All Things Alt
Today’s episode is all about full circle moments. The last time I was in New York was when Lucas and I rang in 2020 with quite the adventure. But, I was back last week to shoot Alt Summit, which had been on pandemic-hiatus since March 2020. Yes, the last place I was before the world shut down was with some of my favourite people shooting a conference, doing our elbow greetings and not touching our faces, in Palm Springs.
It was so special being back with inspiring women, and old friends and on today’s show I’m sharing 5 of my top takeaways from the conference this year.
“Just because you’re not the best yet doesn’t mean you don’t belong.” Be sure to follow Kate Voegele on instagram and check out her blog she started with her sister, We The Dreamers.
“Start where you are with what you have – then take the next step” I was so inspired by Julie Lewis’ story. I highly encourage you to learn more about the 30/30 project, and give her a follow on instagram. Oh, and visit her website stillpositive.com to learn more about her book coming out in 2023.
“Grief and joy can exist together.” I met Cyndie Spiegel at both of our first Alt Summit’s several years ago. She had imploded her own life, and had this beautiful gift of making everyone around her feel so seen and loved. I have joyfully and proudly watched her build communities, start businesses, and write a book, and most recently have unfortunately watch her experience the worst tragedies imaginable. She showed up with love, vulnerability, grace and humour. Give her a follow on instagram, and check out her website. If you want to learn more about her inclusive community for 35+ women be sure to check out Dear Grown Ass Woman. I couldn’t be more excited to read her new book, Microjoys: Finding Hope (Especially) When Life Is Not Okay, which is available for pre-order now!
“The growth and opportunity is in the fear.” I am a big fan of My Unorthodox Life on Netflix so I was very excited to meet, photograph, and listen to Julia Haart’s keynote. Be sure to follow Julia on instagram, check out their show (I think Season 2 is coming out soon!) and check out her book, Brazen.
“Online friendships can be just as beautiful and special as in person ones.” I am so fortunate to have built really incredible relationships over the years at Alt Summit. We may only see each other once a year in person, but we are able to stay connected throughout the year and have seen each other through some big life stuff. I wasn’t sure what the 2.5 year break would do - but we all picked up exactly where we left off, and I am endlessly grateful for it! Alt Summit is coming back to Palm Springs in March 2023 and registration is open now, and I would LOVE to see you there.
Lastly, my Late to the Party segment featured none other than the inimitable Gabrielle Blair. From starting her blog, Design Mom, in 2016 (and being named Time Magazine’s Website of the Year among other awards), to founding Alt Summit, and becoming a NYT best-selling author for her first book, Design Mom: Living With Kids. Most recently she has entered a new kind of fame for her viral twitter threads, and her first one gained so much praise and traction that it has become a BOOK! Yes, Ejaculate Responsibly is about to change the world by flipping the abortion debate on its head. There are 28 digestible, compelling arguments about why men are actually responsibly for unwanted pregnancies, and if we want to reduce abortions we need to have men responsibly ejaculate. It’s available everywhere books are sold, but I ordered my copies locally in Toronto here.
You must follow Design Mom on instagram, where you’ll have a nice balance of beautiful renovations of the Blair family’s 1600’s home in Normany, France mixed with rage-y, funny, and mic-drop worthy tweet roundups. You should absolutely also follow Gabrielle on Twitter, at Design Mom. And, if you’re not a big twitter user you’re still in luck, because she curates the best of twitter on her instagram page, @twitterbydesignmom!
I had so much fun recording this episode, and I hope you enjoyed listening to it. Be sure to leave a review and share with someone in your life who might enjoy it. And, stay connected with me on instagram, @findingsparklechasinglight and of course my personal account, too. Big thanks to Lucas for producing and editing the show, and of course Mike Halyk for the music. See you next week!