Trista and Megan - The People Collectors; how to make friends as an adult

Retired homicide detective Mike Hammond was with the Chicago Police Department for 22 years. He has SEEN some things . . .  and I get nosy and ask everything I wanted to know more about. CAUTION:  Some content may be harder to hear as crimes are discussed, so listen with caution. We talk about polygraphs (lie detectors), the main case Hammond can not let go of, mental health, murders in Chicago, interview styles, gaslighting, lies, common sense, and how to get into the mind of a criminal, to help keep others safe. Check out Mike Hammond's podcast; Detective Story (with Mike Hammond) which has a focus on victims and their families, as well as talking about actual cases and investigations. 

"I'm like a comedic aging Disney princess." laughs Carla CollinsThis episode kicks off Humor Month on the Stranger Connections Podcast.Carla is THE most charming, hilarious, witty, and gorgeous comic in the US and Canada alike. She's grabbed several comedy awards, and you've most likely seen her in shows, or you will soon because she just doesn't stop. Carla Collins is an award-winning comic, actor, writer, emcee, auctioneer, and innovator. She does several fun characters on her social media pages and always brings smiles to her fans. Learn about Chuckle and Chill, Laugher-mations, Vision Pop Boards, LAAF Podcast, three b*tches in an RV, a year of pranks, the emotional support cougar, and the laugh of attraction. Her first book is 'Angels, Vampires, and D*uchbags', and on the flippy flip she is now creating a children's book!  Also soon to be released is her very sassy deck of Tarot Comedy Cards. Follow this superb human. Send me a thank you note later. CarlaCollins.comComedicMediation.comFacebookInstagram  CarlaCollinsComedian

"Try to remember that they just hate themselves, and they're takin' it out on you." This beautiful lyric is from Amanda Grace's latest album (her 8th!). The album is Give Me Away and this song is 'Love Yourself'.Amanda Grace is a Minnesota native who travels, performs, and collaborates to create unique shows and brilliant albums.  In this episode, you'll find out why Amanda has plans to hold a show at a cemetery, what her musical tastes were growing up, and how she is in a long-term happy marriage with super cool kids. (Tough to write break-up songs with all she has going for her). Amanda sings part of a song for us (spoiler - it's beautiful!) and I even inspire a new song for the next album. I'm gifted like that. Join the newsletter of Amanda's, and find show and album details on the website: MusicByAmandaGrace.com

On Episode 195 of Stranger Connections Podcast:Author Aaron Frale's book "My Three Year Old is a Barbarian - and other parenting problems" caught my attention. Frale is a Montana resident whose wi fi happened to work while we recorded this episode. Learn about writing, laugh along with us, and hear about the prank that made the news, as well as almost banning him from an online service!Topics we sort through:   What it means to 'stop when it's getting good'   Writing with your spouse (and sometimes the kid)   Authoring fantasy genre, and adding moments of humor   Is Frale's three year old actually a Barbarian   Why he wrote Time Burrito    What does it mean to pair food with your book   We need to be open to our stupid ideas   Writing the dumbest book you can think ofGrab a free book at Aaron's website, join the newsletter, too. He says he makes it funny. We will be the judge of that. www.aaronfrale.com

"I like when you taste something and it takes you on a journey." Jen Barney, multi FoodNetwork baking champion.Jen Barney grew up on a farm in Stoddard Wisconsin. Unsurprisingly, most of her ingredients are a nod to local dairy farms and products from Wisconsin. But these are not basic potluck cupcakes. Her baked goods are described as Ridiculously Awesome Desserts. Learn about how she didn't believe the person calling her to ask that she compete on the Food Network the first time. Find out why connections matter to this sweet and brilliant baker. Hear about her bakery beginnings with stocking her goodies at a local coffee house and baking in her home basement. Barney's story as a pastry chef has been loosely featured in a non-fiction novel series by Amanda Zieba. She thanks her wonderful hubby for his photography and tech skills to help run the business which is now the brick-and-mortar "Meringue Bakery and Cafe" in historic downtown La Crosse Wisconsin.From Canada to New Orleans to Vegas (in no particular order) we get to hear the inside track to being on a network food contest show. What are the prizes?Do people get along?Does everyone eat all the cakes?One of a kind wedding cakes with hand painted designs and flecks of gold. Why not?This show is ala mode style, without the calories. 

"Sometimes helping people is more important than following rules." Kim Korven, retired lawyer, former judge of tenant-landlord disputes, 'conflict queen'.Welcome to episode 193 of Stranger Connections Podcast, which features weird life stories, quirky careers, and prank & dare stories. Kim Korven shares her experiences as a lawyer and judge, including how divorce can be a gift you give yourself and your children.Did you know you can divorce without a lawyer? Korven shares tips on how to spend less and co-parent respectfully. As Korven says, "YOU are the CEO of your life."Listen in to learn:- The bat sh*t crazy game- You can love someone and not like their behavior- When a couple needed a mediator to divide the absurd item- What's the deal with lefse- Can a couple have a respectful divorce- A prank sprinkled with revenge- How do we navigate a narcissist- CAKE life communityGrab a free gift on Kim's website: a flowchart on how to divorce while committing to the [email protected] more from Kim on Instagram and LinkedIn, too!

After listening to this episode, you will most likely notice the word Vibe. Either hearing it, seeing it on shirts or signage . . . everything will be reminding you about The Vibe. And that's a great thing!Jason DelGandio has been studying the exchange of energy for nearly 30 years. He's a PhD, an author, a presenter, and an award-winning teacher. Is Good Vibes Only really in our best interest . . . ?For his doctoral work, DelGandio developed his own philosophy of the vibe, referred to as "bodily emanation."He defines vibes in two ways: The exchange of energy between you and the world, and a communicative dynamic involving a variety of affective experiences (emotion, mood, feeling, vocal expression, body language, physical presence, and psychological outlook).Discover how and why you are vibing each day. Learn why it's important to take the time to define and understand the phenomenon. Tapping into the vibe helps modulate feelings, moods, and emotions. It helps in relationships, and connects a deeper connection to Self. 20MinuteVibe.comjasondelgandio.net20minvibe.teachable.comFind Jason on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and InstaGram.

"How can I HELP you, not how can I SELL you. It's about how we connect with value." Phil Gerbyshak - author of 7 books, over 300 articles, podcaster, business coach, sales expert, and high energy speaker. Time with Phil is something I recommend to anyone who has ever tried to sell something. Anything. A popsicle, a program, a bike, a building. You just have to listen to Phil tell you the right way to create a connection before even mentioning business at all. Phil Gerbyshak says "Work is energy - so do more work!" he talks about online presence, sharing excellent ideas on connection with others. Why you need to be on LinkedIn, nuance and empathy, 'Going for No', and the power of the dad nap. He's one of those friends you want to go on a long car ride with to just pick through their thoughts, ideas, and experiences. He quotes so many speakers and books you'll want to have your notebook ready with your pencil sharp!You want Phil to speak at your event. You want to have Phil coach you and your team!Check out his many books, videos, podcast, and eyewear assortment. [email protected]: Sales Leadership show with Phil Gerbyshak

Imagine trying to sleep on the eve of the morning you know you're going to quit your job to travel the world for nearly two years. "I believe success comes from sharing your journey. So tell everyone!" Katrina McGhee, MBA,Certified Life Coach who helps people design career breaks to create more fulfilling lives. After saving $40k in 18 months, Katrina left her corporate job for a twenty-month break to travel the world. Now she shares her Break Blueprint to help others create fool-proof plans to navigate successful breaks of their own!Her book is in the Wiley Brand "For Dummies" collection. (They approached her, I am so dang impressed). Check out Taking a Career Break for dummies. Learning made easy. Discover your cheat code for a successful break. Katrina says: You can afford to take a break, and you can decide HOW to spend your break. She loves to help clients set goals and stay motivated, just as her coach did for her. How do we give notice to our employer? How can we travel like a pro? What happens after the career break?..... and what is the FAILED prank story Katrina shares? Don't miss this conversation!www.mcgheecoaching.com

Are you paralyzed by procrastination? Is your confidence lacking? Are decisions difficult at times?Meet Robyn Greenspan; a skilled wordsmith with the soul of a journalist, the mind of a marketer, and the heart of a storyteller. Her book, "Dopamine Hacks; How to Mind Shift and Mood Lift Your Way to Motivation" is an experiential workbook that harnesses the power of imagination, positive self-reflection, and happy memories to fuel your drive. Consider how the right questions can make you feel good. Dopamine is the brain's happiness hormone. It's a key player in motivation and reward systems. Check out this conversation to tap into thoughts like intentional activities, building confidence, and overcoming a stuck mindset while realizing goals. Get to know yourself better, let's go deep with some positive introspection! Connect with Robyn Greenspan on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@storycraft.coach)DopamineHacks.comStorycraft.coach