Nearest And Dearest Podcast - Bridging Family Dynamics
No one ever said life is easy. Hello! I'm Julie. I’m just like you. I’m a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. I have navigated through alcoholism, divorce, caregiving, blending families, as well as purposely discovering and owning my truth.Biggest life lesson? When you give yourself permission, you will find that you have more control over your life than you realize. I hope you will join me by taking responsibility for yourself, by only controlling the things you can and letting go of the things you can't. By doing this, you will have discovered the secret to ha...
MISS AMY O - CAREGIVER, SURVIVOR & COMEDIAN 🎤
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📣Let's keep the conversation going! Just click above AND I'll send you a text message back! 💬 ⬆️⬆️⬆️This special episode is filled with genuineness & authenticity! Amy Oppy, also known as Miss Amy O, speaks from her heart! ❤️
She shares her journey as her beautiful mom's caregiver, as a survivor who was unjustly sentenced to 20 years in prison for her addiction to crack cocaine and how being a stand up comedian has given her the voice 🗣 via storytelling, by using comedy to overcome the...
Sailing Life - Kat, Trey & Guapo 🐾
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📣Let's keep the conversation going! Just click above AND I'll send you a message back! ⬆️⬆️⬆️
I'm so excited to be back with Season 5! 🎉 Whether this is the first episode you have listened to or you have been following my podcast from the beginning, Thank you!! ❤️
Send me an email 📧with suggestions or if you want to share your story! julierogers@nearestanddearestpodcast.com ❤️
www.kathrynmjones.com - Kat's website ( ✅ out her hitchhiking tips! 👍)https://www.youtu...PODCASTHON + ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION = WORLDWIDE AWARENESS 💜
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Heartfelt connections and the power of storytelling highlights a journey through caregiving and dementia in this episode. 💜 We discuss personal experiences, insights from the Alzheimer's Association, and the importance of community support. 🫶
Chatting 💬 with Jessica DesRosiers - Director of Programs for Alzheimer's Association Central New York ChapterReflecting back about caring for my beautiful mom who battled Alzheimer's Overview of free Alzheimer's Association resourcesImportance of community engagement in dementia awarenessExamine the ne...Every Other Weekend - Coming of Age with Two Different Dads -📕 memoir by Anthony J. Mohr
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Anthony J. Mohr shares his journey growing up between two very different fathers, exploring the emotional complexities of blended family dynamics. The conversation reveals insights into love, resilience, and the impact of diverse parenting styles. Thank you to PR by the Book, Emily Williams - Assistant Publicist, for the introductions to this heart warming memoir and Tony. ❤️
NPE - Not Parent Expected
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Could discovering a buried family secret reshape your entire existence? Join me, as I recount my journey of uncovering the truth about my biological father.
I'm also thrilled to feature Alesia Weiss, a retired RN, an Army vet and writer, who has dedicated her life to supporting NPEs (Not Parent Expected). Alesia founded a resource center website - NPEN - nursing for NPEs as well as a Facebook group called DNA Identity Surprise and This NPE Life, offering invaluable support to thos...
A Glimpse
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Have you ever wondered how your childhood memories shape your present relationships? Join me on a heartfelt exploration of my formative years in Brownville, New York. ❤️ You'll hear about unforgettable incidents, like breaking my arm while returning Pepsi bottles, and my father's gentle care during my bath time. These reflections aim to inspire you to cherish your past as a way to navigate the present and future connections in your life.
This episode also delves into my personal experiences with family nic...
Why Eloise Is A Swiftie
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Can music truly change your life? That’s the question we explore in this heartwarming episode of Nearest And Dearest Podcast.❤️ Meet my granddaughter Eloise, a young and passionate Swiftie, who shares her incredible journey of inspiration fueled ⛽️ by Taylor Swift's music. 🎶
From the soothing melodies of "Evermore" to the upbeat anthems from "1989" and "Lover," Eloise demonstrates how Taylor's songs 🎤 have the power ⚡️to uplift spirits and motivate dreams.💭🫶
LINKS!
⭐️RE-RELEASE-Carleton Island Past & Present - Renovation of the Villa
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How does one transform an abandoned historic villa into a modern marvel while preserving its timeless charm? 🤔 💭 Join me, as I sit down with Ron Clapp and Janaina Leite, the passionate couple behind the monumental restoration of the Carleton Villa on Carleton Island. This episode unveils the captivating journey of discovering this unique property through a simple real estate email 📧 and falling in love with the property once they stepped foot onto this historic gem! ❤️
We'll explore the innovative ways modern technology, l...
⭐️RE-RELEASE-Carleton Island Past & Present - The Wyckoff Villa
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Embark on a historical journey as I unfold the intriguing tale of William Ozmun Wyckoff, a man who rose from humble beginnings to build an architectural masterpiece on the serene Carleton Island. This ⭐️RE-RELEASE episode promises to immerse you in literally rich history, breathtaking scenery, and inspiring stories of preservation.
Learn about Wyckoff's rise to prominence in the typewriter industry, his opulent villa, the tragic fate that his family endured, and the villa's...
⭐️RE-RELEASE-Carleton Island Past & Present - The Old Fort
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Carleton Island has some mystery about it. 🔮When James H. Durham decided to take on uncovering the true origin of The Old Fort in 1889, he was diving into a not so clear path of discovering the easy answer.
The island had several names, Buck, Deere, Isle aux Chevreuils and Carleton Island. I purchased the book titled, The Old Fort Carleton Island In The Revolution, written by James H. Durham in 1889. It was reintroduced and reprinted by the St. Lawrence River Historica...
See You Again
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I am so happy to be back again to our favorite forever home on the St. Lawrence River! 🌊 I find myself surrounded by nature's simple yet profound joys. Picture ducklings 🦆 learning to swim, and the harmonious dawn 🌅 chorus of robins 🎶— showcasing the wonder of nature! As I prepare for my 40th high school reunion 🤯, memories of cherished relationships from my past, particularly my late sister JoJo, 🤍 and dear friend Jolene, 🤍 bring a bittersweet comfort. 🦋🕊
In this heartfelt episode of Nearest And Dearest Podcast, I also reflect...
Advocating For Alzheimer's 💜
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I found myself in a sea of cherry blossoms in Washington DC, 🏛 feeling a sense of renewal that only spring can bring.🌷🌳☀️ It was here, at the Alzheimer's Impact Movement's Advocacy Forum, that I channeled my personal loss into something greater—a passionate fight against Alzheimer’s and dementia.💜 This episode of Nearest and Dearest Podcast takes you through that journey, where we grapple with the staggering reality of Alzheimer's impact and the ray of hope that recent treatment advancements provide. I unpack both the...
Finding Happiness
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Ever wonder how a simple 'Wicked Happy' baseball cap 🧢 could sum up one's philosophy on life? 🧐That's what happened to me. I unravel the layers of happiness that have shaped my existence from my earliest childhood memories. 🛝🚲
Rediscover the bliss of childhood joys, like those carefree days in Brownville with ice cream treats 🍦 and boundless outdoor play, and understand why these memories are more than nostalgia; they're foundational to our present happiness. 😊
As I share the story behind my cherished cap—a gift fr...
Making Connections
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Nearest And Dearest Podcast is my hope that maybe, my stories will resonate with you! I still believe today, that if any of my content connects with you personally, it's priceless! 🫶 It's a testament to the strength of our shared human experience, one that even caught the attention of alcoholfree.com, where my stories provide solace to those embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle.
I'm humbled when I receive text messages, emails, reviews or even chats fro...
Pushing The Pause Button
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I'm glad you are joining me with Season 3 Episode 1 - Pushing The Pause Button ⏸ I'm looking forward to another season with you! ❤️ Have you ever caught yourself mid-sentence, wondering if silence might have been the wiser choice? 🤔 I'd like to think the older I get, the wiser I should be. Deciding to use pause as a powerful tool, can transform conversations, guide you when making a change & give yourself some quiet time. 🤫
When you purposefully seek to understand...
🔁 BEST OF - Finding Balance
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Have you ever felt like a tightrope walker in your own life, constantly striving for balance? ⚖️ This 🔁 BEST OF episode is another reminder that YOU do have control. Weaving threads from my life alongside the narrative outlines of 'Eat Pray Love', one of my favs, I reveal how the quest for self-love and making resonant choices is not just about surviving our past decisions, but about thriving through them. 💥
Realizing the necessity of owning our decisions, finding strength in our stumbles, and the...
🔁 BEST OF - You Did It!
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Strap in and join me, as I remember facing my inner fears of driving 🚗 cross country from Northern New York to Mesa Arizona 🏜. I chose 🔁 BEST OF - You Did It! from Season 1 to remind myself & YOU , that by purposefully making a decision that conquers 💥your own anxiety of the unknown 😫, can be a huge fulfillment!
It's not only about accomplishing huge personal inner struggles. It's also about reflecting upon true gratefulness 🥰 every day for your own inner peace ☮️, even when you are struggling with...
🔁 BEST OF - Get Going Goals
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I picked this 🔁 BEST OF - Get Going Goals, which is from Season 1 actually, because I needed to remind myself about starting my new goals! Yes 2024 🎉 has started & you have put together your own set of aspiring goals for yourself. But, the real challenge of beginning those goals can be daunting and overwhelming.
I'm sharing the pivotal lessons I've learned—like embracing the power of taking charge of what's within your reach and releasing the reins on wh...
🔁 BEST OF - Discovering My Italian Roots - Part 2
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I want to share this special episode 🔁Best Of - Discovering My Italian Roots - Part 2 because of how very near & dear it is to my heart! ❤️
This personal episode isn't just a journey through my lineage; it's an exploration of the universal longing for connection, belonging, and the sweet discovery of where our truest selves reside.
The breathtaking views I encountered through the mountainous ⛰ terrain of Calabria 🇮🇹, which borders the Tyrrhenian Sea 🌊, connected my soul to my ancestors . 🫶
<...
🔁 BEST OF - The Sauce
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I'm choosing my episode S2E14, The Sauce as one of my favs.
Because I'm in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷🏝 for the winter, I don't get to see my family in person. I am feeling nostalgic and decided to share this episode to remind me of the connection I have with Joe & Sharri.🫶
When you are missing people who mean the world 🌎to you, you have to come up with other ways to still feel close, even if that means you are almost...
🔁 BEST OF - Gaining More Patience
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Woody and I are back in our winter home in Puerto Rico!😎🏝🇵🇷 I'm choosing this particular episode as my next 🔁 BEST OF S2E1 - Gaining More Patience, as a reminder for all of us to keep our patience in check! ✅
Ever found yourself on the brink of losing your cool? 😤 Let's face it, we've all been there, but my experiences navigating island life in Puerto Rico and combating language barriers might just reveal the secret to a happier, healthier well bei...
🔁 BEST OF - Age Is Just A Number
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I picked S2E2 - Age Is Just A Number to be my next 🔁 BEST OF. As I get closer to my next birthday, I realize now, more than ever, to redefine what aging means - it's not about a number, but about the life we choose to live, regardless of that number.
When I celebrated 🎉 my 57th birthday last year, it has sparked ⚡️a reinvigoration in my zest for life, something I'm keen to share with you. I hope my per...
🔁 BEST OF - Changing Gun Violence
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I'm choosing this episode, S2E6 - Changing Gun Violence as my first 🔁 BEST OF because this subject needs to be continued. It's unfortunately, a hot topic that needs to be discussed more. As a society, especially if you live in the United States of America, we can't ignore the real tragedies that keep unfolding time & time again. I understand the sensitivity that goes along with these discussions. Change can only happen within ourselves first, and then become united with...
It's Not Goodbye
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As autumn's crisp chill 🍂🍁🌬 starts to set in, I find myself in a reflective state, thinking about the bittersweet closure of a season. Here's a promise - you'll feel the same important nostalgia while you experience life's highs and lows, the importance of self-care, and the skill set of finding balance amidst it all, no matter where your own journey takes you.
It's never goodbye, only 'See ya soon!' Packing up our favorite forever home on the River 🌊 always leaves my h...
Carleton Island Past & Present - Renovation of the Villa
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Have you ever sensed a spiritual connection with a place, so profound that it nudged you to alter the course of your lives? Meet Ron Clapp and Janaina Leite, who gave a nod to destiny when they embarked on an astonishing venture of renovating the once majestic Wyckoff Villa on Carleton Island. Listen to their captivating journey, as they deftly navigate 🧭 the challenges of restoring this grand Villa, while preserving its historical charm and adding a modern twist. Ron's tag line - Gi...
The Sauce
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There is something about the family kitchen that stirs up nostalgia. It's the beating heart of a home, a sanctuary of warm aromas, the site of shared meals and shared memories. ❤️
The star 🤩 of this episode is my grandmother Mary's cherished family tomato 🍅 sauce recipe 📝 ! This isn't just about tomatoes, salt, and herbs 🌿; it's about tradition, history, and love, poured into every pot 🥘 and simmered to perfection! 👨🏻🍳👩🏻🍳💋
Every Italian family 🇮🇹 has their own secret sauce recipe. 🤫 The Storino's are no different. The value of such a gem, is the ability to pass it...
Striving Towards A Life Worth Remembrance
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Have you ever wondered how the power of remembrance fuels motivation and strength? 🤔 I decided for my 50th episode 🎉to share with you a sentimental journey, reflecting on some of my cherished memories, personal victories and challenges of my life.
I'll be discussing how a refurbishing project in which I had original plans to complete with my dear sister JoJo, has helped me honor her in a unique way, thank you to my husband Woody! ❤️
It's not just about the joy...
Carleton Island Past & Present - The Wyckoff Villa
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Embark on a historical journey as I unfold the intriguing tale of William Ozmun Wyckoff, a man who rose from humble beginnings to build an architectural masterpiece on the serene Carleton Island. This episode promises to immerse you in literally rich history, breathtaking scenery, and inspiring stories of preservation.
Learn about Wyckoff's rise to prominence in the typewriter industry, his opulent villa, the tragic fate that his family endured, and the villa's interesting history...
Discovering My Italian Roots - Part 4
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Does the thought of waking up to a panoramic view of the enchanting Gulf of Naples and spending the day navigating through the narrow alleys of the coastal town of Sorrento excite you? If yes, join me, Julie, as I walk you through the final days of my unforgettable 21-day journey through Italy, on this episode of Nearest and Dearest Podcast. From renting a charming Airbnb, twirling through Sorrento's cafe-lined square, experiencing a boat tour 🛥 of the Isle of Capr...
Discovering My Italian Roots - Part 3
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Come along, as I journey into the heart of my Italian heritage, starting at the Guardia Piemonte's Cultural Center. Surrounded by the rich traditions protected by the dedicated local ladies, I was able to leave a mark in the form of a guest book signature and heartfelt donation. But the journey didn't stop there; with the guidance of Agostino, I ventured to Fagnano Castello Municipality, tracing my roots through the pages of old records. This heartfelt exploration promises to offer a deepe...
Discovering My Italian Roots - Part 2
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Visiting Guardia was all about family! We spent 5 days with Joe & Becky's familia who live in the Calabria region, located in the toes of Southern Italy!
Cousin Agostino made our hotel arrangements at the Katisan Hotel & Pizzeria Bar. Guardia is located along the Tyrrhenian Sea. We were just a few blocks away from the seafront and the surrounding area is known as Guardia Marina.
It wasn't long before I realized that this quiet, tranquil sanctu...
Discovering My Italian Roots - Part 1
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I just got back to our home on the River from a 21 day journey in Italy! 🇮🇹❤️Woody and I were invited to tag along with two couples, Joe & Becky, and Norm & Sharon. Joe speaks Italian and was actually born in the Calabria Region, which is where my Italian roots are too!
The bonus was that we would be spending 5 days in the Calabria Region, specifically Guardia, spending quality time with Joe's first cousins from both sides of his parents families or la famiglia
Carleton Island Past & Present - The Old Fort
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Carleton Island has some mystery about it. 🔮 When James H. Durham decided to take on uncovering the true origin of The Old Fort in 1889, he was diving into a not so clear path of discovering the easy answer.
The island had several names, Buck, Deere, Isle aux Chevreuils and Carleton Island. I purchased the book titled, The Old Fort Carleton Island In The Revolution, written by James H. Durham in 1889. It was reintroduced and reprinted by the St. Law...
Changing Gun Violence
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I am getting so frustrated and angry over gun violence. I have shared with you before about Mental Health Stigma. ( S1E15 & S1E16 ) Yes, people who commit acts of violence with guns to innocent communities most likely have mental health conditions or have a mental health illness. I say that, because many people who deal with mental health concerns may not have a formal diagnosis or a full-fledged illness.
When I decided to speak about gun violence, I came a...
The River
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The month of April has me longing to be back on The River! Spring has begun and I know with April showers 🌦 comes not only May flowers 🌼🌷 but turns all the landscaping green - the trees, lawns, and shrubs 🌳. The weather starts turning warmer, there is a sense of renewal and awakening! 🌞
The ice has melted 🧊and the first cargo vessels 🚢are floating massively in the shipping channel that will be traveling from the Great Lakes into the mighty St. Lawrence River.
Our ri...
Make A Difference
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I recently came back from my trip to Washington D.C. 🇺🇸I was advocating for Alzheimer's Association. I was invited by Lauren Ashburn, an Associate Director of Advocacy for New York state. 🗽I feel I am ready to put my voice 📣out there to advocate for ANYONE who is battling this heinous disease, along with their families. 💜
Because of Alzheimer's Association's commitment, I decided to take action and become involved. I am a volunteer advocate. I want to make a difference! I was in W...
Quality Time
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According to Wikipedia, quality time is an expression referring to how an individual interacts with another while they are together - regardless of the duration.
Because of my lifestyle, I don't get to spend a whole lot of time with my adult children or grandchildren. I rely on quality time, not quantity time - to nurture my loving relationships with all of them. ❤️It truly is a gift when you give someone quality time. It's a chance to plan an activit...
Age Is Just A Number
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I've been thinking about the process of aging. I just turned 57 in February. Three more years I will be 60. It will be a new decade of numbers I hope to embrace!
I have lost some very close people in my life this past year. Because of that, I feel I am even more determined to embrace life with more zest and challenging myself. I want to keep discovering, learning, and enjoying my family and friends.
I want to be PROUD t...
Gaining More Patience
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Hola! I'm BACK!! 👋I'm so excited to share with you Season 2, episode 1 with you!! Thank you so much for sticking around! ❤️
I had to reevaluate my relationship with patience! Moving down here to Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 and making a second home for Woody and I, has been quite a journey! ☀️🏝
You know the saying patience is a virtue, but there is more to it than that. Alasderr MacIntyre, a philosopher, once said "Patience is the virtue of waiting attentively without c...
🔁 BEST OF - Let It Go!
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This is one of my BEST OF because when I was going through the long process of starting over when my first marriage ended in 2006, I had to learn how to let things go! It's definitely a life skill that takes you through an emotional ride.
If you are struggling with letting material possessions go, be gentle with yourself! Start small. Focus on what your future will look like, and let your past become the memories YOU choose to hold onto i...
