In this introductory episode, Carla explains what Rewiring with Carla is and why she's the one hosting it. She shares her own origin story: a marriage, a move to D.C., and a divorce in her mid-20s that left her without a life plan, a marriage, or many of her closest relationships. Carla introduces the concept of "the messy middle": the uncomfortable, disorienting space between the life that's gone and the life that hasn't arrived yet, and walks through the tools that carried her through it, including the exercise she calls "The Year of Carla." She previews what's ahead this season: conversations about friendship, family business, becoming a stepmom, and rebuilding identity after loss.

Episode Navigation:

00:00 — Welcome to Rewiring with Carla and what the show is about

01:05 — Defining "the messy middle"

02:41 — Carla's story: growing up in Cleveland and the plan she thought she'd follow

04:53 — Divorce in her mid-20s and losing more than just a marriage

07:14 — Throwing herself into work and facing health struggles in her late 20s

09:30 — Creating "The Year of Carla": a handwritten bucket list with a deadline

11:14 — The skydiving story and finding her best friend by his shoes

13:54 — What's ahead this season

15:52 — The hope tattoo and the daily reminder behind it

17:33 — Closing invitation: courage, love, and hope, and how to share your own list

About Your Host:

Carla V. is the founder of 5683 Just Be and the host of Rewiring with Carla V.

Her work centers on the moments that change us - the disruptions that shift our direction, the messy middle that follows, and the quiet work of rebuilding. She believes these moments aren't failures or setbacks; they're often the beginning of becoming who we're meant to be.

Through honest conversations with people who've lived it, each episode pairs real stories with practical tools, thoughtful insights, and tangible takeaways that help listeners navigate change with greater clarity, confidence, and connection.

Tool to Use:

A bucket list of things that are your chosen challenges, as opposed to the challenges that we cannot control.

Connect & Resources:

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RewiringwithCarlaV

Website: https://5683justbe.com/

Follow Carla V. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carla_variglotti_/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-variglotti-201b1736b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095359890928