Changed for the Better: special episode #2

Welcome to episode two of the newest series of Changed for the Better called Ask Tirro!

This new series was inspired by the idea that so many of my students have had lots of questions for me over the years, often about how I got to where I am now. In the first episode, Nathalie Alcime had LOTS of questions to ask, ranging from what my early experiences were in music and dance, how I pursued the performing arts in and after college, and how I landed at Spring Valley High School. Hint: it wasn’t a linear path at all. Check out that episode for all that inside scoop.

In this episode, it’s Hernz’s turn. He is a storyteller who does his best work through journalism, video and film, and he happens to be one of my all-time favorite people. Like Nathalie, Hernz had a list of questions, including a lightning round (Oy, I am not good at lightning rounds!!!). Overall, he wanted to understand “what makes Tirro tick.”

Hernz’s questions centered around my philosophy and how I go through life. He was intrigued by the title of my website, Stacey’s Headspace: musings as I begin my second act, which is basically a place where I write about all the things that are happening in my life: family, teaching, writing, my Geriatric Gymnast habit, and of course, Changed for the Better. He called it the “Tirro multiverse,” which I think has a nice ring to it.

We covered how my “first act” experience affected how I approach my “second act,” where I sought guidance along the way, when I felt settled in my purpose in life, what I’ve gained the most from my “first act,” the dreaded imposter syndrome (how many times have we talked about that on the podcast!!).

And then, the dreaded LIGHTNING ROUND (ARGH). Hernz dug into what are my favorite shows, actors, and guilty pleasures. Let’s just say, I wasn’t as fast as a lightning round would require, but I figured it out.

We then talked about what my “second act” is looking like. (Hint: it’s all about exploration and discovery.) Some of that discovery is happening through my podcasts Geriatric Gymnast and Changed for the Better. I am always mindful of the truism that you don’t know what you don’t know, and how our work as humans is about figuring that out. The other truism is my favorite hashtag: #progressisnotlinear. Remembering that helps to keep me humble and open to learning all sorts of new things.

We touched on the running themes from both podcasts as well: the importance of fundamentals, the focus on mental health, the dreaded imposter syndrome, and how surrounding yourself with a supportive community helps everyone. It was a delightful conversation that is sure to entertain, inspire and maybe even validate some part of your own life.

Tune in to take in our mini-reunion!