It’s hard to believe a year has passed since I launched the Home Where You Belong podcast. I’ve learned so much, everything from how to love where you live to the benefits of decluttering and organizing your house. Several guests provided practical tips on topics like successful home buying, renovation and remodeling, and home security. Educators discussed how to create a home that fosters learning and design a living space that stimulates ideas and sparks innovation.

Since I’m sidelined for a few weeks due to a pickleball injury — YES PICKLEBALL! — thought I’d update you on the status of the podcast, plans for the future, and ask for your help in growing the Home Where You Belong community. Since our launch last November, we've released 25 episodes, and there are so many great stories just waiting to be told!

Interviewing guests is my favorite part of producing the Home Where You Belong podcast. I’ve talked with people in their homes, in a church, museum, social club, and via Zoom while sitting in my private recording studio at home. (OK, it’s actually a claustrophobic storage closet with a handful of foam panels stuck on the wall to block out the deafening sound of trains that pass by my house every half hour.)

Earlier this morning, I published the 20th episode of Home Where You Belong. I’ve learned a lot over the last seven months about putting together a podcast and how to feel more at home in my living space, more connected in my community, and more engaged in my relationships. Here’s a few of my key takeaways to date.

In June of 2012, Ethan Waldman left his corporate job, bought a flatbed trailer, and started building his do-it-yourself tiny house on wheels. Thanks to tiny house living, Ethan achieved home ownership at a young age, freed himself from the 9-5 grind, and now enjoys a debt-free, location independent lifestyle.

For best-selling author, speaker and life coach Chad Peevy, being “at home” means living each day in integrity. Translation: he isn’t putting on a mask that requires him to surround himself with people or things that are only there to reinforce what that mask represents.

What colors inspire creativity? What’s the optimal lighting level for sparking insights? Why is placing your desk facing a wall a bad idea? These are just a few of the questions my recent guest, Donald Rattner, answering during a discussion about why our homes are such a powerful incubator of creativity.

Hard to believe over 2 1/2 months have passed since I launched the Home Where You Belong podcast. I’ve learned so much and met some wonderful people with amazing stories to share along the way. Including my introductory recording, I’ve released 12 episodes to date. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing authors, a builder, a genealogist, a podcast host, a home organizer, a social club manager, some great neighbors, and a man committed to ending homelessness in Tennessee. Stay tuned…more great content is on the way!

In August 2020, Dan and Sandy Clouser sold their house and most of their possessions and hit the road in their new RV. Their cross country journey is a chance for Dan to honor his mother’s legacy of giving back through volunteering.

The second week of December is almost behind us, which means Christmas is less than two weeks away. My dog, Jackson, and I are ready for the celebrations to begin, though he doesn’t seem thrilled about his holiday party hat.

In October, I traveled to the UK to celebrate my 60th birthday and learn more about my family’s history. I found the final resting place of three of my great grandparents and learned they played a pivotal role in English history.

A decade ago, Danny Harris left a successful career in the IT world to pursue one of his passions – fixing and building things. One of the structures he’s especially proud of is a 2 1/2 story treehouse he built on his property in Goodlettsville, TN during the pandemic.

Several friends from my South Broad neighborhood in Chattanooga were among those attending the Nov. 10 launch party at Common House. Great turnout and a great time!

This Is Where You Belong: Finding Home Wherever You Are by Melody Warnick is a wonderful book. I bought it almost four years ago after yet another move to a new state — this time Arizona — and I was feeling a little lost. I had no idea where this purchase would lead.

I recently returned from a trip to the United Kingdom where I learned quite a bit about the history of my ancestors. This memorial sculpture inside St. Mary’s Church in Hitcham, England honors my 10th great grandfather, Roger Alford, who died in 1580.

I interviewed my friends Mary Elizabeth and Julian Kaufman (right) earlier this week about the Italian dinners they host each month in their home in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The dinners have been a great way to meet people and build friendships in our South Broad neighborhood.

Things are beginning to happen, y’all! I’ve already lined up the first three guests for the podcast. On Nov. 1, 2022, Home Where You Belong will launch with the introductory episode that explains what the show is all about two additional episodes.

Danny Harris (right) and me after the first interview for my new podcast, Home Where You Belong, which we recorded at the Chattanooga Public Library.