2 Girls Talking: Recent Episodes
Twogirlstalkingpodcast
We are 2 business owners, 2 journalists and 2 working moms! Our lives are crazy as we live our dreams of entrepreneurship and raising a family. Sometimes those worlds collide, sometimes they co-exist and some rare times they work together.
Join us on a thought-provoking journey as we dive deep into the world of extremism and hatred in our latest episode of 2 Girls Talking. We're excited to introduce you to the authors of "Hate Next Door: A Personal Journey into the Heart of Hatred and Extremism." This gripping book explores the darkest corners of society, shedding light on the impact of extremism on our communities.
Get to know Matson Browning and Tawni Browning, the authors behind "Hate Next Door." Learn about their personal motivations, journeys, and unwavering dedication to exposing extremism. Discover what drove them to delve into this complex and challenging subject.
Delve into the fascinating world of undercover investigation that laid the foundation for their compelling book. The authors share the trials and tribulations they faced during their mission to unmask extremism. Learn about the risks they took to uncover the truth.
In this eye-opening discussion, Matson and Tawni humanize the individuals involved in hate groups. Gain insights into the intricate web of factors that lead to radicalization. Explore stories that reveal the unexpected facets of extremism and challenge our perceptions.
Discover the authors' perspective on how communities can come together to combat extremism and promote understanding. Explore practical steps and strategies to foster empathy, tolerance, and unity in our society.
If you're intrigued by the conversation and want to learn more about "Hate Next Door," don't miss the chance to explore this powerful book. Join us in unmasking the realities of extremism and uncovering paths toward a more empathetic and compassionate world.
Explore the pages of "Hate Next Door" to gain a deeper understanding of the authors' incredible journey into the heart of hatred and extremism. This book is a testament to their commitment to unmasking the truth and promoting positive change.
Check out The Hate Next Door
In this episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with Betsy Kauffman, the Founder, CEO, and Coach at Cross Impact, a TED speaker, and a mentor in the Charlotte Women in Business Mentoring Program. Betsy's journey is an inspiring story of breaking through barriers, finding her voice in male-dominated fields, and making a significant impact on the corporate landscape.
Betsy Kauffman is a seasoned professional with a Bachelor of Business Administration from James Madison University. She has a unique background of 20+ years in corporate America, striving to balance motherhood, a full-time career, and supporting her husband's business. Her company is Cross Impact, birthed in 2014, driven by her passion and a desire to make a difference in organizations globally.
In this episode Betsy talks about growing up as the only girl on both sides of her family and how it influenced her success in male-dominated fields. Her work experience, including 5 years with the Boy Scouts of America, and the impact it had on her journey.
You will come away with several key takeaways from this episode.
Key Takeaways:
- Insights on balancing career, motherhood, and entrepreneurship.
- How a background in male-dominated environments can be a competitive advantage.
- The importance of fostering a nurturing home environment.
- The joys and responsibilities of being a dog mom.
Betsy's story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and following your passion. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insights.
Connect with Betsy here.
Join us on the latest episode of 2 Girls Talking Podcast as we welcome a remarkable guest, Elsie Guerrero, whose mission is to advocate for inclusion in the realms of childhood disability and social justice. Elsie's impressive body of work includes over ten books focusing on children with disabilities and three books addressing social justice within the Latinx community.
Elsie Guerrero is renowned for her tireless advocacy efforts, championing awareness for children with special needs and the Latinx community. Her dedication was acknowledged in 2020 when she received recognition as an honoree from Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine. Elsie's impactful work has also garnered attention from esteemed news outlets like NBC Latino and Telemundo.
In this empowering episode we engaged in a thoughtful conversation with Elsie Guerrero, exploring the crucial theme of promoting inclusion and diversity. We dive deep into Elsie's personal journey, a tapestry woven with unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Drawing from her own encounters with diversity, adversity, and the profound beauty of human connection, Elsie embarked on a literary mission.
Elsie's series, "Promote Inclusion," serves as a testament to the belief that stories rooted in personal experiences carry an authenticity and resonance that transcend words on a page. Through her writing, she possesses a unique ability to touch hearts, evoke empathy, and inspire change. Her narratives intricately weave together the threads of her life, inviting readers into a world where differences are celebrated, and inclusion is a lived experience.
Elsie's characters reflect the rich tapestry of humanity, each with their own unique stories to share. As we delve into Elsie's journey, we're reminded of the profound impact that personal storytelling can have on the world. It's an invitation not only to enjoy her work but also to reflect on our own experiences, share our stories, and contribute to the ongoing narrative of inclusivity.
Connect with Elsie here
Our country is divided. People can't agree on the much of anything. But is that divide real - or just in our minds?
A new study reveals that maybe we aren't as far apart as we think we are. Enter Paul Oshinski and More in Common. A group that strives to find what brings us together - rather than tears us apart.
Take their quiz - maybe you'll discover something surprising. At the very least, take a listen.
More In Common History Gap
A flash of light in the dark. A breeze of cool air that came out of nowhere. Most of us have experienced strange, or unexplained instances. But have you ever wondered if these instances were actually signs from loved ones or friends who have passed but want to get a message to you? Frances Fayden says they probably were.
Meet the Reverend Frances Fayden. She is an ordained minister and a mystic. She believes you can have a direct experience with God, and she is here to help you achieve that. Her encounter with the Mother Mary changed her, and since then Rev. Fayden has been spreading Mary's message.
That includes from those who have left us. Rev. Fayden says our loved ones don't ever really leave us, they are all around us, watching over us, ready to help if we just ask for it.
This is her story.
Rev. Frances Fayden
When Robin Finn put her thoughts down on paper, she had no idea so many people would be interested in what she had to write. After all, she was just writing about her life parenting a child with ADHD. But she soon discovered that so many parents related to her and what she was going though. And she realized that writing can bring people from all over the world together.
Heart.Soul.Pen was born. HSP has become Robin's community for women to explore their creativity, write what they want regardless of topic, and a safe place for women to find their voices.
She believes everyone can write, regardless of your background or experience. And through writing, Robin says you can change your life. Don't think. Just write.
Find out more on her website RobinFinn.com
Sara McElroy was on the fast track to the C-suite. Everything she had worked for was within her grasp. And she hated her life. Work sucked, the company sucked, her bosses sucked harder. She had to make a change and a big one. Sara uprooted her life and moved to Florida for a new job, with a clean start. But life has a funny way of teaching lessons because the next job was even worse than the first. Instead of being pushed to the side, she was sexually harassed, enmeshed in a world of good ole boy cronyism and locker room antics.
This time she knew it wasn't just change she needed, it was an explosion. This is the story of how Sara burned down her corporate career only to build something stronger out of the ashes: A movement that lights up others while feeding her soul called Raze to Rise.
Raze to Rise
Have you loved something so much, or wished for something so much - but when it comes true it's not at all what you imagined? In fact, it's not much fun at all. It happens often for entrepreneurs.
Celeste Crutchfield loves fashion, so much so that after her military service she put all her passion into owning a boutique, where she could choose what kinds of clothes and jewelry to buy. It had been her dream to work in fashion some way and owning a business, especially a little boutique she loved shopping in herself - seemed the perfect answer. But sometimes what we thought we wanted doesn't work out, and Celeste made a very difficult choice to close the shop. Then she reimagined that dream.
And now, she's happier than ever. Let her tell you her story
Meet Sri Mahibir - a video visibility coach. She helps companies and individuals find their voice in video and on social media. Well that's what she does now, but she didn't start out as a video visibility coach. Sri began in sales then lost her job during covid - like much of the world.
But Sri soon realized she wasn't getting noticed, and knew that had to change. So she stepped way out of her comfort zone and forced herself to go live on social media. And guess what? It worked. She found her people and people found her. Now she's taking her message to the world, and helping others broadcast their message too.
It's time to get uncomfortable. That's right. We are talking about race. That's the message from Sara and Misasha, two bi-racial professional women and moms. They met at a discussion about racial identity and have been talking ever since. Now they use their voices and the voices of others to bring women into anti-racism - and specifically White Women.
Sharing their stories and the stories of other women, these two are hoping to change how we react, how we interact, how we teach the next generation to be anti-racist and what that really means.
Listen to their own story in their own words now.
Dear White Women
Tracie Potts was always up for a challenge. After two decades as an NBC News reporter, and working the very early morning hours, and covering some of the biggest stories of the 21st Century, she was used to challenges.
But perhaps the biggest challenge of her career is happening now, her Second Chapter. Tracie traded in her professional journalism career for a life in academia, and helping future generations achieve their dreams. She is the Executive Director of the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College. And while she didn't know it at the time, everything she learned as a journalist prepared her for this new chapter of life.
Meet Jessie Kanzer - modern, 21st century actress, author, essayist and mom. And a firm believer in the ancient practice of doing nothing.
You read that right: Nothing. Jessie has led the life of a voyager, escaping from the former Soviet Union to the U.S., hitting the stage and big screen with the now President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. Yes, THAT president.
But it wasn't until she embraced the writings of the Tao Te Ching that she found her calling. Now she's teaching others how doing nothing can move you to create something.
Jessie Kanzer
Most of us have a road map for our lives. We go to school, many on to college, then begin our adult lives. But what happens when the map we created takes us to places we don't love as much as we thought we would? Which road do we take?
That's the question facing our latest podcast guest, Kristen Glosserman. Faced with her own personal turmoil she tore up that road map and started over. It was scary, it was overwhelming and it was freeing. When the choices she made didn't turn out to be the right ones, she turned left.
Now Glosserman uses her life lessons to teach others how to commit, communicate and collaborate for change. And it may just work for you.
Listen to her tips, and read more about Kristen Glosserman on her website
Millions of Americans are leaving their jobs - and not for a better job. Are these workers just fed up with corporate life? Need a new outlet? The answer is surprising - and complex. But we are going to dive into all the scenarios with Mark Hamrick - Washington Bureau Chief of Bankrate.com. He is also the Senior Economic Analyst for Bankrate - which means he spends his days researching what this so-called Great Resignation will have on our economy, our lives and our future.
Follow him at Bankrate.com and on twitter at @Hamrickisms
Money can be intimidating for adults. Many entrepreneurs have a love hate relationship with money. So imagine the perceptions we give to our kids? Teaching kids how to handle, and more importantly how to save money can be difficult for parents. Do allowances work? If we give allowances how much? Or should we pay them for extra work, like a wage?
See? It's hard! And that's why Jim DeGaetano is here. Jim's book, Larry the Bunny Saves Money has been a godsend for the Girls, and he can help you too!
Check out his tips in our latest podcast.
Jim DeGaetano
Happy 2022! Or is it? For both Ashley and Anna this is going to be a year of change and growth, and how better to tackle these challenges than talk about them! The girls are kicking off the new year with a new podcast to catch you up on how they're coping with two years of Covid, what they've learned, what they've overcome and the new adventures ahead.
Hidden toxins are everywhere, and for many people they have a real detrimental effect on their lives. Just ask Tonya Harris. When one of her kids began to show signs of a learning disabilities she began doing some research. She thought she had been doing a good job reading labels, but soon realized some of the most dangerous toxins come cloaked in safe words.
But to do a complete and total overhaul of her household would take time, money and a great deal of effort on Tonya's part. So instead Tonya took a "slightly greener" path. Starting with just some simple steps to detoxify her household. Now she's helping other parents find those toxins to keep other families healthy.
And she's giving us some tips too!
The Slightly Greener Method is available wherever books are sold.
Every 30 seconds a child in the United States is sold into slavery. That is a terrifying statistic. Even scarier, this happens everywhere. Your neighborhood, my neighborhood, affluent neighborhoods, schools, even some work places. When it comes to trafficking young people for sex or work slavery, anyone can be a victim. Most don't realize they've been groomed until it's much too late. Most parents have no idea their child is a victim until it's too late.
Anne Basham knows this. She is the CEO of Anti-Trafficking International, based in Northern Virginia. The group works to educate young people and their parents on the ways of groomers and predators, to stop the trafficking BEFORE it happens - through school based curriculum and the International Human Trafficking Training Academy. Anne and her group work overtime to teach parents, teachers, law enforcement, coaches, neighbors - every day people - how to spot a predator. Because learning how groomers operate could save a young life.
Find out more information at Anti-Trafficking International.
Sleeping well is a skill. Who knew? Baby Sleep Boss Dana Obleman, that's who!
Every parent of a newborn will tell you their biggest problem is sleep. Sleep for the infants - and adults too. When Dana's first child wasn't sleeping through the night, she started experimenting with different techniques and after just a few days she had found the right method to get her son to sleep 8 straight hours. And then 11 hours. And then 12. Not only was her son happier but Mom and Dad were better people too.
Her techniques were so successful she began helping other parents, and more than a decade later she's helping adults sleep better too. Sleep is key to every aspect of our life, it's key to keeping us all healthy. So meet the woman who has been putting kids to sleep for years - she may be able to help you too!
At first glance Lorilee Binstock had a perfect life. She is a successful media professional, has a great husband, beautiful kids. But she harbored a secret, one so traumatic that she kept it a secret even from herself, for decades. Lorilee was sexually abused as a child, and she pushed that trauma so far down in her subconscious that one day she forgot about it and built a life. Until one day she didn't want to live anymore.
This is her story in her words of how this trauma suddenly made itself known and how she survived that realization. Today, Lorilee is thriving. With help from her husband, she received the help she needed to begin healing. And she is here to help other survivors get to a better place.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts the Crisis Lifeline is here to help. Text HELLO to 741741 or call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
When Eboné Bell watched television, or read magazines she never saw anyone who looked like her, or was like her: A black, lesbian professional. She decided she would be the one to change that - and Tagg Magazine was born.
Today, the magazine for lesbians, queers and everything in between has a big following, and that's thanks to Eboné; who uses connections and grit to nab interviews and bring awareness to issues in her community. But Eboné wants to be a beacon to those who feel left out of that big LGBTQIA label.
And she wants those who feel unnoticed to know that she sees you.
Read Tagg Magazine
This is a repeat from 2020*
Losing a job is never easy. But it happens. Sometimes a lot. Just ask Nhu-y Lehner, she has been laid off three times in her career. And each time brought its own set of challenges, realizations and revelations.
Some listeners may know Nhu-Y from her LinkedIn articles where she wrote about getting laid off. That's where we discovered her story and knew we had to talk with her. Because so many people have lost jobs, don't know what comes next, have no idea what steps to take now. But Nhu-Y does, and she shares her lessons on what happens when adversity hits you over and over again.
Hers is a story of resiliency and a great example of how you can grow and get stronger every time life throws you curves.
This episode is a repeat from 2020
Kelly Glover knows a thing or two about brands. She has had to rebrand herself. Kelly was living her best life in L.A. She had made a name for herself as a plus-size blogger and it was workin'!
Interviewing celebrities! Working at Miramax! Podcast Queen! Check check check.
Then her health crashed and Kelly made a lifesaving decision. She lost more than 200 pounds. And her brand. And her fans. And herself.
When life punches you in the gut, it's easy to stay down. But that wasn't Kelly's style then or now. She moved back to her native Australia and turned her life lessons into a new career. And she is here to help you find your identity.
Check her out at KellyGlover.com and you can find her old podcast BigCurvyLove on where you listen to podcasts.
This is a repeat episode for the summer
How many times have you woken up and just did not feel motivated to work? Too many to count? We've all been there. When you're staff you take a mental health day, but when you run your own business can you afford to take a day like that?
Everyone has days we don't feel motivated but as business owners, we need to be disciplined to find ways to make us move forward. Ashley and Anna give you tips on what works for them, but we also want to hear from you! What do you do to motivate yourself when you just don't feel like working?
And if that means taking a day off - then take it.
Are you afraid of money? We admit we are a bit intimidated when it comes to the business of money, but why? Turns out it's a problem a lot of business owners, especially women, have. Tara Newman, with her decades of experience in the corporate world knew this was a problem and she knew she could help.
She created the The Bold Leadership Revolution to teach women how to create sustainable profits so they can pay themselves the salaries they deserve and lead the lives they want. Her objective is to help you focus your mindset and make money. And it's not just "do this" or "do that". She has strategies to help you find the right programs for you - it's not a one size fits all.
To get you started she giving us some tips - and resources for you - for free! Head to The Bold Leadership Revolution for some tools to help you.
Julye Williams read an article years ago that she never forgot. The make-up of the U.S. population was about to undergo a radical change, minorities would one day become the majority. And Julye knew the country wasn't ready. So when she lost her job at a non-profit during Covid she took it as an opportunity to finally do what she always wanted to do - teach equity.
Now Julye partners with corporations to prepare for the population shift, helps companies get employees what they need, and is working with employees to learn the real difference between equity and equality to make a better future.
Project2043.com
There is an old Vedic phrase - "Treat the World as Family".
Dr. Vishakha Desai understands this. She knows that what happens in one part of the world has an effect waayyy over on the other side of the globe. She knows because she has lived it. We all do, though we may not know it. We all live locally yet we must think globally.
That's why Dr. Desai says she has six identities. And if you ask her what they are she'll ask you, "Do you want the long or short version?". Today in this fascinating conversation, we get the long version... and understand how each of us can see ourselves in a whole new light.
To read more about Dr. Desai's journey and learn about your own you can read her book, World is Family; A Journey of Multi-rooted Belongings. And you can buy that book at a discount using this link:
https://cup.columbia.edu/book/world-as-family/9780231195980
and the code CUP20 at checkout.
And then tell Vishakha your thoughts - she wants to hear from you! vd2278@columbia.edu
Now the title may seem like this is just for women who have kids. But it's not. Because somewhere along the path of our jobs, careers, social lives, (social media!) we forgot to mother the most important woman in our universe. Ourselves.
Open the door to Dr. Gertrude Lyons who is on a mission to rewrite the Mother Code - and take all women on a transformational journey to find ourselves.
Ashi Jelinek never thought she would start a company and be an advocate for health-conscious kids products. Then she became a mom. And she soon realized there wasn't a product for her kids that wasn't laden with sugar. So she made her own product - KidsLuv. A juice-infused water that's not just healthy but tastes good.
And she's not stopping there!
The world needs kindness, and Little Dude is intent upon teaching it to kids. Cara Zelas is Little Dude's human, and the brains behind Big World of Little Dude. When she moved to America she saw a disconnect between early learning and empathy and kindness. As an educator herself, Cara knew she had to try to connect the disconnected. Enter Little Dude, the sweetest, fluffiest teacher you will ever meet.
He's a bundle of fur, fun and friendship, and the main character in Zelas' kindness curriculum. Every child can be taught manners, kindness, the golden rule, empathy, friendship, but often parents don't know how to teach it. And many schools don't. Thanks to Zelas, everyone has the opportunity to learn.
Check out Big World of Little Dude
Everyone needs accountability in our lives. Especially entrepreneurs. We need that to keep us on task, keep us on the rails, keep us moving forward. But who are the best people to keep us accountable? This is a question Corey Spiegel had when she started her business. She didn't want to ask family or friends - they were too supportive. She needed a community of other business owners who would tell it to her straight. But she couldn't find it.
So she started her own community. And now these shining stars are lighting the way for other women entrepreneurs.
Find Your Lighthouse
Bur first, a few words from our friends Ali and Blair from Fertility Rally!
Entrepreneurs are a brave bunch. We have to be; starting a business is a leap of faith. Some start their companies with a plan, others feel their way. Christine Kane is a master of the latter. So when she talks, you should listen.
Coming out of college she had a plan to succeed in corporate America; she landed her dream job and took off! She hated it. She felt something building inside her soul; a need to create music. She ditched her corporate job and headed west to the capital of country music where she wrote songs, went on tour and built the business of Christine Kane the musician. She had no business degree and she made choices that were right for her - but didn't make sense to others.
A funny thing happened on the way to stardom. Others began asking how she turned her idea into a business, and she began working with entrepreneurs who had a dream but no plan. Now she runs her own multi-million dollar coaching company using an idea-based approach, to search their souls to succeed and be happy.
Listen to how to start your soul-track.
The Soul-Sourced Entrepreneur
Losing a job is never easy. But it happens. Sometimes a lot. Just ask Nhu-y Lehner, she has been laid off three times in her career. And each time brought its own set of challenges, realizations and revelations.
Some listeners may know Nhu-Y from her LinkedIn articles where she wrote about getting laid off. That's where we discovered her story and knew we had to talk with her. Because so many people have lost jobs, don't know what comes next, have no idea what steps to take now. But Nhu-Y does, and she shares her lessons on what happens when adversity hits you over and over again.
Hers is a story of resiliency and a great example of how you can grow and get stronger every time life throws you curves.
Meet Randi Zinn: mom, entrepreneur, explorer or people and experiences. She's made mistakes, she's made good choices, she's pivoted and through it all she's learned. She's learned from a community of women through curiosity and questions. And now she wants to help you explore you - to help you succeed.
Check out how in our latest podcast. Then check out Randi at Going Beyond Movement.
Ever thought of writing a book? I know Ashley and I have. But for me, Anna, that thought is so daunting. And in some respects, scary. Not just because I'm showing people my creation but because the thought of everything I don't know! Like, marketing. Or illustration. Or cover art. What? How? Where?
That's where Angela Engel comes in. Or as she's known in the publishing biz, The Disruptor. Traditional publishing is great, they do everything for. But they also own your product. Self-publishing is wonderful. But you do it all.
Angela works with authors as a partner, a collaborative partner. By thinking outside the box she has created a new avenue for authors and herself
But let her tell you.
And then check out The Collective Book Studio
This almost sounds like an oxymoron right? I mean moms hustle like no one else - including those professional wide receivers or running backs!
But Pamela Peckerman takes it to a whole new level! This mom of two is a serial entrepreneur, an epic networker - oh yes, and a family woman.
How does she do it all? She's here to tell you.
Check out her websites - Pamela Peckerman
And Hustle Like a Mom
Anyone who's a parent knows we don't have all the answers. But doesn't it feel like we should? And therein lies our problem. We don't have answers, and when we turn to how we were raised, well, we see ourselves when our kids rebel?
What's the answer? How can we meet and tackle these parenting challenges? Well, maybe we need to change the way we think about them. Maybe we need some help. Enter Sue Groner, the Parenting Mentor. As her children grew she realized her ideas on parenting were changing, and her ideas on raising her kids were miles away from the ideas she had before she had kids.
Now Sue has helped numerous parents have better relationships with their kids, and on how their kids impact society. Check out her new book Parenting with Sanity and Joy (is that a thing? :))
And listen as Sue gives us a few tips on our parent-child relationship.
The Parenting Mentor
Every day we race through our tasks. A workout? Check. Kids fed and in front of computers? Check. Quick coffee? Check. On to the office, which is now our dining room table. We are busier than ever. We can't catch our breath!
But maybe that's what we have to do. We have to breathe. Technology allows us to be so connected to our office and our school... but it's caused a real disconnect within ourselves. Nancy McGovern realized her family, including kids, was so stressed. She turned to yoga and began working with kids. And teaching them all to just breathe.
Today Nancy is going to teach us some techniques to breathe - and bring calm, stability and peace - even for a moment - in our days.
Check out her website, Corner of the Sky
Fighting for Equal Rights has been Sonya's passion since she was 14, she just didn't have a name for it. Now she does - Feminist. But then, Sonia has always been a trailblazer.
When she discovered her love of technology she dove headfirst into Silicon Valley. And she will be the first to admit she didn't recognize the all-male network in her industry, even as she rose through the corporate ranks. But when she did she made a conscious decision to mentor women in the tech world.
Sonya Pelia teaches CEO's how to be thought leaders, but she is leading the way for women to cut their own path through what is today, a male-dominated industry. But who knows about tomorrow?
Kelly Glover knows a thing or two about brands. She has had to rebrand herself. Kelly was living her best life in L.A. She had made a name for herself as a plus-size blogger and it was workin'!
Interviewing celebrities! Working at Miramax! Podcast Queen! Check check check.
Then her health crashed and Kelly made a lifesaving decision. She lost more than 200 pounds. And her brand. And her fans. And herself.
When life punches you in the gut, it's easy to stay down. But that wasn't Kelly's style then or now. She moved back to her native Australia and turned her life lessons into a new career. And she is here to help you find your identity.
Check her out at KellyGlover.com and you can find her old podcast BigCurvyLove on where you listen to podcasts.
Every entrepreneur has a dream about running a successful business. Sometimes that leaves family life behind. That's what happened to Mark Timm. He was living his best business life but dreaded his home life. Until he decided to turn his family into a business. Sound crazy? Well it is - but Mark says now he AND his family are invested in the success of their business. Their family business.
Mark talks to us about the road to ultimate success - in his personal and professional lives.
Mentor to Millions
We spend 40 weeks preparing for a monumental event in our lives. We're having a baby! It's euphoric, fun, we get presents!
And then we bring the baby home. And stress arrives. What do we do now? How do we do it? And perhaps the most stressful element of all - how do we get these babies to sleep? Because we parents need sleep. Raising kids is hard. Raising newborns is just the first step.
Enter Devon Clement, she and her team at Happy Family After are here to help parents. She has been taking care of children - and their parents - since she was a teenager. She comes by it naturally. And in this time - we all need some stress relief. So settle down, listen up and find out how Devon and friends can help you!
And P.S. This was taped in summer 2020, and we have now started school.
Happy Family After
Sleep is everything. Just ask new parents, or stressed out entrepreneurs! Without sleep, our brains can't function, our bodies won't work right, even our food doesn't taste as good. Most importantly our health is in jeopardy without sleep. And this pandemic has wreaked havoc with sleep.
That's where Tara and Todd Youngblood come in.
After she and her husband experienced a family tragedy, neither could sleep. And that affected every aspect of their lives. So Tara turned to her science background, and after years of research, reading and trials, Chili Sleep Systems was founded. Finding sleep again, and helping others find sleep, is now the mission for this self-described Sleep Geek.
Peter Kozodoy was on top of the world when he was 17. He knew he was going to make the U.S. Olympic Figure Skating team. He knew he was going to go to Harvard. Then life happened. And he missed both goals.
He was going nowhere fast - until he got honest with himself. And once he realized the power of honesty he had to share it. And share he has! On Forbes, on Shark Tank, and at TED talks.
Now he's helping Fortune 500 leaders be brutally honest with themselves. And it's leading to success.
As business owners Ashley and Anna know all too well we are adapting to this brave new world. But so are our kids, and sometimes we forget that. Even as moms. All of us feel overwhelmed, stressed, like we've failed. Kids do too. Dr. Sugrat Bhargave - or Dr. B. as he's known worldwide, is here to teach us how we can help our kids.
Dr. B is a renowned psychiatrist and international lecturer, known for helping kids work through problems. Helping them find their Moment of Insight. And at the same time, teaching us parents how to find our own.
Learn more at this Website
How many of us use food as a comfort? How many of us put on a happy face, but inside we're in turmoil? We know we are, but we just can't put our finger on why. Julie Riesler felt the same way, and she decided to discover why.
She began focusing on HERSELF, and once she began following her intuition and discovered her true self her life began to turn around. Now she's teaching others how to get a PhD in you.
Seven kids, six books, one business, and a husband later, Charlotte Avery knows what it takes to be a successful mom, author, entrepreneur and wife. Yes, you read that right. Seven kids, six books, runs a business and has a husband.
Taking care of a big family is no easy feat, you can get lost in taking care of others. Which is when it hit Charlotte. WHAM! What about me? So Charlotte began to strategize. And she's here to help you with your strategy, and give us some secrets on how to be happy. Pssst - it includes talking about Sex!
Check her out at Being Charlotte Avery
Jeremy Jones is not your usual publishing magnate. He came to the industry in a very round about way. First he made a stop in the military. Once his service ended, he moved into business coaching. But he learned something from his best-selling author clients. They often signed away the rights to their books, sometimes received no marketing and little royalties.
So Jeremy designed a new system, and he knows it works because he's a successful best-selling author! And he can help you too. If you have a book in you, you need Jeremy. Even if you need help writing, Jeremy is the publisher for you.
He lays out his successful formula in this episode of 2 Girls Talking.
And find out more at his website Jones Media Publishing.
Almost every business has a website, but not every business has a good one. Enter Evelyn Powers and Emily Krause. They're a branding and web design team whose mission is to help you get your message out and set you up for future growth.
And the creativity runs deep because they aren't just a dynamo team they're family! Evelyn is Emily's aunt. Everything Emily learned, she learned first from her aunt. Which makes this podcast a great conversation about working together, finding a balance and bringing a new perspective to a seasoned pro.
Check out their work at Design Powers.
Gresham Harkless is a man with ideas. A LOT of ideas! He began his entrepreneurial life as a kid, moved to action by his military father and a need to fill a void. So he started a newspaper to keep his family in touch.
Now Gresham is keeping that communication going by letting in business owners on the secrets and successes .... of other CEO's. I AM CEO is a very successful podcast - business owners for business owners. And Gresh (as we call him) also helps out businesses by creating and designing websites.
He's a busy man, who's learned a lot of lessons and now he's sharing with us. Check out his podcast at CB Nation. Or his media company Blue 16 Media.
Divorce can be ugly. Ugly for the couple, ugly for the kids, ugly for the new SO's. But it doesn't have to be. Sometimes it can be the one thing that brings everyone together. Just ask Ben Helfond and Nikki DeBartolo.
They dated, they married, they had a son. And while they both loved their son, the marriage didn't work. It could have been just another statistic, but instead Nikki and Ben chose a different path. In fact, they've been so successful with this road they've chosen that they're friends with each other's new spouses, live seven houses away from each other, and even vacation together.
Out of their divorce came a new relationship, a friendship, and a partnership in so many ways. Listen to how they make it work, and check out their book Our Happy Divorce.
Talk about some anxious times. Parent Daughter/Son. Employee. Employer. Friend. Teacher. Whatever label you give yourself this is a stressful time. Learning to reframe our "normal" is a big weight on our mental health, which can cause some real physical issues.
If medicine isn't working maybe it's time to try something else. Enter our guest, Elizabeth Martin, a licensed acupuncturist and holistic healer, who has been counseling clients throughout this pandemic for everything from depression to neck pain using the Four Pillars of traditional Chinese medicine. Sometimes we have to listen to our body and treat what's happening inside to manifest a better outside.
Elizabeth shows us a couple techniques to get us started. Learn more about her and the practice of acupressure and acupuncture at her website, Hands On Acupuncture.
Whew, this has been a tough time! As a human, as a parent, as a business owner, this is not easy. We've had to adjust our entire lives, keep our kids motivated and entertained, and flip how we do business.
But adversity is the muse for creativity and innovation - we share what we've had to do to stay active for our customers, and future customers.
Let us know what you're doing, how you're handling everything during this stay in shelter time - use your time wisely!!
twogirlstalkingpodcast@gmail.com
Michele Sullivan has always looked up. She's had to. Michele was born with dwarfism, and that gives her a very special perspective on the world.
Michele has faced more than her share of obstacles and hardships. She never let it stop her, she learned to overcome and succeed in a world that is not built for her size. She has succeeded by asking for help. Whenever and wherever she needs it. Michele is living proof that asking for help is not a weakness. And in this pandemic we all need help. In this podcast Michele talks about changing our outlook and perspective on the craziness ini the world, asking for help, and learning to recognize the blessings we all have right now.
For more than 25 years she has worked hard to rise through the ranks at Caterpillar. Today she is President of the Caterpillar Foundation, a giant in her industry, a leading voice in social investment and sits on the boards of numerous organizations, including Bono's foundation, One
Learn more about Michele at her Looking Up website. And hear her TED talk.
Dana Look-Arimoto has always been curious. Curious about others, curious about herself, curious about life. And at one time she thought she could have it all. Now she says that's a myth. But that doesn't mean she can't have what she wants!
All of us get stuck in places. Some of us find a way out. Others need some guidance. All of us need help. Dana knows this first hand how trying to have it all can cost you everything. She hit rock bottom. She's sharing her story so you know you aren't alone. She survived and so can you.
And she has a unique approach to finding the right work-life integration FOR YOU!
Check out her website Settle Smarter and take her quiz. Drop her a question, and answer the question to win her book Stop Settling - Settle Smart!
Remember - there are five different "spaces" for work-life integration: Time, Space, Productivity, Joy and Value. What are you willing to give - incrementally - to get the right integration.
Listen to the podcast, check out her website and send Dana your answer.
We are all Training in Bravery right now. That's the edict from Laurie Warren. She's a health coach with some words of advice to help us all though this coronavirus crisis. Don't Panic. Laurie isn't downplaying the crisis, and she wants everyone to keep their distance, stay home. But to get through this we all need to be MENTALLY strong, as well as physically healthy.
We all have to make changes, we will get through this. Mindset has much to do with it - so long as we are all safe.
Learn more about Laurie Warren at Laurie's Website where you can also get her book. Follow her on Social Media too!
When you're a kid we all imagine what we will be when we grow up. Then we achieve those goals. But what happens when life takes a turn, and what you wanted isn't what you want anymore? Well, if you're Kristi Dosh you say yes to opportunities. You'll have to listen to learn how she flipped a downturn in the economy into three new careers - and why her clients are reaping the rewards.
Learn more about Kristi at her website Guide My Brand
As business owners Ashley and I are constantly struggling to stay organized. If you know us you know our minds/visions/ideas/possibilities are racing ahead of our bodies/fingers/co-workers and husbands.
That's when we need Alex Suchman the most. Alex is an expert in organizing your business, it's workflow, processes and helping you and your team start each project on the right footing.
If you work in a big organization, most processes have already been established. But let's say you need to start a new one. Can you conceptualize it, design it and implement it? That's a question all new businesses face, and it's one Alex can help you with.
Discover more about Alex Suchman at her Website AIS Collaborations.
So you're an over-achiever and people pleaser. Then most likely you have boundary issues, most of us do. But here's Nancy Levin to the rescue! She works with people to teach us how to set boundaries - even with our most difficult family members/clients/friends/SO's and so on and so on.
Why do we have such a hard time making ourselves a priority? How can we learn to put ourselves first? It all starts with us, and Nancy gives us tips on how to make that happen.
Start setting boundaries, and hopefully lead a less stressful life.
Find out more about Nancy at her website Nancy Levin
Or check out her book - Setting Boundaries will Set You Free
When we were all kids we made friends easily; met them at school, met them at sports. Then we grew up and we met them at work, or church. Then we got really grown up and got married, had kids, lives changed. Our jobs enveloped us, we're so busy, we're all on deadlines. And suddenly we realize we haven't seen or talked to friends in a very long time. They've gotten busy, had families too.
Jennifer Canzoneri knows adults need friends too. So she has some special ways to keep our friends, near and far, in our lives, with some very simple acts of not-so-random kindness.
Follow her on Instagram @jennycanzoneri
Have you ever had a conversation? Then congratulations! You're a salesperson! That's what Kim Fredrich told us the first time we met. There may be a few natural-born salespeople out there, but we never considered ourselves one.
But Kim breaks downs the sales process, makes it easier and helps us change our mindset on who and what a salesperson actually does - just have a real conversation. Learn all about Kim Fredrich at her website KimFredrich.com and check out her book, If You Can Have a Conversation, You Can Sell on Amazon.
Lisa Shapiro is a born networker. She has been bringing business owners together with great success for years. Now her focus is on women entrepreneurs, and her group, DC Fempreneur is gaining attention and members!
Every business owner has to network, but many of us have no idea we're networking all wrong! Lisa lays down some truths on what to do and not do, and she can help you! I'll give you a tip - it's personal.
And if you want to get the full effect of DC Fempreneur, check out the website.
If a picture says a thousand words what do you want one picture to say about you? It's a question Melissa Demple asks every time she meets with a new client or looks through the viewfinder of her camera. As a branding photographer, Melissa knows the importance of image and message and it's her job to find the right answer for her client. But we'll let Melissa tell you how she does that and why it's so important that every person has a brand - for yourself and your company!
Check out her work at Melissa Demple Photography
When Mike Neill talks, we should all listen. The owner of Servistar Consulting knows what he's talking about! From team building to training employees to be managers to changing a company's culture, Mike preaches the benefits of getting your employees on board with your vision, which can only help your clients.
As business owners we all face similar challenges - especially hiring the right employees, getting everyone on the same page and then helping those employees be better so that we can all help our clients. It's hard work - but with Mike's help we will do it!
You can learn more about Mike and his company, Servistar Consulting on his website. Check him out - truth bombs abound! (and if you think he's funny on the podcast, watch his video. Mike knows how to keep his audience!)
Food is life! And not just for foodies. But it can also be dangerous and bad for our health, especially if we don't know the signs and symptoms of illnesses. That's what happened to Laurel Otey, owner of Layered Living. She knew something was wrong when her daughter's behavior changed and she went into detective mode. What came next was rounds of doctor visits, a return to the United States, back to college and now a new career and business helping you discover how to live your healthiest - maybe even tastiest - life.
How many times have you woken up and just did not feel motivated to work? Too many to count? We've all been there. When you're staff you take a mental health day, but when you run your own business can you afford to take a day like that?
Everyone has days we don't feel motivated but as business owners, we need to be disciplined to find ways to make us move forward. Ashley and Anna give you tips on what works for them, but we also want to hear from you! What do you do to motivate yourself when you just don't feel like working?
And if that means taking a day off - then take it.
Marci Moberg has been on a journey. One that brought her to Washington, DC for a government job, saw her get married, then divorced and took her all over the world before returning to DC. She finally found her way home when she decided to listen to her body and follow her intuition. We all have those gut feelings when something just feels right. Or wrong. We don't always listen, and that usually turns out badly.
Marci is on a new journey now, a teaching journey. She shows people how to connect with themselves, how to listen to the voice inside and follow that path, even if it's very scary. And believe us it can be! Joy takes time. Finding yourself takes time. Marci's passion is helping you find yours.
Learn more about Marci on HER WEBSITE.
Welcome to our first guest on 2 Girls Talking - a guy! Chip Sovek is the owner of Spinn Creative. He's a fantastic audio engineer who makes everything you listen to sound better, more real and exciting! He's a business owner and a dad.
Chip started out making music as a recording engineer but then found his calling in film and broadcast. We'll talk to him about his career, how he got into the audio world and how he started a business.
And we'll ask him how his business life affects his parenting. You may be surprised by his answers.
Learn more about Chip at Spinn Creative.
Your business is growing! Yay! That's good news. Right? Usually, yes. But not always. Growing too fast is one of the main reasons small businesses fail. We can't sustain the product, or we bank on always being that busy. Then that business goes away and we can't stay afloat. So let's change our thinking. Slow growth is ok! Can be great! And one author has a radical idea - No Growth. There's no real right or wrong way - no matter what any business tells you. And we both have business coaches. The trick is finding what works for you, and following that path.
And even after years of owning our businesses, we are still learning that lesson.
Uh oh, you've just received the dreaded phone call/email/angry text. Your client is not happy with the work your company is doing for him or her. Happens to the best of us. And there's no easy answer or way to appease the client. All you can do is fix what's wrong. If you can. But take heart: the lessons you learn today will help keep heartache away later.
Who's good at setting boundaries? Chances are you're not. Most of us aren't good at setting boundaries, or really know how to set boundaries. But boundaries can be our friends - our good friends. And make us better business people for our clients. Here's what we've learned.
Mistakes happen. We all make them, they're painful, but they don't have to be fatal. If you change the way you look at the situation, you'll see that mistakes can teach you something, and it's how we learn from these mistakes that can make us stronger, and better business people and human beings. But the first thing we need to learn is that we can't keep holding onto a mistake just because we spent such a long time making it.
Social Media is everywhere right? And that's great! But it's not always good. Most social media experts will tell you to have two separate social media worlds - a personal and a business account. But what happens when the two worlds collide? And when is the right time to take a break? We had to ask ourselves some hard questions when we ran into this issue.
Let me guess, you watch out for your workers, your friends, your kids, your SO. So who's watching out for you? For most women the answer is, "I'll get around to myself later". But the truth is, if you want to succeed in business or life, you need to learn how to put yourself first!
Who has never felt rejection? It's not a nice feeling, and we used to always feel bad after being rejected. But then we learned to embrace rejection! Sounds weird, but as business professionals we've had our share of rejection and through those, we have learned to push past the No's and use them to our advantage.
Welcome to 2 Girls Talking! Ashley and Anna are friends, former journalists, working moms and they're busy! They started their separate businesses at the same time, and together maneuver the dizzying world of entrepreneurship. All the while trying to raise their families and stay sane.