As I bring The Commons with Karla to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared since the podcast launched in March 2021.

What began as a simple idea to highlight the stories of everyday women has blossomed into three years of exploring the beauty and complexity of our shared human experiences — connection, loss, purpose, and joy. Through these stories, I’ve grown, and I hope you have too. It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to this chapter, but I’m filled with gratitude for the connections we’ve made and the lessons we’ve learned together. Although this is the end of the podcast, it’s not the end of our journey. I’ll continue living purposefully and invite you to do the same. Let’s stay connected as we move forward, cherishing the moments and relationships that make life truly meaningful.

Thank you for being part of this beautiful era with me.

Episode Highlights:

● The Origin Story of The Commons with Karla

● Themes Explored Through the Years

● Memorable Episodes

● Human Commonalities

● Final Reflections

● Moving Forward

Links Mentioned in Episode:

● Episode #15: Loving People Well with Angel

● Episode #64: Internal Battle of Grief with Kari.

● Episode #43: Following God’s Calling on Your Life with Kate

● Episode #133: Learning to See Beauty in the Brokenness with Charlotte

● Episode #77: What Brings You Joy? with Holly

● Episode #127: Healing from Early Childhood Trauma with Joy

● Episode #129: Boldly Telling Our Stories with Michelle

● Episode #40: Vulnerability Leading to Community with Shayla

● Episode #26: Engaging in Deeper Conversations with Maggie

● Episode #38: Devoting Your Life to Serve Others with Jess

For more episodes and show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Today, I am joined by Lara Ritchie, the culinary director at a cooking school who has a profound appreciation for connection and learning. Our show often explores themes of intention and connection, and Lara's story is a perfect example. As we dive deep into her experiences, these themes become evident in both her past and present. Lara discusses her passions and how she cultivates connection and learning within her family, friends, and community. She is a delightful person, and I am confident her journey will inspire you.

Episode Highlights:

● Conversation starter questions with Lara

● Lara’s early life

● Lara’s Father Passing

● Backpacking

● Culinary School Teacher

● Connection & Intention

Find more on Guest:

● Nothing To It Culinary School

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

● On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Welcome back to The Commons with Karla. Join me for an inspiring conversation with Alison Butler as we dive into her powerful story and its profound impact on her life. Alison candidly shares hard truths and offers a message of hope, showing us how our own stories can shape our relationships, faith, and purpose. Through Alison’s journey of pain, redemption, and blessing, we are encouraged to reflect on our own experiences and find beauty and hope in them.

We explore the beauty and complexity of personal stories, offering encouragement to explore and share our own stories in community. We also discuss using major life events to discover beauty and hope, allowing pain to deepen our sense of purpose, and nurturing deeper relationships through meaningful conversations.

Key takeaways from this episode include understanding that everyone’s story has elements of truth and hope, recognizing that vulnerably sharing our stories can lead to healing and deeper connections, and realizing that life’s major events can be a lens to see beauty and hope, even in difficult times.

I hope this episode shows you that pain and hardship can enhance our sense of purpose and mission.

Episode Highlights:

● Alison’s Early Story

● Feeling the weight of her parent’s divorce

● Alison’s Faith Story

● Counseling

● Disassociation

● Passion for Kids and Families

● Story Work

● Discovering Safe Vs. Unsafe

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

● On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.