Kitchen Table Adulting
By Jim Leonard
Think of it as a conversation with Uncle Jim sitting at the kitchen table.
Music:
Elves - Celtic Flute and Dance Music
Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Kitchen Table AdultingJan 25, 2021
Ep-029: Writing a Cover Letter
Our guest today is Matt Warzel. Matt is the president of MJW Careers, LLC (www.mjwcareers.com). Today we are discussing cover letters. Most employers as for a cover letter along with your resume when you apply for a job. Matt will share his advice about what you should and should not include in your cover letter. There are also some helpful videos about cover letters on YouTube.
Ep-028: Helping the Under-parented
Our guest today is Lesia Knudsen. Lesia is a foster mom, author, and life coach. She wrote a book called ‘Life in the Foster Lane, Practical Insights on Fostering Teens’ which is available on Amazon. Her website is (https://www.lesiaknudsen.com) and her email is lesia@lesiaknudsen.com. Today we are discussing the under-parented youth. This includes teens in the foster system as well as young adults who did not receive the right guidance from their parents.
Ep-027: Adopting a Pet
Our guest today is Kari. Kari is a volunteer with one of the local humane societies. We are discussing all of the things you need to consider before adopting a pet. This includes the costs, the responsibilities, selecting the right pet, and spaying/neutering. Some of the costs mentioned are from the Angels of Assisi website (https://www.angelsofassisi.org).
Ep-026: Mental Health Counseling
Our guest today is Dr. Jennifer Kahler. Dr. Kahler is a licensed clinical psychologist who manages the mental health services for a large public university. Today we are discussing mental health counseling. This includes different types of counselors, why people go to counseling, what it means to be in crisis, and what to expect.
Ep-025: Life After Foster Care
Our guest today is Mackenzie Fierceton. Mackenzie grew up in and out of foster care. With the right help and guidance, she made her way to college and then graduate school. Mackenzie has been awarded a very prestigious Rhodes Scholarship that will allow her to study in the United Kingdom for the next three years. Today Mackenzie will tell us a little bit about her story and talk about the challenges of young adults who age out of the foster care system.
Ep-024: Accepting Death
Our guest today is Tim. In the early part of 2020 Tim was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In September he was told that his cancer was stage 4 and terminal. Tim likely has only a few more months to live. Accepting death is an important part of life. We will be discussing his situation including how he will spend his remaining time and what he expects will happen at the very end of his life. This is a serious topic and I personally thank Tim for his willingness to share.
Ep-023: Discussing Diets
Our guest today is Stacie Haaga. Stacie is a registered dietician and wellness counselor. Her website is https://staciehnutrition.com. Today we will be discussing five of the most popular diets. This includes Keto, Atkins, Paleo, Mediterranean, and planned fasting. Even if you don’t intend to adopt any of these diets/lifestyles, you might learn a few things that help shape your eating habits.
Ep-022: The Gig Economy
Our guest today is Brad Stephens. Brad and I will be discussing what is known as the ‘Gig Economy’. The Gig Economy refers to short-term work that you do directly for someone. Each job you do is a unique ‘gig’. Many people start a side business in the Gig Economy to bring in extra money. We will talk about some of the issues you will face including finding clients, taxes, business structure, and keeping track of your earnings.
Ep-021: Understanding Credit Scores
Tim Cerebe is back for this episode. Tim is a financial educator for Freedom First Credit Union. Today we are discussing credit scores. Credit scores play a big role in your young adult life. They can affect your ability to get a loan, an apartment, or even a job. Other websites noted: Once a year you can access your full credit report at https://www.annualcreditreport.com. You can also check one version of your numerical credit score using https://www.creditkarma.com.
Ep-020: After a Car Accident
Our guest today is licensed insurance agent Derek Wiley (https://www.derekwileyagency.com/). In Episode 03 I discussed why you need car insurance. In this episode, Derek and I will discuss what happens after and accident when you need to file a claim. Other websites noted: https://www.nada.com/and https://www.kbb.com/. Also, be careful about what you sign when dealing with someone else’s insurance, especially if you have been injured.
Ep-019: If You Get Arrested
Our guest today is attorney Drew Givens. This is Drew’s second appearance on Kitchen Table Adulting. Today we are discussing what happens if you get arrested. We’ll cover things like Miranda Rights, booking, bail, bonds, arraignment, and plea bargains. Hopefully you will never have this experience but if you do, it’s better to know what to expect.
Ep-018: Balancing Your Checkbook
Our guest today is Amy. Amy and I will be teaching you how to balance your checkbook. There are pictures on the website that make this MUCH easier to follow. Go to kitchentableadulting.com, click on Jim’s Advice, and then click on Checkbook 101. Play the podcast while you follow along with the pictures and written examples.
Ep-017: Healthy Intuitive Eating
Our guest today is Maureen Watts. Maureen is a registered dietician (www.wattsrd.com). We are going to talk about healthy eating habits and how to become more intentional about our food choices. Maureen teaches a method called Intuitive Eating. The principles of Intuitive Eating can be found on this website: https://www.intuitiveeating.org/10-principles-of-intuitive-eating/
Ep-016: Finding a Job 101
Our guest today is Michelle Brennan with Virginia Career Works. We are going to talk about how to find a job. This episode has been labeled 101 because it’s for beginner job seekers. We will have other episodes about resume writing and job searches for college graduates. If you would like to find the equivalent of Michelle’s organization in your area, type ‘American jobs center near me’ into Google. You can also search by zip code on this website: https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/find-american-job-centers.aspx
Ep-015: Living with Roommates (Part 2)
Haley is back. Haley and I will be finishing the list of things you should discuss with potential roommates before you move in. The list is posted on the website under Jim’s Advice. www.kitchentableadulting.com.
Ep-014: Living with Roommates (Part 1)
Our guest today is Haley. Haley and I will be reviewing a list of things you should discuss with potential roommates before you move in. The list is posted on the website under Jim’s Advice. www.kitchentableadulting.com.
Ep-013: Filing Income Taxes
Our guest today is Dennis Peltier. Dennis is an IRS-licensed Enrolled Agent. (http://www.dennispeltier.com/) We will discuss filing your annual income tax return. We will talk about W4s, W2s, the standard deduction, 1099s, and the 1040 Federal Income Tax form. In most states you also need to file a separate state income tax return.
Ep-012: DUI Traffic Stops
Our guest today is attorney Drew Givens. Drew serves as a public defender in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We will discuss what happens if you have been stopped by the police and you have been drinking alcohol. The short answer is – DON'T DO IT!!! Please, please, please take Uber. We were not able to cover every scenario in this episode so email Jim (askjimkta@gmail.com) if you have questions. If we get enough audience questions, we can bring Drew back for a follow-up.
Ep-011: Good Work Habits (Part 2)
Meghan is back to finish the conversation. Today we are discussing the second half of the good work habits list. These are guidelines to follow at work. If you want to be a good employee and keep your job, pay attention to what we are discussion. The full list of good habits in on my website: www.kitchentableadulting.com.
Ep-010: Good Work Habits (Part 1)
Meghan is back with us for this episode. She was my guest for episode one. Today we are discussing good work habits. These are guidelines to follow at work. If you want to be a good employee and keep your job, pay attention to what we are discussion. The full list of good habits in on my website: www.kitchentableadulting.com.
Ep-009: Overview of Social Services
Our guest today is Steven Martin. Steven is the Director of Human and Social Services here in Roanoke, Virginia. We will discuss the various social service programs that are available to low-income residents in need. This may not apply for you today, but you might be able to help a friend in the future. Similar services are available in every part of America. Look for an online application similar to: https://www.commonhelp.virginia.gov/
Ep-008: Community College Options
Our guest today is Allison Dooley. Allison is a recruitment coordinator for Virginia Western Community College - www.virginiawestern.edu. We will discuss the role of community colleges, the advantages to using the community college system, and the careers available to you. Every state has a community college system so this episode is relevant no matter where you live.
Ep-007: Banking Basics
Our guest today is Tim Cerebe from Freedom First Credit Union. Tim will talk to us about the basics of banking. We will discuss bank accounts, savings accounts, debit cards, and online bill paying. Freedom First offers extensive online material to teach you better money management. Check out their website: https://www.freedomfirst.com/financial-education
Ep-006: Anxiety and Depression
Our guest today is Djuna Osborne. Djuna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) here in Roanoke, Virginia. In this episode we will discuss two very common mental health issues – anxiety and depression. https://www.djunaosbornecounseling.com/
Ep-005: Joining the Military
Our guest today is Mark Brunette, a 22-year US Army veteran and former Army recruiter. Mark gives us an overview of what it means to join the military.
Ep-004: Finding Free Healthcare
Our guest today is Joanne Jones from the Bradley Free Clinic here in Roanoke, Virginia. We are discussing free clinics that provide medical services to people who lack proper insurance. Hopefully there is a similar free clinic near you.
Ep-003: Auto Insurance
Our guest today is Stu Snyder. Stu is a register insurance agent with the Norwinski Insurance Agency here in Roanoke, Virginia. Stu gives us an overview of auto insurance and things you need to consider.
Ep-002: Leasing an Apartment
At some point every young adult needs to lease an apartment. Sybil Barrett is a professional property manager. In this episode, she tells you what you need to know before you sign a lease.
Ep-001: Monthly Budgets
Life is not all about money, but you will never succeed in life if you can't manage money. In our first episode we discuss monthly budgets with Meghan. Meghan is a mother of three children who lives on a tight budget with plenty of adult world responsibilities.
Extended Intro to Kitchen Table Adulting
The extended introduction tells you a little bit more about the podcast. I describe my intended audience and how my shows will help you.
Introduction to Kitchen Table Adulting
This is a brief overview of my new podcast, 'Kitchen Table Adulting'.
Stay tuned for future episodes coming soon.