#4: 'Life Is For You To Be Happy, And For The People Around You To Be Happy'

#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.

#4: 'Life Is For You To Be Happy, And For The People Around You To Be Happy'

In this episode, I visit with Nerma from Puerto Rico about entrepreneurship, motherhood, resilience, and the courage it takes to build a life that reflects what matters most to each of us. Nerma shares how becoming a mother led her to pursue entrepreneurship--not as a glamorous escape, but as a practical way to create flexibility, stability, and dignity for her family. Along the way, she learned hard lessons about leadership, mistakes, team building, and the responsibility of helping others pursue their dreams. What strikes me most about this conversation is Nerma's deep conviction that we already carry many of the tools we need. Her mother taught her resilience through hardship. A college professor reminded her to look inside of herself for everything she needed to be successful. And now, through her work with entrepreneurs, Nerma helps others see a path forward for themselves, their families, and their communities. We also talk about life in Puerto Rico (and what outsiders often misunderstanda about it), the richness of family culture, and how to reframe your definition of success by focusing on the quality of your life and the happiness you are building, rather than on someone else's standards. In this episode, we explore: * How motherhood shaped Nerma's path into entrepreneurship * Why mistakes are part of growth, not proof of failure * The responsibility of leading a team with humility and care * What Puerto Rico can teach us about family, place, and belonging * How parents can know if their efforts in raising their children are paying off * Why true success begins with knowing what makes you and your loved ones happy Reflection question: What definition of success are you living by right now—and is it truly your own? Learn more about Nerma: Connect with Nerma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nermaalbertorio/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nermaalbertorio/] Visit Nerma's website: https://nermaalbertorio.com/ [https://nermaalbertorio.com/] Call to action:If you or someone you know has a meaningful, life-affirming story to share on Perennial Pen, email Nate at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com [nate@silvermaplestrategies.com].

#3: 'Be Grateful For Every Day That You Have, Because You Never Know When It Might Be Your Last': Vietnam War Veteran Turned Boomer Comedian

In this episode, I talk with Jay, a Washington state-based Vietnam War veteran, longtime benefit auctioneer, entrepreneur, and comedian whose life has been shaped by gratitude, endurance, and the healing power of laughter. Jay shares the sobering lesson he learned as a young helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War: Every day is a gift, and none of us knows how much time we have. That experience has stayed with him ever since, and it eventually shaped the way he approached work, family, risk, service, and humor. We also talk about the unexpected school fundraising meeting that changed the direction of his career. What began as a simple effort to help his son's choir travel overseas became the start of a decades-long calling: helping nonprofits raise money with purpose, structure, and joy. What struck me most is how Jay connects courage and laughter. Whether he's talking about war, entrepreneurship, fundraising, or performing comedy for older adults, Jay always to a series of simple truths: Life is short, fear is real, and some of the best things in life are around the corner if we're only willing to let go. In this episode, we explore: * The life-changing lesson Jay learned as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam * Why gratitude can become a way of living, not just a feeling * How one school fundraiser became a turning point in Jay's career * What it means to "let go of the side of the pool" when fear is holding us back * Why humor helps people focus, connect, and feel alive * The importance of telling people what they mean to us while we still can Sincere thanks to Lee Williams for producing this and every episode of Perennial Pen (What Matters Most). Find Jay online: Boomer Comedian on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boomercomedian [https://www.youtube.com/@boomercomedian] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-fiske-0966a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-fiske-0966a/] MaestroSoft bio: https://www.maestrosoft.com/jay-fiske [https://www.maestrosoft.com/jay-fiske] Reflection question: Who is one person in your life you'd want to thank, encourage, or honor if you knew tomorrow wasn't guaranteed? (Bonus: Get going and say that thing to them - right now!) 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 message personally, and I'm always looking for amazing guests and stories to feature. Until next time, listen for what matters most.

#2: How to Achieve Your Lifelong Dream of Becoming an Author After Age 60

What happens when a childhood dream waits quietly for decades—and then finally gets its chance? In this episode, I talk with Mace from Missouri about writing, history, friendship, and the long road between wanting to do something meaningful as an author and finally beginning the journey. Mace grew up on a small farm in northeast Kansas, spent much of his career telling the stories of farm families and rural America, and later turned a sixth-grade dream of becoming an author into a new chapter of life after 60. We talk about the spark behind his historical fiction, the real-life people and places that inspired his books, and why stories from the past still have something to teach us today. Along the way, Mace shares a remarkable moment at a cemetery, the importance of friendship in shaping his work, and the simple but difficult truth that getting started is often the hardest part. In this episode, we explore: * The childhood dreams we carry with us for years * Why getting started can be the hardest step * How history helps us understand conviction, friendship, and human struggle * The role of rural life and farm families in Mace's storytelling * Why good characters sometimes begin to "tell" a writer where the story should go * The power of friendship to support the work we are called to do Reflection question: What is something you've wanted to do since childhood that might still be waiting for your attention? 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 message personally! Resources mentioned on this episode Mace Thornton's author site: https://www.macethornton.com/ [https://www.macethornton.com/] Book Links The Ghosts of Gumbo Flats https://www.macethornton.com/the-ghosts-of-gumbo-flats [https://www.macethornton.com/the-ghosts-of-gumbo-flats?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Freedman Kansas farmer Moses embarks on a dangerous journey to rescue his wife and children torn from him by slavery in this historical fiction novel about buried truths, loss, and loyalty set in the period after the Civil War. Jawbone Holler https://www.macethornton.com/jawbone-holler [https://www.macethornton.com/jawbone-holler?utm_source=chatgpt.com] A historical fiction novel that follows Perry Adams' difficult arrival in Kansas Territory, including the harsh frontier, conflict around slavery, and the dream of building a farm and family. West Bottoms https://www.macethornton.com/west-bottoms [https://www.macethornton.com/west-bottoms?utm_source=chatgpt.com] This a Depression-era Kansas City novel co-authored by Mace Thornton and Rogers Brazier features railroads, industry, crime, forged bonds, and corruption set in the city's bustling West Bottoms district.

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

What happens when a long-awaited mountain getaway turns into a 12-hour rescue in a snowstorm? In the first-ever episode of Perennial Pen: What Matters Most, I sit down with Brandy from South Carolina, whose family hiking trip to Mount LeConte in Tennessee became a harrowing test of endurance, trust, and vulnerability. After a peaceful weekend away from her role as a nonprofit CEO, Brandy suffered a serious leg injury on the way down the mountain. With a winter storm moving in, no reliable cell service, and miles of steep trail ahead, she and her husband had to keep moving while strangers, hikers, volunteers, park staff, and rescue workers stepped in to help. But for me, one of the most poignant parts of Brandy's story is the moment someone asked her, "Why will you not accept our help?" That question stayed with her, and in this episode, Brandy reflects on the strength it takes to ask for help, the vulnerability required to receive it, and the surprising goodness of strangers. Listen for a story about endurance, human kindness, leadership, vulnerability, and the small acts of courage that remind us what matters most in life. In this episode, we explore: * How an unplugged mountain weekend became an unexpected crisis * Why asking for help can feel so difficult, even when we clearly need it * The power of strangers who are willing to stop, notice, and serve * What vulnerability can teach us about leadership, family, friendship, and community * How small goals can help us move through overwhelming situations * How honest conversation can remind us we're not alone Reflection question: What's one area of your life where you could really use some help -- but you're afraid to ask for it? 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 message personally, and I'd be thrilled to feature your story! Until next time, listen for what matters most.