Podcast Summary: Lisa Cheek on Sit, Cinderella, Sit: A Mostly True Memoir

Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby
Host: Zibby Owens
Episode: Lisa Cheek, SIT, CINDERELLA, SIT: A Mostly True Memoir
Release Date: January 16, 2025

Introduction to Lisa Cheek and Her Work

In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes Lisa Cheek, the vibrant author of Sit, Cinderella, Sit: A Mostly True Memoir. Lisa, a frequent presence at Zibby’s book retreats and a beloved figure in Zibby’s bookstore, brings a unique flair with her distinctive pink hair and an infectious enthusiasm for storytelling. With a background as a writer and film editor, Lisa transitions from a 25-year career in editing TV commercials to authoring her own memoirs, inspired by personal adventures and profound life changes.

Zibby Owens introduces Lisa with warmth:
“Lisa has come on every single Zibby retreat that we have had and comes to Zivi's bookshop all the time. Her pink hair sets her apart, and she is a fan favorite, everybody.” (00:44)

The Journey Behind Sit, Cinderella, Sit

Sit, Cinderella, Sit chronicles a transformative four-month period in Lisa's life at the age of 45. After a fulfilling career in editing TV commercials, Lisa finds herself abruptly unemployed as the industry shifts towards younger talent. This unexpected turn propels her into an unforeseen adventure in China, where she collaborates on a unique Cinderella story project.

Lisa recounts the genesis of her memoir:
“My book is about four months of my life... they wanted the young, hip kids... I was basically told that I had aged out of commercials and found myself without a job.” (02:14-02:34)

She humorously shares her initial reluctance to divulge her experiences, highlighting the cultural and linguistic barriers she faced while working on a project in Yunnan, China:
“I wind up going to Yunnan along the Tibetan border with an entire Chinese crew who didn't speak a word of English and I didn't speak Mandarin.” (03:08-03:22)

Navigating Cultural and Professional Challenges

The memoir delves into Lisa's immersive experience in China, where she grapples with language barriers and cultural differences while contributing to a film project inspired by ancient Cinderella narratives. Despite the chaos, including language misunderstandings and logistical hurdles, Lisa finds beauty in unexpected places and discovers her own resilience.

A particularly memorable moment from the transcript showcases Lisa’s creative storytelling:
“… like spotting an albino mountain gorilla riding a polar bear while eating a pineapple on a safari in the Serengeti. There just weren't that many of us. I'm sorry. I love that line.” (02:44-03:15)

The Role of Kindness and Personal Growth

Central to Lisa’s narrative is the theme of kindness transcending language barriers. She emphasizes how simple acts of kindness from strangers made a significant impact on her journey:
“The big one is life is an adventure... Kindness is a universal language. I had so many experiences. There were people who were just so kind to me through a smile or through giving me something... they were there when I needed anybody.” (18:33-19:25)

This realization not only shapes her memoir but also fuels her passion for storytelling, illustrating how unexpected kindness can create profound connections across cultures.

Personal Reflections and Inspirations

Lisa delves into her personal life, sharing poignant reflections on her family's influence and her father's passing:
“My father died in 2018... he raised me, mostly. He would read a book a day... he said that Heaven has the best library.” (08:52-12:16)

Her transient childhood, marked by frequent relocations worldwide, prepared her for the cultural immersion she later experienced in China. This background fosters her ability to adapt and thrive in unfamiliar environments, a trait that becomes pivotal in her memoir.

Embracing Change and Creativity

Lisa’s adventurous spirit is further exemplified through her bold decision to dye her hair pink during the COVID-19 pandemic. This change symbolizes her willingness to embrace new identities and connect with others:
“I walk into grocery stores, young people talk to me... it’s like having a pet. Like having a dog with me.” (15:06-16:12)

Her hair transformation not only boosts her confidence but also serves as a conversation starter, much like the unconditional love provided by dogs, which Lisa passionately advocates for.

Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, Lisa shares her excitement for future projects, hinting at two more memoirs in the pipeline: one focused on a single night of her life and another spanning ten days. She provides a tantalizing glimpse into her next book about her marriage at 49, emphasizing themes of love, patience, and personal growth:
“The first one... is about getting married at 49... It was getting married for the first time at 49.” (20:24-20:53)

Advice for Aspiring Authors

Concluding the episode, Lisa offers heartfelt advice to aspiring writers, stressing the importance of community and continuous learning:
“Just keep writing and go to where other writers are. It’s such a lonely place when we’re at home and we're in our head... being surrounded and in the middle is the best place to be.” (21:43-22:14)

Closing Thoughts

Zibby Owens wraps up the conversation with heartfelt congratulations, celebrating Lisa’s achievements and expressing excitement for her future works. Lisa reciprocates the gratitude, lauding Zibby’s bookstore and retreats as invaluable spaces for connection and inspiration.

Notable Quotes:

• Zibby Owens: “I love how you described this... like spotting an albino mountain gorilla riding a polar bear while eating a pineapple on a safari in the Serengeti. I love that line.” (02:44)

• Lisa Cheek: “Kindness is a universal language... they were there when I needed anybody. And that is amazing.” (18:33)

• Lisa Cheek: “It’s like having a pet. Like having a dog with me. It’s like immediate conversation.” (15:06)

• Lisa Cheek: “Life is an adventure... when one door closes, a window opens, and you fly out of that.” (18:33)

Conclusion

This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers a deep dive into Lisa Cheek’s inspiring journey from a seasoned film editor to a celebrated memoirist. Through candid conversations, poignant reflections, and vibrant storytelling, Lisa shares invaluable insights on resilience, the power of kindness, and the beauty of embracing life’s unpredictable adventures. Her memoir, Sit, Cinderella, Sit, emerges as a testament to the magic that unfolds when one steps out of their comfort zone and into the unknown.

For listeners seeking motivation, inspiration, or simply a captivating story, Lisa Cheek’s narrative is a must-listen. Her journey underscores the importance of storytelling as a means of personal growth and connection, resonating deeply with Zibby Owens’ mission to curate and share stories that enrich and inspire.