The Only Child Diaries Podcast
Not just for only children! Info, stories and life experiences for anyone who feels like they didn't get the How-To brochure on life! Host Tracy Wallace, who has been a business owner, a successful fundraiser, a stand-up comedian, a caregiver and an animal lover, shares stories from the front lines of adulting to help others in this journey called life. She does this while finding the humor in the all situations.
Episodes
149 episodes
The Brochure on Los Angeles: Beyond the Headlines
Amidst sensationalized headlines and political rhetoric claiming Los Angeles is "burning," I'm pulling back the curtain to reveal what's actually happening on the ground in my city. Having spent over two decades working in the heart of downtown...
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Season 3
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Episode 42
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17:05
The Brochure on Knowing When to Sleep
Taking care of yourself is vital to both physical and mental health, yet it's often neglected during busy periods. After working 50-hour weeks for a major fundraising event, I share my experience with post-event exhaustion and the importance of...
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Season 3
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Episode 41
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17:27
The Brochure on Teamwork and Fundraising Events
Coming off a lot of work, putting on a fundraising event, this week I'm reflecting on the importance of teamwork. I'm exploring how communication, relationship-building, and humor create stronger workplace connections and better outcomes despit...
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Season 3
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Episode 40
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16:53
The Brochure on the Beginning of Summer and DIY Videos
Summer has officially arrived with Memorial Day weekend, bringing with it a mix of challenges and simple joys in Southern California's unpredictable weather patterns.• Constantly postponing car washing due to intermittent rain cycles
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Season 3
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Episode 39
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14:45
The Brochure on Good Energy
A simple compliment from a stranger about my "nice energy" sparked this heartfelt exploration of how kindness shapes our world. When someone acknowledged the very quality I'm always cultivating, it validated a philosophy I've built my adult lif...
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Season 3
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Episode 38
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12:12
The Brochure on Midnight Vet Runs & $1600 Hairballs
Motherhood comes in many forms, and for some of us, our furry companions become the children we nurture and protect with fierce devotion. This Mother's Day weekend took an unexpected turn when my diabetic cat Bubbie began experiencing concernin...
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Season 3
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Episode 37
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7:17
The Brochure on Grieving a TV Show and Taking Care of Yourself
Spoiler Alert! Every now and then, our favorite forms of entertainment betray us in unexpected ways. After becoming emotionally invested in the TV show 9-1-1 during my recovery from knee surgery, my husband and I made it our weekly ritual...
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Season 3
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Episode 36
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13:11
The Brochure on Marriage #2
In this episode, we're continuing on with some of the things I've learned about being married. People change. We evolve. I'm certainly not the same person who met my husband decades ago – I'm more confident for one. I'm...
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Season 3
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Episode 35
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18:57
The Brochure on Spring, Fundraising and Las Vegas?
Spring has arrived with its characteristic light green foliage, flourishing plants, and yes—even weeds. This season of renewal offers the perfect backdrop for reflecting on transitions in both personal and professional life.After four y...
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Season 3
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Episode 34
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14:24
The Brochure on Navigating Workplace Triggers
Have you ever had that coworker whose energy completely threw you off balance? The one who talks non-stop, interrupts conversations, or - and imagine this in a professional setting - sings? Until you're ready to scream? You're not alone.
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Season 3
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Episode 33
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13:27
The Brochure on Friends and Neighbors
Have you ever felt that true friendships become more precious as you age? That's exactly what we explore in this heartfelt episode of Only Child Diaries. Friendships aren't passive connections—they're active relationships requiring cultivation,...
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Season 3
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Episode 32
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12:11
The Brochure on Standing Up to Medical Dismissal
The uncomfortable and often frustrating truth about healthcare is that being heard by your doctor isn't guaranteed—it's something you must sometimes fight for. Through relatable personal stories about navigating my husband's chronic conditions,...
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Season 3
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Episode 31
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19:58
The Brochure On They Think They're Telling You Something You Don't Already Know
A gabapentin recommendation at the emergency vet triggers my inner monologue: "Yeah, this isn't my first rodeo." After a week that included a pre-dawn drive to work, a $1,200 emergency vet visit for my beloved diabetic cat Bubbie, and a marital...
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Season 3
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Episode 30
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24:35
The Brochure on Finding Solace in a Fountain
Grief finds its own way sometimes. As I find myself at the one year anniversary of losing my beloved horse Dallas, the day culminated with several other losses and calamities that left me feeling DONE for the day. This episode takes you through...
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Season 3
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Episode 29
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11:30
The Brochure on March
Grief has a way of marking our calendars doesn't it? What was once just March—my birthday month—has become a landscape of painful anniversaries that I'm still learning to navigate with grace.This deeply personal episode explores the los...
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Season 3
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Episode 28
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19:47
The Brochure on Visiting Altadena
Unpredictable moments can redefine our outlook on life in profound ways. This episode of the Only Child Diaries features two riveting narratives, both laced with lessons on resilience and the importance of community. I reflect on a recent visit...
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Season 3
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Episode 27
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19:51
The Brochure on Navigating Marriage: An Only Child's Perspective
Ever feel like you missed the how-to guide on adulting? Join me as I unravel the complexities and surprises that come with marriage, particularly from the perspective of an only child. This episode dives deep into my 17-year journey leading to ...
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Season 3
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Episode 26
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16:02
The Brochure on Battling My Hedge
While winter lingers, I'm on a mission to infuse a little spring cheer by revitalizing my garden's aging hedge with new plants. From my weekend adventures at the local nursery to the delightful (and sometimes prickly) surprises hidden wit...
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Season 3
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Episode 25
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15:01
The Brochure on the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is more than just a game, it's a cultural phenomenon that unites us all, right? So who cares if I actually watch the GAME? This week I'm exploring the allure of the Super Bowl, even for those of us who aren't di...
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Season 3
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Episode 24
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10:50
The Brochure on Insights
Recently I questioned if my self-analysis was correct. Was my insight meter in good shape? I've always thought my instincts, my insights were good. But a recent experience made me question that, and if I did all I could. ...
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Season 3
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Episode 23
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20:18
The Brochure on a Neighborhood Fire
This episode reflects on the fragility of life in the face of unexpected disasters, specifically a recent house fire in the neighborhood, unveiling insights about community resilience and personal loss. How grateful are we all for first r...
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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14:38
The Brochure on MLK Day Reflections and LA Fire Updates
This episode reflects on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. while addressing the personal and societal challenges of racism and environmental crises like wildfires. Through personal anecdotes and community reflections, it emphasizes the impor...
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Season 3
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Episode 21
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15:28
The Brochure on the LA Fires and Unseen Heroes
Ever found yourself trapped in an electric recliner during a power outage while your Christmas decorations take flight in a windstorm? This week I'm sharing tales about a week of unexpected chaos and resilience in Los Angeles, marked by the ann...
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Season 3
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Episode 20
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25:20
The Brochure on Thinking About Your Bucket List for 2025 and Beyond
Reflecting on the new year, this week I'm exploring the tensions between personal aspirations and familial responsibilities. The conversation delves into themes of identity, sacrifices, and strategies for prioritizing self-care while embracing ...
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Season 3
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Episode 19
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11:23
The Brochure on Embracing 2025 and Short Term Goals
This episode is a heartfelt reflection on the transitions we face as the year turns, addressing themes of letting go, setting achievable goals, and embracing the new year with positivity. I try to focus on small wins and personal engagement whi...
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Season 3
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Episode 18
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11:47