Two Gals and a Mic

In this last episode of the Two Gals and a Mic podcast, we flip the script and my good friend, Donna Andreassi, interviews me.  This interview brought me to tears - for so many reasons. I am immensely grateful to ALL of the women who shared their insights, wisdom, hearts and souls throughout this journey. And, I'm so appreciative of all of the listeners who tuned in, sent comments, shared and liked the podcast.  I don't think there are enough THANK YOUs to express my deep gratitude for EVERYONE who participated in and supported this project. It was a remarkable endeavor, and one that taught me so much. It's often hard to let something that you've worked so hard on go. But, it's necessary to continue to grow. I hope this podcast inspired, informed and ignited you to own and share your story.    The greatest blessing we can give to the world is to step into our power, own our purpose and inspire others to do the same.  Be sure to connect with me through the Two Gals and a Boat fly fishing website, LinkedIn or IG, and stay tuned...because I know this is only the beginning.

In this 50th episode of the Two Gals and a Mic podcast, 11-year-old Kennedy Miller joins me to share her insights on what it means to be authentic, enough, and amazing.  Talking through tough issues like bullying, the challenges of fitting in, and accepting yourself because you are perfectly made, Kennedy shares her unique vision of what it takes to become an amazing woman.  This conversation reminds us all that wisdom knows no age and even the youngest voices can inspire us to reframe how we see ourselves and our potential. 

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Thayer Knight, a writer with a heart for deepening spiritual connection through the power of prayer. After discovering her passion for writing years ago, Jen just published The 30 Day Prayer Journey, a transformative guided experience designed to help readers strengthen their relationship with God and unlock the full potential of their prayers. We dive into the journey behind the book, exploring the inspiration behind it, and how Jen’s six-year battle with Lyme disease has shaped her creative process and spiritual life. Despite the challenges of illness, Jen’s resilience shines through in her writing and online teachings, as she continues to connect with others and serve God in unique and meaningful ways. Listen as Jen shares how her personal struggles have influenced her work, how prayer can be a transformative tool for growth, and how her story of perseverance serves as an inspiration for others seeking to deepen their faith and creativity. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: The 30 Day Prayer Journey by Jennifer Thayer Knight (Available on Amazon) Jennifer’s blog and online resources (jenniferthayerknight.com)

In this episode, I’m joined by Kendyl Hanks, an experienced appellate attorney, shareholder in a global law firm, and co-founder of Lady Lawyer Diaries, an online forum which celebrates women in law. Kendyl’s remarkable career spans high-stakes business disputes, constitutional test cases, medical malpractice claims, trade secrets, and more. Beyond her legal expertise, Kendyl is a passionate advocate for women and Veterans, and serves on the Board of Trustees for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, where she is helping to develop the Women on the Fly program, which supports Women in Service and Women Veterans. In this engaging episode, we dive into mentorship, balance, authenticity and the importance of community.   As Kendyl reminds us: “The trick is this...you can be everything you want to be. You just can’t be all of it at the same time.”  

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Lisa Vien, a first-generation American Chinese and Army combat veteran who lives by the Japanese Proverb - “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” Lisa shares her journey through the challenges of PTSD and domestic violence to a thriving career as an interior designer. Lisa opens up about her intense struggles that once left her homebound, hibernating and isolated, and the resilience she found to move forward with the support of her companion, Enzo the Dog. Lisa’s story is one of renewal and hope. Through her love for the outdoors and her mission to empower women, she now helps others break free from their own “hibernation” and reclaim their lives. When asked what message she wants to leave listeners with, Lisa shares these powerful words: “Remember, you are stronger than you think, than you know, more than you feel. When life knocks you down, get up and show that YOU are in control of your life—no matter how hard it is to look up, how tiring it feels proving your worth, or how lonely you feel. Because you are NOT alone.” Tune in for a deeply moving episode that reminds us all of our inner strength and resilience.

After years of adversity and deep soul-searching, Tammy Schafran chose to follow her intuition, moving from New York to Maine to rebuild her life in a simpler, more sustainable way. In this inspiring conversation, Tammy shares how she’s found a profound inner strength, along with an empathetic ability to create and maintain peace, by reconnecting with nature and staying true to herself. Juggling two careers, Tammy serves actively on the police force while also running Maple Pond Farm, where she raises baby goats and brings the wonders of the natural world to others. When asked for her Words of Wisdom, Tammy encourages: “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something that scares you. You just might be surprised at the growth you’ll find on the other side.”  

Katie Smith, known as the Queen of the Customer Journey, is a visionary marketer dedicated to transforming chaos and stagnation into strategic success. In this episode, we chat about her unique journey from outdoor guiding to entrepreneurship as the founder of Wild Path Consulting, where she is now empowering businesses to connect with consumers, promote shared values, and be a force for good in today’s world. Dedicated to providing the best experience for the customer, Katie crafts tailored marketing strategies that align with company goals, fosters strong teams, and drives sustainable growth.

Starting her career as a classically trained chef and working her way up to become the Executive Sous Chef for the Versace Mansion in South Beach, FL., Karla Gomez, MA, elected to take her life in a different direction and now serves as the Chief Clinical Officer at Aspen Growth Coaching.  With robust experience in residential treatment, Karla serves clients at every phase of their healing process and is on a mission to create a healthcare approach which considers the whole human beyond the traumas that confine them. By holding space for others to become vulnerable and accountable, Karla believes that this is where true growth takes place and generational trauma ceases.  As Karla points out in this enlightening conversation, "There are certain thoughts and certain opinions that aren't ours, and we tend to feel very disconnected by them. If we start listening...you can get to a point where you can hear what's truly yours, and what has nothing to do with what you expect out of yourself."

Did you know that sugar is as addictive as cocaine? Mind-blowing! In this insightful conversation, I'm chatting with holistic health and nurse coach, Tana Steiner, who is combining her extensive background in nursing with functional and lifestyle medicine training to bring a holistic approach to healing. As a holistic health coach, and a nurse coach, Tana looks at how lifestyle affects health with a focus on the mind, body and spirit connection.  To learn more about Tana, and her coaching offerings, visit www.tanasteinercoaching.com. And, you can find Tana's article about nurse coaching on the Montana Nurses Association website.

Hanna Finissi is on a mission to ignite inner wisdom through self-discovery and community connection. On this enlightening episode, we chat about her mission, as a creative healer and coach, to help others live their own version of an ignited life, from the inside out.   Meditation is the foundational element of her well-being coaching business, SoulTrustIgnite, which - as Hanna reminds us - does not need to "look" any particular way. It is simply a way to connect with your truest essence and a beneficial tool to live the life you desire and deserve. As Hanna points out in this inspired conversation, "Whatever you dream about is already in your conscious space to create. And it just takes some bold action to get there."

Taylor Thackston, owner of Frying Pan Anglers in Basalt, Colorado, shares her secrets for success, which are anchored in the premise that it's ok to not have a plan because, what is meant for you will find you. Originally from Virginia, Taylor spent a great deal of her youth and most of college chasing trout around Appalachia and Tennessee. Despite spending more time on the water than she did in class, Taylor graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Animal and Poultry Sciences. When her post graduation plans, which included attending veterinarian school, did not come to fruition, a three-month gap summer in Basalt has grown into three years, and her greatest adventure yet. In this fun conversation, Taylor shares her love for fly fishing and how this passion has morphed not only into unexpected entrepreneurship, but also into an active role in helping women Veterans connect with hope and healing through her role on the Steering Committee of the Project Healing Waters Women on the Fly program. 

This week, I'm chatting with Dr. Hannah Wilson, an AASECT-certified sex therapist who has a passion for providing accurate sex and sexual health education through her practice at OH Hi Collective. As an entrepreneur and foundress of both OH Hi Collective and Prickly Peach Sex Therapy, Hannah works as a holistic and systems therapist who is committed to reducing shame around sexual health through empowerment. While holding space for curiosity around various identities, Hannah and her team take the shame out of sex and sexuality so her clients feel supported to explore their world views while striving to align with authenticity. To learn more about upcoming events, email Dr. Wilson, or follow the OH Hi Collective on Eventbright for additional details. 

In this week's episode, I'm sitting down with entrepreneur, Danielle Hendon, to talk money. As a Fractional CFO, and owner of 4 Corners CFO, Danielle helps small business owners understand their numbers so they can intentionally grow their profits and pay themselves what they are worth. In this uplifting conversation, we navigate through what can often be a hard topic for many entrepreneurs, to better understand the importance of putting our masks on first so we have capacity and capability to create a masterful mindset around finances. "When you put people first," Danielle reminds us, "there is no end to the return." To learn more about Danielle, or to see how her team can help with the Four Corners of your business finances (Reliability, Profitability, Strategy and Execution), visit the 4 Corners CFO website. 

As the spouse of a combat-injured Marine, a mom of five, and the manager of the Warrior Week program at Camp Southern Ground, Megan Murphy is passionate about helping Veterans in their transformational and well-being journeys.  In this week's conversation, Megan reminds us that we all need a reason to get out of bed in the morning, put our feet on the ground and smile. That "something to do" often emerges as Purpose, which can be identified through assessments such as Gallup's CliftonStrengths and the Enneagram test, so we can create - or recreate - who we are in the world. Megan is on a mission to help develop people on better journeys for themselves and ensure purposeful connection. With the powerful reminder that telling our stories can often be the next page in someone else's survival guide, Megan has learned that we can't understand the mountaintop views, and the beauty of them, if we don't understand the deepest of valleys first.  Click on these links to lean more about Warrior Week and the Warrior PATHH (Veterans) and Struggle Well Experience (First Responders), and have a listen to this previous podcast to hear, first-hand, how these programs are changing lives.     

In this impactful episode, I'm sitting down with Rachael Dunkel-Dodier, MS, LCPC, LAC, HCDC, NBCC, CDWF a certified high-conflict divorce coach, founder of Bridger Peaks Counseling and solopreneur, with her Resilience to Rise Coaching business. Rachael brings a unique combination of formal education and personal experience to help support women who are navigating divorces marked by addiction, abuse and narcissistic behaviors so they can get through one of the hardest experiences in life to be fully seen, honored and loved without shame or fear.   In this candid, and honest conversation, Rachael shares her insights for ways to tackle the hard things, embrace the joyous things, and seek the healing salve that only community and connection can bring.  To learn more about Rachael, and her body of work, visit the Bridger Peaks Counseling and the Resilience to Rise websites. 

Living on a small sustainable farm in Montana's mountains, Lorca Smetana, a resiliency expert who is no stranger to navigating crisis, trauma and grief, has created a body of work to inspire newfound purpose and strength to those who are coping with life’s difficult challenges. In this episode of the Two Gals and a Mic podcast, Lorca reminds us that healing is iterative and filled with spirals of growth. As an expert in building holistic resiliency skills, she offers practical advice for embracing "Being With" in lieu of isolation or loneliness, and explains how that simple Radical Act of Revolution can create lasting resiliency which, ultimately, results in one's ability to live a vibrant, sustainable and creative life. Lorca's resiliency journey began at the age of sixteen, when she unexpectedly found herself involved in the Mt. Hood climbing tragedy that took the lives of seven students and two teachers. Reported as the second deadliest alpine accident in North American history, this experience, coupled with the awareness of mortality and its impact on how we live our lives, are foundational to Lorca's resiliency work.  To connect with Lorca, and find out more about building resilience through individual or group sessions, visit her website and then schedule a call.

This week, I’m chatting with Jordan Watkins, who is a clinical social worker for the VA as part of the Suicide Prevention team, and has a heart for Veterans and a propensity for surfing.   As the owner of a private counseling practice, Jordan focuses on helping people through the trials and messy parts of adulthood and leans on her experiences as a fitness coach and a Title Boxing trainer to remind us that setbacks are not disasters and delays are not denials.    In this impactful conversation, we chat about ways to get unstuck, move forward and bet on ourselves.    Want to know more? Connect with Jordan through her LinkedIn profile. 

In this powerful episode, I'm chatting with Kiley Poole, an Air Force Veteran, and mom, who is focusing her talents and energy to help heal those who served. Despite being traumatized by toxic female leadership during her time in service, Kiley is committed to her own healing journey and leaning into being in community with women, with an open heart, and an open mind. Kiley's honest and raw perspective about tearing down walls and showing up authentically is allowing her to embrace her passion to help women Veterans understand that they are not alone. Serving on Project Healing Waters' Women on the Fly Task Force, Kiley is focusing on fostering a safe space where women Veterans can find connection and flourish. With a mission to build something beautiful, Kiley reminds us that our stories are important and it's ok to feel a hug, feel a hand, and breathe.  CLICK HERE to learn more about Project Healing Waters' Women on the Fly program, including how to get connected and ways to donate to this amazing initiative. 

This week, I sit down with U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Doreen Bender Johnson, to chat about her deep sense of compassion and love for others, which stems from the belief that we are all here for each other. In this candid interview, Doreen shares her experiences about navigating racial animosity,  rebuilding post-divorce, the sense of joy that can be found when we take time to listen to others, and finding love again through the gift of dance. When we follow our hearts and our passions, Doreen reminds us that that's where we find love.  (Special shout-out to USMC Drill Sergeant Gripper...)

This week, I'm chatting with Alex Mufson, a CEO, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and serial entrepreneur who started her first business at three years old. She built Aspen Growth Coaching, a values-led company from zero to seven figures in three years with no seed money, no investors and no compromises and is now on a personal and professional mission, through her latest venture, Rêv, to redirect the flow of capital from those who do harm with it to those who heal with it. In this enlightening conversation, we talk about how to harness the power of Human Design to understand our uniqueness, and in doing so, revolutionize our lives so we may contribute to the world in the most authentic and positive ways possible.    (Headshot: Kale Chesney)

From runways to rooftops, Jessye Archer is a U.S. Air Force Veteran and expert homebuilder who has dedicated her professional career to building homes, neighborhoods, and relationships with homeowners and building professionals. In this week's episode, Jessye shares her wisdom for dealing with fear, imposter syndrome and limiting beliefs to excel as an entrepreneur and, in her executive role, as the co-founder of South Haven Builders, a thriving luxury custom home building company in the Atlanta area.  Jessye combines her passion for operations, engineering, and great design to lead teams and build relationships with families who can, because of her life's work, enjoy time at home on front porches, gathered at kitchen tables, and celebrating life's achievements. 

Seven years ago, in her early 40's, artisan Dakota Meeks stepped away from her professional career in conservation, without much of a plan, but with a deep knowingness that she had to follow her purpose. In this week's episode, we chat about Dakota's journey from an office space to her own place, where now, as a self-taught artisan, she uses wood, metal fabrication and epoxy to create functional art. Giving great advice about squaring up to fear, and eliminating limiting beliefs, Dakota is focusing on changing forward to believe bigger and continue her chosen path, on her terms.  Visit www.coreelementsstudio.com to learn more about Dakota and her creative elements which, in her words, are "A Physical Manifestation of Who We Are & Who We Want to Be".

(Trigger Warning: Episode contains conversations related to Military Sexual Trauma) On this week's episode, Wendy Dumke, an Army Veteran and mom of two, shares her candid story of the 25-year secret she kept after surviving being raped during her time in service. During this heartfelt conversation, Wendy shares her passion for helping other Military Sexual Trauma (MST) survivors move from negative spaces to positions of empowerment as they find hope and courage during their healing journeys. To learn more about the work Wendy is doing through Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, visit: https://projecthealingwaters.org/phw-women-on-the-fly/ 

Rachel Andras is a seasoned fly fishing guide and instructor, a busy mom of two, and a certified health coach. As a person who lives with intentionality, and with a spirit of no regrets, Rachel is using her many talents to help people thrive.  In this engaging conversation, we chat about Rachel's journey in the fly fishing industry and the importance of perseverance. We also discuss her transition to becoming a health and wellness coach, experiences with aging and friendships, and the importance of leaning into the idea that it really is now or never. To learn more about Rachel, visit her fishing website or follow her on Instagram @flyfishing4health. 

On this week's episode, I sit down with Jen Stevane, MD, a board certified surgeon who is passionate about practicing a holistic approach to patient care by addressing the ways disease, injury and surgery can affect one’s sleep, nutrition, diet, stress, relationships and microbiome. Dr. Jen has been working in and around surgery and its patients for over 20 years and, in 2020, started Integrative Surgical Care LLC to marry the ideas of eastern and western medicine together for the optimal surgical patient experience and create the concept of Surgical Wellness. On this episode, we chat about this innovative approach to advocating for the whole surgical patient, while also exploring the importance of establishing and maintaining boundaries, to advocate for oneself. 

On this Memorial Day weekend, we are honoring our fallen Heroes by speaking with Hannah Moore, a Gold Star Sister who shares her walk through grief after losing her brother, who was enlisted in the Marine Corps and killed in the Line of Duty. Now a Navy spouse and a mom to a 1-year-old, Hannah is using her love and her light to focus on moving forward by leaning into conservation through storytelling and Ecosystem Restoration planning. By being a good steward of the environment, and leaving things better than she found them, Hannah is creating a legacy for her son to enjoy landscapes, animals and ecosystems which are abundant and thriving.  Her motto? "I left it all here on Mother Earth. I didn't hold back out of fear. And I want to go exhausted and arrive to the other side and say, 'Man, it was good.'"

On this last episode of Season 1, I sit down with Dr. Rebecka Pearson, who has almost two decades of experience in clinical mental health treatment and is passionate about not playing small but, instead, use her gifts and abilities to help first responders and Veterans heal from their unseen wounds.  While she says, "We don't do anyone a service when we are not living up to our fullest potential," Rebecka's experience in navigating burnout has led to a solid belief that we all can play to our greatest potential only by setting boundaries and implementing self-care practices.  Rebecka has come to terms with the fact that her vocation is not her identity and, through her own experiences with burnout and trauma, has been able to refine purpose and shift her impact by owning her expertise to supervise  clinicians and provide coaching opportunities for high-performing women who are on the precipice of burnout.  You may learn more about Rebecka's private practice by visiting her website and her coaching endeavors by following her on Instagram at Fully Conscious Coach. 

On this week's episode, I sit down with Jesslyn Marie (Eiben), a Montana-based adventure elopement photographer, who provides backcountry weddings for those wildly in love.  As someone who is passionate about the outdoors, Jesslyn is dedicated to planning and photographing amazing weddings that throw out the rulebook, and intentionally celebrate relationships through purposeful, intimate experiences which cater to her clients' wishes rather than those of others. To find more about Jesslyn's wedding and her elopement services, visit: www.jesslynmarie.com 

Sabrina Hanan is a seasoned therapist who started her journey as a contracted Behavioral Analyst for the FBI. Using her ability to create attachments, she spent two decades helping survivors recover from sex trafficking, kidnapping and ransom situations.  As a neurodivergent therapist, Sabrina now specializes in working with couples and those who identify as neurodivergent, using Internal Family Systems, to help clients with depression, anxiety, stress and conflicts.  In this episode, I sit down with Sabrina to explore what it looks like when the immutable Authentic Self -- the soul, the spirit, the core -- intersects with the sum of one's parts to provide the inherent Wisdom needed to live our best lives. Find out more about Sabrina's work at: yourmontanatherapist.com.  

Amanda Diehl, a self-proclaimed accidental entrepreneur, is the owner of Sky Oro, which exists to create consistent space and experiences for women to deeply connect and support one another. As a wild Montana woman who lives to adventure and love on the ones God puts in front her, Amanda shares her entrepreneurial origin story, and the importance of living in your Zone of Genius.  Visit the Sky Oro website to learn more about this community, which is creating safe, powerful and intentional space for women to build meaningful relationships through the power of connection.   

This week, I sit down with Liz Luehder, a registered nurse and infomatics guru, who uses her "gift of gab" to spread love and light everywhere -- even in the grocery store's checkout line! As an avid adventurer, a mom, and an eternal optimist, Liz's superpower is rooted in bringing people together. Believing anyone can be friends, Liz says, "the magic happens when the common thread is found." 

On this week's episode, I'm sitting down with Erika Lamberth, who is using her crisis communication skills to help organizations prepare for man-made and natural disasters. By approaching everything in life as an opportunity for growth, Erika thrives on helping people in their time of need while living with a life motto that reminds us that life is short, and we shouldn't ever say "I wonder what would have happened if..." Erika finds balance through mentoring young adults, reconnecting with a family she didn't even know she had, and following her passion for public speaking, where she is on a mission to make it all the way to the Toastmasters International competition.  You can follow Erika's journey on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erikalamberth

With a heart for adventure, Tara Nyikos, PhD., is an Air Force Veteran who lives in the Colorado mountains and volunteers her time as the Denver Chapter lead for Patrol Base Abbate.  Tara is a Cowboy Mounted Shooting National Champion who is not afraid to be vulnerable and explore new things in the pursuit of helping Veterans find connection and purpose. Now she is using her experience and passion to create a lasting legacy where people will say, "Tara had a heart of service, and she served others well." For more information on Patrol Base Abbate, or Tara's fundraising efforts for the 2024 program, visit: https://donate.pbabbate.org/fundraiser/5102016 

Katie Dahlheim is dedicated to helping resolve some of the food insecurity issues that plague South Carolina's Lowcountry. Almost a decade ago, she implemented The Lowcountry Blessing Box Project, which is a network of more than 400 anonymous food donation sites around the state, with the motto "Leave what you can, take what you need."  In this week's episode, prepare to be inspired by this mom and practicing attorney who took an idea and made it blossom into a network that helps feed roughly 65,000 people per year.  If you're interested in creating Blessing Boxes in your community, you can access Katie's step-by-step blueprint for establishing a network of free pantries in your neighborhood: Building a Kindness Army: The Passionate Fight against Food Insecurity  CLICK HERE to learn more about The Lowcountry Blessing Box project.   

As an emergency dispatcher for the better part of 15 years, and suffering an unspeakable trauma while on the job, Erin McMicheal changed course and became an equine therapy instructor to help Veterans and military members who struggle with PTSD.  Now, as the Self-directed Harm Prevention Specialist for the Washington National Guard, Erin uses her history and experience to help normalize mental health end encourage help-seeking behavior.  Erin continues to practice empathy and is learning vulnerability as she uses her pain to fuel passion, which includes developing her 33-acre property, at the base of Mount Rainier, into a refuge and a place of healing. 

Karen Vasquez, a Navy Veteran and Veteran's healthcare aficionado, talks about what it looks like to be your own best advocate. Despite battling sexual harassment and gender inequality during her time in the military, and then learning to live with an unexpected medical diagnosis that would prove to be life-changing, Karen found humor to be her best medicine.  Now, as a comedienne and staunch advocate for women Veterans, Karen is sharing her story about learning to live with a chronic illness with the hope of helping others ask better questions and giving people permission to laugh at life's scary things.  Connect with Karen on Instagram (@karenovasquez).

On this week's show, I sit down with Jamicka Edwards, who is a proud Army Veteran, published author and marathon runner. For more than a decade, Jamicka has been on a quest to ensure everyone knows their purpose in life and know they matter. In 2014, she published You Matter, What would living in your purpose everyday look like? and created a follow-on book tour to help people discover their purpose and live in it every day.  Jamicka is also an avid marathon runner who started running to heal from her divorce and rediscover herself. Now, with 6 marathons, 40 Half Marathons, a 50k, and the distance of running 42 miles in one day for her 42nd birthday under her belt, Jamicka is on a mission to take her passion to the 2024 Boston Marathon as a charity runner, raising funds for the NEWTON POLICE MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION! If you'd like to support Jamicka on her Boston Marathon journey, check out her fundraising page!

On this week's episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Sydney Abbott, a 22-year-old Kentucky native, who is building roots in Montana as a fly fishing guide and instructor.  Sydney shares her best advice on being a trailblazer and living a life with no regrets. With a balance of spontaneity and thoughtful consideration, Sydney talks about the choices that have led her to chase her dreams and pursue ambitious goals, including the path to becoming a pilot.   So, how do you live a life without regret? Sydney's best advice is to acknowledge your fears, rely on family, and know that life is short and you only have one go-around to do the things you want to do! So...get after it! 

On this week's episode, Tricia Augeri shares her journey on navigating through two toxic relationships and turning the trauma of those events into triumph.  Tricia is now on a journey to find herself and help other women embrace what they've been designed to do. With the knowledge of her God-given calling and passions, Tricia shares ways we can establish boundaries, not allow other people's thoughts or action define us, and live into who we are designed to be!  

This week, I sat down with Air Force Veteran, Karen Cook, to chat about innovative and creative ways she uses art, volunteers and the Internet to help our nation's Heroes heal.  With a background in humanitarian work, disaster response, and Veteran and Armed Forces programming, Karen is helping us all understand that taking chances is a necessary part of doing business. In our conversation, we discover that when we try those things that are calling to us - even if they seem interesting, or maybe even a little crazy, they often can blossom into opportunities larger and more impactful than we ever could have imagined! 

On this week's episode, I sit down with Jennifer Parscal, a self-proclaimed organized chaos expert, who shares her insights and inspiration as the spouse of a now-retired Green Beret, who served for almost two decades as a Special Forces Operator in the U.S. Army Special Forces.  While supporting her household and husband through multiple combat deployments, Jen found her footing and employed creativity to juggle the needs of her family with her personal health and fitness goals, including qualifying for the Boston Marathon five times. In 2022, her husband retired from the Army and Jen and her family relocated to Bozeman, Montana, where she now runs a professional cleaning and organizing company and continues to be a positive role model for her three kids, who are now 16, 14, and 11 years old.  Jen firmly believes that you CAN have it all if you approach life with the mindset that, "There's no I anymore. It's a WE thing. You put the WE before the ME."  And that's how she finds success. 

Have you ever considered going on a fly fishing adventure - even as a SOLO angler? On this week's episode, I chat with Steph Albano, the founder and owner of Finatical Flyfishing, which focuses on flyfishing travel for women, by women.  Steph has enjoyed flyfishing travel most of her life and built these experiences around knowledgeable, skilled, high quality guide operations and amazing locations. Steph's best piece of life advice? "Just do it. Stepping out of your comfort zone is hard and sometimes does require a leap of faith. One step does lead to another opportunity. Once you leap, you'll experience more than you imagined and enjoy a life you might not have thought possible." Ready to take the leap? Book your bucket list adventure here: www.finaticalflyfishing.com

In this first episode of 2024, I chat with Carrie Fuller, a first responder, yoga instructor and paramedic. As a 23-year professional in the fire service, Carrie says that it took her a long time to accept standing out and making waves...even if it was for the right reasons. Now this mother of two is on a mission to leave a legacy which provides first responders with the tools and practices they need to turn resilience into more than just a buzz word. Carrie is a role model to her families at home and at the firehouse by proving that we are all stronger than we think and have the power to work through whatever stressors life throws our way. As we head full-throttle into a new year, she offers these Words of Wisdom to help us all find our gifts and, with purpose, give them away: "Self-awareness doesn't stop you from making mistakes - it allows you to learn from them. Follow the spark inside of you because life is too short to not be living and doing what fills you up."

As we close out 2023, I speak with Kim Thompson, a hospice nurse and woman of faith who pours out her compassion and love to help people - and their loved ones - navigate their last days on earth.  With death comes rebirth and, now that the New Year is on the horizon, Kim and I talk about change, intentionality and what it means to be brave. Kim's advice on being brave? "Never give up. Setbacks happen but you have to keep working hard to realize your dreams." As she notes, life is so precious and it's about forgiving, moving on, getting past the hurts and showing love. Anything worth having is a lot of work. But, it's worth it. 

On this week's episode of Two Gals and a Mic, I'm chatting with Shannon Stroup, a U.S. Air Force Veteran with 3 combat tours under her belt, about growing through the tough stuff so you can get to the good stuff!  As she shares her journey of hope and healing, Shannon offers her wisdom and nuggets of knowledge about wellness practices and self-care methods which have been proven to help people from all walks of life navigate through trauma so they may lead beautiful, purposeful and meaningful lives.  Shannon currently works in the non-profit sector, teaching the concept of Post Traumatic Growth (#ptg) to Veterans and First Responders. When she isn't on the road teaching #ptg, Shannon is busy gearing up for motherhood as she and her wife prepare to welcome their first child!  Shannon's best advice? "Always show yourself a little grace and lead, in all scenarios, with love. This life is short, make it count." If you are interested in finding out more about the science and study of Post Traumatic Growth, visit the American Psychological Association's website for more information. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing an acute mental health crisis, please reach out for help. You may contact the National Crisis and Suicide Hotline at 988 for immediate assistance. 

This week, I chat with Renee Spears, who is a Spiritual Mentor, a Spirit Guide Channeler and the host of The Abundology Podcast.    Join us in this enlightening conversation about practical ways to cultivate gratitude, remain present and tap into our inner peace so we may lean into healthy, happy lives that are filled with purpose.    Regardless of spiritual or religious affiliation, Renee's inclusive work helps people from all backgrounds and beliefs achieve clarity and spiritually evolve with help from their spirit guides (or angels, depending on your preference).      Want to learn more? Connect with Renee through her website and follow her on YouTube for more practical advice on living in alignment and trusting ourselves to take that next right step. 

Join me this week as I talk to Army Veteran Stacy McKinney, who shares her struggles and sacrifices about trying to become an adoptive parent while managing multiple deployments, including three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. After years of trying and finding her efforts thwarted due to her deployment status, Stacy finally succeeded with her longtime dream of becoming a mom.  Now, retired from the Army, Stacy uses her gifts to work with a variety of special education children in the middle school setting while happily juggling home life as a single mom of two.  Stacy's best piece of advice for anyone who is seeking a little EXTRA? "If you have a dream don’t stop trying to achieve it. I always wanted to be a mom and I was 39 when i was able to achieve that dream."

Join me this week as I speak to the first African American female Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, Cheri' Ben-Iesau, from BIG BRANCH APIARY - her blueberry farm on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, LA.  After duty stations in San Diego, Louisville, Baton Rouge, Houston, and New Orleans she retired, nearly 25 years later and wrote the book, The Long September, which chronicles her experience inside City Hall as a first responder during Hurricane Katrina.    Now Cheri' is applying her talents and passions to run a U-Pick farm complete with honey, eggs, chickens, flowers and blueberries along the Tammany Trace bike trail.   Cheri' is also a renowned artist whose artwork has been in the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, numerous gallery exhibits, and her work is routinely featured at Ariodante Gallery in New Orleans.

On this week's episode, registered nurse and clinical instructor, Shannon Phelan, shares her insights, practical advice and ideas for implementing wellness and self-care practices to be able to struggle well through life's ebbs and flows so we all may do better today than we did yesterday.    Shannon has a passion for training the upcoming generation of health care providers and addressing the need for mental health support for both new and seasoned health care professionals. With a background in ICU nursing and social work, Shannon is on a mission to navigate a complex medical system so providers may receive mental health care access and navigate the traumas that are often associated with the profession.     Shannon's Reading List: The Last House Guest A Little Life Struggle Well    and an extra... Man's Search for Meaning 

Donna Andreassi is an Air Force Veteran and Montana and Louisiana powerlifting champion, who has a passion for mentoring others, spending time with her grandkids and following her dreams.  Join us as we discuss Spartan Racing, therapy dog training, and what it takes to work towards achieving your goals - even when that means reworking the plan time and time again.  Want to know more? You can connect with Donna through LinkedIn.