After a 30-year marriage ended, most people wouldn't buy a house alone in rural France. Roberta Samuels did and then wrote four books about it.

Roberta is an author, painter, and lifelong Francophile who studied at the Sorbonne, led small-group tours through the hidden corners of France, and ultimately traded her old life for a medieval townhouse in the southwest.

In this conversation with Brigitte Cutshall, Roberta shares how a COVID-era writing course unlocked a creative second act, why her mystery novels are packed with real-world issues like immigration and stolen art, and the one mindset shift every aspiring writer needs.

3 Takeaways:

(1) Reinvention is a choice.

(2) The richest stories come from real life.

(3) Start with patience, not perfection.

Inspired by art, travel, and the courage to start over?

Visit https://RobertaSamuels.com to explore her books and artwork, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Reach out. She'd love to hear from you.

Grief doesn't ask you to move on. It asks you to carry love forward.

Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Enya Flack, an actress, reporter, and Infinity Garden advocate for an honest, heartfelt conversation about navigating loss. Drawing from personal experience — including losing her husband in 2018 — Enya shares how grief reshaped her perspective on healing, remembrance, and connection.

Together, they explore why grief doesn’t follow a schedule, how the words we use around loss can either isolate or comfort, and how Infinity Garden is helping fill the quiet gap that often comes after the casseroles stop coming and the calls fade out.

3 Takeaways:

(1) Grief has no timeline — healing looks different for everyone.

(2) Small acts of remembrance can create comfort, connection, and peace.

(3) Kindness and human connection help carry us through loss.

If you or someone you love is navigating loss, check out Infinity Garden at https://infinitygarden.org — a gentle digital space to remember, reflect, and heal on your own timeline.

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it.

A system designed to heal shouldn’t wait for people to get sick.

In this episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Gil Bashe, Chair of Global Health & Purpose at FINN Partners and author of Healing the Sick Care System: Why People Matter.

With decades of experience across healthcare, business, and caregiving, Gil shares a powerful perspective on why today’s healthcare system often prioritizes processes over people.

Through personal stories and real-world examples, Brigitte and Gil dive into the importance of communication, curiosity, and human connection in creating better health outcomes.

Key Takeaways

(1) Prevention is undervalued. The system often delays care until conditions worsen—costing more in the long run.

(2) Connection drives better care. The strongest outcomes come from providers who listen, communicate, and build trust.

(3) You are your own advocate. Asking questions, staying curious, and choosing the right providers can transform your health journey.

Resources & Links:

"Healing the Sick Care System: Why People Matter" by Gil Bashe

https://www.finnpartners.com/bio/gil-bashe/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilbashe/

Share this with someone who cares about their health or someone navigating the healthcare system.

Let’s create a healthier future together.

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