NEW PODCASTS - Carrie Runnals and Marybeth Bond

I'm on the road right now (lovely storms over Milwaukee today, I was in a Beading show locked in the convention center!) and unfortunately the audio files for the newest podcast didn't travel quite so well. So, come back on Wed. evening when I'm sure we'll be back in business for the inspiring video with DEBI SILBER, the Mojo Coach. Get your Mojo Meter rising!

But, neverfear! We have posted two new and improved versions of previous podcasts. (The audio/intro were improved so it is much better listening - listen in to hear for yourself!) So, if you haven't heard them or if it has been a little while, come get some inspiring from these amazing girlfriend authors and experts:

* CARRIE RUNNALS - Founder of Words To Mouth, a website with book reviews and behind the scenes chats with great authors. Carrie is also one of the Diva Cast, a podcast with five, fun, fabulous, forty-something friends who share their lives and laughs with thousands of online girlfriends!

* MARYBETH BOND - Author of The Gusty Traveler and several other women's travel books talked with us on the growth of women's travel and fun ideas for girlfriend get-aways.

Listen in! And come back next week for Debi and her wellness plan that can make your life, health and mojo better!

Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast with SUZANNE GRACE-MAIDEN, Family Therapist and Relationship Podcaster

After listening to several episodes of TheDivaCast podcast, I knew interviewing the witty and energetic Suzanne would be fun. What I didn't know was that she has a heart-felt passion for her friends, and how she is an inspiration in what she does, the friendships she maintains and how she lives her life. I learned a lot from Suzanne (aka: Dear Zanny) and you will too in our new Girlfriendology podcast.

First, I'd like to introduce you to Suzanne. Suzanne says a resounding "YES" to the universe. She is high-energy, vivacious and funny. Wife, mother, girlfriend and Family Therapist, Suzanne juggles her career and family, as well as three positive, inspiring pocasts - TheDivaCast, Dear Zanny and InsytWorks.

Suzanne served five-years Active Duty Air Force in Europe during the cold war. She earned expert marksman status and was fondly dubbed by peers as "Barbie in Combat Boots." One of Suzanne's proudest achievements was logging solo hours in a Cessna. Even after tragically losing two close family members in bizarre circumstances, and battling a rare and deadly cancer, Suzanne stays optimistic. She not only sees herself as a cancer-survivor, but someone who truly lives and moves forward without limitation or fear.

After convalescing from cancer, Suzanne earned an M.A. in Counseling and currently practices as a Family Therapist. She hosts "Dear Zanny" - the first relationship advice podcast. Suzanne is married to the producer of both, TheDivaCast and InsytWorks. Together, they share their adoration for their beloved 11 year-old son. She lives life to the fullest - and you'll hear that passion come through her voice in all her podcasts!

Every person in this world is a lesson. Some teach us little things like how to sew or pick the best melon. Others teach us huge life lessons like how to be a better friend or how we can live a more responsible lifestyle. With Suzanne, the lessons are powerful and positive. And, with passion and purpose she builds into her family and friends - which alone is a great lesson.

A few things I learned from Suzanne:

* WE NEED GIRLFRIENDS - While I believe that, Suzanne, as an educated Therapist KNOWS that. She knows it not only from experience (example: the wonderful women who helped her deal with cancer) but she also knows it from the training and education she received to become a Therapist. It was confirming to hear how much emphasis she puts on friendships for her patients. She even weighs friendships into their diagnosis and treatment. It's THAT important.

* LIVE WITH PASSION AND PURPOSE - Suzanne has a zest for life that started long before she dealt with cancer. She was a soldier, pilot and adventurer. Then, she survived cancer and became a 'take on the universe' kind-of woman! To me, that's a great reminder to focus on the important things in life - loving people, making life better for others, etc. Suzanne 'gets' this!

* TURN ENERGY INTO GOOD THINGS - Suzanne could easily come home after a day of helping others in her daily Therapist practice, and just stop there. Instead, she invests her time in helping others. In addition to being a mother and wife, she is dedicated to her girlfriends and to others. Her three podcasts all provide positive, purpose-driven encouragement - through laughter and 'girlfriend time' on TheDivaCast, in giving advice on Dear Zanny or by sharing helpful insight on InsytWorks.

* HAVE FUN ALONG THE WAY - We talked to Suzanne after a relaxing trip to Aruba with her husband. Together they recorded several podcasts on the beach with an 'umbrella drink' in hand. Sure, they did some work but it was much more fun together in a wonderful place. Enjoy the little stuff. Don't take yourself too seriously. Make life fun. We only get one, so have fun along the way!

Thanks Suzanne (aka: Dear Zanny) for your wonderful perspective and thoughts on the psychological need for girlfriends on our podcast interview. You offered inspiring insight and contagious enthusiasm! Listen in to Suzanne on her podcasts and the Girlfriendology interview. You'll be glad you 'met' Suzanne! (Live your life with passion too!)

p.s. Contact 'Dear Zanny' with your relationship questions and comments! Suzanne would love to hear from you at 678-884-0524 or zanny(at)dearzanny.com. Thanks Girlfriends!