#1: A Mountain Rescue, Unexpected Help, and the Courage to Be Vulnerable

#9: 'Find Something Every Single Day That You Can Look Forward To'

What do a Journey song, a counselor's question, a mother's unconditional love, and a sunflower turning toward the sun have to teach us about resilience, purpose, mental health, and hope? In this episode, I talk with Kevin from Raleigh, North Carolina, about the experiences that shaped his life and calling — including being diagnosed with depression and an eating disorder at age 12, learning to "change the station" inside his mind, and discovering that our hardest chapters can sometimes become a way to help someone else. Kevin shares the story of a counselor who used music to help him understand that just because a negative thought enters your mind does not mean you have to agree with it. On the drive home from that session, Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" came on the radio — a song that has stayed with him ever since as a reminder of hope, healing, and forward motion. Along the way, Kevin reflects on the unconditional love of his mom, the professional counseling that helped save his life, the teacher who helped him believe he could write, the unexpected path that led him into motivational speaking, and the daily practices that help him keep choosing growth. He also speaks openly about adversity, purpose, parenthood, community, and the power of deciding who we want to become. In this episode, we explore: * The unconditional love Kevin received from his mother during a very difficult season * How music helped him understand the power of changing his thoughts * Why mental health conversations matter, especially for men and young people * The role of counseling, community, and daily practices in healing * How adversity can become a source of empathy and service * Why purpose is often connected to the people and opportunities placed in our path * The difference between hoping for change and deciding to change Sincere thanks to Lee Williams for his fantastic production of this and every episode of Perennial Pen. Reflection question: What difficult experience in your life might one day help you encourage someone walking through something similar? More about Kevin: Dr. Kevin C. Snyder's website: https://kevincsnyder.com/ [https://kevincsnyder.com/] Kevin's books include Paid to Speak, available on Amazon, along with his other books on speaking, personal growth, and sharing your message. Call to action: If you or someone you know has a meaningful, life-affirming story to share on Perennial Pen, email me at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com [nate@silvermaplestrategies.com]. I respond to every message personally!

#8: 'It Was Like I Hit A Wall, But Instead Of Falling Down, I Just Backed Up'

What happens when you reach the point where you know something has to change? In this episode, I talk with Jamin from Missouri about a recent turning point in her life—one that began with exhaustion, anxiety, and the feeling of hitting a wall, but gradually opened into healing, boundaries, purpose, and a renewed connection with the natural world. Jamin shares honestly about learning to say, "This is who I am," and about the role nature has played in helping her breathe, listen, reflect, and come home to herself. We also talk about her lifelong love of the outdoors, her work as an educator, the value of active listening, and a simple question that can help each of us think more clearly about why we're here. In this episode, we explore: * How Jamin recognized she had hit a wall and needed to make a change * Why getting help can be a brave and life-giving step * The freedom that comes from saying, "I'm not going to be anybody else" * How nature can help us slow down, breathe, and reconnect * Why active listening is one of the simplest ways to care for people * The one-word question Jamin uses to think about purpose Connect with Jamin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamin-bray-a09180272/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamin-bray-a09180272/] As always, sincere thanks to Lee Williams for producing this and every episode of the Perennial Pen podcast. Reflection question: If you had to describe your life's purpose in one word—and it had to be a noun—what would that word be? Call to Action: If you or someone you know has a meaningful, life-affirming story to share on Perennial Pen, email me at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com [nate@silvermaplestrategies.com]. I reply to every email personally! Want Help Preserving Your Loved One's Amazing Life Stories? Would you like help capturing someone special's amazing life stories? My wife, Julie, and I can help you do that! Learn more about our 90-day Perennial Pen engagement. [https://d5c7lq04.na1.hubspotlinksstarter.com/Ctc/ZX+113/d5c7LQ04/VVX2LB72060NW8Q0z917d-JycW7Pgndt5QXjhXN3Lg89s3m2nnW95jsWP6lZ3pBW47sRMB2vG8gRW4SVYqX7ZPVpmW8wFwV23TRPXcW7W_9tm3lnK6ZW6y_xlH75YFkwW1SW1xm2vJCqsN7yPRx9ZyNCpW5KS1-s8j647CW6VHwG-8qS-SGW72d9qH6LHzjfW685vyK6jfm5YW4gXmlj4kfMr2W6VwQQ22RxjgNW4DWvc86ckQFqW71MB1Q70tPwnW4MXqK254dylNN5Tldhb4ngbLW5zcMDb5bLZx4W62nClK811ylbW9fngpY2xRp0HW223_JT1rfTf6W5ZMWm04DWVFKW45BjTS3kJgYXW3wsj_482jGzYW6pCMpj6GyCp0W5vF6qB4h5FgkW1ytzs_5_3dH-W6rwzBy93WQT0W6PwMXt7VqDnLW210c693gBLT8f47SbPn04]

#7: Politics Professor: 'Science Does Not Make Us Change Our Ways of Behavior'

What stories shape the way we see the world — and what stories might help us build something better? In this episode, I talk with Ronnie, a self-described "recovering academic" from California, about science, politics, human behavior, sustainability, and the stories we tell ourselves about what is possible. Ronnie spent decades teaching and studying politics, energy, resources, and global systems, but over time, his thinking shifted from purely rational explanations toward a deeper appreciation for worldviews, imagination, power, emotion, and local action. This conversation does touch on politics, and Ronnie shares his viewpoint -- so skip if you so choose! But at its heart, this episode is about something much more personal and universal: how we make sense of the world, how we decide what to believe, and how we might begin moving toward a better future one small step at a time. Ronnie reminds us that facts and science can help us understand what is happening, but they do not automatically change how we live. For that, we need stories — stories strong enough to help us imagine a different future, and practical enough to help humanity take the next step forward. In this episode, we explore: * Ronnie's journey from physics and nuclear research to politics, sustainability, and local action * Why facts, logic, and data do not always explain human behavior * The power of stories, worldviews, and imagination in shaping public life * Why local projects can become meaningful models for broader change * How healthy skepticism can help us listen more carefully in an age of media, AI, and uncertainty * The challenge — and importance — of continuing to talk across differences Reflection question: What is one story you have been telling yourself about your life, your community, or the world — and what better future might you begin imagining instead with a more compelling story? More about Ronnie: Learn more about Ronnie's work on his UC Santa Cruz bio page: https://campusdirectory.ucsc.edu/cd_detail?uid=rlipsch Call to action: If you or someone you know has a meaningful, life-affirming story to share on Perennial Pen, email me at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com [nate@silvermaplestrategies.com]. I respond to every message personally!

#6: 'You Are Not Stuck Until You Stop'

What do a grandmother's red dress, a muddy river lot, and an old International Travelall have to teach us about confidence, hard work, connection, and legacy? In this episode, I talk with Amy from Iowa about the life lessons she learned from her grandparents — lessons that have shaped the way she leads, works, serves, and shows up for the people around her. Amy shares the story of her grandmother walking into a room in a red dress and teaching her that if you choose to be somewhere, you should know why you're there. She also tells the story of her grandfather teaching her how to "drive in the snow" on a muddy lot after a flood — and reminding her that you are not stuck until you stop. Along the way, Amy reflects on growing up as an introvert, learning to lead in agriculture, building trust in a family business, becoming a grandmother herself, and understanding that real connection is not just about whose name is in your book — it is about whose book you are in. In this episode, we explore: * The confidence and dignity Amy learned from her grandmother * Why it matters to know your purpose when you walk into a room * The power of keeping forward momentum when life swerves * What grandparents can offer through presence, support, and affirmation * How hard work, trust, and connection shape leadership * Why meaningful relationships are built through mutual care, not just networking Sincere thanks to Lee Williams for his fantastic production of this and every episode of Perennial Pen. Reflection question: Where in your life do you need to keep moving — even if the road is muddy or uncertain? More about Amy: Amy's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-asmus-78a1a241/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-asmus-78a1a241/] Asmus Farm Supply: https://www.afschem.com/ [https://www.afschem.com/] Call to action: If you or someone you know has a meaningful, life-affirming story to share on Perennial Pen, email me at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com [nate@silvermaplestrategies.com]. I respond to every message personally!

#5: Discover Your Narrative Worth: 'What Someone Will Say About You When You're Not in the Room'

In this episode, I talk with Toby from California about friendship, identity, aging, and the conversations that help us become more fully known. Toby introduces us to the Australian idea of mateship: the kind of trusted connection where someone has your back, listens without judgment, and offers honest perspective when you need it most. From there, we explore what Toby calls narrative worth—the fuller story of who we are beyond job titles, résumés, and the narrow ways we often introduce ourselves. These themes eventually led us into a poignant and practical conversation about aging, caregiving, planning ahead, and the hard-but-loving conversations families need to have before crisis arrives. Toby speaks honestly about turning 65, caring for a neurodivergent adult son, and thinking through how to prepare well for the people he loves. In this episode, we explore: * What "mateship" means and why trusted circles matter * How friendship can offer honest feedback without the usual family or workplace filters * Why your story is bigger than your title, résumé, or LinkedIn profile * Toby's idea of "narrative worth" and how you can use it to shape how you show up * How hidden parts of our lives can reveal meaningful strengths * The importance of planning ahead for aging, care, and family responsibility Reflection question: What part of your story have you kept hidden or minimized that might actually help others understand who you really are? Links and resources mentioned: * Connect with Toby on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobintrevarthen/]. * Learn more about Toby's work with narrative strategy at Spatial Shift [https://www.spatialshift.com/]. * Explore The DO Lectures [https://thedolectures.com/courses/], where Toby's international circle of friends first began connecting through writing and community. * Learn about The DO Lectures Micro Blog System [https://thedolectures.com/online-courses/micro-blog-system-online/], the writing course Toby mentions as part of how the group first formed. * Learn more about DO Loss [https://thedolectures.com/products/do-loss-a-new-way-to-move-through-change/], the book Toby references in connection with grief, loss, and moving through change. If you or someone you know has a meaningful, life-affirming story to share on Perennial Pen, email me at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com. Until next time, listen for what matters most.