In Memoriam: Verleon Grant (Listener Favorite Guest and Nick's Grandmother)

Sadly, my grandmother passed away this week at the age of 99. You might remember her from episode #49 of WTS: Can't Get There From Hair (Acceptance).  She was a force and I hope you take a few minutes to listen to what she has to say. Article written in 2019:  https://tntribune.com/mother-of-the-year-a-tribute-to-mrs-verleon-h-s-grant-age-98/?fbclid=IwAR223gtu-k4umJtZgWW6MkyPs5yv7OkEzS8EHrrv_AXFo6jGUpxaA3iUUa8

It is December and any show worth its weight in gold (or frankincense… or myrrh) has a Christmas episode - and WTS is definitely with its weight in tree resin. This episode comes to you in the form of two audio gifts. We even wrapped them and put them under the tree for you. We hope you enjoy them and, perhaps, even take away an idea or two that helps your holiday season be merry and bright. Thank you to Joseph Quinn for joining us in this episod and also for crafting and recording this year’s jazzy holiday version of our theme. p.s. This is Where There’s Smoke’s 3rd Christmas episode. If you love Christmas and all things Christmas, be sure to check out the other two - 38: A Where There’s Smoke Christmas and 56: Soaking in the Holidays (Feeling) . The first is an all-time fun and wacky WTS classic, and the second is a beautiful and reflective listen. Find full show notes for this episode (with links to resources) at www.wheretheressmoke.co * * * If you dig this episode, please share it with at least one person! And don’t forget to subscribe yourself, so you never miss a new episode in the feed. Get our newsletter and updates by joining our mailing list at www.wheretheressmoke.co. To reach out to us or give the show a signal boost, find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We are @exploreWTS on all three. You can also email us on [email protected]. * * * DOWNLOAD & LISTEN directly from Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/wts-itunes. If you dig the show, please take a moment to rate & review it on iTunes You can also find us on PocketCasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Episodes are also available at www.wheretheressmoke.co.

What is Halloween without the trick or treating?That is the question that started the journey of this episode. A lot of our traditions over the next few months are going to look different this year. Not just Halloween. It’s unlikely that celebrations of US Thanksgiving, Diwali, Hanukkah, or Christmas will have the same gatherings of people they have in the past. And that sucks. And many people feel stuck. And this feeling of being stuck is not exclusive to Halloween where 2020 is concerned.So how do we adapt? And is perhaps perhaps a tool that can help all of us adapt? For Halloween … and beyond. Find full show notes for this episode (with links to resources) at www.wheretheressmoke.co * * * BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:We want to share the mic … with you! What does that mean? Well, how would you like to create an episode of Where There’s Smoke? Do you have an idea, concept, something you've been pondering, and you think ‘That would make an amazing Where There’s Smoke’? Well, let’s make it!  We are looking for collaborators, co-writers, and co-hosts. Fresh new perspectives to be a part of the Where There’s Smoke universe. Is that you? If so, email us at [email protected] If you want to pitch us an idea for a show. Great. But you don't need to have an entire pitch right now. Just tell us why you want to work with us.Tell us why you think you'd be a great person for us to work with. Tell us why you think you'd make a great addition to the WTS universe.  Email us at [email protected] and let’s start a dialogue. * * * If you dig this episode, please share it with at least one person! And don’t forget to subscribe yourself, so you never miss a new episode in the feed. Get our newsletter and updates by joining our mailing list at www.wheretheressmoke.co. To reach out to us or give the show a signal boost, find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We are @exploreWTS on all three. You can also email us on [email protected]. * * * DOWNLOAD & LISTEN directly from Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/wts-itunes. If you dig the show, please take a moment to rate & review it on iTunes You can also find us on PocketCasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Episodes are also available at www.wheretheressmoke.co.

The world is grappling with a lot of tough issues. Issues that are nuanced and layered. Issues that don’t necessarily have a right or wrong answer. Issues that demand dialogue for progress. And yet we seem to mostly be doing something else.  This week we are talking about talking. Debate vs Dialogue. Nick revisits an actual debate, and both Nick and Brett attempt to create some dialogue.  In the end they hope to answer the question, Is dialogue dead? Find full show notes for this episode (with links to resources) at www.wheretheressmoke.co * * * Make sure to check out Nick's new podcast, Shame Rules!. Click here and subscribe: http://smarturl.it/jjuoz0   BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:We want to share the mic … with you! What does that mean? Well, how would you like to create an episode of Where There’s Smoke? Do you have an idea, concept, something you've been pondering, and you think ‘That would make an amazing Where There’s Smoke’? Well, let’s make it!  We are looking for collaborators, co-writers, and co-hosts. Fresh new perspectives to be a part of the Where There’s Smoke universe. Is that you? If so, email us at [email protected] If you want to pitch us an idea for a show. Great. But you don't need to have an entire pitch right now. Just tell us why you want to work with us.Tell us why you think you'd be a great person for us to work with. Tell us why you think you'd make a great addition to the WTS universe.  Email us at [email protected] and let’s start a dialogue.

This week our episode is inspired by the life of Chadwick Boseman. We challenge ourselves to look at how we are showing up in the world. With all of our fears and doubts and distractions, and over corrections and under corrections, and at times just plain laziness or indifference - how many of us manage to consistently show up in our life? For ourselves and for others? To bring all of ourselves to the party? We hear a story from Personal Story expert, Bo Eason. And you may just leave this episode with a different view on generosity, and a renewed commitment to bring it.   Check out Bo Eason’s new book, There's No Plan B for Your A-Game: Be the Best in the World at What You Do, at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43263553-there-s-no-plan-b-for-your-a-game And find out more information about Bo and his Story Power workshops at https://boeason.com Find full show notes for this episode (with links to resources) at www.wheretheressmoke.co   * * * WTSdigs Brett: Ted Lasso, on Apple+Nick: Avatar: The Last Airbender, available on Netflix Nick's wedding links: here and here. Want to get Nick and Ashley a wedding gift? http://smarturl.it/jjuoz0 And we want to hear from you. What is your strongest example of something that is much better than it has any right to be / much better than it needs to be. Share on socials using #BetterThanItNeededToBe or email us with your example at [email protected]. If you dig this episode, please share it with at least one person! And don’t forget to subscribe yourself, so you never miss a new episode in the feed. Get our newsletter and updates by joining our mailing list at www.wheretheressmoke.co. To reach out to us or give the show a signal boost, find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We are @exploreWTS on all three. You can also email us on [email protected]. * * *DOWNLOAD & LISTEN directly from Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/wts-itunes. If you dig the show, please take a moment to rate & review it on iTunesYou can also find us on PocketCasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Episodes are also available at www.wheretheressmoke.co.

“Change is the only constant in life.” Heraclitus said that back in 500 BCE. It was true then, and 2500 years later, it is still true.  That said, there are times in life when it feels like we are in a more intense period of change. As we release this episode, it is June of the year Two Thousand and Twenty AD. We’ve got a pandemic that is still very much happening, economic uncertainty, and the world is starting to look closely at systemic racism. Oh yeah, and a globally significant presidential election is happening in the USA.This episode we are exploring ‘Change’. What is change? How do we accept it? How do we fight it? And how can we as individuals make positive change for ourselves or the world.  This is our final episode before a mid-season summer break. We are working on a brand new newsletter this summer and have some special announcements coming before the fall. Please go to www.wheretheressmoke.co and sign up for our Mailing List, so you don’t miss a thing! Here is Rhett Power’s article, 10 Inspirational Podcasts That Will Make You Better: https://www.inc.com/rhett-power/10-inspirational-podcasts-that-will-make-you-better.html Find full show notes for this episode (with links to resources) at www.wheretheressmoke.co If you dig this episode, please share it with at least one person! And don’t forget to subscribe yourself, so you never miss a new episode in the feed. Want to support the show and help keep it going? Please check out Support WTS.com for our Patreon campaign.  To reach out to us or give the show a signal boost, find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We are @exploreWTS on all three. You can also email us on [email protected]. * * *DOWNLOAD & LISTEN directly from Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/wts-itunes. If you dig the show, please take a moment to rate & review it on iTunesYou can also find us on PocketCasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Episodes are also available at www.wheretheressmoke.co. 

This week, as the world continues to reckon with race and equality after the murder of George Floyd, we try to understand what an ally IS... and what it isn't.Brett and Nick both hold up a mirror to look at their own actions (or lack of them). And Nick has a conversation with Holliday Philips, who recently published the article ‘Performative Allyship Is Deadly (Here’s What to Do Instead)’. ARTICLE: Performative Allyship Is Deadly (Here’s What to Do Instead) https://forge.medium.com/performative-allyship-is-deadly-c900645d9f1f READING LIST recommended in Holiday Philips article: https://medium.com/the-open-bookshelf/a-reading-list-in-the-wake-of-the-killing-of-george-floyd-f44eb7630763 FOLLOW Holiday Philips on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/holidayphillips Find full show notes for this episode (with links to resources) at www.wheretheressmoke.co REMINDER that our FUNDRAISER FOR JUSTICE is still happening This is a way that you can be an ally with your wallet, AND get a pencil care package from Nick to support your own mindlessness, intentionality, and exploration. Go to www.wheretheressmoke.co and click on the 76: Pencil Something In episode to see ALL the details in the show notes.. If you dig this episode, please share it with at least one person! And don’t forget to subscribe yourself, so you never miss a new episode in the feed. Get our newsletter and updates by joining our mailing list at www.wheretheressmoke.co. Want to support the show and help keep it going? Please check out Support WTS.com for our Patreon campaign. To reach out to us or give the show a signal boost, find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We are @exploreWTS on all three. You can also email us on [email protected]. * * * DOWNLOAD & LISTEN directly from Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/wts-itunes. If you dig the show, please take a moment to rate & review it on iTunes You can also find us on PocketCasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Episodes are also available at www.wheretheressmoke.co. 

Life moves pretty fast and, if you're not careful, it's easy to be swept away by it. (How's that for a mixed metaphor?) Anyway, today's episode asks several important questions: What would it mean to slow down? What does it mean to be mindful? Is it even possible anymore? What does any of this look like? To help us answer these questions, Brett talks with Mark Champagne about the power of intentional practice and journaling. Then, Nick shares a new passion of his and hopes that it inspires others to find their own.  For more information on Mark Champagne, visit www.behindthehuman.com. To watch "Joe Pera Talks With You", visit https://www.adultswim.com/videos/joe-pera-talks-with-you/.  Interested in pencils? www.blackwing602.com https://musgravepencil.com/ Organizations Equal Justice Initiative: https://eji.org/ Know Your Rights Camp: https://www.knowyourrightscamp.com/ National Bail Out: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/freeblackmamas2020 Reclaim the Block: https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/home Southern Poverty Law Center: https://www.splcenter.org/

This episode is a riddle, wrapped in an NBA championship, wrapped in a chance encounter, wrapped in privilege, wrapped in mashed potatoes, washed over by the ocean, and inside of a critical message for our world about humility. Our journey starts  with a celebration and a question, and ends with a celebration and a question. In between we hear from two TedX speakers, an American playwright, a psychologist, and have in depth conversation with Ed Hess, author of Humility is the New Smart: Rethinking Human Excellence in the Smart Machine Age. Find full show notes for this episode (with links to resources) at www.wheretheressmoke.co If you dig this episode, please share it with at least one person! And don’t forget to subscribe yourself, so you never miss a new episode in the feed. Get our newsletter and updates by joining our mailing list at www.wheretheressmoke.co. Want to support the show and help keep it going? Please check out Support WTS.com for our Patreon campaign.  To reach out to us or give the show a signal boost, find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We are @exploreWTS on all three. You can also email us on [email protected]. * * *DOWNLOAD & LISTEN directly from Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/wts-itunes. If you dig the show, please take a moment to rate & review it on iTunesYou can also find us on PocketCasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Episodes are also available at www.wheretheressmoke.co. 

It's our first new Where There's Smoke episode in two years! Pliny the Elder said, “The only certainty is that nothing is certain.” In a world where nothing is certain and so much is out of our control, what options do we really have? Should we fight? Do we give up? Or is there something else? In this episode we move from a tragic accident, through quicksand, and into a very personal story from Brett about his Mom - all while exploring the power of surrender. Find full show notes for this episode (with links to resources) at www.wheretheressmoke.co.  If you dig this episode, please share it with at least one person! And don’t forget to subscribe yourself, so you never miss a new episode in the feed. Get our newsletter and updates by joining our mailing list at www.wheretheressmoke.co Want to support the show and help keep it going? Please check out Support WTS.com for our Patreon campaign.  To reach out to us or give the show a signal boost, find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We are @exploreWTS on all three. You can also email us on [email protected]. * * * DOWNLOAD & LISTEN directly from Apple Podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/wts-itunes. If you dig the show, please take a moment to rate & review it on iTunes You can also find us on PocketCasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Episodes are also available at www.wheretheressmoke.co.