Episode 50: The Art and Science of Gathering

Episode 53: Life, Meaning & The Art Of Leisure

Summary: In this episode, I reflect on why so many of us feel mentally exhausted and disconnected, even when life seems full. Inspired by a podcast conversation about meaning and happiness, I talk about our obsession with productivity, the importance of slowing down, and the small everyday experiences that help us feel more grounded, connected, and present. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 🎧 Podcasts The Good Life Project: Arthur Brooks: Meaning in Midlife & Beyond [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/arthur-brooks-meaning-in-midlife-beyond/id647826736?i=1000757464301] Am I Doing it Wrong? Practical Tips For Gratitude That Could Change Your Life [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/practical-tips-for-practicing-gratitude-that-could/id1707391801?i=1000756130397] (with Dr. Laurie Santos) 📚 Books The Meaning Of Your Life: Finding Purpose In An Age Of Emptiness [https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TV7V9SOK9ESU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XCzDKMjRsC8n4CrdvJkWRQAzn0Lv3IhP3q19FQGHhTyH5kYVIIQlaHuYJ1Mio2wCCORZD16ANCGEPLCL3jDaONRpCwC9P7ScmiCZFywl0kVrD0lvzRDQ00219i_KDjKSgITmrKGVPDS9JAtKyU174NKaqwH55_HQab3QMTE7VMG_3RMzvbiq9aHVhEf-MUR3LROoLEnTIti_7YaWPnbhmgbduIJ_-hQtiXFvi5jpyio.rSfHybEop_m1NbguXfeYxYL8WwSKrv39LgA14Z8w_Fc&dib_tag=se&keywords=Arthur+Brooks+books&qid=1778454043&sprefix=arthur+brooks+books%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-1] by Arthur C. Brooks 🌟 Let’s Connect: * Instagram: @virginia.markman [https://www.instagram.com/virginia.markman] * Facebook: @virginiacrablemarkman [https://www.facebook.com/virginiacrablemarkman]

Episode 52: Copper Canyons, Cenotes, and Everything In Between!

Summary: This episode takes you on a journey across Mexico, from the rugged beauty of the north to the lush landscapes of the Yucatán. I share stories, food, and cultural highlights, along with a deeper reflection on how travel allows us to step away, not just physically but mentally, and create space for clarity, connection, and perspective. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 🍽️ Restaurants Dos Aguas [https://www.instagram.com/p/C05NDZpJ197/]- Chihuahua, Chihuahua Kuuk Restaurante [https://www.kuukrestaurant.com/]- Mérida Raza [https://www.instagram.com/p/DLnnIFNJVXP/?img_index=1]- Mérida Where to eat, stay, and play in Mérida, the Yucatán Peninsula's Inland Gem [https://www.cntraveler.com/story/where-to-eat-stay-play-merida-mexico]- Condé Nast Traveler 📍 Attractions Hotel El Mirador [https://hotelmirador.mx/]- Divisadero, Chihuahua  Posada Hidalgo [https://www.instagram.com/hotelposadadelhidalgo/]- El Fuerte, Sinaloa Trasmuro Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/p/C-YnoEQOEH2/]: Where we stayed in Merida Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1kdhelM-CU&t=154s] Parque Barrancas [https://parquebarrancas.com/]- Divisadero, Chihuahua  El Chepe Express [https://chepe.mx/ruta-de-chepe-express-nota/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21202571957&gbraid=0AAAAADAQ8_wPrw2Bii6Ru0jlIbHozw0kW&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-pHPBhCdARIsAHXYWP986ZZTIqGtMfTrcOBuI5JEIcAlJ2v8Lh9tNAQnDia4LFRLaMVt0j4aAvJWEALw_wcB] Zona Arqueológica de Uxmal [https://www.inah.gob.mx/zonas/110-zona-arqueologica-de-uxmal] Tekit [https://escapadas.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/que-hacer-en-tekit/]- Capital de la Guayabera Celestún [https://www.casaloltun.com/goto/celestun#:~:text=Yes%20%E2%80%93%20Celest%C3%BAn%20is%20one%20of,and%20local%20fishing%20village%20charm.]-Beach and Mangroves Cenote y Hacienda Mucuyche [https://cenoteshaciendamucuyche.com/] 🌟 Let’s Connect: * Instagram: @virginia.markman [https://www.instagram.com/virginia.markman] * Facebook: @virginiacrablemarkman [https://www.facebook.com/virginiacrablemarkman]

Episode 51: Life Lately + Getting into Travel Mode

Summary: This episode includes a personal catch-up on life lately, including reflections on routines, caregiving, and finding balance. I share a few good Netflix series and podcast recommendations, then wrap up with a preview of our upcoming trip to Mexico’s Copper Canyon and the Yucatan Peninsula. It is a trip that we’’ve been looking forward to for months. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 📚 Books * The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark * Heartburn by Nora Ephron 📺 Netflix & TV * The Beast in Me * Black Rabbit * The Big C 📰 Article * The 30 Best TV Shows on Netflix Right Now [https://www.nytimes.com/article/best-tv-shows-netflix.html] – The New York Times 🎧 Podcasts * The Good Hang – Amy Poehler (episode with Claire Danes) [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/claire-danes/id1795483480?i=1000746838748] * Don’t Listen to Us [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dont-listen-to-us-with-mandy-patinkin-and-kathryn-grody/id1843434762] – Mandy Patinkin, Kathryn Grody & Gideon Grody-Patinkin * Happier – Gretchen Rubin & Elizabeth Craft “One-Day Reads episode” [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-573-do-you-avoid-failure-rejection-plus-the-joy/id969519520?i=1000749206022] * The Good Life Project – Jonathan Fields  “Gretchen Rubin on the Empty Nest” [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-an-empty-nest-the-open-door-strategy/id647826736?i=1000752496450] * A Slight Change of Plans [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-slight-change-of-plans/id1561860622] – Maya Shankar * The Happiness Lab – Dr. Laurie Santos “How to Stop Work From Taking Over Your Life” [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-stop-work-from-taking-over-your-life/id1474245040?i=1000755151548] 🌟 Let’s Connect: * Instagram: @virginia.markman [https://www.instagram.com/virginia.markman] * Facebook: @virginiacrablemarkman [https://www.facebook.com/virginiacrablemarkman]

Episode 50: The Art and Science of Gathering

In Episode 50, I reflect on my first-quarter goals—cooking more, being present with my dad, and intentionally creating social connection. From experimenting with new recipes inspired by Ina Garten to hosting our annual wine tasting inspired by The Art of Gathering, this episode explores how meaningful routines, shared meals, and thoughtful gatherings can bring a sense of little-p purpose to everyday life. ✨ Mentioned in This Episode 🎧 Podcasts * Life Kit by NPR * How to Set Resolutions You Can Actually Keep (feat. Gretchen Rubin) [https://www.npr.org/2026/01/01/nx-s1-5661536/how-to-set-resolutions-youll-actually-keep] * How to Build a Village (feat. Priya Parker) [https://www.npr.org/2026/01/06/nx-s1-5667582/how-to-build-a-village] * The Mel Robbins Podcast * Stop Wasting Time-(feat. Laura Vanderkam) [https://podcasts.apple.com/mx/podcast/stop-wasting-your-time-the-scientific-way-to-stop/id1646101002?i=1000747252305] * The Happiness Lab * How to Find your Purpose (feat. Jordan Grumet) [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-lab-with-dr-laurie-santos/id1474245040] 📚 Books  * Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten * The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker * The Purpose Code by Jordan Grumet * 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam 🍳 Just a Few Recipes * Creamy Corn Soup Recipe [https://natashaskitchen.com/carrot-soup/] * Anthony Bourdain’s Favorite Sandwich! [https://www.tiktok.com/@eleonoretoulin/video/7579775074249592078] * Pasta Fajioli Stanley Tucci’s Favorite Soup [https://www.tiktok.com/@heresyourbite/video/7556783732540050743] 🌟 Let’s Connect: * Instagram: @virginia.markman [https://www.instagram.com/virginia.markman] * Facebook: @virginiacrablemarkman [https://www.facebook.com/virginiacrablemarkman]

Episode 49 Aged to Perfection: My Dad on Wine (and Life)

In this episode I interview my dad, Dr. John E. Crable, tracing how his love of wine began in Washington, D.C., in 1959. From Madame Marie’s French dinners to embassy liquor stores, Air Force travels, and shared meals with friends, he learns to taste, collect, and build a cellar— and he's still exploring new regions today.