DNA Stories #3

Chuck’s Story

The Howe family – Chuck’s great grandfather Charles Wesley Howe (back row center) and his grandfather Walter Wiley Howe to his left.

Forget what you think you know about your family’s history. Once you start down the DNA testing rabbit hole, there is no telling what you might discover. There’s something intriguing and mysterious about sleuthing through your family history.

Some search for peace that comes from knowing their origins, or the thrill of discovering that they are related to some famous historic figure. But for some, a little surprise information can challenge long-held beliefs about their family and create thought-provoking context for their existing relationships. That is certainly what happened to our next guest, Charles (Chuck). Chuck’s simple journey to confirm and learn more about his Irish heritage produce a few extra surprises.

These enlightening moments often have a way of challenging our perspective on family and our relationships to one another. And, in Chuck’s case, we gain a different understanding of our family’s participation in the American experiment.

Music in this episode is Steady Ships and Blazing-Stars by Ketsa under Creative Commons non-commercial, No-derrivatives 4.0 International use.

Making Peace with Anger

Holidays can be a joyous time of year filled with cheerful music, wonderful food, gift-giving, and family. 

It’s the family part of the equation that can sometimes be risky.  You can get over receiving an ugly tie as a gift…but a heated argument with Aunt Sadie might not be so easy.

Family gatherings CAN be a wonderful part of holiday traditions but they can also be heated, uncomfortable and filled with tension.  What if…you’re the problem?

Can YOU make peace with your own anger for a more harmonious Christmas?  The answer is…yes.  We chatted with a man who did exactly that. Meet Tom Corner, author of the book Borrowed Eyes and Feet: Finding Enlightenment After Rage. Tom carried anger with him for a while and that anger manifested itself in very self-destructive ways.  That is until he had a break through. Listen to find out how Tom broke through the anger, made peace with himself, and contributed to more harmonious family gatherings.

To learn more about Tom, his book, and his motivational speaking…visit Tom Corner.net. (We’ll have a link to his sit in the show notes at joeblee.com) Music that you’re listening to is Ride Out by Audiobinger under creative commons non-commercial use license