It’s our season finale! Click the triangle in the circle below to listen on this page, or click “Play in Popup” to open a small window that streams the show. You can click “Download” if you want a copy of the MP3 audio file on your computer to put on your iPod or other player.

(The audio link is at the bottom if you receive this by RSS feed or e-mail)

This is another “Wildcard Wednesday” episode because May had five Tuesdays. Five Tuesdays means Wildcard Wednesday. Don’t you love our logic?

Gumby is our mascot for this show because we’re talking about flexibility. We want you to be prepared for change, because it’s coming. Predictable, likely, unlikely, or unexpected, it shows up in different forms. But it shows up. You can’t avoid change.

What do you do to keep yourself flexible to handle change as it comes? Do you have any special “Mind Gumby” techniques to share with our audience? We want to hear them! Tell us in a comment below.

The show will be on summer break, but past episodes are always available. Please help us spread the word by telling your friends and family about the show. You can send them to this link so they can subscribe through iTunes. You can also invite them to sign up by RSS feed or by e-mail. Click the Facebook “recommend” button at the top of this post, and then click the buttons at the bottom of the post to share it through social media or by e-mail. Thank you for helping more people find us.

This Week’s Tidbits:

Sign up for Francie’s Weekly Companion by clicking here.

Sign up for Steve’s Twisting Road Traveler by clicking here.

We used the timer again to keep the show to 8 minutes of conversation, so it’s less than 9 minutes even with the intro and outro. Click the triangle in the circle below to listen on this page, or click “Play in Popup” to open a small window that streams the show. You can click “Download” if you want a copy of the MP3 audio file on your computer to put on your iPod or other player.

(The audio link is at the bottom if you receive this by RSS feed or e-mail)

This month we’re looking at the guest list you would create for a dinner celebrating your life. They are your “Circle of Champions.”

On this show we’re talking about the effect of virtual interactions on our ability to have close, sustaining relationships. We recorded on the sidewalk outside a Starbucks, because many people who work as free agents use Starbucks both as a base for their virtual relationships (free Wi-Fi) and as a place to meet friends and colleagues when they need face-to-face interaction.

How can you use digital communication to enhance relationships with your champions who don’t live nearby? Can a relationship that starts virtually grow into a champion relationship? What if all your interactions with someone are digital, through social media or texting or e-mail? Can you reach that level of connection and familiarity without live interaction?

These are challenging questions. So challenging, in fact, that Steve seems to wind up debating himself! Please leave a comment with your thoughts, your questions, or your experiences using digital communication to cultivate sustaining relationships.

And please tell your Circle of Champions about Tapa Palapa. You can send them to this link so they can subscribe through iTunes. You can also invite them to sign up by RSS feed or by e-mail. Click the Facebook “recommend” button at the top of this post, and then click the buttons at the bottom of the post to share it through social media or by e-mail. Thank you for helping more people find us.

This Week’s Tidbits:

Sign up for Francie’s Weekly Companion by clicking here.

Sign up for Steve’s Twisting Road Traveler by clicking here.

You can click the triangle in the circle below to listen to the show on this page, or click “Play in Popup” to open a small window that streams it. You can click “Download” if you want a copy of the MP3 audio file on your computer to put on your iPod or other player.

(The audio link is at the bottom if you receive this by RSS feed or e-mail)

This month we’re looking at the guest list you would create for a dinner celebrating your life. They are your “Circle of Champions.”

As we set up and planned the show, some of the children on a field trip to the park slowly moved their loud play towards our picnic table. That’s probably because we were near the sand volleyball court, where they were chasing and dumping sand on each other!

We wanted to keep the show under 10 minutes so we set a timer for 8 minutes and stopped talking when it went off. Really! Okay, we talked for a couple seconds more, but then we stopped. Even with the intro and the outro the show wound up well under 9 minutes – only 8 minutes and 37 seconds! Thank you. We were surprised, too.

This week we’re looking for an opportunity to be a champion for someone. We have several suggestions on how you can encourage, support, or celebrate with someone. You can challenge yourself even more by looking for the chance to be a champion to someone you wouldn’t automatically think of. Make an intention to be a champion for someone, and then share your experience in the comments section below.

Will you tell your Circle of Champions about Tapa Palapa? You can send them to this link so they can subscribe through iTunes. You can also invite them to sign up by RSS feed or by e-mail. Click the Facebook “recommend” button at the top of this post, and then click the buttons at the bottom of the post to share it through social media or by e-mail. Thank you for helping more people find us.

This Week’s Tidbits:

Read Francie’s Weekly Companion asking, “What flavor of ice cream are you?”

Sign up for Francie’s Weekly Companion by clicking here.

Sign up for Steve’s Twisting Road Traveler by clicking here.

Click the triangle in the circle below to listen to the show, or click “Play in Popup” to open a small window that streams the show. You can click “Download” if you want a copy of the MP3 audio file on your computer to put on your iPod or other player.

(The audio link is at the bottom if you receive this by RSS feed or e-mail)

This month we’re looking at the guest list you would create for a dinner celebrating your life. They are your “Circle of Champions.”

We’re recording from the park again this week, but you’ll know that when you hear the children playing and shouting, the swings squeaking, and the airplane flying overhead. But we didn’t get distracted! We stayed focused on our topic for this show, finding your champions and cultivating those relationships.

We have suggestions for you to strengthen your relationships with your champions, and to identify people who can be champions in your life and to start cultivating those relationships. Did you identify as being more introverted or more extroverted? Is it pretty easy for you to list your close supporters, or is it really tough? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

Tell your personal champions about Tapa Palapa. You can send them to this link so they can subscribe through iTunes. You can also invite them to sign up by RSS feed or by e-mail. Click the Facebook “like” button at the top of this post, and then click the buttons at the bottom of the post to share it through social media or by e-mail. Thank you for helping more people find us.

This Week’s Tidbits:

“The Pursuit of Happiness” on CBS Sunday Morning

Sign up for Francie’s Weekly Companion by clicking here.

Sign up for Steve’s Twisting Road Traveler by clicking here.

This month we’re looking at the guest list you would create for a dinner celebrating your life. They are your “Circle of Champions.”

Click the triangle in the circle below to listen to the show, or click “Play in Popup” to open a small window that streams the show. You can click “Download” if you want a copy of the MP3 audio file on your computer to put on your iPod or other player.

(The audio link is at the bottom if you receive this by RSS feed or e-mail)

This week we’re talking about the reasons close, sustaining relationships matter. Who are the people that support you and guide you and really ‘get’ you? What’s it like to talk to a close friend or family member about a struggle you’re having? What’s it like to share your good news? Please leave a comment and let us know.

Tell your personal champions about Tapa Palapa. You can send them to this link so they can subscribe through iTunes. You can also invite them to sign up by RSS feed or by e-mail. Click the Facebook “like” button at the top of this post, and then click the buttons at the bottom of the post to share it through social media or by e-mail. Thank you for helping more people find us.

This Week’s Tidbits:

Sign up for Francie’s Weekly Companion by clicking here.

Sign up for Steve’s Twisting Road Traveler by clicking here.

All month long we’re preparing portable snacks and surprise treats to carry with us as we head out for fun. Our theme is “Play is Serious Work.”

Click the triangle in the circle below to listen to the show, or click “Play in Popup” to open a small window that streams the show. You can click “Download” if you want a copy of the MP3 audio file on your computer to put on your iPod or other player.

(The audio link is at the bottom if you receive this by RSS feed or e-mail)

This week we’re setting a big challenge. We want you to take a day off and dedicate the entire day to fun and play. The first step, making a list of things you might do on your day off, is hard enough. Don’t believe us? Try it!

But don’t stop there. Once you have your list, take it to the next level. Choose your day off and head out with your list. Try new things to see if you like them. Rediscover things you enjoy but haven’t done in a long time, like flying kites or playing putt-putt golf. Eat some interesting food. Get outside!

Please leave us a comment with your list of fun things to do on your day off. What have you thought about doing but haven’t tried yet? What have you remembered doing in the past that you want to do again? What would be the main thing on your list, the one you would want to do for sure? What things sound fun to you even though you think other people won’t call them fun? We would love to hear from you!

Please help us get more people to put this show on their lists of new things to try out. Encourage your friends and family to enjoy a few minutes of fun with us at Tapa Palapa. You can send them to this link so they can subscribe through iTunes. You can also invite them to sign up by RSS feed or by e-mail. Thanks for your help.

Remember to click the Facebook “like” button at the top of this post, and then click the buttons at the bottom of the post to share it through social media or by e-mail. Thank you for helping more people find us.

This Week’s Tidbits:

Where in the World is Francie?
As last week’s show was ending Francie headed off through the spa. Where in the world did she go? Follow along as Steve tries to find her in this Tapa Palapa Cinema special short film.

Our Sponsor Location
A special thank you to Trina Weaver, manager of the Sanford Spa & Salon. She was very kind to take us on a tour of the facility and let us record there last week.

The spa is part of The Sanford House Inn & Spa, a luxurious bed and breakfast with a variety of room styles for overnight guests, an elegant relaxing restaurant and bar, a comfortable home-like event room, and beautiful grounds.

Our Sponsor Event
The Sanford House was the site of the original Refocus, Reinvent, Rebuild day-long retreat workshop. The spring version will take place there May 14th. Contact Francie for more information.

Sign up for Francie’s Weekly Companion by clicking here.

Sign up for Steve’s Twisting Road Traveler by clicking here.

All month long we’re preparing portable snacks and surprise treats to carry with us as we head out for fun. Our theme is “Play is Serious Work.”

Click the triangle next to the image of a speaker below to listen to the show, or click “Play in Popup” to open a small window that streams the show. Click “Download” if you want a copy of the MP3 audio file on your computer to put on your iPod or other player.

(The audio link is at the bottom if you receive this by RSS feed or e-mail)

This week we’re talking about sensuous, soothing fun, so we recorded the show in a spa. We wanted to give you examples from a sanctuary environment, where everything is planned to appeal to all your senses and heighten the alignment of body, mind, and spirit. If you listen carefully you can even hear the indoor waterfall next to us in the lounge just outside the massage rooms. Hey, somebody had to do it!

Please leave us a comment or a question below. What healing benefits have you had with bodywork? Can you create an oasis sanctuary in your own home? How do you quiet the noise and heighten your senses to listen to your own body? We want to hear from you. Join the conversation!

Please help us spread the word about the show. Encourage your friends and family to enjoy the oasis that is Tapa Palapa. You can send them to this link so they can subscribe through iTunes. You can also invite them to sign up by RSS feed or by e-mail. Thanks for your help.

Remember to click the Facebook “like” button at the top of this post, and then click the buttons at the bottom of the post to share it through social media or by e-mail. Thank you for helping more people find us.

This Week’s Tidbits:

Where in the World is Francie?
As the show was ending Francie headed off through the spa. Where in the world did she go? Follow along as Steve tries to find her in this Tapa Palapa Cinema special short film.

Our Sponsor Location
A special thank you to Trina Weaver, manager of the Sanford Spa & Salon. She was very kind to take us on a tour of the facility and let us record there.

The spa is part of The Sanford House Inn & Spa, a luxurious bed and breakfast with a variety of room styles for overnight guests, an elegant relaxing restaurant and bar, a comfortable home-like event room, and beautiful grounds.

Our Sponsor Event
The Sanford House was the site of the original Refocus, Reinvent, Rebuild day-long retreat workshop. The spring version will take place there May 14th. Contact Francie for more information.

Sign up for Francie’s Weekly Companion by clicking here.

Sign up for Steve’s Twisting Road Traveler by clicking here.

All month long we’re preparing portable snacks and surprise treats to carry with us as we head out for fun. Our theme is “Play is Serious Work.”

Click the triangle next to the image of a speaker below to listen to the show, or click “Play in Popup” to open a small window that streams the show. You can click “Download” if you want a copy of the MP3 audio file on your computer.

(The audio link is at the bottom if you receive this by RSS feed or e-mail)

This week we’re talking about the sort of recreation that calms you, re-centers you, and rejuvenates you. These kinds of activities are unstructured so they allow you to be spontaneous and enjoy the moment. Relaxing recreation is essential for a balanced life, but most of us postpone it or dismiss it as self-indulgent. After all, there’s no agenda, no checklist, and no score sheet!

Please leave us a comment or a question below. Did you take up our BIG challenge and spend some time by yourself to chillax? What did you do? What did you learn? How will you be sure you plan relaxing recreation on a regular basis? We want to hear from you. Join the conversation!

Encourage your friends and family to chillax and listen to Tapa Palapa. Please help us spread the word about the show. You can send them to this link so they can subscribe through iTunes. You can also invite them to sign up by RSS feed or by e-mail. Thanks for your help.

Remember to click the Facebook “like” button at the top of this post, and then click the buttons at the bottom of the post to share it through social media or by e-mail. Thank you for helping more people find us.

This Week’s Tidbits:

Tapa Palapa on Location!
Check out the sidebar underneath the menu to find out where we will be in the community to record our shows this month. Join us if you can!

Recommended Books
Banner ads for the books we discussed are below. They are affiliate links, so if you click through and make a purchase one of us will get a few pennies.

Sign up for Francie’s Weekly Companion by clicking here.

Sign up for Steve’s Twisting Road Traveler by clicking here.

All month long we’re preparing portable snacks and surprise treats to carry with us as we head out for fun. Our theme is “Play is Serious Work.”

Click the triangle next to the image of a speaker below to listen to the show, or click “Play in Popup” to open a small window that streams the show. You can click “Download” if you want a copy of the MP3 audio file on your computer.

(The audio link is at the bottom if you receive this by RSS feed or e-mail)

This week we’re talking about how easy it is to choose fun. You don’t have to plan far ahead or set aside a whole day. You can sprinkle fun into your plans pretty easily. You just have to get in the habit of looking for opportunities and be willing to blow up the excuses that try to stick their noses in.

Please leave us a comment or a question below. How have you added fun to your schedule? What was the easiest idea you came up with? What sorts of excuses showed up to make it seem difficult to have fun? Which one seemed the silliest after you blew it up? We’d love to hear from you. Join the conversation!

Encourage your friends and family to have more fun by listening to Tapa Palapa. Please help us spread the word about the show. You can send them to this link so they can subscribe through iTunes. You can also invite them to sign up by RSS feed or by e-mail. Thanks for your help.

Remember to click the Facebook “like” button at the top of this post, and then click the buttons at the bottom of the post to share it through social media or by e-mail. Thank you for helping more people find us.

This Week’s Tidbits:

Tapa Palapa on Location!
Check out the sidebar underneath the menu to find out where we will be in the community to record our shows this month. Join us if you can!

Recommended Books
Banner ads for the books we discussed are below. They are affiliate links, so if you click through and make a purchase one of us will get a few pennies.

Sign up for Francie’s Weekly Companion by clicking here.

Sign up for Steve’s Twisting Road Traveler by clicking here.

(corrected 04/12/11)

This is our very first ‘Wildcard Wednesday’ episode. We develop four weekly shows around each monthly theme, but some months have five Tuesdays. We’ll use the ‘extra’ show those months as a wildcard, an opportunity to devote one episode to a topic that intrigues us. We’ll choose it close to recording time so we can discuss something timely, something that’s trending, or something that’s currently on our minds.

This week we found a topic that fits all three categories. We don’t want to spoil your experience by saying too much about it because we take you through our decision process in the episode. We actually open the show with a ‘behind the scenes’ window into the making of Tapa Palapa, including our production meeting where we choose the topic. You’ll also find out why, even though our other shows debut on Tuesday, the Wildcard comes out on Wednesday.

(The audio link is at the bottom if you receive this by RSS feed or e-mail)

We’ll give you a couple of hints about this week’s topic. One is that we ruled out talking about muumuus and jellybeans. The other is that we want you to blow something up.

Please click on the triangle play button above to listen, or choose “Play in Popup” or “Download.” Then leave a comment or a question to join the conversation. Did you try out our suggestions? What did you make happen? What did you blow up? We’d love to hear!

Will you do us a favor and help us increase our audience? Spread the word about Tapa Palapa. You can send your friends or family to this link so they can subscribe through iTunes. You can also invite them to sign up by RSS feed or by e-mail. Thanks for your help.

Remember to click the Facebook “like” button at the top of this post, and then click the buttons at the bottom of the post to share it through social media or by e-mail. Thank you for helping more people find us.

This Week’s Tidbits:

Sign up for Francie’s Weekly Companion by clicking here.

Sign up for Steve’s Twisting Road Traveler by clicking here.