Assorted Conversations

Assorted Conversations is an interview podcast featuring inspiring stories from everyday people doing extraordinary things. Every other Wednesday, host Helen sits down with guests who are pursuing meaningful passions, exploring unusual hobbies, building creative careers, overcoming challenges, and turning long-held dreams into reality. Each episode is a warm, candid conversation about the choices, setbacks, lessons, and moments of courage behind a personal journey. Come for the laughter and fascinating stories; leave with a fresh perspective and inspiration to begin—or keep pursuing—your own path.

Assorted Conversations is a society podcast hosted by Helen, with 65 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Helen hosts Assorted Conversations, a society show with 65 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Assorted Conversations

  Ep 65 - The Listener Questions Conversation

  Sep 30, 202650 min

  Text me what you think of today’s episode! Most people only hear the finished conversation but the real story is what it takes to keep a podcast alive when schedules blow up, tech goes sideways, and life gets heavy. I’m answering listener questions straight up, from why we named the show Assorted Conversations to how we’ve made it through five years of publishing without disappearing into podfade. You wanted to know about the behind-the-scenes reality of independent podcasting: guest outreach, consent forms, tech prep, editing, uploading, and the never-ending cycle of booking the next great guest. I also share the tools and workflows that help, including scheduling automation with Calendly, plus the mindset shift that made an every-other-week release schedule sustainable after a major health issue. If you’re searching for practical podcast production tips, this is the honest version, not the highlight reel. Then we shift into the human side, because that’s what the show is built on. I answer your questions about how I research guests without over-preparing, the moments that caught me off guard, and why one early conversation with a death doula changed how I handled my dad’s final months. You’ll also hear me get personal about imposter syndrome, fear of heights, doing hard things anyway, and what voiceover auditions have taught me about rejection and confidence. If you enjoy thoughtful interviews, creative passions, and real talk about the work behind audio storytelling, subscribe for more. Share this with a friend, leave a rating and review, and send me your next question so I can answer it on a future Q&A. Episode Links Mentioned Episode 2 – The Death Doula Conversation with Veronica Halloran Direct Episode Link Episode 4 – The Pastry Chef Conversation with Lauren (Croteau) Johnson Direct Episode Link Episode 5 – The Bee Keeper Conversation with Keith Norman Direct Episode Link Episode 8 – The Vintage Sports Car Racer Conversation with John Saccameno Direct Episode Link Episode 10 – The Urban Explorer Conversation with Zoe Fasolo Direct Episode Link Episode 14 – The Film Blogger Conversation with Rua Fay Direct Episode Link Episode 23 – The Assorted Bonus Content and Blooper Show Direct Episode Link Episode 29 – The Custom Wood Carver Conversation with Tiff Marchand Direct Episode Link Episode 41 – The Ultralight Backpacking Conversation with Jerry Duggan Direct Episode Link Episode 45 – Through Hiking the Appalachian Trail Conversation with Rand Timmerman Direct Episode Link Episode 47 – The National Santa Conversation with Tim Connaghan Direct Episode Link Episode 48 – The Infinite Seat Theater Conversation with Jeff Revilla Direct Episode Link Episode 51 – The Resilience of a Creative Soul Conversation with Laura Van Wormer Direct Episode Link Episode 56 – The Mr. Alright Chef Conversation with Joe Garcia Direct Episode Link Episode 58 – The Santa for Nerds & Coach for Creatives Conversation with Paul Pape Direct Episode Link Assorted Conversations Links Podcast Homepage Assorted Conversations Facebook Page Stay up-to-date on podcast happenings and share them with your friends Assorted Conversations Podcast Facebook Community A collaborative and supportive community for you to engage with us, our guests and other listeners Share your passion, network and connect as we all pursue what makes us happy. Exclusive behind-the-scenes content and info Special online events for community members NOW on TikTok Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram Support Assorted Conversations on Buy Me a Coffee Say hello or ask a question: aconvospod@gmail.com Credits Music Credit: True Living by Patrick Moore Royalty free music license purchased at soundotcom.com

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Assorted Conversations

  Ep 64 - The Podcasting and Voice Over Conversation with Helen

  Sep 16, 202633 min

  Text me what you think of today’s episode! A guest rescheduled, so I did the one thing I’ve somehow avoided for years: I interviewed myself. What followed was a real behind-the-scenes story of how Assorted Conversations went from a pandemic idea to a skill-building machine that changed my relationship with my own voice and eventually pushed me into voiceover work and audiobook narration. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to start a podcast, keep it going, and grow into something bigger, this is the honest version, including the awkward parts. I talk through the hidden labor of independent podcasting: choosing gear, recording remotely, editing, publishing, writing descriptions, and then learning promotion and SEO when all you wanted was a great conversation. That repetition did something unexpected, it trained my ear. I started noticing pacing, pauses, emphasis, and the difference between reading and communicating. That tiny shift opened a door to voice acting lessons, recording a professional demo reel, and stepping into the strange emotional world of auditioning. Then I share what audiobook production really looks like: pickups, mouth noise, mispronouncing words you’ve said your whole life, and hitting technical audio specifications like RMS levels and clean exports. I also get candid about rejection, the silence after submissions, and why not booking a job often has nothing to do with talent. Along the way, I flag real risks for new voice actors, including sketchy offers and AI voice cloning, plus the importance of protecting your work and saying no. We wrap with the message I hope sticks: you’re allowed to be a beginner again, and you don’t need the five-year plan before you start. If this story sparks your own “I wonder if I could,” subscribe, share the episode with a friend who needs a push, and leave a review with the new thing you’re thinking about trying. Show Links Let Them Pray, by Brittany Johnson Helen's Demo Reel Voice Coaches Voice of Logan Competition Website Assorted Conversations Links Podcast Homepage Assorted Conversations Facebook Page Stay up-to-date on podcast happenings and share them with your friends Assorted Conversations Podcast Facebook Community A collaborative and supportive community for you to engage with us, our guests and other listeners Share your passion, network and connect as we all pursue what makes us happy. Exclusive behind-the-scenes content and info Special online events for community members NOW on TikTok Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram Support Assorted Conversations on Buy Me a Coffee Say hello or ask a question: aconvospod@gmail.com Credits Music Credit: True Living by Patrick Moore Royalty free music license purchased at soundotcom.com

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Assorted Conversations

  Ep 63 The Assorted Guest Gratitude Show

  Sep 2, 202623 min

  Text me what you think of today’s episode! A quick burst of inspiration can fade by Monday, so I wanted to do something more useful: connect the dots between the guests who moved me and the practical ways you can support what they’re building. This solo roundup from Assorted Conversations spotlights creators, coaches, and makers whose stories prove that joy is not frivolous, it’s fuel, and that momentum usually starts long before you feel “ready.” We talk about thinking bigger than the room you’re in with Jeff Revilla’s Infinite Seat Theater concept and how live events can reach far beyond a local audience. I revisit Monica Marlat’s puzzle-driven creativity and community building, plus Amy Riley’s grounded take on aphrodisiac foods that centers mood, health, and intimacy without the gimmicks. If you love stories about hobbies becoming meaningful work, creative confidence, and small business ideas for creators, you’ll find plenty to take notes on. The thread continues with resilience and reinvention: novelist Laura Van Wormer on pivoting after life changes, Devorah Brinkerhoff on art, grief, and trauma, and Joseph Bolton on genealogy and family history that becomes unforgettable storytelling. We also touch confidence training with Kung Fu Kendra, keeping cooking fun with Mr. All Right Chef, redefining luxury travel with Elevate Your Escapes, pricing creativity with Paul Pape, restarting a shelved dream with filmmaker Derek Shaw, relationship communication and consent with Amanda Dames, and BBQ mastery with Hall of Famer Bill Gillespie. If one of these lessons hits home, share this with a friend who needs a nudge, then subscribe and leave a review so more people can find these guests and the work they’re putting into the world. What passion are you ready to take one small step on next? Guest Episode Links: Ep. 48 – The Infinite Seat Theater Conversation with Jeff Revilla Episode 48 Ep. 49 – The Puzzled About Everything Conversation with Monica Marlatt Episode 49 Ep. 50 – The Aphrodisiac Food Conversation with Amy Reiley Episode 50 Ep. 51 – The Resilience of a Creative Soul Conversation with Laura Van Wormer Episode 51 Ep. 52 – The Soul Portraits for Healing Conversation with Devorah Brinckerhoff Episode 52 Ep. 53 – The Old Grandmother's Tree Conversation with Joseph Bolton Episode 53 Ep. 54 – The Kung Fu Kendra Conversation with Kendra Mahon Episode 54 Ep. 56 – The Mr. Alright Chef Conversation with Joe Garcia Episode 56 Ep. 57 – The Elevate Your Escapes Conversation with Eleanor Episode 57 Ep. 58 – The Santa for Nerds & Coach for Creatives Conversation with Paul Pape Episode 58 Ep. 59 – The Multitasking Screenwriter Conversation with Derrick Shaw Episode 59 Ep. 61 – The Kink Consultant Conversation with Amanda Dames Episode 61 Ep. 62 – The Smokin Hoggz Conversation with Bill Gillespie Episode 62 Assorted Conversations Links Podcast Homepage Assorted Conversations Facebook Page Stay up-to-date on podcast happenings and share them with your friends Assorted Conversations Podcast Facebook Community A collaborative and supportive community for you to engage with us, our guests and other listeners Share your passion, network and connect as we all pursue what makes us happy. Exclusive behind-the-scenes content and info Special online events for community members NOW on TikTok Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram Support Assorted Conversations on Buy Me a Coffee Say hello or ask a question: aconvospod@gmail.com Credits Music Credit: True Living by Patrick Moore Royalty free music license purchased at soundotcom.com

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Assorted Conversations

  Ep. 62 - The Smokin Hoggz Conversation with Bill Gillespie

  Aug 19, 202655 min

  Text me what you think of today’s episode! One great rack of ribs can start a lifelong obsession, and Bill Gillespie proves it. We’re talking with the owner of Smokin Hoggs Barbecue, a highly decorated competitive barbecue pitmaster who’s cooked hundreds of contests across the U.S. and Canada, authored four barbecue cookbooks, and earned one of the sport’s biggest honors: induction into the Kansas City Barbecue Society Hall of Fame. Bill walks us from his early New England backyard experiments (including the “worst ribs” stage every BBQ fan recognizes) to the moment competition barbecue clicked. We get into what KCBS judges actually score, why taste matters more than appearance, and how the “one bite” reality forces teams to build a controlled flavor punch with finishing techniques like glazes and finishing dust. If you’ve ever wondered how champions make chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket stand out on a crowded judging table, Bill lays out the mindset and the method. We also dig into the logistics that don’t show up in a recipe: tight turn-in windows, building a repeatable timeline, the shift toward hot-and-fast barbecue cooking at higher pit temps, and the travel grind that comes with chasing trophies. Along the way, Bill shares the losses that sting, the wins that surprise, and the simple backyard barbecue tips that translate immediately to your next cook. If you enjoy competitive barbecue, BBQ rubs and sauces, smoking brisket, and real-world pitmaster advice, hit play. Subscribe, share this with your favorite grill friend, and leave a review telling us your most proud BBQ moment. Guest Links Smokin Hoggz Website Smokin Hoggz Store Smokin Hoggz on Facebook Smokin Hoggz on Instagram Smokin Hoggz on YouTube Smokin Hoggz on X (formerly Twitter) Assorted Conversations Links Podcast Homepage Assorted Conversations Facebook Page Stay up-to-date on podcast happenings and share them with your friends Assorted Conversations Podcast Facebook Community A collaborative and supportive community for you to engage with us, our guests and other listeners Share your passion, network and connect as we all pursue what makes us happy. Exclusive behind-the-scenes content and info Special online events for community members NOW on TikTok Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram Support Assorted Conversations on Buy Me a Coffee Say hello or ask a question: aconvospod@gmail.com Credits Music Credit: True Living by Patrick Moore Royalty free music license purchased at soundotcom.com

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Assorted Conversations

  Ep 60 - The Travel Trailer Journey Conversation with Elke Scholz

  Jul 15, 202656 min

  Text me what you think of today’s episode! She planned a warm winter escape, hitched up a custom travel trailer, and headed south alone, only to discover that the road doesn’t care about your plans. Helen sits down with Elke Scholz to unpack a solo RV road trip from Canada to Arizona that starts with immediate chaos: tight parking lots, misunderstandings, a trailer lockout, and the kind of stress that makes you wonder if you should have stayed home. Then the real test hits. Elke wakes up at a rest stop to a total power crash, learns the hard truth about what “winterized” actually means, and drives through a major blizzard because sometimes the safest choice is to keep going. We get into the practical side of winter RVing and off-grid living: how propane heat still depends on electricity, why solar and battery capacity matter, what she changed to stay warmer, and how she rebuilt her setup with smarter batteries and reliable internet using Starlink roaming. Along the way, Elke shares the moments that restore your faith in people, from strangers who step in to help to off-grid digital nomads who’ve engineered trailers into self-sufficient homes. We also talk candid solo female travel safety, roadside assistance and trailer coverage, and why you don’t need to have everything figured out before you start, you just need to be willing to learn. If you’re planning a travel trailer trip, dreaming about a digital nomad lifestyle, or stuck in endless preparation mode, this story will give you both a laugh and a shove forward. Subscribe, share the episode with a friend who needs courage, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. Helen's First Audiobook Narration: Let Them Pray by Brittany Johnson, Narrated by Hele n Guest Links: Elke's Homepage Assorted Conversations Links Podcast Homepage Assorted Conversations Facebook Page Stay up-to-date on podcast happenings and share them with your friends Assorted Conversations Podcast Facebook Community A collaborative and supportive community for you to engage with us, our guests and other listeners Share your passion, network and connect as we all pursue what makes us happy. Exclusive behind-the-scenes content and info Special online events for community members NOW on TikTok Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram Support Assorted Conversations on Buy Me a Coffee Say hello or ask a question: aconvospod@gmail.com Credits Music Credit: True Living by Patrick Moore Royalty free music license purchased at soundotcom.com

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Assorted Conversations. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.