There are moments in life when a single encounter can remind us of the magic that still exists in the world. Meeting Anne Marie Wells was one of those moments. A fearless adventure-seeker, author, poet, mother, and partner, Anne Marie embodies a spirit that is as vibrant as it is humble. Her ability to tackle life’s challenges head-on, while remaining open to growth and change, is a constant reminder that magic isn’t just found in grand gestures—it lives in the quiet strength of everyday choices.

Anne Marie happened upon my podcast even before I had started promoting it in earnest, sparking a hint of the magic of serendipity she would tell me about in her stories to come. It’s moments like these that remind me how interconnected our lives can be, and how a simple note in an inbox can change the way we see our paths moving forward.

In her message, Anne Marie shared just a short summary of the remarkable journey she’s been on—a path filled with trials, triumphs, and the kind of bold decisions that many of us only dream about making for ourselves. When life left her feeling less than satisfied, she didn’t sit back and wait for change. Instead, she actively sought out new paths to happiness, embarking on an adventure that led her to Iceland—a country that frequently tops the World Happiness Report. This wasn’t just a quick vacation; instead, it became a way for her to seek out the joy and wonder that she felt she had been missing from her everyday life by following the stories of happiness she collected from the people she met in Iceland.

Listening to her story in the full episode of the podcast, I couldn’t help but reflect on the beauty of seeking change and embracing challenges. Anne Marie’s journey isn’t just about the destinations she’s reached - whether geographic , or through her career, or in terms of life milestones - but about the courage to redefine her life on her own terms; to truly be willing to change herself and search for what would bring her the meaning she was looking for when she began her trip through Iceland. It’s a reminder that sometimes, when we feel disconnected or unfulfilled, the answer isn’t to wait for life to improve on its own, but to take a brave step into the unknown.

Her narrative is a call to all of us: dare to take that leap, dare to explore what might lie beyond the familiar. Whether it’s a trip to an unknown place, a creative endeavor, or simply a shift in perspective, Anne Marie shows us that magic is always within reach when we choose to embrace life fully—with all its imperfections, challenges, and small moments of awe.

I feel incredibly inspired by her story, her courage, and the sense of magic she brings back into life from new perspectives, including through each meeting she had in Iceland as she followed totally unplanned, unexpected pathways toward a bigger story of her own. Her episode is a celebration of the fearless spirit that continues to inspire and remind us that life, with all its ups and downs, is an adventure. In a word? It's a delight. Find out more by listening to the full episode, and keep up with Anne Marie via her socials and website below:

https://annemariewellswriter.com/ 

While I was choosing a title for this episode I recorded with my guest (and friend) Jackie Kotz, founder and owner of Kotz Kookies, I really tried to avoid the puns as a favor to both Jackie and any listeners. But I just couldn't. There were too many potential jokes that - as an experienced comedy writer - I just couldn't pass up. So then I had to decide, which of the many cookie puns would I use for the title?

Well, Jackie moved to the small town where we met when we were in high school. Instead of trying to fit into one of the many cliques in our class that had been galvanized back in middle school, she got along with anyone and everyone. She didn't choose a side, she didn't judge you for the brands you wore - unlike so many other classmates, she really didn't seem to care about your status in any way as long as you were a decent person. I guess you could say she sort of...broke the mold. 

But that only really covers a small section of Jackie's story. What about her time going to school for art and psychology? Studying art therapy, exploring the city of New York for inspiration, following those paths into the start of a professional career? She wasn't exactly doing the cookie cutter thing in terms of the go to school, get a job, stay in your field - you know the drill. She was taking some chances and exploring her options.

When Jackie found out she was expecting, well, that’s how the cookie crumbled. True to herself in every way, she’s navigated the ups and downs of motherhood, building a life, a family, and - somehow - starting a successful custom cookie business during lockdown, with the same fearless authenticity she’s had for as long as I have known her (which is a pretty long time). 

In the end, I titled this episode “Living the Sweet Life” because it just felt like the perfect way to capture the life Jackie has built for herself and her family. Whenever I call her, there’s always laughter—both in the background and between us. She’s busy in the best possible way, growing her business while showing her daughters that it’s not only possible to build something from scratch, but that creativity matters, and hard work opens the door to endless possibilities.