The letstalkaboutlovestoriesfromeverywhereaudioonly’s Podcast

Episode 55: Not My Job Anymore: Margie Benedict on Reinvention, Late-Life Love, Divorce, Creativity, and Finding Joy Again

What happens when, after decades of marriage, motherhood, and putting everyone else first, a woman finally asks herself: What about my joy?
In this deeply honest and inspiring episode of Stories from Everywhere, Jill L. Ferguson reconnects with longtime friend, former workshop student, software engineer, screenwriter, and bestselling indie author Margie Benedict for a powerful conversation about creativity, courage, divorce after 40+ years, and the unexpected possibility of love later in life.
Margie’s story is anything but ordinary. From writing software for Apple’s early Macintosh computers to award-winning screenplays, fantasy trilogies, and now her newest novel Not My Job Anymore—a senior love story inspired by her own life—Margie shares how she reinvented herself multiple times by following one constant: the need to create.
Together, Jill and Margie dive into:
The “death by a thousand paper cuts” reality of emotionally unfulfilling marriages
Why many women stay too long, and what finally changes
How grief, mortality, and turning 65 became catalysts for transformation
The physical toll of unhappiness and why the body often knows before the mind admits it
Navigating divorce later in life
Online dating in your 60s (and why it may be worth the leap)
Finding a true partner after believing that chapter might be over
Writing stories that give hope to women who fear it’s too late to begin again
This episode is a moving reminder that reinvention has no expiration date, and that life after heartbreak can still hold creativity, companionship, healing, and joy.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to change your life, Margie Benedict’s story offers a resounding answer: absolutely not.

Episode 54: From Brisbane to the Philippines: Fiona Kesby on Ethical Leadership, Global Growth, AI, and Building a Life Without Regret

What happens when a single mother says yes to a bold opportunity, moves her daughters across the world, helps scale a company from 20 employees to more than 1,200, and refuses to sacrifice ethics for profit?
In this inspiring episode of Stories from Everywhere, Jill L. Ferguson sits down with Fiona Kesby, Australian-born entrepreneur, global business leader, and co-founder of GoTeam in the Philippines, or a conversation that spans continents, leadership, love, reinvention, and the courage to challenge conventional wisdom.
Fiona shares how what was supposed to be a short-term move to Southeast Asia became an extraordinary life journey: raising her daughters abroad, helping transform the outsourcing industry through transparency and human-centered values, and leading through crisis after losing half her business overnight during COVID only to rebuild stronger than before.
Together, Jill and Fiona explore:
How ethical outsourcing can empower workers instead of exploiting them
Why AI should amplify human potential, not replace it
Fiona’s powerful ACE framework for thriving in the age of AI: agility, articulation, critical thinking, creativity, and empathy
Building a workplace culture rooted in love, abundance, and dignity
The mindset shift that helped Fiona create success not only in business, but in love later in life
Why “If you can dream it, you can create it” applies to relationships just as much as entrepreneurship
This is a deeply honest conversation about leadership, motherhood, reinvention, global citizenship, and refusing to let fear—or outdated social expectations—dictate your life.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can build a meaningful career, create a life on your own terms, or find love without shrinking yourself, Fiona’s story is proof that you can.

Episode 53: Blue Burros, Bold Moves, and Becoming: Sarah Givens on Art, Adventure, and Reinvention

What happens when a lifelong explorer, aspiring novelist, donkey artist, and creative late bloomer sits down to talk about travel, reinvention, and the courage to keep becoming? In this heartfelt and often hilarious episode of Stories from Everywhere, Jill L. Ferguson chats with writer, artist, and adventurer Sarah Givens about building a life fueled by curiosity rather than convention.
From flying first class as a Delta wife to road-tripping Costa Rica, falling in love with Mexico City, creating a colorful “donkey lady” art identity in Baja, and starting over in Long Beach, Sarah shares how every move, challenge, and creative leap shaped her. She opens up about learning new skills later in life—from painting and woodburning to writing her first novel about friendship, aging, and dogs—while reflecting on why growth, art, and asking for what you want matter more than fame.
This episode is a celebration of second acts, soulful travel, artistic courage, and the beauty of embracing change—even when it means moving countries, reinventing yourself, or becoming known as the woman who paints blue burros. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to create, explore, or begin again, Sarah’s story is your reminder that life expands when you do.

Episode 52: Love, Choice, and the Stories That Shape Us with Domenic Tamborriello

What if love isn’t something you find once, but something you choose, nurture, and rediscover every single day?
In Episode 52 of Stories from Everywhere, Jill L. Ferguson sits down with therapist, social worker, men’s group leader, and lifelong bridge-builder Domenic Tamborriello for a deeply insightful conversation about relationships, masculinity, healing, and the stories we tell ourselves that shape our lives. From his unforgettable “first marriage counseling session” at just six years old to decades of work helping couples, men, and families navigate love and fear, Domenic shares hard-won wisdom with warmth, humor, and remarkable clarity.
Together, Jill and Domenic explore why men are often taught to internalize emotion, how language like “should” can quietly imprison us, why commitment is less about obligation and more about choosing “the struggle,” and how making your partner feel loved every day can transform a relationship. Domenic’s perspective—shaped by civil rights activism, feminism, social work, and decades of counseling—offers refreshing insights into communication, gender, emotional freedom, and what it really means to stay awake in love.
This episode is packed with memorable ideas, including:
Why “there’s so much less to be afraid of than you think”
The difference between “have to” and “get to” How words shape thought—and thought shapes reality
Why marriage should never feel like prison
The power of seeing your partner with fresh eyes, again and again
Wise, compassionate, and thought-provoking, this conversation is an invitation to rethink not only how we love others, but how we live with ourselves.

Episode 51: What Does It Mean to Create Something That Lasts, Something Worth Sacrifice, Risk, And Relentless Curiosity?

In this compelling episode of Stories from Everywhere, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with filmmaker and writer Micah Groenevelt, a rising creative force whose journey into filmmaking began with backyard experiments and evolved into award-winning work, an Emmy nomination, and an ambitious feature film now in development. 
Micah shares the unvarnished reality of building a creative career, from shooting weddings and real estate videos to navigating the business side of storytelling and ultimately rediscovering his passion during the uncertainty of the pandemic. What emerges is a powerful conversation about persistence, creative identity, and the courage to pivot when something no longer feels aligned.
At the heart of the episode is Starfish, Micah’s deeply original sci-fi drama that uses cloning and memory integration not as spectacle, but as a lens to explore love, grief, and identity. The film asks a haunting question: if you could bring someone back, should you—and who would they become? Beneath the science fiction lies an intimate story about family, responsibility, and the emotional complexities of being human. 
This conversation goes beyond filmmaking. Micah dives into the mindset required to pursue meaningful work, why stamina and curiosity matter more than talent, how intuition often outperforms overthinking, and what it really takes to balance creativity with the demands of production, funding, and distribution. He also reflects on the philosophy behind his work: creating stories that are not only thought-provoking, but ultimately redemptive and hopeful.
From the realities of indie film financing to the deeper question of what you would sacrifice for your craft, this episode is a thoughtful exploration of passion, discipline, and the pursuit of something greater than yourself.
Whether you’re a writer, filmmaker, entrepreneur, or simply someone chasing a creative calling, this episode offers both inspiration and a grounded look at what it takes to turn vision into reality.

Episode 50: What Does It Really Mean to Lead With Purpose, With Empathy, and With a Commitment to Service?

In this episode of Stories from Everywhere, Jill L. Ferguson sits down with Christina Clark, president of La Roche University, for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about leadership, education, and the unexpected paths that shape a life.
Christina didn’t set out to become a university president. In fact, her journey began with a love of teaching, a childhood shaped by a military family, and formative experiences living abroad, including eye-opening years in the Philippines that challenged her understanding of culture, privilege, and identity. From struggling through Latin and Greek to working her way up from receptionist to credit analyst, Christina’s story is one of persistence, curiosity, and stepping up when it matters most.
Together, Jill and Christina explore:
What a university president actually does day-to-day, and why it’s far more human than most people think
The power of great (and terrible) teachers in shaping a life
How global experiences at a young age can transform perspective
The tension between career, family, and purpose and how to navigate it
Why higher education must evolve to truly prepare students for the real world
The importance of vocation, values, and building a meaningful life, not just a successful one
At its core, this conversation is about choosing to be part of the solution. Christina shares how a simple realization—you don’t have to just complain; you can lead—changed the trajectory of her life and continues to guide her work today.
This is an episode for anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re on the “right” path, or if it’s time to step into something bigger.

Episode 49: What Happens When You Say Yes to Something You’re Sure You’re Not Good At?

In this episode of Stories from Everywhere, Jill L. Ferguson sits down with Trish Azar, children’s book author, estate sale business owner, world traveler, and proud dog mom to the unforgettable Lola, for a conversation about creativity, courage, and stepping outside your comfort zone.
Trish never planned to write a book. In fact, she was convinced she couldn’t. But one small nudge to join a writing group set off a chain reaction that led to her upcoming children’s book series, The Adventures of Lola, inspired by her confident (and slightly diva-like) Pomeranian. What began as discomfort turned into joy, creativity, and an entirely new direction in life. 
But that’s just one chapter of Trish’s story.
From traveling the world for work to living in Turkey during COVID lockdowns, to building a business that helps families navigate loss through estate sales, Trish shares how every unexpected turn has shaped her perspective and her purpose.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
How trying something “you’re bad at” can unlock hidden talents
The surprising difficulty (and magic) of writing children’s books
Building a brand and a following through joyful, creative social media
What estate sales reveal about people, memory, and the stories we leave behind
Life lessons from living abroad and connecting across cultures
The unexpected power of a dog to inspire confidence, kindness, and storytelling
Why movement, play, and presence (hello, pickleball!) can quiet the noise in your mind
At its heart, this episode is about reinvention, about discovering that you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. Sometimes, the best things in life start with: “I’m not good at this… but I’ll try anyway.”

Episode 48: Pressure, Purpose, and People: From Football Fields to Fundraising with George Barron

What do football, fundraising, reggae music, and champion show dogs have in common? For George Barron, Vice President of Advancement at La Roche University, a small Catholic university near Pittsburgh, they all come down to one thing: thriving under pressure and building meaningful relationships.
In this engaging and often surprising conversation, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with George to explore his unconventional journey from “majoring in football” to leading advancement efforts in higher education. Along the way, George shares how mentorship changed the course of his life, why he believes pressure is a privilege, and how a single question helped him refocus his future.
You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories from his time in nonprofit leadership, his experiences as a percussionist playing alongside nationally recognized artists, and how music shaped the way he learns and thinks. And just when you think the conversation couldn’t take another turn, George dives into the world of dog showing—complete with championship ambitions, breed insights, and an unforgettable raccoon encounter.
But at the heart of it all is a powerful message: success isn’t about transactions; it’s about trust. Whether raising funds, mentoring a team, or connecting with others, George reminds us that people and relationships still matter most.
This episode is a rich blend of humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom you won’t want to miss. 

Episode 47: Passion, Purpose, and the Power of Education with Marcos Redondo

What does endurance running, Cuban heritage, servant leadership, and the future of education have in common?
In this inspiring episode of Stories from Everywhere, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with Marcos Redondo, President of Zenith Prep Academy, for a conversation that explores the power of passion, perseverance, and authentic learning.
Marcos shares the remarkable journey that shaped his life—from overcoming childhood obesity through marathon and ultra-distance running to building a career devoted to education and helping students discover their true passions. Along the way, he recounts unforgettable moments: running hundreds of miles for charity, meeting his future wife while buying a baby stroller for a race, and how endurance sports became both a meditation and a metaphor for life.
The conversation also dives into Marcos’s Cuban-American roots and the complex emotions many immigrant families hold about their homeland. He reflects on identity, opportunity, and why education has always been central to his mission—an influence that began with his mother, a teacher who showed him how learning can change lives.
As president of Zenith Prep Academy, Marcos is helping reshape how students prepare for college and careers. Instead of “checking boxes” for admissions, Zenith focuses on helping young people identify their authentic interests and build meaningful experiences around them. The company now works with students as early as fifth grade, and its growing programs—including partnerships connected to the United Nations—aim to empower the next generation with both purpose and global awareness.
Marcos also discusses leadership, speaking at the World Economic Forum, preparing students for an AI-driven future, and why he believes passion—not prestige—is the real key to long-term success.
This episode is a powerful reminder that the most meaningful journeys—whether in running, education, or life—don’t really have finish lines.
Listen in for a conversation about resilience, authenticity, and helping the next generation discover who they truly are.

Episode 46: The Healing Power of Sound with Nav Kaur

What if the sounds you hear could help rewire your brain, calm your nervous system, and unlock your body’s ability to heal?
In this fascinating episode of Stories from Everywhere, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with sound healing practitioner and founder of Sound Ascent, Nav Kaur, to explore the science, and the deeply personal journey, behind sound therapy and brainwave entrainment. 
Blending ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience, Nav explains how specific sound frequencies can shift brainwave states, helping people move from stress and overthinking into calmer, more creative, and restorative states. From supporting post-operative patients and individuals in recovery programs to helping high-performing professionals and athletes sharpen focus and decision-making, sound medicine is emerging as a powerful tool for emotional regulation and neurological health.
But Nav’s work isn’t just professional—it’s personal. After experiencing a neurological health challenge during a high-stress healthcare career, she returned to the meditation and sound practices she had learned earlier in life. The results changed everything and led her to create Sound Ascent, a company dedicated to bringing evidence-based sound healing to individuals, institutions, and communities. 
In this episode, Jill and Nav discuss:
How sound frequencies influence brainwaves and nervous system regulation
The surprising role sound therapy plays in clinical and rehabilitation settings
Why visualization and repetition can reshape the brain
The connection between energy, emotions, and the stories we tell ourselves
Practical tools—from meditation apps to frequency-based sound sessions—that anyone can use to improve focus, creativity, and well-being
Along the way, Nav shares insights from her work as a neuro coach, trauma-informed practitioner, and mother, offering a thoughtful reminder that healing often begins with small shifts in awareness.
If you’ve ever been curious about meditation, brainwave science, or the growing field of sound medicine, this episode opens the door to a fascinating intersection of science, wellness, and human potential.
🎧 Tune in and discover how sound, something we encounter every day, may hold the key to calmer minds, clearer thinking, and deeper healing.