005 | Discover Your Legacy: Turning Passion into Purpose with Katie Cheesman

Discover Your Legacy: Turning Passion into Purpose with Katie Cheesman

LISTEN NOW: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | STITCHER

Sometimes we look for our “calling” on a neon sign and expect the path to be easy, but more often, our purpose unfolds over time, presenting obstacles along the way. We find our purpose by taking incremental steps toward our passion and following our instinct.

Following Curiosity

Katie Cheesman, a self-proclaimed “old soul,” has always felt at ease with the elderly. After working as a geriatric nurse for several years, Katie started The Listening Ear Project—a passion project that eventually evolved into a private film company that documents and celebrates the life stories of senior citizens.

In this interview, Katie shares how following her curiosity led her step-by-step to the work she does today. She also speaks openly about the professional and personal obstacles she’s faced while pursuing her passion, including her experience with postpartum depression.

Leaving a Legacy

After sharing her own story, Katie summarizes some of the powerful lessons she’s learned from her elderly friends, offering us a unique perspective on what it means to live a “good life.”

Katie reminds us that every person on this planet has unique and valuable gifts to bring to the table. Our differences make us stronger. And each of us is weaving an inspiring legacy—even if we feel unremarkable and ordinary.

ALSO IN THIS EPISODE

  • Why our differences are vital to our community.

  • The importance of finding a tribe, both professionally and personally.

  • Five lessons we can learn from our elderly friends.

  • The unexpected secret to becoming a better listener.

SHOW NOTES

Connect with Rachel on Instagram

Connect with Katie Cheesman
Instagram | Website

001 | Stop Hustling: How to Slow Down & Simplify Life with Rebecca Cooper

Stop Hustling: How to Slow Down and Simplify Life with Rebecca Cooper

LISTEN NOW: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | STITCHER

In our fast-paced world, slowing down takes effort. We must learn to simplify our calendars, focus our attention, and say no to distractions—and sometimes, we must say no to good things that pull us away from our highest priorities.

Collect Moments, Not things

In this interview, Rebecca Cooper, founder of the lifestyle site Simple As That, shares how her definition of “simplicity” has evolved over the years. She also explains how she keeps her family moving at a slower pace, so they can savor ordinary, unremarkable moments in everyday life.

In 2010, with four kids under the age of eight, the Coopers sold most of their belongings and moved to the Caribbean so Rebecca’s husband could attend medical school. Rebecca shares how living with fewer physical possessions and fewer modern conveniences taught her to “collect moments, not things” and sparked a family culture of adventuring close to home.

Slow Down & Recharge Daily

Rebecca reminds us that self-worth isn’t tied to productivity or accomplishments. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and rest, encouraging women to sit down and recharge every day. We also discuss the benefits of declaring a “season of rest” as a way to minimize anxiety and comparison.

Also in this episode

  • Using a camera to see ordinary moments with new eyes.

  • Unexpected benefits of minimalism.

  • Teaching children life lessons through hiking and exploring.

  • How to stop measuring your self-worth by your to-do list.

  • Essential questions to streamline your calendar.

Show Notes

Connect with Rachel on Instagram

Connect with Rebecca Cooper
Instagram | Website

Free Class: How to Create a Life Blueprint

Additional Resources

Note: This list includes Amazon affiliate links to books related to this episode. I receive a small commission for products purchased through these links, which helps to support free content on the podcast.

Free Printable: 50 Everyday Moments You Need to Photograph

Slow Your Pace: A Free 30-Day Challenge

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less (Book)

Chasing Slow (Book)