Episode 23: Jocelyn Challas - From Empty Nest to Film Set

Episode 24 - Grace and Resilience Look Like This

In this deeply personal episode of She Fascinates Me, I sit down with my mom for a conversation that is equal parts family history, love story, and reflection on resilience. Together, we revisit her memories of moving to the United States as a little girl, learning a new language, embracing a new culture, and building a life she could never have imagined. We talk about the excitement of marrying young, missing her new husband during his deployment to Vietnam, raising our family while my dad worked tirelessly to build a business, and the moments that, looking back, became the foundation of an extraordinary life. As she reflects on those experiences—and on facing Parkinson’s today with the same grace, strength, and optimism that have always defined her—I found myself not only fascinated by my mom, but by the beautiful partnership she and my dad have shared through every chapter of their lives. This episode is about family, courage, perseverance, and the quiet ways love carries us through life’s biggest changes. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I loved having this conversation with her.

Episode 23: Jocelyn Challas - From Empty Nest to Film Set

What if reinvention didn’t require a plan—just a little curiosity?In this episode, I sit down with my friend Jocelyn Challas, who embraced empty nesting in the most unexpected way… by stepping onto film and television sets as a background artist. With no prior acting aspirations, Jocelyn simply decided to try something new—and found herself immersed in a world most of us only see on screen. From early call times to long hours of waiting, she shares what it’s really like behind the scenes, the surprising rhythm of set life, and the quiet thrill of being part of the action. We talk about what it means to step into someone else’s shoes for a day, the joy of doing something purely for the experience, and the unexpected fulfillment that can come from saying yes to something just because it sounds fun. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most fascinating paths are the ones you never planned to take. Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts—and if you haven’t yet, be sure to subscribe on YouTube. New episodes drop weekly.

Episode 22 - Holly Horwege: A Trés Chic Fashion Startup - at 42!

She’s incredibly kind, beautiful, stylish, and has that unmistakable energy of someone who is going to be successful at whatever she touches. In this episode, I sit down with Holly Horwege in the early days of building her brand, The Maison Marie—and it’s a conversation that feels as exciting as it is insightful. After years of loving the ease and affordability of clothing rental, Holly recognized something was missing—and almost overnight, the vision for The Maison Marie came to her. What’s most striking is what happened next: she didn’t sit on the idea. She moved. Quickly and decisively, putting the pieces in place and stepping fully into the lifestyle of building a startup in her 40s. With the support of her entrepreneur husband, she’s in it—fully—and we talk candidly about what that actually looks like. The pace, the sacrifices, the constant decision-making, and the confidence it takes to enter a space with already well-established competitors and still believe there’s room for something new. It’s an honest look at the realities of starting something from scratch—but also a glimpse into a brand that already feels incredibly special.I feel genuinely privileged to share Holly—and her story—with you.

Episode 21 - The Strength of a Mother Raising a Child with Special Needs” - Margaret Martin

In this episode, I talk with attorney Margaret Martin about motherhood, identity, and the realities of raising a child with complex needs. I’ve always deeply admired parents of children with special needs—and wanted to better understand. I am in awe of the way parents expand to meet extraordinary challenges - how they come together as family and find the beauty in all of it.  Margaret brings incredible honesty to that experience—sharing what it really looks like day to day, and how it reshapes your life in ways both difficult and meaningful.

Episode 20 - Kim Paterick: I met a stranger in Paris… and said yes.

While traveling solo In Paris for four days I was strolling the boutiques in Saint Germaine for a while before my dinner reservation. I enjoy dining alone and I was looking forward to an authentic traditional French meal at the Alain Ducasse restaurant, Allard. What started as a table for one turned into an unforgettable night — the kind that feels cinematic in the moment and even more meaningful in hindsight. From wandering into a jewelry shop as it closed to sharing dinner at the iconic Chez Allard, this is a story about connection, spontaneity, and the magic of being open to the unexpected. In this episode of She Fascinates Me, I sit down with Kim Paterick — a flight attendant whose life is built around movement, chance encounters, and the spaces in between destinations. We talk about: • What it really feels like to live a life constantly in motion • The realities behind the glamour of being a flight attendant • Navigating jet lag, delays, and exhaustion — without losing the joy • Why saying “yes” can lead to the most meaningful connections • How one spontaneous decision in Paris turned into a lasting friendship What struck me most is that despite the fatigue, the unpredictability, and the inconveniences of travel, Kim never lets it take away from the pleasure of her job — or the beauty of the moments in between.This conversation is a reminder that magic doesn’t just live in places like Paris — it lives in people, in openness, and in the willingness to lean into the moment.