Blowing Up the Plan: How One Unexpected Move Changed Everything
✨ Episode Overview
In this episode of Who We Become — Life Beyond Change, Amanda sits down with Betsy Vereckey to explore reinvention, courage, and what it looks like to rebuild your life when nothing is working the way you planned.
Together, they talk about divorce, starting over, and the unexpected decision that changed everything — leaving New York City for a small town in New Hampshire she only knew as her dog’s hometown. Betsy shares how that leap created space for healing, creativity, and ultimately, a completely new life.
This conversation is for anyone who feels stuck, is navigating a major life transition, or is quietly wondering if it’s time to walk away from what no longer fits.
👤 Meet Our Guest: Betsy Vereckey
Betsy Vereckey is a journalist and author of the memoir Moving to My Dog’s Hometown, a Kirkus-recommended book that captures her journey of starting over after divorce.
Her work has appeared in major publications including The New York Times Modern Love column, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, and New York Magazine. Known for her honest, witty storytelling, Betsy brings humor and heart to life’s most uncertain moments.
After leaving behind a fast-paced life in New York City, she built a new chapter in small-town New Hampshire — one that includes love, creativity, and a redefined sense of self.
🔗 Website: Betsy Vereckey – Writing, astrology
📷 Instagram: @betsyvereckey
🎧 Book: Moving to My Dog’s Hometown
🕒 Key Moments from the Conversation
00:00 — Introduction
Amanda introduces Betsy’s bold decision to leave everything behind and start over in her dog’s hometown.
03:45 — When Nothing Is Working
Betsy shares the reality of her life in New York — a failing marriage, an unfulfilling job, and the growing realization that something had to change.
11:20 — The Leap Into the Unknown
Why moving to a town she barely knew felt like the only option — and how she finally made the decision.
19:40 — The Reality After the Move
From culture shock to quiet nights (and unexpected bears), Betsy reflects on the emotional and physical transition.
28:15 — Love, Again
How an unexpected meeting in a small-town bar led to a second chance at love.
36:50 — Humor, Healing, and Writing the Story
Why humor became a tool for processing grief — and how writing helped her make sense of it all.
Quotes that Stayed With Us
“I didn’t know what I was doing — but I knew I couldn’t stay where I was.”
“Sometimes you can’t think your way out of it. You have to do something.”
“It felt ridiculous… and also completely right.”
“You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need to try something different.”
“Sometimes the bravest thing isn’t having clarity — it’s taking the step anyway.”
📌 Resources & Mentions
Here are links and resources shared in this episode:
📖 Book: Moving to My Dog’s Hometown
🌐 Website: Betsy Vereckey – Writing, astrology
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