Navigating Professional Pivots and Finding Joy in Music

WV Uncommon Place

- Host: JR

- Location: West Virginia

- Guest: Ray Hartjen

- Recap: After attending a podcast conference in Orlando, JR is back with an interview featuring Ray Hartjen.

**Segment 1: Getting to Know Ray Hartjen**

- Ray introduces himself as a writer and musician.

- Shares an anecdote about the movie "City Slickers" and the concept of finding one's "one thing."

- Reflects on his career journey, spanning investment banking, pharmaceuticals, and now writing and music.

- Emphasizes the importance of storytelling in various professional fields and personal endeavors.

**Segment 2: Embracing Change and Facing Challenges**

- Ray discusses his diagnosis of multiple myeloma in 2019.

- Describes how the diagnosis prompted him to reevaluate his priorities and adopt a motto of seizing the moment.

- Shares insights from a timeline exercise that helped him recognize the value of time and relationships.

- Explains how the motto "If not now, when?" influenced his decision to co-author a book about the Pittsburgh Steelers with Tom Oleinik.

**Segment 3: The Healing Power of Music**

- Ray talks about his acoustic band, Chronic Padres, and the therapeutic role of music in his life.

- Explains the band's minimalist approach and love for playing live music.

- Highlights the joy of sharing music with others and their experiences performing at wineries and breweries.

**Conclusion:**

- JR and Ray wrap up the conversation, reflecting on the importance of embracing change, pursuing passion, and finding joy in life's journey.

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wvuncommonplace/message