Podcast
Changing the Rules
Hosted by Wildfire Podcasts, Raymond D. Loewe, "The Luckiest Guy in the World", Ray Loewe · EN
With Ray Loewe — The Luckiest Guy in the World
Every week, Changing the Rules invites you to imagine — and live — a life designed by you. Host Ray Loewe believes every person is a unique original with talents, passions, and quirks that make them one of a kind. When you embrace your uniqueness, you escape the rules others have imposed — and you gain the freedom to flourish.
Our guests are living proof. They come from all walks of life and have each designed lives that look completely different — yet they share one thing in common: pure joy. You’ll feel it in their voices, see it in their choices, and sense it in every story they tell.
Some overcame loss, illness, or transitions. Others broke free from limbo — that gray space where you’re neither happy nor unhappy. Through courage and self-discovery, they each found their way back to joy.
Their stories won’t tell you how to live your life — they’ll inspire you to design your own. Because their joy may be theirs, but the same joy is waiting for you.
Join us each week and become one of The Luckiest People in the World.
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
E247: The Stories That Define Us - An Interview With Ray Loewe, Host: Jim Rose, Cohost: Mary Ann Steinhauer
2w ago00:34:22Tap to summarizeWhat started as a simple internet TV experiment became something much bigger. In this special episode of Changing the Rules, host Jim Rose — usually the voice behind the engineering console — turns the microphone on Ray Loewe, founder of Changing the Rules, Life Under the Willow Tree, and The Friends Connection Forum. Ray shares the unexpected evolution of these projects: from early internet television, to pandemic-driven podcasting, to a growing movement centered on storytelling, connection, and legacy. Along with co-host Mary Ann Steinhauer, the conversation explores how podcasts have become more than just interviews. They became a way for people to truly know one another — neighbors becoming friends through stories instead of small talk. The episode dives into: The birth and evolution of Changing the Rules How Life Under the Willow Tree created deeper community connections Why storytelling helps combat isolation and build relationships The emergence of storytelling dinners, coffee conversations, and live events How “The Luckiest People in the World” are beginning to build their life stories through a collection of short, meaningful moments At the center of it all is a simple but powerful idea: A life isn’t defined by a résumé. It’s revealed through stories. And sometimes it only takes a handful of stories to understand who someone really is.
Transcribe →E246: Storytelling: How to Tap Your Creative Genius, Guest, Rebecca Hoffman
3w ago00:28:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Changing the Rules, hosts Ray Loewe and Mary Ann Steinhauer welcome Rebecca Hoffman, founder of Good Egg Concepts and keynote speaker for the March 2026 Friends Connection Forum. Building on her inspiring presentation from the Forum, Rebecca takes listeners deeper into the art — and power — of storytelling. But this isn’t just about becoming a better speaker or writer. It’s about learning how stories unlock creativity, reveal identity, build connection, and help us make sense of our experiences. Through practical insights and engaging discussion, Rebecca explores how anyone can tap into their “creative genius” by paying attention to memories, emotions, curiosity, and the stories we often overlook. Because great storytelling isn’t reserved for authors, performers, or marketers. It belongs to all of us. And sometimes the story you need to tell most… is your own.
Transcribe →E245: Leadership: What Lou Holtz Taught Navy Vice Admiral Dan Cooper, Guest, Dan Cooper
4w ago00:20:28Tap to summarizeWhat if the best leadership lessons aren’t found in boardrooms… or even on the battlefield? In this episode of Changing the Rules, Ray Loewe sits down with Vice Admiral Dan Cooper (Ret.) to explore leadership through an unexpected lens—a legendary college football coach. Dan shares personal stories about his friend, Notre Dame’s Lou Holtz—not the public figure, but the man behind the reputation. Through a series of powerful, behind-the-scenes moments, a different picture of leadership emerges: Making hard decisions when it would be easier not to Showing up for people—every time Seeing potential others miss Building loyalty that lasts a lifetime This isn’t a conversation about football. It’s about what real leadership looks like when no one’s keeping score. Because maybe the rule worth changing is this: Leadership isn’t about how many people follow you… It’s about how many people you lift.
Transcribe →E244: What the Obituary Missed: Remembering a Life Through Stories
Apr 2800:17:50Tap to summarize“I lost a friend this week.” That’s how this episode begins—with a simple sentence that opens the door to something much deeper. After reading an impressive obituary filled with accomplishments and milestones, host Ray Loewe is left with an unexpected realization: the most important parts of his friend’s life weren’t there. Not the lunches. Not the conversations. Not the laughter. Not the way Bill could take an idea apart—only to leave you more confident it would succeed. Joined by co-host Mary Ann Steinhauer and guests Don Helin and Jim Rose, this conversation explores what really defines a life well lived. Through stories of wit, friendship, and one final unfinished collaboration—the “Legacy Project”—they reflect on the moments that truly endure. Because in the end, it’s not the résumé that people remember. It’s the stories. The ones that get retold. The ones that make us laugh. The ones that quietly shape who we become. This episode is a tribute to a friend, to the power of storytelling, and to the idea that our real legacy lives on in the lives we touch.
Transcribe →E243: Meet the Reverend Legs Malone, Guest, Anna Brooke
Apr 2100:30:59Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you stop following the “expected path”… and start following your heart instead? In this episode of Changing the Rules, hosts Ray Loewe and Mary Ann Steinhauer sit down with Anna Brooke—better known to audiences as Rev. Legs Malone. With a Master’s Degree in Contemporary Art, Anna seemed destined for the traditional art world. But something didn’t fit. So she made a bold pivot—from galleries to the stage—and reinvented herself as a burlesque performer in London’s underground scene. From her debut at the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club to touring across the U.S. and Western Europe, and becoming a staple of New York City’s vibrant burlesque community, Legs Malone built a life fueled by creativity, courage, and authenticity. But this story isn’t just about performance—it’s about purpose. Today, as Rev. Legs Malone, Anna reflects on the deeper meaning behind her choices, the consequences of living boldly, and why—now more than ever—listening to your inner voice matters. This is a conversation about reinvention, identity, and the powerful (and sometimes risky) act of choosing your own path. Because sometimes, the most meaningful life isn’t the one you planned… …it’s the one you dared to create.
Transcribe →E242: Designing Great Projects—and an Even Better Life, Guests, Dawn Mahan
Apr 1400:27:34Tap to summarizeHost: Ray Loewe Cohost: MaryAnn Steinhauer What if project management wasn’t just about timelines and deliverables… …but about storytelling, inspiration, and living life on your terms? Dawn Mahan is one of the “Luckiest People in the World”—and she’s earned it. A globally recognized project management expert, she’s built a career in demand around the world while intentionally designing a life that includes family, travel, and even early “retirement” planning in Key West. In her latest book, Projectland Goes to the Movies, Dawn taps into the power of film to teach leadership lessons that stick: How to kick off projects the right way (The Great Escape) How to build trust and avoid sabotage (The Italian Job) How to anticipate risk before it derails everything (Star Wars) Because whether you’re managing a project… or your life… You’re telling a story. What kind of story are you creating?
Transcribe →E241: More Than Time: The Stories We Wear on Our Wrists, Guest, Bill Hughes
Apr 700:30:59Tap to summarizeRay Loewe, MaryAnn Steinhauer, Bill Hughes and John Gardner “Most of us think of a watch as something that tells time. But what if a watch actually holds time? Today’s guest owns more than 60 watches—not because he needs them, but because each one tells a different story. A wedding… a moment he felt successful… a memory of his father… And it made me think about my own watch—an Omega Seamaster I bought in Europe in 1969, when I didn’t have much money… but I had a moment I didn’t want to forget.”
Transcribe →E240: The Sweetness of Doing Nothing… Over a Glass of Wine, Guest, Justina Latura
Mar 3100:23:22Tap to summarizeHost Ray Loewe Co-Host - MaryAnn Steinhauer Guest - Justina Latura, What if wine wasn’t just something you drink… but something you experience? In this episode of Changing the Rules, we sit down with Justina Latura, owner of the Vine Bar in Lancaster, PA—one of the Luckiest People in the World who has built a life around her passion for food, wine, and connection. For Justina, wine is more than a beverage. It’s relaxation. It’s adventure. It’s conversation. It’s a way to build relationships—and a doorway into stories worth telling. Her journey takes her beyond Lancaster and into the heart of Italy, where she immerses herself in the culture, the flavors, and the philosophy of La Dolce Far Niente—the sweetness of doing nothing. And then… she brings that experience home to share with her community. Because for Justina, the magic isn’t just in the wine— it’s in the story behind it. Pull up a chair, pour a glass, and discover how slowing down might just be the key to living—and connecting—more fully.
Transcribe →E239: The Mirracle of Applied Improv, Guest, Dr. Sally Harrison-Pepper
Mar 2400:30:28Tap to summarizeFor many people, the word “improv” triggers: “I have to be funny.” “I have to perform.” "I might be embarrassed," “I’m not an actor.” But Impied Improv keeps the spirit of improv but removes the “acting” pressure, and it helps - Spontaneous Communication - Creative Collaboration - Dynamic Dialogue - Connection - Communication Gym (fun, growth-oriented) - ALL IN THE FORM OF PLAYING GAMES WITH A PURPOSE.
Transcribe →E238: "The Greatest Risk In Life Is Running Out Of Meaning," Guest, Dale Power
Mar 1700:24:22Tap to summarizeGuest: Dale Power - Inventor, :Reimagine Your Retirement" Host: Ray Loewe Co-host: Mary Ann Steinhauer - One of our "Luckiest People" finds herself way off track at age 51 and uses an "Outward Bound Experience" to explode her way back on track, inventing "Reimagine Your Retirement." Even though we're retired, it's never too late to make a significant difference in someone's life.
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