Gumption

Hosted by Lily Switka

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Jun 2025

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About the show

Gumption is calling... will you answer? Let's face it, nobody has it all figured out . But a little bit of uncertainty never stops us doers from creating the life of our dreams. Inspired by Nancy Meyers' 2006 romantic comedy, The Holiday , this podcast is your ultimate guide to becoming the main character of your own life (and having a blast while doing it). Hosted by the ever-adventurous Lily Switka a.k.a. Lil, we are on a quest to bring stories of gumption from the world, right to you. Together we'll explore funky fresh topics, with biweekly meet-cutes of Lil's featured guests. Spanning from the silly to the vulnerable, we are here to inspire action, make you laugh, and learn a lot about ourselves and the world around us. Listen and interact on Spotify, Apple, or anywhere you get your podcasts! And don't forget to join the party on Instagram ( @GumptionPod ) for announcements, memes, and tons of light-hearted fun.

Listen to episodes

42 recent

June 11, 202520 min

Gumption En Guarde!

We're back and ready to attack! This week's mini episode chronicles your host Lil (@lilyswits) as she tries a new activity: fencing! Longtime fans will remember Lily's ongoing challenge to try new forms of fitness and fun in her 20s. Starting something new as an adult is never easy, but tune in to hear how the first time went, some things that surprised her, and some learned life lessons.Loving this episode? Let us know by commenting on Spotify or Instagram so we can continue the series!Stay tuned for the fencing studio reveal! Out of respect for her classmates' privacy, we'll be keeping it under wraps for now ;)Keep up with the show on Instagram, @gumptionpod, for news on giveaways, upcoming guests, and adventures!

October 14, 202415 min

Mini-sode: All Things Fall!

Trying new things! Trying new things! Gumption's first mini-sode riffs on your host Lil's favorite season.Last year, we watched ALL the spooky movies, so you don't have to (it was fun though, so you should). Even better, we ranked them. Find the full list of movie recommendations here.Plus a lil background on why fall feels like fall, from a spiritual perspective, and how that might impact your creativity and motivation.

July 30, 202439 min

YA GIRL'S ENGAGED!!!!!!! 💍

What can we say, MURPHY'S GOT GUMPTION. Tune in to hear our engagement story <3 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹Fiancée era loading...

June 22, 202442 min

75 Hard: IS IT WORTH IT?

In Gumption's 35th episode, your host Lil (@lilyswits) shares her candid thoughts on the workout trend, 75 Hard. 7 weeks into the challenge, she dishes the tea from her own experience. What aspects of the challenge are worth your time? Which parts are doing too much? What are some modifications you can try, if you don't want to commit to the intensity of the full challenge? Listen and find out some of Lil's recs to get the most out of 75 hard! We are using this Google Sheets 75 Hard Template to keep track of everything! It automatically tallies up your percentages, all you have to do it check off the boxes each day. Fave workout channels & content creators:@whitneyysimmons great workouts and great human!@blogilates ANYTHING but especially arms@MadFit she's kinda boring but it gets the job done@CarolineGirvan she scares me but it works BOOKS: No One Can Know by Katie Alice Marshall - mystery / thrillerThe Husbands by Holly Gramazio - rom com vibe / comedyWoman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine - generational love / womanhood

June 2, 20241 hr 5 min

Gracefully Saying No: Boundaries in Business & Authenticity on Social

This week, Avery Wagner joins Gumption to talk all things boundaries in business. As founder and owner of Wagner Perspective, a boutique social media agency that helps small businesses by elevating their branding, she understands that social media can be overwhelming. We chat about ways that platforms have amplified positivity in our lives, and the importance of knowing how to say "no" as a small business owner.Follow @ItsAveryWagner and @WagnerPerspective for more fun (because you're already following @GumptionPod duhhhh!)

April 29, 202449 min

The Tortured Podcasters Department: Taylor Swift Album Review

You know how to ball, I know Aristotle. We ALL know that Taylor Swift has gumption. Swiftie or not, join us for some girl talk and unfiltered thoughts about the album (by two people who also love The 1975, and are not willing to give that up yet okay). This week, we welcome back three-time Gumptioneer, Morgan Bendel to debrief on Swift's new album, The Tortured Poets Department. Like what you heard? Revisit one of our earliest (and funniest) episodes, Gumption on the Go with Morgan. And if you've yet to attend the Eras Tour, revisit our Eras Tour survival guide to find out all our recommendations for the best experience. Stay tuned for updates on Lil, your host's, personal poetry collection here.

April 8, 202433 min

How to Thrift Like a Pro

Take it from an expert: those who thrift, win. After compiling notes from 10 years of thrifting experience, your host Lil shares some of her favorite reasons to pickup thrifting as a hobby, to save your wallet, preserve your originality, and help the environment. Stay for the tips on how to best maximize your thrift trips to suit your style. This installment focuses mostly on garments and small items. If you want a part two for home decor and furniture, LET US KNOW! Some resources mentioned in the episode include one of the best thrift content creators, @madalynnewell , and an easy way to visually identify designers while thrifting (using the label feature from Vintage Fashion Guild).*WANT A PERSONALIZED THRIFT PACKAGE OF $100 VALUE? ENTER OUR GIVEAWAY! You'll also win a homemade candle and Gumption merch. Simply follow @GumptionPod on Instagram and comment on our pinned post (also found in 'giveaway' highlight). One entry per comment. Bonus entries for sharing an episode of the show on your story and tagging us!GIVEAWAY CLOSES 4/14. WINNER ANNOUNCED IN THE EPISODE FOLLOWING THAT DATE.Psssst: if you're an educator (particularly for grades 3rd through 8th), check out my sustainable fashion lesson plans. These are STEM & fashion history based, with projects and experiments included along the way. (Why Upcycling?, Decades of Design, Strike a Pose, Time to Design, Runway Ready)

March 18, 202448 min

It IS Rocket Science: Cool Astrophysics Facts & the Upcoming Solar Eclipse

To prepare for the exciting astronomy event coming up in 2 weeks, Lil welcomed three of her astrophysics pals to the show from their time studying ~literal~ rocket science in college. Grace Chiodo, Conor Larsen, and Kevin Moposita share insight about what to expect for the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse on April 8th, 2024, as well as their favorite mind-blowing space facts & memories. Find out whether your home city is in the path of totality with this interactive eclipse map, and learn more about the eclipse here. Don't forget the glasses! Check out Conor's rock band, Wickham Falls, and show their music some love on Spotify! Stay following us, @GumptionPod, on Instagram for the most up-to-date info on the show, and interact to tell us what you want to hear. And check out this episode's sister playlist, Made of Star Stuff, only on Spotify. Some solid space & sci-fi movie recs are found here.

March 4, 202427 min

Ditching the Comfort Zone by Seeking Out Perspective, Places, and Purpose

Now leaving: your comfort zone. Thanks for visiting! Your host Lil leads you through some tangible ways to put yourself out there. She explores how to do this through mind, body, and heart, and ways to adapt the approach to your own lifestyle. If you're interested in learning more about third places like we are, check out this article or Ray Oldenburg's book, The Great Good Place. (Added to out Goodreads Gumption rec list, of course). 🤗

February 19, 202427 min

Pedaling Passion: Building Community Beyond Fitness

Here at Gumption, we're all about celebrating women in business. This week, we welcome Melina Millerleile to the show, owner and founder of indoor cycling studio Cycle Fly in Lakewood, OH. The studio was voted Cleveland's top indoor cycling studio, best Specialty Exercise Class by Cleveland Scene ‘22 & ‘23, AND Best Independent Gym (West) by Cleveland Magazine ‘23. Melina shares an inside look into her fitness community, and how it all started. She explores the importance building a space where everyone feels like they can fly. 🚲 As a total novice cycler, Lil asks Melina about all the fun behind-the-scenes planning that goes into teaching a fitness class, including playlist curation and public speaking. LAST CHANCE to cop your Gumption Merch from our OG collection. Order HERE by March 1st, and use code THANKSBESTIE10 for 10% off your entire order. 😉

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