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LilyList aims to be a ”handbook for the living.” Providing resources that help people tell their stories and understand their legacies. Life can be a scary place, and end-of-life even scarier, but fear has no place here.
Episodes
Saturday Mar 15, 2025
Saturday Mar 15, 2025
Welcome to Episode 27 of the LilyList Podcast! Today, we have the incredible Heather Prall joining us - a talented artist whose work speaks to the balance of structure and chaos, much like her life journey. From an early adoption story to a structured upbringing, from a corporate career in HR to taking a leap into a creative life, Heather's path is anything but conventional.
In this episode, Heather shares the pivotal moments that led her to embrace her artistic passion, the deep personal challenges she and her family have faced, and the bold decisions that redefined her life—including selling everything to travel in an RV. We also discuss the importance of legacy, how she’s guiding her daughter toward a life of creativity and independence, and the lessons learned from breaking free of societal expectations.
Get ready for an inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the power of creativity in shaping our lives.
To learn more about Heather and her work:
Here are some highlights that you can look forward to in this episode:
1. Adoption and Identity – Heather shares her journey of being adopted as a baby, reconnecting with her birth mother, and navigating questions of nature vs. nurture.
2. Corporate Burnout & Reinvention – After years in HR, Heather realized it wasn’t the path for her. She walked away from a structured corporate career to pursue her passion for art.
3. The Power of Unstructured Living – Twice, Heather and her family sold everything to travel in an RV, embracing a freer way of life while rethinking what success looks like.
4. Art as a Reflection of Life – Her artwork mirrors the contrast between structure and fluidity, much like her personal journey from rigid systems to creative freedom.
5. Legacy & Life Lessons for Her Daughter – Heather is raising her daughter with the belief that success isn’t about conformity—it’s about following passion and embracing life’s possibilities.
As always, visit lilylist.com for more information on the podcast and platform. You can also contact us from the website, if you have questions or ideas for people or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future.
If you’d like to support the work of LilyList, you can donate using the links in the description and if you find these conversations meaningful, we thank you for liking, following, sharing, or subscribing wherever you listen.
If you would like to support LilyList:
Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/lilylist
Buy Lily a coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz
PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ
Outro music: Denouement by Sift - https://siftmusic.com
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Welcome to Episode 26 of the LilyList Podcast, where our goal is to be a handbook for the living. In this episode of the LilyList Podcast, we talk with Martin Hensel, an entrepreneur and advisor to LilyList, whose journey spans decades of innovation in digital publishing and technology. From his early days growing up in rural Washington to his experiences in politics, startups, and leadership, Martin shares candid insights about the realities of entrepreneurship, business cycles, and personal growth. We explore his experiences founding and running Texterity, the digital publishing company that helped shape the transition from print to digital, and what he’s learned about navigating the ups and downs of building a business.
Beyond business, Martin reflects on legacy, family, and the long-term impact of our work and choices. Whether you’re a founder, innovator, or just someone interested in the intersection of technology and storytelling, this conversation offers hard-earned wisdom, practical insights, and a refreshingly honest take on the entrepreneurial journey.
This episode is packed with deep reflections on success, failure, and what truly matters beyond business. Tune in for a thoughtful and engaging conversation with Martin Hensel.
Here are some highlights that you can look forward to in this episode:
1. From Rural Roots to Harvard Business School - How Martin’s small-town upbringing shaped his worldview and led him to unexpected opportunities.
2. Entrepreneurship and Business Lessons - Key takeaways from founding and leading Texterity and other ventures, including navigating investment, scaling, and exit strategies.
3. The Evolution of Digital Publishing - Martin’s perspective on the transformation of content, from print to digital, and how he missed the rise of the web.
4. Balancing Professional and Personal Priorities - How Martin shifted focus later in life to prioritize family, grandchildren, and personal fulfillment.
5. Thoughts on Legacy - Why he prefers looking forward rather than documenting the past, and what he believes truly matters for future generations.
As always, visit lilylist.com for more information on the podcast and platform. You can also contact us from the website, if you have questions or ideas for people or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future.
If you’d like to support the work of LilyList, you can donate using the links in the description and if you find these conversations meaningful, we thank you for liking, following, sharing, or subscribing wherever you listen.
If you would like to support LilyList:
Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/lilylist
Buy Lily a coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz
PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ
Outro music: Denouement by Sift - https://siftmusic.com
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Welcome to Episode 25 of the LilyList Podcast, where our goal is to be a handbook for the living. This week, we sit down with Tiffany Speax, a storyteller, creator, and resilient spirit who has worn many hats—filmmaker, educator, mother, and community leader. Tiffany shares an honest and compelling journey through her childhood in North Carolina, her career in TV and film production, the challenges of balancing creative ambitions with family life, and ultimately, finding herself again.
This conversation is filled with raw insights, hard-earned wisdom, and an inspiring perspective on self-discovery and legacy. If you’ve ever struggled with identity, expectations, or the weight of responsibility, this episode is for you.
Here are some highlights that you can look forward to in this episode:
1. From Small-Town Roots to Big Dreams – Growing up in Kenston and Greensboro, and how her childhood shaped her drive and independence.
2. Navigating Career, Creativity & Family – How she found her passion for film and TV production, while managing the expectations of marriage and motherhood.
3. Breaking Free from Expectations – The realization that trying to "do it all" can lead to burnout and learning to prioritize herself.
4. The Power of Legacy – Teaching her children the importance of integrity, financial literacy, and community impact.
5. What Comes Next? – Looking ahead to life beyond caregiving, embracing new challenges, and rediscovering who she is beyond the roles she has played.
As always, visit lilylist.com for more information on the podcast and platform. You can also contact us from the website, if you have questions or ideas for people or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future.
If you’d like to support the work of LilyList, you can donate using the links in the description and if you find these conversations meaningful, we thank you for liking, following, sharing, or subscribing wherever you listen.
If you would like to support LilyList:
Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/lilylist
Buy Lily a coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz
PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ
Outro music: Denouement by Sift - https://siftmusic.com
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
This week, we’re thrilled to sit down with Laura Jane Vincent, an accomplished musician, songwriter, and creative force, to dive into the stories that shaped her artistry and the unique journey she's undertaken in the music world. From her early days in rural North Carolina to launching her own record label and mentoring other artists, Laura Jane shares heartfelt insights into the power of music, community, and legacy.
In this episode, we explore how Laura Jane’s upbringing shaped her artistic expression, the lessons she’s learned from touring and managing a music career, and her commitment to fostering a supportive creative ecosystem for musicians. Whether you’re an artist, a fan, or simply someone who appreciates the impact of storytelling, this conversation offers inspiration, laughter, and so much wisdom.
To learn more about Laura Jane and her work:
https://www.instagram.com/laurajvincent/?hl=en
https://streetplaceentertainment.com/
https://youtube.com/@laurajvincent?si=87GxT3VSyXUPts0d
Here are some highlights that you can look forward to in this episode:
1. Roots in Rural North Carolina: Laura Jane reflects on her childhood in Hoke County, a place that nurtured her creativity and set the stage for her love of music.
2. Journey into Music: Hear about her first guitar at age 13, early open mic nights, and the influences that shaped her passion for songwriting and performance.
3. Lessons from Touring: Laura Jane discusses the highs and lows of independent touring, from building confidence on stage to learning the importance of connecting with fans.
4. Building a Legacy: Discover how Laura Jane started her record label, Streetplace Records, and why she’s passionate about supporting and uplifting fellow musicians.
5. Reflections on Community: She shares her belief in the importance of collaboration, fostering a vibrant music scene, and how her vision for the future ties into her sense of legacy.
As always, visit lilylist.com for more information on the podcast and platform. You can also contact us from the website, if you have questions or ideas for people or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future.
If you’d like to support the work of LilyList, you can donate using the links in the description and if you find these conversations meaningful, we thank you for liking, following, sharing, or subscribing wherever you listen.
If you would like to support LilyList:
Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/lilylist
Buy Lily a coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz
PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ
Outro music: Denouement by Sift - https://siftmusic.com
Saturday Jan 04, 2025
Saturday Jan 04, 2025
We're thrilled to be joined by JV Hilliard, a best-selling author known for his epic and dark fantasy novels, including The Warminster Saga. From his early inspirations shaped by family and Dungeons & Dragons to navigating the complexities of the publishing world, JV shares his creative journey, insights on storytelling, and thoughts on leaving a lasting legacy. Whether you’re a fantasy enthusiast, a writer, or simply someone fascinated by the art of moving from government to creative endeavors, this episode has something for you.
To learn more about JV and his work:
http://www.jvhilliard.com/
Twitter: @jvhilliardbooks
Insta: @JVHilliardbooks
FB: J. V. Hilliard
TikTok: @JVHilliardbooks
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/jvhilliardcom
Here are some highlights that you can look forward to from today’s episode:
1. The Origins of a Storyteller: JV Hilliard reflects on growing up in a close-knit, blue-collar family in Pittsburgh, where his uncle, a quadriplegic Marine and writer, inspired his love for storytelling and fantasy.
2. The Influence of Dungeons & Dragons: Discover how decades of gameplay and serving as a Dungeon Master shaped JV’s narrative skills and became the foundation for his novels.
3. From Politics to Fantasy: JV shares his transition from a high-pressure career in defense lobbying to becoming a full-time fantasy author during the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. Navigating the Publishing World: Learn about JV’s unconventional path to publication, the role of developmental editors, and the challenges of creating a multi-book series.
5. Building a Legacy Through Creativity: JV opens up about his aspirations for his work to endure beyond his lifetime, emphasizing the immortal nature of storytelling.
As always, visit lilylist.com for more information on the podcast and platform. You can also contact us from the website, if you have questions or ideas for people or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future.
If you’d like to support the work of LilyList, you can donate using the links in the description and if you find these conversations meaningful, we thank you for liking, following, sharing, or subscribing wherever you listen.
If you would like to support LilyList:
Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/lilylist
Buy Lily a coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz
PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ
Outro music: Denouement by Sift - https://siftmusic.com
Saturday Dec 28, 2024
Saturday Dec 28, 2024
Welcome to the 2024 end of year wrap-up of the LilyList Podcast. Our goal is still to be a handbook for the living, but in this episode, we let NotebookLM take the lead on recapping the journey thus far. We are thankful for each and every guest and listener who shared their story, supported our work, and helped us understand what is important, why stories and legacies are important, and how we can better serve our audience going forward.
We are excited to announce the LilyList concierge and self-guided experiences will be launching in the first quarter of 2025. You can visit our website at lilylist.com to learn more about them. Our sincere hope is that creating simple but powerful tools will help foster a movement where each of us can capture our own valuable stories and leave behind a legacy that connects with people we will never meet.
The podcast, of course, will continue on. Our first guest interview in 2025 will be with writer and entrepreneur JV Hilliard. We’re very much looking forward to sharing that conversation with all of you.
As always, visit lilylist.com for more information on the podcast and platform. You can also contact us from the website, if you have questions or ideas for people or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future.
If you’d like to support the work of LilyList, you can donate using the links in the description and if you find these conversations meaningful, we thank you for liking, following, sharing, or subscribing wherever you listen.
If you would like to support LilyList:
Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/lilylist
Buy Lily a coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz
PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ
Outro music: Denouement by Sift - https://siftmusic.com
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
In this episode, we connect with Thomas Brown—a writer, cyclist, and mental health advocate whose journey of loss, self-awareness, and resilience has shaped an extraordinary perspective on life. Thomas shares how personal trauma, including the loss of his brother to suicide, set him on a transformative path of emotional growth, creative exploration, and impactful action. From walking across the country to riding 7,000 miles for suicide awareness, Thomas reveals the lessons learned, the importance of self-awareness, and his inspiring vision for leaving a meaningful legacy.
Tune in as we explore his profound insights on emotional wellness, the complexities of codependency, and the healing power of storytelling.
To learn more about Thomas and his work:
http://www.risephoenix.org/
Here are some highlights that you can look forward to from today’s episode:
1. Embracing Self-Awareness: Thomas discusses how therapy helped him confront his codependency and emotional struggles, ultimately transforming his life.
2. A 7,000-Mile Journey for Suicide Awareness: The story of how a cross-country bike ride became a platform for healing and connection with others who had experienced loss.
3. Lessons from Trauma: Why it’s crucial to grow from grief rather than becoming defined by it, as shared through Thomas’s journey.
4. The Role of Creativity in Healing: Thomas’s perspective on how art, storytelling, and creating meaningful work play a vital role in personal transformation.
5. Legacy through Awareness: His vision for creating a curriculum to foster self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and compassion from a young age.
As always, visit lilylist.com for more information on the podcast and platform. You can also contact us from the website, if you have questions or ideas for people or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future.
If you’d like to support the work of LilyList, you can donate using the links in the description and if you find these conversations meaningful, we thank you for liking, following, sharing, or subscribing wherever you listen.
If you would like to support LilyList:
Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/lilylist
Buy Lily a coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz
PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ
Outro music: Denouement by Sift - https://siftmusic.com
Saturday Dec 07, 2024
Saturday Dec 07, 2024
In this inspiring conversation, we catch up with Nancy Dillingham, whose journey from a successful corporate career to becoming a passionate glass artist and business owner is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and self-discovery. Nancy shares how she found her artistic voice later in life, built a thriving studio—Glass Arts Collective—and the lessons she learned along the way.
This episode is packed with wisdom about redefining creativity, embracing second acts, and making a meaningful impact through art and community. Whether you're looking to make a career shift, reignite your creativity, or simply hear a heartfelt story of transformation, this episode has something for you.
To learn more about Nancy and her work:
https://www.glassartscollective.com/
https://www.instagram.com/glassartscollective
https://www.youtube.com/@glassartscollective
https://www.facebook.com/glassartscollective
Here are some highlights that you can look forward to from today’s episode:
1. From Corporate to Creative: Nancy’s transition from a corporate career in technology to running a glass art studio and rediscovering her creative potential.
2. Building the Glass Arts Collective: How Nancy launched her studio just before the pandemic and turned challenges into opportunities to grow and serve her community.
3. The Therapeutic Power of Art: The mental health benefits of working with fused glass and how art can be a calming and restorative escape for individuals.
4. Nurturing Creativity in Others: Nancy’s work with local artists to showcase their creations and provide opportunities for them to shine through her studio and gift shop.
5. Lessons in Life and Legacy: Insights from Nancy’s journey about perseverance, community impact, and building a life of purpose that leaves a lasting mark.
Nancy’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to discover new passions, embrace change, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Dive in to hear her incredible journey!
As always, visit lilylist.com for more information on the podcast and platform. You can also contact us from the website, if you have questions or ideas for people or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future.
If you’d like to support the work of LilyList, you can donate using the links in the description and if you find these conversations meaningful, we thank you for liking, following, sharing, or subscribing wherever you listen.
If you would like to support LilyList:
Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/lilylist
Buy Lily a coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/mediaxz
PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M8W4BRLCYFYVJ
Outro music: Denouement by Sift - https://siftmusic.com