Message Me

Hello, and welcome to Stories for Supper! I’m beyond excited to share this episode with you—it’s one that truly embodies the spirit of adventure, resilience, and lifelong curiosity.

📖 Today, we’re sitting down with Philip Atkins, an explorer, entrepreneur, and storyteller who has lived a life filled with adventure—from Yosemite to Montana, from cowboy shoots to encounters with royalty. At 67, Philip wakes up every day wondering how to make today an adventure—and he’s got stories to prove it.

💙 This Episode is Dedicated To…
I want to take a moment to honor the memory of Mark Yates, Mara Loveridge, Jeremy Hopkins, and Bill Turk—friends of Philip who lost their lives in an avalanche on February 12, 1992. Today marks 33 years since their passing. It was not intentional to release this episode on this date, but as I was about to finalize it, I realized that today was the day, as Philip will talk about later in this episode. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the deep connections we share and the enduring impact of our loved ones.

✨ Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• 🌍 A Life of Exploration: From scouting film locations in helicopters to running a global expedition company, Philip has made adventure his career.
• 🎬 Marlboro Cigarettes & Cowboy Shoots: His unexpected connection to the iconic brand and the wild world of Western film shoots.
• 🏔 Living in Yosemite: How the national park shaped his philosophy on life and led him to his wife.
• 👑 Meeting the Queen of England: Yes, really! Philip shares the surreal experience of standing face-to-face with royalty.
• 💡 Making Your Passion Your Career: The lessons he’s learned about carving out a path that aligns with your passions.
• 🏕 Wilderness Survival & Resilience: How the wild has taught him about grit, gratitude, and personal growth.
• ✨ Wellness Tip of the Week: Stability exercises for seniors—small changes that make a big impact.

This episode is packed with humor, wisdom, and some jaw-dropping stories that will inspire you to embrace adventure in your own life.

✨ Don’t Miss This!

➡️ 🎁 Free resource for you: Grab my Home Safety Checklist to help keep your loved ones safe at home! Download here ⬅️⬅️

🐝 Checkin Bee – Stay Connected with Aging Loved Ones! (Affiliate Link)
Get 20% off your first month with code SARA20:https://checkinbee.sjv.io/mOX1x7

📖 Bookshop Picks – Beneath a Scarlett Sky by Mark Sullivan (Affiliate Link)
Support independent bookstores: https://bookshop.org/shop/sarashum

📌 Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

✨ Let’s Stay Connected!

🎙️ Follow the podcast: Instagram | Facebook
🌐 Learn more about me and my work: Visit my website

💬 Share Your Thoughts:

Loved this episode? Have a story of your own? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review, send me a message, or tag me on social media.

🎧 Don’t Miss a Thing:

Subscribe to Stories for Supper wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode packed with humor, heart, and wisdom.

✨✨✨ Your support means the world to me. ✨✨✨

Message Me

👋 Hi there, and welcome to Stories for Supper! I’m so excited to share this episode with you—it’s one that really touched my heart and left me reflecting on the incredible resilience of the human spirit.

📖 Today, we’re chatting with Shirley Smith, a remarkable 93-year-old woman whose childhood was shaped by life in the Montana State Orphanage during the Great Depression. Through laughter, reflection, and a few surprises, Shirley shares what it was like to grow up in an environment that could’ve broken spirits but instead shaped hers into something remarkable.

✨ Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• ✨ Life at the Orphanage: Shirley shares her balanced view of the Montana State Orphanage, with stories of strict discipline and the safety it provided.
• ✨ Mischievous Moments: Childhood antics, from acting out for attention to sneaking raw lemon rinds.
• ✨ Lasting Impact: How the orphanage shaped her work ethic, decision-making, and relationships.
• ✨ Cat Cameos: Meet Snoopy, Shirley’s cat, who pops in to keep things lively.
• ✨ Life Lessons: Practical wisdom from Shirley’s journey, like embracing resilience, finding joy in small moments, and staying connected to others.

This episode is full of humor, heart, and timeless wisdom you can apply to your own life.

✨ Don’t Miss This!
➡️ 🎁 Free resource for you: Grab my Home Safety Checklist to Prevent Fall Risk to help keep your loved ones safe at home! Download here ⬅️⬅️

✨ Let’s Stay Connected!
🎙️ Follow the podcast: Instagram | Facebook
🌐 Learn more about me and my work: Visit my website.

💬 Share Your Thoughts:
Loved this episode? Have a story of your own? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review, send me a message, or tag me on social media.

🎧 Don’t Miss a Thing:
Subscribe to Stories for Supper wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode packed with humor, heart, and wisdom.

☕🍷 So, grab a cup of coffee, tea, or maybe even a glass of wine, and join me for a story that will leave you inspired, smiling, and maybe a little teary-eyed. Shirley’s story is one you won’t forget.

Message Me

🎙️ Hello, and welcome to Stories for Supper! 🎙️

I’m your host, Sara Shum 👋, a doctor of physical therapy who’s had the joy of working in home health and hospice care. Over my time in patients’ homes, I’ve had the privilege of enjoying fun, back-and-forth banter and discovering that every single person carries a lifetime of unique, often hilarious, and always meaningful stories—stories that deserve to be heard and cherished. ❤️

✨ That is exactly why I created this podcast. ✨

On Stories for Supper, I sit down with seniors to explore inspiring, funny, and heartfelt moments from their lives, capturing wisdom and experiences worth passing down. 📖💫 I’ll also share a Weekly Wellness Tip—a brief, actionable piece of advice focused on balance or well-being—to help keep your loved ones safe, strong, and independent. 💪🧘‍♀️

🍽️ So, whether you’re enjoying a cozy meal, lounging in a recliner, sharing a warm drink with a little kick ☕🍷, or taking in a scenic view 🏞️ with someone special, tune in with a loved one, grandparent, or friend. These stories and tips are here to spark conversation, laughter, and connection with the people who mean the most. ❤️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Let’s uncover the moments that define us, one story and one laugh at a time. 🎉

Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dr.sara.shum/