Episode #345: Life’s Too Short to Be Boring with Laurel McHargue

September 26, 2024
Cheryl Ilov

Podcast: Download (Duration: 1:08:14 — 62.5MB)

Laurel McHargue, also known as Leadville Laurel, is an author, podcaster, public speaker, graduate of West Point in the 4th class to graduate women, served as a Major in the US Army for 9 years in active duty and another 3 years in the Army Reserves.

She is also a retired English teacher who now lives, loves, laughs, writes, and podcasts in the heart of the spectacular Rocky Mountains, where she gets much of her inspiration for her books and stories. Laurel raised Khaki Campbell ducks for both eggs and entertainment before writing about their adventures and also sharing them on YouTube as the COVID Duck Chronicles. She is a multi-published award-winning author in a variety of different genres and continues to write and tell stories about life, both real and imagined.

Laurel shares her remarkable story of entering West Point after attending 3 semesters at Smith College because she felt like she was becoming complacent and needed a greater challenge. Another challenge presented itself when she began teaching 7th grade English in a school which was riddled with problems and eventually closed. She also describes how her surroundings in the Colorado Rockies along with life’s events continue to be the inspiration for her writing projects which include a memoir, children’s book, YA fantasy trilogy, an adult fairy tale, a coloring book, short stories, writing contests, and so much more!

Challenging herself and learning new skills and exploring new experiences has been Laurel’s modus operandi and continues to be as she encourages you to do the same. According to Laurel, taking chances, learning new things, and getting out of your comfort zone is the secret to living a full and happy life. As Laurel is fond of saying, “Life’s too short to be boring!”

Download this entertaining and energetic episode to hear Laurel’s incredible story along with great tips as well as a lot of surprises and a lot of laughs. You do not want to miss this!