Meet Elizabeth Solar

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elizabeth Solar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

Much of my optimism is innate. I also have a skeptical side, that balance out any over-exuberance. So, I’ll call myself a skeptical optimist. But even with our personal and collective challenges, I often see the upside.

Years ago, when I ‘lost my religion’ in a traditional sense, I put more faith in people, especially in the goodness of my children. That faith extends to these next generations, with their energy and promise.

Although I do have some worry…

Observing the depression, anxiety and isolation of the last few years, I started my third career: A masters student in mental health counseling. Something about being a beginner feels purposeful and yes, optimistic.

Most of us don’t get past our mid-thirties without experiencing a loss or traumatic event. Before I was thirty – with a small child – I lost my first husband. I remember standing outside one day after visiting him in the hospital. There was warm sunshine and the buzz of human activity. I remember thinking, ‘If a day can be this beautiful, my life can be happy again.’ Not every day’s a winner, but it’s a pretty good life.

Find your people: the ones who make you laugh, challenge you, love you for the weirdo that you are. Be each other’s cheerleaders. Find wonder in the smallest things. Life’s too short – or too long – so, embrace it with love.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

You know that old story…’It all started in a five-thousand-watt radio station?’ Well, that’s how it started. For over a decade, I worked mostly on air and a disc jockey, announcer and news anchor at several Boston media outlets. In 2005, I became a full-time voice actor. Writing has always been a passion. I’ve written news, advertising and web copy, and contribute to the writer’s blog ‘Acts of Revision’ I’m working on a novel I hope to finish ‘any day now’.

Last year, I enrolled in Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Merrimack College.

The common denominator here is storytelling. In my voiceover career, I do more talking. With counseling, it’s all about the listening. As humans, we have a common denominator: To be seen, heard, understood. We share stories to know the world better, to explore it and share that experience. Stories power our world.

Spare time is involved in being with friends and family, hiking, writing and pottery. There’s nothing like digging your fingers in clay to make you feel like a kid at play. I also spend way to much time talking to my pup, Ziggy, who doubles as my studio manager.

So, what’s your story?

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Ignorance went a long way in creating a journey. I was never a long-range planner and have the organizational skills to prove it. As a Journalism major, I did an internship at a local radio station, and thought ‘these weirdos are my kind of people.’
Whether you call it ignorance or being open, sometimes you just go with what appeals in the moment.

Before I thought of working in mental health, people asked if I was a therapist. I’m a good listener and enjoy hearing stories as much as telling them. Finding humans fascinating comes in handy, whether you interview them for a news story, or ask the right question to get someone to unveil what’s under the surface of a brave, but troubled face.

A sense of humor can’t hurt. I grew up in a family dysfunctional family (I mean, who didn’t) in which word-play, puns and scatalogical humor was often encouraged. Humor creates connection. Humor used judiciously and empathetically can save the day, not to mention countless relationships. Humor should makes us feel more connected to each other. If it doesn’t, you’re probably just being mean. Comedy is hard. Proceed with caution.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Always looking for partners and collaborators. I’m a voice actor in search of products to perform, so if you’re a film, video, audio producer or creative director, let’s talk.

The podcast I hosted for three years has been on hiatus and I want to start a new one. If there’s a mind hive out there who wants in, let’s play.

I’m a bit of a news junkie and enjoy speaking – civilly – about these topics. The podcast I’m most apt to work on next is one that addresses mental health challenges for creatives.

Funny, flexible and creative people who love pop culture, music, art, film, politics and developing media: You are my people.

https://lizsolar.com to learn more. Thanks.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Liz Solar

Gretje Ferguson

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