All I Know
Jen Winkelmann
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"All I Know" is about gathering light to help each of us find our way.
Because we believe there is a valuable story behind every face, you'll find our storytellers are from all walks of life. Listen in, because as the saying goes, "Everyone you meet has something valuable to teach you." (Anonymous) Catch all the light you can!
Available episodes
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Jan 23, 2022
(S2:E20), All I Know, Bonus Episode: Season 2 - That's a Wrap!
In the final of the Season 2 episodes, Jen and Producer Jess reflect on the season's storytellers. Listen in, and catch all the light you can!
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Dec 9, 2021
(S2:E19), All I Know, Sacred Stories: Grace, Part Two
In the second of this two-part series for "All I Know," Grace will take us through what happened in the wake of her cancer diagnosis. This season is full of change and pain... but also flight. Grace finds herself at an aerial arts studio that came alongside her in the dark night of her soul and helped her find a new dawn. So these days, quite literally, Grace spends part of her time making art and poetry with her body as she flies just below the ceiling, and performs a feat most have not dared to try.
I think Grace is wickedly strong. And I'm not the only one, because listeners to Part One have already reached out with admiration for what they hear in Grace's voice. Listen in, and catch all the light you can!
Photo Credit: Scott Fischer
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Dec 2, 2021
(S2:E18) All I Know, Sacred Stories: Grace, Part 1
In the first of this two-part series for All I Know, we meet Grace and learn about one of the things that runs a thick highlighter over her strength. Even when one can survive - or even thrive in the midst of it - I think we can all agree that cancer sucks.
Apart from being a Survivor, Grace fascinates us with her life as a Medico Legal Death Investigator and Aerial Circus Artist. Yep. She hangs from ceilings. By chains. And makes art and poetry with her body. "As my occupation, I dissect death. At the same time, I actively stare down my own mortality and shake my fist at its taunting. And also - I have, in fact, run away with the circus." Who can say they have walked these shoes? Only Grace.
Pick up the first part of Grace's story here and prepare to catch even more light in Part 2!
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Nov 11, 2021
(S2:E17), All I Know, Sacred Stories: Aaron
In this episode of All I Know, we will hear from Aaron - who brings with him tales of adventure from Alaska and Nepal that will leave you wanting to hear more. (Spoiler alert! Aaron will be back in Season 3 to share more about his experiences that were ultimately rites of passage!) But in this particular episode, Aaron shares a story of unthinkable loss. We discuss what he learned in the wake of a tragic accident that took his son, and how he has lived on in the days since. How can one face something so devastating and not live the rest of his life in the shadows? Listen in, and catch all the light you can.
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Oct 28, 2021
(S2:E16), All I Know, Sacred Stories: Lori
In this episode of All I Know, we meet Lori. As an adoptive mom and advocate for ethics in adoption, she shares her experience plunging into the online adoption community with a "baptism by fire" that prepared her to be a voice for the importance of becoming educated about building a family by adoption - from all angles. But before this chapter, Lori walks us through some powerful self-reflection about her childhood battling sickness, which ultimately empowered her to inhabit her body in a whole new way. Listen in, and catch all the light you can!
Lori and her work can be found at these additional links below! Website: LavenderLuz.com
Book: The Open-Hearted Way to Open Adoption
Podcast: Adoption: The Long View
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Oct 14, 2021
(S2:E15) All I Know, Sacred Stories: Jennifer
(Listener, please note - In Jennifer's words, this is an "R-rated" conversation, and contains adult content.)
In this episode of All I Know, Jennifer will introduce us to her boyfriend, with whom she is pictured here - "such a kind, loving, giving, huge man." But before we meet him, there is a path to walk with Jennifer that is sensitive and vulnerable. She takes us through her marriage of 25 years to a man, who six years ago, became her wife. After feeling rejected and cast aside in that relationship, Jennifer crafted a comeback that is unlike any other story you will hear. Listen in, and catch all the light you can!
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Oct 3, 2021
(S2:E14) All I Know, Sacred Stories: Kris
In this episode of All I Know, we get a lesson in making the most of it. Twice. Kris' story left me wistful. I hunger for adventure and new experiences... and Kris found them when we were all asked to stay home to see if we could get the coronavirus to lay down. These stories may have taken place during the pandemic, but they are not stories about the pandemic. Instead, they are stories of life. Listen in, and catch all the light you can!
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Sep 16, 2021
(S2:E13), All I Know, Sacred Stories: Kim
In this episode of "All I Know," Kim, an international adoptee from Korea, will relay her experiences with racism. She shares some vulnerable and significant events, both from childhood and into her adulthood. Kim will also explore the impact that racism has had on her development over the years, specifically when it comes to her sense of self. It's a timely conversation, and one that we all should participate in. Each of us has a part we can play in dismantling racism, so this is a "must listen." Catch all the light you can!
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Sep 2, 2021
(S2:E12) All I Know, Sacred Stories: Andrea (Part 2)
In the second of this two-part series for "All I Know," Andrea brings the threads of girlhood and womanhood together. She will share the parallels between the loss of her father and the loss of her husband, and share what was sacred in the processes of letting them go. And Andrea will also leave us with an exclamation mark on the distinction between being selfish in one's life, and instead becoming "self-full." Listen in, and catch all the light you can!
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Aug 26, 2021
(S2:E11) All I Know, Sacred Stories: Andrea (Part 1)
(Listener, please note - some of the content in this conversation may be disturbing for some, as there are references to childhood sexual trauma.)
In the first of this two-part series for All I Know, you'll meet Andrea. Hear what she has to say about being born female and navigating the gauntlet from being a girl to womanhood. She also gives an education around how some of life's greatest gifts come "in a really ugly package." Listen in, and catch all the light you can!
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Aug 12, 2021
(S2:E10), All I Know, Sacred Stories: My Mom and the Gila
In this episode of All I Know, my Mom, Mary, and I will take you on a journey to the Gila Wilderness. In April of 2015, we adventured to the place where my Granddad's plane went down in May of 1954 and revisited a moment that changed the trajectory of my Mom's life. What comes at the end of this conversation is part of why I think storytelling is so important. Listen in, and catch all the light you can!
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Jul 29, 2021
(S2:E9), All I Know, Sacred Stories: Josie
In this epsiode, you'll meet Josie. She healed her own broken heart after surviving a number of pregnancy losses, including a daughter - stillborn, at full term. Part of her healing came through the accidental finding (of what the scientific community calls) "flow" using a watercolor set. This conversation changed the way I think about most of the things I do each day - especially those that are mundane and repetitive. This is a connection you don't want to miss! Listen in, and catch all the light you can!
Photo Credit: @amyandersonart
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Jul 15, 2021
(S2:E8), All I Know, Sacred Stories: Francis
In this episode of All I Know, you'll meet Francis. Francis immigrated to the United States from the Phillipines in his childhood, and walks us through his experience coming to the U.S. He also shares how other events from his growing up years have shaped the path of his life, from falling in love with fashion, to being gay, and wrestling the demons he "inherited" from his childhood. Listen in, and catch all the light you can!
PS - Please forgive our ambient noise, like traffic, birds, and windchimes! Our conversation was held on an early summer afternoon in the design studio where Francis works. We opened the outside door to beckon a breeze, and ended up adding a "soundtrack" to our chat.
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Jul 1, 2021
(S2:E7) All I Know, Sacred Stories: Bonnie
In this episode of "All I Know," you'll meet Bonnie. She walks us through the impact her experiences in childhood had on her development, on how that shaping played out into her adulthood. Bonnie has wisdom to share in how we nurture our relationships with ourselves, and discusses how a run to Scotland began to help her heal, and as she put it, to "go into the fires of my own soul." If ever you have felt weary and wanted rescue to arrive, Bonnie will meet you there!
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Jun 17, 2021
(S2:E6) All I Know, Sacred Stories: Sarah
In this episode, you will meet Sarah - a great overcomer. She invites us all into a deeper understanding of what it can be like to navigate the world differently abled because of cerebral palsy. Additionally, Sarah wades into her experience of pursuing her passion and will offer a spark to those of us who may feel stuck in our own pursuits of the things that make life worth living.
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Jun 3, 2021
(S2:E5) All I Know, Sacred Stories: Taylor, Part 2
In the second of this 2-part series, hear what Taylor had to say about how she has managed to heal and find light in the aftermath of a shooting at her high school when she was 15 years old. (Listeners who have histories with gun violence will want to listen with caution, as this story may be especially triggering.) How can one find light in a situation this dark? Hear what Taylor has to say. Photo Credit: Olesja Allen
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May 27, 2021
(S2:E4) All I Know, Sacred Stories: Taylor, Part 1
In this episode of All I Know, Taylor recounts her experience as a survivor of a shooting at her school when she was 15 years old. (As such, listeners who have experienced gun violence should listen with caution, as this episode may be especially triggering.) There are not enough of the right words to "tee up" this story, so listen in and see what can be learned from Taylor's lived experience in one of the darkest experiences a human being can have. "It's so important that we start having conversations about trauma, sbout mental health, about healing." Photo Credit: Olesja Allen
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May 13, 2021
(S2:E2) All I Know, Sacred Stories: Jen, Part 2
The story continues! Jen and Producer Jess conduct the "post mortem" on lost relationships. In the artwork associated with this episode, Jen is pictured in the same time period as the second heartbreak. If you haven't already, you should listen first to Season 2, Episode 1!
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May 13, 2021
(S2:E3) All I Know, Sacred Stories: Jen, Part 3
Rounding the bend on these stories of heartbreak, Episode 3 brings this story to a close. If you haven't already, be sure to listen to the previous two episodes before diving into this one! Part 3's artwork pictures Jen in a faraway land... The first time she'd gone to visit The Albanian, they went north to the border of Kosovo to explore. Here, Jen stands atop an abandoned bomb shelter constructed during the war in Kosovo.
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May 13, 2021
(S2:E1) All I Know, Sacred Stories: Jen, Part 1
Producer Jess sits down with Jen to dig a little deeper on the subject of heartbreak. If you haven't heard it before, Season 1 Episode 20 is where this conversation about surviving heartbreak opened. But during this opener for Season 2, Jess takes the story deeper, walking Jen down the "memory lane" of her most signficant heartbreaks. In this episode's artwork, Jen is pictured at a favorite family vacation spot, the summer before the first loss she discusses.
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Dec 17, 2020
(S1:E21) All I Know - Bonus Episode: That's a Wrap!
Listen in as Jen and Producer, Jess, discuss their experiences with Season 1. Now that we are on the other side of a full season... how did it go? Jen and Jess also review this season's episodes and Storyteller guests. If you'd like just a little more "All I Know" before we break to prepare for Season 2, THIS IS IT! Catch all the light you can!
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Dec 10, 2020
(S1:E20) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Jen
Jen. Oh how the tables turn! Jen finds herself on the other side of the microphone, interviewed by Producer Jessica Berry Edelstein with the same questions that act as the foundation for "All I Know." Interested in a peek behind the curtain to get a look at the Great and Powerful Oz? Ha! You won't get that here. But, if you'd like to get a deeper look at the podcast's host, listen in as Jen and Jess converse, and catch all the light you can!
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Dec 3, 2020
(S1:E19) All I Know - Bonus Episode: The Family Farm
In this episode of "All I Know," several generations of the women on my family reflect on their time on the farm in Nebraska. Each, depending on the time of her birth, experienced the farm differently. Even so, many of the lessons from farm life were the same. Listen in, and catch all the light you can! As you make your way through this conversation, you will have to forgive the fact that we sound like we're huddled in a tin can! Picture these women huddled around a microphone - but not too close, because it's scary to be recorded! - with sound bouncing off the wood floor and the exposed vents of my mother's loft-style living room. We thank you in advance for forgiving our imperfection.
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Nov 19, 2020
(S1:E18) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Stephanie, Part 3 (2 of 2: The Tree)
Stephanie. In the second part of this story and the final installment for her series with us, Stephanie breaks open a very private time of healing in her marriage. Lots of challenges and a few impossible surprises along the way lead to another miracle. Are you in need of a miracle? Hear the first-hand account of Stephanie's, and catch all the light you can!
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Nov 12, 2020
(S1:E17) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Stephanie, Part 2 (1 of 2: The Tree)
Stephanie returns! In this second epsiode of her storytelling, but the first for a two-part series she calls "The Tree," Stephanie takes us through one of the most painful events of her adult life. Stay with us, because she will begin to paint the picture around why a successful life is rooted in seeing what was meant for you, and finding gratitude in it. Listen in, and catch all the light you can!
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Nov 5, 2020
(S1:E16) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Stephanie, Part 1 (The Penny Story)
Stephanie. In the first of this two-part series for "All I Know," Stephanie tells the story of a miracle. "I'm in the chapel and I'm going, 'How in the hell did that just happen?'" Ever seen a miracle for yourself? Never seen one and want to hear what it's like? "How in the hell did that just happen?" Find out by tagging along with Stephanie, and catch all the light you can!
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Oct 21, 2020
(S1:E15) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Raj, Part 2
In the second of this two-part series for "All I Know," Raj brings to a close the tale of his travels to The Other Side. If you have not first listened to Part 1, please do so, and then join us for Part 2, where you can catch all the light you can!
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Oct 15, 2020
(S1:E14) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Raj, Part 1
Raj. A wanted man. You will know when you listen, because you will hear the ding of his phone! In this episode of "All I Know," Raj shares his experience slipping into a coma that took him to The Other Side. There are no words to describe what you will hear in this story, so join us for the first part of what Raj has to share and catch all the light you can!
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Oct 9, 2020
(S1:13) All I Know - Bonus: Our Show about the Show!
A brief conversation between Jen (Host) and Jess (Executive Producer) about how the podcast came into being. Is there light to catch? Probably. See what you can find!
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Oct 1, 2020
(S1:E12) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Eli
Eli. In this episode of "All I Know," she shares about her experience surviving a childhood during which her primary caregiver was battling mental illness. Eli touches on the healing power of relationship, how important it is to be "seen" for who we are, and how she found her footing without someone to show the way. "When I lay on my deathbed - you know, I'm thinking like 103 - my hope is that I can look at the generations beneath me and see that the memo they all got was that it's about relationships and loving each other... And being goofy as hell." Eli said that. Listen in and catch all the light you can!
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Sep 17, 2020
(S1:E11) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Devon
Devon. In this episode of "All I Know," Devon shares the journey she has walked with yoga, and how it became her healer as she worked through patters of disordered eating. "I knew it was out of control because I didn't have space in my mind for anything else." How can we get ahead of something that's all-consuming? Devon has practice with this, and found her way to better balance. Listen in, and catch all the light you can!
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Sep 3, 2020
(S1:E10) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Alba, Part 3
Alba. In the third of this three-part series for "All I Know" (make sure you listen to Parts 1 and 2 before diving into Part 3!), Alba brings together the threads she has shared with us so far. This part of the conversation reflects on, as she says, "The brand new book of Alba that I was writing... on my own." Do not miss the installments of Alba's story; catch all the light you can from this Survivor and She-Warrior!
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Aug 27, 2020
(S1:E9) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Alba, Part 2
Alba. Want to know what hope looks like? This artwork is Alba's depiction of hope in her childhood. Explore the detatils, and see if you can find the places where hope may be flowering - even in the midst of a great deal of pain and confusion. Want to know where the story goes from here? In this second episode of three-part series for "All I Know" (make sure you listen to Part 1 before diving into Part 2!), Alba walks us through life with her adoptive parents and into her early adulthood. She talks about romantic relationships, the desire to build her own family, and runs into a tragedy that leaves her in a literal fight for her life. Do not miss the installments of Alba's story; catch all the light you can from this Survivor and She-Warrior!
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Aug 20, 2020
(S1:E8) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Alba, Part 1
Alba. In the first of this three-part series for "All I Know," Alba shares some of the experiences from her childhood that have shaped her being. She explores the impact of feeling deserted by both parents over the course of one year and then reveals the subsequent abuse she experienced at the hands of extended family members with whom she went to live. Do not miss the installments of Alba's story; catch all the light you can from this Survivor and She-Warrior!
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Aug 6, 2020
(S1:E7) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Annie
Annie. In this episode of "All I Know," Annie talks about finding a way to real love. Since part of the human condition is the search for belonging, connection, and secure relationships, this episode is for all mankind. We love love. Listen in on Annie, and catch all the light you can! Update: Since this episode was recorded, Annie married Mike and they welcomed a little person into the world.
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Jul 23, 2020
(S1:E6) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Kelly
Kelly. In this episode of "All I Know," she shares her experience as a mother managing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis for her son. Kelly touches on some of the complications that come with being an adoptive parent, the emotional impact her son's diagnosis on their family, and what she learned about life having had to witness and walk through such a painful and scary time with her child. When asked about her definition of success, Kelly responded, "If you'd asked me that question five years ago, I'd have a completely different answer than I do today." Listen in and catch all the light you can!
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Jul 9, 2020
(S1:E5) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Kate, Part 2
Kate. In the second of this two-part series (if you missed Part 1, make sure to catch it before jumping into Part 2!), for "All I Know," Kate continues to share her experience with life in a wheelchair and talks about how she wishes others would handle their questions and curiosities about her injury and the chair. "There needs to be more of that." More of that? What's "that?" Listen in on Kate, and catch all the light you can! Update: Since these episodes were recorded, Kate's angel of a Mother flew Heavenward. Wishing you peaceful rest, Mrs. N.
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Jul 2, 2020
(S1:E4) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Kate, Part 1
Kate. In the first of this two-part series for "All I Know," Kate gives us a glimpse into her life in a chair and shares with us about the accident that left her without the use of her legs. Anybody else have a connection to someone who was once the FBI's fugitive of the month? This story is crazy and hopeful and sad and inspiring. "I think with bad things, you never know why they happen... But there has to be some sort of greater force behind it... maybe someone will learn from you." Listen in on Kate, and catch all the light you can!
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Jun 18, 2020
(S1:E3) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Doug
Doug. In this episode of "All I Know," he shares about a particular time when he waged war on a dark part of his life - not knowing whether he would (or could) overcome in the end. Doug touches on strength during times of chaos, his experience with defining masculinity, the importance of self-reflection to understand the nuances of addiction, and gives his take on why it's never too late to turn - for yourself - if you are down a path that isn't working. "Lead with your heart, but back it up with your mind." Doug said that. Listen in and catch all the light you can!
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Jun 4, 2020
(S1:E2) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Diana
Diana. In this episode of "All I Know," Diana talks about being born overseas, her love of words and books, and the life-changing impact of some time she spent in Africa. "I fell in love with the world," she said. Want to fall in love with the world too? Diana might have an idea for you. Listen in, and catch all the light you can!
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May 29, 2020
(S1:E1) All I Know - Sacred Stories: Jules
Jules. In this episode of "All I Know," Jules shares her journey coming to love in a way she did not expect. She takes us through the revelation that others' expectations of her need not be her obligations to fulfill. Jules said, "And I stepped into this life knowing that I was about to shatter everything that had been expected of me in my professional world, with my children, with my husband..." Years ago, there was an orignal song written for the show "Nashville." When Jen left this interview, [this song](http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQH-wF9Nqz0) made sense, and seemed a proper anthem for Jules. "This time we have together is our shelter from the rain. I will share this weight you carry; let me be your sanctuary." If ever you have needed a safe haven, take comfort in hearing the story of one who found hers. Listen in, and catch all the light you can! Update: Since this photograph was taken, Jules has gotten a very sassy haircut! She is as lovely with her short-do as she was…
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