Kick It Up A Notch

🎙️ In this powerful episode of Kick It Up a Notch, we sit down with Erik Goodge—Marine Corps veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and founder of Uvest Advisory Group. From firefights in Afghanistan to financial planning in the Midwest, Erik’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and purpose.He shares how one spontaneous decision in high school led him to the battlefield, and how his experience shaped his mission to help self-employed millennials achieve true financial freedom. Erik also opens up about his personal transformation, the importance of long-term investing, and how he built his own investment firm from the ground up.Plus, we dive into his work with The Sanctuary on the Hill and the Mission First initiative—an incredible retreat and resource center for veterans and their families, right here in Southern Indiana.Whether you're a veteran, entrepreneur, or just someone looking for a little inspiration to kick your own life up a notch—this one’s for you.🔗 Learn more:💼 Uvest Advisory Group🏞️ The Sanctuary on the Hill

In this episode of Kick It Up a Notch, host Megan Thomas speaks with Mark Albini, an advocate for animal welfare in Evansville. They discuss Mark's journey in fostering and caring for multiple dogs, the importance of patience in animal training and . Mark shares insights about the PAWS organization, the fostering process, and the challenges faced by animal control. They emphasize the need for community involvement and transparency in animal welfare, and how individuals can make a difference by volunteering or adopting pets.

In this episode Megan talks with Alicia Venson who shares some experiences from her house buying process as a first time home owner. Some Episode Takeaways:First-time home buyers should start talking to realtors early.Compromises are often necessary in home buying.Understanding the costs of home ownership is crucial.Unexpected expenses can arise at any time.Building a relationship with a realtor is important.Buyers need to be realistic about their expectations.Having a support team can ease the home buying process.Emotional aspects of buying a home should not be overlooked.Family and friends' opinions can influence decisions.It's essential to ask questions and seek guidance. Make sure to check out our Youtube page for behind the scenes and deleteded clips! And listen to Alicia and Megan talk more about things not important but might get you thinking....

What happens when a straight-A student and student council president spirals into addiction by age 16 — and ends up homeless, pregnant, and battling for her life?In this raw and powerful episode of Kick It Up a Notch, Jenny McBride sits down with Julie Greer, who shares her extraordinary journey from inhalants at 12 years old to long-term recovery, motherhood, and leadership in healthcare. Julie opens up about the painful moments that nearly destroyed her — and the divine interventions, 12-step program, and deep self-work that brought her back to life.If you or someone you love has been affected by addiction, teen substance abuse, recovery, or mental health struggles, this conversation will give you hope, perspective, and proof that healing is possible.🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:How early peer pressure led to addictionThe truth about hitting rock bottomWhat finally led Julie to seek treatmentHer inspiring path to recovery, motherhood, and purposeHow to support a loved one struggling with addiction00:00 Introduction to Julie Greer's Journey05:29 The Impact of Peer Pressure and Bullying10:14 High School Challenges and Escalation of Substance Use18:41 Pregnancy and the Struggle with Addiction22:43 Finding Hope in Recovery26:36 The Journey to Treatment and Recovery27:38 The Journey to Recovery: Just for Today28:34 Finding Support in Treatment30:19 Pivotal Moments in Recovery31:39 The Importance of Community in Recovery33:26 Rebuilding Life After Treatment34:38 Facing Obstacles in Sobriety36:34 Understanding Addiction as a Disease37:59 Creating a Loving Family Environment39:55 Redefining Success in Recovery40:41 Finding Purpose in Helping Others45:16 Guidance for Those Seeking Help46:57 The Role of Interventions in Recovery49:37 Messages to My Younger Self50:21 Hope and Advice for Loved Ones

In this episode of Kick It Up a Notch, hosts Megan Thomas and Alicia Venson dive into a variety of engaging topics, starting with a humorous debate on whether 100 unarmed men could take down a silverback gorilla. They explore the implications of space tourism, particularly focusing on Katy Perry's recent space flight, and discuss the nature of astronaut training and the role of women in space exploration. The conversation takes a whimsical turn as they theorize about aliens and human existence, wrapping up with light-hearted banter about what they would pack for a trip to space. In this episode, the hosts engage in humorous discussions about hypothetical scenarios involving road trips to space, the safety of women in the wilderness, and the ongoing court case of Diddy. They explore the societal perceptions of danger, particularly regarding encounters with wildlife versus men, and share their thoughts on celebrity trials and public opinion. The conversation is light-hearted yet touches on serious themes of safety and justice.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction02:51 The Great Gorilla vs. 100 Men Debate06:01 Exploring the Space Tourism Phenomenon09:02 Katy Perry's Space Flight and Its Implications11:58 The Nature of Space Travel and Astronaut Training14:53 The Role of Women in Space Exploration17:50 Theoretical Discussions on Aliens and Human Existence21:07 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up28:00 Road Trip to Space: A Fun Imagination29:57 Women’s Safety: Bears vs. Men in the Woods36:03 Wilderness Dilemmas: Which is Worse?43:55 Diddy’s Court Case: Celebrity Trials and Public Perception

In this episode of Kick It Up a Notch, Megan and Jenny break down the ever-evolving real estate market with fresh insights and local updates. From post-COVID shifts to current pricing trends and inventory struggles, they tackle what buyers and sellers really need to know. Tune in as they dig into mortgage rates, affordability challenges, and what it actually means to “time the market.” Whether you're a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or just real estate-curious, this episode gives you a boots-on-the-ground look at what’s really happening—and how to make smart moves in any market.

In this inspiring episode, Megan and Jenny sit down with Chelsie Garrett to dive into her incredible journey from side hustles to full-time entrepreneurship. Chelsie shares how she and her husband built their dream together—balancing marriage, family life, and launching the beloved Revival Coffee Company. We talk about the realities of managing multiple businesses, staying grounded in faith, and what it really means to engage with your community. From late-night brainstorming to early morning coffee pours, this episode is all about finding balance, embracing the hustle, and trusting the process.https://cgsdetailing.comhttps://revival-coffee.co

In this episode of Kick It Up a Notch, Megan and Jenny sit down with a special guest to talk about the winding road from choosing the University of Kentucky to diving headfirst into a career in real estate. 🚀 They share honest moments about overcoming doubts, getting off the waitlist, and navigating the tough transition from college life to full-time entrepreneurship.Plus — they swap stories about live music adventures, chasing down tickets, and celebrating the epic return of Cross Canadian Ragweed! 🎸🔥Get ready for real talk, laughs, and a whole lot of inspiration.#KickItUpANotch #RealEstateJourney #CollegeToCareer #LiveMusicMagic

You’ll never regret being there — but you will regret not being ready.In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode of Kick It Up A Notch, Megan Thomas and Jenny McBride share the untold truths they learned the hard way after losing a parent. From last-minute chaos to moments of peace and clarity, they walk you through everything they wish someone had told them before their family members got sick.If you still have a parent alive, or if you’re currently walking the heartbreaking journey of caregiving, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.Learn how simple conversations, preparation, and small steps today can save your family enormous heartache later.We aren’t experts — we're daughters who lived it — and we want to share what we learned with love, vulnerability, and a little laughter along the way.Because when the time comes, you deserve to be present, peaceful, and proud — not scrambling.🎧 Hit play now — this conversation could change everything for your family.Subscribe, follow, and get ready to kick it up a notch. 

Ladies, if you've ever felt stuck, frustrated, or downright exhausted from trying to get “healthy” — this episode is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.Join your favorite real estate queens turned wellness warriors, Megan Thomas and Jenny McBride, as they sit down with powerhouse fitness and lifestyle coach Ashtin Seaton, the woman behind the wildly popular Fiercely Fit Facebook group with over 6,800 women strong.Ashtin gets real about how she went from a former athlete to gaining the "Freshman 30," hitting rock bottom during COVID, and rebuilding her health, confidence, and business — one habit at a time.This isn’t a “drink celery juice and be skinny” kind of episode. This is the tough-love-meets-grace message every woman needs: Why the scale is the least important metric. How “just be perfect” is sabotaging your results. Why lifting weights won’t make you bulky (and will help you look and feel younger). The truth about convenience culture, processed food, and your energy levels. How to ditch the comparison trap and finally build confidence that lasts.Whether you’re a busy mom, career-focused woman, or someone who just knows it’s time to finally put herself first — this episode will inspire you to stop starting over and start stacking 1% wins every day. Because your body, your energy, and your LIFE deserve more than a crash diet and a Pinterest workout plan.Subscribe, follow, and get ready to kick it up a notch. Follow Ashtin https://www.facebook.com/groups/337461134924546https://www.instagram.com/ashtinseatonfit/#KickItUpANotchPodcast | #FiercelyFit | #1PercentBetter

This episode of Kick It Up a Notch is pure heart and real talk. ✨ Megan Thomas sits down with Lindsay Miller — a middle school behavior specialist who’s on a mission to teach kids how to handle big emotions, build healthy relationships, and navigate today's wild world of social media, group chats, and peer pressure.Lindsay shares her hilarious (and touching) journey from interior design major to life-changing social worker, explains how slang like "clocked" and "cooked" dominates school hallways, and drops wisdom that adults need just as much as kids. 🙌You'll laugh, maybe tear up, and definitely walk away inspired to be that one positive person who can change a life. 🌱If you love stories about everyday heroes making a BIG difference (and want a crash course on today's teen slang 😎), this is one you don't want to miss.🎧 Listen now. And don't forget — YOU can be the reason someone says, "I made it because of you."https://linktr.ee/kickitupanotchpodcast#KickItUpANotchPodcast #SocialWorkersRock #MiddleSchoolMatters #SlayAllDay

Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or just off and don’t know why? It might be more than just a bad day . 😔 In today’s powerful episode of Kick It Up a Notch, we sit down with Jill Cannon — a health coach, stress recovery expert, and inspiring single mama — to talk about the real struggles no one posts about.If you’ve ever felt like you should be happy but you're secretly falling apart... if you're juggling all the things and wondering why it's not enough... THIS is your episode. 💛From postpartum anxiety to hormone havoc to losing (and re-finding) yourself after motherhood, Jill shares raw, life-changing wisdom. We dig into why your coping mechanisms don't work anymore, why setting the dinner table perfectly won't fix your soul, and why giving yourself permission to rest is not lazy — it's survival.✨ If your heart feels heavy and your body feels tired, you're not crazy, you're not alone, and you are absolutely enough.Tap play to hear real stories, real solutions, and real encouragement for the real you. Let's stop shaming ourselves and start healing together. 🧡https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553603620205https://www.instagram.com/deeper_health_coaching/

cars, business and duplexs OH MY, a journey through investing.This week on Kick It Up a Notch, Megan is flying solo for the first time! 🚀 She’s pulling back the curtain on her real estate journey—from early struggles to big wins, unexpected challenges, and the lessons learned along the way. 💡🏡🔹 What is passive income really?🔹 How did Cody’s side hustles turn into full-scale investments?🔹 What did the pandemic teach us about risk and opportunity?🔹 The highs, the lows, and everything in between!📌 Tune in now and let us know your biggest takeaway! Don’t forget to use #KickItUpANotch to join the conversation.

This week on Kick It Up a Notch, we dive deep into an emotional and inspiring journey of infertility, adoption, and motherhood. 💕Hosts Megan Thomas and Jennifer McBride sit down with Taylor Sparks, who bravely shares her struggles with infertility, the heartbreak of loss, and the life-changing decision to adopt. Taylor opens up about the roller coaster of emotions, the importance of community support, and the incredible beauty of open adoption.If you've ever faced fertility challenges, considered adoption, or just want to hear an amazing story of resilience and love, this episode is for you. 💛

Exhausted, moody, gaining weight, or just not feeling like yourself? It might not be stress—it could be your hormones! In this episode of Kick It Up a Notch, we sit down with Jessica Blandford, a nurse practitioner at Optimize U, to dive deep into how hormone imbalances affect everything from energy levels to mental health, weight loss, and even relationships.If you’ve been told “your labs are normal” but still feel terrible, this is the episode for you! Jessica breaks down the biggest myths about hormone therapy, why traditional medicine might not have the answers, and how you can take control of your health.🔥 You don’t have to settle for feeling ‘fine’—you can feel OPTIMAL. 🔥Hit play to learn more, and don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this! #KickItUpANotchPodcast #HormoneHealth #OptimizeYouKick It Up A Notch Sponsors ⁠⁠⁠McBride Real Estate Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BrightSpire Business Partners ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grable CPA⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Social Media⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok

🎙 She Makes Bank: Ditch the Dependence & Build Real Wealth 💰🔥Ladies, let’s get real. What would you do if, overnight, the income you rely on disappeared? Could you cover the bills? Take care of your family? Too many women find themselves financially vulnerable because they’ve put their trust—and their future—in someone else’s hands.But here’s the truth: "A man is not a financial plan."In this powerful episode of Kick It Up A Notch, we’re talking about why financial independence is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re married, single, a stay-at-home mom, or a career-driven woman, you need a plan that puts YOU in control. Because life happens. Jobs are lost, marriages end, and the unexpected can change everything in an instant.🔑 Here’s what you’ll learn:✅ How childhood experiences shape your money mindset✅ Why relying on one income (even if it’s yours) is a risky bet✅ The non-negotiable financial steps every woman should take✅ How to build your ‘just in case’ fund & break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle✅ The hard conversations you NEED to have about money✅ Why you should stop waiting for permission and start grabbing opportunitiesYou are capable. You are worthy. And you deserve financial security on YOUR terms. No one is going to hand it to you—it’s something you have to build for yourself.🚀 Ready to take control? DM us @kickitupanotchpodcast and tell us your first step toward financial independence. We’re cheering you on! 💪✨#KickItUpANotch #SheMakesBank #FinancialIndependence #WomenAndMoney #BossMindset #MoneyMatters #BuildYourWealth⁠Here is the She Makes Bank Action Plan⁠Kick It Up A Notch Sponsors ⁠McBride Real Estate Group⁠⁠BrightSpire Business Partners ⁠⁠Grable CPA⁠Follow us on Social Media⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠TikTok

In this episode, Megan and Jenny engage with Gina Gist, the executive director of Albion Fellows Bacon Center, to discuss the critical issues surrounding domestic and sexual violence. They explore the various services provided by the center, including mobile advocacy, the importance of recognizing early signs of abuse, and the challenges faced by survivors. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support, the role of education in prevention, and the significance of self-care for advocates working in this emotionally taxing field. Gina shares insights on how to help loved ones in abusive situations and the importance of being a non-judgmental support system.

In this powerful episode ofKick It Up a Notch,hosts Megan Thomas and Jenny McBride sit down withKeri McBride, President ofHealing Tools for Warriors Midwest. They discussveteran advocacy, PTSD recovery, service dogs, and the power of community support forveterans, first responders, and their families.💙What You'll Learn:✔️ HowHealing Tools for Warriors supports veterans & first responders✔️ Thevital role of family & community in healing PTSD✔️ Howservice dogs provide life-changing support✔️ Whymental health awareness is essential for caregivers✔️ The impact ofretreats, music therapy, and advocacy programs🛑You Are Not Alone. You Are Accepted. 🛑🔗Listen now to hear real stories of resilience, connection, and healing!Follow & subscribe for more inspiring conversations onveterans' mental health, family support, and community initiatives.#VeteranSupport #ServiceDogs #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSDRecovery #FirstResponderCare #HealingToolsForWarriors #KickItUpANotch #CommunityHealinghttps://linktr.ee/kickitupanotchpodcastHealing Tools for Warriors Midwest

🐶 Dog lovers, this one’s for you! In this episode of Kick It Up A Notch, we sit down with Lauren Perigo, the founder of War Tales on Trails, a heartwarming program that helps shelter dogs get exercise, socialization, and a better chance at adoption. 🚶‍♂️ Whether you're passionate about dog rescue, volunteering, pet adoption, or just love heartwarming animal stories, you won’t want to miss this conversation! Lauren shares how walking shelter dogs improves their well-being, helps them find forever homes, and even provides emotional healing for participants. 🐾 Topics We Cover:✅ How War Tales on Trails is changing the lives of shelter dogs & people✅ The best dog breeds for first-time owners✅ What to look for when choosing a rescue dog✅ How volunteering to walk shelter dogs can boost your mental health✅ The exciting world of dog sports like Rally & Agility 🎧 Tune in now to hear inspiring stories, expert dog training tips, and learn how YOU can make a difference! Facebook: Warrick Tails on Trails 🔗 Follow & Subscribe for more stories of incredible people making a big impact in their communities! 🐕💙 #DogRescue #AdoptDontShop #ShelterDogs #KickItUpANotch #WarTalesOnTrails Don’t forget to follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content and updates: Instagram: @KickItUpANotchPodcast Facebook: Kick It Up A Notch Podcast Tik Tok: @KickItUpANotchPodcast

In this episode of Kick It Up a Notch, Megan and Jenny sit down with Alicia Venson, a powerhouse mom of three, entrepreneur, and advocate for veterans. Alicia opens up about her diagnosis as a type 1 diabetic, sharing the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned while managing this lifelong condition. From mastering blood sugar management to juggling her roles as a busy professional and mom, Alicia’s story is one of resilience and determination. Tune in to learn about the misconceptions surrounding diabetes, the tools Alicia uses to manage her health, and how she finds balance while thriving in her personal and professional life. Whether you’re navigating a health journey of your own or looking for inspiration to tackle life’s challenges, this episode will leave you empowered to kick it up a notch.

In this episode, Jenny and Megan take you on a journey through life’s twists and turns. From thrilling motorcycle adventures and safety tips to the quirks of wearing glasses, they share stories that are as relatable as they are inspiring. Dive into the world of RV travel and outdoor planning, hear about health scares that sparked personal growth, and get a glimpse into the raw reality of social work. Plus, laugh along as they unpack the struggles of cooking and juggling responsibilities. It’s a candid, heartfelt, and entertaining episode you won’t want to miss!

In this debut episode of Kick It Up A Notch, hosts Jenny McBride and Megan Thomas introduce themselves and share the inspiration behind launching their podcast. Get to know their unique journeys as real estate professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs, and learn about their vision for the show. They discuss their passion for highlighting inspiring stories from smaller communities, their goals for building a connected and thriving audience, and how they plan to make this podcast a space for meaningful conversations. Plus, hear how you can join the conversation and be part of the journey through your feedback and engagement. Let’s kick it off together!