Get ready for a good one! The LAST episode of the season is here, and it is one that will hopefully inspire you to make a difference in your community. Jane Ruby, President of the League of Women Voters Chicago Chapter, joins us today to discuss what it means to be civically engaged. So many of us are feeling political fatigue, and Jane is here to help us understand how to navigate feelings of overwhelm and gain control of the impact we can have on our own communities. She shares ways in which we can get involved in local elections, how to talk to friends and family about voting, and how to approach this upcoming election season through an issues-based lens. Jane leaves us with a feeling of hopefulness that we often don't hear in the political realm these days, and I know I felt so inspired to see where I can engage within my local community. And no...your ears are not fooling you...we have brand new intro and outro music.

A HUGE thank you to all of you who have listened over the past 6 months. I cannot believe we got to this point, and I am forever grateful of every message, share, word of support, review, and follow. I can't wait to show you what Season 2 will bring!

Get ready to take some notes! Tammy (@coach_tammy.w), a running coach and small business owner, shares her journey through entrepreneurship and how she was able to turn her love of running into a business. Tammy does not shy away from the hurdles she had to overcome in starting her business (especially during Covid), but her desire to support athletes in their goals allowed her to overcome those initial doubts and challenges. Now, her business is both financially successful and is embedded in a strong community of runners! Her story is amazing and will no doubt inspire you to think even more about the passions in your life!

I'm so grateful that one of my closest friends joins us on the pod today to discuss his sober journey. Joe shares what led to his decision to live a sober life and how he overcame many initial challenges. He shares his gratitude for his family and friends and emphasizes the importance of a support system as he continues to navigate sobriety. If you or anyone you know is considering a different relationship with alcohol (raising my own hand!), this is the episode to spend some time with and to share.

If you are looking for resources to help you navigate your sobriety, here is a list:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA):
  • Website: https://www.aa.org/
  • AA offers information about their program, including the 12 steps, meeting locations, and resources for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.
• SMART Recovery:
  • Website: https://www.smartrecovery.org/
  • SMART Recovery offers online meetings, forums, tools, and resources based on cognitive-behavioral techniques to support recovery from addiction.
• In The Rooms:
  • Website: https://www.intherooms.com/
  • In The Rooms is an online platform that offers virtual support group meetings for individuals in recovery from addiction, as well as resources and community forums.
• Rethinking Drinking (for alcohol addiction):
  • Website: https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/
  • This website, created by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), offers tools and resources to help individuals assess their drinking habits and make positive changes.