Learning New Things

"Learning something new is fun." Alex Trebek

When when the last time you learning or tried something new? Learning new things has a slew of benefits... 

• It can be exciting (and sometimes challenging) to step out of our comfort zones and learn new things. But it also reduces boredom and can increase our motivation. What we learn today can be a stepping stone to our next adventure! 
  
  
• We can better adapt to change. Regularly learning new things helps to build a growth mindset... We understand that although we may not have the knowledge to handle a change or challenge (YET), we have the ability - and proven track record - to learn what we need to and face that change with ferocity. 
  
  
• The more we learn, the better (and faster) we get at it! The process of learning increases the white matter in our brains (called myelin). More myelin = boosted brain power! 
  
  
• Learning new things can also help in the long-term. It keeps our brains engaged and healthy and can help to prevent dementia... Keeping us adventuring for many years to come! 

(Sources: CE@CCSU, Cognition Today, Lifehacker, Piedmont) 

In episode 88, the pirates talk about the new things that we are learning including: 

• Aruba (Did you know that Aruba has the second cleanest water in the world?) 
• The impact and pervasiveness of trauma
• Intuitive eating
• Yoga
• Spanish
• Photography 

Listen to episode 88 and let us know what new things YOU are learning in the comments! 

CLICK HERE to listen to episode 88!

Don't miss an episode... Subscribe to The Pirate Life Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for living the pirate life with us!

Loving Hearts

February is HEART MONTH! So for episode 87, we talk about a cause that is near and dear to our hearts... heart disease. 

Heart disease has affected family members of all three pirates, and we are not alone. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in America, and one person dies from heart disease every 33 seconds. 

By improving our heart health, we can reduce our risk of heart disease. Check out livetothebeat.org to access a fun, interactive website to help to build on the following habits: 

• Move more
• Eat healthy
• Control blood pressure
• Manage cholesterol
• Manage blood sugar
• Work with a doctor
• Stress less
• Quit smoking 

For the past few years, we've been honored to support the work of the American Heart Association. AHA has been a leader in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Here are a few stats highlighting its impact:  

• Since 2018, there has been a 13.6% reduction in deaths from strokes.
• Since 2018, there has been a 15.1% reduction in deaths from heart disease.
• $5 billion has been invested in research funding since 1949.
• 22 million people go through CPR training with AHA each year.

Start a heart-healthy journey with us today! Listen to Episode 87. Then share your takeaways in the comments! 

CLICK HERE to listen to episode 87!

Don't miss an episode... Subscribe to The Pirate Life Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for living the pirate life with us!

Our Careers

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” —Steve Jobs

Construction (Shawna), Law (Denise), and Higher Ed (Adrienne).  

In episode 86, we share our journeys into our current careers! Spoiler alert: It wasn't a straight line. Internships, unexpected promotions, and "accidental" opportunities all helped to lead us to where we are today. #nothingisrandom 

When asked about our struggles, we shared our experiences blazing trails in a male-dominated industry, building trust with our teams, and amplifying our voices to advocate for those we serve. In spite of our differing industries, it turns out that we share a common challenge... positioning ourselves as leaders within the workplace.

If you (like us) want to become a better leader in your own industry, here are 10 tips from Business News Daily: 

1. Engage in honest, open communication. 
2. Connect with your team members. 
3. Encourage personal and professional growth. 
4. Keep a positive attitude. 
5. Teach employees instead of giving orders. 
6. Set clear goals and expectations. 
7. Give direct feedback about performance. 
8. Ask for feedback on your leadership. 
9. Be open to new ideas. 
10. Understand your own motivation. 

Want to keep learning? Check out some of our favorite resources: 

1. PODCAST: the Skimm's 9 to 5ish
2. BOOK: Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead 
   
3. TED TALK: Your body language may shape who you are with Amy Cuddy 
4. EMAIL: Mel's Personal Letter - inspiration by email (2x/week) from Mel Robbins

CLICK HERE to listen to episode 86!

Don't miss an episode... Subscribe to The Pirate Life Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for living the pirate life with us!

Chit Chat

"Tis the privilege of friendship to talk nonsense, and to have her nonsense respected." - Charles Lamb

Nothing beats pirate-time! Charles Lamb may call our pirate banter "nonsense," but there is something magical about that connection between friends!

As we wrapped up 2022 and the busy holiday season, we realized we had A LOT of catching up to do (and much "nonsense" to share). We dedicated Episode 85 just to chit chat! (Yes, we are still a "few" episodes behind with this blog, but we are getting there!)

A few highlights: 

• Shawna made her debut as a holiday elf to rave reviews. 
• Adrienne defied the odds and managed to cook a quiche for Cousin Brunch. 
• Denise scouted out the Nate Zern version of Diggerland (If we don't ever make it to the real thing, we now have a plan B)!

But we got more than laughs from our conversation... According to the staff of the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of friendship go way beyond good company. There are lots of HEALTH-RELATED benefits that come from time with friends including: 

• Belonging and purpose
• Happiness
• Less stress
• Improved self-confidence
• Reduced risk of depression
  
• Longer life expectancy 

We can't think of better motivation to connect with mateys new or old! 

Pirate Challenge: Share this post and tag a friend who YOU appreciate!

CLICK HERE to listen to episode 85!

Don't miss an episode... Subscribe to The Pirate Life Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for living the pirate life with us!

2023 Lifelist Preview

Our tradition of the Life List continues in Episode 84! If you are new to the Pirate Life Podcast, this is the list of adventures and experiences we want to chase down in the coming year! Sometimes they are practical (most times they are not)! 

Here's what we hope to check off in 2023:

1. Steamtown Music Awards/Electric City Music Conference - Overnight Trip
2. Save for 2024 Trip to Australia 
3. Talk Like A Pirate Day Collab w/the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat 
4. Pirate Yetis for Vaca
5. Nantucket Trip
6. Extras in a Movie
7. Some Type of Yoga Class 
8. Rebounding Class 
9. Annual Beach Day at Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
10. Plunder and Lighting Collab (or just catch a show)
11. Heavy Seas Beer, MD

Each year we also select an intention - one word to guide us and inspire us throughout the coming year. Here are the words that will be leading us in 2023:

• Shawna: REINVIGORATE
• Adrienne: CONQUER
• Denise: FLY

In Episode 84, we break down each item of the life list and recap how we did with our intention words in 2022 (spoiler alert: not as well as we would have liked to). But we hope you keep listening to see how we do in 2023!

CLICK HERE to listen to episode 84!

Don't miss an episode... Subscribe to The Pirate Life Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for living the pirate life with us!