Your Most Precious Thing

Andrea Luce - A Relic From A Time Long Ago

TW: Mentions of child death Quick historical note: I got The Great Migration and the Westward Expansion confused in this episode, so just as a heads up, when you hear references to the Great Migration in this episode, we are technically talking about Westard Expansion because that more accurately describes the time period that Andrea's family lived through. Andrea Luce does fundraising at a small local nonprofit that does taxes for low and moderate-income individuals. In her spare time, she is a facilitator at a mental health support group and volunteers by encouraging reading for elementary school kids. Outside of that she still reads the newspaper and is always listening to the newest dark techno beat that she can find. During this episode, you will hear Andrea talk about: * How she came in possession of a unique part of her family's past * Her family's connection to the history of the Westward Expansion * How she plans to keep the story of her family alive for the next generation * The importance of knowing your family's stories to pass them along You can follow Andrea on her Instagram at @whiskfern [https://www.instagram.com/whiskfern/]. You can follow me at @claudiahenock on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/claudiahenock/] and Twitter [https://twitter.com/claudiahenock] and Claudia Henock on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-rose-henock/]. Check out the transcript for this episode here! [https://claudiahenock.com/2024/02/17/andrea-luce-a-relic-from-a-time-long-ago/] You can also follow You Most Precious Thing through my official website [http://claudiahenock.com/], in addition to anywhere, you listen to your podcasts! Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com [https://www.silvermansound.com] *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Your Most Precious Things Episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

Gail Piner - A Pitcher from a Good Mother

Gail Piner is a retired academic who is finally pursuing the career she thought she'd have when she was twelve. She doesn't recommend waiting as long as she did to pursue your dreams. Gail is interested in strong women, resilience, and the humor and hope that can help us get through difficult times. Her first novel, A High Courage, is about all those topics and is based on the best example she has known personally—her grandmother. Gail lives on the coast of North Carolina, where her main forms of exercise are dodging beach traffic, hurricanes, and alligators. During this episode, you will hear Gail talk about: * How she received a special pitcher from her grandmother, and how she discovered how old it was * What led her to write her grandmother's story in her novel, "A High Courage" * The unique circumstances that her grandmother dealt with to save her family in the face of tragedy * How her grandmother handled this question: What makes a good mother? If you want to find out more about Gail online, you can check out the links below: Official Website - gailpiner.com [http://gailpiner.com/] Amazon Link - A High Courage [https://www.amazon.com/High-Courage-Journey-Protect-Children/dp/B0C63C856H] Barnes & Noble - A High Courage [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-high-courage-gail-piner/1143539995] You can follow me at @claudiahenock on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/claudiahenock/] and Twitter [https://twitter.com/claudiahenock] and Claudia Henock on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-rose-henock/]. Check out the transcript for this episode here! [https://claudiahenock.com/2023/10/05/gail-piner-a-pitcher-from-a-good-mother/] Please note after this episode, all upcoming episodes of the podcast will premire every first Thursday of each month! You can also follow You Most Precious Thing through my official website [http://claudiahenock.com/], in addition to anywhere, you listen to your podcasts! Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com [https://www.silvermansound.com] *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Your Most Precious Things Episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

Amber Cygan - Comfort from a Dignified Teddy

Amber Cygan loved video games, and is always being drawn to survival and post apocalyptic themed titles. She sought to turn her passion for interactive entertainment into a rewarding career by moving to Florida to pursue a degree at Full Sail University and beginning her career at Universal Creative. There she helped teams create immersive theme park experiences across the globe. She is now a Producer in the gaming industry, playing a crucial role in bringing games to life and loving every second of it. During this episode, you will hear Amber talk about: * Her favorite stories that she has of her beloved teddy bear, Mr. Teddy * The weirdness that comes up when your childhood is considered vintage by today's standards * The importance of reconnecting with your younger self If you want to find out more about Amber online, you can check out the link down below: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambercygan/] You can follow me at @claudiahenock on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/claudiahenock/] and Twitter [https://twitter.com/claudiahenock] and Claudia Henock on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-rose-henock/]. Check out the transcript for this episode here! [https://claudiahenock.com/2023/09/21/amber-cygan-comfort-from-a-dignified-teddy/] You can also follow You Most Precious Thing through my official website [http://claudiahenock.com/], in addition to anywhere, you listen to your podcasts! Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com [https://www.silvermansound.com] *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Your Most Precious Things Episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

Kara - To Be Gifted An Earful

My guest for this week's episode, Kara, currently resides in DC, with roots tracing back to Rhode Island. Her professional realm rests in the domain of marketing, complemented by her pursuit of creative endeavors on the side. Art functions as a significant emotional channel for her, and despite not categorizing herself as a complete artist, she occasionally engages in artistic ventures. The lineage of artistic prowess extends from her mother to her grandmother, affectionately known as Mimi. Both maternal figures have profoundly shaped her journey by instilling the importance of fostering her own creativity. This episode aims to unveil the tale behind a special item bestowed upon her by Mimi, which stands as a testament to the influence on her life and ranks among the most unconventional gifts she has ever been presented with. During this episode, you will hear Kara talk about: * The story and possible meaning behind the most unique gift her Mimi had given her * The role that this item plays as both a comfort item and a connection to her Mimi * How their relationship led her to pursue her interest in art and bring creative * The greatest lessons that she has learned from her Mimi. You can follow me at @claudiahenock on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/claudiahenock/] and Twitter [https://twitter.com/claudiahenock] and Claudia Henock on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-rose-henock/]. Check out the transcript for this episode here! [https://claudiahenock.com/2023/09/07/kara-to-be-gifted-an-earful/] You can also follow You Most Precious Thing through my official website [http://claudiahenock.com/], in addition to anywhere, you listen to your podcasts! Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com [https://www.silvermansound.com] *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Your Most Precious Things Episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

Octavien Courdent - To See With Fresh Eyes

In the eyes of some, Octavien Courdent is seen as a traveler who is passionate about helping the world around him. Born in France, he spent his childhood in English-speaking countries and a year in a British boarding school in Nigeria, where he has gained a very good command of multiple languages. He is also involved in civic life, being part of two Nigerian associations, "Life" and "Khan Foundation," which help with the education of children in difficulty (by building schools or investing in school materials). Passionate about human exchange, he joined the CA'store association at Kedge and was promoted to the manager of the "web department." This position made him independent and allowed him to acquire skills in web development. Since February 2022, he has joined Kozminski University in Warsaw, Poland on a university exchange while continuing his course in International Business. In addition to his University work, he has also interned with brands such as Garnier-Thiebaut USA and Viral Luxe. During this episode, you will hear Octavien talk about: * How his life changed when he was given his first pair of glasses when he was 10 years old * Why he can't afford to lose or break his glasses, or what he learned from going into the ocean with his on * The greatest thing he has seen when he improved his vision * The similarities between his glasses and a pair from another historical figure who recently had a Netflix show If you want to find out more about Octavien online, you can check out the links below: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/octavcdt/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/octavien-courdent/] You can follow me at @claudiahenock on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/claudiahenock/] and Twitter [https://twitter.com/claudiahenock] and Claudia Henock on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-rose-henock/]. Check out the transcript for this episode here! [https://claudiahenock.com/?p=794] You can also follow You Most Precious Thing through my official website [http://claudiahenock.com/], in addition to anywhere, you listen to your podcasts! Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com [https://www.silvermansound.com] *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Your Most Precious Things Episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*