You Are Not an Island: The Power of Letting Others Care for You (Part 9)

A New Chapter: Podcast Hiatus & Audiobook Narration Journey

After three years of storytelling, spoken word poetry, and reflections on creativity, grief, caregiver self-care, and healing, Let the Verse Flow is taking an extended hiatus as I transition more fully into audiobook narration. What started as a way to channel my creativity turned out to be intimately tied to the grief I felt over my mom's illness and passing. I've learned so much from podcasting -- personal revelations, how to use poetry and journaling to express my emotions, and technical audio production skills. But I most cherish the new connections I made with listeners who supported and guided the show.  Thank you for listening, sharing, and growing alongside me. This isn’t goodbye — it’s the beginning of a new chapter.  📧Sign up for my monthly note, Between the Lines, at jillhodgevo.com [https://jillhodgevo.com/between-the-lines/], and stay in touch: Instagram: jillhodgevo [https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/]💛💜.

Leave the World Better Than You Found It (Part 10)

In this episode, I reflect on my mother’s final life lesson (#10): the idea that we each can do our part to leave the world better than we found it. We can get granular in our thinking and understand the impact of small acts of kindness—attention, presence, and everyday compassion. My mom did it by getting to know people through a lens of discovery and acceptance.  Drawing from memories of my mother’s way of moving through the world in a way that honored an individual's intrinsic beauty and worth. I think we all learn something about the beautiful way she saw others, and consider how it helps amplify our impact and our intention to reduce harm, and contribute meaningfully through everyday interactions. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe. Songs in this episode:  Creepin by Ghost Beatz; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Poem:  Soft Feathers Related Episodes:  You Are Not an Island: The Power of Letting Others Care for You (Part 9) - Episode 72 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-9/] Start Before You’re Ready: Creative Courage and the Power of Experimentation (Part 8) - Episode 71 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-8/] The Healing Power of Touch - Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 7) - Episode 70 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-7/] Learn the Language of Nature — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 6) - Episode #69 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-6/] Being Hateful is Incompatible with Being Whole – Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 5) - Episode #68 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-5/] Giving Without Expectation – Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 4) - Episode #67 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-4/] Take Notice of Little, Beautiful Things — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 3) - Episode #66 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-3/] Recognize the Good in Others — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 2) – Episode #65 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-2/] Let People Know You Love Them — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 1) - Episode #64 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-1/] Art Appreciation for a Weary World - Episode 50 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/art-appreciation-for-a-weary-world/] Mother Teresa on Doing Small Things with Great Love - Episode 48 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/mother-teresa-doing-small-things-with-great-love/] Journal Prompts: 1. How might having a lens of discovery improve your personal relationships, friendships and social life? 2. Write about a small gesture or act of kindness that had a big impact on your life. 3. What do you want your legacy to be?  Recent Audiobooks narrated by Jill: Lessons in Cornbread: A Memoir of Rebuilding [https://www.audible.com/pd/Lessons-in-Cornbread-Audiobook/B0GYB2H275?qid=1777736923&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=4GT7TSMYRDDGF5P47SYP&plink=KKz6wjm11tgCjzHE&pageLoadId=PGgsMeeYH6RzXAIn&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1] Prayers for When Anxiety Won't Let Go: Scripture-Rooted Prayers for Calm, Clarity, and Peace in Overwhelming Moments [https://tinyurl.com/yx4p6nwt] Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/ [https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/] Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/] Let the Verse Flow is part of Jill Hodge’s voice actor and audiobook narration work. Learn more at jillhodgevo.com [https://www.jillhodgevo.com/].  I’m taking an extended hiatus from the show to pursue my audiobook narration and voiceover work. Thank you for joining me here on the podcast for the last three years. You can stay in touch (and I really hope you do) and follow my narration work and creative projects by signing up for my monthly note, Between the Lines, at jillhodgevo.com [https://jillhodgevo.com/between-the-lines/]. Now and always, may you stay on the bright side of

You Are Not an Island: The Power of Letting Others Care for You (Part 9)

We are not meant to get through life alone. In this episode, I share my mom’s ninth lesson: the importance of letting others take care of you.  Today's spoken word piece, one of my new favorites, is about how we aren't islands. Even if we don't recognize it, we don't live in a vacuum. We need connection; even when the world feels intrusive, and people are "too much to handle," we still need anchors in our lives. Those are the people we can really count on. The ones who truly care about our lives. Asking those people for help or letting them take care of you when you need it makes your life better – and gives their lives purpose. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe. Songs in this episode: Tea Time by Falls; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Poem:  I Am Not an Island Related Episodes:  Start Before You’re Ready: Creative Courage and the Power of Experimentation (Part 8) - Episode 71 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-8/] The Healing Power of Touch - Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 7) - Episode 70 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-7/] Learn the Language of Nature — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 6) - Episode #69 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-6/] Being Hateful is Incompatible with Being Whole – Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 5) - Episode #68 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-5/] Giving Without Expectation – Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 4) - Episode #67 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-4/] Take Notice of Little, Beautiful Things — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 3) - Episode #66 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-3/] Recognize the Good in Others — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 2) – Episode #65 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-2/] Let People Know You Love Them — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 1) - Episode #64 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-1/] Resources: Lucy the Elephant [https://lucytheelephant.org/] Journal Prompts: 1. Write about a time when a friend or family member took care of your needs. What did they do, and how did it make a difference? 2. Are you accepting of others taking care of you? Explore why you are or aren’t. 3. What new perspectives have you learned that you could have only gotten from letting someone else into your life? Recent Audiobooks Narrated by Jill: Lessons in Cornbread: A Memoir of Rebuilding [https://www.audible.com/pd/Lessons-in-Cornbread-Audiobook/B0GYB2H275?qid=1777736923&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=4GT7TSMYRDDGF5P47SYP&plink=KKz6wjm11tgCjzHE&pageLoadId=PGgsMeeYH6RzXAIn&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1] Prayers for When Anxiety Won't Let Go: Scripture-Rooted Prayers for Calm, Clarity, and Peace in Overwhelming Moments [https://tinyurl.com/yx4p6nwt] Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/ [https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/] Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/] Let the Verse Flow is part of Jill Hodge’s voice actor and audiobook narration work. Learn more at jillhodgevo.com [https://www.jillhodgevo.com/].  I’m taking an extended hiatus from the show to pursue my audiobook narration and voiceover work. Thank you for joining me here on the podcast for the last three years. You can stay in touch (and I really hope you do) and follow my narration work and creative projects by signing up for my monthly note, Between the Lines, at jillhodgevo.com [https://jillhodgevo.com/between-the-lines/]. Now and always, may you stay on the bright side of

Start Before You’re Ready: Creative Courage and the Power of Experimentation (Part 8)

Today's lesson (#8 in my 10-part series called "What My Mama Taught Me: 10 Life Lessons on Compassion, Creativity, and Courage”) is about starting before you are ready and having the courage to experiment and pursue the creative projects that interest you. Whenever I begin something new, I tend to research it thoroughly. But there comes a point when learning has to give way to doing. That’s where I found myself with audiobook narration. After nearly a year of coaching, I was told I was ready to audition and book my first projects. I was both terrified and excited. There were things I could only learn by actually doing the work—and each book would sharpen my skills in a way preparation alone couldn’t. So I started before I felt ready. And within a month, I booked two audiobooks. The first is now available, and the second is on the way. The process stretched me—recording, proofing, editing, and mastering—but it also accelerated my growth and confidence. Now it’s your turn. Press play on today’s episode, and consider what you might begin before you feel ready. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe. Songs in this episode: Quartz Stroll by Soulplusmind; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Poem:  The Bravesome Echo Resources: Juggler Francis Brunn [https://youtu.be/Jj6JcIy8WOo?si=md8Di0Rkr9K08W3C] Jill's Latest Audiobook: Prayers for When Anxiety Won't Let Go: Scripture-Rooted Prayers for Calm, Clarity, and Peace in Overwhelming Moments [https://tinyurl.com/yx4p6nwt] Related Episodes:  The Healing Power of Touch - Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 7) - Episode 70 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-7/] Learn the Language of Nature — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 6) - Episode #69 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-6/] Being Hateful is Incompatible with Being Whole – Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 5) - Episode #68 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-5/] Giving Without Expectation – Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 4) - Episode #67 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-4/] Take Notice of Little, Beautiful Things — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 3) - Episode #66 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-3/] Recognize the Good in Others — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 2) – Episode #65 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-2/] Let People Know You Love Them — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 1) - Episode #64 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-1/] Journal Prompts: 1. Who has stood in your corner when you’ve explored new creative paths? How did they help you move forward? 2. Write some words of encouragement you could tell yourself when you doubt your ability to learn a new skill or engage in a creative venture. 3. Write about a time when persistence and action resulted in a personal achievement. Can you apply that same energy to your current creative projects? Please subscribe & leave a review if you enjoyed today's episode.💜💛 Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/ Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com Let the Verse Flow is part of Jill Hodge’s voice actor and audiobook narration work. Learn more at jillhodgevo.com.  I’m taking an extended hiatus from the show to pursue my audiobook narration and voiceover work. Thank you for joining me here on the podcast for the last three years. You can stay in touch (and I really hope you do) and follow my narration work and creative projects by signing up for my monthly note, Between the Lines, at jillhodgevo.com [https://jillhodgevo.com/between-the-lines/]. Now and always, may you stay on the bright side of

Healing Thru Touch - Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 7)

My mom’s 7th life lesson was on the healing power of touch; the way simple, physical gestures like a hand on the chest, a stroke of the forehead, or a hug can calm the nervous system and communicate love without words. In this episode, we’ll explore how touch can regulate stress and anxiety through somatic practices, how early experiences with affection shape the way we give and receive love, and how the body, especially the gut, holds and communicates emotional truth. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe. Songs in this episode: Whatever Weather by Basket; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Poem:  Lemonade, It Flows Resources: 10 Somatic Exercises and Techniques for Anxiety: Expert-Approved [https://rickhanson.com/somatic-exercises-for-anxiety/] The Gut-Brain Connection [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/the-gut-brain-connection] Related Episodes:  Learn the Language of Nature — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 6) - Episode #69 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-6/] Being Hateful is Incompatible with Being Whole – Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 5) - Episode #68 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-5/] Giving Without Expectation – Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 4) - Episode #67 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-4/] Take Notice of Little, Beautiful Things — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 3) - Episode #66 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-3/] Recognize the Good in Others — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 2) – Episode #65 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-2/] Let People Know You Love Them — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 1) - Episode #64 [https://www.lettheverseflow.com/what-my-mama-taught-me-lesson-1/] Journal Prompts: 1. How do you like to be touched by your loved ones? Recall and write about the way a loved one's touch made your body (and mind) feel. 2. Would somatic practices help reduce your overthinking? Write a list of three ways you could explore somatic meditation when faced with anxiety or worry. 3. What has your gut been telling you about the current state of your work or home life? How might listening impact your future? Please subscribe & leave a review if you enjoyed today's episode.💜💛 Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/ Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com Let the Verse Flow is part of Jill Hodge’s voice actor and audiobook narration work. Learn more at jillhodgevo.com.  I’m taking an extended hiatus from the show to pursue my audiobook narration and voiceover work. Thank you for joining me here on the podcast for the last three years. You can stay in touch (and I really hope you do) and follow my narration work and creative projects by signing up for my monthly note, Between the Lines, at jillhodgevo.com [https://jillhodgevo.com/between-the-lines/]. Now and always, may you stay on the bright side of