<![CDATA[Tell Me What It's Like]]>e0e78858-e238-55b8-9c97-7945046641c8Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:00:36 +0000Captivate.fmStacy Rainehttps://artwork.captivate.fm/343504e7-4152-4d5c-94f3-1e284f66875d/J_cSBUlYGMjC8HJJ7tNNKCjv.pngTell Me What It's LikeStacy RaineStacy RaineHave you ever wished for a window into someone else’s world? Tell Me What It’s Like is a podcast about lived experience — the experiences that challenge us, surprise us, and shape how we see the world. Host Stacy Raine sits down with people to explore what it was like to live through them, and how those experiences changed their perspective. https://rainemediaco.com/tellmewhatitslikefalseepisodic195212nopodcastDying Well: JoAnne Chitwood on 40 Years of Hospice NursingDying Well: JoAnne Chitwood on 40 Years of Hospice NursingWhen JoAnne Chitwood graduated from nursing school, she wasn't sure what she actually wanted to do—until a hospice volunteer at the bedside of her patient told her, "JoAnne, you are a hospice nurse". She had never even heard the term, but she soon realized she was born for the role.

JoAnne has spent the past four decades at the bedside of the dying. In this episode, she shares the profound lessons learned from 40 years of end-of-life care: how to manage terminal anxiety, why death mirrors the birth process, and how "pouring love" into patients can lead to the most unexpected outcomes.

"Hospice has a level of intuition and sensitivity that I have not found in any other area of nursing or healthcare... it’s fabulous."

Hear JoAnne talk about:

  • How JoAnne discovered she was "born" for this hospice work
  • Why the dying process is a mirror image of birth, as the body begins to "unwind" and nourish itself from within.
  • Managing the many different facets of hospice nursing
  • Why she doesn’t run from sadness
  • Why forty years of witnessing "peaceful" transitions has completely removed her own fear of death.

Mentioned in this episode:


Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media

]]>When JoAnne Chitwood graduated from nursing school, she wasn't sure what she actually wanted to do—until a hospice volunteer at the bedside of her patient told her, "JoAnne, you are a hospice nurse". She had never even heard the term, but she soon realized she was born for the role.

JoAnne has spent the past four decades at the bedside of the dying. In this episode, she shares the profound lessons learned from 40 years of end-of-life care: how to manage terminal anxiety, why death mirrors the birth process, and how "pouring love" into patients can lead to the most unexpected outcomes.

"Hospice has a level of intuition and sensitivity that I have not found in any other area of nursing or healthcare... it’s fabulous."

Hear JoAnne talk about:

  • How JoAnne discovered she was "born" for this hospice work
  • Why the dying process is a mirror image of birth, as the body begins to "unwind" and nourish itself from within.
  • Managing the many different facets of hospice nursing
  • Why she doesn’t run from sadness
  • Why forty years of witnessing "peaceful" transitions has completely removed her own fear of death.

Mentioned in this episode:


Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media

]]>d6e739ad-acbc-45fa-a227-ef1427df6448Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -040051:02falsefull235352Dating Again After 30 Years: Victoria Vaughn on the Frogs She’s KissedDating Again After 30 Years: Victoria Vaughn on the Frogs She’s KissedAfter 30 years of marriage, Victoria Vaughn found herself newly single in her 50s — and back in a dating world that looked nothing like the one she left. She landed many dates, but many of them weren’t what she expected.

She calls those dates “frogs.” But through those experiences, she gained a much clearer understanding of what she wanted, what actually matters in a partner, and why finding the right person often starts with being true to yourself.

"Don’t try to put a square peg into a round hole … don’t settle."

Hear Victoria talk about:

  • What it’s like to date again after 30 years off the market
  • Why dating later in life comes with more complexity and more clarity
  • The unexpected realities of finances, baggage, and honesty in dating
  • Why you might be a “frog” to someone else — and what that means
  • How she recognized her “prince” and what made him different
  • The lessons she wishes she knew before she started dating again
  • Her husband’s Parkinson’s diagnosis and why she supports the Michael J. Fox Foundation

Mentioned in this episode:


Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media

]]>After 30 years of marriage, Victoria Vaughn found herself newly single in her 50s — and back in a dating world that looked nothing like the one she left. She landed many dates, but many of them weren’t what she expected.

She calls those dates “frogs.” But through those experiences, she gained a much clearer understanding of what she wanted, what actually matters in a partner, and why finding the right person often starts with being true to yourself.

"Don’t try to put a square peg into a round hole … don’t settle."

Hear Victoria talk about:

  • What it’s like to date again after 30 years off the market
  • Why dating later in life comes with more complexity and more clarity
  • The unexpected realities of finances, baggage, and honesty in dating
  • Why you might be a “frog” to someone else — and what that means
  • How she recognized her “prince” and what made him different
  • The lessons she wishes she knew before she started dating again
  • Her husband’s Parkinson’s diagnosis and why she supports the Michael J. Fox Foundation

Mentioned in this episode:


Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media

]]>d98f3aff-f6e1-4f6c-91c0-ec4a03de98daWed, 08 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -040034:07falsefull234342Becoming a Toy Photographer: Mitch Wu on Turning Play into a Creative CareerBecoming a Toy Photographer: Mitch Wu on Turning Play into a Creative CareerMitch Wu thought he knew exactly what his creative career would look like. But after years in product design, a difficult job, and the loss of his brother, he realized how far he’d drifted from the kind of work he actually wanted to be doing.

Then one afternoon he and his nephew went to the park with a couple of action figures and from the first photograph he knew he'd found what he was meant to do.

In this episode, Mitch shares what it’s like to build miniature worlds, develop a creative niche that didn’t really exist, and turn play into a profession.

"Then I took the photo and I looked at what I got on the camera and it's like, my God, this is, it was like clear as day that that's what I was going to do for my next career."

Hear Mitch talk about:

  • His journey from illustration to product design to wedding photography—and how he realized he’d gotten off his creative path
  • The moment in a park with his nephew that instantly shifted his career direction
  • What toy photography actually is, and why it’s rooted in storytelling and world-building
  • How he built a career in a niche that barely existed at the time
  • The difference between being a “commodity” creative and owning a specialized niche
  • Why continual learning and experimentation keep his work evolving

Mentioned in this episode:


Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media

]]>Mitch Wu thought he knew exactly what his creative career would look like. But after years in product design, a difficult job, and the loss of his brother, he realized how far he’d drifted from the kind of work he actually wanted to be doing.

Then one afternoon he and his nephew went to the park with a couple of action figures and from the first photograph he knew he'd found what he was meant to do.

In this episode, Mitch shares what it’s like to build miniature worlds, develop a creative niche that didn’t really exist, and turn play into a profession.

"Then I took the photo and I looked at what I got on the camera and it's like, my God, this is, it was like clear as day that that's what I was going to do for my next career."

Hear Mitch talk about:

  • His journey from illustration to product design to wedding photography—and how he realized he’d gotten off his creative path
  • The moment in a park with his nephew that instantly shifted his career direction
  • What toy photography actually is, and why it’s rooted in storytelling and world-building
  • How he built a career in a niche that barely existed at the time
  • The difference between being a “commodity” creative and owning a specialized niche
  • Why continual learning and experimentation keep his work evolving

Mentioned in this episode:


Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media

]]>6035c3e1-a042-4414-964b-750fcc2adc11Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -040043:14falsefull233332Understanding Medicare: Toni King on Navigating a Complex SystemUnderstanding Medicare: Toni King on Navigating a Complex SystemToni King was at a Medicare workshop when she realized how easy it is for someone to misunderstand the system—and how difficult it can be to fix those misunderstandings once they happen.

She’s spent years helping people navigate Medicare, a process shaped by rules, timelines, and decisions that aren’t always intuitive. She shares what it’s like to guide people through it, how the system works, and why it can be so challenging to understand from the outside.

"The whole thing is all about rules."


Hear Toni talk about:

  1. How she got started helping people navigate Medicare
  2. Why the system can be difficult for people to understand
  3. The structure of Medicare and how the different parts fit together
  4. The role of private insurance within Medicare
  5. What people need to think about as they approach enrollment

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. Learn more about Toni King
  2. Medicare
  3. Social Security
  4. Medicare Advantage (Part C)
  5. Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>Toni King was at a Medicare workshop when she realized how easy it is for someone to misunderstand the system—and how difficult it can be to fix those misunderstandings once they happen.

She’s spent years helping people navigate Medicare, a process shaped by rules, timelines, and decisions that aren’t always intuitive. She shares what it’s like to guide people through it, how the system works, and why it can be so challenging to understand from the outside.

"The whole thing is all about rules."


Hear Toni talk about:

  1. How she got started helping people navigate Medicare
  2. Why the system can be difficult for people to understand
  3. The structure of Medicare and how the different parts fit together
  4. The role of private insurance within Medicare
  5. What people need to think about as they approach enrollment

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. Learn more about Toni King
  2. Medicare
  3. Social Security
  4. Medicare Advantage (Part C)
  5. Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>f228962a-3df2-4607-9c01-3cb7e27f633fWed, 25 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -040037:40falsefull232322How Cities Are Designed: Creating Walkable Places with Jahnavi KirtaneHow Cities Are Designed: Creating Walkable Places with Jahnavi KirtaneCities don’t just develop over time — they’re shaped by decisions about transportation, where we build, and what gets prioritized.

Urban planner Jahnavi Kirtane explains how those decisions come together, why so many places in the U.S. are built around cars, and how walkability affects independence, access, and everyday life in ways most people don’t realize.


"Walking is really good for you, both your physical health and your social health and emotional health."


Hear Jahnavi talk about:

  1. The difference between growing up in a car-dependent suburb and navigating New York City
  2. What “walkability” actually means and how it shows up in daily life
  3. Why many U.S. communities are designed around cars
  4. The kinds of decisions that shape how cities function
  5. How design influences independence, access, and connection

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. Walkable City by Jeff Speck
  2. Speck Dempsey, the planning and design firm where Jahnavi works
  3. Jeff Speck's TED talk, The Walkable City

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>Cities don’t just develop over time — they’re shaped by decisions about transportation, where we build, and what gets prioritized.

Urban planner Jahnavi Kirtane explains how those decisions come together, why so many places in the U.S. are built around cars, and how walkability affects independence, access, and everyday life in ways most people don’t realize.


"Walking is really good for you, both your physical health and your social health and emotional health."


Hear Jahnavi talk about:

  1. The difference between growing up in a car-dependent suburb and navigating New York City
  2. What “walkability” actually means and how it shows up in daily life
  3. Why many U.S. communities are designed around cars
  4. The kinds of decisions that shape how cities function
  5. How design influences independence, access, and connection

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. Walkable City by Jeff Speck
  2. Speck Dempsey, the planning and design firm where Jahnavi works
  3. Jeff Speck's TED talk, The Walkable City

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>a40aed63-8824-4d57-a115-a9af7f1144c2Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -040045:04falsefull231312Scaling Social Impact: Suzanne Smith on Helping Organizations Create ChangeScaling Social Impact: Suzanne Smith on Helping Organizations Create ChangeSuzanne Smith has spent her career working with nonprofits and has witnessed a reality many people outside the field don’t see: solving big social problems requires more than passion and good intentions. It requires organizations strong enough to grow and build long-term sustainability.

In this episode, Suzanne shares what it’s like to work in the social impact world, and what she’s learned from working with organizations trying to turn big ideas for change into lasting results and stronger communities.

"One of the things I saw was the fact that the issues were scaling, but the organizations were not scaling along with them."


Hear Suzanne talk about:

  1. Growing up in a family that talked about social issues at the dinner table
  2. Her early career working in lobbying and the nonprofit sector
  3. Why many nonprofits struggle to scale their impact
  4. The intersection of nonprofit, business, and government in creating change
  5. Why she believes social change work is a calling, not just a job

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. Social Impact Architects
  2. Suzanne Smith’s Substack blog, Social Trendspotter

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media

]]>Suzanne Smith has spent her career working with nonprofits and has witnessed a reality many people outside the field don’t see: solving big social problems requires more than passion and good intentions. It requires organizations strong enough to grow and build long-term sustainability.

In this episode, Suzanne shares what it’s like to work in the social impact world, and what she’s learned from working with organizations trying to turn big ideas for change into lasting results and stronger communities.

"One of the things I saw was the fact that the issues were scaling, but the organizations were not scaling along with them."


Hear Suzanne talk about:

  1. Growing up in a family that talked about social issues at the dinner table
  2. Her early career working in lobbying and the nonprofit sector
  3. Why many nonprofits struggle to scale their impact
  4. The intersection of nonprofit, business, and government in creating change
  5. Why she believes social change work is a calling, not just a job

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. Social Impact Architects
  2. Suzanne Smith’s Substack blog, Social Trendspotter

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media

]]>e24f9cbf-1cf0-4120-bef3-7fc3f8c883e0Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -040042:18falsefull23030222 Days in a Buddhist Monastery: Clarity That Comes From Silence22 Days in a Buddhist Monastery: Clarity That Comes From SilenceWhen Laurie Jacobson was 43, she found herself in a deeply unhappy marriage and increasingly isolated and depressed. After years of trying conventional therapies and self-help approaches without relief, she made a decision that felt radical at the time: she signed up for a silent retreat at a Buddhist monastery she’d discovered through a pamphlet in a coffee shop. Over the next 22 days of meditation and silence, Laurie experienced a profound shift in perspective that helped her see her life differently, and ultimately gave her the clarity she needed to make a difficult life decision.

"Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, because sometimes it takes stepping outside your comfort zone to find a better place."


Hear Laurie talk about:

  1. What daily life was like during a silent meditation retreat
  2. Why she decided to go to a Buddhist monastery after trying many other forms of help
  3. The surprising mental clarity that can come from long periods of silence and meditation
  4. How the experience changed the way she saw her marriage and gave her the strength to leave it
  5. The lessons she carried forward about openness, desire, and letting go

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. Theravada Buddhism
  2. Laurie's book, Unexpected Awakening: 22 Days at a Buddhist Monastery Freed Me from Abuse

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>When Laurie Jacobson was 43, she found herself in a deeply unhappy marriage and increasingly isolated and depressed. After years of trying conventional therapies and self-help approaches without relief, she made a decision that felt radical at the time: she signed up for a silent retreat at a Buddhist monastery she’d discovered through a pamphlet in a coffee shop. Over the next 22 days of meditation and silence, Laurie experienced a profound shift in perspective that helped her see her life differently, and ultimately gave her the clarity she needed to make a difficult life decision.

"Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, because sometimes it takes stepping outside your comfort zone to find a better place."


Hear Laurie talk about:

  1. What daily life was like during a silent meditation retreat
  2. Why she decided to go to a Buddhist monastery after trying many other forms of help
  3. The surprising mental clarity that can come from long periods of silence and meditation
  4. How the experience changed the way she saw her marriage and gave her the strength to leave it
  5. The lessons she carried forward about openness, desire, and letting go

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. Theravada Buddhism
  2. Laurie's book, Unexpected Awakening: 22 Days at a Buddhist Monastery Freed Me from Abuse

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>6ba1a9a6-f0f7-4f30-85a5-f81fa65d8946Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -040051:16falsefull229292Parenting Tween Girls: Christina King on the Teenage BrainParenting Tween Girls: Christina King on the Teenage BrainAs a teenager, Christina King looked like she was doing everything right — she had good grades, played sports, took advanced classes. But when her mom paused during an argument and asked, “Are you happy?” it changed the course of her life. Today, Christina is a therapist specializing in tween and teen girls, and she shares what’s really happening in the teenage brain, why emotional ups and downs are often developmentally normal, and how parents can stay connected during one of the most intense seasons of growing up.

"I say with teens that sometimes it's like all gas, no brakes."

Note: This episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. It includes discussion of teen mental health, including self-harm, in the context of helping parents understand and respond.

Hear Christina talk about:

  1. The question that led her to therapy as a teen
  2. What "all gas, no brakes" means for the adolescent brain
  3. Why emotional volatility can be a healthy sign
  4. Tween girl friendship dynamics and indirect aggression
  5. Social media, comparison culture, and feeling left out
  6. The difference between venting mode and problem-solving mode
  7. Why parents should depersonalize their teen's emotions

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. Christina King Family Therapy
  2. Find Christina on Instagram
  3. Inside Out 2 (when discussing adolescent emotions)

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>As a teenager, Christina King looked like she was doing everything right — she had good grades, played sports, took advanced classes. But when her mom paused during an argument and asked, “Are you happy?” it changed the course of her life. Today, Christina is a therapist specializing in tween and teen girls, and she shares what’s really happening in the teenage brain, why emotional ups and downs are often developmentally normal, and how parents can stay connected during one of the most intense seasons of growing up.

"I say with teens that sometimes it's like all gas, no brakes."

Note: This episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. It includes discussion of teen mental health, including self-harm, in the context of helping parents understand and respond.

Hear Christina talk about:

  1. The question that led her to therapy as a teen
  2. What "all gas, no brakes" means for the adolescent brain
  3. Why emotional volatility can be a healthy sign
  4. Tween girl friendship dynamics and indirect aggression
  5. Social media, comparison culture, and feeling left out
  6. The difference between venting mode and problem-solving mode
  7. Why parents should depersonalize their teen's emotions

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. Christina King Family Therapy
  2. Find Christina on Instagram
  3. Inside Out 2 (when discussing adolescent emotions)

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>789f91f8-adb9-493c-9d08-be9a3cd4a5c9Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -040053:25falsefull228282Unexpected Pregnancy at 21: Finding a Safety Net with Kristen MardisUnexpected Pregnancy at 21: Finding a Safety Net with Kristen MardisKristen Mardis was 21 years old, fresh out of college, and had just been accepted into graduate school when she found out she was pregnant. With no financial safety net and no health insurance, she had to quickly figure out how she would care for a baby while still pursuing her dream of becoming a speech pathologist. In this episode, Kristen shares what it was like to navigate Medicaid, SNAP benefits, and childcare assistance — and how those programs gave her the foundation she needed to build the life she has today.

“None of that would have happened without those programs.”


Hear Kristen talk about:

  1. Finding out she was pregnant just weeks after being accepted into graduate school
  2. How Medicaid and SNAP helped her access prenatal care and feed her baby
  3. Navigating childcare assistance so she could finish her master’s degree
  4. The stigma around government assistance — and the dignity everyone deserves
  5. How her experience shaped the way she now serves families in her work as a speech pathologist

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
  2. Medicaid
  3. Childcare assistance programs


Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>Kristen Mardis was 21 years old, fresh out of college, and had just been accepted into graduate school when she found out she was pregnant. With no financial safety net and no health insurance, she had to quickly figure out how she would care for a baby while still pursuing her dream of becoming a speech pathologist. In this episode, Kristen shares what it was like to navigate Medicaid, SNAP benefits, and childcare assistance — and how those programs gave her the foundation she needed to build the life she has today.

“None of that would have happened without those programs.”


Hear Kristen talk about:

  1. Finding out she was pregnant just weeks after being accepted into graduate school
  2. How Medicaid and SNAP helped her access prenatal care and feed her baby
  3. Navigating childcare assistance so she could finish her master’s degree
  4. The stigma around government assistance — and the dignity everyone deserves
  5. How her experience shaped the way she now serves families in her work as a speech pathologist

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
  2. Medicaid
  3. Childcare assistance programs


Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>bbffa4fe-faeb-4cf2-afdc-1e57b8909d08Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:01:00 -040038:36falsefull227272Behind the Scenes of News and Life: Carol Lin on Reporting HistoryBehind the Scenes of News and Life: Carol Lin on Reporting HistoryCarol Lin spent her career inside newsrooms built for breaking news. She covered some of the most difficult moments in recent history, including being the first person to report the attacks on September 11. In this conversation, she reflects on her career in journalism and the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped her life. She also discusses what it was like to revisit those experiences while writing her memoir.

"And then I hear the music, the breaking news animation comes up and we are live."

Hear Carol talk about:

  1. What it’s like inside a newsroom built for breaking news
  2. The moment she realized she was going live on September 11 without a script
  3. How anchors rely on producers, reporters, and unseen teams during national crises
  4. The emotional discipline required to deliver information in uncertain moments
  5. The intersection of her career with major personal turning points
  6. Why writing her memoir required revisiting both professional and private pain
  7. What she hopes readers — and her daughter — take away from her story

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. The first moments reporting 9/11 (viewer discretion advised)
  2. Carol Lin’s memoir, When News Breaks

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media

]]>Carol Lin spent her career inside newsrooms built for breaking news. She covered some of the most difficult moments in recent history, including being the first person to report the attacks on September 11. In this conversation, she reflects on her career in journalism and the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped her life. She also discusses what it was like to revisit those experiences while writing her memoir.

"And then I hear the music, the breaking news animation comes up and we are live."

Hear Carol talk about:

  1. What it’s like inside a newsroom built for breaking news
  2. The moment she realized she was going live on September 11 without a script
  3. How anchors rely on producers, reporters, and unseen teams during national crises
  4. The emotional discipline required to deliver information in uncertain moments
  5. The intersection of her career with major personal turning points
  6. Why writing her memoir required revisiting both professional and private pain
  7. What she hopes readers — and her daughter — take away from her story

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. The first moments reporting 9/11 (viewer discretion advised)
  2. Carol Lin’s memoir, When News Breaks

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media

]]>9b3a2b5c-09bc-4efb-b134-7e262704213bWed, 18 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -040041:57falsefull226262Season 2 Trailer: Tell Me What It’s LikeSeason 2 Trailer: Tell Me What It’s LikeWhat’s it like to spend weeks inside a monastery in complete silence?

What’s it like to find out you’re pregnant with no idea how you’re going to support yourself?

And what’s it like to be the first person to tell the world a plane has just hit the World Trade Center?

Season two of Tell Me What It’s Like gives you a window into someone else’s world - the moments that challenge us, scare us, and shape who we become.

Join host Stacy Raine as she uncovers what each experience was like, and the lessons learned along the way.

Coming in Season 2:

  1. Breaking historic news and facing profound loss
  2. A silent retreat inside a monastery, and what happens when the outside world falls away
  3. Navigating unexpected pregnancy without a safety net
  4. Helping nonprofits do meaningful work in complex systems
  5. Making sense of Medicare and aging in a system few people truly understand
  6. Supporting girls in their tween and teen years
  7. Finding connection, confidence, and love again later in life

Season two of Tell Me What It’s Like is coming soon.

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>What’s it like to spend weeks inside a monastery in complete silence?

What’s it like to find out you’re pregnant with no idea how you’re going to support yourself?

And what’s it like to be the first person to tell the world a plane has just hit the World Trade Center?

Season two of Tell Me What It’s Like gives you a window into someone else’s world - the moments that challenge us, scare us, and shape who we become.

Join host Stacy Raine as she uncovers what each experience was like, and the lessons learned along the way.

Coming in Season 2:

  1. Breaking historic news and facing profound loss
  2. A silent retreat inside a monastery, and what happens when the outside world falls away
  3. Navigating unexpected pregnancy without a safety net
  4. Helping nonprofits do meaningful work in complex systems
  5. Making sense of Medicare and aging in a system few people truly understand
  6. Supporting girls in their tween and teen years
  7. Finding connection, confidence, and love again later in life

Season two of Tell Me What It’s Like is coming soon.

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>f62f8030-e2aa-41c0-acc5-14a7f6229da5Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -040001:09falsetrailer22What’s Your Favorite Holiday Tradition? Season 1 Guests ShareWhat’s Your Favorite Holiday Tradition? Season 1 Guests ShareAs the year comes to a close, guests from Season 1 of Tell Me What It’s Like share the holiday traditions that matter most to them. From longtime family rituals to traditions shaped by loss, life season, culture, and even wildlife, this bonus episode reflects on how traditions evolve and how new ones are created along the way.

Season 1 Guests Featured in this Episode:

  1. Keri Nelson
  2. Morton Barlaz
  3. Alexis Broz
  4. Bill Horan
  5. Rich "Big Daddy" Salgado
  6. Carol Hoenig
  7. Linda Strader
  8. Sarah Teresinski

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. Midwinter Day
  2. Feast of the Seven Fishes
  3. Cardinali Bakery, Carle Place, NY

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>As the year comes to a close, guests from Season 1 of Tell Me What It’s Like share the holiday traditions that matter most to them. From longtime family rituals to traditions shaped by loss, life season, culture, and even wildlife, this bonus episode reflects on how traditions evolve and how new ones are created along the way.

Season 1 Guests Featured in this Episode:

  1. Keri Nelson
  2. Morton Barlaz
  3. Alexis Broz
  4. Bill Horan
  5. Rich "Big Daddy" Salgado
  6. Carol Hoenig
  7. Linda Strader
  8. Sarah Teresinski

Mentioned in this episode:

  1. Midwinter Day
  2. Feast of the Seven Fishes
  3. Cardinali Bakery, Carle Place, NY

Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>62b7d528-635e-4b11-b8e4-4e61b8e416d8Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -040025:28falsebonusSustainable Style: Sarah Teresinski on Upcycling for Stylish Home DecorSustainable Style: Sarah Teresinski on Upcycling for Stylish Home DecorWhen Sarah Teresinski was a single mom, she couldn’t afford the beautiful little dresses she saw in stores for her daughter. So she decided to teach herself how to sew. That simple decision sparked a movement — and eventually, Redeux Style, where Sarah transforms old, unused items into something new and beautiful. Today, she helps people see the potential in what they already have or what they might find at the thrift stores — proving that sustainable can be stylish too.

“If everyone who follows me did just one upcycle a year, we could keep 60,000 pounds of waste out of landfills — that’s 5,600 garbage trucks saved.”

Hear Sarah talk about:

  • How teaching herself to sew turned into a full-time creative business
  • What it was like to face criticism early on — and why it fueled her mission
  • The difference between fast fashion, fast furniture, and true sustainable style
  • Her viral ceiling fan upcycle that caught the attention of The Drew Barrymore Show and Architectural Digest
  • How small, beautiful changes can make a big impact — for your home and the planet

Mentioned in this episode:



Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>When Sarah Teresinski was a single mom, she couldn’t afford the beautiful little dresses she saw in stores for her daughter. So she decided to teach herself how to sew. That simple decision sparked a movement — and eventually, Redeux Style, where Sarah transforms old, unused items into something new and beautiful. Today, she helps people see the potential in what they already have or what they might find at the thrift stores — proving that sustainable can be stylish too.

“If everyone who follows me did just one upcycle a year, we could keep 60,000 pounds of waste out of landfills — that’s 5,600 garbage trucks saved.”

Hear Sarah talk about:

  • How teaching herself to sew turned into a full-time creative business
  • What it was like to face criticism early on — and why it fueled her mission
  • The difference between fast fashion, fast furniture, and true sustainable style
  • Her viral ceiling fan upcycle that caught the attention of The Drew Barrymore Show and Architectural Digest
  • How small, beautiful changes can make a big impact — for your home and the planet

Mentioned in this episode:



Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>775139d6-46b0-4d9b-b4f5-900f588a0e2bWed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -040041:50falsefull2525The Woman Who Changed Chess: Susan Polgar on Becoming a GrandmasterThe Woman Who Changed Chess: Susan Polgar on Becoming a GrandmasterSusan Polgar’s father believed geniuses weren’t born, they were made. So when his three-year-old daughter found an old chess set in their Budapest apartment, he saw an opportunity to prove it. Susan quickly learned the game, but soon realized the real challenge: convincing the world that girls could play just as well as boys - which she did by becoming the first woman to earn the Grandmaster title under the same standards as men. In this episode, she shares how she rewrote the gender norms of chess, overcame deeply rooted sexism, and helped redefine what young girls believe they can achieve.


"You need to set a goal. And in this case, you need to set the highest goal possible. So even if we fall short somewhat, we still get further than if we set a lower goal."


Hear Susan talk about:

  • How, at six, she decided to specialize in chess (and not math)
  • The sexism she faced as a young girl rising in a male-dominated field
  • Why her grandmother's words shaped her sense of perseverance
  • What came after winning world championships
  • The lessons chess teaches about focus, decision-making, and resilience

Mentioned in this episode:


Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>Susan Polgar’s father believed geniuses weren’t born, they were made. So when his three-year-old daughter found an old chess set in their Budapest apartment, he saw an opportunity to prove it. Susan quickly learned the game, but soon realized the real challenge: convincing the world that girls could play just as well as boys - which she did by becoming the first woman to earn the Grandmaster title under the same standards as men. In this episode, she shares how she rewrote the gender norms of chess, overcame deeply rooted sexism, and helped redefine what young girls believe they can achieve.


"You need to set a goal. And in this case, you need to set the highest goal possible. So even if we fall short somewhat, we still get further than if we set a lower goal."


Hear Susan talk about:

  • How, at six, she decided to specialize in chess (and not math)
  • The sexism she faced as a young girl rising in a male-dominated field
  • Why her grandmother's words shaped her sense of perseverance
  • What came after winning world championships
  • The lessons chess teaches about focus, decision-making, and resilience

Mentioned in this episode:


Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>848a6c8a-a9bd-4aee-859c-61c7d2aaa16dWed, 29 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -040037:37falsefull2424Becoming Wise in the Age of AI: Jeff Burningham on What It Means to Be HumanBecoming Wise in the Age of AI: Jeff Burningham on What It Means to Be HumanAfter decades of chasing success as a tech entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and even a candidate for Utah governor, Jeff Burningham found himself questioning what it all meant.

When the governor’s race ended in 2020, Jeff finally had space to pause—and that pause changed everything. It led him to write The Last Book Written by a Human, a deeply personal reflection on consciousness, connection, and wisdom in an age increasingly defined by artificial intelligence.

“As our machines become smarter, we have to become wiser.”


Hear Jeff talk about:

  • What it was like to step back from chasing success and re-evaluate what matters
  • Why he believes AI is a mirror showing us who we are
  • The four stages he sees as part of every human and technological evolution: disruption, reflection, transformation, and evolution
  • Why slowing down might be the most human thing we can do

Mentioned in this episode:


Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>After decades of chasing success as a tech entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and even a candidate for Utah governor, Jeff Burningham found himself questioning what it all meant.

When the governor’s race ended in 2020, Jeff finally had space to pause—and that pause changed everything. It led him to write The Last Book Written by a Human, a deeply personal reflection on consciousness, connection, and wisdom in an age increasingly defined by artificial intelligence.

“As our machines become smarter, we have to become wiser.”


Hear Jeff talk about:

  • What it was like to step back from chasing success and re-evaluate what matters
  • Why he believes AI is a mirror showing us who we are
  • The four stages he sees as part of every human and technological evolution: disruption, reflection, transformation, and evolution
  • Why slowing down might be the most human thing we can do

Mentioned in this episode:


Support This Show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating & review — it helps others find the show
  • Share the episode and tag @RaineMediaCo on social media


]]>a4fcdd9b-91db-4e6a-9932-f1029c1d3abfWed, 22 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -040040:16falsefull2323Growing Up Millennial: Charlie Wells on What Shaped a GenerationGrowing Up Millennial: Charlie Wells on What Shaped a GenerationJournalist Charlie Wells is a Millennial — and by now, something of an expert on the Millennial generation, too. In his debut book, What Happened to Millennials: In Defense of a Generation, he shares the stories of five people whose lives reveal what it’s really been like to grow up Millennial — through the early optimism, the crises that shaped us, and all the change we’ve weathered along the way.

"We're adults and we've overcome a lot of obstacles as this group of people. It's okay to celebrate that."

Hear Charlie talk about:

  • Why he wanted to explore what it’s really been like to grow up as a Millennial
  • How he chose the five people whose lives he shares in the book
  • How major moments like 9/11 and the rise of the internet shaped Millennial identity
  • The nostalgia objects — from Tamagotchis to AIM screen names — that connect us across divides
  • Why he feels proud of Millennials, and what he hopes we carry forward into the next chapter of adulthood

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>Journalist Charlie Wells is a Millennial — and by now, something of an expert on the Millennial generation, too. In his debut book, What Happened to Millennials: In Defense of a Generation, he shares the stories of five people whose lives reveal what it’s really been like to grow up Millennial — through the early optimism, the crises that shaped us, and all the change we’ve weathered along the way.

"We're adults and we've overcome a lot of obstacles as this group of people. It's okay to celebrate that."

Hear Charlie talk about:

  • Why he wanted to explore what it’s really been like to grow up as a Millennial
  • How he chose the five people whose lives he shares in the book
  • How major moments like 9/11 and the rise of the internet shaped Millennial identity
  • The nostalgia objects — from Tamagotchis to AIM screen names — that connect us across divides
  • Why he feels proud of Millennials, and what he hopes we carry forward into the next chapter of adulthood

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>d9321193-6a6b-4bea-a0f0-57b1aee62746Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -040035:02falsefull2222Creating a Walking Shoe for Women: Cori Burns on Filling the Fitness Shoe GapCreating a Walking Shoe for Women: Cori Burns on Filling the Fitness Shoe GapCori Burns had always loved running, but eventually pregnancy pushed her to walking for exercise. She found she loved it, but quickly realized there weren't any shoes made for women who walked for fitness. So, she set out to create them herself.

In 2023 she launched Raesyn, a technical shoe company making shoes “for women who walk to sweat.” Cori shares how she spotted a gap in the shoe industry, what went into designing a shoe for women who walk for exercise, and the determination it took to turn her idea into Raesyn.

“I wanted something that made me feel effortless in my motion forward. It’s a different movement than running – it’s constant ground contact. So I thought to myself, there's truly a gap in the market."

Hear Cori talk about:

  • What makes walking for exercise different from running
  • When she noticed there was a need for walking shoes
  • What she looked for in the ideal women’s walking shoe
  • The process to get from prototype to a shoe ready for market

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>Cori Burns had always loved running, but eventually pregnancy pushed her to walking for exercise. She found she loved it, but quickly realized there weren't any shoes made for women who walked for fitness. So, she set out to create them herself.

In 2023 she launched Raesyn, a technical shoe company making shoes “for women who walk to sweat.” Cori shares how she spotted a gap in the shoe industry, what went into designing a shoe for women who walk for exercise, and the determination it took to turn her idea into Raesyn.

“I wanted something that made me feel effortless in my motion forward. It’s a different movement than running – it’s constant ground contact. So I thought to myself, there's truly a gap in the market."

Hear Cori talk about:

  • What makes walking for exercise different from running
  • When she noticed there was a need for walking shoes
  • What she looked for in the ideal women’s walking shoe
  • The process to get from prototype to a shoe ready for market

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this show:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>c0a12a02-c495-4c15-8c2b-3b9f1b064acfWed, 08 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -040035:11falsefull2121Fighting Forest Fires: Linda Strader on Breaking Barriers in the U.S. Forest ServiceFighting Forest Fires: Linda Strader on Breaking Barriers in the U.S. Forest ServiceWhen Linda Strader joined a US Forest Service fire crew in the 1970s, she didn’t know how rare it was for women to do that kind of work - she just wanted an interesting job. But she quickly realized she was stepping into a world that didn’t necessarily welcome her. In this episode, Linda shares what it was like to be one of the first women on a fire crew, the discrimination she faced, and why she loved the work enough to keep coming back for seven seasons.

"I wasn't trying to prove anything to them. I just wanted to be accepted as part of the crew. And working twice as hard, I had hoped, would mean that they would accept me."

Hear Linda talk about:

  • What a fire crew actually does beyond just battling flames
  • How she got the job with no idea women weren’t “allowed”
  • The hostility she faced from many coworkers and supervisors
  • The physical and emotional toll of working to prove herself again and again
  • Why she loved the job regardless of the hardships

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social and tag @rainemediaco

]]>When Linda Strader joined a US Forest Service fire crew in the 1970s, she didn’t know how rare it was for women to do that kind of work - she just wanted an interesting job. But she quickly realized she was stepping into a world that didn’t necessarily welcome her. In this episode, Linda shares what it was like to be one of the first women on a fire crew, the discrimination she faced, and why she loved the work enough to keep coming back for seven seasons.

"I wasn't trying to prove anything to them. I just wanted to be accepted as part of the crew. And working twice as hard, I had hoped, would mean that they would accept me."

Hear Linda talk about:

  • What a fire crew actually does beyond just battling flames
  • How she got the job with no idea women weren’t “allowed”
  • The hostility she faced from many coworkers and supervisors
  • The physical and emotional toll of working to prove herself again and again
  • Why she loved the job regardless of the hardships

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social and tag @rainemediaco

]]>be2543fd-50a3-4fd4-a899-efdbdde8657bWed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -040042:20falsefull2020Teaching Modern Manners: Jennifer Daniel on Etiquette and KindnessTeaching Modern Manners: Jennifer Daniel on Etiquette and KindnessWhen Jennifer Daniel landed her first job after college, she quickly realized she didn’t quite know how to navigate the world of business meetings with confidence. That led her to the Protocol School of Washington and, eventually, to founding her own etiquette business, Polished Peyton Etiquette Essentials. For nearly 25 years, she’s been teaching children, young professionals, and executives the skills they need to succeed - with etiquette as a foundation for confidence and kindness.

"Etiquette seems like such an awful snobby word. And maybe long, long, long ago it was. I do not think it is now.”

Hear Jennifer talk about:

  • How she found her way from a resort job to opening her own etiquette and protocol school
  • The difference between etiquette and protocol, and why both matter in business and social life
  • Why young professionals often struggle with communication in the age of smartphones
  • How etiquette classes can build confidence and relational skills, not just table manners
  • Why kindness is the most important rule of all

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this pod:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review in your app
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>When Jennifer Daniel landed her first job after college, she quickly realized she didn’t quite know how to navigate the world of business meetings with confidence. That led her to the Protocol School of Washington and, eventually, to founding her own etiquette business, Polished Peyton Etiquette Essentials. For nearly 25 years, she’s been teaching children, young professionals, and executives the skills they need to succeed - with etiquette as a foundation for confidence and kindness.

"Etiquette seems like such an awful snobby word. And maybe long, long, long ago it was. I do not think it is now.”

Hear Jennifer talk about:

  • How she found her way from a resort job to opening her own etiquette and protocol school
  • The difference between etiquette and protocol, and why both matter in business and social life
  • Why young professionals often struggle with communication in the age of smartphones
  • How etiquette classes can build confidence and relational skills, not just table manners
  • Why kindness is the most important rule of all

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this pod:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review in your app
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>36ee723e-8741-4c0f-a30f-f54505eac857Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -040040:52falsefull1919Leaving It All Behind: Valerie Russell on Starting a Business AbroadLeaving It All Behind: Valerie Russell on Starting a Business AbroadValerie Russell spent a decade in criminal justice. She worked as a corrections officer, a narcotics investigator, even on the 9/11 Human Recovery Project. But one day, she realized she wanted something entirely different. She sold everything, moved to Guatemala with just a backpack, and built a thriving travel agency from scratch.

"I got rid of everything that I owned, basically sold it all on a weekend, my pajamas through Facebook marketplace. And I packed up and came just with a backpack."

Hear Valerie talk about:

  • The book that inspired her to walk away from law enforcement to start a new life abroad
  • What it was like to arrive in Guatemala alone, not knowing anyone
  • How she grew Due South Travels into a successful business without advertising
  • Why she feels like she lives in paradise
  • The importance of resilience, community, and creativity in building a life abroad

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>Valerie Russell spent a decade in criminal justice. She worked as a corrections officer, a narcotics investigator, even on the 9/11 Human Recovery Project. But one day, she realized she wanted something entirely different. She sold everything, moved to Guatemala with just a backpack, and built a thriving travel agency from scratch.

"I got rid of everything that I owned, basically sold it all on a weekend, my pajamas through Facebook marketplace. And I packed up and came just with a backpack."

Hear Valerie talk about:

  • The book that inspired her to walk away from law enforcement to start a new life abroad
  • What it was like to arrive in Guatemala alone, not knowing anyone
  • How she grew Due South Travels into a successful business without advertising
  • Why she feels like she lives in paradise
  • The importance of resilience, community, and creativity in building a life abroad

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>e8aba777-925e-4784-9ab4-22d6e5fa7e23Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -040038:32falsefull1818Singing About Poop: Matt Farley on Creativity and 26,000 SongsSinging About Poop: Matt Farley on Creativity and 26,000 SongsMatt Farley has created over 26,000 songs ... many of them about poop. But behind the absurd humor is a thoughtful approach to creativity, productivity, and making things without fear.

In this episode of Tell Me What It’s Like, Matt shares how he embraced the ridiculous, built an empire of searchable songs, and let go of perfectionism — all while homeschooling, making movies, and continuing to make music.

"We as creative people are not good judges of our work. And that's wonderful. So I think it frees us up."

Hear Matt Talk About:

  • Why he shares his music (even when it feels humiliating)
  • How he uses song titles and streaming platforms to get discovered
  • Why embracing imperfect work led to his most popular songs
  • The Motern Method: his creative productivity system explained
  • How he balances homeschooling, filmmaking, and songwriting
  • How making movies with friends helps him stay creative and connected

Mentioned in This Episode:



]]>Matt Farley has created over 26,000 songs ... many of them about poop. But behind the absurd humor is a thoughtful approach to creativity, productivity, and making things without fear.

In this episode of Tell Me What It’s Like, Matt shares how he embraced the ridiculous, built an empire of searchable songs, and let go of perfectionism — all while homeschooling, making movies, and continuing to make music.

"We as creative people are not good judges of our work. And that's wonderful. So I think it frees us up."

Hear Matt Talk About:

  • Why he shares his music (even when it feels humiliating)
  • How he uses song titles and streaming platforms to get discovered
  • Why embracing imperfect work led to his most popular songs
  • The Motern Method: his creative productivity system explained
  • How he balances homeschooling, filmmaking, and songwriting
  • How making movies with friends helps him stay creative and connected

Mentioned in This Episode:



]]>61b57676-92a1-4fcf-b9e3-fab9baf2c078Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -040038:28falsefull1717Diana Greenlee: Uncovering the Story of Poverty PointDiana Greenlee: Uncovering the Story of Poverty PointMore than 3,000 years ago, a Native American community in what is now Northeast Louisiana built monumental earthworks - such as mounds, ridges, and a vast plaza - at Poverty Point, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For nearly two decades, Dr. Diana Greenlee, station archaeologist at Poverty Point, has worked to uncover what life was like for the people who lived there so many years ago.

"Every time I do some work there I think, this is the first time in over 3,000 years that somebody has touched this. That's a pretty cool feeling."

Hear Diana talk about:

  • How the massive earthworks at Poverty Point were constructed
  • Evidence of art, craftsmanship, and daily life at the site
  • What we know about the mounds and ridges built by the people who lived there
  • How modern tools like ground-penetrating radar reveal insights without excavation
  • The moment she discovered a previously undocumented mound

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>More than 3,000 years ago, a Native American community in what is now Northeast Louisiana built monumental earthworks - such as mounds, ridges, and a vast plaza - at Poverty Point, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For nearly two decades, Dr. Diana Greenlee, station archaeologist at Poverty Point, has worked to uncover what life was like for the people who lived there so many years ago.

"Every time I do some work there I think, this is the first time in over 3,000 years that somebody has touched this. That's a pretty cool feeling."

Hear Diana talk about:

  • How the massive earthworks at Poverty Point were constructed
  • Evidence of art, craftsmanship, and daily life at the site
  • What we know about the mounds and ridges built by the people who lived there
  • How modern tools like ground-penetrating radar reveal insights without excavation
  • The moment she discovered a previously undocumented mound

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>c05e6b38-67b0-4484-9f2c-974afafac03cWed, 03 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -040036:08falsefull1616Bill Gerhart: Loss and Action in the Opioid Crisis, Part 2Bill Gerhart: Loss and Action in the Opioid Crisis, Part 2In Part 1, Bill Gerhart shared his son Connor’s story and discussed the dangers of fentanyl. In Part 2, Bill shares more about the fentanyl crisis, why he feels prosecuting those who sell it is necessary, and what he’s doing to raise awareness. He also reflects on his belief that there’s opportunity in every event, and how he moves forward with that perspective.

"I'm a big believer that there's opportunity in every negative event and even horrible, tragic events like this, where you have a child pass away early in life. And I'm not sure if I've found the opportunity yet, but one of the clear opportunities is to cherish life, cherish your friends, your family."

Hear Bill talk about:

  • Giving away Narcan at Connor’s memorial service so others might be saved
  • Why awareness and access to treatment matter more than ever
  • The role of cartels, supply chains, and prosecution in the fentanyl epidemic
  • His hopes for developing a new, non-opioid addiction treatment
  • How this tragedy has made him appreciate his friends and family even more

Mentioned in this episode and references:


This week's music is by Ievgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay.

]]>In Part 1, Bill Gerhart shared his son Connor’s story and discussed the dangers of fentanyl. In Part 2, Bill shares more about the fentanyl crisis, why he feels prosecuting those who sell it is necessary, and what he’s doing to raise awareness. He also reflects on his belief that there’s opportunity in every event, and how he moves forward with that perspective.

"I'm a big believer that there's opportunity in every negative event and even horrible, tragic events like this, where you have a child pass away early in life. And I'm not sure if I've found the opportunity yet, but one of the clear opportunities is to cherish life, cherish your friends, your family."

Hear Bill talk about:

  • Giving away Narcan at Connor’s memorial service so others might be saved
  • Why awareness and access to treatment matter more than ever
  • The role of cartels, supply chains, and prosecution in the fentanyl epidemic
  • His hopes for developing a new, non-opioid addiction treatment
  • How this tragedy has made him appreciate his friends and family even more

Mentioned in this episode and references:


This week's music is by Ievgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay.

]]>730c4189-78e2-491e-93a7-5f243a862dccWed, 27 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -040034:26falsefull1515Bill Gerhart: Loss and Action in the Opioid Crisis, Part 1Bill Gerhart: Loss and Action in the Opioid Crisis, Part 1In 2023, nearly 80,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses. Bill Gerhart's son Connor was one of those people. In this first part of a two-part conversation, Bill shares who Connor was, from his childhood and football days to his career as a civil engineer, and how a series of surgeries and pain prescriptions led to an opioid addiction that few around him knew about. He also reflects on when he realized what was happening with Connor, and why awareness is so important.

 "He had a successful career, didn't miss much at work, he was highly functioning. He was around family - none of us really knew that he had this issue."

Hear Bill talk about:

  • Connor’s childhood, football years, and what made him “every dad’s dream”
  • The challenges of college and how he found his way forward
  • Rebuilding confidence after setbacks and starting a successful career
  • The injuries and surgeries that introduced opioids into his life
  • How his family discovered his addiction, and what Bill has since learned about awareness and prevention

Mentioned in this episode and references:


Closing music by Ievgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay.

]]>In 2023, nearly 80,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses. Bill Gerhart's son Connor was one of those people. In this first part of a two-part conversation, Bill shares who Connor was, from his childhood and football days to his career as a civil engineer, and how a series of surgeries and pain prescriptions led to an opioid addiction that few around him knew about. He also reflects on when he realized what was happening with Connor, and why awareness is so important.

 "He had a successful career, didn't miss much at work, he was highly functioning. He was around family - none of us really knew that he had this issue."

Hear Bill talk about:

  • Connor’s childhood, football years, and what made him “every dad’s dream”
  • The challenges of college and how he found his way forward
  • Rebuilding confidence after setbacks and starting a successful career
  • The injuries and surgeries that introduced opioids into his life
  • How his family discovered his addiction, and what Bill has since learned about awareness and prevention

Mentioned in this episode and references:


Closing music by Ievgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay.

]]>481f8858-b29c-45f5-8f03-7abd07e20f0bWed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -040034:10falsefull1414Mary Hayden: Studying the Human Side of Mosquito RiskMary Hayden: Studying the Human Side of Mosquito RiskDr. Mary Hayden recently traveled to Colombia to answer a question about mosquitoes that was actually about us humans. Specifically, she wanted to know how human behavior shapes the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, Zika, and yellow fever. From unregulated areas with limited water access to neighborhoods in the U.S., she’s found that our daily habits, infrastructure, and even trust in information can either reduce or increase that risk.

 We tell people all the time, 'Dump standing water in your yard,' but oftentimes people are too busy, or they don't think about it, or they forget about it, or their kids put a toy out there and they didn't realize the toy was out there.

Hear Mary talk about:

  • How her interest in climate led to a focus on human behavior and disease transmission
  • What she observed in Colombian communities where water access is scarce and mosquitoes thrive
  • How perception of risk and trust in messengers impact public health efforts
  • Practical ways you can protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks
  • Why some prevention strategies are simple, yet are still so hard to make stick

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this pod:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>Dr. Mary Hayden recently traveled to Colombia to answer a question about mosquitoes that was actually about us humans. Specifically, she wanted to know how human behavior shapes the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, Zika, and yellow fever. From unregulated areas with limited water access to neighborhoods in the U.S., she’s found that our daily habits, infrastructure, and even trust in information can either reduce or increase that risk.

 We tell people all the time, 'Dump standing water in your yard,' but oftentimes people are too busy, or they don't think about it, or they forget about it, or their kids put a toy out there and they didn't realize the toy was out there.

Hear Mary talk about:

  • How her interest in climate led to a focus on human behavior and disease transmission
  • What she observed in Colombian communities where water access is scarce and mosquitoes thrive
  • How perception of risk and trust in messengers impact public health efforts
  • Practical ways you can protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks
  • Why some prevention strategies are simple, yet are still so hard to make stick

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this pod:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>4392ba4a-cd08-4589-b40f-1803908e0320Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -040035:43falsefull1313Brandon Phillips: From Childhood Cancer to Supporting Families Through PoloBrandon Phillips: From Childhood Cancer to Supporting Families Through PoloAt 14, Brandon Phillips was a healthy kid with a passion for sports. Then one day he noticed his leg was swollen. Within 24 hours, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and the outlook wasn't positive. In this episode, Brandon shares what it was like to face a life-threatening diagnosis, fight through months of brutal chemotherapy, and go on to become a professional polo player, as well as a devoted advocate for families battling childhood cancer.

"Pressure’s nothing until you’re sitting in a room waiting for doctors to come in to tell you are you gonna live or not.”

Hear Brandon talk about:

  • The moment he realized something was wrong with his leg
  • His swift cancer diagnosis and grueling treatment
  • How mental strength and his athlete’s mindset helped him beat the odds
  • Why he didn’t want to talk about cancer for years
  • Founding Polo for Life to support families with a child fighting cancer

Mentioned in this episode:

  • Polo for Life – Brandon’s nonprofit supporting families affected by childhood cancer
  • Kids Cancer Foundation – Florida-based nonprofit supporting children and families fighting cancer, and one of Polo for Life’s beneficiary organizations
  • Pediatric Oncology Support Team (POST) – Services and counseling for families of children with cancer in South Florida, and one of Polo for Life’s beneficiary organizations
  • Miami Cancer Institute – One of Polo for Life’s partner hospitals and beneficiary organizations

Support this pod:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>At 14, Brandon Phillips was a healthy kid with a passion for sports. Then one day he noticed his leg was swollen. Within 24 hours, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and the outlook wasn't positive. In this episode, Brandon shares what it was like to face a life-threatening diagnosis, fight through months of brutal chemotherapy, and go on to become a professional polo player, as well as a devoted advocate for families battling childhood cancer.

"Pressure’s nothing until you’re sitting in a room waiting for doctors to come in to tell you are you gonna live or not.”

Hear Brandon talk about:

  • The moment he realized something was wrong with his leg
  • His swift cancer diagnosis and grueling treatment
  • How mental strength and his athlete’s mindset helped him beat the odds
  • Why he didn’t want to talk about cancer for years
  • Founding Polo for Life to support families with a child fighting cancer

Mentioned in this episode:

  • Polo for Life – Brandon’s nonprofit supporting families affected by childhood cancer
  • Kids Cancer Foundation – Florida-based nonprofit supporting children and families fighting cancer, and one of Polo for Life’s beneficiary organizations
  • Pediatric Oncology Support Team (POST) – Services and counseling for families of children with cancer in South Florida, and one of Polo for Life’s beneficiary organizations
  • Miami Cancer Institute – One of Polo for Life’s partner hospitals and beneficiary organizations

Support this pod:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>beead73e-75b3-4c16-ba18-13d6160d28c8Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -040036:44falsefull1212When Characters Talk Back: Carol Hoenig on Writing Fiction That Comes to LifeWhen Characters Talk Back: Carol Hoenig on Writing Fiction That Comes to LifeCarol Hoenig published her first novel in 2005. Years later, while driving home from work, one of her characters suddenly returned, insisting to Carol that her story wasn’t finished. That unexpected moment sparked a new novel about the character's story. In this episode, Carol reflects on her creative process, the career pivots that shaped her path, and the moments when fictional characters come to life.

 I was leaving work and I'm driving home. I'm on Sunrise Highway, and Grace, a character from my first novel, Without Grace, said to me "They don't know why I really left."

Hear Carol talk about:

• The day her character, Grace, let her know there was more to the story

• Starting her business the same day she lost her job at Borders

• How her characters speak to her and sometimes surprise her

• The creative process behind Without Grace and Before She Was a Finley

• Why honoring the craft of writing matters

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this podcast:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share with a friend and on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>Carol Hoenig published her first novel in 2005. Years later, while driving home from work, one of her characters suddenly returned, insisting to Carol that her story wasn’t finished. That unexpected moment sparked a new novel about the character's story. In this episode, Carol reflects on her creative process, the career pivots that shaped her path, and the moments when fictional characters come to life.

 I was leaving work and I'm driving home. I'm on Sunrise Highway, and Grace, a character from my first novel, Without Grace, said to me "They don't know why I really left."

Hear Carol talk about:

• The day her character, Grace, let her know there was more to the story

• Starting her business the same day she lost her job at Borders

• How her characters speak to her and sometimes surprise her

• The creative process behind Without Grace and Before She Was a Finley

• Why honoring the craft of writing matters

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this podcast:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share with a friend and on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>225f850d-ef6d-4ed8-8340-d12ccd143525Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -040038:25falsefull1111Rich "Big Daddy" Salgado: Building a Network by Showing Up for OthersRich "Big Daddy" Salgado: Building a Network by Showing Up for OthersInsurance agent Rich Salgado has spent decades building a reputation as the guy who knows how to help – whether you're an NFL player, a TV producer, or just someone he met at a business event. Known to nearly everyone as “Big Daddy,” Rich shares how he's built a powerful network rooted in generosity, trust, and simply showing up for people.

"You never know someone you meet might be the one that takes you outta digging ditches."

Hear Rich talk about:

  • How losing his early business partner pushed him to rely on his network
  • How he became the insurance agent to many in the NFL
  • Why networking is a give-and-take, not just an ask
  • The role networking played in his unexpected jump to TV
  • What it means to “keep it real” and make others feel at ease

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social and tag @rainemediaco

]]>Insurance agent Rich Salgado has spent decades building a reputation as the guy who knows how to help – whether you're an NFL player, a TV producer, or just someone he met at a business event. Known to nearly everyone as “Big Daddy,” Rich shares how he's built a powerful network rooted in generosity, trust, and simply showing up for people.

"You never know someone you meet might be the one that takes you outta digging ditches."

Hear Rich talk about:

  • How losing his early business partner pushed him to rely on his network
  • How he became the insurance agent to many in the NFL
  • Why networking is a give-and-take, not just an ask
  • The role networking played in his unexpected jump to TV
  • What it means to “keep it real” and make others feel at ease

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share on social and tag @rainemediaco

]]>1005c166-e478-4f77-a309-d482273789baWed, 23 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -040035:06falsefull1010Bill Horan: Talking About Success for 37 YearsBill Horan: Talking About Success for 37 YearsBill Horan has spent nearly four decades interviewing people about one elusive idea: success. On his radio show Secrets of Success, he’s spoken with thousands of guests, from authors and business owners to everyday people, about the idea of success. In this episode, Bill shares some of the most memorable stories, the themes that have stuck with him, and how hosting this show has shaped his own understanding of what success really means.

" I think we have a false image that these people never fail. They do. They overcome failure, somehow they get through it."

Hear Bill talk about:

  • How a guest appearance turned into a 37-year radio career
  • Why success doesn’t always look glamorous, and that’s okay
  • The role of mindset and gratitude in personal growth
  • What he’s learned from reading 2,000+ books on success
  • Why self-awareness might be the real key to a meaningful life

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this podcast:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review to help more people find the show
  • Share this episode with a friend and tag @rainemediaco

]]>Bill Horan has spent nearly four decades interviewing people about one elusive idea: success. On his radio show Secrets of Success, he’s spoken with thousands of guests, from authors and business owners to everyday people, about the idea of success. In this episode, Bill shares some of the most memorable stories, the themes that have stuck with him, and how hosting this show has shaped his own understanding of what success really means.

" I think we have a false image that these people never fail. They do. They overcome failure, somehow they get through it."

Hear Bill talk about:

  • How a guest appearance turned into a 37-year radio career
  • Why success doesn’t always look glamorous, and that’s okay
  • The role of mindset and gratitude in personal growth
  • What he’s learned from reading 2,000+ books on success
  • Why self-awareness might be the real key to a meaningful life

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this podcast:

  • Follow Tell Me What It’s Like in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review to help more people find the show
  • Share this episode with a friend and tag @rainemediaco

]]>50dfb17b-b36a-45be-967f-b85713898c6aWed, 16 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -040036:50falsefull99Saving Wild Animals: Alexis Broz on Rehabilitation, Rescue Missions, and a Beaver Named BoSaving Wild Animals: Alexis Broz on Rehabilitation, Rescue Missions, and a Beaver Named BoAlexis Broz didn’t grow up thinking she’d become a wildlife rehabilitator. But when a baby squirrel slid across a restaurant patio toward a petrified customer, Alexis scooped it up and didn’t look back. That moment set her on a path of rescuing, raising, and returning animals to the wild. From squirrels and pigeons to otters and beavers, Alexis has rehabilitated and released hundreds of animals in New York. In this episode, she shares how she became a wildlife rehabilitator, what it’s like to care for wild animals around the clock, and how a beaver named Bo became the Branch Manager of her nonprofit, Wild for Life, Inc.

(This episode was recorded in spring 2025.)

“People always call me and they say, ‘Somebody do something, somebody come get this [animal]. Somebody come help.’ And I always want to say, ‘You are somebody. You're capable.’”

Hear Alexis talk about:

  • How rescuing one baby squirrel at work changed her life
  • What it takes to legally rehabilitate wildlife in New York
  • How her bathtub was key to caring for an orphaned beaver
  • Her day to day caring for multiple animals
  • Why she believes beavers are misunderstood environmental superheroes

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this pod:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share the episode and tag @rainemediaco
  • More at TellMeWhatItsLike.com

]]>Alexis Broz didn’t grow up thinking she’d become a wildlife rehabilitator. But when a baby squirrel slid across a restaurant patio toward a petrified customer, Alexis scooped it up and didn’t look back. That moment set her on a path of rescuing, raising, and returning animals to the wild. From squirrels and pigeons to otters and beavers, Alexis has rehabilitated and released hundreds of animals in New York. In this episode, she shares how she became a wildlife rehabilitator, what it’s like to care for wild animals around the clock, and how a beaver named Bo became the Branch Manager of her nonprofit, Wild for Life, Inc.

(This episode was recorded in spring 2025.)

“People always call me and they say, ‘Somebody do something, somebody come get this [animal]. Somebody come help.’ And I always want to say, ‘You are somebody. You're capable.’”

Hear Alexis talk about:

  • How rescuing one baby squirrel at work changed her life
  • What it takes to legally rehabilitate wildlife in New York
  • How her bathtub was key to caring for an orphaned beaver
  • Her day to day caring for multiple animals
  • Why she believes beavers are misunderstood environmental superheroes

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this pod:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share the episode and tag @rainemediaco
  • More at TellMeWhatItsLike.com

]]>599bcc6e-f7de-4d9d-a39d-c027d716df54Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -040048:01falsefull88What Really Happens to Our Trash: Dr. Morton Barlaz on 40 Years of Studying LandfillsWhat Really Happens to Our Trash: Dr. Morton Barlaz on 40 Years of Studying LandfillsWhile in graduate school in the early 1980s, Dr. Morton Barlaz was offered a project studying how municipal waste decomposes. He wasn’t sure it was what he wanted to do, but it sounded interesting so he said yes. Forty-two years later, he’s a leading expert on how landfills work and why their management matters. In this episode, he explains what happens to the things we throw away, what biodegrades (and what doesn’t), and how landfills have changed over time.

“Landfills are a piece of our public infrastructure, just like wastewater treatment.” 

Hear Dr. Barlaz talk about:

  • What it’s like to study landfills for over 40 years
  • Why he doesn't like calling landfills "dumps"
  • How methane is created and why collecting it matters
  • The myths around what does or doesn't biodegrade
  • The realities of post-closure landfill maintenance

 References for this episode:


Support this podcast:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share the episode and tag @rainemediaco
  • More at TellMeWhatItsLike.com

]]>While in graduate school in the early 1980s, Dr. Morton Barlaz was offered a project studying how municipal waste decomposes. He wasn’t sure it was what he wanted to do, but it sounded interesting so he said yes. Forty-two years later, he’s a leading expert on how landfills work and why their management matters. In this episode, he explains what happens to the things we throw away, what biodegrades (and what doesn’t), and how landfills have changed over time.

“Landfills are a piece of our public infrastructure, just like wastewater treatment.” 

Hear Dr. Barlaz talk about:

  • What it’s like to study landfills for over 40 years
  • Why he doesn't like calling landfills "dumps"
  • How methane is created and why collecting it matters
  • The myths around what does or doesn't biodegrade
  • The realities of post-closure landfill maintenance

 References for this episode:


Support this podcast:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share the episode and tag @rainemediaco
  • More at TellMeWhatItsLike.com

]]>f71a34e6-9ad7-4d84-a65b-17978f8ece12Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -040035:03falsefull77Running 7 Marathons on 7 Continents: Becca Pizzi on Grit, Endurance, and Making HistoryRunning 7 Marathons on 7 Continents: Becca Pizzi on Grit, Endurance, and Making HistoryWhen Becca Pizzi got dozens of messages from friends about an extreme endurance race – seven marathons on seven continents in seven days – she knew she had to run it. In 2016, she became the first American woman to complete the World Marathon Challenge, winning with a total time of 27 hours, 26 minutes, and an average marathon time of just under four hours. Then in 2018, she did it again. Hear what it took to win it and what the miles have taught her in this episode.

“If my dreams don’t scare my parents, they’re not big enough.”

Hear Becca talk about:

  • What it’s like to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days
  • How her 8-year-old daughter helped her train
  • Becoming a race director after running the challenge twice
  • Her advice to people just starting out on their running journey

Mentioned in this episode and references:


Support this podcast:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share the episode and tag @rainemediaco
  • More at TellMeWhatItsLike.com

]]>When Becca Pizzi got dozens of messages from friends about an extreme endurance race – seven marathons on seven continents in seven days – she knew she had to run it. In 2016, she became the first American woman to complete the World Marathon Challenge, winning with a total time of 27 hours, 26 minutes, and an average marathon time of just under four hours. Then in 2018, she did it again. Hear what it took to win it and what the miles have taught her in this episode.

“If my dreams don’t scare my parents, they’re not big enough.”

Hear Becca talk about:

  • What it’s like to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days
  • How her 8-year-old daughter helped her train
  • Becoming a race director after running the challenge twice
  • Her advice to people just starting out on their running journey

Mentioned in this episode and references:


Support this podcast:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review
  • Share the episode and tag @rainemediaco
  • More at TellMeWhatItsLike.com

]]>0c64da1f-8130-4b64-8929-b13b0328daf9Wed, 25 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -040035:00falsefull66Saundra Pelletier: Bringing a New Birth Control to MarketSaundra Pelletier: Bringing a New Birth Control to MarketSaundra Pelletier has spent her career focused on women’s health, from Big Pharma to nonprofit work around the globe. Then she got the opportunity to lead a startup bringing a new kind of birth control to market: a non-hormonal gel designed to give women more control. In this episode, she shares what it’s like to fight for FDA approval, push for insurance coverage, and rethink what birth control can look like when women are the ones making the decisions.

Note: This episode includes discussion of reproductive health and birth control in an educational context. It is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personal recommendations.

“We made an appeal to the FDA that this drug was so safe. The ingredients were food grade. That all of these women were suffering... Why won’t they approve this safe drug?” 

Hear Saundra talk about:

  • The road to launching Phexxi, a non-hormonal birth control gel
  • Why young women embraced the product in ways she didn’t expect
  • Her fight with insurers and the FDA for access and approval
  • The cancer diagnosis that made her mission even more personal
  • How she found her voice as a leader in a male-dominated industry

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this new show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review in your app
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>Saundra Pelletier has spent her career focused on women’s health, from Big Pharma to nonprofit work around the globe. Then she got the opportunity to lead a startup bringing a new kind of birth control to market: a non-hormonal gel designed to give women more control. In this episode, she shares what it’s like to fight for FDA approval, push for insurance coverage, and rethink what birth control can look like when women are the ones making the decisions.

Note: This episode includes discussion of reproductive health and birth control in an educational context. It is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personal recommendations.

“We made an appeal to the FDA that this drug was so safe. The ingredients were food grade. That all of these women were suffering... Why won’t they approve this safe drug?” 

Hear Saundra talk about:

  • The road to launching Phexxi, a non-hormonal birth control gel
  • Why young women embraced the product in ways she didn’t expect
  • Her fight with insurers and the FDA for access and approval
  • The cancer diagnosis that made her mission even more personal
  • How she found her voice as a leader in a male-dominated industry

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this new show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review in your app
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>bcddaafd-e826-4491-ac9a-d3b8ba9affdbWed, 18 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -040043:53falsefull55Inventing from Home: April Mitchell on Turning Everyday Problems into Products That SellInventing from Home: April Mitchell on Turning Everyday Problems into Products That SellApril Mitchell realized one day that she actually knew the answer to the problem she was having when her kids left their towels on the floor ... she just had to invent it. Since then, she’s created dozens of products, from housewares to toys and games, and learned a lot along the way. In this episode, she shares what it’s like to have a spark of inspiration, go through the invention process, and co-create with her kids to bring her creations to life.

"I was just a mom trying to solve a problem and realized just how many people could benefit from the product."


Hear April talk about:

  • Her journey from her first invention to licensing dozens of products
  • How she researches, prototypes, and pitches her ideas
  • The role of trade shows and LinkedIn in finding licensing partners
  • Creating with her kids and how they test and shape her ideas
  • Co-designing the Clueless board game

Mentioned in this episode and references:


Support this new show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review in your app
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>April Mitchell realized one day that she actually knew the answer to the problem she was having when her kids left their towels on the floor ... she just had to invent it. Since then, she’s created dozens of products, from housewares to toys and games, and learned a lot along the way. In this episode, she shares what it’s like to have a spark of inspiration, go through the invention process, and co-create with her kids to bring her creations to life.

"I was just a mom trying to solve a problem and realized just how many people could benefit from the product."


Hear April talk about:

  • Her journey from her first invention to licensing dozens of products
  • How she researches, prototypes, and pitches her ideas
  • The role of trade shows and LinkedIn in finding licensing partners
  • Creating with her kids and how they test and shape her ideas
  • Co-designing the Clueless board game

Mentioned in this episode and references:


Support this new show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review in your app
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>31260d10-472d-4b7d-9d71-6e30b8afe860Wed, 11 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -040044:05falsefull44Trash Wolf: Becoming Leader of the Anti-Litter PackTrash Wolf: Becoming Leader of the Anti-Litter PackIf you want to bring attention to litter, what do you do? For one man in Florida, the answer was to ... put on a wolf suit. In 2022, Trash Wolf began prowling the streets picking up litter and quietly building a movement.

In this episode, he shares what inspired the wolf, what it’s like to collect literal tons of trash, and why his mission is really about awareness, community, and taking that first step.

“The number one lesson is just go for it. Whatever you're wanting to do, just do it. Go for it."

Hear Trash Wolf talk about:

  • How Trash Wolf came to life, and what finally pushed him to put on the mask
  • The importance of clean neighborhoods
  • How cleaning up trash teaches him about the world
  • What you can do to make a difference where you live

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this new show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review in your app
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>If you want to bring attention to litter, what do you do? For one man in Florida, the answer was to ... put on a wolf suit. In 2022, Trash Wolf began prowling the streets picking up litter and quietly building a movement.

In this episode, he shares what inspired the wolf, what it’s like to collect literal tons of trash, and why his mission is really about awareness, community, and taking that first step.

“The number one lesson is just go for it. Whatever you're wanting to do, just do it. Go for it."

Hear Trash Wolf talk about:

  • How Trash Wolf came to life, and what finally pushed him to put on the mask
  • The importance of clean neighborhoods
  • How cleaning up trash teaches him about the world
  • What you can do to make a difference where you live

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this new show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review in your app
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>bbd02bc0-f00f-45b8-a958-6849601233efWed, 04 Jun 2025 05:10:00 -040042:02falsefull33Leigh Dzvonick: Living Through Guillain-Barré SyndromeLeigh Dzvonick: Living Through Guillain-Barré SyndromeMilitary spouse and mom Leigh Dzvonick was busy raising young kids when she started to feel off. After three ER visits and a misdiagnosis of anxiety, she was finally told she had Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that left her unable to walk.

In this episode, Leigh shares the confusion of misdiagnosis, the shock of sudden paralysis, and the determination it took to reclaim her health.

Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your health.

“You know your body better than anybody. And it sounds very generic, but you have to appreciate being able to do physical activity—because not everybody has that blessing.”


Hear Leigh talk about:

  • Her early symptoms of Guillain-Barré and why it’s often misdiagnosed
  • How fast the illness can progress and why timely treatment is crucial
  • The physical exhaustion and the road to recovery
  • The emotional toll of being hospitalized with young kids at home
  • How Leigh regained her strength and perspective through persistence

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this new show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review in your app
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>Military spouse and mom Leigh Dzvonick was busy raising young kids when she started to feel off. After three ER visits and a misdiagnosis of anxiety, she was finally told she had Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that left her unable to walk.

In this episode, Leigh shares the confusion of misdiagnosis, the shock of sudden paralysis, and the determination it took to reclaim her health.

Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your health.

“You know your body better than anybody. And it sounds very generic, but you have to appreciate being able to do physical activity—because not everybody has that blessing.”


Hear Leigh talk about:

  • Her early symptoms of Guillain-Barré and why it’s often misdiagnosed
  • How fast the illness can progress and why timely treatment is crucial
  • The physical exhaustion and the road to recovery
  • The emotional toll of being hospitalized with young kids at home
  • How Leigh regained her strength and perspective through persistence

Mentioned in this episode:


Support this new show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review in your app
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>cb6efd3b-70a5-47aa-ad76-5ebd1ddc044dWed, 04 Jun 2025 05:05:00 -040034:53falsefull22Keri Nelson: Life and Work in AntarcticaKeri Nelson: Life and Work in AntarcticaAfter a career first as a journalist and then as a traveling nurse, Keri Nelson chased an even grander adventure and secured a job in Antarctica. Seventeen seasons later, she’s done a lot of different jobs at various research stations, she's experienced both summers and winters on the continent, and even helped with scientific research.

In this episode, Keri shares what it’s really like to live at the bottom of the world, giving insights into the routines, the landscape, the excursions, and the vibrant community that keeps beckoning her back.

(Note: This episode was recorded earlier in the year, near the end of the Antarctic summer season.)

"I guess just kind of knowing my speck of what I am in this universe is something that Antarctic has taught me, among many, many other things."

Hear Keri talk about:

  • What daily life can be like on different Antarctic research bases
  • The difference between summer and winter seasons on the continent
  • What the community on Antarctic bases can be like
  • What life in Antarctica has taught her
  • What it means to transition between life on and off the ice

Mentioned in this episode:


Articles about Keri Nelson’s Antarctic experiences:


Find more from Keri:


Support this new show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review in your app
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>After a career first as a journalist and then as a traveling nurse, Keri Nelson chased an even grander adventure and secured a job in Antarctica. Seventeen seasons later, she’s done a lot of different jobs at various research stations, she's experienced both summers and winters on the continent, and even helped with scientific research.

In this episode, Keri shares what it’s really like to live at the bottom of the world, giving insights into the routines, the landscape, the excursions, and the vibrant community that keeps beckoning her back.

(Note: This episode was recorded earlier in the year, near the end of the Antarctic summer season.)

"I guess just kind of knowing my speck of what I am in this universe is something that Antarctic has taught me, among many, many other things."

Hear Keri talk about:

  • What daily life can be like on different Antarctic research bases
  • The difference between summer and winter seasons on the continent
  • What the community on Antarctic bases can be like
  • What life in Antarctica has taught her
  • What it means to transition between life on and off the ice

Mentioned in this episode:


Articles about Keri Nelson’s Antarctic experiences:


Find more from Keri:


Support this new show:

  • Follow in your favorite podcast app
  • Leave a rating and review in your app
  • Share on social media and tag @rainemediaco

]]>7f724c39-5c56-4acd-8f61-202f01107edcWed, 04 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -040042:18falsefull11Tell Me What It's Like trailerTell Me What It's Like trailerWhat’s it like to set a world record? To invent a new product? To survive an extremely rare illness?

Tell Me What It’s Like is a show about those experiences and the people who lived them. Host Stacy Raine sits down with individuals who’ve faced uncommon, life-altering challenges to learn how it happened, why it mattered, and what it was really like.

🔔 Subscribe now so you don’t miss the episodes.

🌐 tellmewhatitslike.com

📸 @rainemediaco

🎧 A Raine Media Production

]]>What’s it like to set a world record? To invent a new product? To survive an extremely rare illness?

Tell Me What It’s Like is a show about those experiences and the people who lived them. Host Stacy Raine sits down with individuals who’ve faced uncommon, life-altering challenges to learn how it happened, why it mattered, and what it was really like.

🔔 Subscribe now so you don’t miss the episodes.

🌐 tellmewhatitslike.com

📸 @rainemediaco

🎧 A Raine Media Production

]]>4dcbe255-66c4-4394-a675-88a7b4abaffaWed, 21 May 2025 06:00:00 -040000:59falsetrailer