 minute) documentary film directed by Kacper Lisowski. The story is about mutual gratitude, focusing on the positive interactions between judges, lawyers, and the public. It highlights citizens who are moved by the judges' defense of their rights and lawyers who have experienced solidarity from ordinary people and European judges. The film serves as a warning against what dismantling the democratic mechanisms of the state leads to.

Documenting this touching episode of the dramatic struggle for the rule of law that still lacks a happy ending in Poland, Kacper Lisowski also talks to the European judges participating in the march of a thousand robes. Particularly poignant is the voice of a Turkish judge who knows from experience what happens when such a struggle is lost.

Click HERE to watch A Thousand Robes the film on YouTube.

CTA: Maybe like me you will be moved to tears at what We the People can accomplish when we heed a call to action. This is what democracy looks like! Take Hope! Take Heart! Take Courage from all the good work being done by our federal judges who are in solidarity with our Democracy, our Constitution, our rule of law without fear or favor!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: The Witch of Whidbey on Helpers, Risk & Letting Go

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening from wherever your feet touch the ground on this Halloween which has roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced SOW in) which marked the end of summer and the harvest and begins the darker half of the year.

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, the Witch of Whidbey.

Over these past 6 weeks (as I do every year) I’ve been retracing in my journal and my memories the pilgrimage I walked on the Camino de Santiago. 500 miles from St. Jean Pied de Port, France, over the Pyrenees into Spain and across Spain to Santiago and finally to Finisterre. By this time back then I was leaving Finisterre, Spain bound for uncertain transition and re-entry into life back in the States.

“Look to the Helpers” showed up as the prevailing theme in this year’s “trek along the Buen Camino.” No matter how lost or uncertain, cold, wet, tired, or hungry there was always someone or something to show me the way, the next step. Maybe the Camino’s yellow arrow, maybe Camino magic, maybe a stranger - how often we pilgrims relied on the kindness of strangers. In turn, we learned how to give a hand up to one another because Each One Lift One is a lesson the Camino deeply ingrains.

Something I’ve not thought of in decades came to mind as I mused on Helpers. I’d been given a brand new shiny emerald green big girl 2-wheeler bicycle for my 7th birthday. The first I’d ever owned. Now I’d have to learn how to ride it.

It was cold that New Jersey February. I remember dad holding the back of the bike seat steadying the bike as I learned to balance, keep it upright, steer down the concrete sidewalk. Once I got the hang of it I peddled a short way, and then a little longer, dad’s fingers still on the rear of the bike seat until he let go and there I went wobbling but upright, making my way down the sidewalk. I was riding a 2-wheeler bike!

That’s been my life from that day to this: testing my balance, falling down 7, getting up 8, gaining confidence. But never alone. The Helpers in my life, always there, holding, steadying, letting go, and watching with pride! There she goes! That’s our girl! All attitude, sass, class and adventure ready for what’s next.

What’s next was washing up on the shores of Whidbey Island to become the Witch of Whidbey. Still finding my way, orienting my True North compass, looking to the Helpers.

Story Prompt: What about you? How have you traveled Life’s roads? Who are your Helpers? Write that story and tell it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Rise Up & Be Kind from Pluto Living

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Toronto, Ontario, CanadaLand!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

My morning “rise & shine” routine is not complete without a page from the book, Pluto Living - Welcome to the Plutoverse by Pluto (& Mom a.k.a. NJ Wight, renowned wildlife photographer).

You might remember the smart and sassy older lady Canadian Miniature Schnauzer who launched her very own Pluto Living YouTube channel on March 17, 2020 where she dispensed wisdom, laughter, history lessons, and tips on how to live better with less during the COVID. Pluto is now Angel Pluto but thanks to the InterWeb you can catch up with Pluto Living videos, playlists and shorts.

Click HERE to access the YouTube channel

Click HERE to access the Pluto Living home page

Finally, Pluto’s message that kick-started my day: “The stay-homes are making Mom’s nerves jump around like a kangaroo convention! Everyone, you have to try to find a little spot of normal in these strange times. And maybe have a cookie? So-so-so, try to make your world just a little bit quieter for yourself in some small way. Maybe you could also do some little thing to make someone else’s world feel a little bit softer. We have to rise up and be kind.”

Question: How are you rising up to be kind? Share the good word! And thank you for listening.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Reflections on Healing Our Democracy

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in these still indivisible United States of America!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I’ve been following Parker Palmer’s work since I bought a copy of his book, Let Your Life Speak - Listening For the Voice of Vocation, in 1999. You might be familiar with this quote which has become a guiding light for me: “Before you tell your life what you intend to do with it, listen for what it intends to do with you. Before you tell your life what truths and values you have decided to live up to, let your life tell you what truths you embody, what values you represent.”

Over these past months We the People have turned occasional protests into protest projects coupled with growing political power to heal democracy.

What else do we need? Palmer’s book, Healing the Heart of Democracy; The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit (published in 2011) draws on our human instinct to choose hope, creativity and action for the common good over conflict.

Following are five “habits of the heart” that can help us restore democracy’s foundations as we nurture them in ourselves and each other:

• An understanding that we are all in this together

• An appreciation of the value of “otherness”

• An ability to hold tension in life-giving ways

• A sense of personal voice and agency

• A capacity to create community

Change arises out of chaos; but we have to learn the root causes of the chaos in order to shepherd our way to change. If it’s true that a nation gets the government it deserves, I believe it is also true that We the People are shaping the government we desire with truth, values and heart work: a democracy of the people, by the people, for the people.

Question: What truths and values do you represent that will help heal our democracy? And thank you for listening.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: What Will You Trade to Walk Life Your Way?

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Roseau, Capital of Dominica, Lesser Antilles!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Many people are under the impression that the Hero’s Journey made famous by Joseph Campbell is about an external journey to vanquish foes and return with some Truth.

In truth, the real journey is an internal one. The Hero is called to a task that is not at the surface of her being; rather, the task requires her to do what I have called for some 30 years now an “archeological dig on oneself.” It’s serious stuff. No wonder the Hero resists.

We think we can remain emotionally safe by hiding our vulnerability. The problem is that as long as we resist the call (and I know well how I resisted the call to leave behind my Voiceless Victim self) we will never be able to live our Truth, never experience our Essence.

Yes, the Hero goes out on a quest; but that external journey is just the stage on which the story is played. Saying Yes! to the Hero’s Journey begins the inner journey work, the transformation that allows us to move out of our fear to courage, from being stuck in our old identity to living alive and awake, realizing our true potential, fulfilling our destiny, or experiencing our longed-for heart’s desire.

Story Prompt: What are you finally ready to trade by saying Yes! to walking the Hero’s Journey? Write that story! And tell it out loud!

And, if you could use a hand with your transformation work, I'm here at Quarter Moon Story Arts! Contact me.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Tip => Using Fewer Words to Focus Your Story Message

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Salta, Argentina!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I have decades of story prompt exercises to help my clients clarify their ideas, create their origin story, amplify their message, and connect with their audience in a way that authentically influences them to take desired action. In my experience practicing with fewer words focuses the core message. From there we can expand to a longer story.

Practical Tip: Recall something that brought you satisfaction or contentment today. Share a glimpse of your satisfaction or contentment in a “9 Word Telegram.” 3 lines. 3 words on each line. First line is the beginning of your story. Second line is the middle of your story. Third line is the resolution or conclusion.

For example:

Day breaks cold

Trekking forested hills

Won't back down!

Democracy under assault

Millions defy lawlessness

Rallied nation reborn

Fall down 7

Get up 8

Persevere through hardship

CTA: If you’re ready (or getting ready to be ready) to work together to make your written or spoken word clear, concise and cogent please feel welcome to reach out to me at Quarter Moon Story Arts for your free Story Start-up Session.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Unsure of the Way Forward? Look Back to Where You Came From

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Kokomo, Indiana!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Each year at this time my Camino de Santiago memories come back to life as I retrace my pilgrimage steps through the pages of my journal. Why this annual ritual? It’s a witness to my life: how I lived life before Camino and living it after Camino.

In truth I want to relive the memories like strolling down a cobblestone village street, entering a small bar for a glass of vino tinto, and savoring it outside with a view of the Meseta, the vast plains I traversed. I recall an elderly gentleman joining me, finding peace in the Meseta's tranquility. After returning my glass the bar owner proudly displayed a yellowed article: the Tempranillo he served me had earned recognition in The Wine Enthusiast. He was so proud of what he had produced in his vineyards.

I revisit these experiences because they’ve become a guide emphasizing the wisdom of looking back when unsure of the way forward. Looking back at where you’ve been can reveal the future of where you should go.

Question: How do you reflect on the past to navigate your future? And, if you could use a guide what’s your Project? How can I help?

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: I Want to Walk the Pilgrim Way Again -> What Beckons You to Live Life Your Way?

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malasia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Retracing my Camino de Santiago pilgrimage footsteps in my journal and photos as I’ve been doing since 17th September reminds me how fully alive I felt then.

5 weeks - 500 miles walking the Way - all across Spain.

Yes, there were aches and pains, cold and rain; there were crowded dorms that smelled like wet dogs; there were doubts, mistakes, and getting lost.

And yet, and yet, all those days that came and went were the days I was living then. I was a pilgrim. The way forward beckoned me. I want to be a pilgrim again and live my life out loud.

Story Prompt: What about you? What will it take to move toward the Way that beckons you? Write that story! And tell it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: No Kings Rally 2.0 Saturday 18th October 2025

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening wherever your feet touch the ground!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Our rights were never given — they were earned, they were won. From the ballot box to the picket line, generations of Americans have fought to secure fundamental freedoms and dignity for all of us. President Trump thinks behaving like a king makes him one; but in America, we don’t put up with would-be kings, we don't stand for attempts to crush democracy in the name of personal power. We, the People are going to make sure the world knows that our strength arises from a democratic America grounded in a healthy, well-educated and diverse nation.

We, the People of Whidbey Island, Washington will join millions across the country in peaceful, non-violent gatherings to say loud and clear: No Kings! No Crowns! No Dictators! No Thrones!

We, the People do stand for:

• Free Speech, not suppression

• Peace, not violence

• Healthcare, not illness, disease & death

• Immigrants, not ICE

• Rule of Law, not anarchy

• Democracy, not tyranny

• Compassion, not cruelty

• Due Process, not personal vendettas, threats & revenge

• Working Families, not fat cat billionaires

• Servicemen & women who Protect & Defend Americans, not wage war on Americans

We, the People welcome any and all like-valued Americans to stand with us so that together we dare to create a more perfect union, building from the good up with liberty and justice for all.

CTA: Join us on Saturday October 18th, 2025 as we gather at the Coupeville Overpass, State Route 20 & North Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239 from 10am – 12noon PDT

Bring your friends, family, signs, loud singing voices, and “good trouble” peaceful energy.

Click HERE to RSVP for Whidbey Island’s No Kings Rally 2.0 and find more details [https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/843947/]

Click HERE to access No Kings Rally 2.0 comprehensive website with all the information you need to take part wherever your feet touch the ground. [https://www.nokings.org/]

We’re not watching history - we’re making it!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: How Shared Stories Create Community + Maritza Perez & My Accent Is No Accident

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Londrina, Brazil!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Recently I was honored to share the mic with my podcast friend and colleague Maritza Perez, the host of My Accent Is No Accident. Together we celebrated cultural diversity by sharing stories and valuable insights about overcoming barriers, and the importance of community. If you’re curious to discover how sharing your origin story can transform lives and promote understanding in the corporate world and more, this episode is for you!

Highlights

✓ How to reclaim your powerful voice and set the stage for confidently stepping into the life you want by shaping and sharing your origin story (how you got from There to Here).

✓ How to shift attitudes and behaviors in the corporate world to overcome efforts at “gaslighting” or undermining women and work toward a more equitable workplace.

✓ How neighborhood block parties, shared food and stories can promote understanding, empathy, and ultimately, world peace.

Click HERE to watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIb6xTamebQ]

Be sure to show us some love with a thumbs up, subscribing, and leaving positive comments. Thanks for watching!

Connect with Maritza Perez

E-mail: maina.podcast@gmail.com

Website: https://maina.now.site/home

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: No Wonder We Feel the Way We Do!

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Newport News, Virginia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe like me you feel on constant alert - trying to hold it together with compassion, hope and humor even while those who cause all this suffering want to rob us of that as well. No one and no place feels safe.

We humans were not designed nor created for being on nonstop vigilance; it raises our blood pressure, our heart rate, our anxiety, while creating damage physically, mentally, emotionally. It interferes with our work, our relationships, our concentration and sleep. It harms our sense of safety, security, and control, manifesting in even greater fear and anxiety about what happens next. No wonder we feel the way we do.

I have a solution! In this space you can count on a few moments of relief, inspiration and hope. In our hands change means hope. It’s what I want for myself; so I’m sharing it with you.

Story Prompt: How are you attending to yourself and your loved ones, holding steady while not losing hope? Write that story and tell it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: No Kings Rally 2.0 Saturday 18th October 2025

Wed, 8 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening wherever your feet touch the ground!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

We, the People of Whidbey Island, Washington will join millions across the country in peaceful, non-violent gatherings to say loud and clear: No Kings! No Crowns! No Dictators! No Thrones!

We, the People do stand for:

• Free Speech, not suppression

• Peace, not violence

• Healthcare, not illness, disease & death

• Immigrants, not ICE

• Rule of Law, not anarchy

• Democracy, not tyranny

• Compassion, not cruelty

• Due Process, not personal vendettas, threats & revenge

• Working Families, not fat cat billionaires

• Servicemen & women who Protect & Defend Americans, not wage war on Americans

We, the People welcome any and all like-valued Americans to stand with us so that together we dare to create a more perfect union, building from the good up with liberty and justice for all.

CTA: Join us on Saturday October 18th, 2025 as we gather at the Coupeville Overpass, State Route 20 & North Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239 from 10am – 12noon PDT

Bring your friends, family, signs, loud singing voices, and “good trouble” peaceful energy.

Click HERE to RSVP for Whidbey Island’s No Kings Rally 2.0 and find more details [https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/843947/]

Click HERE to access No Kings Rally 2.0 comprehensive website with all the information you need to take part wherever your feet touch the ground. [https://www.nokings.org/]

We’re not watching history - we’re making it!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: 4 Steps to Unstick Your Creativity & Solve Problems

Mon, 6 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello, to you listening in San Lorenzo, California!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe like me you’ve gotten stuck. Maybe you’re stuck now; you don’t know what to do.

If you’re stuck, don’t watch what you think; watch what you do. You can walk your way clear. Walking activates a storehouse of strengths, experiences, helpful teachings, solutions gathered over your lifetime. Feeling connected with the earth liberates our imaginations.

4 Steps:

✓ Decide on the issue you want to bring on your walk,

✓ Invite your Creativity to come along and fully expect it will show up,

✓ Toss out possibilities, ideas or solutions for your Creativity to work on with you, and

✓ As you walk let your mind wander but every now and again come back to the issue at hand.

Sooner than you expect solutions will fall into your consciousness. Guaranteed! Because “All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.” [Friedrich Nietzsche]

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: What’s Your Work & How Will You Finish It?

Fri, 3 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Fremont, California!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

In college I was taught by lay faculty and Benedictine monks.

Today I follow Joan Chittister, an American Benedictine nun, theologian, author, and speaker who is known for being an outspoken advocate of justice, peace and equality focusing on the empowerment of women.

In her book, The Monastic Heart - 50 Simple Practices for a Contemplative and Fulfilling Life, Chittister writes, “A spirituality of work is that process by which you finally come to know that your work is God’s work, unfinished by God because God meant it to be finished by you.”

I say my work is "helping women shape and share their story by discovering: Who am I? What’s my why or work? How do I do my work differently?"

But the notion of “spirituality of work” puts a different spin on things. Is this truly my work? If so, how is it meant to be finished by me?

Story Prompt: What’s your work and how will you finish it? Write that story! And tell it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a 30-minute no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: What Does Your Life Want? 5 Questions to Start the Story

Wed, 1 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello, to you listening in Salford, England!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I practice the Five Remembrances as taught by Thich Nhat Hanh: I am of a nature to get old, get sick, and die, be separated from those I love, and there is nothing I can do about it. Sounds grim, right? Now what?

Maybe the Five Remembrances serve as an invitation to ask ourselves:

✓ What does my Life want?

✓ Am I living my Life being true to who I am?

✓ Am I doing what is most important to me?

✓ How do I embrace the singular opportunity I’ve been given to live this Life, to be of use?

✓ How do I summon the willingness and courage to set out on a different path to claim my true purpose?

Question: It’s your story. Starting now, how do you want to write it?

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: How to Unlock Your Story with Candice Snyder on Passion Purpose & Possibilities

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Cieszyn, Poland!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Women don’t often take the time to fully inquire into questions like:

✓ Who am I?

✓ What am I here for?

✓ Am I living my life in alignment with my true self and purpose?

✓ Am I willing to venture into an archeological dig on my story to leave behind my feelings of unfulfilment and get to the heart of the power I am?

And yet, understanding and embracing your personal narrative can be the professional and personal breakthrough you’ve been searching for.

Join Candice Snyder, host of Passion Purpose & Possibilities podcast and me, the Story Architect, to learn:

✓ How authentic storytelling fosters vulnerability and genuine connection.

✓ The powerful link between telling your story and living a meaningful life.

✓ Diane’s proven method to help you discover and own your origin story.

... and more for you to unlock your story possibilities!

Tune in on Apple podcasts; you’ll enjoy the listening:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/passion-purpose-and-possibilities/id1617133237

Please leave a 5-star review and some good words; your generosity helps us all!

Contact Candice Snyder

Website: https://hairhealthvitality.com/passion-purpose-and-possibilities/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicesnyder

Facebook: www.facebook.com/candicebsnyder.

Simplecast: https://passion-purpose-and-possibilities.simplecast.com/

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Kindness ~ Why Bother Now?

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Newport News, Virginia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Kindness. What is it good for? Absolutely everything!

✓ Reduces stress, anxiety, feelings of pain and depression, and lowers blood pressure

✓ Boosts self-esteem, feelings of well being, happiness, and optimism

✓ Fosters a sense of community helping people feel connected and supported

✓ Encourages compassion and understanding to break down barriers of prejudice

✓ Promotes a more caring and supportive environment, making the world a better place for everyone.

✓ Kindness is contagious rippling out to others to create shifts in attitudes, behaviors and even cultures.

✓ Of all the many things you can be in your lifetime, be kind.

Story Prompt: When has someone extended kindness toward you? When have you extended kindness toward another? What did that feel like? What happened next? Write that story!

Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.

You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe and spread the word with a generous 5-star review and comment - it helps us all - and join us next time!

Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

✓ Check out Communication Services I Offer

✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your communication challenges, get in touch with me today

✓ Stay current with Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: No Failure on Our Watch! Not Now! Not Ever!

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Camano Island, Washington!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington, this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Let’s be perfectly clear. Fascism is here.

It feels like we are shoveling sand against an incoming tide. It feels like we have little plastic shovels while the other guys have earth movers.

I get it.

But this much I know about the tide: it does turn.

We the People have to do the turning. Collectively, we have more control, power, community, voices, determination, resilience, and persistence than we think. Find one thing you can do and do it consistently. Commit to create, build, share, work, and help!

“This is not the end.

It is not even the beginning of the end.

But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” [~ Winston Churchill]

Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

✓ Check out Communication Services I Offer

✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your communication challenges, get in touch with me today

✓ Stay current with Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Stop Feeding Monkeys That Don't Belong to You!

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Helsinki, Finland!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

These days it takes more than the usual effort to stop trying to burst people into flames with my mind.

What’s going on? What isn’t? The craziness is triggering our uncertainties, raising our blood pressure, interrupting our sleep, and worse.

My dad used to say, Diane, Nie mój cyrk. Nie moje małpy. Not my circus - not my monkeys!

Practical Tip: Do not sell your soul for peanuts to feed the monkeys at the circus. It’s not your circus. It’s not your monkeys. Instead, find a moment of beauty and shelter in that for now.

Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

✓ Check out Communication Services I Offer

✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your communication challenges, get in touch with me today

✓ Stay current with Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: How Might We Wake Happy?

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you Patrice (long-time follower and supporter) listening in Big Bear, California!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

“Happiness is pretty simple: someone to love, something to do, something to look forward to.” [Rita Mae Brown, Hiss of Death]

Said another way, “The three grand essentials of happiness are: Something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for." [Alexander Chalmers, Scottish writer whose papers are held at the National Library of Scotland]

Either way, it all comes down to the same thing, right? Do what WAKES you happy!

You heard that right. If you WAKE happy with something to do, someone to love, and something just around the corner on its way to you, there will be relatively few problems, obstacles, and other situations that truly interfere with your growing sense of esteem and well-being.

Story Prompt: Who are you and what WAKES you happy? Write that story! And tell it our loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: How Do We Grow Away From Discord?

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening around the world!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey with your host Diane Wyzga.

About a block from my library or a block from the post office sits a house on a corner. Propped against this house I saw a very large sheet of plywood. Spray-painted in large black letters were these words: Kill Lawyers - Not Cops.

Putting aside any 1st Amendment right of free speech arguments or the notion that many folks don’t like lawyers until they need one, I have a question: When and how did we arrive at this place? When and how did we depart from human kindness, civility, and manners?

I’ve often spoken to the man who lives in this house as I passed by on my walk, admired his sunflowers, commented on the weather. I plan to walk up to his door and say, “I am a lawyer. Are you going to kill me? Or do you wish someone would?” I want to hear how he arrived at his position. And then perhaps get him to put away his larger-than-life sign before some yahoo takes him up on the dare.

Practical Tip: Be of speech a little more careful than anything else today, tomorrow, and forever.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For to Change Things

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Hamburg, Germany!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

We are living in a time of historic upheaval. But what if this currently confusing, chaotic, confounding, cultural churn is stumbling toward change that reveals the hidden roots of social injustice for what they are so that we can reconfigure for good?

How easily the safeguards can be leaped. And they have been. We can clutch our pearls and bemoan the times we live in; or, we can invite our feelings of hopelessness to give way to action, to repair, restore, and renew out of the ashes of the old ways. We are responsible for making change because we’re the only “sentient force” that can.

Question: What one small grand gesture are you committed to take on behalf of what you love and care for?

These words from the Irish poet Seamus Heaney may motivate and sustain you wherever your feet touch the ground, whatever progress you are intent on making today.

“History says, Don’t hope

On this side of the grave...

But then, once in a lifetime

The longed-for tidal wave

Of justice can rise up

And hope and history rhyme.” [“The Cure at Troy” Seamus Heaney]

BONUS: Seamus Heaney reads his poem, The Cure at Troy

The Cure at Troy (full text)

"Human beings suffer

They torture one another,

They get hurt and get hard.

No poem or play or song

Can fully right a wrong

Inflicted and endured.

The innocent in gaols

Beat on their bars together.

A hunger-striker’s father

Stands in the graveyard dumb.

The police widow in veils

Faints at the funeral home.

History says, Don’t hope

On this side of the grave…

But then, once in a lifetime

The longed-for tidal wave

Of justice can rise up,

And hope and history rhyme.

So hope for a great sea-change

On the far side of revenge.

Believe that a further shore

Is reachable from here.

Believe in miracles

And cures and healing wells.

Call miracle self-healing:

The utter, self-revealing

Double-take of feeling.

If there’s fire on the mountain

Or lightning and storm

And a god speaks from the sky

That means someone is hearing

The outcry and the birth-cry

Of new life at its term.

It means once in a lifetime

That justice can rise up

And hope and history rhyme. [From "The Cure at Troy: A Version of Sophocles' Philoctetes"]

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: How Might the Soul of Your Story Come Alive?

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Ellsworth, Maine!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Long ago in China there were cities surrounded with towering walls and magnificent gates. The gates let people in and out of the city but more importantly the gate was the place where the soul of the city resided. How do you build such a gate?

People would collect the bleached bones of warriors from the old battlefields and carry them back to the city where they were sealed inside the newly constructed gate. The hope was that the long dead warriors would protect the city in exchange for being remembered. When the gate was finished it was sprinkled with the blood of a specially chosen animal because it was believed that adding blood to the dead bones would bring the souls of the warriors back to life. [Inspired by Sputnik Sweetheart, by Haruki Murakami published 2001 - pages 15 to 16]

Writing your story is much like this. To begin gather together the bones of the story for shape and structure. But a story is organic; it needs a soul to live and breathe. Invoke the "sorcery of stories" to link the world of your words with the world of your imagination and you’ll create the soul of your story.

Story Prompt: Where might the soul of your story reside? What will bring it to life? Write that story! And tell it out loud!

Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something. All that matters is you have a story.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: What Might It Feel Like to Speak Your Truth & Help the World?

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Cartegena, Columbia, South America!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Perhaps like me you have walked a long road to find out how to use your voice to shine a light into the world that would be vastly incomplete without you. Perhaps you might still feel self-conscious about using the power of your voice.

Hear me when I say this: it’s your time! You did not come to Earth to be quiet. Set aside your limiting beliefs. They are of no use to you! The world needs what you have to give. If what you have to give is a cup of water would you deny it to a world that is thirsty? Of course not!

The more you get to the heart of your message and the message of your heart the more likely it is that you will speak your truth, live your truth, and the world will be less thirsty.

CTA: You can always read another "How To" book; but how much more fun, engaging and memorable would it be if you and I could chat about how you can get to the heart of your message to connect with, engage and influence your audience. If you are curious email me at Quarter Moon Story Arts to set up a Discovery Chat. Let’s get to the heart of your message!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: A Life of Wanderlust - Moving Along With Christi Cassidy

Mon, 8 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Adelaide, Australia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Recently I was delighted to share the mic as guest with Christi Cassidy, the host of Moving Along podcast. We giggled our way through stories about travel, relocation, and transition inspired by a sense of curiosity, adventure, and possibility.

There are tales of youthful independence and the courage to chart one's path. Childhood memories of collecting S&H Green Stamps for camping gear setting up a love for hiking and a life marked by exploration trekking the Camino de Santiago as a transformative milestone and reminiscences about backpacking adventures across Europe. With a trusty travel guide and a heart full of optimism, Diane’s early journeys reveal an enduring spirit of adventure. If this sounds like a journey you want to take, join us as we navigate the journey of a life in motion!

CLICK for Direct mp3 Download Link

Click for Apple Podcast

CTA: Be sure to write a 5-star review on Apple or your podcast platform of choice, and subscribe. It helps us all!

CONTACT LINKS

Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com

More podcast information: https://movingalongpodcast.com

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: What Could You Do Suspecting You Knew How To?

Fri, 5 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Two lines from the novel Bel Canto by Ann Patchett gave me pause:

“It makes you wonder. All the brilliant things we might have done with our lives if only we suspected we knew how.” [~ p. 300]

Maybe like me you’ve done many things and inhabited many roles over the course of your life. And yet and yet, maybe like me you wonder: what dreams have I not yet manifested? What have I squandered because I felt I didn’t know how? Where could I have risked something different? From the evidence why was I given my life?

Story Prompt: There is time! You do know how! What brilliant things might you and your life like to do? Write that story!

Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something. All that matters is you have a story.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: What Might Happen When You Reclaim Your Authentic Voice?

Wed, 3 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Puyallup, Washington!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe like me you were raised in a culture, a generation, a home where your voice, the power of your one true authentic voice was not appreciated. Maybe it was shuttered, shushed, shut down. Why? Who knows.

Sometimes our early fears and traumas hold us back from speaking in our authentic voice. But reclaiming our authentic voice is more than tips and techniques. Imagine discovering your story to help you let go of what might be holding you back so that you heal your mind, body and spirit. You also reclaim the opportunity to clarify your ideas, amplify your message, be seen, heard, understood and listened to.

What happens then? The changes you want to make, the results you want to see in action can be manifested.

CTA: Whether you’re ready to work with me or getting ready to be ready I am ready to work with you. Check out the many services for professionals and organizations at Quarter Moon Story Arts or click the link in the Episode Notes.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: How Will You Introduce a New Order

Mon, 1 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening out on Nubanusit Lake, New Hampshire celebrating Michele’s Happy Birthday!

Nubanusit Lake, New Hampshire [drone footage]

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Niccolò Machiavelli got it right with this quote on Change and Innovation in his 16th century political treatise, The Prince. “There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.” [Click HERE for pdf copy]

Question: Who here is ready to embark on introducing a new order of things - no matter how small - no matter how uncertain?

What will it take to lead to that new order?

By practicing Perfect?

No, Good is better than Perfect.

What about practicing Good?

No, Done is better than Good.

Okay then! Get ‘er Done! That’s how you lead today!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: We the People Have Become a Protest PROJECT!

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Blue Hill, Maine!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Seth Godin, internationally known thinker, author and strategist posed a question: what’s the difference between a protest and a project? [Seth's Blog]

Protests let off steam. They organize people who might not show up by creating a moment in time where there’s enough opportunity and social pressure that they participate.

A protest sends a message.

But almost every time, the very things that made a protest appealing mean that it fails to change much. That’s because protests are momentary, temporary and urgent. The status quo is good at surviving protests. That’s why it’s still the status quo.

But a PROJECT begins with a protest that ends with, “We’ll be back tomorrow, and we’re bringing our friends!”

A PROJECT is impatiently persistent. It plays a longer game, one that can outlast the status quo.

A PROJECT identifies the system and brings a systematic approach to changing that system.

PROJECTS can seem boring when seen with a stopwatch, but they’re powerful when measured with a calendar.

Think about it: Nationwide we’ve marched at Hands Off in April, No Kings in June, Good Trouble in July, and in a few days Workers Over Billionaires on Labor Day. Other marches continue all over our country. We the People have become a Protest PROJECT!

Story Prompt: What happens each time you show up to a protest, share your voice, and come back for more doing your part to upset the status quo? Write that story! And tell it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services I offer, arrange a no-sales Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Workers Over Billionaires Nationwide Labor Day Rallies 09-01-25

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening all over Whidbey Island and these United States!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Traditionally, parades, picnics, and barbeques happen on Labor Day; but this year pack up the babies, grab the old ladies and everyone go to one of many mass mobilization protests that will be taking place from coast to coast.

We are working people rising up to stop the tycoon takeover - not just through the ballot box or the courts, but by building a powerful, ever stronger mass mobilization movement. We the People are fighting for a country that is more fair, just, equitable, and free for all of us. Together on Labor Day we hope to exceed the estimated five million people who hit the streets at June’s No Kings! rally.

We march to stop the tycoon takeover and cruelly obscene corruption of the Trump administration, to protect and defend Medicaid, Social Security, and other programs for working people, to ensure fully funded schools, and healthcare and housing for all.

Hear us when we say: We the People want no part of you and your lies. We won’t back down. We will never stop fighting for our families, our rights, our freedoms!

Click HERE to sign up and join us on Whidbey Island

Date: Monday 1st September 2025

Time: 10 AM to 12 noon

Place: Coupeville intersection => HWY 20 & Main Street

Bring: flags, signs, good trouble spirit & non-perishable food items to donate to Good Cheer Pantry

Click HERE to access the Indivisible Whidbey website for tools you can use.

Click HERE to find the Workers Over Billionaires rally events happening in your city or region

Thank you for listening, being one of us, and see you out on the streets this Labor Day!

We’re not watching history - we are making it - to save our Democracy!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services I offer, arrange a no-sales Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Workers Over Billionaires Nationwide Labor Day Rallies Monday 09-01-25

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening all over Whidbey Island and these United States!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Hear us when we say: We the People want no part of you and your lies. We won’t back down. We will never stop fighting for our families, our rights, our freedoms!

Click HERE to sign up and join us on Whidbey Island

Date: Monday 1st September 2025

Time: 10 AM to 12 noon

Place: Coupeville intersection => HWY 20 & Main Street

Bring: flags, signs, good trouble spirit & non-perishable food items to donate to Good Cheer Pantry

Click HERE to access the Indivisible Whidbey website for tools you can use

Click HERE to find the Workers Over Billionaires rally events happening in your city or region

Thank you for listening, being one of us, and see you out on the streets this Labor Day!

We’re not watching history - we are making it - to save our Democracy!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services I offer, arrange a no-sales Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Seattle’s Panama Hotel - A Treasure Trove of Stories Warehoused in Plain Sight

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Seattle, Washington!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more to visit history) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Recently I read a comment on Substack about the changes being wrought by 47 and his criminal cabal to erase - as much as obscenely possible - evidence of slavery in America thereby making history disappear. Yes, many have tried to make history disappear but the stories, the oral histories, the voices, the art, books and photographs remain. Not all - but enough to stand witness.

One such book, The Ghosts of Segregation, was authored by our very own Whidbey Island writer and photographer, Richard Frishman who saw what 45's administration was doing and had to do something to defy it.

Unexpectedly, while researching the Ghosts of Segregation, I found my way to the Panama Hotel in Seattle which some of you may remember as the hotel featured in the novel, The Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford.

The Panama Hotel remains the repository of personal belongings stored there by some of the 8,000 people of Japanese ancestry who were forced from Seattle and into internment camps (known as War Relocation Centers) set up in Midwestern states as a result of Executive Order 9066. They had one week’s warning.

Eventually, over 120,000 men, women and children of Japanese ancestry were forced from their homes, businesses and farms on the Pacific Coast in a systematic, government sponsored exile of innocent people. Most of them were United States citizens. The incarceration turned US citizens into refugees in their own country.

But the story is still alive staving off erasure. A grant from the National Park Service helped researchers document, catalogue and map the contents of suitcases, trunks, and boxes, over 8500 items left in the hotel basement. Because of the historical value of the Panama Hotel, it was designated as a National Treasure in 2015. Today the Panama Hotel serves as a living time capsule, a shrine to a community, and the site of the Japanese American Museum of Seattle.

Story Prompt: How might we change the future with understanding and compassion so as to defy fear and hatred of The Other? Write that story and tell it out loud!

And for inspiration check out the many links in the Episode Notes to access the Ghosts of Segregation as well as the Panama Hotel.

The Ghosts of Segregation by Richard Frishman

Click HERE to listen to the author, Rich Frishman tell you about his project in a short interview

Click HERE to access a book discussion about The Ghosts of Segregation at University of Virginia

Click HERE to visit: My Favorite Places - Panama Hotel - Ralph Munro former Secretary of State

Click HERE to read about the Japanese American Museum of Seattle

Click HERE to read National Trust for Historic Preservation; Asian American & Pacific Islander History; Panama Hotel; Histories of Loss & Resilience

Click HERE to visit Panama Hotel - Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

Click HERE to visit the Panama Hotel & Owner/Caretake Jan Johnson’s scrapbook

Click HERE to visit the Mysteries of the Panama Hotel

Click HERE to read The Many Lifetimes of the Panama Hotel - Stories of the Unjustly Imprisoned

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a free, no-sales Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: The Wake Doesn’t Drive the Boat

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you Byron and Mariah Edgington listening in Gainesville, Florida!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

My friend Byron Edgington wrote: “Isn't it fascinating how we humans revert to past events, as if we could/can change what happened there?”

Yes. We humans can be a silly species failing to acknowledge the past as the past. The past is like the wake behind a boat - the series of waves that trails behind a moving boat. But the wake doesn’t drive the boat; however, awareness of and learning from the past is what allows us to drive the boat of our present into a better future.

The phrase "the wake doesn't drive the boat" (a metaphor attributed to Alan Watts) means that your past or wake of your life boat doesn't determine your future. Yes, learning from our past influences our present actions; but the future is determined by how we drive our boat now, not by the path we've already traveled.

Question: How have you learned to drive your boat forward based on choices arising from past lessons?

Click HERE to listen to Alan Watts talk about the boat analogy and how it applies to the present moment.

Thank you for listening and steady as she goes!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a free, no-sales Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Whatever the Cost We the People Shall Defy Their Stories & Defend Our Homeland

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in London, England!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for courage) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

It’s true what they say: "A story grows in the gaps where the facts fall short." 47 and his cabal are exploiting the gaps to create cruel and obscene stories because they have no facts.

Headlines that repeat 47's cruel and obscene stories like reign of terror, being on the eve of destruction, days of the dictator, subservience to the sociopath, and so on reinforce these stories. The more these stories are told without the counterbalance of truth, facts, good news, and how We the People are fighting back, the more these lies will take hold in our exhausted minds because these stories keep on gushing like torrents of water out of a broken fire hydrant.

Hear me when I say this: I am no idiot. Treacherous times are alive and afoot. 47 and his criminally complicit cabinet, feckless GOP congress, and subservient SCOTUS on speed dial are after nothing short of the utter desecration of our country. So, We the People must continue to push back, show up, stand up, speak up, fight and ever fight!

In the darkest days of World War II when all looked lost in the face of Nazi Germany’s advance across Europe and the Dunkirk evacuation, Winston Churchill summoned the will of the British people against those odds.

His famous "We shall fight on the beaches" speech was a galvanizing address delivered to the House of Commons on June 4, 1940.

Listen to a portion of history: “The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength. Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God’s good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.”

Imagine the immense sacrifice and effort required of the British people to face the adversity and pummeling hardships of war. And yet, they did with courage and determination, with unwavering resolve to resist the Nazi threat, even to the last person, if necessary.

If the British defeated the Nazis - against all odds - who are we not to follow in their footsteps and prevail against the enemy within our shores? We have no Churchill to summon us to battle; but we shall fight and we shall win because We the People are defying them and their obscenely hateful stories.

Thank you for listening and making good trouble to liberate the land of the free and the home of the brave.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a free, no-sales Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: How to Reframe Your Narrative & Reframe Your Perspective

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Manassas, Virginia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for a story tip) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

For over 30 years I’ve keynoted, written, taught and consulted on the “sorcery of stories.” Sounds rather magical and mystical, right? But there’s no witchcraft here. Only good old-fashioned narrative and imagination at work to interpret events, assign meaning, configure our stories, communicate insights, explain Truths, and shape our perspectives.

At its best, the "sorcery of stories” offers us a means to explore, understand, and reframe old narratives about ourselves so that we might reframe our perspective to celebrate challenges overcome, doubts erased, and fears undone.

If you are curious about how to reframe the old narrative you’ve been telling yourself and reframe your perception about that narrative, I have a simple 3-part story structure for you to work with.

Think about an old story that’s still rattling around in your brain.

Complete each of these 3 phrases, in order:

If you had told me 20 years ago that I would [fill in the blank]

I might have [fill in the blank]

but instead if you could see me now I’m [fill in the blank].

Here’s my story: If you had told me 20 years ago that I would walk 500 miles across Spain estoy solo on pilgrimage I might have derided and dismissed that idea as one for foolish, time-wasting dreamers; but instead if you could see me now (having walked those 500 miles on foot) I’m set free to be me, walking into my own life, fully deserving of what I have loved all along.

Story Prompt: Now your turn to reframe your narrative, reframe your perspective. Write that story! And tell it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a free, no-sales Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Summer Showers & This Too Shall Pass

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Tillamook, Oregon!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Our Pacific Northwest summers are a generous Mother Nature break from the cold, damp darkness of the November to May Rain Festival here on the island. Don’t get me wrong: we know how to keep ourselves warm, dry, comfortable, and engaged in the 6 months of fall and winter; but we appreciate the summer months to the fullest even when rain showers interrupt our plans.

Something Miguel de Cervantes wrote about squalls and good weather reminds me that all is impermanent, nothing endures forever and we will see our way clear - in time:

“All these squalls to which we have been subjected are signs that the weather will soon improve and things will go well for us, because it is not possible for the bad or the good to endure forever, and from this it follows that since the bad has lasted so long the good is close at hand.” [Miguel de Cervantes - Don Quioxte]

Question: How are you inviting the good that is close at hand?

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a free, no-sales Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: A Lesson in Letting Go From a Farming Grandfather

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Woodbine, Georgia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe like me you endlessly churn old stories in your head: what you would have said, could have said, or should have said. Gets me nowhere. So, I’m learning how to shift out of my endlessly churning mindset with a farming tip.

My maternal grandfather left his home in a small Polish village and came to this country as a teenager seeking a better life than the farm he grew up on. Here’s what he used to say: “Diane, there’s no profit in plowing the same furrow twice. Forgive. Forget. Let go. Harvest what’s ahead of you.”

Question: What about you? What’s your best tip for letting go of what no longer works?

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a free, no-sales Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Where Do Lost Letters (and Stories) Find a Home?

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you Michelle, listening in lovely Victoria by the sea, BC, CanadaLand!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for a story) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I am a story doula. I believe that stories are alive! They can follow you home, sit at your table, sleep in your bed. I also believe that stories seek us out so that right story comes to us just when we need it.

Letters also tell stories. But what if the letters got lost? What happens to the stories they contain? Is there a home for lost letters and their stories? Indeed there is! Japan’s Missing Post Office.

Until the 1990s, Awashima Island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea had a flourishing port where sailors stopped to send and receive letters and telegrams. When the port closed the letters kept on coming to the now dead post office. In 2013 the artist Kubota Saya transformed the dead post office into Japan’s Missing Post Office, a place where locals and visitors can come, read letters, and send letters to those departed souls who are beyond receiving the letter but not the thought.

Japan’s Missing Post Office receives 10 to 20 letters without addressees daily from those seeking closure, comfort, or simply a means to express emotions that have no other outlet. The stories in the letters are there to be read, cherished, and shared. There might be one waiting for you.

Meanwhile, even if you are not able to visit the Missing Post Office yourself, you can send a letter to join the others. The address and links to articles about Japan’s Missing Post Office are in the Episode Notes.

Story Prompt: To whom would you like to express yourself in a letter and what would you say? Write that story and tell it out loud!

How to submit a letter to the Missing Post Office and Address:

1317-2 Awashima

Takuma-cho

Mitoyo, Kagawa

The Missing Post Office: Letters Without Addressees

Japan’s Missing Post Office: Where Lost Letters Find a Home

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-sales Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: The Fallacy of Sunk Costs & Deep Harvest Farm

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you, Annie Jesperson & Nathaniel Talbot listening from Deep Harvest Farm on Whidbey Island!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (& a bit more goodness) for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Every week I head over to Deep Harvest Farm from July through Thanksgiving to fill my basket with organic produce as a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) member. Early in day the CSA members get an email with a list of what’s been harvested, a recipe or two and a musing by Farmer Annie like this one, The Fallacy of Sunk Costs. Maybe like me you’ll recognize yourself in her words:

The Fallacy of Sunk Costs [~ by Annie Jesperson]

“Sometimes a benefit and other times a detriment of long farm days are the countless hours alone with one's thoughts. A morning spent pruning tomatoes and dragging irrigation lines offers opportunity to practice deep breathing, mindfully listen to the sparrow songs or to stew on last night’s sub-optimal conversation with your sister while mentally spiraling about foreign affairs.

There’s time for it all! We spend many moments with the gentle coo of the wind but also keep our brains stimulated with a wide assortment of podcasts. A few of us love "The Gray Area with Sean Illing," which is a philosophy show that covers culture, politics, and other big conversation topics.

I’m pretty sure it was here, I learned about one of my now favorite philosophical principles that comes in handy most farm days and in the rest of life, too. It’s called “The fallacy of sunk costs.” Anyone else a fan?? This concept expresses the mental error in one’s tendency to keep going on an endeavor just for the sake of finishing it. You’ve invested some time, money, and energy so you want to complete a task even if the costs of completing it outweigh the positives. It’s knowing when to cut losses and till in those overly weedy carrots, shrug your shoulders and leave the last 10% of the giant fruit tree unpruned or close the book you’re not loving and pick up something else. There’s nothing to gain by doing otherwise!

Every day, we look at our mammoth to-do list and decide what’s a priority and what just isn’t going to happen and not infrequently we kiss some hard work goodbye for the sake of future plantings and more vital tasks. Prioritizing and letting go might be a farmer’s most important skills as well as life talents, too, aiding us in the efficiency, time, productivity and happiness of Life!”

Click HERE to visit Deep Harvest Farm, learn about the farm & its farmers, sign up for the Seed Newsletter for hot garden tips, farm news and seed discounts, join the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm Share, AND shop the 170 varieties of Certified Organic, Open-Pollinated, & Non-GMO seed proven to thrive in the Pacific Northwest: FLOWER SEEDS ~ VEGETABLE & HERB SEEDS

Thank you for listening!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-sales Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Giving Is Always in Style & Keeps Us Bound Together

Mon, 4 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you, Mary D., listening in Coupeville, Washington!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

A longtime podcast listener and Substack subscriber suggested I read The Serviceberry - Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The author invites us to consider the gift of reciprocity between Nature and ourselves, ourselves and the rest of Creation. Neither the size of the gift nor the nature of the gift is what matters but the spirit of giving. I have a splendid pie cherry tree in my yard which could be picked to make splendid cherry pies; but this tree I leave for the birds, squirrels and deer.

Recently, my friend and neighbor celebrated her 85th birthday. I know I could have bought her some delicious, made-fresh-daily scones from Jupiter Coffee; but I know she favors a loaf of bread studded with raisins and caraway seed, bound together with full fat buttermilk and other ingredients that we call Spotted Dick Dog Bread. To her gift I added a small jar of cherry preserves I received in trade from another elderly neighbor who was canning the fruitful gift of the Rainier Cherry tree in his front yard.

We did things like this during the COIVD epidemic. Remember? In many ways we’re right back in an epidemic; but the dangers are not germs so much as they are anxiety, confusion, bewilderment, loneliness, and exhaustion. We wonder who to trust, who or what will be taken away, what will happen during the night, and, when will all this end?

I don’t have the answers, except to say I doubt a one of us saw COVID as a dress rehearsal although the perspective of hindsight tells me it was.

TIP: Let’s get back to the giving we practiced then because, as you well know, giving is always in style. It keeps us bound together - like “braiding with sweetgrass.”

Thank you for listening!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a free no-sales Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: The Power of “Well Done!” at 10,000 Feet

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you Lorraine, listening in Corona del Mar, California!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for a story) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

It was early morning when I lifted the shade and looked out the airplane window at the brown, mid-September harvested fields of Spain below me, stretching as far as the eye could see. I felt sick, gut-clenching, breath-holding, throat-constricting sick. What a stupid idea! What was I thinking! How ridiculous, foolish even, to even imagine that I could walk across Spain - alone - as a pilgrim - with nothing more than a backpack and a guide book. Who was I kidding?

As the plane began its descent into Madrid, I had already made up my mind that I could not, should not, and would not walk the Camino de Santiago. I was no pilgrim. I would pick up my backpack and catch the next flight. I was going back home.

What happened next? Tucked between the pages of the guide book I was holding was an envelope and in the envelope a short message from my story galpal, Lorraine. Her first words were “WELL DONE!”

Her words continued: As you read this thousands of feet above the earth (and how could she have known that?) you may be wondering why I gave you a “WELL DONE!” card to start your Camino de Santiago journey. Regardless of what does or doesn’t happen from here on out, you will be forever changed simply because you showed up. And that, my friend, is “WELL DONE!”

What could I do? What would you do?

The plane descended, taxied to the Madrid Airport gate, and I disembarked with the rest of the passengers. I found my way to baggage claim, through customs, and out of the terminal looking for the bus that would take me across Madrid to the station for the train to Pamplona where I over-nighted before taking another bus to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to finally begin my Camino de Santiago. I walked out of France, over the Pyrenees Mountains, into Spain, and then 500 miles on foot to Santiago.

Since then I say my life is BC & AC: Before Camino and After Camino. Not a day goes by that I don’t recall my pilgrimage, relying on the kindness of strangers, and the unforgettable words that gave me the courage to set out: WELL DONE!

Story Prompt: Who gave you a hand up when you needed it most and expected it least? What happened next? Write that story and tell it out loud!

Thank you for listening!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: If You Can’t Get Blood Out of a Turnip, How Can You Get Soup Out of a Stone?

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Chandler, Arizona!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe it’s true and maybe it isn’t but the old ones say that once there was a village of people so stingy and tight-fisted that they hid whatever they had so that their friends and neighbors wouldn’t know who had what and want it for themselves. They even hid their food from one another even though there was plenty to go around.

One day a traveler pulling a small wagon wanders into the village. He’s been on the road for many days and has no food left to eat. He goes from door to door asking for a bit of bread, of cheese, maybe an apple; but at each door he’s turned away: We have nothing here! Stop begging! Leave us alone!

The traveler returns to his wagon, takes out a large kettle, sets it down in the village square and builds a fire under the kettle. He adds water from the well and a large stone taken from a pocket in his coat.

Of course the villagers are curious, peering out of their windows, what’s this fellow up to anyway? A child sent out to ask what the traveler is doing is told, "I’m making stone soup.” and this he repeats to the villagers who are edging closer to the traveler and his kettle

He’s smacking his lips in anticipation. "It’s almost ready, he says, but to make a really good stone soup it could use some cabbage." A villager returns with a cabbage for the kettle. The butcher, not to be outdone by his neighbor adds some choice cuts of meat. Other villagers rush home and return with food from their own gardens--potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and spices.

Soon the soup in the big kettle was bubbling and fragrant. The traveler scooped the stone out of the kettle, tucked it back in his coat pocket, and served the soup to one and all.

In time the traveler went on his way pulling his wagon with his kettle and the stone back in his pocket; but he left behind a story and the recipe for stone soup that’s made and shared to this very day.

Thank you for listening!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: What to Do When Facing Personal & Professional Crossroads?

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Gondomar, Galicia, Spain!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I am often asked how to begin the next story chapter of life when there’s no clear path ahead. In truth, we really don’t see the path so much as we make the path while walking it.

But that might be little comfort in the beginning when you’re standing at the crossroads.

In my experience choosing a direction and setting out with curiosity and determination - taking that first step - perhaps the one we don’t want to take - is the key that opens the way ahead.

Following are several visionary questions for you. Choose the one that speaks to where you are right now and invite it to walk along with you like friends on a trail:

1. What story are you meant to tell that only you living your life with your wisdom and your experiences could tell?

2. Imagine you’re looking back at yourself as an elder woman - content, satisfied, knowing you got it right. What would you say made it all worthwhile?

3. What delighted you, intrigued you, fed your curiosity when you were younger than you are now?

4. Who were you before you learned you were supposed to worry that money doesn’t grow on trees?

Sometimes the most powerful questions are the ones that help us discover who we really are beneath all the "shoulds" and practical concerns. Reconnecting with your truest self after years of layered expectations and external pressures comes from trusting what you know rather than adding more information or strategies.

CTA: If you’re curious about how to stop trying to figure it all out and start honoring what you already know, email me at info@quartermoonstoryarts.net to arrange a free Discovery Call with me, your story doula. And thank you for listening!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Remembering What My Grandfather Said Brings Hope

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Tokyo, Japan!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

My parents were 1st generation Americans. Their parents came from Poland seeking better opportunities. Like so many others, my maternal grandfather had grown up on a farm and sailed to America when he was in his teens.

Over the years he forged metal in factories, fabricated refrigerator coils, drove a city bus, and taught himself how to oil paint. I treasure a few pieces of his art work reflecting his love of land.

My grandfather used to say about tomorrow: “I’m like a fellow pushing a wheelbarrow. Why? Everything is still in front of me!” Even in the most difficult times I repeat his line to find some hope to carry on as he did.

Story Prompt: What favorite line do you recall from someone you love? When you repeat it to yourself how does it make you feel? Write that story and tell it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Story Services I offer, arrange a free, no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Be Willing to Rest to Drop Back From Being in the Lead

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Wenatchee, Washington!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

From Great Britain during World War II came this observation about the wide-ranging effect of radio on the population: “Radio exposes nearly everybody in the country to a rapid, bewildering succession of emotional experiences. Our minds and our moral natures just cannot respond to the bombardment of contradictions and confusion.”

Sounds a lot like us 85 years later! Media platforms have exploded with hourly tsunamis of news! There is no shortage of overwhelming, emotional experiences. We were not made for this. No wonder we feel exhausted, crazy, unsettled, and lost from the unrelenting pummeling of it all.

So what do we do now? Know this: All is impermanent. The tide will turn. When you come to the end of your rope tie a knot and hold on. Find good company in animal companions, in faith, family and friends. Give yourself the benefit of the doubt. Take a well-deserved break and a lesson from nature: When the leader of a V-formation of birds gets tired it drops back and another bird takes its turn in the lead. Be willing to drop back and let others support you until you are ready to soar again.

Thank you for listening!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Story Services I offer, arrange a free, no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: We the People Have Ignited Organized Non-Cooperation

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Thornton, Colorado!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Evildoing, like coercive power, depends on the cooperation, obedience, support, assent or at least passive tolerance of many people.

If you passively tolerate evildoing - or turn your face away - you are as much involved in it as the ones who perpetrate it. When you tolerate evildoing without protesting, you are cooperating, you are an accomplice.

One who chose not to cooperate was Daniel Ellsberg, American military analyst and whistleblower, who saw clearly what had been going on with the 40 years of war in Vietnam. He chose to copy and then release over 7,000 pages of what became known as The Pentagon Papers. He exposed the long-running scandalous history of the United States' political and military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1968 and secretly expanding its involvement with the bombing of Cambodia and Laos.

In 1971 then President Nixon filed suit to stop the NY Times and the Los Angeles Times from publishing the papers. He failed. The papers were published. Ellsberg himself was criminally indicted but charges were later dismissed.

“As Judge Byrne in Los Angles was issuing his dismissal of the indictment against Daniel Ellsberg, Nixon expressed his outrage and sense of betrayal: “ ..., on this national security thing, we have the rocky situation where the sonofabitch thief is made a national hero and is going to get off on a mistrial. And the New York Times gets a Pulitzer Prize for stealing documents ....They’re trying to get at us with thieves. What in the name of God have we come to?” [SECRETS - A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers by Daniel Ellsberg, pub. 2002, pp. 456 to 457]

What we had come back to was a democratic republic - not an elected monarchy - a government under law, with Congress, the courts, and the press functioning to curtail executive abuses, as our Constitution envisioned. Moreover, for the first time in this or any country the legislature was casting its whole vote against an ongoing presidential war. It was reclaiming, through its control of the purse, the war power it had fecklessly delegated nine years earlier. Congress was stopping the bombing, and the war was going to end.” [SECRETS - A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers by Daniel Ellsberg, pub. 2002, pp. 456 to 457]

40 years of war ends - and Watergate is not far behind - scuttling Nixon’s presidency.

Individuals who choose to call evildoing what it is, who choose to withdraw their cooperation, ignite organized non-cooperation. That is where we are. We the People - an Army of Ordinary People - have ignited organized non-cooperation. We the People are fighting back and we’re bringing our friends to topple the evildoing in the White House.

Thank you for listening and fighting alongside us for democracy!

Click HERE to access a pdf copy of Secrets - A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers

Click HERE to access VOICES: UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Daniel Ellsberg & SECRETS - Vietnam & the Pentagon Papers (October 25, 2002)

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Story Services I offer, arrange a free, no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: How Does a Breakdown Become a Breakthrough?

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Fredricton, New Brunswick Province, Canada!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

There is a gift in hindsight! Believe it or not hindsight can show us when a breakdown became a breakthrough, a spiritual crisis became a spiritual awakening, a trial of tears became the trail of gratitude.

It has to be hindsight because when swamped by difficult situations we feel scared, uncertain, anxious or worse. Then time passes. Finally, we are ready, willing and able to take a look at what we perceived was our complete and utter failure at creating our life, speaking our voice, succeeding at business, and so on. What we perceived as failure has the potential of possibility, possibility we would not have been able to appreciate when we were feeling swamped.

What if we could imagine that Life is a grand experiment. The beauty of an experiment is that when it doesn’t work out the way you intended that’s the moment you learned. Learning is the price of success.

Story Prompt: Think about a time when it looked like you had lost everything; but in time you chose a do-over with what you had learned. What happened then? Write that story!

Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

✓ Check out Services I Offer

✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your communication challenges, get in touch with me today

✓ Stay current with Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on Substack

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something. All that matters is you have a story.

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Imagine What Might Happen if You Disappeared Into Your Project.

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Nairobi, Kenya!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

The old ones in China tell a story about an equally old painter who invited friends to his home to see his latest work.

His friends gathered around to admire the artist’s painting which he had hung on a wall. The painting was a scene of a little park and a tiny footbridge crossing a stream that meandered through a forest that opened onto a meadow where stood a small cottage with an equally small door painted blue.

Those gathered together turned around to tell the painter how much they admired his work but he was nowhere to be found. One of his friends said, "Look! There he is! In the painting!" He walked up the path that led to the door of the cottage, stopped, turned, smiled, and disappeared inside.

Question: Imagine becoming so engrossed in your project that you end up disappearing into it in the same way. What do you imagine happens next? Become that!

Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

✓ Check out Services I Offer

✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your communication challenges, get in touch with me today

✓ Stay current with Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on Substack

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Join Us for “Good Trouble Lives On” Rally on July 17th!

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening here, there, and everywhere your feet touch the ground!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

We know the power of We the People coming together to defend our democracy against the lawlessness of this administration. We’ve felt our power at Hands Off rallies! We’ve seen it multiply at No Kings rallies! Now, are you ready to join the next major national mass mobilization?

July 17th is time for getting in “Good Trouble - Necessary Trouble” to defend our democracy, and carry forward the legacy of civil rights hero and Congressman John Lewis. Good Trouble Lives On is a national day of peaceful, non-violent action to challenge injustice, take a stand against the attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration, and remind them that in America, the power lies with We the People. Are you with us?

The Trump administration has launched full-scale attacks on our civil and human rights. Good Trouble Lives On is more than a rally; it’s a moral reckoning. We the People are establishing new fronts in the struggle to redeem the soul of America! Are you with us?

Click HERE to find over 1,300 Good Trouble Lives On events scheduled in all 50 states on Thursday 17th July 2025 and join one near you!

Click HERE to sign up for GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON on WHIDBEY ISLAND!

Co-sponsored by: Indivisible Whidbey and Whidbey Island League of Women Voters

WHEN: Thursday, July 17 from 11AM to 1 PM PDT

WHERE: Intersection of State Route 20 & North Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239

WHAT: Sign waving, singing, and rallying, followed by a symbolic walk across the highway bridge to honor the life of civil rights leader and human rights champion, John Lewis.

WHY: Sharing our values and commitment to fight for our nation and our democracy.

Click HERE to access, John Lewis: Good Trouble, the documentary film and learn the back story of good trouble, necessary trouble

Trailer

Thanks for listening and see you out there Thursday 17th July

Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

✓ Check out Services I Offer

✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your communication challenges, get in touch with me today

✓ Stay current with Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on Substack

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: How to Step Out of Your Castle & Claim Your Kingdom

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening for a call to belong to who you are however imperfect!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I am done waiting for perfect clarity to claim my place in this world.

We've been told that doing equals worth, that we must have it all figured out to deserve our place at the table. But here's what I know: it's not about arriving perfect—it's about showing up authentic.

I showed up to walk 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, learning breath by breath, heartbeat by heartbeat, step by step. I figured it out mile by messy imperfect mile.

Here’s what else I know: you can’t claim your kingdom hiding in the castle. I’m stepping out of my castle, crown askew, declaring myself ready to go as an elder woman summoning other elder women into our tribe of Whidbey Island Witches. We wield magic through stories. We refuse to let our voices be diminished. No more waiting for permission.

We say what we mean and mean what we say. We create a ruckus and make “good trouble” not because we have all the answers, but because we have what the world needs: our questions, rage, tenderness, truth, and collective wisdom.

We're figuring out how to create a world of harmony, integrity, kindness, and justice—a world designed for all of us, not just the chosen few. It will be messy, imperfect, courageous, brave, and bold! Join us!

Story Prompt: What about you? What would happen if you stepped out of your castle, crown askew, ready to figure it out as you go? Write that story and tell it out loud.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Stories Take Care of Us Like a Cloak Over Our Shoulders

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Shrewsbury, UK!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

“It doesn’t matter how long you have forgotten, only how soon you remember.” (Buddha)

We don’t often recall our memories with any reliable accuracy. But that’s okay. Sharing our stories is not about nailing down the facts of an event or the exact recall of circumstances. Rather, the point of stories is to take the splintered, fractioned, mismatched pieces of our lives and, by telling the stories we need to tell stitch together moments of wholeness.

Over my storytelling decades I have to come to realize that I don’t need to translate or provide meaning for life events. When I speak my stories from the heart I begin to shift away from painful episodes to heal the suffering I’ve attached to what those episodes mean or meant. What happens next? By sharing my story maybe I help someone else heal. How do I know? I hear someone say: “What! You, too! I thought I was the only one.” [C.S. Lewis]

Like the Badger in Crow and Weasel by Barry Lopez reminds us: “The stories people tell have a way of taking care of them. If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive. That is why we put these stories in each other’s memory. This is how people care for themselves.”

Question: What happens when you open the door to retelling a story that you’ve forgotten but now you remember?

You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe and spread the word with a generous 5-star review and comment - it helps us all - and join us next time!

Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

✓ Check out Services I Offer,

✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your story questions, don’t delay - get in touch today,

✓ Stay current with Diane as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: A Mission to Empower Women With The Teaching Journeys & Dave Roberts

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Utica, New York!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Recently, I had the pleasure of sharing the mic with my friend, colleague, podcast host, author and genuinely wonderful human being, Dave Roberts, (The Teaching Journeys podcast) about the mission of empowering women through storytelling and resilience. If you are curious to learn how adventure, justice and self-expression show up in Diane’s mission to empower women, this profoundly revealing episode is for you! Join us!

Highlights

• Diane’s post-college backpacking adventure across Europe, serving as a USNavy nurse, and pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago;

• The importance of understanding one's identity (your Who) through personal narratives;

• The role of safe spaces in amplifying voices;

• Emphasizing self-empowerment through affirmations like 'I am, I can, I will'; and

• The tools and services Diane provides women through her organization, Quarter Moon Story Arts.

Click HERE to listen to our conversation on Apple.

Click HERE to watch the broadcast on YouTube. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC_gxhy228E&t=3s]

Please be sure to spread the word with a generous 5-star review and comment; it helps us all.

Resources

Dave Roberts, MSW, LMSW is an adjunct professor of psychology child life at Utica University, an author and a bereavement support specialist. He created The Teaching Journeys Podcast with one thing in mind: To have meaningful conversations with individuals , young and old, whose life journeys/challenges, can teach us something about addressing our own. It is Dave's hope that the teachings from these conversations live on in future generations. "We are all students and teachers...... let's learn from each other."

• The Teaching Journeys Podcast is available on your favorite podcast platforms: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-teaching-journeys-podcast/id1680247119

• To find out more about Dave go to: davidrobertsmsw.com and his author site psychologyprofessorandminister.com

• Email: bootsyandangel@gmail.com

• Blog: When the Psychology Professor Met the Minister: https://psychologyprofessorandminister.com/blog/

Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

✓ Check out Services I Offer,

✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your story questions, don’t delay - get in touch today,

✓ Stay current with Diane as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Messy Imperfect Manifesto for My Personal Independence Day

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening for a call to belong to who you are however imperfect!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I am done waiting for perfect clarity to claim my place in this world.

I showed up to walk 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, learning breath by breath, heartbeat by heartbeat, step by step. I figured it out mile by messy imperfect mile.

Story Prompt: What about you? What would happen if you stepped out of your castle, crown askew, ready to figure it out as you go? Write that story and tell it out loud.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Finding Magic in the Margins

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Greenbank, Washington!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Driving home on our 2-lane rural road in the morning fog I saw a flash of white and then a larger familiar brown body. A tiny ghost fawn high stepping ahead of its mother before both ducked into the safety of the woods and then .... gone. A ghost fawn is all white instead of the typical brown coat. They are a rare and magical sight to see here on Whidbey.

Our life is like that, eh? Every so often we are treated to a “Glory Be Shazaam!” moment of magic; but more often magic tiptoes toward us from the margins of our lives. Magic lives in the margins of our lives never out of reach if we are only willing sit quietly with patience, wait, watch, listen, and call it into being.

Question: When has magic from the margins of your life shown up and surprised you? What happened next?

Thank you for listening and staying for the magic!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Love by Intuition Show with Deborah Beauvais

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Rehoboth, Massuchusetts!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Recently I had the pleasure of talking with my friend and colleague DreamVisions7 Radio & TV Network owner Deborah Beauvais on her Love By Intuition Show.

DreamVisions7 is serving the planet through the vibration of our voices. Each radio host creates a safe space to share their internal soul growth while offering unique healing modalities and tools to assist you and our planet.

If you are longing for a little synergy, collaboration for the good, or human connection with spiritual enrichment, this episode is for YOU!

Highlights:

• Professional and Personal Journey

• Soul Growth

• What was created - What was left behind

• Sovereignty & Visibility: helping women be seen, heard, understood and listened to

• Presence, by way of our stories, creates possibility

Click HERE to catch the replay of our 50-minute inspiring, uplifting and value-packed conversation on YouTube.

Or, if listening is more your style, click HERE for the audio replay of our conversation on Love by Intuition:

Resources

Contact Deborah Beauvais and check out the many shows on DreamVisions7 Radio Network to transform your life and business. Come join our community of listeners, hosts, sponsors and advertisers.

• Website: https://dreamvisions7radio.com/

• E-mail Deborah Beauvais: deborah@dreamvisions7radio.com

• Phone: 508-226-1723

You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!

Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

✓ Check out Services I Offer,

✓ Arrange your no-sales complimentary coaching session to learn more: ,

✓ Stay current with Diane as Wyzga on Words on Substack

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: How Your Voices Teaches You About the Power of Your Own Story

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Victoria, BC, CanadaLand!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for a change up) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

My friend Michelle asked me something that made me stop and think. She said, "You always end Story Prompt Friday with 'Write that story!' But you believe in the music of the spoken word - telling stories out loud - why not say that?

Michelle knows me well.

Here's the thing about our voices - they carry magic that our fingers can't capture. When you write your story, you're having a conversation with yourself. It’s a lovely and necessary place to begin. But when you speak your story out loud, something different happens. Something powerful.

Your voice carries the rhythm of your heartbeat. It holds the catch in your throat when you remember something tender. It speeds up when you get excited and slows down when the moment matters most. These aren't just sounds - they're the music of your experience.

Think about the last time someone told you a story that made you lean in closer. Was it their words alone? Or was it the way their voice dropped to an intimate whisper? The way they paused right before the surprise? The way their whole face lit up when they got to the good part?

When you tell your story out loud, you're not just sharing information. You're sharing yourself. Your voice carries your personality, your emotions, your truth in ways that words on a page simply cannot.

Here's what I've learned in thirty years of teaching people to tell their stories: most of us have forgotten how powerful our voices are. We text instead of call. We email instead of visit. We've become quiet.

Your story needs your voice. It needs the way you say certain words. It needs your pauses, your emphasis, your breath. These aren't extras - they're essential story ingredients.

When you stand up and tell your story, you're claiming space in the world. You're saying, "This happened. This matters. I matter." That's not just storytelling - that's courage.

And here's the magical surprise: when you tell your story out loud, you hear it differently than when you write it. You discover new meanings. You find the parts that will move your listeners. You learn which moments need more time and which ones can move faster.

Your voice teaches you about your own story.

Your stories are waiting for the full power of your voice. They're waiting for the music of the spoken word only you can make.

So yes, write your stories. But don't stop there. Find someone to tell them to, a loved one, an animal companion, even to yourself as you’re walking outside or working in your garden. That’s where I practice! What’s important is that you have a story to share.

Give others that gift. Give yourself that gift. If you need a hand up I can help. Email me at info@quartermoonstoryarts.net to arrange for a no obligation Discovery Call or reach out to me ("Wyzga on Words") on Substack. I’d love the opportunity to work with you!

Story Prompt: Starting now, tell your story out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication & Story Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Feeling Despair About Democracy's Long Game? Try This!

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Fairbanks, Alaska!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Jack Kornfield, American Buddhist teacher and writer asked, “Where does enlightenment come from?” and proceeded to offer an answer in his book, After the Ecstacy, the Laundry.

For as many times as I’ve read his work I keep coming back to the title: first, we experience an overwhelming feeling of joyful excitement, and then we are back into the reality of day-to-day living.

Our Whidbey Island No Kings rally was my ecstacy, feeling great happiness joining with over 2,500 others waving flags, holding signs, standing together, singing and laughing.

Click HERE to access our Whidbey Island No Kings rally Photo Gallery

But when it was over I realized there was still the very long game of piles and piles of democracy laundry. I felt despair. Until I remembered the “We the People” are America’s Power speech delivered by my hero, Reverend William Barber, founder Repairers of the Breach on June 14th to 100,000 people rallying peacefully in the Philadelphia rain.

Click HERE to access Rev. Barber’s speech.

My very favorite FanGirl bit starts at minute 3:48 when Reverend Barber asks the rally goers to hold the hand of the person next to them and say in “call & response” fashion, the following:

“I love your life!

I hold your life dear!

I will protect your life!

I will embrace your life!

I will hope the best for your life!

I will stand up for your life because we are one humanity and we need each other to survive.”

Now that’s how we do the laundry!

Question: How are you standing together to reconstruct democracy in your community?

Thank you for listening and taking part.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: How to Embrace & Share Your Origin Story, Voice & Greatness with Coach Alethea Felton

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello, to you listening in Darmstadt, Germany!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Recently, I had the pleasure of sharing the mic with my friend and colleague Alethea Felton whose coaching mission is “Courageous, Authentic, Purpose-Filled Living Despite Obstacles.”

Question: What happens when we uncover, discover, embrace, and share our unique personal story? We recognize the strength in our own voice and the greatness we're destined to achieve.

This episode is for anyone ready to rewrite their narrative, speak their truth, and discover just how influential their story can be. Get ready for an exploration of courage, resilience, and the undeniable ripple effect of embracing all the potential that is your origin story!

Highlights:

• How Diane’s love of storytelling led to becoming an origin story co-creator for women;

• Unpacking the essence of an origin story and its pivotal role in shaping identity and purpose;

• Examining the intricate dance of listening and sharing, pushing back against injustice, and the importance of being seen and heard through the unique lens of personal experiences; and

• Sharing strategies for overcoming the fear of vulnerability and the importance of women voicing their stories.

Click HERE to catch the replay of our engaging, inspiring, transformative, and value-packed conversation on BuzzSprout.

Click HERE to catch the replay of our engaging, inspiring, transformative, and value-packed conversation on Spotify.

Click HERE to catch the replay of our engaging, inspiring, transformative, and value-packed conversation on Apple Podcasts.

Connect With Alethea

Alethea Felton Coaching, LLC: https://www.aletheafelton.com/

Connect with Alethea: https://linktr.ee/aletheafelton

Listen to The Power Transformation Podcast: https://powertransformation.buzzsprout.com/

E-mail: coach@aletheafelton.com

Instagram @aletheafelton

LinkedIn @Alethea Felton

Facebook @Alethea Felton

You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!

Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

✓ Check out Services I Offer,

✓ Arrange your no-sales, Complimentary Coaching Consult, and

✓ Stay current with Diane as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Putting Friday Story Prompts to Use

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in San Juan Capistrano, California!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Podcasting can be lonely work. I offer my episodes trusting that there is at least 1 person in the world who will listen and say, “What! You, too? I thought I was the only one.” [C.S. Lewis] So, you can imagine that nothing gives me greater joy than to receive a note telling me how my podcast episodes show up in your life.

A longtime galpal teaches story to men incarcerated in a California jail. She wrote: I found 4 story prompts that I'd love to use because they fit in well with 3 values we want the men to reflect on: Awareness, Change, and Renewal

1. Somewhere in the long ago is a story about how you decided to do it your way, with your voice

2. What plot twists in your life story brought you to where you are now?

3. What new choices might reshape the old story?

4. What is it you want? What will you do to give it a go? When and how?

Story Prompt: Think about those 3 values: Awareness, Change, and Renewal. Choose a prompt for yourself. Write that story and tell your story out loud!

You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you please subscribe, spread the word with a generous 5-star review and comment - it helps us all - and join us next time!

Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

✓ Check out Services I Offer,

✓ Arrange your no-sales, Complimentary Coaching Consult, and

✓ Stay current with Diane on Substack (Wyzga on Words).

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Helping Your Tiny World Helps the Wider World

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Sheridan, Wyoming!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I’m sharing a Findhorn Foundation Meditation to offer you a bit of breathing room as you navigate your day:

How to Help the World

"Do you realise that what you do, how you live and how you think can help or hinder the state of the world? Cease being drawn into the whirlpool of chaos and confusion, of destruction and devastation, and start right now concentrating on the wonder and beauty of the world around you. Give thanks for everything. Bless all those souls whom you contact. Refuse to see the worst in people, in things or in conditions, and seek always for the very best.

It is not being like an ostrich hiding your head in the sand and refusing to face the realities of the world. It is simply looking for and concentrating on the very best in everything and everyone. You are a tiny world within yourself. When there is peace, harmony, love and understanding right there deep within your tiny world, it will be reflected in the outer world all around you. When you can do it, you are beginning to help the whole vast situation in the world."

Guaranteed!

Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

✓ Check out Services I Offer,

✓ Arrange your no-sales, Complimentary Coaching Consult, and

✓ Stay current with Diane on Substack (Wyzga on Words).

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Your Best Days Are Yet to Be Discovered with Reinvent Impossible's Beverley Glazer

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Warsaw, Poland!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Recently, I had the pleasure of sharing the mic with my Canadian friend and colleague Beverley Glazer of Reinvent Impossible, Inc. who helps “woman over 50 discover their true purpose, to reinvent themselves and live a life with meaning, passion, and fulfillment.” Together Beverley and I are helping women who desire to rewrite their narrative, speak their truth, and discover just how influential their Origin Story can be for beginning anew, human connection, engagement, and leadership.

If you are curious about exploring courage, resilience, and the undeniable ripple effect of embracing all the potential that is your origin story, to connect more deeply with yourself and others this episode is for you! Join us and be inspired!

Highlights:

• Diane's resilient journey from incest survivor to professional story activist wielding her voice as a tool for change;

• The unstinting pursuit of engagement and authenticity in a world that often encourages women to be anything but;

• The crucial role of reclaiming your voice no matter what you're going through;

• How overcoming personal challenges and fears can lead to a life filled with adventure and purpose; and

• How storytelling is not JUST expression, but a powerful medium that can have incredible impact.

Click HERE to listen to our conversation on Apple

Click HERE to listen to our conversation on Spotify

Please be sure to spread the word with a generous 5-star review and comment; it helps us all.

Resources

Beverley Glazer MA., ICCAC

“Create a life you love.”

Premier Custom Coaching Solutions for Business & Life

Reinvent Impossible, Inc.: https://reinventimpossible.com/

Schedule a conversation: https://calendly.com/reinventimpossible

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aging-with-purpose-passion/id1562514982

E-mail: bglazer@videotron.ca

Tel: 1-514-288-1891

Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

✓ Check out Services I Offer,

✓ Arrange your no-sales, Complimentary Coaching Consult, and

✓ Stay current with Diane on Substack (Wyzga on Words).

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: The Power of Telling Your Stories Out Loud

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Victoria, BC, CanadaLand!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for a change up) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Michelle knows me well.

Your story needs your voice. It needs the way you say certain words. It needs your pauses, your emphasis, your breath. These aren't extras - they're essential story ingredients.

When you stand up and tell your story, you're claiming space in the world. You're saying, "This happened. This matters. I matter." That's not just storytelling - that's courage.

Your voice teaches you about your own story.

Your stories are waiting for the full power of your voice. They're waiting for the music of the spoken word only you can make.

Story Prompt: Starting now, tell your story out loud!

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: No Kings Rallies Saturday 14th June 2025

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening wherever your feet touch the ground!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies. We’ve watched as they’ve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political views, threatened to deport American citizens, defied the courts, threatened universities and the media, and gambled on unprecedented corruption. They’ve done all this and more while enriching their rich tycoons and allies.

On Saturday, June 14, we’re taking to the streets nationwide. A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to peaceful nonviolent gatherings. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.

Here on Whidbey Island, Washington, Indivisible Whidbey and the League of Women Voters are bringing you NO KINGS WHIDBEY. We will gather together on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 between 10:00 AM and 11:45 AM at the corner of State Route 20 & North Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239.

Click HERE to sign up to attend our No Kings Whidbey rally and find details as well as a reminder to bring your flag to wave in celebration of Flag Day.

Click HERE to find No Kings Rally events all over America sponsored by Indivisible and a coalition of pro-democracy partner organizations.

Click HERE to access a comprehensive No Kings Rally website with all the tools you might need.

CTA: Activist work is not a job, but a calling to work together to make the world a better place for all of us doing what we can with what we have for as long as we are needed.

Thank you for listening, being one of us, and see you out on the streets June 14th!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out my Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: How 1000 Robes March in Poland Can Motivate Us to March in No Kings Rallies June 14th

Mon, 9 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Warsaw, Poland!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I am deeply proud of my Polish heritage and being a lawyer. These times are tough on us all; but especially on judges, the last line of freedom’s defense. Attacks on the independence of the judiciary are not just here in America; they are sweeping the globe taking varied forms ranging from the capture of courts to direct attacks and interference against judges and lawyers. Those behind the attacks know that the independence of judges - the judicial branch of government - is foundational to democracy.

These are not my words. These are the words of John Macmenamin, a judge at the Supreme Court of Ireland who joined with Polish judges at the “1000 Robes March”, a unique event held in the name of judicial independence.

It was the greatest demonstration of judges in contemporary Europe, with more than 30,000 people, including hundreds of judges from 22 European countries marching in solidarity with their Polish colleagues in the fight for judicial independence. The silent march in January 2020 was a reaction to proposed laws that threatened to undermine the judiciary’s independence in Poland.

"A Thousand Robes" is a short (12 minute) documentary film directed by Kacper Lisowski. The story is about mutual gratitude, focusing on the positive interactions between judges, lawyers, and the public. It highlights citizens who are moved by the judges' defense of their rights and lawyers who have experienced solidarity from ordinary people and European judges. The film serves as a warning against what dismantling the democratic mechanisms of the state leads to.

Click HERE to watch A Thousand Robes the film on YouTube.

Maybe like me you will be moved to tears at what ordinary people can accomplish when they heed a call to action. This is what success looks like! If they can, we can! Let’s march!

CTA: Show up on Saturday June 14th to take part in a No Kings Rally near you. Click HERE to find No Kings Rally events all over America and the globe sponsored by Indivisible and a coalition of pro-democracy partner organizations.

Click HERE to access a comprehensive No Kings Rally website:

Thank you for listening, being one of us, and see you out on the streets June 14th!

We’re not watching history - we are making it - to save Democracy!

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: What If Nothing Changed As You Wished; But You ACTED AS IF It Had

Fri, 6 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Asheboro, North Carolina!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe like me you’ve dreamt of your life changing. You want this or that or the other thing to be different. Maybe even a clean slate. Start all over again. New place, new job, new partner.

But what if nothing changes. Nothing except the way you act. What if you looked at all the miracles and mistakes of your life and decided that - for right now - you would begin to practice living as if what you wanted to change had changed.

Story Prompt: Imagine this: nothing in your Life changed as you wished it to, but you acted as if it had changed. What happened next? Write that story!

Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something. All that matters is you have a story.

You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe and spread the word with a generous 5-star review and comment - it helps us all - and join us next time! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: No Kings Rallies on Saturday 14th June 2025

Wed, 4 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening wherever your feet touch the ground!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Click HERE to sign up to attend our No Kings Whidbey rally and find details as well as a reminder to bring your flag to wave in celebration of Flag Day.

Click HERE to find No Kings Rally events all over America sponsored by Indivisible and a coalition of pro-democracy partner organizations.

Click HERE to access a comprehensive No Kings Rally website with all the tools you might need.

CTA: Activist work is not a job, but a calling to work together to make the world a better place for all of us doing what we can with what we have for as long as we are needed.

Thank you for listening, being one of us, and see you out on the streets June 14th!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out my Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Crafting Connections: Insight On Finding Your Story With Mark Reid on Zen Sammich!

Mon, 2 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in New Taipei City, Taiwan!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

How do you make a connection to others with a story that's unique to you? By discovering your Origin Story and crafting connections to share it with others.

I am beyond lucky to have shared a wonderfully enjoyable and value-packed conversation with my friend and colleague Mark Reid of Zen Sammich, a podcast for the independent thinker and anyone who embraces life despite its absurdities. Former professor and lawyer turned Japanese paper maker, Mark inspires mindfulness, humor, and curiosity while talking to fascinating people with stories to share.

CTA: Join Mark and me as we share stories, explore what it means to discover your story, and together make your world a bit better than it was yesterday.

Listen now to Crafting Connections: Insight On Finding Your Story. Click to access APPLE podcast, SPOTIFY podcast or ZEN SAMMICH podcast!

LINKS:

APPLE Podcast

SPOTIFY Podcast

Zen Sammich Podcast

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Alphabetize Your Splendid YOU-ness

Fri, 30 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Honolulu, Hawai’i!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories from Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Let’s take a break from the news of the day and celebrate who we are in an alphabetical way. This little exercise might take some courage and humor the first time around. Day by day it will become more familiar and fun! Guaranteed!

Stand in front of a mirror, see your face and look directly into your eyes. Pause for a moment and breathe in this fact: Never before and never again will there ever be another you. In all of time and space YOU are the only YOU.

Still gazing into your eyes say “I am” out loud and follow that with a quality, virtue, gift, trait and so on that makes you splendidly YOU beginning with the letter A and going as far down the alphabet as you can go today. For example: I am Affectionate, Brilliant, Curious, Devoted.... You get the picture! Give it a go every day until you get to Z. It’s a great pick-me-up

Story Prompt: What was that like? How did it feel? Where and when will you do it again? Write that story! And thank you for playing along.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Activist Work Is Not a Job, But a Calling to Work Together!

Wed, 28 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you Indivisible Whidbey activists listening in Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Greenbank, Freeland, Langley, Bayview, and Clinton on Whidbey Island, Washington!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

On Friday 18th April, 2025 I posted my 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday episode entitled “What Difference Can 1 Ordinary Person Make?” about Granny D Haddock who walked across America in her 90th year to bring attention to campaign finance reform.

Click HERE to access that episode.

As Granny D walked across America she was asked to speak at rallies, churches, community gatherings, and the like. The following is a short piece from a speech Granny D delivered at the Buck Jackson Rodeo Arena in Pecos, Texas on May 14th, 1999:

“Never be discouraged from being an activist because people tell you that you’ll not succeed. You have already succeeded if you’re out there representing truth or justice or compassion or fairness or love. You already have your victory because you are changing the world; you are changing the status quo; you are changing the chemistry of things. And changes will spread from you, will be easier to happen again in others because of you because, believe it or not you with your activism are the center of the world.”

CTA: Maybe like me you are coming to realize that activist work is not a job, but a calling to work together. We are called to work together to make the world a better place for all of us doing what we can with what we have for as long as we are needed.

Thank you for listening and being one of us!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: “We Shall Fight On the Beaches!” Sir Winston Churchill

Mon, 26 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening all over America on this Memorial Day our nation’s foremost day of remembrance.

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories from Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

On this solemn day of reflection we honor and mourn the men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country in peacetime and war. Today we are at war. Our Democracy, our constitution, our rule of law, and even our people are under assault. Is there reason to fight, to hope? You bet there is!

The first weeks of Churchill's Prime Ministership were clouded by the fall of France and the surrender of the Belgian Army, with repercussions for the Western alliance. To delay the German advance towards Britain, Churchill ordered expeditionary forces to retreat towards the port of Dunkirk to allow an Allied evacuation that lasted for nine days. Churchill's descriptions of events were more akin to a war reporter than a political statesman as he explained in great detail to his fellow members the bravery and ingenuity of the British forces in the face of the German war machine. Despite the success of the operation there was still a loss of over 30,000 men and vast amounts of artillery.

Yet in the face of such adversity and sacrifice Churchill used his voice and his unshakeable determination to make a rallying cry to not just his fellow countrymen but also the beleaguered French in this historic speech delivered to the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom on June 4, 1940: “We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender!”

Click HERE to listen to Churchill’s voice and take in the unforgettable images that fortified his words.

Click HERE to access the Transcript of Churchill’s speech

Click HERE to access: The Miracle of Dunkirk

Click HERE to access the 85th anniversary of the evacuation of Dunkirk with 64 of the original Little Ships heading back to the Dunkirk beaches.

CTA: As you go about your day keep in mind that we Americans are not lost as long as we organize and fight together. Thank you for listening and being one of us who shall never surrender!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Show Them Who We Are - What We're Made Of

Fri, 23 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Sacramento, California!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

My friend and colleague Charlotte Wittenkamp, the Bridge Builder, writes a regular column on the LinkedIn platform entitled: What I Read Today offering a piece from the media along with her astute insights and questions about the article.

In like mind here is what I read today and adapted from the novel, Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley:

If you give up, they win.

They want us to be small, so we have to stand tall.

They want us to be invisible, so we have to be seen.

They want us to be silent, so we have to be heard.

They want us to surrender, so we have to show them who we are, what we’re made of, what we can do so that we win for the good!

Story Prompt: When have you decided not to give up? What happened next? Write that story?

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: Which Will It Be: Democracy or Oligarchy?

Wed, 21 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Saratoga Springs, New York!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Over 100 years ago Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis wrote, 'We can have a democratic society or we can have the concentration of great wealth in the hands of the few. We cannot have both.” [Louis Brandeis, Supreme Court Justice from 1916-1939]

Here we are again. What to do? We organize and work together. If there’s no one to start it, you start it. Find your Ordinary Persons, talk with them, listen, have compassion for each other’s views, and join together. Step by step your little group of Ordinary Persons can become an Army of Ordinary Persons, maybe even a movement standing up to oppression, greed, injustice. It starts with someone looking around and saying, “I’ve had it! Enough is enough! This stops now!”

The following poem The Low Road by Marge Piercy demonstrates what happens when we organize and work together:

The Low Road, by Marge Piercy

"What can they do

to you? Whatever they want.

They can set you up, they can

bust you, they can break

your fingers, they can

burn your brain with electricity,

blur you with drugs till you

can't walk, can't remember, they can

take your child, wall up

your lover. They can do anything

you don’t stop them

from doing. How can you stop

them? Alone, you can fight,

you can refuse, you can

take what revenge you can

but they roll over you.

But two people fighting

back-to-back can cut through

a mob, a snake-dancing file

can break a cordon, an army

can meet an army.

Two people can keep each other

sane, can give support, conviction,

love, massage, hope, sex.

Three people are a delegation,

a committee, a wedge. With four

you can play bridge and start

an organization. With six

you can rent a whole house,

eat pie for dinner with no

seconds, and hold a fund raising party.

A dozen make a demonstration.

A hundred fill a hall.

A thousand have solidarity and your own newsletter;

ten thousand, power and your own paper;

a hundred thousand, your own media;

ten million, your own country.

It goes on one at a time,

it starts when you care

to act, it starts when you do

it again and they said no,

it starts when you say We

and you know who you mean,

and each day you mean one more."

Click to access The Low Road, by Marge Piercy

Saturday June 14th is No King Day and Flag Day! Get together with some folks, bash the birthday cake fly your flag because our flag is tied to our Constitution and our Constitution is our democracy and in a democracy it is “We the People” - no king.

Thank you for listening!

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: Once Upon a Town - Best America There Ever Was

Mon, 19 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in North Platte, Nebraska!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit mire) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe like me you could use a bit of good news right about now. What if you could find the “best America there ever was?” Best-selling author and award-winning journalist Bob Greene found it in a small town, North Platte, Nebraska. As the story goes: During World War II, American soldiers from every city and walk of life rolled through North Platte, Nebraska, on troop trains en route to their ultimate destinations in Europe and the Pacific. What happened next?

Prompted by one woman’s idea this tiny town of 12,000 people transformed its modest railroad depot into the North Platte Canteen. Every day of the year, every day of the war years the Canteen - staffed and funded entirely by local volunteers - was open from five A.M. until the last troop train pulled away a little after midnight. In a time of coupons, shortages, and doing without that comes with war this community provided welcoming words, support, baskets of produce, fresh-baked goods, homemade sandwiches, magazines, books, bottles of milk, cauldrons of coffee, and treats to more than six millions GIs by the time the war ended four years later.

Think about it. At a time of national adversity, crisis and deprivation because everything was going to the troops and the war effort, ordinary people pulled together to honor their country’s brave sons by giving from the heart and their kitchens, their fields and dairies. Interviews with some of the volunteers and servicemen tell a love story of small-town generosity because it was something that they could do.

Question: Yes, these times are perilous; but so was World War II. We might feel like we’re fighting a war on our own soil for the first time since the Civil War. But we are not lost when we choose to summon the great expanse of hope that is the human heart. If 12,000 ordinary persons could care for six million GIs, what is in our power to do? Where is the next “best America there ever was?”

Click to access book: Once Upon a Town - The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen by Bob Greene

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Let Me Die Doing - Not Trying!

Fri, 16 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Fort Collins, Colorado!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Two Old Women by Vella Wallis recounts an Alaska legend of betrayal, courage and survival. Based on an Athabascan Indian legend passed from mothers to daughters of the Upper Yukon Valley in Alaska this tale tells how 2 old women abandoned by their tribe during a brutal winter famine create a means to survive. After being left behind in a snowy woods one woman says to the other, “We may die out here - at least let us die trying.”

My prayer goes like this: “One day I will die. Let me die doing - no try.”

Story Prompt: I imagine you have a prayer of your own. Where did it come from? What inspired it? How does it help you? Write that story!

Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something. All that matters is you have a story.

You’re invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, follow, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by the website, check out the Communication Services I offer, arrange a Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with Diane and Quarter Moon Story Arts and on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: What Would You Like to Discover About Story?

Wed, 14 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Pender Island, BC, Canada!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I will tell you something about stories. They didn’t come first. They came second. What do I mean?

Our oral tradition of narratives, origin stories, creation myths, and so on - up to the present time - came about because we are a meaning-seeking people. Our ancestors looked up into the heavens, saw comets and asked, “What does this mean?” The same with weather patterns, crop failures, upheavals - virtually anything they encountered and did not understand. They created stories to make sense of things, to remember the meanings. They shared those stories with other humans to connect, to bear witness to the lives they were living. And the same is true today.

CTA: What would you like to learn about the meaning and power of story? When you’re ready I can help.

You’re invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, follow, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by the website, check out the Communication Services I offer, arrange a Discovery Call, and stay current with Diane and Quarter Moon Story Arts and on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: A Life of Wanderlust - Moving Along With Christi Cassidy

Mon, 12 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Adelaide, Australia!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

CLICK for Direct mp3 Download Link

Click for Apple Podcast

Be sure to write a 5-star review on Apple or your podcast platform of choice, and subscribe. It helps us all!

CONTACT LINKS

Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com

More podcast information: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast/moving-along/id1592133578

Past episodes: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram!

You’re invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, follow, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a Discovery Call, Opt In to stay current with me and on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: When You Are Lost Stop & Listen to Your Own Voice.

Fri, 9 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

The Camino de Santiago de Compostella is fairly well marked with yellow arrows painted by volunteers and images of scallop shells pointing the way West. But every once in a while - like life - the way is unclear, unmarked, hidden even. You can get lost. I learned this the hard way. Now what?

You must stop and listen to your own voice. Silence the noise, the chatter, the distractions about which way to go. Your own knowing will help you out when you ask. And your guidebook. And your experience. Breathe. Quiet. Listen. Choose. Walk on. Eventually the Camino taught me that there is always a yellow arrow; but it might not be where I was looking.

Story Prompt: When have you walked your way from lost into the clear? What happened next? Write that story!

Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something. All that matters is you have a story.

You’re invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, follow, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a Discovery Call, Opt In to stay current with me and on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds For Wednesdays On Whidbey: Bounce Me Your Story Problem & I’ll Return a Solution

Wed, 7 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Issaquah, Washington!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe like me you’re curious about what makes you different. Cultivating our identity helps us to know who we are, where we’re going, what we have to offer.

What makes me different is an ability to listen for the meaning beneath the surface of the words, the context that gives life to content, the back-story. I uncover what my clients fear and desire so I can help them arrive at their authentic story. Together we translate the experience of living into a sense of purpose.

I believe that my clients know what they need and want to say; it is my purpose to listen it out of them, to help them say it in their own true words making me the only “story doula” I know.

One of my clients said this: “Diane is like the practice wall or backboard on a tennis court that tirelessly reflects the problems you are bouncing toward her and returns with solutions you didn’t know you had.”

If you are curious to learn more email me: info@quartermoonstoryarts.net for a no-obligation conversation

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds For Motivate Your Monday: We Forge New Frontiers Willingly in the Face of Uncertainty

Mon, 5 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Farmington, Missouri!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

This photo is my view of Ebey's Landing, Whidbey Island, Washington looking south toward the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, Fort Casey, and Admiralty Inlet which becomes Puget Sound. Fields are cleared, tilled, planted. Even a dwelling (Ferry House circa 1860's) still tucked in the woods. A brilliant summer day. But imagine how it began ......

In 1854 Jacob and Sarah Ebey were 61 and 58 years old respectively (more than twice the age of the average traveler) when they left Missouri and set out on the Oregon Trail. Traveling over 2,000 miles and across the rugged, forbidding Rocky Mountains they made their way to Whidbey Island, Washington.

Why leave home and all they knew for this arduous journey in their late years? Because their son Isaac said that the farmland was far better than any in the Midwest making this new frontier home for the families.

You have to wonder about these settlers who were willing to leave the comfort of all they knew unaware of what awaited them on the other side except maybe this: that the lives they had led were not going to be the lives they would lead.

How did they forge new frontiers? I imagine that it took willingness in the face of uncertainty. Like them, we’re all challenged with forging new paths in our lives; but we can and we will as long as we remember to say “Yes! Despite the odds. Yes! Come what may.”

Question: What new frontier might you be willing to venture into?

You’re invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, follow, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with me and on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: What’s the Difference Between a Protest & a Project?

Fri, 2 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you longtime storytelling galpal Michelle in Victoria, BC, Canada!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

The other day Michelle alerted me to a post in Seth’s Blog, a long, long, long-running publication by Seth Godin, author and strategist.

A protest or a project?

Protests let off steam. They organize people who might not show up by creating a moment in time where there’s enough opportunity and social pressure that they participate.

A protest sends a message.

The alternative is a project. A project begins with a protest that ends with, “we’ll be back tomorrow, and we’re bringing our friends.”

A project is impatiently persistent. It plays a longer game, one that can outlast the status quo.

A project identifies the system and brings a systematic approach to changing that system.

Projects can seem boring when seen with a stopwatch, but they’re powerful when measured with a calendar.

Story Prompt: What happens next when the protest is over and you come back with your friends to unbalance the status quo? Write that story!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation discovery chat, and Opt In to stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: What Happens When You Disappear Into Your Task?

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening in Nairobi, Kenya!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

The old ones in China tell a story about an equally old painter who invited friends to his home to see his latest work.

Question: Imagine becoming so engrossed in your work that you end up disappearing into it in the same way. What do you imagine happens next? Become that!

Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

✓ Check out Services I Offer

✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your communication challenges, get in touch with me today

✓ Stay current with Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on Substack, LinkedIn and now Pandora Radio

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: The (Ordinary Person) Life of Sir Nicholas Winton

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Hello to you listening all over the world, and especially Ukranians here and abroad.

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Feeling completely broken down after having witnessed the world-wide-televised brutality by our so-called leaders shamefully berating President Zelensky and, by extension Ukraine and its citizens, while the rest of them sat mute on the sidelines, I turned for a little comfort to a move I had been wanting to watch.

The 2023 BBC movie, One Life, starring Anthony Hopkins, Helena-Bonham Carter and others brought me face-to-face with an ordinary person doing extraordinary things in a dark-as-hell time in 1938. Nicolas (Nicky) Winton, a British stockbroker orchestrated the escape of 669 Czeck Jewish children out of Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. But it wasn’t until 50 years later in 1988 when his wife discovered a scrapbook detailing the rescue of these children that his work came to light, and he was able to come to terms with the burden he carried of not being able to “do enough.”

BONUS: You can read more about Sir Nicholas Winton and how rescuing 669 refugee children eventually gave 6,000 people their lives HERE

Before I leave you I want to read about Nicky’s legacy:

“Nicky’s legacy is primarily the more than 6000 people now alive because of the Kindertransport rescue; however, his history demonstrates his conviction that living a good life involves more than just doing no harm. He believed strongly that a meaningful and ethical life involved reaching out to help others in need, whether in the local community or further afield. He felt that learning about history was only worthwhile if it led to positive action today and his legacy includes inspiring others to give their time to those in need.

Encouraging the public to help save child refugees in 1939 in a letter to a newspaper, Nicky stated the following: “… there is a difference between passive goodness and active goodness which is, in my opinion, the giving of one’s time and energy in the alleviation of pain and suffering. It entails going out, finding and helping those in suffering and danger and not merely leading an exemplary life in the purely passive way of doing no wrong.”

CTA: For those of you who are moved by his story, taking positive action to help others would be the finest way to honour him.

You’re invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a nice shout out on your social media or podcast channel of choice, (including Android, Amazon Music, Audible & Pandora Radio) and join us next time! Remember to stop by the Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services I offer, arrange a Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with Diane and Quarter Moon Story Arts as well as on LinkedIn and Substack as Wyzga on Words

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Kindness. What Is it Good For?

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000