The On Purpose Podcast
Conversations that inspire, uplift, and inform the listener. Host and producer Lynn Thompson welcomes authors, musicians, educators, philosophers, and entrepreneurs, each with stories and ideas to share. Episodes include discussion forums, featured guests with an audience, one-on-one conversations, and monologues. Many feature music from Zapsplat, thanks to Black Fedora with Sneaky Jazz. In August 2024, Living on Purpose will reach 20 years in the making! Beginning as a radio talk show on CHLY in British Columbia (2004-2009) and a podcast since 2007 on numerous channels, now on Podbean since April 2020 with The On Purpose Podcast (twin of Living on Purpose). Thanks for listening! Also, thanks for scrolling down to learn more about Lynn Thompson with Living on Purpose Communications for editing audio projects and collaborating with authors and books for publication. Thank you!
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
Author Todd Lieman talking with Ann Randolph in Your Story Matters: Unmute Yourself, her online writing workshop. This is the audio version of 25 minutes during the class when Todd was the guest artist on June 6, 2024. About 70 people in attendance listening (and dropping comments in the chat) while he shared reflections and insights with Ann about writing, editing, and publishing his book (after starting 25 years ago).
Lynn added a brief intro and outro afterwards to frame their conversation!
Todd in his recent conversation with host Lynn Thompson in early May 2024.
Hats off to Julie Colvin at Wellness Writers Press and Leila Summers at Pure Ink Press. The audio book of Dinner at God's House is narrated by Todd.
Ann Randolph is an Award-Winning Writer and Performer and with Your Story Matters: Unmute Yourself, she guides and supports an abundantly creative on-line writing community. Four weeks at a time with a month off in between. The next UNMUTE begins on Monday, July 15.
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Newly-published author Todd Lieman dives into his first podcast, speaking with Lynn Thompson about his journey through writing Dinner At God's House before, during, and after publication 4-24-24.
Dinner at God's House has received the Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction.
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Hats off to Julie Colvin at Wellness Writers Press and Leila Summers at Pure Ink Press.
Here is Todd speaking with Ann Randolph a month later as the featured guest artist during her on-line writing workshop, Your Story Matters: Unmute Yourself.
Thanks to Black Fedora with Sneaky Jazz for the music weaving through The On Purpose Podcast (Living on Purpose).
Sunday May 05, 2024
Sunday May 05, 2024
Fingerprint researcher, hand analyst of 60,000 pairs of hands, and hand-shape categorizer Richard Unger returns to the podcast to join nine people and discuss his study and fascination. He also describes the implications of how our unique Life Purpose is formed in our fingerprints before we are born.
Richard is the Founder of IIHA (International Institute of Hand Analysis) and the author of Lifeprints: Deciphering Your Life Purpose from Your Fingerprints.
Learn more through Richard's talks at Grapples and Oranges.
Richard's first talk on the show.
Thanks to Black Fedora with Sneaky Jazz for the music weaving through The On Purpose Podcast (Living on Purpose).
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
When Sandy Levey-Lunden, author of I Just Want Peace, recently introduced Lynn Thompson to Richard Unger, this 45-minute conversation happened. Richard is the Founder of IIHA (International Institute of Hand Analysis) and the author of Lifeprints: Deciphering Your Life Purpose from Your Fingerprints. He has read over 50,000 pairs of hands, and is one of the foremost authorities on hand analysis in the world today.
As a follow-up, nine people gathered on Zoom for a discussion with Richard and more insights from him about Life Purpose.
Why I Read Hands by Richard Unger
Two hands open and in front of my eyes an entire Universe stares back at me. I descend into their world, like a cave explorer, my ropes and lantern at the ready, immersed in this alien environment both strange and familiar. Their essence, the meaning behind the events of their life, is asking me to put into words and images that which calls out for understanding and acceptance.
And when I take notice, I see a transformation in my own experience: I am clear and centered, weightless, aware, more alive, more thankful and more alert than at any other time in my life.
Why do I read hands?To help other people.To become more self aware.Because nothing - nothing - connects me more to my spiritual center.Because my own Life Purpose commands it.Because they are there.
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
With her acclaimed solo show, TITLE PENDING, Heather Tyson, an award-winning Solo Artist, recently took the stage at the prestigious Whitefire Theatre’s Solofest Stage in Sherman Oaks, CA on Saturday, February 17, 2024. A month later, Heather showed up for her first podcast on Living on Purpose with Lynn Thompson to talk about her most recent performance of TITLE PENDING and the journey to get there. Coincidentally, the length of their conversation, an hour and a quarter, is the ideal length of her solo show. In 2023, Lynn and Heather met through Ann Randolph's online writing community, Your Story Matters: Unmute Yourself, and through a writing development workshop with Joshua and Adam, and Notes on Your Notes.
Here is the link to “Boxes,” the prologue segment from Heather's most recent live performance of TITLE PENDING.
Drive into the Drama of Betrayal and Resilience: TITLE PENDING unravels the gripping tale of Heather, a hardworking Midwestern girl whose life begins to crumble after a shocking betrayal. Amidst the backdrop of automotive training classes, she questions the very fabric of her beliefs, all while trying to keep her composure at her corporate job. As she hurtles toward an inevitable crash, questions arise: What happens when the GPS of life malfunctions? How do we find our way? Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions and revelations! Buckle up for an unforgettable ride!
Accolades and Recognition:
Following a successful sold-out run at the 2023 Hollywood Fringe Festival, and an Official Selection of the 2023 Binge Fringe Festival, TITLE PENDING was chosen as an Official Selection of the prestigious 2024 Whitefire Theatre’s Solofest. The show has garnered praise for its universal themes and Tyson's compelling writing and storytelling.
A Return to the Stage:
Heather Tyson, a graduate of Northwestern University’s theater program, is thrilled to be back on stage, writing and producing her own work. TITLE PENDING, and Tyson’s return to live performance, is a testament to her unwavering love of the theatre. Previous TV and film appearances include The Sopranos, Sex & the City, Days of Our Lives, and Military Husband.
Praise for TITLE PENDING: Wendy Hammers, Solo Artist, and CEO of Tasty Words Productions, raves about the show: “Heather Tyson’s radiant and oh-so-real performance is a reminder of everything we love in the theatre – truth, humor, and universal a-ha moments… A master class in solo storytelling, TITLE PENDING is not to be missed.”
Heather Tyson graduated from Northwestern University after David Schwimmer but before Meghan Markle. Post-graduation, she drove a U-Haul to NYC to pursue her dream of becoming a Broadway star. After hustling for years in the off-off-off Broadway theatre scene, she shifted gears to TV and film, where she wowed in the roles of a blink-and-you-miss-her prostitute on THE SOPRANOS and a slightly dim-witted sales consultant on SEX & THE CITY. She then drove another U-Haul across the country to LA, hoping to expand her artistic career. But life had other plans. Heather’s dreams stalled, and just like that, more than a decade passed. With TITLE PENDING, Heather is back in the driver’s seat, making a return to her first true love, the stage.
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Eight years ago, Danell's husband, Patrick, went out for his morning bike ride and didn't come home. So much has happened since then for his wife, their two daughters, and their families, including, for Danell, a new career direction, new marriage, and becoming a published author. In this 45-minute conversation, Danell teNyenhuis Black and Living on Purpose host Lynn Thompson tour many aspects of Danell's journey that she shares in Suddenly: A Widow's Story of Unexpected Loss and Healing.
Leading us through details of her unexpected loss, the author expands the shock rippling through their large families into a depth of insight, memories, hope, and supportive guidance. I recommend this book for comfort and company through the loss of a spouse and holding steady as life continues in ways unimaginable before that moment. Big thanks for the author's courage in sharing her story!
Published by Ignite Press.
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
February discussion forum in the series, reviewing MAiD and otherwise preparing and caring for and considering physical death, with new and returning voices, edited to under two hours.
Note:
When the nine or so of us recorded this discussion, we had the impression that the expansion of MAiD was put on pause until March 2027. However, there was a Bill C-62 going through third reading in the Canadian Senate (after passing three readings in the House of Commons).
As of February 29, 2024, it appears that the expansion (to include those with a mental disorder as the sole underlying condition for application for MAiD) is, indeed, put on pause until March 17, 2027, with a review beforehand.
Documentary film clarifying the mandate of palliative care and hospice. The Story of Euthanasia.
Some links for reference from Art of Departure Eight:
Toni Gitles, author of 21 Mistakes Caregivers Make & How to Avoid Them
denise bertrand aka feather, author of Once Upon A Solar Time
Bobbi Rowntree, Born Medium
Danell teNyenhuis Black, author of Suddenly: A Widow’s Story of Unexpected Loss and Healing
Russell Brand commentary on MAiD starting at 31:05 minutes
Druthers Newspaper
The Maid Article
Earlier forums:
Art of Departure SevenArt of Departure SixArt of Departure FiveArt of Departure FourArt of Departure ThreeArt of Departure TwoArt of DepartureArt of Departure Sampler
Thanks for listening to the Art of Departure, a series on Living on Purpose (known as The On Purpose Podcast on Podbean).
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) legislation is poised to expand on March 17, 2024, from those with a terminal illness or in chronic pain to include those with a mental disorder, further illuminating issues about quality of life and managing death. MAiD can provide relief for some and incite great unease for others.
Eighteen men and women gathered on Zoom with host Lynn Thompson for this (edited) 1.75 hour-long conversation, putting many ideas, insights, and perspectives on the table. And it was a ride of a call. Special guests joining the discussion, Jo-Anne Haun and Karen Hendrickson, Co-Founders of DDNI, Death Doula Network International, spoke about their experiences being death doulas and also addressed numerous myths about MAiD.
A recent article on the topic of MAiD was referenced.
Update February 1, 2024 on a second pause on new MAiD legislation. Also scroll to end for video with True North's host Andrew Lawton for his intensive, insightful, and candid commentary on this issue.
More links to explore:
Art of Departure EightArt of Departure SixArt of Departure FiveArt of Departure FourArt of Departure ThreeArt of Departure TwoArt of DepartureArt of Departure Sampler
November intro for the Death Doulas, Jo-Anne and Karen
Thanks for listening to the Art of Departure, a series on Living on Purpose (known as The On Purpose Podcast on Podbean).
Sunday Dec 10, 2023
Sunday Dec 10, 2023
The December Art of Departure Six (group discussions on matters of before, during, and after death: life!) with Daniel, Bobbi, and host Lynn Thompson. Edited to an hour.
For Art of Departure Seven on Sunday, January 7, 2024, guest speakers, Jo-Anne Haun and Karen Hendrickson, Co-Founders of Death Doula Network International (DDNI) joined Lynn and about fifteen others. In late 2023, Jo-Anne and Karen joined Lynn for a half-hour introduction about the evolution of DDNI and their involvement with Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), a conversation to be continued because new legislation is due in March 2024.
Links to earlier episodes in this series:
Art of Departure EightArt of Departure SevenArt of Departure FiveArt of Departure FourArt of Departure ThreeArt of Departure TwoArt of DepartureArt of Departure Sampler
Thanks to Black Fedora with Sneaky Jazz for the music weaving through The On Purpose Podcast (Living on Purpose).
Sunday Dec 03, 2023
Sunday Dec 03, 2023
The fourth section of Derian Tuitt's book is all about The Secrets: Thoughts (The Secret Sauce) and Detachment (The Paradox of Paradoxes). This episode is 25 minutes long. In February 2021, Lynn Thompson and Derian Tuitt met up on Zoom for the final of four conversations based on concepts in the book he wrote and they collaboratively edited in 2018, Life Success Hacks: How to Use Simple Action to Achieve Anything You Imagine.
Section One talk is episode 18 on Podbean.Highlights of #1
Section Two talk
Section Three talk
Section Four talk
Derian B. Tuitt is a staunch proponent of taking action to achieve whatever you desire. His mantra is: “Your actions tell the real story. If you play it safe, you won’t have much of a life.” Derian advocates using natural laws to work for you, as well as using adversity as a catalyst that launches opportunity. Derian was inspired to write his book for his daughter, Debrina, and he is determined to make this world a better place for his granddaughter, Nadia.
Thanks to Black Fedora with Sneaky Jazz for the music weaving through The On Purpose Podcast (Living on Purpose).
Lynn Thompson, Editor of Words and Audio
Living on Purpose Communications in Canada includes a podcast, audio editing, and collaborative editing of manuscripts for authors who appear as podcast guests! Podcast host and producer Lynn Thompson facilitates discussion forums, one-on-one conversations, monologues, and guest features. Lynn collaborates with numerous authors and their books of fantasy, historical fiction, future fiction, personal growth, how-to, and whimsy, from creative consultation in the developmental stage to final proofreading for publication. A guide with enthusiasm for drawing forth stories and polishing words to shine the author’s voice, Lynn enjoys the creative writing journey. For more information about being a podcast guest or developmental and collaborative editing, writing, and publishing, please email livingonpurposecommunications (at) gmail.com to hear from Lynn.
“As a first-time author, editing my novel was intimidating. Thanks to Lynn Thompson, it was a joyful and rewarding experience. Lynn is conscientious, organized, flexible, thorough, and professional. I feel very fortunate to have found someone who was also a kind, respectful, and supportive partner in preparing my book for publication. My novel is better because of Lynn’s contributions.”
—Kathryn Goodwin Tone, The King’s Broad Arrow (Germany/USA), Illustrator, Crystal Cregge. Winner, Juvenile Fiction, 2020 National Indie Excellence Awards
Finalist, 2020 Eric Hoffer Excellence in Independent Publishing Awards
Finalist, 2022 Young Adult Virginia Author Award
“Lynn transforms your literary work from good to great. She is organized, professional, and insightful.”
—Derian Tuitt, Life Success Hacks: How to Use Simple Action to Achieve Anything You Imagine (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
“I have really come to appreciate and honor the way you poke, prod, encourage, and yes, sometimes drag me kicking and screaming to my greater potential.” —Bobbie Casalino Lewis, Expression Expert and author, So That’s What 70 Looks Like! The Essence of Aging Gracefully (CA USA 2023)
Reviews for Dinner at God's House
April 24, 2024 with Wellness Writers Press
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
"This book is a must-read for those of us who feel and think and grind through the days knowing that with courage there can be peace. Even just for a minute. Dinner at God's House is not just Lieman's story. It belongs to all of us. A beautiful and raw story about healing and the choice to live in courage or fear." - Lara Love Hardin, author of The Many Lives of Mama Love and four-time New York Times bestselling author
"Dinner at God's House is what happens when you are ready to get really, truly honest, which is the biggest adventure of all. This brave, engaging, heartfelt book is a gift." - Nanea Hoffman, author and founder of Sweatpants & Coffee
"Deeply moving and emotionally profound, Dinner at God's House brings us face-to-face with the big questions of life and also helps us find the answers. This story will break you in two and break your heart, and then finally lead you to a better version of yourself. - Lauren Sapala, author, speaker & creative guide
About the Author
For anyone wondering what it’s like to collaborate with Lynn Thompson as an editor and writer, here are unsolicited, spontaneous testimonials from three of the numerous people on my team involved with preparing my book for publication with Spotlight Publishing House. —Sandy Levey-Lunden
From such modest beginnings when Angela and I began working on I Just Want Peace with Sandy, its completion and publication is breathtaking. Your painstaking editing has led to an incredible body of work and a wonderful read. —Gillian Hibbs
Lynn, you were an absolute JOY to work with! You show infinite patience and presence making me feel seen, heard, and valued! You have cultivated so much focus, but are always game to have fun! You are a super talented writer and diligent and detailed editor. Your awareness is unrivaled, yet you are unruffled. The way you honoured Sandy’s legacy and embraced every new person added to the team was phenomenal! Collaborating with you was a dream, we were so attuned, even over Zoom, it was like our minds merged in purpose and play-fullness! Knowing you is a true and beautiful Blessing! It’s so incredible what can be accomplished when a set of stellar communicators are led by a star like YOU, Lynn Thompson! —Kristi Birnie
A great tribute to you, Lynn. I concur with Kristi on how much infinite patience, presence, and passion you had for this book project throughout and how I felt seen and heard, grateful to learn some of the ins and outs of editing. I feel like a beginner’s mind in so many ways. Such attention to detail and making everything appear to be seamless, more fun, and just more than the sum of its parts that you tracked so well. It was a meaningful creative process that I secretly never wanted to end. But then we’d be denying the world of a great legacy book and to give Peace a better chance. Congratulations, Sandy and Team Peace! —Christina Ireland
I concur with everything Kristi said. You have shown infinite patience, Lynn, with all of us throwing in different edits, you have welcomed each and every one of us and responded with kindness. You are an awesome editor and have been a profound help to Sandy and her legacy book. Well done and thank you! —Sue Reynard
feather aka denise bertrand
Lynn Thompson is a most attentive, thorough, and enthusiastic editor.
Anyone writing their first or tenth book would be lucky to have Lynn on their team.
Her attention to detail is outstanding.
Her gentle and clever suggestions created an inspiring working atmosphere for me
as I completed my first novel.
Once Upon A Solar Time.
I highly recommend Lynn as your editor.
The Woo Woo Way
"Cindy Childress, PhD, The Expert’s Ghostwriter, book-writing coach, and mentor, reawakened my love of storytelling and helped develop my writing style. Once we completed the developmental editing, I needed to find a copy editor. Who knew there was more than one kind of editing? My publisher, Becky Norwood of Spotlight Publishing House, introduced me to several copy editors to interview. I chose Lynn Thompson of Living on Purpose Communications.
"I thank Lynn for creating a collaborative approach in editing my book, chapter by chapter, line by line. With some of my lessons, she helped assemble bridges to connect ideas. Editing takes focused time,
so it’s great that we often laughed with abandon and talked aloud to Grammarly. There’s nothing better than a good belly laugh for healing. How perfect, since healing is the theme of my book."
—Sandy Evenson, Bestselling Author of The Woo Woo Way, in Spring 2023
Listen to Sandy on the Living on Purpose podcast
Award-winning, Summer 2023:
Award Finalist 2023 International Book Awards (Category, Spirituality: Inspirational)
https://internationalbookawards.com/2023awardannouncement.html
2023 San Francisco Book Festival Award (Category, How-To)
http://www.sanfranciscobookfestival.com/winners_2023.htm
Literary Titan Book Award
https://literarytitan.com/2023/07/01/literary-titan-gold-book-award-july-2023/
International Impact Award Winner (Category, Body/Mind/Spirit)
https://internationalimpactbookawards.com/may-2023/
A Dry Hate - Second Edition
Published by Nugget Press with support from Spotlight Publishing House.
Nancy Marshall hopes that A Dry Hate will have a broad readership with adult discussion groups as well as in high school and college classrooms. She has a deep and abiding belief that by continuing to educate ourselves, to think and talk about ideas and events, we will become a more robust democratic society.
By opening ourselves to the interchange of ideas and knowledge, we will be more able to combat propaganda, lies, abuse of power, and threats of violence.
Listen to Nancy on the Living on Purpose podcast
Nancy says of editor Lynn Thompson:
“Lynn has been a fabulous, terrific, wonderful, irritating, fun-loving, imperfect, best-ever editor.
I am so grateful for all the work she’s done, and we’ve done together.”
June 2023
May 2024: A DRY HATE just won first place as “best novel” with the Arizona organization of Arizona Professional Writers!
Publishing with Ignite Press in 2024
“When we began working together, I had a collection of blog entries, and I didn’t even know how to begin turning them into a book. You helped me to rearrange, rewrite, and polish these entries into a book I am proud of. Lynn, I really felt you were invested in my success and I enjoyed getting to know you. I will definitely work with you again!”
—Danell TeNyenhuis Black, SUDDENLY, A Widow’s Story of Unexpected Loss and Healing
Listen to Danell on the Living on Purpose podcast
Leading us through details of her unexpected loss, the author expands the shock rippling through their large families into a depth of insight, memories, hope, and supportive guidance. I recommend this book for comfort and company through the loss of a spouse and holding steady as life continues in ways unimaginable before that moment. Big thanks for the author's courage in sharing her story!
Lynn Thompson
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2023 with SPOTLIGHT PUBLISHING HOUSE
In memory of Mom and Dad who were always there for me. My bond with Mom reached new depths throughout the years I cared for her and as she expressed her incredible love for me.
Thanks to Denise M. Brown for your caregiver consultant training program and the many opportunities you provided, including giving me the foundation and tools to begin helping family caregivers. Thanks to my partner, Dennis, for your love, patience, support, and understanding while I wrote this book. Thanks to Junie Swadron, Theresa Wilbanks, and Lynn Thompson for your editorial guidance and encouragement and for making writing this book a fantastically fun journey. Like caregiving, writing a book is not a solo activity, and you each brought this message to life and gave it wings. It takes a community to write a good book. Steve Harrison, his coaching staff, and his group of authors provided education, guidance, and inspiration to keep me engaged and clear that my message is important and needs a voice. I greatly appreciate my first readers, Dennis Dulniak, Helen Carter, and Karen Briskey. A huge thank you to Maggie Morgan and Theresa Wilbanks for your marketing and social media expertise, and Becky Norwood, for all you and your staff accomplished to get my book published on time and with love and enthusiasm for this project.
Gratitude to all the caregivers I have met and coached. You validated over and over that this book and the information in it change lives. While the worries, mistakes, and concerns are real, you have created meaningful journeys through effective communication, asking for help, making memories, and celebrating with the loved ones in your care.