Free Range Flock

Episode 35: Season One Wrap Up

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

June 3rd, 2023, we were sitting in a studio, downtown Greensboro, recording our first episodes of this podcast. We were a combination of excitement and nervousness unsure of where this journey would take us. 35 episodes later, it's time for us to be reflective and look back at this journey. We love creating this podcast. Our guests have taught us so much and shared messages that we needed to hear. It's like going to therapy in public sometimes, but we feel like both of us have grown in so many ways.

During this episode, we share moments from past episodes when the messages rocked us to our core. These messages include finding our forever families, the importance of taking risks, finding balance in our lives when it comes to work and hobbies, remembering to love ourselves first by taking care of our needs, focusing on the long game, and being intentional with our decisions. Thank you for joining us on this ride.

Don't worry. We are not going anywhere. Season 2 will be here in a few months. For now, we want to use this time to reflect and dream up where we want to go next. Don't be a stranger. Reach out to us either through our social media channels or our email if you have suggestions for Season 2. We would love to hear them. Our email address is freerangeflock@gmail.com.

As always, thanks for listening, ya'll.

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Episode 34: I Am Not My Job

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

How are you doing? When someone asks you that question, what's the first thing you say? Fine, Ok. Work has been nuts lately. Does your answer focus immediately on your job or something else? How do you feel about that?

During this episode, we talk with Katie Riddle about how our perspective changes about work as we get older. We are no longer like ourselves in our 20s and 30s trying to climb a corporate ladder trying to exceed expectations of our performance reviews. Instead, we take pride in doing our job well and log off at the end of the day. Our understanding of ourselves changes from our title at work to who I am outside of this work.

We are more than just employees. We are individuals who have loved ones and lives outside of the workplace. NOW is the time to push ourselves to find out who we are and who we want to be and enjoy both now and when we retire. If you don't know who you are outside of work, NOW is the time to figure it out.

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 33: Doing the Work

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Hi there Free Ranger, how's it going?

We are returning to a common topic on our podcast - how life changes during life's turning points. Many of us experience multiple turning points in our life including losing or changing jobs, marriage, divorce, becoming a parent, losing a loved one, or experiencing an illness. These turning points can rock you to your core and challenge you in new ways.

For this episode, we asked Kristen Daukus to join us again for a discussion about how getting divorced required her to do the work that she was putting off. We do a lot of unpacking during this episode including how each of us has our challenges that we need to face and how many of us are masking to protect ourselves. It's only when we dive deep and do the important work on ourselves that we can get to the other side of a challenge and live happy.

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 32: Gen X & Z: Learning From Each Other

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Hello there, Free Rangers? Are you friends with, co-workers with, or parents of members of anyone in Gen Z? Gen Z consists of people born between the years of 1997 and 2012. Right now, they would be ages 11-26. If you don't encounter someone in Gen Z on a regular basis, we highly recommend it.

This generation is questioning things like how to approach work-life balance and gender roles in interesting ways. Generation Z was shaped by the pandemic and open conversations around mental health. They don't know the world without the Internet or the gig economy. They are positive yet realistic. They talk freely about taking a gap year before college, fluid views around marriage, and challenging norms about gender roles.

During this episode, Amy and Sara discuss with Kristen Daukus, a mother of 3 Gen Z girls about the lessons that this generation has to teach us.

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Episode 30: Each Day Is a Gift

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Hello Free Ranger. Welcome to another great day. Did you know that everyday is a gift? That's right. Even those crazy, bad days when everything is going wrong is a gift. Tomorrow is never promised.

For today's episode, we are talking with Don Owens who is a father, husband, mortgage professional, and fellow Free Ranger who is living his best life. As he states, he is the healthiest and happiest than he has ever been in his life right now. His life is full of long, morning walks, great music, and enjoying life through experiences. He's defining success his way. Join us as we talk about the importance of embracing your emotions, small trips that give you clarity and not sharing your tent with a badger. That last one will make more sense once you listen, I promise.

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 29: Abundance Mindset

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Hello Free Ranger. Do you know how rich you are right now? You may not be swimming in dollars, but there are other ways to be rich - in health, in friendship, in love, etc. During this episode, we talk about the importance of the abundance mindset.

Thanks to social media, it's easy to get distracted and start believing that your life is lacking. Maybe you are feeling down because you can't travel like others or you are not able to buy the latest fashion, but this mindset is temporary. It's important to find ways to remind yourself of everything that you have and not focus on what you lack.

During this episode, Amy and Sara talk about how they sometimes get stuck in a downward mindset focusing on everything that they lack, but with some helpful strategies, they remember how abundant their lives really are. If you are finding yourself in a downward mindset, we hope this episode inspires you to reset in some way.

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 28: The Importance of Forgiveness

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Hello Dear Free Rangers. Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive or you need to ask someone for forgiveness? That someone can include yourself. If so, this episode is for you.

Remember when you were a kid on the playground and when you did something wrong, your parent or guardian made you ask for forgiveness immediately. This simple act is an important life lesson that we needed to learn - the moment you know that you did something wrong, ask for forgiveness immediately. Allow yourself to get to the other side of this hurt as soon as possible.

Amy and Sara discuss the importance of forgiveness and how holding on to hurt holds you back. The other person may not forgive you, but you no longer need to carry around the hurt. Forgive today to give yourself a brighter tomorrow.

Thanks for listening and forgiving.

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Episode 26: Work Hard, Play Hard

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Hello Free Rangers. Are you the type who works hard and plays hard? Are you the type that brings your ambition and determination 100% to work and play? When you are at work, you are always aiming to do your best pushing yourself to do a bit more. When you get home, play time is serious. It's never just laying around on the couch, it's filling your off-time with fun activities and travels. It's not the lifestyle for everyone, but it's one that is commonly found in the Gen X generation.

"Gen Xers made up the second-largest portion of the current workforce and are known for an entrepreneurial mindset and work hard, play hard thinking. Over 50% of all leadership roles are held by Gen Xers - with more to come as baby boomers retire. Relationship-focused and diligent, they appreciate others striving to do there best at work."
Generation X Characteristics in the Workplace, USNews, Robin Reshwan, October 10, 2019

Carl Brown, founder and owner of Guitar Lessons 365.com, joins us for this episode to talk about how he works hard and plays hard. He also shares how working hard was one of his way in investing in himself. We are also joined today with a special co-host, Jules Brown, Amy's 11-year-old son.

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 25: Revisiting Traditions

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Hello Free Rangers. We survived the longest, darkest month of all - January!

This episode focuses on traditions. The Oxford Language Dictionary defines traditions as the transmission of customs and beliefs from one generation to the next. Your family and culture probably has specific expectations for you in regards to different celebrations and holidays throughout the year. Sometimes these traditions give us comfort, but sometimes these traditions no longer make sense to you. If you feel that way, it's time to reflect on that tradition.

Losing loved ones who played an instrumental part of specific traditions can change how we embrace our traditions. Talking about changing these traditions is difficult when the people around us seem to be clinging to them tightly. The recent pandemic made many of us re-examine our traditions. For some of us, we continued them over Zoom or at a distance. The pandemic may have also inspired more reflection around the purpose of traditions. If you are feeling out of sorts about one or more traditions, this episode is for you. You are not alone in wanting to reinvent how you celebrate and pass on your customs and beliefs.

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 24: How Are You Sleeping?

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Hello Free Rangers. How are you sleeping nowadays? Getting older can be disruptive to our sleep patterns whether is falling or staying asleep. Some of us are finding that we need more sleep than we did in our 20s, 30s and 40s. If you are struggling with sleep, now is the time to address it by talking to your doctor and loved ones.

Poor sleep is no laughing matter since it can impact our long-term physical and cognitive health. Stress and hormonal changes are common disruptors for sleep for Free Range Females. In this episode, Amy and Sara share their recent struggles with sleep and how addressing their nighttime rituals helped them get the sleep that they needed.

Better sleep is out there. Don't give up. Here are some strategies that have worked from some that may work for you to help you develop a new nighttime ritual and encourage higher quality sleep:

Before you go to bed, lower the temperature in your bedroom and take a hot bath or shower.
Exercise.
Avoid caffeine after 12pm.
Maintaining a consistent bed time and wake time.
Don't look at your phone or electronic device 1-2 hours prior to bed.
Invest in great sheets and pajamas.
Consider meditation before going to sleep.

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 22: Adulting in Mid-Life

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Hello Free Rangers. How is adulthood going? Yeah, we know.

Adulting has become a common expression in the last decade that we use when we are behaving like a responsible adult. In a sentence, it might be - Look at me, I am paying my bills on time. So much adulting.

During this episode of Free Range Flock, we address what adulting looks like as a Free Ranger. It's more than paying the bills and going to work. We have been doing that for decades. It's realizing that time is precious and not promised. It's time that we prioritize some things that we SAY are important to us but our actions SAY otherwise.

It's not just chores and legal stuff like wills and household tasks. It's also fun things like travel. Are you one of those people who keep talking about taking a specific trip, but you never seem to go? What about those fun activities that you have been meaning to try out or those restaurants that you want to experience? DO IT NOW. Adulting means now you start thinking about when you will do those things and then you actually DO them.

If you have been looking for motivation to kickstart your new year to start adulting, this episode is for you.

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 21: Finding What Fits

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Hi Free Rangers, where are you finding your clothes nowadays? Are you finding it harder to find the right style and fit? Us too.

Struggling to find clothes in mid-life is a common experience that often stems from a combination of changing body dynamics and evolving personal style. As Free Rangers navigate through their forties, fifties, and sixties, their bodies may undergo shifts in shape and size, making it challenging to find clothing that both fits well and aligns with their evolving sense of fashion. This period can be marked by fluctuations in weight, alterations in body composition, and changes in metabolism, all of which contribute to the need for a wardrobe overhaul.

Additionally, mid-life often brings about a shift in priorities and self-perception, influencing one's fashion preferences. Many individuals in this stage of life seek clothing that strikes a balance between comfort and style, reflecting a desire for authenticity and a departure from trend-driven choices. The struggle to find suitable clothing can be exacerbated by the limited representation of diverse body types in the fashion industry, making it difficult for mid-life individuals to find apparel that resonates with their unique identity and embraces their changing bodies. Overcoming these challenges may involve embracing body positivity, exploring brands that cater to a broader range of sizes, and adopting a more flexible and self-accepting approach to personal style.

During this episode, Amy and Sara share their challenges and successes finding clothes that both fit and match their personal approach to fashion.

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 19: Being Intentional

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Happy New Year, Free Rangers! For many of us, 2023 was a challenging year full of expectations and anxiety. Let's go into the new year in a healthier way by setting our intentions. It's time to set realistic goals for yourself and learn how to be grateful for what we have.

During this episode, Amy and Sara explore a topic near and dear to their hearts, being intentional. It does not have to mean BIG lofty resolutions that you abandon during the first week of the new year. Think small steps. Think small, measurable goals that can get you where you want to be. Being intentional involves purposefully directing your actions, thoughts, and energy towards a specific goal or value, rather than merely reacting to external stimuli or drifting aimlessly. It requires a conscious awareness of your values, priorities, and long-term objectives. To be intentional, start by clarifying your values and defining your overarching goals.

Cultivate mindfulness to stay present in the moment, allowing you to make choices aligned with your intentions. Create a plan or set of habits that reinforce your commitment to your objectives, and regularly evaluate your progress to make adjustments as needed. Intentionality also involves being aware of distractions and making conscious choices to prioritize what truly matters. By consistently aligning your actions with your values, you can lead a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

Looking for more sources of inspiration? This article from Better Up is a great next step. The article is called How Being Intentional Can Change Your Life.

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Episode 18: How to Celebrate Us

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Ever reminisce about the 'good old days' as a latchkey kid? Join us as we dive headfirst into our journey from latchkey children to free rangers, navigating the choppy waters of social media and the relentless pursuit of genuine content. We share how we've tapped into the power of positivity, radicalism, and relatability to connect with our followers. In a world where commercial brands often miss the mark in reaching the Free Range demographic, we're shining a light on the potential this overlooked audience holds, both in population size and spending power.

From the comforting tug of nostalgia to the ever-changing landscape of consumer preferences, we reflect on the influence these elements exert on marketing strategies. We'll unwrap our personal stories, shedding light on how nostalgia has shaped our interactions with brands. In a world where loyalty is everything, we spill the beans on how businesses can effectively connect with the free range generation and unlock their spending power. We also extend an open invitation for you to suggest topics or guests for future episodes. So buckle up, tune in, and let's redefine the boundaries together - remember to follow us on social media!

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Episode 17: How to Change Jobs Mid-Life

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Hi Free Rangers. How's work going for you? We hope your job is fulfilling and meeting your needs. At this stage in life, many of us find comfort in our jobs. It can give you a sense of confidence being the person in the office that others turn to when they have a question. Maybe your job has a great retirement plan or you just got that big promotion. Job satisfaction is an important part of our work-life balance.

But what if things are not going well. What if you are not making enough money and keep getting overlooked for raises? What if your job is taking more than you can give? It's a scary idea, but you may need to consider changing jobs during mid-life. Could you really maintain this level of work and unhappiness for the next decade?

During this episode, we discuss the possibility of changing jobs when you are close to retirement. It's more than just a higher salary. There are many factors to consider. Amy and Sara share their current job experiences. Amy is 54 and changing industries. Sara is 57 and happy in her job, but feeling overworked doing the work of several employees. Many companies are still rebounding from the pandemic and nervous about hiring additional staff to meet the needs of the company.

Changing jobs later in life is a big, but doable step. If this something that you are seriously considering, now is the time to educate yourself. Consider talking to a financial advisor or life coach to help you embrace this change with confidence.

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 15: The Upside of Menopause

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Many Free Range Females are experiencing menopause. There are tons of resources available now to educate ourselves about what to expect and how to manage symptoms, but not enough talk about the great things of this milestone. It's a time of freedom, confidence and potential. During this episode, Amy and Sara discuss the upside of menopause.

What to read more about the upside of menopause, explore these resources:

Everyday Health Article - 6 Unexpected Benefits You'll Be Happy To Know About Menopause read article

Image Article - The Upside of the Menopause: "My Boobs Feel Great, Skin is Glowing and Energy Levels Are Up read article

Healthy Women Article - The Upside to Menopause read article

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 14: This Is My Face

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Why we don't like the word "anti-aging"

Hello Free Rangers. What comes to mind when you hear the words, anti-aging? Do you think of the product in your bathroom that you smear on your face to smooth your wrinkles? This expression of anti-aging has never sat well with us. Aging is a privilege many do not get to experience. It brings wisdom and confidence, but our society works so hard to make us believe that aging is something that we should fight against, not celebrate. During this episode, Amy and Sara talk about ridiculousness of this concept and other things to focus on instead of trying to look 25 again.

Want to read more about other organizations and companies who don't use the word anti-aging?

AARP Says Goodbye to "Anti-Aging" read article

Beauty Independence's Article - Beauty Brands Are Using The Term "Pro-Aging" But Is The Industry Making Strides read article

Well + Good's Article - The Language Around Anti-Aging Has Shifted - But The Messaging, Unfortunately, Has Not. read article

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 12: Honesty Corner with Jenn Barton

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT

I hope you have one or more people in your life that you can go to when you need to hear the truth. Everyone needs a person who can speak the truth with empathy and grace. I am lucky to have several people in my life who is honest with me. One of them is Jenn Barton. She's our guest for our Honesty Corner episode.

As we get older, many of us find ourselves being more honest with others since we have learned over time that not speaking the truth immediately often backfires. Being truthful sooner rather than later can save time, money, and relationships. Being honest should not mean hurting someone's feelings. It should be handled delicately so that all people involved can grow. If you are looking for ways to improve your honesty with others, listening to Jenn's strategies is a great place to start.

Here are more resources to inspire your journey to radical honesty.

LinkedIn article titled 3 Ways to Practice Radical Honesty
Brene Brown's article titled Clear is Kind, Unclear is Unkind
Oprah.com article titled Learning to Live Week One - Being Honest with Yourself

Being honest with others starts with being honest with yourself. It begins with awareness. We hope this episode inspires you to become more honest and compassionate with both yourself and others.

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 11: Balancing Life & Hobbies

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT

How do you spend your free time? What activities do you love to do just for the joy of doing them? Hobbies can connect us to others and remind us of our humanity. They are important parts of our life but we must find ways to maintain balance with our hobbies with other aspects of our lives. In this episode, we discuss the important role that hobbies play in our lives.

If you find yourself stressed out from trying to manage too many hobbies, now is the time of reflection to help you prioritize. If you find yourself too stressed from life to enjoy what you love, reflect on what it means to be human and the quality of life. How we balance things changes over time.

Sara shares how she is trying to embrace her "multi-passionate" lifestyle to keep her hobbies in check. Amy confesses how her work life dominates her attention and keeps her from enjoying the activities that she loves. How are you feeling, Free Ranger? Are your hobbies giving you outlets for expression or joy or do they trigger guilt or frustration? Let's find balance together.

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 10: Fact or Fiction

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT

How are you getting your news nowadays? It's an important question to ask since all forms of media has a bias of some sort. During this episode, we talk about how Free Rangers can keep themselves informed during a time of deep fakes, AI and biased media.

When in doubt, look about. Here are some tips to consider to help you feel more confident about the information you are hearing:

Sara shared how she used a media bias chart to determine which news source gets her attention.
If it's too good to be true, check Snopes. It's a great fact-checking resource.
Here's a great infographic that summarizes questions to ask when you hear information from a news source.
Reach out to your public library or recreation centers to see if they are offering any media literacy courses.

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 9: What's Eating You?

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Content Warning: During this episode, we discuss food and our relationship with food. We understand that food can be a trigger for some. If that is you, consider skipping this episode.

As we grow older, we see how the outside of our bodies change - the wrinkles, the grey hair, the flap under our arms, but we can forget that the insides of our bodies are also changing. Our mouths produce less saliva and our stomachs struggle with foods that we once loved. Our relationship food changes. If you are struggling with your reactions to food, now is the time to have a conversation with your doctor. It's not you, it's all of us, Free Rangers. It's going to be okay.

During this episode, Amy and Sara talk about their current struggles with food. Amy has been trying to lose pandemic weight while balancing menopause. She talked with her doctor who conducted a metabolism test to see how many calories she should be eating. Thanks to finding the right amount of calories and scaling back some of her intense workouts, she managed to lose almost 30 pounds in 2023. Sara embraced veganism to help her to address various health issues. Every relationship with food is different. We hope our stories motivate you to share yours with your doctor and find ways to improve your relationship with food.

Looking for more inspiration, consider reviewing this article called 5 Tips for Developing a Better Relationship with Food from Healthline.

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 5: Journey Rerouting

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Welcome Back, Free Ranger. We hope life is treating you sweetly. For our fifth episode, we want to explore change and how it affects us. Free Rangers have weathered many situations like changing jobs, losing loved ones, failing health and missed opportunities. Bad days can be rough, but we know that they will eventually turn around and the sun will break through the clouds.

What about those people who seem to handle the twists and turns of life better than others and radiate joy even when life is serving them lemons? Molly McGinn is one of those people. She’s a musician here in Greensboro, NC who always seems to land on her feet with so much gratitude and love in her heart. What’s her secret? We have to know, that’s why we asked her to join us for this episode. During this episode Molly shares how she approaches life’s challenges, keeps her spirits up, and inner joy intact.

Change in life is inevitable. During our time Earth-side, change is one of the few constants. After decades of change, you learn that bad days never last, even good change can cause us stress and no one gets through life alone. You may find that younger people around you are looking to you to be the role model to watch when big changes happen. For instance, I work in academia, where change and upheaval are constant. When new initiatives or challenges arise, it can create stress for everyone around you. How can you be “the role model” for handing change when you are also experiencing the upheaval? Here are some suggestions:

Acknowledge immediately that change is happening. Fighting change means that you are not dealing with the change. Process why it’s happening then find ways to embrace it.
Try to keep up your regular schedule as much as you can. Daily activities like walking the dog, working out, and household chores could be the anchor that you need during these trying times.
Take care of yourself. Exercise and eat a healthy diet as much as you can. Don’t lose yourself in this stressful process.
Get the support you need. If you need to talk to someone, do it.
Find ways to focus on the positive from this change. Change gives us the opportunity to grow. How are you growing from this situation?
Vent to a point. Talking about it helps us offload what is happening and process the change. Venting is not a destination, but a journey. Evolve your venting into brainstorming to make things better.
Take a social media break. Social media makes us constantly compare our lives with others. Everyone’s lives are different. Just because someone is not posting about change and stress does not mean that they are not facing it.
Find reasons and ways to laugh. It decreases your cortisol, a stress-producing hormone.

Our flock needs joy more than ever. We are living in difficult times. Don’t let life’s changes steal your joy.

Thank you for listening.

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Episode 4: Tapping Your Superpowers

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Hey there Free Ranger. Our fourth episode discusses the importance of getting tested for ADHD as an adult. I know what you are thinking - ADHD is a childhood disease, adults don’t have it. Wrong. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 4.4% of U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 44 are diagnosed with ADHD. (source) ADHD is not a diagnosis for kids to help them sit in chairs for six hours in school, it's a neurobehavioral disorder that often gets misdiagnosed as depression or anxiety in adults. Imagine going through your adult life thinking that you are struggling with depression when really your brain just works differently than others.

People with ADHD have some amazing superpowers. For instance, they have the ability to hyper-focus on tasks for hours, have emotional resilience honed over time after recovering from setbacks, possess heaps of creativity with strong problem solving skills, are natural conversationalists, have higher levels of social intelligence, have the ability to embrace spontaneity with courage, and experience high levels of energy. (source)

On today’s episode, we are talking to Laura Pipe, who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult in her 40s. Laura is a friend of mine. She is brilliant, an amazing problem solver who can propose solutions while others are still wrestling with the problem. Incredibly creative and high energy, this woman could move mountains, yet she was struggling in various scenarios and could not understand why. I remember when she was being tested for ADHD and how this diagnosis gave her such clarity. Of course, she had a lot to learn about ADHD, but once she educated herself and talked to a therapist, she found ways to thrive and tap her superpowers. During the episode, she will share her journey starting with childhood when her father refused to let her get tested, struggles she faced before getting tested and what life is like after getting a diagnosis.

If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD adult symptoms, please consider talking to your doctor to explore the option of ADHD testing and therapy. Here are some symptoms of ADHD in adults:

Lack sustained attention in tasks
Poor listening skills
Difficulty following through on task
Poor time management
Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort
Losing things
Fidgeting or squirms in seat
Restlessness
Difficult enjoying quiet, leisure activities
Excessive talking
Difficulty waiting your turn
Interrupts others

Here are some ADHD resources in case you want to read and learn more.

Adult ADHD from the Mayo Clinic

ADHD Online, LLC’s test for adults (fee involved)

Talkiatry’s ADHD test for adults online (fee involved)

Thank you for listening.

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Episode 3: Who Is Your Hedonistic Mentor?

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Hello Free Rangers. What are you doing nowadays that you enjoy for pleasure? During our third episode, we are talking about the importance of pleasure. Everyone seems to be busier than ever right now, but finding time for simple pleasures should still be a priority.

In today’s episode, we are talking to my dear friend, HP. She is always someone who prioritizes simple pleasures while having clear boundaries with others. One day, I told her that I wanted her to be my hedonistic mentor. I was joking but also not joking. I needed someone in my life to remind me to take a moment every day to enjoy life. Yes, there are to-do lists and chores that never seem to get done, but life without simple joys is not one worth living. HP has a great approach to taking moments for herself everyday like lounging in bed with a book or enjoying a quiet moment sitting on her porch. We hope HP’s message in this episode inspires you to prioritize pleasure.

Here are some simple pleasures that you can start doing now:

Listen to your favorite song in the car on the way to work.
Walk barefoot in grass.
Linger in bed after you wake up to read a book chapter.
Watch your favorite movie with some popcorn
Practice your favorite yoga stretch.
Jump into a rain puddle.
Dance around your living room.
Walk around the block of your neighborhood.
Enjoy your favorite beverage while you watch the sunset.
Buy yourself some chocolate.
Hug someone you love.
Sit on the beach and watch the waves.
Lie on the ground and watch the clouds.
Go for a hike.
Take a hot bath or shower.
Get ready slowly for the day.
Snuggle with someone under the covers.
Play hooky from work and meet some friends for a movie.
Invite your friends out for a picnic.
Make snow people the next time it snows.
Workout.
Enjoy your first cup of coffee slowly.
Look through old photos that make you smile.
Reach out to a friend to have a virtual lunch.
Light some candles.
Splash your face with cold water on a hot day.
Drink some water.
Put fresh sheets on your bed.
Make someone you love laugh.
Keep a gratitude journal.
Sit in a quiet space for some quality alone time.
Try out a new restaurant.
Text a friend.
Make a vision board.
Schedule a date night.
Have a great conversation with your closest friends.
Connect with nature
Take yourself out for ice cream.
Focus on your breath.
Sleep with your windows open.
Wear your favorite comfortable pants all day.

Many of us, myself included, feel guilty when we take time to enjoy simple pleasures. There is always something else that you should be doing. Now is the time to rethink your guilt regarding these human moments. Life is too short to only focus on your to-do list. Go out there and enjoy yourself.

Thanks for listening.

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Episode 2: Clutter, Things, and Stuff

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Hello Free Rangers. For our second episode, we are tackling issues that can occur around us such as clutter, things and stuff. Free Rangers have been around for a long time, enough time to collect lots of stuff. Our goal now is to find the right balance between our things and stuff.

My grandmother passed away in May 2022. She lived in the same house for over 70 years. Every closet was full of memories. Our family knew that going through every inch of that place was going to be a huge undertaking. Once everyone came to get what they wanted, the real work began. This is when our precious things become the stuff that our loved ones must rehome. If you have ever gone through a situation where you had to empty out the household of a loved one, you know how emotionally difficult this process is. It changes you. You start to think about the things that you are holding on to and if your loved ones will be saddled with the task dealing with all of this.

Sara Howard introduces us to the book Swedish Death Cleaning in our episode. According to the book’s description - It’s a charming, practical, and unsentimental approach to putting a home in order while reflecting on the tiny joys that make up a long life. It's a radical and joyous method for putting things in order that helps families broach sensitive conversations, and makes the process uplifting rather than overwhelming. There is actually a new TV program coming out soon about Swedish Death Cleaning. Here’s the trailer.

As you are examining or re-examining your relationship with things, here are some things to consider:

It’s exhausting - Decluttering or going through your things is both physically and emotionally exhausting. It takes a lot out of us. Pace yourself. Try to do just a little bit everyday instead of trying to do everything in a matter of days. What if you started with 15 minutes a day?

It’s easier with company - Consider letting a trusted friend help you get started. Friends are great at asking tough questions like - Do you really need 3 types of soap dispensers?

It’s different with a professional - Consider hiring someone who excels at organizing professionally to give you the jump start that you need. Ask your friends to share suggestions of professional organizers to help you find the right one.

It’s more than a teacup - Over time, we acquire things from loved ones either as gifts or inheritance that don’t really give us joy. We keep them due to the sentimental nature of them. How can we still honor our loved ones while letting those things live on with others?

It’s not mine, it belongs to my children - Holding on to your kid’s old stuff? Many of us Free Rangers are still raising kids or helping out college-age kids. This means we are still a safe place for their kids' stuff. What options do you have now to store these things that will give you a bit more freedom? If your children are old enough to store these things, consider letting them go.

We love the things that we own, but when we start feeling overwhelmed by our surroundings, it’s time to change your approach.

Thanks for listening.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 1: Thank You for Being a Friend

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Welcome Free Rangers. Thank you for joining us for our first official podcast episode. We start the conversation about how Gen X is thriving in mid-life with our dear friend Addison Ore. When we were dreaming up our podcast, we thought about the people who we knew who were thriving with positivity, humor and grace. Who out there is flourishing and showing us how it’s done. One of the first names on our list was Addison Ore.

We first met Addison Ore when she was Executive Director of Triad Health Project here in Greensboro, NC. We loved her tenacity and ability to bring groups together for a common cause. Now, she’s reminding us about the importance of friendships with her dinner parties, constant shoutouts to great people in her life and a face full of joy as she enjoys her life.

As we get older, we complain about the wrinkles, the weight gain, the sore knees, but we can’t wallow in that space too long. Instead, now is the time to lean into the things that actually matter like meaningful conversations with friends, time with loved ones and enjoying the things that make our hearts flutter.

Life right now is complicated. The news is full of negativity. Work never seems to get done. Leaning into friendships can help us with emotional resilience during these trying times. They are the secret weapon that each of us can use at any time to pull ourselves through crazy times. Great friends are your support system that introduce you to new perspectives and opportunities while keeping loneliness at bay.

Remember though that great friendships deserve our time and attention. Prioritize friend time by looking out for each other.

Here are some meaningful ways that you can quickly connect with your friends:

Send a dear friend a text message to brighten their day and let your friend know that you are thinking of them.
Consider using free video chat apps like Marco Polo to send each other quick videos to connect.
Leave each other voice messages.
Schedule a regular catch-up phone call even if it’s for 15 minutes.
Find time to enjoy shared interests. Does your friend love the same book or TV program as you? Enjoy what you both love and make time to discuss it.

Thank you for being our friend. And thank you for listening.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Free Range Flock Season 1 Trailer

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Free Range Flock.
We were once the latchkey kids who came home to an empty house after school.
We were feral, resilient, cynical and innovative.
Older than Google
Our teenage faces were never posted on social media.
The Internet was just an idea in our youth

Now, we are older, wiser, and thriving.
Our independent ways will continue to serve us.
We plan to keep defying the odds,
And we will carve our own path.

With grace.
With humor.
With joy.
Our way.

We’ve been through some stuff.
We will continue to keep pushing.
We are not going anywhere.

The former latchkey kids are now the Free Range Flock.

This episode introduces your hosts: Sara Howard and Amy Brown. We are long-time friends who want to share their ideas, experiences, and explorations of what it means to be a member of the Free Range Flock generation.

Join the Free Range Flock podcast and become part of a community of like-minded individuals who are seeking to find their own way through mid-life. Amy and Sara invite you to listen, learn, and laugh along as they navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities that come with being part of the Free Range generation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.