A celebration and some news after a year of podcasting positivity! Thank you for making this journey possible. All episodes will remain on your favorite podcast platform, and you can also hear them on Capital Community Media's 98.3 KMWV Radio i

The Cherry Blossoms Arrive

Mar 31st, 2022 18m 18s

Spring is here, and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom! I talk about that and one fantastic chicken recipe that will make you want to marry the cook...at least that is implied. My guest is Gail Scoates, a retired nurse, a therapy dog evaluat

That's Lenny

Mar 24th, 2022 22m

Our family got a pug! More on that in this episode. I also talk about the joy of turning 50. Yes, I said, JOY! My guest is Mark Doughty. He is a senior learning business partner with KPMG in the United Kingdom. Mark talks about his quirky labra

Dolly and Lola

Mar 17th, 2022 17m 34s

This week, a little about Dolly Parton! I also share my thoughts on Steven Spielberg's film adaptation of West Side Story. Tonight! Tonight! The world is full of light! My guest is Tony Rosendahl, who works in Publishing and Distribution for th

It's Not Always Sunny in Salem

Mar 10th, 2022 18m 16s

I want to take a moment and acknowledge that things are not okay in the world right now. To ignore this and only talk about the good things in life is toxic. Also important to recognize is that happiness is between us, not just within us. My gu

Brian and the Jets

Mar 3rd, 2022 18m 31s

Today, it is about the joys of family, health, performing live music after a long hiatus, and reconnecting with old teachers. Also, puppies! My guest is a neighbor I grew up with in Fairbanks, Alaska who has made his living in ice hockey. Brian

At the Beach by the Sea

Feb 24th, 2022 20m 44s

This week I talk about a wonderful trip my husband and I take each winter to the Oregon Coast. Just the two of us. This time to a town we don't just pass through. My guest is longtime friend Amy Johnson, the vice chancellor for student affairs

Simple, Beautiful Things

Feb 17th, 2022 21m 11s

Today, we talk about simple, beautiful things that give us joy. I share thoughts about the music from a movie I recently watched and describe the antics of my daughter's beloved stuffed bunny, FooFoo. My guest is someone I have known half my li

GOATs and Games

Feb 10th, 2022 20m 26s

In this episode I talk about the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) of women's soccer and one of the greatest players, female or male, to grace the pitch, Christine Sinclair. My guest is Dr. David Foster, a professor in the Department of Psychological

Sisters From Different Misters

Feb 3rd, 2022 21m 25s

Welcome to Season 3 of Brighten Your Day, where I focus on the importance of social connections and the positive effect relationships can have on our well-being. My guest is Jessica Murfin. She is a partnerships specialist at Western Oregon Uni

Season 3 Trailer

Jan 6th, 2022 18s

I'm taking a break in January to recharge and plot Season 3. Brighten Your Day returns in February 2022. While you're waiting, catch up on any episodes you may have missed from last year. Talk to you soon! Please feel free to reach out to me: H

The Happy Wrap

Dec 30th, 2021 19m 9s

It is my final show of the year and the last episode of Season 2. Yes, 2021 was another difficult year, but there was a lot of joy, too. This week I talk about love, snow, and how to make homemade shave ice from the roof. (Wait...what?!) My gue

A Silent Night (and Pugs)

Dec 23rd, 2021 10m 16s

Christmas is here! I recently took Aria and my mom to the Eugene Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker. I have some thoughts on that. Also, we made the decision to bring home a pug sometime in late 2022. Everyone is excited...even Clarke. Fina

Fire Escapes and Mount Everest

Dec 16th, 2021 19m 38s

Today, a little on fire escapes and what they represent away from the obvious. Also, I share a bit about my dad on the anniversary of his passing. My guest is Vonda Van Rooyen, a director of implementation and planning services. Vonda talks abo

Treat Trifecta...and Squash

Dec 9th, 2021 18m 36s

Today, what I call the Christmas trifecta of treats and then a story about the new alarm clock my mother has that can wake the dead...or at least the hearing impaired. My guest is Donna Montoya, the assistant director of career development at L

Holidays Are Here!

Dec 2nd, 2021 17m 5s

This week, I talk turkey...and muffins and Christmas markets. My guest is Talon Wood, a senior IT analyst with the state of Oregon. He discusses making kālua pork from a whole pig in his backyard imu (underground oven)! Road trips and holiday d

Much Thanks

Nov 25th, 2021 17m 38s

In the United States, it is a day to fully embrace gratitude. Join me as I talk about a few things, fun and serious, that I am thankful for. Accompanying me is Blythe Stephens, dance educator and coach. Blythe lives in Cologne, Germany and shar

Faith, Family, and Fastypants

Nov 18th, 2021 16m 38s

While studying psychological safety and trust, I came upon the movie, Sully, which demonstrates how these factors work in a life-and-death situation. I dive into that on today’s show. Also, on the lighter side, a little talk on recipes and vita

Life's Highway Has Many Off-ramps

Nov 11th, 2021 17m 8s

This week I delve into affinity spaces (sounds serious but is pretty cool) and send out an SOS for a clean oven. My guest is Erin Molyneaux, business owner, philanthropist, and active member in the Salem, Oregon community. Being a successful bu

Foodies, Scribes, and...ABBA?

Nov 4th, 2021 18m 38s

Today I talk a lot about food, thanks to actor Stanley Tucci. Pull up a chair to the table! Also, the first cassette tape I ever owned, waaaay back in 1982, was by ABBA. To my delight, they are back on the scene...digging the dancing queen! My

Facials and Mushrooms

Oct 28th, 2021 15m 15s

While getting a facial recently, I saw a lovely idea for showing gratitude. I share that with you in this week’s episode. My guest is Greg Gonzales, a locksmith at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Greg speaks about his love of autumn, es

Gratitude at the Harvest Festival

Oct 21st, 2021 17m 11s

In this episode adventures and kindness are found at the E.Z. Orchards HarvestFest in Salem, Oregon. My guest is Rebecca Craven, senior analyst with Business Oregon. Fun fact: Early in her tech career, she programmed some of the first generatio

White Knuckle Drop-offs and Respite

Oct 14th, 2021 17m

This week, I learn to enjoy dropping off my daughter at school, in spite of traffic mayhem. So much morning absurdity! Also, I travel back to the 1980s and discover hope for the future. My guest is Julie Vaughn, executive support to the inspect

Decluttering and Drinks

Oct 7th, 2021 18m 42s

In this episode I talk with fellow state of Oregon employee Shauna Tobiasson, a senior analyst on the centralized Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Shauna is a recent convert to minimalism. Topics include decluttering and drinks...not

With Aloha

Sep 30th, 2021 15m 37s

Aloha and welcome to Season 2 of Brighten Your Day! Today, what made me happy on a much needed vacation to the Hawaiian island of Kauai. My guest is my husband, Clarke Hylton, a longtime media professional who helps me produce this podcast. He