In her 60s, after decades as a psychotherapist, marital counselor, and work and family consultant, Leah Fisher embarked upon solo trips to multiple countries to see whether she could connect across cultures, participate in community projects, and try to be “of use.” On today’s show, Leah joins us to speak about her new memoir, My Marriage Sabbatical, and to discuss what is lost and gained when couples pursue separate dreams.   Episode Sponsors: Orinda Books – An independently-owned bookstore just 30 minutes east of San Francisco. We’re open six days a week with free parking, and the Orinda BART station is a pleasant half-mile walk away. We provide a diverse range of books and our children's department is extensive and inviting. Besides books, we also carry puzzles, toys, cards, and calendars, as well as locally-made chocolate, olive oil, ceramics, and artwork. We love to read and recommend our favorites — so don't hesitate to ask! Stop by or shop online at orindabooks.com. International Writers' Collective – The Collective offers fiction and poetry workshops online and in the Netherlands and a vibrant international community to support you in your writing goals. Many students view their program as a cheaper and more flexible alternative to an MFA. Learn more and find a class at internationalwriterscollective.com. Titles Mentioned in This Episode: My Marriage Sabbatical: A Memoir of Solo Travel and Lasting Love, by Leah Fisher Necessary Losses: The Loves Illusions Dependencies and Impossible Expectations That All of us Have, by Judith Viorst Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst The Work of Christmas, based on a poem by Howard Thurman. Follow Leah Fisher: mymarriagesabbatical.com **Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment:  If this conversation sparked in you a desire to travel, consider joining Annmarie and co-leader Athena Dixon for a writing retreat in Italy in September, 2025. Or you can join Annmarie and co-leader Phyllis Biffle Elmore for a writing retreat in France. You can travel to a beautiful place, meet other wise women, and write your own stories. We’d love to help you make your wishes come true.  As of this moment, we only have 2 spots left for France, but you can click this link for $900 off.  Enter the password RetreatWriteRepeat  and the coupon code is 25AK In 2025, Annmarie is teaching online Tuesday nights for Writing Workshops. Learn more and register HERE. For folks interested in an online Saturday morning writing class, message Annmarie to learn more.  Photo Credit: Aileen Schier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices