The Only Child Diaries Podcast

Women needs to have other female friends.  Friends they can confide in, plan fun things, gossip and be there for each other.  In this episode, I'm going to talk about one friend in particular, my best friend of 32 years - Gina Zamparelli.  The month of May marks her birthday but also the anniversary of her passing.  In 2023, it is five years since we lost her to cancer.  But this isn't a sad episode.  I'll share of my favorite stories of our antics...

You've seen that one apartment balcony with all the plants?  Yeah, that was me for a while...before the squirrels found me.  Now that we are living in a house, the garden needs a LOT of work.  It's again become an oasis for me.  It all started when I was a kid.  A quirky kid who learned all the botanical names of the plants in our yard...

It seems like such an innocent task.  Go to the paint store.  Or go to the home improvement store.  Proceed to the paint section and look at the colors.  Pick one.  Go home and paint.  Oh no.  There's nothing easy about it. Choosing the perfect paint color is complicated. Painting the inside of your house - or even the outside - takes time and money.  It's not like you can change it easily if you make a mistake.  If you don't like it...

Being an only child, my relationship with my dad was key.  My mom and I didn't always get along or see eye to eye, but my dad and I had an understanding, for most of our lives together. He had a good sense of humor, he was hardworking and he had a joy for life.  For the simple things.  Was he a good parent?  Maybe not in the traditional ways that you would think of a dad...

Can you imagine navigating the world of dating without any guidance? Welcome to my life! Join me in this episode of the Only Child Diaries podcast as I recount my journey through the confusing world of dating and relationships. From my earliest crushes on media personalities to my first boyfriend, I share my experiences in taking the lead in finding love and the valuable lessons learned along the way...

After years of navigating the often-confusing world of physical therapy, I've learned the importance of choosing the right provider for my needs. Join me in this episode of the Only Child Diaries podcast as I share my personal journey, encounters with interesting characters (including a Wizard of Oz munchkin), and the lessons I've picked up along the way...

Strap on your historian's cap as we journey into Philadelphia, a city that effervesces with both the birth pains and the triumphant strides of American history. Amidst the rich tapestry of its past and the vibrancy of its present, join me, Tracy Wallace, as I engage with the city's heritage, share the tale of our visit to Betsy Ross' House, and delve into the nuances of its public art and diversity that make it such a compelling destination...

Growing up as an only child can be quite the adventure - and that's exactly what Amy Brick and I explore in this funny and insightful episode! We chat about Amy's unique experiences navigating childhood friendships and social situations, while also reflecting on the reasons her parents decided not to have more children. As a parent herself, Amy shares how her own upbringing affects her parenting skills...

How do you find hope? 

Strap yourself in for a rollercoaster of emotions as we journey through the heartwarming narrative of my furry friend, Bubbie. When your beloved pet is in crisis, does it feel like your world spins out of control? Discover the raw and real account of my struggle with Bubbie's health scare and the deep realization of how our well-being is intertwined.

Venture into the second part of our story where hope and healing take center stage...

Are you prepared for the inevitable changes that come with aging? Have you considered how you'll manage your parents' senior years, or is it a topic you've been avoiding? With simplicity and grace, Star Bradbury, an aging life care specialist and CEO of Senior Living Strategies, shares tips from her book, "Successfully Navigating Your Parents' Senior Years". She emphasizes that it's not a matter of IF, but WHEN aging parents will need help...