A celebration and some news after a year of podcasting positivity! Thank you for making this journey possible. All episodes will remain on your favorite podcast platform, and you can also hear them on Capital Community Media's 98.3 KMWV Radio in Salem, Oregon on Sundays. Additional information from today's show: - Summertime and the Living Is Easy …

Spring is here, and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom! I talk about that and one fantastic chicken recipe that will make you want to marry the cook...at least that is implied. My guest is Gail Scoates, a retired nurse, a therapy dog evaluator, and a budding author. Gail loves outdoor walks and working on her book, which is nearing publication. …

Our family got a pug! More on that in this episode. I also talk about the joy of turning 50. Yes, I said, JOY! My guest is Mark Doughty. He is a senior learning business partner with KPMG in the United Kingdom. Mark talks about his quirky labrador and the laughter he shares with his family when they watch Laurel & Hardy. Additional information from…

This week, a little about Dolly Parton! I also share my thoughts on Steven Spielberg's film adaptation of West Side Story. Tonight! Tonight! The world is full of light! My guest is Tony Rosendahl, who works in Publishing and Distribution for the state of Oregon. We met while participating in a mindset training workshop. Tony oozes positivity and ta…

I want to take a moment and acknowledge that things are not okay in the world right now. To ignore this and only talk about the good things in life is toxic. Also important to recognize is that happiness is between us, not just within us. My guest is award-winning high school French teacher Jon Magnus. He is an author and teacher in the Wenatchee S…

Today, it is about the joys of family, health, performing live music after a long hiatus, and reconnecting with old teachers. Also, puppies! My guest is a neighbor I grew up with in Fairbanks, Alaska who has made his living in ice hockey. Brian Renfrew travels the United States and Europe as a scout for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey Leag…

This week I talk about a wonderful trip my husband and I take each winter to the Oregon Coast. Just the two of us. This time to a town we don't just pass through. My guest is longtime friend Amy Johnson, the vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Amy shares what life has been like in academia during …

Today, we talk about simple, beautiful things that give us joy. I share thoughts about the music from a movie I recently watched and describe the antics of my daughter's beloved stuffed bunny, FooFoo. My guest is someone I have known half my life, Jenny Crutchlow. Jenny and I were roommates in graduate school and friends who pursued our musical dre…

In this episode I talk about the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) of women's soccer and one of the greatest players, female or male, to grace the pitch, Christine Sinclair. My guest is Dr. David Foster, a professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Western Oregon University. Playing video games with his daughter brings joy to his life! Addi…

Welcome to Season 3 of Brighten Your Day, where I focus on the importance of social connections and the positive effect relationships can have on our well-being. My guest is Jessica Murfin. She is a partnerships specialist at Western Oregon University, as well as a psychology instructor. Turns out we both love positive psychology and leadership dev…

I'm taking a break in January to recharge and plot Season 3. Brighten Your Day returns in February 2022. While you're waiting, catch up on any episodes you may have missed from last year. Talk to you soon! Please feel free to reach out to me: HyltonLisaB [at] gmail.com.By Lisa Hylton

It is my final show of the year and the last episode of Season 2. Yes, 2021 was another difficult year, but there was a lot of joy, too. This week I talk about love, snow, and how to make homemade shave ice from the roof. (Wait...what?!) My guest is man-about-town Murray McNeil. Murray is a contract assistant with the state of Oregon and shares wha…

Christmas is here! I recently took Aria and my mom to the Eugene Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker. I have some thoughts on that. Also, we made the decision to bring home a pug sometime in late 2022. Everyone is excited...even Clarke. Finally, rather than a give-and-take with a guest, I invited Aria and Clarke to join me for a rendition of Sil…

Today, a little on fire escapes and what they represent away from the obvious. Also, I share a bit about my dad on the anniversary of his passing. My guest is Vonda Van Rooyen, a director of implementation and planning services. Vonda talks about how much she loves the music app, Spotify, and we get details about a trip she and her husband took to …

Today, what I call the Christmas trifecta of treats and then a story about the new alarm clock my mother has that can wake the dead...or at least the hearing impaired. My guest is Donna Montoya, the assistant director of career development at Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon. One of the things Donna is really grateful for...delicata squas…

This week, I talk turkey...and muffins and Christmas markets. My guest is Talon Wood, a senior IT analyst with the state of Oregon. He discusses making kālua pork from a whole pig in his backyard imu (underground oven)! Road trips and holiday drive-throughs also make it into the conversation. Additional information from today's show: - The Silverto…

In the United States, it is a day to fully embrace gratitude. Join me as I talk about a few things, fun and serious, that I am thankful for. Accompanying me is Blythe Stephens, dance educator and coach. Blythe lives in Cologne, Germany and shares what she does for Thanksgiving as an expatriate. Question for you, dear listener: what are you feeling …

While studying psychological safety and trust, I came upon the movie, Sully, which demonstrates how these factors work in a life-and-death situation. I dive into that on today’s show. Also, on the lighter side, a little talk on recipes and vitamins. My guest is real estate broker Melissa Corsetti, who shares the three F words that are important to …

This week I delve into affinity spaces (sounds serious but is pretty cool) and send out an SOS for a clean oven. My guest is Erin Molyneaux, business owner, philanthropist, and active member in the Salem, Oregon community. Being a successful business owner is not just about the financial bottom line; it is about making a contribution to your commun…

Today I talk a lot about food, thanks to actor Stanley Tucci. Pull up a chair to the table! Also, the first cassette tape I ever owned, waaaay back in 1982, was by ABBA. To my delight, they are back on the scene...digging the dancing queen! My guest is Ron Eggert, a writer, poet, and doting grandfather who lives in Waldport, Oregon. Ron talks about…

While getting a facial recently, I saw a lovely idea for showing gratitude. I share that with you in this week’s episode. My guest is Greg Gonzales, a locksmith at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Greg speaks about his love of autumn, especially when it comes to hunting mushrooms. Additional information from today's show: - Greg recommends D…

In this episode adventures and kindness are found at the E.Z. Orchards HarvestFest in Salem, Oregon. My guest is Rebecca Craven, senior analyst with Business Oregon. Fun fact: Early in her tech career, she programmed some of the first generation virtual agents. Rebecca does not consider herself a naturally positive person, but she has found tools t…

This week, I learn to enjoy dropping off my daughter at school, in spite of traffic mayhem. So much morning absurdity! Also, I travel back to the 1980s and discover hope for the future. My guest is Julie Vaughn, executive support to the inspector general’s office at the Oregon Department of Corrections. Julie shares what brightens her day while her…

In this episode I talk with fellow state of Oregon employee Shauna Tobiasson, a senior analyst on the centralized Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Shauna is a recent convert to minimalism. Topics include decluttering and drinks...not necessarily in that order! Additional information from today's show: - Learn about matcha at LoveAndLemons…

Aloha and welcome to Season 2 of Brighten Your Day! Today, what made me happy on a much needed vacation to the Hawaiian island of Kauai. My guest is my husband, Clarke Hylton, a longtime media professional who helps me produce this podcast. He also shares what brightened his day on Kauai, one of his favorite places on earth. Do the things we are gr…

Ready to Brighten Your Day with more positive content? Lisa Hylton returns next week with all-new episodes as Season 2 kicks off with a trip to...Hawaii. Grab your ukulele and join us! The first episode of our sophomore season drops on September 30. Please feel free to reach out to Lisa at PositivelyCoached.com.…

Lisa is on a short break, taking a much-needed vacation with the family. Brighten Your Day returns in a couple weeks on September 30. While you're waiting, catch up on any episodes you may have missed from Season 1, which ran from April to September of 2021. Please feel free to reach out to Lisa at PositivelyCoached.com.…

Season 1 of Brighten Your Day is a wrap! Lisa shares reaching 1,000 downloads across the world on a new podcast, welcomes in a new school year, and talks with guest Naomi LaViolette, a Portland singer-songwriter. Naomi also shares a song with us! Additional information from today's show: - Find Naomi's music at NaomiLMusic.com. - Porchello's archiv…

In this episode, Lisa remembers acclaimed singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith and looks into the power of storytelling. She also creates a vision board and gets messy in the kitchen making and decorating cupcakes. Lisa’s guest is Greg Sanker, senior information technology leader and service management professional. Greg shares pride in his daughter’s …

This week, Lisa discovers the talented Billie Eilish, explores a local cave, and talks about a faraway cave that received the world’s rapt attention a few years ago. She also shares an “I Believe” statement. Lisa's guest is Melissa Nofziger, the assistant inspector general for the Oregon Department of Corrections. It is not always easy in Melissa's…

To borrow from Ted Lasso, this moment is a gift because it is the present. Today, we focus on doing things in the moment that boost our well-being. I talk about the movie, The Peaceful Warrior, the book, Small Great Things, and s’mores—made by the sun. What?! Yes, the sun. My guest is Adrienne Mullock, known to me by her spiritual name, Bhagavati. …

Swimming, bike riding, rock wall climbing, and a trip to the zoo. That is our summer of 2021. Whatever whirlwind of activity you are experiencing this season, it is important to remember something we take for granted: breathing. My guest is Aaron Overstreet, a leader in the breath work community. What is that? Listen in! Additional information from…

Adulting this summer includes taking care of the yard and taking care of parents during multiple heatwaves. Fun stuff is happening, too, such as adult picnics and…remembering an odd night at a local hotel in a room that felt haunted. Ghost story coming up! My guest is Lisa Durden. She is the chief audit executive for the Oregon Department of Vetera…

Life has wars, suffering, and pandemics. Bleak? Sure. But, it is possible to experience joy and renewed hope through our disciplines, whether they be spiritual, physical, or mental. My guest today is the Reverend Andy McQuery, associate rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Salem, Oregon. He shares what it is like to serve others when you cannot…

Weather is not the only thing that makes us hot! Throw on your shorts and flip flops, and let's go summering. (Yacht rock not included.) My guest is Tina Boone. She works for the state of Oregon as an education coordinator in the Department of Consumer and Business Services. Yacht or not, this episode...rocks. Additional information from today's sh…

We are all creative in our own ways, whether that is through the music we sing, the pictures we paint, or the words we write. Today, we explore these areas and how they brighten our lives. My guest is Aimée Larsen-Amend, a friend and fellow artist in Salem, Oregon. Additional information from today's show: - The Season 2 trailer for The Mandalorian…

I talk about a stunning Aretha Franklin documentary I just watched. Also, FooFoo turns two, and almost misses the party. This is a story! My guest is Salem, Oregon artist and author Cherie Renae Atiyeh. She is known in the community for starting the Dare To Be RED flagship event. It is a magical time hearing what brightens her world. Additional inf…

Happy 4th of July (almost)! It is Independence Day weekend in the United States, and we hope this episode lights you up! I talk about some favorite memories from this holiday, including New York City in 1999. I am also reminded of how valuable life is, and how we never know the struggles someone is going through. My guest is Aimee Fritsch, a beauti…

Ending the great spider invasion at our home brightens my day significantly! It means less screaming and a happier child. It is also great for my own mental health. But have no fear! Arachnophobia is not the only topic of conversation. My guest is Trey Doty, president and CEO of Responder Life, an organization focused on serving and supporting firs…

It is graduation season! Join me on a trip down memory lane for favorite times during college that took me from the East Coast to the West Coast. My guest is Brock Storfa, a financial planner with Edward Jones, and one of my best friends from grad school at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. We reminisce about corn mazes, Thursday nights out, …

I talk a little Ted Lasso, the fictional coach with real life tips, and I share a scene from the sitcom, Seinfeld, that still makes me laugh out loud. My guest is Randy Fisher, a senior project manager with the Oregon Health Authority. He entered public service after more than 20 years in the casino industry. Winning big is more than winning big… A…

The first Sunday in June is National Godparents Day, and I’m excited to have my godson, Nathaniel Crutchlow, as my guest for this episode. I also talk about a recent family adventure around dinner. Families that eat together stay together even if they drive you crazy! Additional information from today's show: - Diego Chara's player bio is at Timber…

Let's talk about a six-pack…of wine. Seriously! It's the Cheap and Cheerful monthly listing from Santiam Wine and Bistro in Salem, Oregon. I also take a trip down memory lane that involves a piano...and being put on hold. My guest is Dan Mussatti, affectionately known as “Papa Moose." Dan is a coach and consultant at the Oregon State Hospital. He s…

We start this episode with a trip to physics class and Newton’s Third Law of Motion. (It's painless, I promise!) I also share a beautiful poem by Naomi Shihab Nye. My guest today is Mac Freeborn, a park manager with Oregon State Parks. He talks about fish, family, and handwritten notes. Additional information from today's show: - More on Dawn Ely's…

I recently watched a fantastic documentary on the Bee Gees that brightened my day. Is disco really dead? Ha! I talk a little about music and improving my podcast microphone technique. Then, it's a chat with my guest, Flower Shobe, who works for the Oregon Department of Transportation. She is a beautiful, strong, intelligent woman. We always have th…

Happy Mother's Day weekend! Today, a walk on the lighter side with my seven-year-old daughter. I talk about a game she made up with big consequences for wrong answers (of which there were many)! Wafflemaker mishaps and cheese pizza also make it into the discussion when she joins the podcast as my guest. Additional information from today's show: - C…

I have the best boss! Also on the show, why there is a bamboo wall picture hanging in my home office, and how I came to love yoga. My guest is Ed Arabas, one my big thinker friends. Ed works for the legislative branch of state government in Oregon. He talks about things he has learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and we make a surprise discovery. Ad…

Today, I share how talking about strengths led to a new musical theatre breakthrough. Also, how too much of a good thing isn’t such a good thing! Then, it is a chat with my guest, Sean Nickerson, senior technical project manager with the Oregon Health Authority. With COVID-19 vaccinations now open to Oregonians 16 and older, he speaks about an exci…

Today, I share decluttering tips, including the need to clean the inside of your car before it starts smelling bad. My guest, Carey Pimentel, works for the Oregon Liquor Control Commission and shares her love of pizza and paying it forward. She is also pretty funny! Additional information from today's show: - More about author and speaker Gretchen …

Welcome to the first episode! I talk about the joys of finally getting my home office into shape…a year into the COVID-19 pandemic. And then I chat with my guest, Paul Egbert. He is program manager and strategic consultant for the ASCENT Leadership Program in Salem, Oregon. As you will hear, he also loves kitchen remodeling and hummingbirds. Additi…