A Fresh Story: Recent Episodes
Fresh Starts
Fresh Starts is excited to announce a new podcast from Olivia and Jenny, the founders of Fresh Starts Registry, about brave hearts, bold choices and new beginnings.
We chatted with Meecham Whitson Meriweather, a culture writer, screenwriter, and soon-to-be author whose work has been featured in outlets like Vulture, New York Magazine, Men’s Health, and more. Meecham shares his journey from studying architecture to becoming a prominent voice in pop culture, diving into topics like the evolving nature of modern dating, the impact of celebrity relationships on public perception, and the importance of representation in media. He also discusses how his early writing experiences helped shape his career and the importance of storytelling in influencing society.
Meecham reflects on the cultural shifts in how we view celebrities, noting that society often owes apologies to women who have been unfairly treated in the spotlight. He emphasizes the need for diverse stories in media, while also acknowledging the growing portrayal of anti-heroes and how this influences our perception of character in film and television. The conversation also touches on the impact of influential media from childhood, the art of self-care, and how culinary experiences can be part of that practice.
Meecham shares his thoughts on upcoming projects and how they represent fresh starts and new opportunities. He offers insights into embracing individuality, encouraging listeners to be okay with "cringe" moments, and highlights the importance of both representation and self-care in navigating today’s pop culture landscape.
Meecham Whitson Meriweather is a culture writer, screenwriter and forthcoming author whose work has appeared in Vulture, New York Mag, Men’s Health, InStyle and more—you’ve no doubt seen his tweets if you don’t have him blocked—and he currently writes the pop culture newsletter Now That I Mention It on Substack.
You can follow Meech on Twitter: https://x.com/MediumSizeMeech
Read his Substack here: https://meechammeriweather.substack.com/
Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Fresh Starts Collective!
Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month.
Fresh Starts Collective
Become a Fresh Starts Expert!
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. Who can be an expert? An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Fresh Starts Expert Membership
*this is not legal advice, but we wanted to share some general information
Early voting is a great choice for a number of reasons - given the extended nature of early voting the lines are usually shorter and voting becomes an easy, fast activity that fits into your schedule. Additionally, if you can vote on an alternate day (early) it relieves the polls on day of voting, meaning people who can only vote on election day will be met with shorter lines and poll workers will have a less stressful, rushed day - leading to improved poll worker performance. Early voting is also shown to increase voter turn out, as populations who might not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day are given the opportunity to participate in person voting at dates and times they are available.
Further, early voting allows campaign funds to be allocated to more necessary resources. Once you are marked as having voted, campaigns are more likely to remove you from door knocking and phone lists— this also allows the volunteers to focus on those voters who might benefit more from the outreach.
Check out your early voting options HERE: https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/early-in-person-voting
More information here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/what-ifi-want-to-vote-early
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Vote Without Fear
It's no secret our right to vote is the foundation of our American democracy, but sometimes the process can feel overwhelming or unsafe. That’s where Vote Without Fear comes in. Whether you're voting for the first time or the tenth, this platform has everything you need to feel confident and informed—from where to vote, how to vote safely, and what to expect at the polls. Voting is your voice, and with Vote Without Fear, you can use it without hesitation. Visit votewithoutfear.com today and take the first step toward secure, empowered voting. Remember, it’s your vote, and you deserve to vote without fear.
Vote Without Fear
Are you ready to vote?
Are you ready to use your vote? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, Vote Without Fear is here to help you feel prepared and safe every step of the way. From understanding how to vote securely, to knowing where your nearest polling location is, this platform has all the information you need. Don't let uncertainty hold you back—your voice matters. Head to votewithoutfear.com and make sure you're ready to vote with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, it’s your vote and you deserve to Vote Without Fear. That’s VoteWithoutFear.com
Vote Without Fear
What if I make a mistake on my ballot?
*this is not legal advice, but we wanted to share some general information
In person voting with a paper ballot: If you make a mistake on your ballot you can and should totally ask for a new ballot! Do NOT try to cross out or cover up the mistake, just pop over to the poll worker and let them know you made a mistake and need a new ballot.
In person voting on an electronic voting booth: You do not need to vote quickly, take a breath and make sure your selections are what you meant to chose. If for some reason the machine is not able to select what you’d like or acting funny — pop out and find a poll worker!
Absentee or mail in ballots: If you were sent a PDF to print out of your ballot, rip up the mistake (in tiny pieces!) and print it off again. If you were sent a paper ballot in the mail, call your local election board ASAP.
Most importantly, we want to encourage you to vote intentionally and without rushing — there is no reason to rush through this process, take a breath and take a moment to make sure you’re filling out your ballot correctly.
More information here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/what-ifi-make-a-mistake-on-my-ballot
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Vote Without Fear
It's no secret our right to vote is the foundation of our American democracy, but sometimes the process can feel overwhelming or unsafe. That’s where Vote Without Fear comes in. Whether you're voting for the first time or the tenth, this platform has everything you need to feel confident and informed—from where to vote, how to vote safely, and what to expect at the polls. Voting is your voice, and with Vote Without Fear, you can use it without hesitation. Visit votewithoutfear.com today and take the first step toward secure, empowered voting. Remember, it’s your vote, and you deserve to vote without fear.
Vote Without Fear
Are you ready to vote?
Are you ready to use your vote? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, Vote Without Fear is here to help you feel prepared and safe every step of the way. From understanding how to vote securely, to knowing where your nearest polling location is, this platform has all the information you need. Don't let uncertainty hold you back—your voice matters. Head to votewithoutfear.com and make sure you're ready to vote with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, it’s your vote and you deserve to Vote Without Fear. That’s VoteWithoutFear.com
Vote Without Fear
What if I want to wear my candidate’s name to vote? Bit of bad news for you on that one — you can’t appear to be endorsing a candidate or campaigning at the polls. The distance from the polling location to where one is allowed to campaign and/or endorse vary state to state so it’s better to ditch your candidate’s name and rock some red, white and/or blue or wear a shirt that simply promotes voting — which is totally allowed. For specifics check out this chart from the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Learn more here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/what-ifi-want-to-wear-a-shirt-with-who-i-am-going-to-vote-for-to-vote
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Vote Without Fear
It's no secret our right to vote is the foundation of our American democracy, but sometimes the process can feel overwhelming or unsafe. That’s where Vote Without Fear comes in. Whether you're voting for the first time or the tenth, this platform has everything you need to feel confident and informed—from where to vote, how to vote safely, and what to expect at the polls. Voting is your voice, and with Vote Without Fear, you can use it without hesitation. Visit votewithoutfear.com today and take the first step toward secure, empowered voting. Remember, it’s your vote, and you deserve to vote without fear.
Vote Without Fear
Are you ready to vote?
Are you ready to use your vote? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, Vote Without Fear is here to help you feel prepared and safe every step of the way. From understanding how to vote securely, to knowing where your nearest polling location is, this platform has all the information you need. Don't let uncertainty hold you back—your voice matters. Head to votewithoutfear.com and make sure you're ready to vote with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, it’s your vote and you deserve to Vote Without Fear. That’s VoteWithoutFear.com
Vote Without Fear
Practice run, baby! If you’re a nervous parker or get anxious about going to new locations, do a practice run! You might be limited on time on election day, so go take a quiet Saturday and go scope out the site. Polling locations are often public spaces like schools, community centers or fire houses— look up your polling site, grab a coffee and check it out. Map a few parking spots, clock the entrances, even time how long it will take you to get there - from your home, work, your kids school or day care. I promise, it will make you feel better.
Learn more here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/what-ifim-anxious-about-finding-my-polling-location
Mentioned in this episode:
Are you ready to vote?
Are you ready to use your vote? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, Vote Without Fear is here to help you feel prepared and safe every step of the way. From understanding how to vote securely, to knowing where your nearest polling location is, this platform has all the information you need. Don't let uncertainty hold you back—your voice matters. Head to votewithoutfear.com and make sure you're ready to vote with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, it’s your vote and you deserve to Vote Without Fear. That’s VoteWithoutFear.com
Vote Without Fear
Learn More About Vote Without Fear
It's no secret our right to vote is the foundation of our American democracy, but sometimes the process can feel overwhelming or unsafe. That’s where Vote Without Fear comes in. Whether you're voting for the first time or the tenth, this platform has everything you need to feel confident and informed—from where to vote, how to vote safely, and what to expect at the polls. Voting is your voice, and with Vote Without Fear, you can use it without hesitation. Visit votewithoutfear.com today and take the first step toward secure, empowered voting. Remember, it’s your vote, and you deserve to vote without fear.
Vote Without Fear
Kids can totally come vote with you and come into the booth with you until they are 18! Some states DO have some restrictions around how many children you can bring into the booth with you, so contact your local board of elections if you need to bring more than 1 child in the voting booth with you. Talk to your child about who you are voting for and why you vote. Voting is an exceptionally important part of our democratic system, talk about this in an age appropriate way with you little voter! And if you get a sticker for voting at your polling location, let them wear it!
Learn more here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/what-ifi-have-my-kid-with-me-while-voting
Mentioned in this episode:
Are you ready to vote?
Are you ready to use your vote? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, Vote Without Fear is here to help you feel prepared and safe every step of the way. From understanding how to vote securely, to knowing where your nearest polling location is, this platform has all the information you need. Don't let uncertainty hold you back—your voice matters. Head to votewithoutfear.com and make sure you're ready to vote with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, it’s your vote and you deserve to Vote Without Fear. That’s VoteWithoutFear.com
Vote Without Fear
Learn More About Vote Without Fear
It's no secret our right to vote is the foundation of our American democracy, but sometimes the process can feel overwhelming or unsafe. That’s where Vote Without Fear comes in. Whether you're voting for the first time or the tenth, this platform has everything you need to feel confident and informed—from where to vote, how to vote safely, and what to expect at the polls. Voting is your voice, and with Vote Without Fear, you can use it without hesitation. Visit votewithoutfear.com today and take the first step toward secure, empowered voting. Remember, it’s your vote, and you deserve to vote without fear.
Vote Without Fear
What if I don’t know if I need identification to vote?
Voter ID laws vary [wildly] state to state. Luckily the government has made this handy table with ID laws for each state. Some states need no ID, some states require any government issued ID and some you can even use a utility bill. If you DO need your ID make sure it is current and not expired. Make sure you know where your ID is and it’s ready to accompany you to the polls.
Learn more here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/what-ifi-dont-know-if-i-need-id-to-vote
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Vote Without Fear
It's no secret our right to vote is the foundation of our American democracy, but sometimes the process can feel overwhelming or unsafe. That’s where Vote Without Fear comes in. Whether you're voting for the first time or the tenth, this platform has everything you need to feel confident and informed—from where to vote, how to vote safely, and what to expect at the polls. Voting is your voice, and with Vote Without Fear, you can use it without hesitation. Visit votewithoutfear.com today and take the first step toward secure, empowered voting. Remember, it’s your vote, and you deserve to vote without fear.
Vote Without Fear
Are you ready to vote?
Are you ready to use your vote? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, Vote Without Fear is here to help you feel prepared and safe every step of the way. From understanding how to vote securely, to knowing where your nearest polling location is, this platform has all the information you need. Don't let uncertainty hold you back—your voice matters. Head to votewithoutfear.com and make sure you're ready to vote with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, it’s your vote and you deserve to Vote Without Fear. That’s VoteWithoutFear.com
Vote Without Fear
If you are a first time voter, you may have questions about what the process is like, what you need, and how to set yourself up for success in voting. On this quick episode, we are helping any first time voters figure out what they need to vote! We’re answering the question, what do I need to know if it is my first time voting?
Learn more here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/what-ifi-am-a-first-time-voter
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Vote Without Fear
It's no secret our right to vote is the foundation of our American democracy, but sometimes the process can feel overwhelming or unsafe. That’s where Vote Without Fear comes in. Whether you're voting for the first time or the tenth, this platform has everything you need to feel confident and informed—from where to vote, how to vote safely, and what to expect at the polls. Voting is your voice, and with Vote Without Fear, you can use it without hesitation. Visit votewithoutfear.com today and take the first step toward secure, empowered voting. Remember, it’s your vote, and you deserve to vote without fear.
Vote Without Fear
Are you ready to vote?
Are you ready to use your vote? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, Vote Without Fear is here to help you feel prepared and safe every step of the way. From understanding how to vote securely, to knowing where your nearest polling location is, this platform has all the information you need. Don't let uncertainty hold you back—your voice matters. Head to votewithoutfear.com and make sure you're ready to vote with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, it’s your vote and you deserve to Vote Without Fear. That’s VoteWithoutFear.com
Vote Without Fear
What if there are confusing voting rules I need to know? A lot of states have introduced laws around polling locations and they can be confusing - we don’t want anything to disenfranchise you. Your vote is your own, we want you to use it. So make sure to brush up on the laws in your voting locale!
Learn more here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/what-ifthere-is-some-confusing-rule-i-dont-know-about
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Vote Without Fear
It's no secret our right to vote is the foundation of our American democracy, but sometimes the process can feel overwhelming or unsafe. That’s where Vote Without Fear comes in. Whether you're voting for the first time or the tenth, this platform has everything you need to feel confident and informed—from where to vote, how to vote safely, and what to expect at the polls. Voting is your voice, and with Vote Without Fear, you can use it without hesitation. Visit votewithoutfear.com today and take the first step toward secure, empowered voting. Remember, it’s your vote, and you deserve to vote without fear.
Vote Without Fear
Are you ready to vote?
Are you ready to use your vote? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, Vote Without Fear is here to help you feel prepared and safe every step of the way. From understanding how to vote securely, to knowing where your nearest polling location is, this platform has all the information you need. Don't let uncertainty hold you back—your voice matters. Head to votewithoutfear.com and make sure you're ready to vote with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, it’s your vote and you deserve to Vote Without Fear. That’s VoteWithoutFear.com
Vote Without Fear
What if you didn’t send your absentee ballot in? Well, we have answers!
This is one of those “depends” answers — you might be able to vote in person even if you received a ballot in the mail, every state has different rules so check your location out! If you can’t find the information you’re looking for call your local election board.
Learn more here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/what-ifi-didnt-send-my-absentee-ballot-in
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Vote Without Fear
It's no secret our right to vote is the foundation of our American democracy, but sometimes the process can feel overwhelming or unsafe. That’s where Vote Without Fear comes in. Whether you're voting for the first time or the tenth, this platform has everything you need to feel confident and informed—from where to vote, how to vote safely, and what to expect at the polls. Voting is your voice, and with Vote Without Fear, you can use it without hesitation. Visit votewithoutfear.com today and take the first step toward secure, empowered voting. Remember, it’s your vote, and you deserve to vote without fear.
Vote Without Fear
Are you ready to vote?
Are you ready to use your vote? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, Vote Without Fear is here to help you feel prepared and safe every step of the way. From understanding how to vote securely, to knowing where your nearest polling location is, this platform has all the information you need. Don't let uncertainty hold you back—your voice matters. Head to votewithoutfear.com and make sure you're ready to vote with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, it’s your vote and you deserve to Vote Without Fear. That’s VoteWithoutFear.com
Vote Without Fear
What if the polls close while I am in line waiting to vote?
*this is not legal advice, but we wanted to share some general information
If the polls close while you’re in line to vote don’t leave. Don’t step out of line. If you are already in line when the polls close, stay in line until you get the chance to cast your ballot. You have the right to vote. Just hang in line until your time comes.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Vote Without Fear
It's no secret our right to vote is the foundation of our American democracy, but sometimes the process can feel overwhelming or unsafe. That’s where Vote Without Fear comes in. Whether you're voting for the first time or the tenth, this platform has everything you need to feel confident and informed—from where to vote, how to vote safely, and what to expect at the polls. Voting is your voice, and with Vote Without Fear, you can use it without hesitation. Visit votewithoutfear.com today and take the first step toward secure, empowered voting. Remember, it’s your vote, and you deserve to vote without fear.
Vote Without Fear
Are you ready to vote?
Are you ready to use your vote? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, Vote Without Fear is here to help you feel prepared and safe every step of the way. From understanding how to vote securely, to knowing where your nearest polling location is, this platform has all the information you need. Don't let uncertainty hold you back—your voice matters. Head to votewithoutfear.com and make sure you're ready to vote with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, it’s your vote and you deserve to Vote Without Fear. That’s VoteWithoutFear.com
Vote Without Fear
Can my husband find out who I voted for in a presidential election? The answer is no! And we cover that topic and some quick and important information on this episode. In a Presidential general election, you can vote for any candidate on the ballot, regardless of your registered party. While voter registration information, such as your party affiliation and whether you voted, is public, who you actually vote for remains private. Your spouse cannot find out who you voted for unless you choose to share that information. It's important to remember that your vote is your own and a protected civil liberty.
You can learn more here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/can-my-spouse-find-out-who-i-voted-for-in-the-presidential-election
Mentioned in this episode:
Are you ready to vote?
Are you ready to use your vote? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, Vote Without Fear is here to help you feel prepared and safe every step of the way. From understanding how to vote securely, to knowing where your nearest polling location is, this platform has all the information you need. Don't let uncertainty hold you back—your voice matters. Head to votewithoutfear.com and make sure you're ready to vote with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, it’s your vote and you deserve to Vote Without Fear. That’s VoteWithoutFear.com
Vote Without Fear
Learn More About Vote Without Fear
It's no secret our right to vote is the foundation of our American democracy, but sometimes the process can feel overwhelming or unsafe. That’s where Vote Without Fear comes in. Whether you're voting for the first time or the tenth, this platform has everything you need to feel confident and informed—from where to vote, how to vote safely, and what to expect at the polls. Voting is your voice, and with Vote Without Fear, you can use it without hesitation. Visit votewithoutfear.com today and take the first step toward secure, empowered voting. Remember, it’s your vote, and you deserve to vote without fear.
Vote Without Fear
Welcome to It’s Your Vote, a special series on A Fresh Story Podcast all about voting. We’ll be diving into everything you need to know to make your voice heard at the polls. From understanding voting rights to ensuring your vote is safe and secure, we’re answering your most pressing questions about the entire process. Stay tuned for more episodes answering all of your questions about voting to help you feel confident and empowered this election season.
For more information, head to Vote Without Fear: http://votewithoutfear.com/
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Vote Without Fear
It's no secret our right to vote is the foundation of our American democracy, but sometimes the process can feel overwhelming or unsafe. That’s where Vote Without Fear comes in. Whether you're voting for the first time or the tenth, this platform has everything you need to feel confident and informed—from where to vote, how to vote safely, and what to expect at the polls. Voting is your voice, and with Vote Without Fear, you can use it without hesitation. Visit votewithoutfear.com today and take the first step toward secure, empowered voting. Remember, it’s your vote, and you deserve to vote without fear.
Vote Without Fear
Are you ready to vote?
Are you ready to use your vote? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, Vote Without Fear is here to help you feel prepared and safe every step of the way. From understanding how to vote securely, to knowing where your nearest polling location is, this platform has all the information you need. Don't let uncertainty hold you back—your voice matters. Head to votewithoutfear.com and make sure you're ready to vote with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, it’s your vote and you deserve to Vote Without Fear. That’s VoteWithoutFear.com
Vote Without Fear
What is a provisional ballot and how can you ask for one? We cover all of that and more in this episode! A provisional ballot allows voters facing challenges, such as missing from the voter registration list or lacking proper ID, to still cast their vote. The ballot is reviewed later, and if eligibility is confirmed, it is included in the final count. Provisional ballots are available in every state except where same-day voter registration is allowed. You can track the status of your provisional ballot to see if it’s been accepted or rejected.
You can learn more and get the script to ask for a provisional ballot here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/lets-talk-about-provisional-ballots
Mentioned in this episode:
Are you ready to vote?
Are you ready to use your vote? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, Vote Without Fear is here to help you feel prepared and safe every step of the way. From understanding how to vote securely, to knowing where your nearest polling location is, this platform has all the information you need. Don't let uncertainty hold you back—your voice matters. Head to votewithoutfear.com and make sure you're ready to vote with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, it’s your vote and you deserve to Vote Without Fear. That’s VoteWithoutFear.com
Vote Without Fear
Learn More About Vote Without Fear
It's no secret our right to vote is the foundation of our American democracy, but sometimes the process can feel overwhelming or unsafe. That’s where Vote Without Fear comes in. Whether you're voting for the first time or the tenth, this platform has everything you need to feel confident and informed—from where to vote, how to vote safely, and what to expect at the polls. Voting is your voice, and with Vote Without Fear, you can use it without hesitation. Visit votewithoutfear.com today and take the first step toward secure, empowered voting. Remember, it’s your vote, and you deserve to vote without fear.
Vote Without Fear
Making a voting plan ensures that you’re prepared, organized, and ready to make your voice heard on Election Day. It helps you avoid any last-minute issues and ensures you know where, when, and how to cast your ballot. Vote Without Fear is here to guide you through every step of that process, providing information on safe voting practices, key deadlines, and the resources you need. With Vote Without Fear, you can confidently plan ahead and vote with peace of mind. Head HERE to make your voting plan and download our FREE voting plan worksheet (and a simple way to send it to a friend too!)
Make a voting plan at this link: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/lets-make-a-voting-plan
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Vote Without Fear
It's no secret our right to vote is the foundation of our American democracy, but sometimes the process can feel overwhelming or unsafe. That’s where Vote Without Fear comes in. Whether you're voting for the first time or the tenth, this platform has everything you need to feel confident and informed—from where to vote, how to vote safely, and what to expect at the polls. Voting is your voice, and with Vote Without Fear, you can use it without hesitation. Visit votewithoutfear.com today and take the first step toward secure, empowered voting. Remember, it’s your vote, and you deserve to vote without fear.
Vote Without Fear
Are you ready to vote?
Are you ready to use your vote? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, Vote Without Fear is here to help you feel prepared and safe every step of the way. From understanding how to vote securely, to knowing where your nearest polling location is, this platform has all the information you need. Don't let uncertainty hold you back—your voice matters. Head to votewithoutfear.com and make sure you're ready to vote with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, it’s your vote and you deserve to Vote Without Fear. That’s VoteWithoutFear.com
Vote Without Fear
Patrice got on a plane and moved her family abroad
A Fresh Story Podcast, season 9, episode 7
We chatted with Patrice Poltzer, founder of Patrice Poltzer Creative, about her bold decision to move her family from Brooklyn, New York, to Lisbon, Portugal. Patrice shared the emotional and practical challenges of starting fresh in a new country, from navigating a different culture and language to the financial pressures of building a new business. Despite the difficulties, she emphasized the importance of stepping out of her comfort zone, taking risks, and living life on her own terms, ultimately finding new opportunities for personal and family growth.
In our conversation, Patrice reflected on how the move has impacted her relationship with her children, highlighting the deeper connections they've formed while adjusting to their new life in Portugal. She discussed the importance of finding community and support in a foreign environment and how these relationships helped her family through the transition. Patrice also shared her struggles with feeling lost and depressed at times, but she noted how living in a healthier, more balanced environment has been beneficial for her family’s overall well-being.
Patrice's story is a testament to the power of taking risks and embracing fresh starts, even when it feels daunting. She offered advice for others going through major life changes, emphasizing the importance of patience and giving yourself time to adjust.
Learn more about Patrice on her website: https://patricepoltzercreative.com/
Mentioned in this episode:
Become a Fresh Starts Expert!
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. Who can be an expert? An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Fresh Starts Expert Membership
Join the Fresh Starts Collective!
Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month.
Fresh Starts Collective
Zeke finds hope from knocking on doors
A Fresh Story Podcast, season 9, episode 6
We chatted with Zeke Tayler, a physician and political activist, about his journey into canvassing and the crucial role grassroots political engagement plays in shaping democracy. Zeke began canvassing during the 2022 midterm elections, where he discovered how door knocking not only influences election outcomes but also offers a deep connection to the community. He shared that these face-to-face interactions provide insight into voter sentiment and foster personal fulfillment by actively participating in the democratic process. Zeke highlighted that canvassing is more effective than phone banking or postcard writing, and he encouraged listeners to engage politically through small, meaningful actions.
In our conversation, Zeke emphasized the importance of hope and action in democracy, especially during times of political stress or feelings of being overwhelmed. He believes that taking even small steps toward civic engagement can make a difference and that democracy is fundamentally about community care. Additionally, Zeke spoke about the significance of mental health for those deeply involved in political activism, reassuring those who feel defeated that they are not alone—many others are working tirelessly for change. His message was clear: democracy thrives when individuals and communities come together to take action, even in small ways.
You can follow Zeke on Twitter: https://x.com/zeketayler
You can follow Zeke on TikTik: https://www.tiktok.com/@drzeketayler
You can learn more about voting at Vote Without Fear: http://votewithoutfear.com/
Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Fresh Starts Collective!
Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month.
Fresh Starts Collective
Become a Fresh Starts Expert!
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. Who can be an expert? An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Fresh Starts Expert Membership
Paige is so over the imbalance of domestic labor
A Fresh Story podcast, season 9, episode 5
We chatted with Paige Connell about her journey through motherhood and marriage, exploring the challenges of balancing family life and the mental load that comes with it. As a mother of four, Paige shared her experience of transitioning into parenthood through foster care and later having biological children, going from no kids to four in just three years. She opened up about the resentment and burnout that stemmed from an unequal division of labor in her marriage, and how her husband's anxiety added another layer of complexity to their relationship.
In our conversation, Paige emphasized the importance of communication and the pivotal moment when she decided to demand a more equitable division of responsibilities at home. She shared the struggles they faced in redefining their roles as partners, advocating for domestic equity and the need for men to be more prepared for fatherhood. Paige also highlighted how these changes not only impacted her mental well-being but also shaped her children’s perception of gender roles and household responsibilities.
Paige’s story is a powerful reminder that finding balance in family life is an ongoing process, but with grace, patience, and effective communication, it’s possible to create a more equitable partnership. She encouraged listeners to prioritize self-care and individuality while navigating the evolving dynamics of parenthood and marriage, offering hope for those looking to make a fresh start in their relationships.
Paige’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/sheisapaigeturner
Paige’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sheisapaigeturner
Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Fresh Starts Collective!
Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month.
Fresh Starts Collective
Become a Fresh Starts Expert!
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. Who can be an expert? An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Fresh Starts Expert Membership
Bradley Freeman Jr. knows how to get to Sesame Street
A Fresh Story Podcast, season 9, episode 4
In this episode, we sit down with Bradley Freeman Jr., a passionate Muppet performer on Sesame Street, to discuss his inspiring journey from a young puppet enthusiast to achieving his dream role. Bradley shares how his early fascination with puppetry and practical media shaped his career, detailing his experiences in training at the prestigious Sesame Workshop and the profound impact of meeting legendary Muppet performers. From childhood influences to creative development, Bradley's story is one of perseverance, overcoming self-doubt, and the unwavering support of his family.
As we delve deeper into Bradley's journey, he reflects on the collaborative and supportive nature of the Muppet community. He candidly discusses the humanity of his idols, revealing that even those we admire have their own insecurities and flaws, making them relatable and inspiring. Bradley also highlights the crucial role that Muppets play during times of crisis, offering a unique blend of silliness and unity that brings comfort and a sense of camaraderie to audiences of all ages.
Bradley leaves listeners with valuable advice for those pursuing their passions, emphasizing the importance of discerning feedback, constant self-improvement, and being a lifelong learner. His story is a testament to the power of following one's passion, the impact of emotional hydration, and the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive community. Tune in to hear Bradley’s journey and gain insights into the world of puppetry, creativity, and the magic of the Muppets.
Learn more about Bradley here: https://sesameworkshop.org/about-us/press-room/bradley-freeman-jr-tamir-wes/
Bradley’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradleyfreemanjr
Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Fresh Starts Collective!
Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month.
Fresh Starts Collective
Become a Fresh Starts Expert!
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. Who can be an expert? An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Fresh Starts Expert Membership
Laurel thinks confidence is the best accessory
A Fresh Story Podcast, season 9, episode 3
In this episode, we sit down with Laurel (@laurelladeville) to explore the world of content creation and fashion videos. Laurel shares her creative process, from selecting timeless pieces that reflect her unique style to collaborating with brands. She emphasizes the importance of embracing body confidence and accepting our ever-changing bodies, rather than striving for an idealized version of ourselves. Laurel's approach to fashion is all about celebrating individuality and staying true to personal style, regardless of trends.
Laurel also opens up about the challenges of dealing with negative comments and criticism in the online world. She stresses the importance of maintaining a safe and positive online space and shares how she's built thick skin over the years. Additionally, she talks about the privilege of aging, rejecting societal beauty standards, and the supportive role her husband plays in her life. Laurel is passionate about advocating for body positivity and supporting small businesses, making her a strong voice in the online community.
Listeners will come away with valuable insights into creating fashion content, the significance of embracing body changes, and the power of surrounding oneself with positive influences. Laurel's journey serves as a reminder that trends should never dictate personal style, and that a supportive network is essential for navigating the complexities of an online career.
Follow Laurel on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurelladeville
Follow Laurel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurelladeville/
Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Fresh Starts Collective!
Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month.
Fresh Starts Collective
Become a Fresh Starts Expert!
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. Who can be an expert? An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Fresh Starts Expert Membership
Michael Vaughn thinks dads need to step up
A Fresh Story Podcast, season 9, episode 2
We chatted with Michael Vaughn, also known as World Shaker, to explore the complexities of family, fatherhood, and finding unexpected connections. Michael shares his journey of discovering a family secret that profoundly altered his family dynamics. We dive into the importance of open communication and the emotional challenges of navigating such revelations, emphasizing empathy and understanding in the face of complex family dynamics.
Michael also discusses his journey to fatherhood, detailing the preparations for his daughter’s birth and the emotional highs and lows that came with it. From building the crib to creating a birthing plan, Michael reflects on the challenges and joys of becoming a parent, particularly during the unique circumstances posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He stresses the importance of maintaining open communication with his partner throughout pregnancy and labor, and offers insights into what to expect during labor and delivery.
Additionally, Michael opens up about his unexpected journey into TikTok, where he found a supportive community of parents. This episode highlights the power of online communities in providing connection and support, and explores how personal interests like Dungeons & Dragons influence Michael’s parenting style. We discuss breaking negative family patterns, the significance of positive male role models, and the value of building a robust support network, including stepfathers and extended family, to navigate life's challenges successfully. Michael's story underscores how sharing personal experiences can foster community and support.
Michael’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldshaker/
Michael’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@world.shaker
Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Fresh Starts Collective!
Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month.
Fresh Starts Collective
Become a Fresh Starts Expert!
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. Who can be an expert? An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Fresh Starts Expert Membership
Taylor Coffman thinks caretaking is hot
A Fresh Story Podcast, season 9, episode 1
We chatted with Taylor Coffman, an actor, author, and patient advocate, who shared her inspiring story of resilience after a rare disease diagnosis. Taylor's acting career, marked by versatility and depth, includes roles on "Silicon Valley" and "Feud: Bette and Joan." Her life took a dramatic turn during the birth of her daughter, leading her to become a passionate patient advocate and storyteller.
Taylor shared how she survived multiple organ failures, emphasizing the importance of a strong support system and effective communication with healthcare providers. Her husband Zach played a crucial role in her recovery, advocating for her when she couldn’t speak. Taylor’s experiences inspired her to write for Substack Rare Disease Girl, where she chronicles her journey with humor and authenticity, aiming to educate and empower others facing similar challenges.
We explored Taylor’s journey of navigating life with a chronic illness, the impact on her relationships, and her approach to parenting. Taylor discussed her upcoming book, which covers relationships, career, and gratitude, highlighting the importance of embracing vulnerability and finding strength. Her story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of fresh starts.
As an actor, author, and patient advocate, Taylor Coffman has captivated audiences with her unique blend of humor and authenticity sharing her inspiring personal story of survival and resilience after an extremely violent and rare disease diagnosis.
Before her disease, Taylor's acting career on stage and screen was marked by versatility and depth. A storyteller with disarming humor, Taylor has a particularly extensive background in comedy, having worked on Jimmy Kimmel Live, studying at Upright Citizens Brigade, traveling with musical comedy shows to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as well as a recurring role on season 2 of HBO's Silicon Valley directed by Mike Judge, Life in Pieces on CBS, and Rachel Dratch’s Late Night Snack on TruTV. She also appeared in Feud: Bette and Joan directed by Ryan Murphy.
In addition, Taylor has over a decade of experience in creative project management in media, including former operations lead for LAist Studios, an award-winning podcast production studio.
Everything in Taylor’s life ground to a halt during the birth of her daughter. Her delivery triggered atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, leaving Taylor near death with multiple organ failure. Defying all odds, her experience inspired her to work as a patient advocate, empowering others with their life-changing diagnosis.
Taylor’s message of patient empowerment quickly gained momentum. In her article for the Huffington Post, I Spent Weeks Near Death In The ICU. Asking My Doctors To Do This 1 Thing May Have Saved My Life, Taylor shares how her medical catastrophes forever changed how she approaches her own healthcare. The article topped Apple News as the #1 story, garnering nearly 1 million impressions in 48 hours.
Taylor Coffman has shared her story as keynote speaker at the aHUS Foundation Conference, as well as sharing her story to the FDA, the American Society of Hematologists, and The Moth among others.
At the intersection of disability, motherhood and adapting to a new chronic illness, Taylor began writing for Substack Rare Disease Girl - which chronicles her experience of living with a rare medical condition and navigating life’s inevitable challenges. In Taylor’s upcoming book, she hopes to educate and advocate for patients, as well as to bring more awareness to life with chronic illness. Bridging her comedy and project management expertise, she naturally weaves together the harsh reality of her difficult healthcare journey with light, laughter, and ultimate path to greater purpose and healing. Taylor lives in Santa Monica with her husband Zach, daughter July, and rescue dog, Sunny.
Follow Taylor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorcoffmanmade/
Sign up for her Substack: https://taylorcoffman.substack.com/
Huffington Post piece: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/rare-disease-girl-healthcare-advocate_n_65a86c22e4b00bbb446dd02b
Mentioned in this episode:
Become a Fresh Starts Expert!
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. Who can be an expert? An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Fresh Starts Expert Membership
Join the Fresh Starts Collective!
Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month.
Fresh Starts Collective
We chatted with author L’Oreal Thompson Payton about her book, Stop Waiting for Perfect: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Into Your Power. Alongside guest co-host Rob Abney, we discussed growing up in the early 2000s, the writing process, and embracing our nerdy selves. L’Oreal's work, featured in outlets like Bitch, Bustle, Essence, SELF, and Well + Good, blends confessional career and life advice with inspirational insight and humor. She authentically shares her lessons and imperfections, inviting readers to join her on the journey.
We asked L'Oreal for her wise words for anyone starting fresh and she shared her advice for showing up messy, setting aside our need to be perfect, and just putting pen to paper. If you're a creator or writer, you will definitely want to hear her wise words! We love her advice on "feeling the fear" and not waiting for the perfect moment to get started on your journey.
Listen to the full episode with L'Oreal: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/podcast-episodes/loreal-thompson-payton-the-reframing-of-perfection
L'Oreal's website: https://www.ltinthecity.com/
Stop Waiting for Perfect: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Into Your Power: https://amzn.to/3PlHvET
Mentioned in this episode:
Become a Fresh Starts Expert!
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. Who can be an expert? An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Fresh Starts Expert Membership
Join the Fresh Starts Collective!
Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month.
Fresh Starts Collective
As childhood friends growing up in Denver, Colorado, Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing were always exploring the outdoors. Whether it was rafting down their neighborhood creek or discovering hiking trails through the Rocky Mountains, Joe and Justin were born adventurers. Now, as the GRAMMY® Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers, they have put this passion for the outdoors at the heart of their Americana Folk music.
Joe and Justin record and perform family music with a goal to inspire children and their parents to step outside and get creative. They believe this can motivate kids to gain a greater respect for the natural world, their communities, and themselves.
The five-time Parents’ Choice Award winners have garnered praise from the likes of NPR’s All Things Considered and USA Today, and have been called “two of family music’s best songwriters.”
We asked Joe for his wise words for anyone going through a fresh start, and he shares why he believes it's always a good reminder to "do your work," and see where you need to bring self love in your life. An important reminder about giving yourself self-care and time to build back your foundation and cultivate your connection to yourself.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/podcast-episodes/joe-mailander-the-okee-dokee-brothers
Okee Dokee Brothers: https://www.okeedokee.org/
Mentioned in this episode:
Become a Fresh Starts Expert!
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. Who can be an expert? An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Fresh Starts Expert Membership
Join the Fresh Starts Collective!
Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month.
Fresh Starts Collective
Zach Lupetin is a songwriter, playwright, podcaster, and founding member of Dustbowl Revival. The band, formed via a Craigslist ad, has toured over ten countries and released seven albums, with "Is It You, Is It Me" hitting the top 20 on alternative sales charts. Their 2022 EP, "Set Me Free," followed. Zach discusses his transition into fatherhood after a traumatic birth experience and how his daughter now inspires his music. His podcast, "The Show On The Road," has nearly one million downloads. In 2022, he also launched "The Sway Out West Radio Hour" on 88.5FM in LA.
We asked Zach for wise words for someone going through a fresh start - especially a tough, forced fresh start. He shares why creativity is life-saving during forced fresh starts. And he shares how we can process fresh starts with storytelling and art.
Listen to the full podcast episode with Zach Lupetin: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/podcast-episodes/zach-lupetin
Dustbowl Revival: http://www.dustbowlrevival.com/
Mentioned in this episode:
Become a Fresh Starts Expert!
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. Who can be an expert? An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Fresh Starts Expert Membership
Join the Fresh Starts Collective!
Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month.
Fresh Starts Collective
Erica Taylor has been a professional makeup artist and beauty expert for over 25 years working with top brands like MAC, Laura Mercier, Benefit Cosmetics, and more. She recently made the decision to leave the industry she has loved for over 25 years and become a full-time entrepreneur. She started her TikTok in 2021 where she does makeup tutorials and has created an incredible and engaging community sharing tips and techniques for women in their 40's +.
We asked Erica for her wise advice for anyone going through a fresh start in life - and we absolutely loved her response about why we need to keep growing and evolving. Her confidence to bust though any limits in life is inspiring - as she says "who says we can't?" and as we said, we wanted her whole response tattooed on our heads!
Listen to the full episode with Erica Taylor here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/podcast-episodes/erica-taylor
Erica Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericataylor2347/
Erica Taylor's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ericataylor2347
Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Fresh Starts Collective!
Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month.
Fresh Starts Collective
Become a Fresh Starts Expert!
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. Who can be an expert? An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Fresh Starts Expert Membership
Nia Dennis, a viral gymnastics sensation, is known for her inspiring performances and dedication to showcasing Black excellence. Her 2021 Met Gala debut, complete with a dynamic entrance accompanied by the Brooklyn United marching band, highlighted her seamless transition from gymnastics to red carpet glamour. As a member of the U.S. National Team (2012-2016) and a leading gymnast at UCLA, Nia's culturally rich routines have captivated audiences, earning millions of views and praise from high-profile figures like Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Nia's journey reflects her resilience and commitment to her dreams.
We asked Nia for her wise words for anyone who is starting fresh, and she shared her philosophy of being compassionate to yourself and why it's so important to be kind to yourself before anything else.
Nia's webite: https://nianationdennis.com/
Nia's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niaadennis/
Nia's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nia.nation?lang=en
Mentioned in this episode:
Become a Fresh Starts Expert!
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. Who can be an expert? An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Fresh Starts Expert Membership
Join the Fresh Starts Collective!
Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month.
Fresh Starts Collective
Laurel is a Cleveland based art therapist, scooter enthusiast, wife, mom of three boys, and style genius - but, you may know her better as the middle aged, mid sized mom from the midwest, (@laurelladeville) as she is also a TikTok icon inspiring mid-sized fashion lovers every day on her account with her let’s get dressed videos. We asked Laurel for her wise words for anyone going through a fresh start, and here's what she had to say. If you're going down a fresh start journey, Laurel adds her wisdom about how to heal, and how to shift your perspective on your fresh start journey - and how we can stay authentic to ourselves.
Laurel's website: https://laurelladeville.com/
Laurel's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurelladeville
Laurel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurelladeville/
Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Fresh Starts Collective!
Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month.
Fresh Starts Collective
Become a Fresh Starts Expert!
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. Who can be an expert? An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Fresh Starts Expert Membership
Looking to make a change in your life and unsure how to move forward? Take a quick listen to these wise words from Laura Danger, also known as That Darn Chat. Laura tells us the one question she poses to herself when she's deciding to pursue a new endeavor or life change. Whether it's leaving your job, leaving a relationship, waiting for something to happen, or making a life pivot, tune in to hear what Laura's lightbulb moment was when making a major change in her life.
Laura Danger, also known as That Darn Chat, is a passionate advocate, educator, and content creator dedicated to promoting equitable household labor and fostering healthy relationships. With a background in teaching and social work, Laura uses her platform to engage in meaningful conversations about gender roles, mental load, and the importance of fair division of domestic responsibilities. Through her engaging and informative content, Laura aims to inspire individuals and couples to create more balanced and fulfilling lives. Laura is the co-host of the Time to Lean Podcast, as well.
Laura's website: https://www.thatdarnchat.com/
Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatdarnchat
Laura's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatdarnchat
Time to Lean Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/time-to-lean/id1620236607
Mentioned in this episode:
Become a Fresh Starts Expert!
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen. Who can be an expert? An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types. What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts? Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Fresh Starts Expert Membership
Join the Fresh Starts Collective!
Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a dedicated student, a heads down writer or simply striving to achieve your professional goals, the Fresh Starts Collective is here for you. We believe that surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be the key to unlocking your full potential. The Fresh Starts Collective offers daily community gathering - whether it’s VirtualCo-Working and Body Doubling, Open Office Hours or Accountability Hour - community support and growth, networking opportunities and access to marketing, design and writing professionals to bounce ideas off of, pick the brains of or crowd source some ideas. The Fresh Starts Collective is $35/month.
Fresh Starts Collective
What is the Fresh Starts Expert Membership?
The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a business membership for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to support them in business development, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. The membership includes a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual co-working, open hours business coaching, and accountability groups, as well as exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, a content and video library of resources, a podcast episode, and so much more. Membership is $55/month. Fresh Starts Registry is the first and only support registry platform for people to access the items and experts they need during life transitions. Fresh Starts has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Today Show, and more. It was founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen.
Who can be an expert?
An expert is simply a small business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, solopreneur, writer, creator, podcaster - or more! See HERE for a list of potential expert types. We are open to any and all expert types.
https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/expert-types
What are the benefits of joining Fresh Starts?
Joining Fresh Starts as an expert offers numerous benefits for professionals passionate about guiding individuals through life transitions. For just $55 a month, you gain access to a thriving community, complete with business development support, marketing tools, coaching, and networking opportunities. Your profile will be SEO-optimized, making it easier for clients to find you. You'll also enjoy press and media exposure, weekly offers including workshops and events, and a supportive network to share insights and celebrate successes.
Please see THIS LINK for more info!
https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/become-an-expert
How can people sign up to join?
Every expert has to apply and we vet them to make sure they are a good fit. We have a six month commitment to join - and after six months it is month to month and you can cancel anytime. To apply to be an expert, please use THIS LINK: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/application
Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to crisis communication strategist Molly McPherson, about the trend of announcing divorces on social media. We discuss why people, both celebrities and regular individuals, are choosing to be open about their divorces on social media. Molly provides tips and strategies for announcing a divorce publicly, emphasizing the importance of considering what's at stake and framing the message in a way that focuses on collaboration and a positive future. We also discuss the empowerment of having control over the narrative and the possibility of talking about divorce without explicitly mentioning it. We chat about Kelly Clarkson's divorce strategy and how celebrity divorce is just like a regular divorce.
Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to mom, writer, and professor Kelly McMasters. Kelly McMasters, author of The Leaving Season, discusses her experience with divorce and how she announced it to the world. She shares that her book served as her divorce announcement, as the process was prolonged and gradually revealed to different people. Kelly emphasizes the importance of keeping the announcement respectful and focused on one's own perspective. She also highlights the power of sharing and finding support from others who have experienced divorce or loss. Kelly's advice is to be open and not be ashamed, as it helps in moving forward and feeling less alone.
Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to mom, actress, and podcast host Monika Casey. Monika talks about how she de-activated her social media during her divorce, however felt dis-empowered when her divorce announcement was revealed in TMZ. We talked about how to handle your divorce announcement when the narrative spins out of control, and how to empower yourself as you re-write the narrative of your divorce.
Monika Casey is the co-host of Divorce Party Podcast with Tom Arnold.
Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to comedian, actor, and father Tom Arnold. Tom Arnold talks about the difference in announcing a divorce pre and post the advent of social media, having your divorce in the tabloids, and why he wanted to talk about his divorce publicly. We chatted about his becoming a single dad and his advice for other single dads; and we talked about how to comport yourself when there is a narrative being crafted about you by other people. Tom talks about why it’s important to be open about your divorce, how a publicist assists (or doesn’t) in the divorce announcement, and gives some really helpful advice for getting out of bed in the morning.
Tom Arnold is the co-host of Divorce Party Podcast with Monika Casey.
Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to three Fresh Starts Experts about their perspective, helpful advice, and how they support clients with telling people in their life about their divorce.
This episode features:
- Lisa Happ, certified divorce, narcissistic abuse, grief coach; get in touch with Lisa HERE.
- Dr. Anita Smith, divorce coach and founder of Life After Divorce Coaching Services; get in touch with Dr. Smith HERE.
- Jason Scriven, men’s divorce coach, founder of Scriven Program; get in touch with Jason HERE.
Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to Christina Bailey, of Baby Bailey Mama Drama. Christina Bailey, a first-grade teacher and mother of four, shares her experience of announcing her divorce from her wife on social media. She emphasizes the importance of owning the announcement and being authentic. She also discusses the impact on her social media platform and the support she received from others who had gone through a similar experience.
You can find Christina Bailey on Instagram.
Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to Jordan Reid. Jordan Reid is the founder of Ramshackle Glam, as well as the author of The Big Activity Book for Divorced People (and more). Olivia and Jordan discuss the importance of sharing divorce announcements and the impact of writing about divorce. They also talk about the response from women and the need for humor during the divorce process. Jordan shares insights from her book, The Big Activity Book for Divorced People, which provides a lighthearted approach to navigating divorce.
You can find Jordan on Instagram and her website, Ramshackle Glam.
Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to Jessica Castro. Jessica Castro was on season 2 of Married at First Sight, and we talked about how she had to keep her divorce announcement under wraps, and what happened when she did finally announce on social media. She also gives her advice for crafting a social media friendly divorce announcement.
You can find Jessica on Instagram.
Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to Emily Farris. Emily is a writer and the author of I'll Just Be Five More Minutes: And Other Tales from My ADHD Brain; Emily shared her divorce announcement in an essay, “I Made My Husband the Hero of My Memoir; Then My Marriage Ended” on Cup of Jo. She discusses how the response she received was overwhelming, with hundreds of women reaching out to thank her for sharing her story. Emily emphasizes the importance of sharing the hard stuff in life, including divorce, and the empowerment that comes from choosing joy and staying true to oneself.
You can find Emily on Instagram and Substack.
Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to Rachel Sobel. Rachel Sobel shares her experience of announcing her divorce and offers advice on how to handle the announcement. She discusses the challenges of announcing a divorce before the age of social media and the impact it had on her relationships. Rachel emphasizes the importance of taking control of the narrative and finding empowerment in sharing the news. She also provides tips for crafting a divorce announcement and navigating social media while going through a divorce.
You can follow Rachel on Instagram.
Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to Jolie Steele. Jolie shares her experience of announcing her divorce on social media and to friends and family. She emphasizes the importance of setting the tone and framework for the announcement, particularly when children are involved. Jolie offers tips for those going through a divorce and preparing to make the announcement, including taking on a neutral PR agent mindset and detaching from others' emotional reactions. She also mentions the value of a divorce registry for receiving support.
You can find Jolie on Instagram and Substack.
Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to Scarlett Longstreet. Scarlett, a writer and mother of three, shares her experience of announcing her divorce to a larger community. She discusses the importance of providing clarity and reducing assumptions by making a formal divorce announcement.
Scarlett is a writer and self-proclaimed “little treat and long car sit enthusiast” from Detroit.
You can find Scarlett on Instagram and Substack.
Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, we talked to Liz Pharo. Liz Pharo, CEO and founder of Divorce.com, discusses how she announced her divorce and the importance of divorce announcements. She shares that she and her ex-husband waited until after their divorce to announce it, and they did so through a mass text message. Liz also provides tips for announcing a divorce, such as keeping a small circle involved and being thoughtful in the messaging. She emphasizes the importance of ending the news cycle and not letting the divorce become the talk of the town. Finally, Liz highlights how Divorce.com makes the divorce process easier by offering a collaborative approach, assigning a case manager, scheduling mediation sessions, and producing paperwork.
For more information on Divorce Announcements, check out the links below!
Announcing the Divorce Announcement: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/divorce-announcements
3 Reasons to Write a Divorce Announcement: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/3-reasons-to-write-a-divorce-announcement
What is a Divorce Announcement? https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/what-is-a-divorce-announcement
The Importance of Divorce Announcements: https://divorce.com/blog/what-is-divorce-announcement/
Welcome to a special season of A Fresh Story Podcast: The Divorce Announcement Season. This season is co-produced by Divorce.com; Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
On this episode of The Divorce Announcement Season, Olivia Dreizen Howell, the CEO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, talks about her own divorce announcement and why/how this Divorce Announcement season came to be.
You can find Olivia on Instagram and Twitter as @thedigitalyenta
For more information on Divorce Announcements, check out the links below!
Announcing the Divorce Announcement: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/divorce-announcements
3 Reasons to Write a Divorce Announcement: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/3-reasons-to-write-a-divorce-announcement
What is a Divorce Announcement? https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/blog/what-is-a-divorce-announcement
The Importance of Divorce Announcements: https://divorce.com/blog/what-is-divorce-announcement/
In this conversation, Cole discusses her book What's Eating Us? and the epidemic of body anxiety. She shares her personal experience with an eating disorder and her journey to recovery. The conversation explores the concept of finding joy in food and how to navigate diet culture. Cole also talks about her recent food experiences in New York and the vibrancy of food in different cities. In this part of the conversation, we discuss the shift in diet culture and the introduction of weight loss drugs. We chat about the complexity and importance of this topic, as well as the potential dangers of these drugs. The conversation also explores the under-diagnosis of eating disorders and the need for better education and awareness. We emphasize the importance of connecting with our bodies and rejecting societal pressures.
We discuss the impact of diet culture on our relationship with food and the joy of embracing our true desires. In this conversation, Cole Kazdin discusses the journey of relearning what you enjoy in food and the importance of experimenting and loosening up rigidity. They also explore the challenges of finding time for self-care and prioritizing oneself in a busy and overwhelming world. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing gray areas in life and using food as a tool for self-discovery. We also share our favorite salad recipes and discuss the sensory experience of food. Overall, the conversation highlights the broader themes of self-care, self-discovery, and the connection between food and well-being.
Key takeaways from this episode with Cole Kazdin:
- Recovery from an eating disorder involves building a healthy relationship with food and finding joy in eating.
- Diet culture perpetuates restrictive eating patterns and can hinder the ability to enjoy food.
- Finding moments of joy in food, even in challenging circumstances, can enhance the overall eating experience.
- Food experiences can vary in different cities, with New York often offering vibrant and diverse culinary options.
Fresh Conversations with Rachel Sobel: do you have to hate your husband?
On this episode of A Fresh Story, we chat with Rachel Sobel about all the things! We discussed the process of healing and finding love after divorce, and explore the challenges of integrating a new partner into a single parent's life and the importance of setting expectations and boundaries. She emphasized the significance of communication, transparency, and being each other's rock in a relationship, and also discuss the role of timing, rebounds, and learning from past relationships.
The conversation highlights the importance of prioritizing children and creating a safe space for open communication and vulnerability. They challenge societal expectations and emphasize the importance of maintaining intimacy and connection in a long-term relationship. In this conversation, Olivia and Jenny discuss their experiences with stepfathers and blended families with Rachel Sobel. They talk about the impact of stepfathers on their lives and the importance of seeing their mothers happy. They also discuss the challenges and joys of blending families and the importance of creating individual relationships within a blended family.
We discuss the importance of choosing the right partner and navigating conflict in a healthy way, and also discuss the impact of blended families on children and the importance of seeking support and advice. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities and rewards of blended families and the importance of intentional dating and authenticity.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Stepfathers can have a significant impact on the lives of children in blended families, providing love, support, and a sense of family.
- Creating a happy family in a blended family requires intentional effort, including spending quality time together and creating special traditions.
- Building a strong relationship with a stepfather involves giving them space to develop their own relationship with the child, separate from the biological parent.
- Blending families and having a baby together can bring up fears and challenges, but with open communication and support, it is possible to create a loving and inclusive family dynamic.
- Navigating conflict and resolving issues in a blended family is important for teaching children healthy conflict management skills and creating a strong foundation for the family.
- Being alone after a divorce can be a liberating and empowering experience, allowing individuals to focus on themselves and their own happiness.
- Choosing the right partner in a blended family is crucial, and it is important to prioritize compatibility, shared values, and a willingness to put the children's needs first.
- Individual relationships within a blended family are important, and allowing each person to have their own unique bond with the child can strengthen the overall family dynamic.
- Navigating conflict in a blended family requires open communication, honesty, and a willingness to work through challenges together.
- Blended families can have a significant impact on children, and it is important to provide them with love, support, and a sense of belonging.
- Intentional dating involves being clear about what you want in a partner and being open to building a new family unit.
- Honesty and authenticity are key in building strong relationships within a blended family and creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved.
- Seeking support from friends, family, and professionals can be helpful in navigating the challenges of blended families and providing guidance and advice.
- Long-distance relationships can provide space and freedom for individuals in blended families, allowing them to maintain their own identities and pursue their own interests.
Fresh Conversations with Christine Gritmon: do you have to be miserable to want a fresh start?
We talked to marketing and branding expert Christine Gritmon about packing up her family’s life in America and moving abroad. We discussed all of the details of the big move, why they made the decision, and why Christine ultimately made the decision to give up her dream house and lead her family on a fresh start journey to England. If you’ve ever wondered about moving your family abroad, take a listen to this lovely episode with the wonderful Christine Gritmon!
Learn more about Christine Gritmon on her website: https://www.gritmon.com/
Fresh Conversations with Rob Abney: can a marriage have a fresh start?
In this conversation, Olivia, Rob, and Jenny discuss various topics, including Rob's new podcast, the challenges of marketing a podcast, Jenny's honeymoon experience, and the dark side of the honeymoon period. They also explore the dynamics of early marriages, the identity shift that comes with marriage, and the importance of commitment in maintaining a relationship. The conversation highlights the ups and downs of relationships and offers insights into navigating the different phases of a partnership.
In this conversation, Rob discusses the importance of commitment and remaining committed in a relationship. He shares his experiences of making mistakes and learning from them, as well as the challenges of having fresh starts. Rob emphasizes the need for effective communication, defining the problem, and assuming good intentions in relationships. He also highlights the importance of reframing arguments and taking a moment to communicate effectively.
Topics discussed in this episode of A Fresh Story with Rob Abney:
- Commitment and remaining committed are crucial in a relationship.
- Learning from past mistakes is essential for personal growth and relationship improvement.
- Having fresh starts in relationships requires forgiveness, letting go of past baggage, and focusing on the present.
- Effective communication, defining the problem, and assuming good intentions are key to resolving conflicts in relationships.
Fresh Conversations with Alex Alexander: why do we need friends?
Alex Alexander wears many hats as a founder, speaker, podcaster, and soon-to-be-published author, but her work always centers around one passion - exploring the dynamics of community and friendship in our daily lives, uncovering what's working and what's not. Through her work, Alex provides relatable examples and practical insights, empowering you to create a support system that truly resonates with you.
Alex Alexander discusses the importance of community and friendship in our lives. She shares her personal journey of discovering the value of support and realizing her own worthiness. Alex also talks about her career in the wedding industry and how it influenced her understanding of emotional connections and the importance of creating meaningful experiences. She emphasizes the role of friend group culture and the impact of friends' parents in building a strong support system. Ultimately, Alex believes that a healthy support system is the ultimate form of self-care. In this conversation, Alex Alexander discusses her journey from being a wedding planner to focusing on friendship and connection. She emphasizes the value of connection and the importance of appreciating the relationships we already have. Alex provides practical advice for making friends in a new country and encourages individuals to be specific about the type of friendships they want. She also highlights the significance of leaving one's comfort zone and finding communities where one feels a sense of belonging.
Topics discussed on this episode of A Fresh Story with Alex Alexander:
- The ultimate self-care is having a healthy support system.
- Friends can play a crucial role in helping us realize our worthiness.
- Creating meaningful experiences and emotional connections is essential in building strong relationships.
- Friend group culture and the influence of friends' parents can shape our support systems. Friendship is not black and white, but rather a spectrum of connections that contribute to our support system.
- When making friends in a new country, it's important to be patient and invest time in building connections.
- Broadening your base of connections, whether through formal communities or neighborhoods, can lead to meaningful friendships.
- Voicing your desire for more friendships, especially with specific interests or activities in mind, can help attract like-minded individuals.
- Accepting support from existing connections and reaching out to others who have gone through similar experiences can provide valuable guidance and companionship.
Fresh Conversations with Raena Boston: how can we show up for each other?
Raena Boston is a rising thought leader in the women’s and maternal rights space with a fresh, imperative voice. She is a working mom of three, fierce advocate, co-founder of the nonprofit focused on mothers’ rights Chamber of Mothers, and an HR corporate baddie. By night, she writes and creates content for her online platform, The Working Momtras. The Working Momtras is a community designed to help empower moms to unsubscribe from the scams of motherhood, resign from doing it all, and instead lean into their inherent worth.
Raena has appeared on Good Morning America, PBS Newshour, and many of your favorite podcasts. She is regularly tapped to provide thought leadership on the intersection of working motherhood, paid leave, and childcare.
She and her family reluctantly reside in Florida.
Raena Boston shares her journey of experiencing burnout, panic attacks, and a fresh start in 2020. She re-evaluated her career, her marriage, and her own self-worth, leading to significant changes in her life. Raena's story highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health, setting boundaries, and redefining success. In this conversation, Raena Boston discusses her journey through marriage, motherhood, and advocacy. She emphasizes the importance of choice and wanting what's best for oneself and the other person in a relationship. Raena shares how the birth of her daughter and her experience with paid leave inspired her to start the Chamber of Mothers, an organization focused on paid family leave, affordable childcare, and improved maternal health outcomes. She highlights the need for community care and collaboration, asking better questions, and supporting each other. Raena encourages individuals to trust themselves and approach challenges with curiosity instead of fear. She also shares her love for food, particularly a delicious lobster roll. Finally, Raena invites listeners to get involved with the Chamber of Mothers and make a difference in creating a better system for mothers and families.
Topics discussed in this episode of A Fresh Story with Raena Boston:
- Burnout can lead to panic attacks and disassociation, and it's important to recognize the signs and seek help.
- Taking a mental health leave can be a crucial step in recovering and reevaluating one's life and priorities.
- Diagnoses like ADHD can provide clarity and understanding of one's experiences and challenges.
- Reexamining work, relationships, and personal values can lead to transformative changes and a fresh start.
- Choice and wanting what's best for oneself and the other person are crucial in a relationship.
- The Chamber of Mothers advocates for paid family leave, affordable childcare, and improved maternal health outcomes.
- Community care, collaboration, and asking better questions are essential for supporting working mothers.
- Trusting oneself and approaching challenges with curiosity can lead to personal growth and positive change.
Reema Zaman is an author, speaker, and screenwriter. She is the author of the critically acclaimed memoir I Am Yours and the forthcoming novel Woman in Flight. Her essays have been published in Vogue, The Guardian, Salon, The Rumpus, and several others. She is an Oregon Literary Arts Fellow and you may recognize her from her viral interview with Cheryl Strayed on the Dear Sugars podcast. Born in Bangladesh and raised in Thailand, she now lives in Los Angeles with her chihuahua-daughter Fia the Fierce. For more, please visit www.reemazaman.com.
Reema Zaman, author and speaker, shares her journey of finding her voice and reclaiming her power after leaving an abusive relationship. She discusses the importance of using language to shape our beliefs and the transformative power of writing. Rima also highlights the significance of living alone and embracing one's true self. Her story is a testament to the resilience and strength of women. In this conversation, Reema Zaman discusses her journey as a writer and the importance of finding one's voice and reclaiming oneself. She shares her experiences of moving to different cities, staying with her parents, and working various jobs to pursue her writing career. Reema also talks about the challenges she faced in the publishing industry and the power of social media in connecting with others. She emphasizes the need for women to support and uplift each other and offers advice for those going through a fresh start.
Topics discussed in this episode of A Fresh Story with Reema Zaman:
- Abusive relationships can strip away a person's voice and power, but finding the courage to leave can lead to personal growth and transformation.
- Writing can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing, allowing individuals to find clarity, confidence, and a new sense of identity.
- Language shapes our beliefs and self-perception, so it's important to use empowering and affirming language to build a positive sense of self.
- Living alone can provide a valuable opportunity for self-reflection and self-discovery, allowing individuals to tune into their own voice and embrace their true selves.
- The journey of healing and self-discovery requires discipline, resilience, and the willingness to challenge societal conditioning and expectations. Finding one's voice and reclaiming oneself is a powerful journey.
- Moving to different cities and exploring new opportunities can lead to personal and professional growth.
- The publishing industry can be challenging, but social media has democratized access to resources and connections.
- Supporting and uplifting women is essential for creating a more inclusive and empowering community.
- Embracing fresh starts and pursuing what you love can lead to personal fulfillment and success.
Fresh Conversations with Skyler Day: what if you could produce your own music?
Skyler Day is a singer-songwriter/producer whose confessional approach to music has definitely made her an artist to watch. Her recent single "The Best Worst Thing", garnered her 2nd place in the International Songwriting Competition out of 21,000 entries and she also caught the attention of GRAMMY-winning Kacey Musgraves, who handpicked Skyler for a mentorship that led her to play at ACL Fest. Her latest single “Monsters” is out now! In addition to her music career, the Georgia-native is a well-established actress recurring on shows such as NBC’s Parenthood, Law & Order: SVU, Pretty Little Liars, Raven's Home and FOX’s The Resident.
Skyler Day, a singer-songwriter and producer, discusses her journey in the music industry and her recent foray into producing her own music. She shares her experiences and challenges in learning to produce and the freedom it has given her in expressing her musical ideas. Skyler also talks about the inspiration behind her song 'Monsters' and the universal theme of falling in love with someone who turns out to be different than expected.
She discusses her plans for future music projects and the potential for producing other artists. Skyler emphasizes the importance of breaking stereotypes and creating music that resonates with people's real-life experiences. Skyler Day discusses the importance of honesty in music and how it resonates with listeners. She draws inspiration from the music scene in Laurel Canyon and the artists who were unafraid to tackle real issues. Skyler emphasizes the value of leading with kindness and creating a good space for collaboration.
She reflects on her role in representing real issues on the TV show Parenthood, particularly the impact of the abortion episode. Skyler cautions against the dangers of comparison and encourages individuals to embrace their unique selves. She shares her love for making pasta from scratch and reveals the romantic story of how she met her husband at a commercial audition.
Topics discussed in this episode of A Fresh Story with Skyler Day include:
- Honesty is crucial in music as it allows artists to connect with listeners on a deeper level.
- Drawing inspiration from artists who fearlessly tackle real issues can lead to impactful and meaningful music.
- Leading with kindness and creating a positive environment fosters collaboration and creativity.
- Representation of real issues in TV shows and music can help break stigmas and promote understanding.
- Comparing oneself to others can hinder personal growth and creativity; embracing one's unique self is liberating.
- Finding joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as making pasta from scratch, can bring fulfillment and happiness.
You can learn more about Skyler on her website, Instagram, and Spotify.
Fresh Conversations with Shani Silver: are dating apps a total scam?
In this episode of A Fresh Story, Olivia and Jenny talk to Shani Silver, an author and podcaster, about the exploitative nature of dating apps and the societal pressure to be in a relationship. They discuss the evolution of dating apps from websites to apps, and how these platforms prioritize profit over helping users find love. Shani emphasizes the importance of reframing single-hood and finding happiness while single. They also touch on the reactions to Shani's content and the lawsuit against Match Group for making love elusive on purpose. In this conversation, Shani Silver discusses the predatory nature of dating apps, the pressure to find love, and the importance of living authentically.
She highlights the lack of safety measures on dating apps and the need for change in dating app culture. Shani emphasizes the importance of living a fulfilling life and challenging societal expectations. She encourages individuals to define their own identities and celebrate single-hood. Overall, the conversation explores the complexities of modern dating and the impact it has on individuals' mental health and self-worth.
Shani Silver is an author and podcaster originally from Fort Worth, Texas. Her name is pronounced like “rainy” with a “sh.” Her book, A Single Revolution: Don't look for a match—light one, helps singles reframe singlehood to see its value and validity, for as long as we happen to be single. She is not an advocate for singlehood, she's an advocate for people being happy while single, and there is a difference. Her podcast, A Single Serving Podcast, launched in April of 2019 in the hopes of giving single women content that—for once—didn’t revolve around dating, and to support singles around the world in shedding the societal shame of singlehood. Shani has lived and dated in Austin, TX, Los Angeles, CA, Chicago, IL, Philadelphia, PA, and Brooklyn, NY. She currently lives in New Orleans. Following ten years of use, Shani permanently deleted her dating apps in January of 2019. She has loved her life ever since.
Topics discussed in this episode of A Fresh Story with Shani Silver:
- Dating apps prioritize profit over helping users find love.
- Singlehood should be reframed to focus on happiness and personal growth.
- Societal expectations and stigmas around relationships can be harmful.
- The lawsuit against Match Group highlights the addictive nature of dating apps. Dating apps can have addictive behaviors and may not deliver on what people are seeking.
- The pressure to find a romantic partner can lead to settling and compromising one's values.
- Dating apps lack safety measures and can expose users to abusive or predatory behavior.
- Living authentically and focusing on personal fulfillment is more important than conforming to societal expectations.
- It is crucial to challenge the commercialization of love and celebrate singlehood as a valid and fulfilling lifestyle.
Fresh Conversations with L'Oreal Thompson Payton: is not being perfect actually the secret to life?
L’Oreal Thompson Payton is the author of Stop Waiting for Perfect: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Into Your Power. Her work has appeared in outlets such as Bitch, Bustle, Essence, SELF, and Well + Good, just to name a few. As a writer, L’Oreal expertly blends refreshingly confessional career and life advice with inspirational insight and just the right amount of humor. She does this by authentically and vulnerably sharing her lessons learned and imperfections while bringing her readers along with her on the journey.
L'Oreal shares her journey as an author and the challenges she faced in publishing her book. She discusses the importance of not waiting for perfection and taking action. L'Oreal also talks about the impact her book has had on readers, inspiring them to pursue their dreams. She shares her experience with infertility and the need for more diverse voices in the conversation. L'Oreal emphasizes the importance of self-care and breaking the cycle of perfectionism, especially as a mother. In this conversation, L'Oreal Thompson Payton discusses her experiences with infertility, motherhood, and postpartum depression. She emphasizes the importance of sharing stories and providing hope to others facing similar challenges.
The conversation also explores the impact of perfectionism on parenting and the need to seek help for postpartum depression. L'Oreal challenges societal expectations of motherhood and encourages authenticity and vulnerability. The conversation concludes with discussions on the biological and emotional impact of pregnancy, the importance of talking about postpartum depression, and L'Oreal's pop culture inspirations and future projects.
Topics discussed on this episode with L’Oreal Thompson Payton:
- Don't wait for perfection, take action and get started on your goals.
- Believe in yourself and have faith in your abilities.
- Your journey may not go according to plan, but that doesn't mean it won't lead to something great.
- Share your story and experiences to inspire and connect with others. Sharing personal stories of infertility and motherhood can provide hope and support to others facing similar challenges.
- Perfectionism can have a negative impact on parenting, and it is important to embrace imperfection and ask for help.
- Postpartum depression is a common experience, and seeking professional help is crucial for mental well-being.
- Societal expectations of motherhood can be harmful, and it is important to challenge and redefine these expectations.
- Pregnancy has both biological and emotional effects, and it is important to prioritize self-care and seek support.
- Open conversations about postpartum depression are essential to reduce stigma and provide support to new mothers.
- Finding inspiration in pop culture can be empowering and uplifting.
- Predictions for Beyonce's future projects generate excitement and anticipation.
- Supporting authors and creators like L'Oreal Thompson Payton can help amplify diverse voices and stories.
Check out more from L’Oreal on her website, subscribe to newsletter & podcast, Instagram, and Twitter, and of course BUY THE BOOK!
A Fresh Story Podcast hit a major milestone: 100 episodes! We are so grateful for every single guest, listener, supporter, and community member!
A Fresh Story Podcast is top 2% personal journals podcast, hosted by sisters and co-founders of Fresh Starts Registry, Olivia Dreizen Howell and Jenny Dreizen. Through candid, authentic, and sincere conversations, the podcast explores courageous life choices, creative concepts, innovative ideas, and fresh start stories.
A Fresh Story podcast has garnered acclaim for delving into a range of cultural subjects that are frequently neglected. It is through these discussions on A Fresh Story, that the sisters explore the many aspects of life that often escape cultural attention, offering fresh perspectives on a variety of experiences, some significant and some seemingly ordinary, but all incredibly important.
Join Olivia, Jenny, and their esteemed guests on a journey filled with laughter, tears, and discussions on moments of bravery, decisions of significance, and the concept of fresh starts, as they collectively navigate the complexities of the human experience. So, make sure to rate, review, subscribe, and follow A Fresh Story so you don’t miss any of the fresh conversations coming up! You can always learn more on AFreshStory.com.
A Fresh Story, season 6, episode 12
Did you know that you can get divorced online? It’s true. When we discovered Divorce.com we could sense immediately that their mission was so in line with ours here at Fresh Starts - to eliminate the overwhelm of divorce. Divorce.com is an online platform that offers a streamlined path through divorce to help couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs. We got the chance to chat with Divorce.com’s founder and CEO, Elizabeth Pharo, about the divorce.com process and we talked about how they are so passionate about making the divorce process easier for everyone involved. On this episode of The Divorce Season, we’re covering everything you need to know to get divorced online with Divorce.com.
Questions covered in this episode:
- How can I use Divorce.com to get divorced?
- What are the benefits of using Divorce.com?
- How can Divorce.com save you money?
- How do I know if Divorce.com is a good option for me?
- How can I get in touch with Divorce.com?
For more information, head to Divorce.com, learn more about their comprehensive platform, and get in touch with any questions you may have. Remember, you’re not alone, we’re all here to support you through this transition.
A Fresh Story, season 6, episode 11
Do you know what gray divorce is? Gray divorce refers to the increasing trend of couples divorcing later in life, typically after the age of 50 or during their retirement years. This phenomenon has seen a significant rise in recent years, challenging the traditional notion of marriage as a lifelong commitment. Factors contributing to gray divorce include longer life expectancies, shifting societal attitudes toward divorce, and evolving priorities and aspirations among older adults.
While the decision to divorce later in life can be difficult, it also represents a desire for personal growth, self-discovery, and pursuing happiness in the remaining chapters of life. As gray divorce rates continue to rise, it underscores the importance of addressing the evolving dynamics of relationships and supporting individuals through life's transitions with empathy and understanding.
We talked to author Carole Holiday about her divorce later in life, and how she reinvented herself after a 3 decade long marriage. Carole Holiday is an “Accidental Author” who calls herself not just a survivor of life after loss, but a thriver. Carole is the author of I Don’t Know Who I Am Anymore, a guide through those moments when you wonder if the nightmare will ever end, a testament to the truth that God has good things in store for you, and a reminder that even your pain can become a beautiful part of who you are becoming.
We were so inspired by Carole's positivity, grace, resilience, and sense of humor. We know you will love this conversation with author Carole Holiday!
Learn more about Carole on her website: https://www.caroleholiday.com/
A Fresh Story, season 6, episode 10
Embark on a transformative journey as we unravel the complexities of divorce in 10 insightful podcast episodes.
Delve into crucial topics like contemplating divorce, navigating real estate and custody, deciphering legal jargon, and exploring the emotional, physical, spiritual, and sexual facets of divorce. This season also uniquely addresses the challenges faced by stay-at-home parents during divorce. Featuring advice, wisdom, and guidance from over 25 Fresh Starts Experts, each episode offers practical insights and solutions to empower you through this life-changing transition. Learn about the legal intricacies, discover methods to navigate the emotional rollercoaster, and gain a holistic understanding of the divorce process.
Produced by Fresh Starts Registry, the pioneer in the divorce industry and a comprehensive platform for everything needed to begin again, A Fresh Story Season 6 is your go-to resource for expert guidance and a supportive community. Join us as we navigate the complexities of divorce together and pave the way for a brighter, more empowered future.
On this episode, we’re covering everything you need to know to support someone in your life transitioning to divorce.
Questions covered in this episode:
- How can you help a friend going through a divorce?
- What are some tangible ways you can help people going through a divorce?
- What are some free ways to help someone through a divorce?
- What support can you offer to someone going through a divorce?
- How can you build a divorce registry?
Fresh Starts Experts featured in this episode: * Carrie Rose, SunUp Coaching LLC, divorce and transitions coach * Rachel Snow, Luminary Divorce Coaching, divorce coach * Allison McFadden, divorce coach, founder of Divorce by Allison * Susan Tripi, Empowerment and Divorce Coach, licensed realtor
You can learn more at DivorceMonth.com, DivorceGuide.co, and FreshStartsRegistry.com
A Fresh Story, season 6, episode 9
Embark on a transformative journey as we unravel the complexities of divorce in 10 insightful podcast episodes.
Delve into crucial topics like contemplating divorce, navigating real estate and custody, deciphering legal jargon, and exploring the emotional, physical, spiritual, and sexual facets of divorce. This season also uniquely addresses the challenges faced by stay-at-home parents during divorce. Featuring advice, wisdom, and guidance from over 25 Fresh Starts Experts, each episode offers practical insights and solutions to empower you through this life-changing transition. Learn about the legal intricacies, discover methods to navigate the emotional rollercoaster, and gain a holistic understanding of the divorce process.
Produced by Fresh Starts Registry, the pioneer in the divorce industry and a comprehensive platform for everything needed to begin again, A Fresh Story Season 6 is your go-to resource for expert guidance and a supportive community. Join us as we navigate the complexities of divorce together and pave the way for a brighter, more empowered future.
On this episode, we’re covering everything you need to know to help start fresh after a divorce, including how to refresh your home, jump into dating and relationships, reclaim your sexuality, process the divorce with your children, and manage the grief of your relationship changing and ending.
Questions covered in this episode:
- How can I start dating again after divorce?
- What’s sex like after divorce?
- How can I restock my life again after divorce?
- Any tips for normalizing divorce for my kids as we move forward?
- How can I deal with the grief of my marriage ending?
Fresh Starts Experts featured in this episode: * Susan Trotter, PhD, relationship and dating coach and expert * Jackie Golob, Sex and Spiritual Wellness Coach, Therapist, and founder of Shameless Therapy * Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space * Aurisha Smolarski, co-parenting coach, therapist, Certified Mediator, author of Cooperative Co-Parenting * Sonja Harris, grief and transitions coach, founder of Rebuilding Blocks LLC
Remember, you can find more info on DivorceGuide.co and DivorceMonth.com and get in touch with all of these experts on FreshStartsRegistry.com/experts.
A Fresh Story, season 6, episode 8
Embark on a transformative journey as we unravel the complexities of divorce in 10 insightful podcast episodes.
Delve into crucial topics like contemplating divorce, navigating real estate and custody, deciphering legal jargon, and exploring the emotional, physical, spiritual, and sexual facets of divorce. This season also uniquely addresses the challenges faced by stay-at-home parents during divorce. Featuring advice, wisdom, and guidance from over 25 Fresh Starts Experts, each episode offers practical insights and solutions to empower you through this life-changing transition. Learn about the legal intricacies, discover methods to navigate the emotional rollercoaster, and gain a holistic understanding of the divorce process.
Produced by Fresh Starts Registry, the pioneer in the divorce industry and a comprehensive platform for everything needed to begin again, A Fresh Story Season 6 is your go-to resource for expert guidance and a supportive community. Join us as we navigate the complexities of divorce together and pave the way for a brighter, more empowered future.
On this episode, we’re covering everything you need to know to help manage your own mental health during the transition to divorce. Divorce can take a real toll on your mental health, so we’ve asked the experts for ways in which we can process, evolve, and nurture ourselves during this time.
Questions covered in this episode:
- Why should you work with a therapist during your divorce? How can that help?
- What are some ways to ease anxiety during the divorce process?
- How can you take care of yourself mentally and physically during a divorce?
- How can you ease stress during the divorce process?
Fresh Starts Experts featured in this episode: * Bonnie Scott, therapist and founder of Mindful Kindness Counseling * Janice Holland, therapist and trauma coach, founder of The Courageous Woman * Abbey Sangmeister, therapist and burnout coach, founder of Evolving Whole * Robyn Gaillard, mind body connection coach, founder of MyWayOm
Remember, you can find more info on DivorceGuide.co and DivorceMonth.com and get in touch with all of these experts on FreshStartsRegistry.com/experts.
A Fresh Story, season 6, episode 7
What happens when a divorce lawyer gets divorced? How does she pick her own divorce attorney? What is the advice she gives to her clients about strategizing their divorce? We had the chance to talk to the wise and wonderful Nicole Sodoma, the “marriage loving divorce attorney,” and Managing Principal of Sodoma Law.
We talked to Nicole about the end of her marriage, her fresh start as a single mom of three sons - and how Glennon Doyle’s “held and free” was her North Star through the next phase of her life. We talked about how to find your joy after divorce, why divorce can feel so icky, and how Nicole ultimately found love again.
Nicole Sodoma is the author of the book Please Don’t Say You’re Sorry, in which Nicole shares empowering advice to help you sustain a real and happy marriage, recognize when that’s just not possible, and know what to expect and do from there. What’s more, she offers all of this with a generous dose of humor to remind you that you can and will laugh again. You can grab the book HERE.
You can learn more about Nicole on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
A Fresh Story, season 6, episode 6
Embark on a transformative journey as we unravel the complexities of divorce in 10 insightful podcast episodes.
Delve into crucial topics like contemplating divorce, navigating real estate and custody, deciphering legal jargon, and exploring the emotional, physical, spiritual, and sexual facets of divorce. This season also uniquely addresses the challenges faced by stay-at-home parents during divorce. Featuring advice, wisdom, and guidance from over 25 Fresh Starts Experts, each episode offers practical insights and solutions to empower you through this life-changing transition. Learn about the legal intricacies, discover methods to navigate the emotional rollercoaster, and gain a holistic understanding of the divorce process.
Produced by Fresh Starts Registry, the pioneer in the divorce industry and a comprehensive platform for everything needed to begin again, A Fresh Story Season 6 is your go-to resource for expert guidance and a supportive community. Join us as we navigate the complexities of divorce together and pave the way for a brighter, more empowered future.
How to Get Divorced as a Stay At Home Mom:
On this episode, we’re covering everything you need to know in order to get divorced as a stay at home parent. We get a lot of questions from women who aren’t the primary earners, who work as the primary parent, and are seeking a divorce. How can you get divorced as a stay at home mom? We have all the answers.
Questions covered in this episode:
- What legal steps should I take to protect my rights and interests as a stay-at-home mom?
- How will child custody arrangements work in my situation, and what's the best outcome for my children?
- Can I seek financial support (alimony) during and after the divorce to support my family?
- What happens to the family home and other shared assets during the divorce process?
- How can I ensure I have access to important financial documents and assets?
- What resources or support systems are available to help me during this transition?
- Is it possible to continue my education or gain employment while going through a divorce?
- What role does mediation or collaborative divorce play in my situation, and is it a viable option?
- How can I take my current skills and add them to a resume for a job?
Fresh Starts Experts featured in this episode:
- Kara Francis, Divorce Attorney, Mediator and Divorce Coach
- Cynthia Cartier, Divorce Attorney and Mediator, founder of Connecticut Mediation & Arbitration Services, LLC
- Ann Runkle, founder of Forward With Ann, divorce and career coach
- Tramelle D. Jones, founder of TDJ Consulting and Career Services, career and resume coach
- Jolee Vacchi, divorce lawyer and mediator, founder of Foundations Family Law & Mediation Center
- Janice Berner, CDFA, Financial Advisor, Financial Planner, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
- Sarah Lyman, founder of The PurplCouch Divorce Video Support Course; PurplCouch provides on-demand video courses directly from professionals in law, finance, and mental health. Access the support course HERE.
For more support, head to DivorceMonth.com and DivorceGuide.co
A Fresh Story, season 6, episode 5
Embark on a transformative journey as we unravel the complexities of divorce in 10 insightful podcast episodes.
Delve into crucial topics like contemplating divorce, navigating real estate and custody, deciphering legal jargon, and exploring the emotional, physical, spiritual, and sexual facets of divorce. This season also uniquely addresses the challenges faced by stay-at-home parents during divorce. Featuring advice, wisdom, and guidance from over 25 Fresh Starts Experts, each episode offers practical insights and solutions to empower you through this life-changing transition. Learn about the legal intricacies, discover methods to navigate the emotional rollercoaster, and gain a holistic understanding of the divorce process.
Produced by Fresh Starts Registry, the pioneer in the divorce industry and a comprehensive platform for everything needed to begin again, A Fresh Story Season 6 is your go-to resource for expert guidance and a supportive community. Join us as we navigate the complexities of divorce together and pave the way for a brighter, more empowered future.
On this episode, we’re covering everything you ever wanted to know concerning estate planning, real estate, investments, property, assets, money, and the divorce experience.
Questions covered in this episode:
- How can a realtor assist me in selling our marital home during the divorce? What factors are considered when determining the division of real estate in a divorce?
- What are the different types of alimony or spousal support arrangements? How is alimony determined, and what factors are considered in awarding alimony?
- How is property divided during a divorce, and what factors are considered?
- How can I protect my assets and investments during the divorce?
- Should I update my will and other estate planning documents? Should I update my healthcare proxy or power of attorney?
Fresh Starts Experts featured in this episode:
- Emily Clancy LoPorto, licensed real estate agent, SERHANT
- Mara Bernstein, founder of Divorce Different, Accredited Collaborative Divorce Lawyer, Divorce Mediator, Divorce Consultant
- Jolee Vacchi, divorce lawyer and mediator, founder of Foundations Family Law & Mediation Center
- Jen Reid, financial planner and coach, founder of BASE Financial Planning
- Cynthia Cartier, Divorce Attorney and Mediator, founder of Connecticut Mediation & Arbitration Services, LLC
For more info, check out DivorceGuide.co and DivorceMonth.com
A Fresh Story, season 6, episode 4
What happens when you decide to get divorced, and your husband is also your work-partner? What happens when you’re out on your own as a parent for the first time? We chatted with one of our favorite, most brilliant humans: screenwriter, showrunner, award-winning director, producer, and single mom extraordinaire, Dara Resnik.
Dara shares what it was like to end both the working relationship with her writing partner, who happened to also be her husband, and how she embarked on a journey of independence, parenthood, and career with bravery, humor, and a lot of writing. We appreciated Dara’s candor about the divorce process, co-parenting, and how she created a life she is proud of today.
Dara made us laugh, cry, and cheer as we discussed about the importance of living alone, mental health post-divorce, antics in single parenting, and how we can find the ground below us after divorce. You can give Dara a follow on Twitter.
A Fresh Story, season 6, episode 3
Embark on a transformative journey as we unravel the complexities of divorce in 10 insightful podcast episodes.
Delve into crucial topics like contemplating divorce, navigating real estate and custody, deciphering legal jargon, and exploring the emotional, physical, spiritual, and sexual facets of divorce. This season also uniquely addresses the challenges faced by stay-at-home parents during divorce. Featuring advice, wisdom, and guidance from over 25 Fresh Starts Experts, each episode offers practical insights and solutions to empower you through this life-changing transition. Learn about the legal intricacies, discover methods to navigate the emotional rollercoaster, and gain a holistic understanding of the divorce process.
Produced by Fresh Starts Registry, the pioneer in the divorce industry and a comprehensive platform for everything needed to begin again, A Fresh Story Season 6 is your go-to resource for expert guidance and a supportive community. Join us as we navigate the complexities of divorce together and pave the way for a brighter, more empowered future.
On this episode, we’re covering everything you ever wanted to know concerning workplace wellness, your career, human resources, and the divorce experience.
Questions covered in this episode:
- How can I balance the demands of my job with the emotional stress of going through a divorce?
- How do I handle disclosing my divorce to my employer or coworkers?
- Can I negotiate changes to my work schedule or location to accommodate new family arrangements?
- What if I need to find a new job during my divorce process? How can I update my resume?
- How can a career coach help me through my divorce process?
Fresh Starts Experts featured in this episode:
- Kara Regas, burnout and boundaries coach
- Arissan Nicole, founder of Authentic Empowerment, career and resume coach
- Nikki Innocent, founder of The Inclusive Leadership Collective, Holistic Coach for Career, Life and Interpersonal Change
- Ann Runkle, founder of Forward With Ann, divorce and career coach
- Tramelle D. Jones, founder of TDJ Consulting and Career Services, career and resume coach
Want to send this podcast episode to a friend, but not sure what to say? Here’s a simple script!
Hi! I just came across a podcast episode, and I thought it could be a valuable resource for you. It's from A Fresh Story, and it’s called Everything to Know About Divorce and Workplace Wellness. It features interviews with experts about common divorce and custody questions. I thought it might be worth a listen, especially when you need a bit of encouragement or insight from experts. Here's the link to the episode: [Insert Link]. I’m so proud of you, and if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m always here!
A Fresh Story, season 6, episode 2
Embark on a transformative journey as we unravel the complexities of divorce in 10 insightful podcast episodes.
Delve into crucial topics like contemplating divorce, navigating real estate and custody, deciphering legal jargon, and exploring the emotional, physical, spiritual, and sexual facets of divorce. This season also uniquely addresses the challenges faced by stay-at-home parents during divorce. Featuring advice, wisdom, and guidance from over 25 Fresh Starts Experts, each episode offers practical insights and solutions to empower you through this life-changing transition. Learn about the legal intricacies, discover methods to navigate the emotional rollercoaster, and gain a holistic understanding of the divorce process.
Produced by Fresh Starts Registry, the pioneer in the divorce industry and a comprehensive platform for everything needed to begin again, A Fresh Story Season 6 is your go-to resource for expert guidance and a supportive community. Join us as we navigate the complexities of divorce together and pave the way for a brighter, more empowered future.
On this episode, we’re covering everything you ever wanted to know concerning children and divorce: child custody arrangements, co-parenting tips, and how to support children through divorce.
Questions covered in this episode:
- What are the different types of child custody arrangements, and what factors are considered in determining custody?
- What are some common issues or disputes that arise regarding child custody, and how can they be resolved?
- What are some tips for talking to my children about the divorce?
- How can co-parenting challenges be addressed and managed effectively?
Fresh Starts Experts featured in this episode:
- Aurisha Smolarski, co-parenting coach, therapist, Certified Mediator, author of Cooperative Co-Parenting for Secure Kids: The Attachment Theory Guide to Raising Kids in Two Homes
- Mara Bernstein, founder of Divorce Different, Accredited Collaborative Divorce Lawyer, Divorce Mediator, Divorce Consultant
- Erica Miller, founder of Connected Minds NYC, clinical psychologist and children’s therapist
- Alexandria Phillips, founder of Yourhood Therapy, therapist
Make sure to head to DivorceGuide.co and DivorceMonth.com for more free resources.
A Fresh Story, season 6, episode 1
Embark on a transformative journey as we unravel the complexities of divorce in 10 insightful podcast episodes.
Delve into crucial topics like contemplating divorce, navigating real estate and custody, deciphering legal jargon, and exploring the emotional, physical, spiritual, and sexual facets of divorce. This season also uniquely addresses the challenges faced by stay-at-home parents during divorce. Featuring advice, wisdom, and guidance from over 25 Fresh Starts Experts, each episode offers practical insights and solutions to empower you through this life-changing transition. Learn about the legal intricacies, discover methods to navigate the emotional rollercoaster, and gain a holistic understanding of the divorce process.
Produced by Fresh Starts Registry, the pioneer in the divorce industry and a comprehensive platform for everything needed to begin again, A Fresh Story Season 6 is your go-to resource for expert guidance and a supportive community. Join us as we navigate the complexities of divorce together and pave the way for a brighter, more empowered future.
On this episode, we’re covering everything you ever wanted to know about considering divorce. What should you consider when you’re considering divorce?
Questions covered in this episode:
- I’m ready for a divorce, I’m so overwhelmed, what can I do to just start the process?
- Do I need to consult with an attorney, and if so, how do I choose the right one for my situation? What do I say when I call them? What should I look for in a divorce lawyer?
- What’s the purpose of a divorce coach? How can they help me and help me save money?
- What are the different types of divorce?
- What financial steps should I take to prepare for the divorce process?
- Should I share about my divorce on social media? What should I tell people about my divorce? Do I need to tell people?
Fresh Starts Experts featured in this episode:
- Kara Francis, Divorce Attorney, Mediator and Divorce Coach
- Rachel Snow, Luminary Divorce Coaching, divorce coach
- Paulette Rigo, Better Divorce Academy, Divorce Coach and Credential Private Mediator
- Janice Berner, CDFA, Financial Advisor, Financial Planner, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
- Carrie Rose, SunUp Coaching LLC, divorce and transitions coach
Want to send this podcast episode to a friend, but not sure what to say? Here’s a simple script!
Hi! I just came across a podcast episode, and I thought it could be a valuable resource for you. It's from A Fresh Story, and it’s called What to Consider When You’re Considering Divorce. It features interviews with experts about common divorce questions. I thought it might be worth a listen, especially when you need a bit of encouragement or insight from experts. Here's the link to the episode: [Insert Link]. I’m so proud of you, and if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m always here!
Check out The Divorce Guide here: divorceguide.co
Learn more on DivorceMonth.com
A Fresh Story, season 5, episode 12
Ella Dawson is a New England-based author who is proud to drive stick-shift. Her debut novel, But How Are You, Really?, will be published by Dutton Books in May 2024. In her nonfiction work, she digs into stigmatized topics including domestic violence, trauma recovery, and sexuality. She is reader-supported on Patreon, where she shares exclusive essays, videos and pop culture recommendations each week.
We chatted with Ella about her experience in an emotionally abusive relationship - the red flags, and how she ultimately got out of the relationship, how she found her voice again, writing her novel, and how she uses her voice and work to make active change in the world.
Enjoy this episode with Ella Dawson, check out her website, and follow Ella on Instagram and Twitter. Pre-order But How Are You, Really? here!
A Fresh Story, season 5, episode 11
We had the honor of talking to photographer and vanguard Becca Murray. Becca is a photographer and influencer who has found her calling helping people feel comfortable in their skin, exactly as they are. We had a fantastic convo with Becca about the power of photography in your fresh start journey, how she unraveled her past narratives to step into her confident self, and how she helps others feel empowered and embodied.
We talked about our relationships to our body and food, and how we can begin to re-write our stories around these relationships and heal ourselves from the inside out. We loved Becca’s perspective on photography and being an influencer. We know you will love her wise words about loving ourselves where we are in life!
Enjoy this episode with Becca Murray, check out her website, and follow Becca on Instagram and TikTok.
A Fresh Story, season 5, episode 10
We had the honor of talking to three-time Emmy-winning media and public speaking trainer Kathryn Janicek. Kathryn helps leaders communicate more effectively with the media and any audience. We talked to Kathryn about her own fresh starts in her career, and how she is passionate about supporting people in finding their voice and conquering communications. We chatted about how she met her husband, going through IVF and the loss of her twins, and how she held out hope for her daughter. We loved her advice on how to “balance it all,” and she has so many wise gems throughout the whole episode!
Kathryn’s 25+ years of experience running live news TV shows, as a media executive, and as a spokesperson means she brings expert perspective and guidance on shaping messaging and delivering with impact. Kathryn Janicek Productions is a team of experts who train in leadership development, executive presence, public speaking, media interview performance, communications, sales and relationship building, and wellness. They train Fortune 500 executives, physicians across the country, and they are the go-to training firm for the American Dental Association, the College of American Pathologists, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and other medical associations.
Enjoy this episode with Kathryn, check out her website, and follow Kathryn on Instagram.
A Fresh Story, season 5, episode 9
We had the honor of talking to writer, Minna Dubin, the author of MOM RAGE: The Everyday Crisis of Modern Motherhood. We talked to Minna about her creative journey within motherhood, how she developed the concept of mom rage as a book, and why it’s so important to talk about the rage (and all feelings) that come with motherhood.
Minna Dubin is the author of MOM RAGE: The Everyday Crisis of Modern Motherhood. Her writing has been featured in the New York Times, Oprah Daily, The Times Sunday Magazine, Salon, Lit Hub, Parents, Romper, and elsewhere. She is the recipient of an artist enrichment grant from the Kentucky Foundation for Women. As a leading feminist voice on mom rage, Minna has appeared on MSNBC, Good Morning America, The Tamron Hall Show, the BBC and NPR. She lives in Berkeley, CA with her husband, two kids, and no pets because enough is enough.
Enjoy this episode with Minna, check out her website, and follow Minna on Instagram. Grab your copy of Mom Rage here!
A Fresh Story, season 5, episode 8
We had the honor of talking to singer-songwriter and all-around amazing human Jane Kramer. Jane discussed how she managed through the breakup of her band, and the loss of her friends, her divorce and finding herself again, and how she ultimately carved out a space for herself in Asheville, North Carolina and discovered her ethereal voice and songwriting ability. We chatted about how she met her husband and her path to motherhood, as well as how fresh starts can be the most beautiful moments in our life. We dive into her music and lyrics, and how she writes about loss, love, and grief.
Jane Kramer, hailing from Asheville, North Carolina, is an accomplished and soulful musician captivating audiences with her folk-infused melodies and heartfelt lyrics. With a voice that echoes both strength and vulnerability, Kramer has become a prominent figure in the vibrant Asheville music scene. Her authentic storytelling and evocative performances reflect the rich musical tapestry of the region while carving out a distinctive space for her in the world of Americana and folk music.
With deep roots in the musical traditions, culture and lore of her beloved Appalachia, Kramer’s songs are introspective, gracefully gritty and fiercely memorable. They elegantly sweep listeners down the gravel roads and southern coastal highways, midnight truck stops and lonely motel rooms of hard learning and lead home to the wooded Blue Ridge Mountains with moving acceptance of our flawed human experience. Kramer’s live performances are equally as poignant and engaging; rich with accessible, warm, often hilarious storytelling and gracefully lifting the veil between audience and performer.
Enjoy this episode with Jane, check out her music, and follow Jane on Instagram. You can listen to Jane Kramer on Spotify here!
A Fresh Story, season 5, episode 7
We had the honor of talking to actress, artist, podcaster, and all around cool girl Rebecca Lee! We talked to Rebecca about her divorce, finding her way back to her career post-divorce, how we can tap into our confidence, and how she ditched the narratives in her life and found her own journey. Rebecca is brilliant, creative, funny, and one of our favorite cool girls - she is generous and kind and always looks like she’s about to walk onto the stage.
Rebecca Lee is a Los Angeles-based actor and filmmaker. She studied acting at Atlantic Acting School in New York City as well as the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in Los Angeles. Notable film and television credits include Crazy Ex-Girlfriend on the CW, Miranda July's Kajillionaire, and Comedy Central's Out of Office, written/directed by Paul Lieberstein and starring alongside Milana Vayntrub, Ken Jeong, Jay Pharoah, and Leslie Jones.
She recently produced and starred as "A" in the Los Angeles premiere of An Intervention by Mike Bartlett at The Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles April-June 2022, completing the run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
In addition to acting, Rebecca also has a passion for improv, performing every Monday night at 8pm in Holy Shit Improv at The Silverlake Lounge along with various other theaters throughout Los Angeles.
She has a podcast called, How the Fuck...?, where she interviews her friends and peers on different mental health topics. Season one was titled How the Fuck Did You Get So Confident? and season two is How the Fuck Did You Bounce Back?. Notable guests include Rachel Bloom, Shelley Hennig, Milana Vayntrub & Ashley Johnson.
Rebecca is also a writer and producer having the latest short film she produced, Beginner's Luck, starring Matthew Gray Gubler, Lauren Lapkus, Mary Holland, Ego Nwodim, herself, and others, win various awards on the festival circuit including the Grand Prize at the 2020 Hollywood Comedy Shorts Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Chicago Comedy Film Festival 2020.
Whether she’s acting, writing, directing, or producing, Rebecca is an artist first, looking to create projects that will act as a mirror held up to society, helping people to reflect on themselves and the world around them rather than hide from it.
Enjoy this episode with Rebecca, check out her website, and follow Rebecca on Instagram. Listen to How the Fuck Did You…podcast here!
A Fresh Story, season 5, episode 4
We had the honor of talking to Amanda Montei, the author of Touched Out: Motherhood, Misogyny, Consent, & Control. We talked about the transition into motherhood, the #metoo movement and motherhood, the relationship between joy, sex and being a new mom, and her journey to sobriety in new motherhood. We chatted about the response to the book in the world, and we had an honest conversation about domestic equity, women’s work, body agency, motherhood and feminism, and the state of being a mother in our society today.
Amanda is also the memoir Two Memoirs (Jaded Ibis Press) and a collection of prose, The Failure Age (Bloof Books). Her work has been featured at The New York Times, The Guardian, ELLE, TIME, The Cut, Mother Tongue, Slate, Electric Literature, Vox, Rumpus, Salon, The Believer, Ms. Magazine, Poetry Foundation, and in numerous literary journals. She was a 2020 Best American Essays notable.
She is currently a lecturer at California State University, East Bay and in 2024 will begin teaching creative writing in the Stanford Continuing Ed program. She has taught and presented work at Columbia University, New York University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Chicago, The Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, University of Virginia, State University of New York at Buffalo, Diablo Valley College, and others.
Amanda has been teaching writing for over a decade at the college level and at various arts organizations, including at Catapult, Corporeal Writing, Hugo House, Writing Workshops, and Write or Die. Her work has received support from In Cahoots, Riverrun Foundation, and Juniper Writer’s Institute.
She holds an MFA in Writing from California Institute of the Arts and a PhD in English literature from SUNY at Buffalo. She runs the popular newsletter Mad Woman and lives in California.
Enjoy this episode with Amanda, check out Touched Out, and follow Amanda on Instagram and her website. You can subscribe to her Substack Mad Woman here.
A Fresh Story, season 5, episode 6
We had the honor of talking to Certified Professional Coach and CEO, Liz Brunner. We had an in-depth conversation about balancing the private and public persona, authenticity and vulnerability, her career pivots and fresh starts in life, and her passion for storytelling. We chat about being grateful for our community and supporters, and how she supports her clients in finding their voice these days.
Liz Brunner is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and the CEO and founder of Brunner Communications and best-selling author of Dare to Own You: Taking Your Authenticity and Dreams Into Your Next Chapter, recommended on Forbes. She is a keynote speaker at corporate conventions, including Stifel, the Barron’s Women Summit, the CoreNet Global Summit, as well as numerous colleges and universities. Leveraging more than 35 years of media and communications experience, expertise, and leadership, Brunner is sought by high-profile individuals and organizations to build meaningful reputations and powerful brand identities within their markets.
In February 2020, Liz launched her podcast, "Live Your Best Life with Liz Brunner," where guests share their stories of re-creation, transformation and how they have created their “next chapters” inspiring others to live their best, most authentic lives as well. Liz’s podcast has won multiple awards for “Best Host” and “Best Lifestyle Podcast” by the Communicator Awards.
In 2020, Liz founded the Brunner Academy of online learning, providing access to high quality speaker training. Her flagship public speaking course, “How to be a Rock Star Public Speaker," is receiving high praise: “Liz Brunner is one of the top professional speakers in the world… and one of the best teachers of speaking in the world.” – Brian Tracy, International Speaker, best-selling author and consultant
In 2023, Liz's highly acclaimed book, Dare To Own You, placed in the Silver/ 2nd Place category for "Self-Help" of the annual Feathered Quill Book Awards and was also a Finalist in the category of "memoir/ biography." It is available on Amazon and Audible and at Barnes & Noble.
Enjoy this episode with Liz, check out Brunner Communications, and follow Liz on Instagram and Twitter.
A Fresh Story, season 5, episode 5
We had the honor of talking to Nikki Pebbles, the founder of RYB Fitness. She's on a mission to inspire and empower people to unleash their full potential and live their boldest lives. With her Master’s in Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, she is an international award winning fitness instructor and has worked with some of the biggest wellness brands in the world, including Google. With over 12 years as a Special Populations Personal Trainer, she is passionate about helping make movement accessible AND fun. She has been featured in Self Magazine, Women’s Health, In style, The New York Post, and The Times of London.
We talked to Nikki about leaving an emotionally abusive relationship, and how blocking her ex from her life was the bravest decision she made, how she pivoted her career during the pandemic lockdown, and her mission to help people feel embodied and inspired in their lives. We also chatted about being neurodiverse, finding love again, and how we can live our best lives, even when stuff seems to be falling apart. Nikki is inspiring, creative, energetic, and a beautiful soul. If you need a reminder to “choose your greatness,” take a listen to this episode with Nikki Pebbles.
Enjoy this episode with Nikki, check out RYB Fitness, and follow Nikki on Instagram, TikTok, and her website.
A Fresh Story, season 5, episode 3
This conversation includes a detailed discussion on eating disorders.
We had the honor of talking to Cole Kazdin, author and journalist of the groundbreaking book What’s Eating Us. Cole Kazdin is a writer, performer and four-time Emmy Award-winning television journalist. She has written for VICE, TIME, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, The Daily Beast, and many others, and has produced for Good Morning America, Nightline and World News Tonight. She has told stories live on The Moth's Mainstage across the country and The Moth Radio Hour on NPR. Her first book, What's Eating Us: Women, Food, and the Epidemic of Body Anxiety (St. Martin's Press) blends personal narrative and investigative reporting to reveal disordered eating as an epidemic crisis killing millions of women.
We chatted with Cole about her journey with eating disorders, why she decided to write What’s Eating Us, what she found in her journalistic journey of the book, and how it’s all…really about hope. We discussed the concept of being “cured,” from eating disorders, growing up in diet culture, intuitive eating, and how we can give ourselves grace when it comes to our own relationship with food and eating.
Enjoy this episode with Cole, check out What’s Eating Us, and follow Cole on Instagram and her website.
A Fresh Story, season 5, episode 2
We had the honor of talking to Lindsay White, founder and CEO of The Little Milk Bar. The Little Milk Bar is a brand that empowers breastfeeding moms, giving them permission to feed their baby whenever and wherever you need to with or without a cover. Lindsay lives in Salt Lake, Utah with her 3 kids and husband.
We chatted with Lindsay about why and how she founded The Little Milk Bar, and how she grew the company from a mere concept to a multi-million dollar brand, which is proud to be community first, always.
We talked about the power of community, especially in motherhood, and how Lindsay believes in collaboration over competition. We were blown away with her genius marketing concepts, and we get into the nitty-gritty about branding, color design, fonts, and take an inside look at The Little Milk Bar and her entrepreneurial journey.
Enjoy this episode with Lindsay, and check out The Little Milk Bar on their website, Instagram, and TikTok.
A Fresh Story, season 5, episode 1
We’re so excited about Season 5 of A Fresh Story: Women’s Voices Making Change! On this sister episode, we introduce Season 5 and what’s to come. We chat about our new Ambitious Woman: Female Founder Networking Group, and chat about our own journey in the world of Venture Capital. We discussed why we’re so excited to introduce the world to these 11 women making change in the world with their voice this season, and what’s coming on on Season 6 of A Fresh Story in January (Season 6 is “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Divorce But Were Afraid to Ask”).
So, without further adieu, please remember to rate, review, and certainly subscribe to this season of A Fresh Story so you can hear from the below women! Take a quick listen to this episode to hear more about them and why we’re so excited to share these conversations.
- Lindsay White, founder of The Little Milk Bar
- Cole Kazdin, author of What’s Eating Us?
- Amanda Montei, author of Touched Out: Motherhood, Misogyny, Consent, and Control
- Nikki Pebbles, founder of RYB Fitness
- Liz Brunner, founder of Brunner Communications
- Rebecca Lee, podcast host, artist, actress, writer
- Minna Dubin, author of Mom Rage
- Jane Kramer, singer-songwriter
- Kathryn Janicek, 3x Emmy Winner and Entrepreneur
- Becca Murray, Body-Positive Photographer and Creator
- Ella Dawson, author of the upcoming novel But How Are You, Really?
Interested in attending our Ambitious Woman: Female Founder Networking Call? Click here for more info!
She was working in a bridal shop, in Flushing, Queens...when she had a Fresh Start. On this very special sitcom-fresh-start bonus episode of A Fresh Story, Olivia and Jenny do a deep dive into Fran Fine's Fresh Start with the Sheffields. If you need a little laughter in your life, take a listen to this episode, where the sister break down The Nanny theme song, talk about the Jewish Joy in the show, and chat about why sitcoms, generally speaking, are all about Fresh Starts. Plus, they talk about their undying love for classic Nick at Nite, and Jenny uses the phrase, "body be banging." It's an unhinged sister episode that'll leave you laughing, we promise.
Hosted by sisters and co-founders of Fresh Starts Registry, A Fresh Story features raw, vulnerable, and honest conversations with guests about brave life decisions, bold moves, big ideas, and fresh starts. Join us to laugh, cry, and chat about courageous choices and new beginnings.
Learn more at: http://afreshstory.com/
A Fresh Story, season 4, episode 10
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we’re honored to hold space for these profound stories. These stories may be of grief, but they are also of hope, resilience, and most of all, unconditional love. As a reminder, be gentle with your heart, and if you are not able to listen to this episode at the moment, we understand and we are holding you close. We know these conversations will change you as they have changed us.
It’s no surprise that everything we do a Fresh Starts boils down to the concept of support. We are here to bridge the gap between those who need support and those who want to support others. This is especially true when it comes to supporting our loved ones experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. As we talked to these amazing women and experts, we asked them: how can we support someone experiencing loss? What should we say? What shouldn’t we say? We have answers for you! (PS. You can find all of our Simple Scripts to Support People for free here!)
On this episode, you will hear from:
- Emily Pardy, LMFT, PMH-C, founder and CEO of Ready Nest Counseling in Nashville, you can hear more from Emily HERE
- Katherine Aguirre, a OBGYN physician’s assistant, Long Island, you can hear more from Katherine HERE
- Sarah Baroud, LICSW, with a focus on perinatal mental health, founder of Practice Makes Present, and a Fresh Starts Expert, you can hear more from Sarah HERE
- Katy Huie Harrison, PhD, founder of Undefining Motherhood, you can hear more from Katy HERE
- Anna Burgess-Yang, you can hear Anna’s episodes HERE and HERE
- Kelly Schricker, you can hear Kelly’s episode HERE
- Alexa, you can hear Alexa’s episode HERE
- Ashley Spivey, you can hear Ashley’s episode HERE
- Laura Malcolm, you can hear Laura’s episode HERE, and check out Give InKind HERE
- Amanda Lauren, you can hear Amanda’s episode HERE
- Jane Kramer, you can hear more from Jane HERE, and the song Child is from Valley of the Bones (2019).
A Fresh Story, season 4, episode 9
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we’re honored to hold space for these profound stories. These stories may be of grief, but they are also of hope, resilience, and most of all, unconditional love. As a reminder, be gentle with your heart, and if you are not able to listen to this episode at the moment, we understand and we are holding you close. We know these conversations will change you as they have changed us.
As we learned throughout producing this season, miscarriage is incredibly common, and yet we’re not talking about it. So, we’re going to talk about it. We talked to four women with vastly different miscarriage stories about their experience with pregnancy loss, and how it impacted the way they moved forward through life.
We talked to teacher Alexa about miscarrying during the pandemic lockdown with other children at home. We chatted with Amanda, a writer and interior design expert, about advocating for her own mental and physical health during her loss. Kelly shared her experience of miscarriage and how she grieved the loss of a child she so badly wanted. And, we talked to Jane about how she used music to heal her heart after multiple miscarriages.
If you have experienced miscarriage, or are currently experiencing miscarriage, we are holding we close, and we love you. We hope these women help you feel less alone.
A Fresh Story, season 4, episode 8
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we’re honored to hold space for these profound stories. These stories may be of grief, but they are also of hope, resilience, and most of all, unconditional love. As a reminder, be gentle with your heart, and if you are not able to listen to this episode at the moment, we understand and we are holding you close. We know these conversations will change you as they have changed us.
It’s no surprise that we’re all about searching out support from Experts when people are experiencing hard life moments, so we turned to the Experts to chat about miscarriage - and why we don’t talk about miscarriage. We asked all of the Experts we talked to the same two questions: how common is miscarriage, and if it is so common, why are we not talking about it more? Take a listen to their words and why they think we’re not talking about miscarriage, even though it is so common.
We talked to:
- Emily Pardy, LMFT, PMH-C, founder and CEO of Ready Nest Counseling in Nashville
- Katherine Aguirre, a OBGYN physician’s assistant, Long Island
- Sarah Baroud, LICSW, with a focus on perinatal mental health, founder of Practice Makes Present, and a Fresh Starts Expert
- Katy Huie Harrison, PhD, founder of Undefining Motherhood
A Fresh Story, season 4, episode 7
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we’re honored to hold space for these profound stories. These stories may be of grief, but they are also of hope, resilience, and most of all, unconditional love. As a reminder, be gentle with your heart, and if you are not able to listen to this episode at the moment, we understand and we are holding you close. We know these conversations will change you as they have changed us.
Laura Malcolm is an innovator, and inventor, a founder, and a mother. Laura is the founder and CEO of Give InKind, which is a incredibly necessary platform to help normalize support for hard life moments (and good ones, too!), by eliminating the overwhelm of supporters coming together to help people through these moments. As you can imagine, we’re huge fans of Give InKind, so when the chance to talk to Laura came up for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, I jumped at it. You see, Laura is a loss mom, her daughter Layla was stillborn on November 11th, 2013. And, it was Layla’s death that ultimately became the impetus for Laura and her husband to found Give InKind.
Laura and I talked about why community support is incredibly in tragedy, what it’s like to leave the hospital without your baby, how she honors Layla’s life and spends time with her these days, and the power of Give InKind to make sure no one feels alone during tragedy. I really appreciated Laura’s perspective on grief and life and honoring Layla.
Laura, thank you for using your experience with loss to make sure others don’t feel alone. And, thank you for sharing Layla with us. We will remember her always. You can read more about Layla in Laura’s own words here.
You can learn more about Laura and Give InKind on their platform, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
A Fresh Story, season 4, episode 6
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we’re honored to hold space for these profound stories. These stories may be of grief, but they are also of hope, resilience, and most of all, unconditional love. As a reminder, be gentle with your heart, and if you are not able to listen to this episode at the moment, we understand and we are holding you close. We know these conversations will change you as they have changed us.
Ashley Spivey is like the older sister that you always wanted, and never know how much you needed, until you meet her, and you wonder how you ever survived without her. Ashley is one of those rare gem humans who is an actual angel on earth. She spends her time on the internet helping people, educating people, and making sure everyone feels supported, heard, and validated. I’ve been following Ashley for years, as she has wonderful book recommendations, and I remember how excited I was for her when she announced she was pregnant. And then, months later, Ashley shared that her son CJ had been stillborn on November 26th, 2020. My heart dropped. In true form, Ashley shared her experience of losing CJ with honesty, authenticity, and reverence for her grief and unconditional love for her son.
When I think of Ashley, I think of the quote, “maybe you’ve been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved,” and Ashley has dedicated her life to honoring CJ by changing the world in major ways, including working on bills to change policy for bereavement leave for parents, and education support on stillbirth. I talked to Ashley about leaving the hospital without her son, the impact of social media on processing CJ’s death, pregnancy after loss, and how she connects with CJ every day.
I’m so proud of Ashley for using her voice to honor CJ and to support so many people. It’s an honor to know Ashley and hold space for CJ’s story. This conversation will change you, as it has changed us.
Ashley, thank you for sharing CJ with us. We will remember him always.
You can learn more about Ashley on Instagram.
A Fresh Story, season 4, episode 5
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we’re honored to hold space for these profound stories. These stories may be of grief, but they are also of hope, resilience, and most of all, unconditional love. As a reminder, be gentle with your heart, and if you are not able to listen to this episode at the moment, we understand and we are holding you close. We know these conversations will change you as they have changed us.
Jena Graham is an academic coordinator for special education programs. She’s a mother, and a wife. And, to me, Jena is the cool older girl on my dorm freshman year of college. That’s where I met Jena, 20 years ago. When I found myself feeling lost and confused those first few weeks of school, Jena, with her cool and collected confidence, and her roomate, Leanna, took me under their wing. Jena was a year older than me, and she had an attitude about her I admired. She didn’t care what people thought of her, she just did her thing and everyone else could either get on board, or get out of the way. Jena and I had many sociology classes together, and over the next 3 years, became great friends. Jena was like the older sister I never had, and I adored her.
As life continued on, and Facebook let me know, that Jena married a man named Geoff, she had a son, named Max. And then, in January of 2020, she had a son named Charlie. Charlie was born January 8th, 2020, and passed away 3 days later. My heart simply broke for Jena, and I thought of her and Charlie often.
I had been posting on social media about producing this series about infant loss, and Jena reached out to thank me for using our platform to share these stories. I asked if she would like to come talk about Charlie, and she did. I’m in awe of Jena’s strength, her honesty, and her desire to keep talking about the hard stuff so that other people don’t feel alone. We talked about Charlie’s life, how he inspires her, and her advice for anyone experiencing infant loss is profound, to say the least.
Jena, thank you for sharing Charlie with us. We will remember him always.
A Fresh Story, season 4, episode 4
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we’re honored to hold space for these profound stories. These stories may be of grief, but they are also of hope, resilience, and most of all, unconditional love. As a reminder, be gentle with your heart, and if you are not able to listen to this episode at the moment, we understand and we are holding you close. We know these conversations will change you as they have changed us.
Nikki Dinki is a chef, author, mom, TV Host, and comedy writer. I was first introduced to Nikki when she was on Food Network Star in 2013. She seemed so lovely, relatable, and sweet (spoiler alert: she is). She seemed like someone I’d be friends with. I was pregnant with my first son at the time I watched her on Food Network Star, and so when she announced that she too was pregnant on the season 9 finale, I was so excited for her. My son was born in August, and in the flurry of new parenthood, I forgot that Nikki’s child was also due. Months went by, and I started to worry, where was Nikki? Where was the baby?
And, then I saw this post on her website. Willa had been stillborn, on her due date, November 25th, 2013. I will never forget reading about the Lemonade Cheesecakes for Willa, and I never forgot Nikki or Willa. My heart broke for her, and I thought often of her and Willa.
In the years since, Nikki and I bopped around the same media circles and when it came time to produce this series, I knew I had to talk to Nikki. I wanted to know more about her journey after loss, and of course, about sweet Willa. Almost 10 years later, Nikki describes every moment so honestly, and with such grace and reverence for her daughter. We talked about the quiet that comes with a stillbirth, and how she kept going after Willa’s passing, with work – and the incredible importance of mementos. We chatted about how she feels so connected to her daughter and how Willa is with them every day. Nikki’s courage, humor, and love for her daughter is palpable, and I was so grateful to get to spend the time with her and Willa.
You can read some of Nikki’s recipes and stories here:
- Willa’s Lemonade Cheesecakes
- Pregnancy after loss: Little Baby’s Caramel Apple Monkey Bread
Nikki, thank you for sharing Willa with us all. We will remember her always.
You can find Nikki on Twitter and Instagram, TikTok, and her website. Check out her newest cookbook, More Veggies Please!
A Fresh Story, season 4, episode 3
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we’re honored to hold space for these profound stories. These stories may be of grief, but they are also of hope, resilience, and most of all, unconditional love. As a reminder, be gentle with your heart, and if you are not able to listen to this episode at the moment, we understand and we are holding you close. We know these conversations will change you as they have changed us.
Rae Hoffman Jager is a poet and writer, yoga teacher, former doula, and currently, in nursing school. I first met Rae on Twitter, actually, it was this tweet, the one about birthing a dead baby, which came across my Twitter feed, and made me stop in my tracks. Rae and I break down the tweet - her word choice, how it supported her, and the backlash, and why she even Tweeted during the delivery of her son in the first place.
Rae’s son Fox was stillborn on Thanksgiving Day, 2021. Rae walks us through the journey of finding out he had passed during a routine visit, and what laboring and delivering a dead baby was like. Rae discusses how her Judaism was intertwined with the moment she met her son, and what it’s really like to hold your dead baby. We talked about the support she received in the days after, what pregnancy after loss is like, and how she and her family connect and spend time with Fox today.
Rae is honest, brave, raw, and fiercely determined to move through life while honoring Fox’s life every step of the way. His death was the impetus for a major career shift, and we’re so proud of her determination.
You can read some of Rae’s work here:
- Sitting Shiva, Atticus Review, August 2022
- There Was No Jewish Way to Mourn Stillbirth — So We Created Our Own, Kveller, May 2022
- Pregnancy Loss Taught Me This Important Jewish Value, Kveller, July 2022
- Three Poems, Contrary Magazine
Rae, thank you for sharing Fox with us all. We will remember him always.
You can find Rae on Twitter and Instagram, and her website.
A Fresh Story, season 4, episode 2
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we’re honored to hold space for these profound stories. These stories may be of grief, but they are also of hope, resilience, and most of all, unconditional love. As a reminder, be gentle with your heart, and if you are not able to listen to this episode at the moment, we understand and we are holding you close. We know these conversations will change you as they have changed us.
Anna Burgess Yang is a freelance content marketer and journalist in the suburbs of Chicago. I met Anna on Twitter, and she was a guest on the first season of A Fresh Story. When I was editing the podcast episode she was originally on, I noticed that she left out a huge part of her story on the interview: her two daughters that had passed away. I reached out and asked if she would someday want to come back on the show to talk about being a loss mom, and how to support people going through child loss. So, she’s back. And she’s sharing her raw, honest, and beautiful story of her daughters, Nelle Claudia Dej (born 09/04/2015) and Iris Madeline Hnub (born 02/13/2016).
Anna discusses the moments she found out that there was no heartbeats, how she processed her grief in the early days, and the support she received and sought out that helped her keep going. We talked about the things people said to her that hurt her feelings, and the things people did to help her feel loved and seen. And, we talked a lot about how she honors Nelle and Iris every day, in big and small ways.
I was appreciative of Anna’s honesty in discussing her pregnancy after loss, and why having a rainbow baby can bring up so many emotions you wouldn’t often consider. I’m grateful for Anna’s advocacy work to support other loss parents, and most of all, for her tender and honest musings about her daughters, her grief, and her relationship to loss.
You can read Nelle’s birth story here, and Iris’ birth story here.
Anna, thank you for sharing your sweet girls with us all. We will remember them always.
Here are some of the resources Anna mentioned in the episode:
- Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support (national support org with local chapters)
- Refuge in Grief
Some books Anna recommends:
- It's Ok That You're Not Ok - Megan Devine (Refuge in Grief is her website)
- There Is No Good Card for This - Emily McDowell
- Cry, Heart, But Never Break - Glenn Ringtved (for children)
You can find Anna on LinkedIn and Instagram. You can read more of her beautiful writing on Musings Out Loud by Anna Burgess Yang.
A Fresh Story, season 4, episode 1
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we’re honored to hold space for these profound stories. These stories may be of grief, but they are also of hope, resilience, and most of all, unconditional love. As a reminder, be gentle with your heart, and if you are not able to listen to this episode at the moment, we understand and we are holding you close. We know these conversations will change you, as they have changed us.
Alex Mooney is an award-winning photographer in St. Louis, Missouri. I met Alex ten years ago on Instagram, and I had no idea how much she would change my life. Alex and I have been through a lot together; I learned so much from Alex watching her walk through Hell when she lost her child. Clark William Mooney died on October 29th, 2018.
When we decided to produce this series, I turned to Alex for guidance, as not only is she a photographer, but she is a birth photographer – and she photographs death, too.
I talked to Alex about losing Clark, and what it was like to leave the hospital without her child, how she and her family continue to honor Clark’s life, and how Clark’s death was the impetus for a major career shift in her life. We chatted about the importance of bereavement photography, and how Clark’s legacy is supporting so many families in spending precious time with their babies.
You can learn more about Clark in Alex’s own writing, and Captures for Clark, as well.
You can read more about Clark and Alex on her website and Instagram.
Olivia and Jenny share a quick update on their lives, the future of the podcast, and what you'll be hearing in October.
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 20
We had the chance to talk to Ashley Mason about her fresh starts in life, including having the bravery to leave a toxic relationship at a young age, to supporting her mother through her last days of life, and how she lives with grief. Ashley is so full of positivity and gratitude for her experiences, and we were honored that she felt safe enough to share her stories with us.
Ashley Mason is the founder of Dash of Social, a content marketing firm specializing in social media, marketing strategy, blogging, and email marketing. Working closely with their clients, Ashley and her team help small business owners and entrepreneurs craft and execute value-driven marketing strategies designed to establish thought leadership, grow online communities, and build connections and leads.
Additionally, Ashley founded Massachusetts Business Network in 2022, which is the only statewide publication that provides free to low cost resources that support organizations with increasing their visibility and establishing thought leadership through its podcast, blog, and directory.
Ashley is a graduate of Stonehill College, where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, and has been featured in prominent publications such as TEDx, Business Insider, and HuffPost.
She currently serves as a Board Member for the Brockton Visiting Nurse Association (BVNA), Middleboro Public Library, and South Shore Young Professionals (SSYP). When she isn't working, you can find her running on her Peloton or curled up on the couch with a book.
Check out more from Ashley on her website, Instagram, and Twitter.
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 19
Why are friendship breakups so heartbreaking and hard to untangle? We talked to our dear, wonderful, and witchy friend Maddie Eisenhart about her fresh starts in life, including getting married young, parenthood, career changes, and untangling herself from a co-dependent work relationship. We laughed, we may have even barfed, and a good time was had by all! If you have ever had to break up with a friend, you will understand the pain and heartbreak of putting up boundaries, and moving through life in the aftermath.
Check out more from Maddie on Instagram.
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 18
We had the chance to talk to CEO, and working mom, Kelley Higney! Kelley is brilliant, lovely, and so passionate about changing the world with her product, Bug Bite Thing. We chatted with Kelley about her career change, making fresh starts, being a working mom, becoming a CEO, and of course…going on Shark Tank!
Kelley Higney is the founder and CEO of Bug Bite Thing, the leader in providing consumers with chemical-free first aid products, including its insect bite relief suction tool which is Amazon's #1 seller for insect bite relief with nearly 90,000 reviews and its tick remover tweezer tool approved for both people and pets that launched this summer.
Determination to find a natural alternative to the available remedies on the market that would alleviate her six-month-old daughter’s constantly suffering from mosquito bites, led to her discovery of an unfamiliar product that uses suction to remove the irritant. Then, after securing exclusive distribution rights to the product, she branded it Bug Bite Thing and has since been a “Mom on a Mission,” educating the world on the most effective, chemical-free solution for insect bite relief.
The company gained national recognition in October 2019 when Kelley and her mother, Ellen McAlister, appeared on ABC’s hit show, ‘Shark Tank.’ All the Sharks were biting with offers to invest in the business, but it was Lori Greiner’s ‘Golden Ticket’ offer that secured the partnership. In April 2021, Kelley and her mother returned to ‘Shark Tank.’ This time, they shared details on the company's transformation into a multi-million dollar enterprise following their first appearance on the show.
Kelley is a member of the Fast Company Executive Board and Forbes Business Council and the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Stevie Award for ‘Female Executive of the Year’ by the 2022 Stevie Awards for Women in Business and named a “Top Mamaprenistas” by the 2022 Entreprenista 100. She is active within the South Florida community where she resides and teaches teens through Bug Bite Thing's Entrepreneurship in Action Program in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County. She lives in Port St. Lucie with her husband and two daughters.
Learn more about Kelley and Bug Bite Thing on their website, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok and of course, Amazon.
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 17
We had the chance to talk to Adam Marx all about networking, human nature, relationships, and so much more! Adam is funny, honest, and we had a fantastic convo about career changes, networking when you don't feel like networking, music, and families.
Adam Marx is a networking & branding consultant, speaker, tech founder, startup advisor, journalist, & the founder of The Zero to One Networker. Formerly the founder & CEO of music-tech startup Glipple, Inc., and as a writer appearing in Crunchbase News, Startup Grind, Mattermark, & others, Adam draws on more than a decade of experiences in the music & startup tech industries to teach others how to cultivate powerful relationships using strategies of patience, consistency, authenticity, & value creation. As a networking consultant and speaker, Adam has worked with numerous organizations, including TechStars Atlanta, the Atlanta Tech Village (ATV), ATDC (through Georgia Tech), and Panoramic Ventures, where he’s advised & mentored founders on how to develop magnetic dialogues & long-term relationships. In addition to advising & consulting, Adam has given talks at ATV, ATDC, and most recently emceed the 2022 Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) State conference in Burlington, Vermont.
Check out more from Adam on his website, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 16
We had the chance to talk to esthetician Jennifer Adell. We chatted about the connection between our skin and our stories and spirituality; how she built a community on social media, and why she believes in empowering women to age proudly and beautifully.
As a licensed esthetician for more than twenty years, Jennifer Adell has fostered a unique practice that incorporates ancient energy medicine principles with state-of-the-art technology. She has a modern outlook that fuses tried and true techniques with the undeniable benefits of science. After obtaining her cosmetology and esthetics licenses, she trained in a four-year energy medicine program at the Institute of Healing Arts and Sciences (IHAS) in Bloomfield, Connecticut, where she learned about the utility of energy medicine as a transformative tool for mind and body healing. There, she worked closely with clients suffering major immune system deficiencies as a result of chemo and radiation therapy, as well as those who would soon undergo or were currently recovering from surgery. In addition to amassing knowledge and honing invaluable techniques, her time at IHAS solidified for her the significance of my chosen career and the important role of the esthetician in the client’s wellness journey and path to healing. More than that, it reinforced her philosophy of service, one rooted in compassion and consideration, which she applies to every client, regardless of age, wellness concerns, or nature of treatment. Following her education, she held senior-level positions at some of the foremost spas and wellness centers in New York City before relocating to Connecticut with her family in 2015. She currently serves as senior esthetician at New Beauty & Wellness in Westport.
Check out more from Jennifer on her website, Instagram, and TikTok.
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 15
We chatted with SiriusXM talk show host, entrepreneur, podcaster, and mom, Nicole Ryan. What happens when a fresh start is forced upon us in life? After surviving a car accident, Nicole had to rebuild her body, mind, and life, and start fresh with a grateful perspective on life. We talked about Nicole’s career in entertainment and radio, being a working parent, and how she learned to celebrate the small wins and give herself a lot of grace after her accident. It’s a beautiful episode about finding the silver linings in forced fresh starts.
With her effortless charm and down-to-earth energy, Nicole Ryan has the type of natural charisma that instantly lights up any screen, stage, or studio. Since first hitting the airwaves as a co-host of “The Morning Mash Up”—the SiriusXM Hits 1 daily talk show frequented by today’s biggest pop stars—she’s emerged as a multidimensional force of nature, finding breakout success in TV, digital media, brand ambassadorship, the live-event market, and beyond. As she moves forward in a self-styled career that shows the many sides of her magnetic personality—pop culture expert, culinary enthusiast, fitness buff, wife and mom, to name just a few—Ryan infuses every undertaking with her sharp sense of humor and genuinely radiant presence.
You can find Nicole on her website, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram.
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 14
We talked to comedian and advocate Laura High about everything from her divorce to being donor-conceived, and everything in between. Laura chatted with us about the end of her marriage, finding her home on the stage, and meeting her new husband. We talked about her advocacy work for donor-conceived people and how she is shifting the cultural narrative in the way we discuss donor-conceived people’s stories, health, and so much more. Laura is witty, authentic, and empowering, and we had a fantastic time getting to know her.
Laura High is a New York actor and comedian. She received her B.A. in Theatre Performance from Nazareth College. Laura has had lead roles on TV shows, and national commercials. Laura performs stand-up comedy at venues like Broadway Comedy Club, Bananas, and headlined Carolines on Broadway. Laura has been featured on the New York Comedy Festival and won the 'Broadly Funny' Divison at the 360 Stand Up Festival. Laura is a rising content creator. Laura has gone viral several times on TikTok and her following has grown exponentially in a short amount of time. Laura writes, produces, and edits all of her own work.
Check out more from Laura on her website, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, and podcast.
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 13
We had the chance to talk to podcaster and entrepreneur Matt LeBris about growing up and marching to the beat of his own drum, finding his community, how he jumped into podcasting, and his journey through mental health. We talked about why it’s important to have mentors (and be a mentor), how we can learn more about our own mental health, and the beauty and magic of career pivots. And, we had convo about EPIC sandwiches!
Matt LeBris is a born and raised NY'er who inevitably caught the hustler's spirit that fills his hometown streets. A Forbes 30 Under 30 Nominee, Matt has previously worked with Daymond John of Shark Tank before launching his top 1% globally ranked podcast, Decoding Success, which has featured the likes of Mel Robbins, Grant Cardone, and many more.
Check out more from Matt on his website, Instagram, and Twitter, and of course listen to Decoding Success!
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 12
We had the chance to talk to author L’Oreal Thompson Payton about why we need to stop waiting for perfect, and embrace our identity as we step out of our comfort zone and into our power. With guest co-host Rob Abney, we talked about growing up in the early 2000s, the process of writing a book, embracing our nerdy selves, and so much more!
L’Oreal Thompson Payton is the author of Stop Waiting for Perfect: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Into Your Power. Her work has appeared in outlets such as Bitch, Bustle, Essence, SELF, and Well + Good, just to name a few. As a writer, L’Oreal expertly blends refreshingly confessional career and life advice with inspirational insight and just the right amount of humor. She does this by authentically and vulnerably sharing her lessons learned and imperfections while bringing her readers along with her on the journey.
Check out more from L’Oreal on her website, subscribe to newsletter & podcast, Instagram, and Twitter, and of course BUY THE BOOK!
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 11
What’s the relationship between crisis control, public relations, and divorce? Well, a lot! We had the immense pleasure of chatting with the fantastic Pop Culture and PR Expert Molly McPherson about communications, social media, public relations, and how to navigate our inner resilience during our own personal crises. It’s a beautiful conversation about the intersection between our public personas, our private crises, and how we come out the other side stronger and more resilient.
Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, is a nationally recognized expert in crisis public relations in the age of social media. She is the author of the book, Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis and is a well-known Pop Culture & PR expert on TikTok. Molly helps organizations manage issues - from emerging to crisis - by combining her knowledge of current communication practices with years of media and crisis management experience.
In addition to hosting the podcast "The Indestructible PR® Podcast with Molly McPherson," she frequently speaks to executives and organizations about communication trends, crisis communications, and public relations. Through her experience in FEMA’s Office of External Affairs during post-Hurricane Katrina efforts, and as Director of Communications for the Cruise Line International Association in Arlington, Virginia, Molly created a proven public relations framework for responding to a public backlash both online and in the press.
On a personal note, Molly is a mom of four wonderful children (now all young adults!). She prioritizes her relationships with her kids by cheering them on at their hockey games, soccer games, and theatre events, as well as attending family events at their schools and universities. Molly enjoys running, and is currently training for a half marathon!
Check out more from Molly on her website, Instagram, and Twitter, and of course TikTok. Listen to Molly’s podcast here, too!
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 10
How does major trauma in our childhood change the course of our life? We chatted with friend of the podcast, Matt Gilhooly about his major life shifts, including losing his mother in a tragedy at a young age. Matt has since turned his grief into the award-winning podcast The Life Shift Podcast, where he talks to people about their own personal life shift moments. (Catch Jenny and Olivia on The Life Shift Podcast!) We talked to Matt about the major shift in his life with the passing of his mother, and how her death influenced and informed his life; we chatted about relationships with grandmothers, music, grief, podcasting, and so much more.
Matt Gilhooly is a creator - podcaster, communicator, and educator. He is the creator, producer, editor, and host of The Life Shift Podcast. Spurred by his own life-altering experiences, Matt helps others share the stories of pivotal moments in their lives that changed everything forever. He also enjoys designing content, such as communication materials, coloring books, digital art, pitch decks, and other forms of media. Matt has self-published over ten coloring books on Amazon and released a children's book that celebrates individuality and confidence, "I Can Be Anyone: A Soul's Journey," in June 2021.
Matt earned his master’s in mass communications from the University of Florida in 2022 and an MBA from the University of Central Florida in 2004. He believes that we must take time to support the people around us to achieve success.
Check out more from Matt on his website, Instagram, and Twitter. Listen to The Life Shift Podcast HERE!
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 9
We had the best time talking to award-winning luthier Jayne Henderson about her fresh start into the world of building instruments. We chatted about her relationship with her father, her major career pivot into the world of luthiers, being a female founder and working mother in a predominantly male industry, and how becoming a mother changed her outlook on life. It is an honest, funny, raw, and authentic look at how life takes us places we aren’t expecting, but end up being exactly for us in the long run.
Jayne Henderson is an acoustic instrument maker specializing in small body guitars and ukuleles who took a major jump from nonprofit environmental law into the mostly male dominated field of instrument making. She learned the trade from her father, Wayne Henderson, after he helped her build a guitar to pay her law school loans and it turns out guitars are way more fun than writing grants.
Jayne Henderson is the founder of EJ Henderson Guitars and Ukuleles, a renowned luthier known for crafting exquisite stringed instruments. Her meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to creating instruments that resonate with unparalleled sound have earned her a prominent place in the world of lutherie. EJ's innovative designs and commitment to quality and sustainability have made her guitars and ukuleles cherished by musicians and collectors alike.
Check out more from EJ Henderson on her website, Facebook, and Instagram.
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 8
We had the best time talking to award-winning writer and community builder, Rachel Sobel. Rachel is authentic, raw, honest, and hilarious as she shares about her divorce experience, meeting her second (and final) husband, having daughters, building community, and how to support people going through a divorce. Rachel is so loving, gracious, and supportive, and we were honored to have the time to chat with her!
Rachel Sobel is an award-winning writer, author, speaker, do-over wife, mom to two girls, short-order cook, laundress, lunch packer, boo boo kisser and chauffeur, She was awarded Romper's 2020 People's Choice Award at Mom 2.0 and is a two-time finalist for Parenting Blogger of the Year in the South Florida Blogger Awards. She’s the creator and cohost of the lifestyle podcast, Friends Without Benefits with co-host Dale McLean, the in-arena host of the Miami Heat and host of their 2023 All Star Game. She has work published in two anthologies, including Jen Mann’s New York Times Best Seller, I Just Want to Hang Out With You. Rachel has written for HuffPost, Romper, Today Show Parents, PopSugar, ScaryMommy, Filter Free Parents, MommyNearest and more. She has appeared on NPR, The Doctors, The Tamron Hall Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show (she is still not fully recovered from Kelly calling her hilarious on national television). Rachel lives in South Florida with her second (and final) husband, her two feisty daughters and two dogs that make her lose her mind regularly.
Check out more from Rachel on her website, her Instagram, and Twitter.
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 7
We were honored to talk to one half of the Grammy-award winning duo The Okee Dokee Brothers, Joe Mailander, about his fresh starts in life, including sobriety, their journey in music, and how they compose songs to address real life issues for little ears. We chatted about why music is so important for families, their goal to get families outside, and how we can have big conversations with our children starting from an early age.
As childhood friends growing up in Denver, Colorado, Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing were always exploring the outdoors. Whether it was rafting down their neighborhood creek or discovering hiking trails through the Rocky Mountains, Joe and Justin were born adventurers. Now, as the GRAMMY® Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers, they have put this passion for the outdoors at the heart of their Americana Folk music.
Joe and Justin record and perform family music with a goal to inspire children and their parents to step outside and get creative. They believe this can motivate kids to gain a greater respect for the natural world, their communities, and themselves.
The five-time Parents’ Choice Award winners have garnered praise from the likes of NPR’s All Things Considered and USA Today, and have been called “two of family music’s best songwriters.”
BUY Brambletown HERE!
Check out more from The Okee Dokee Brothers at their website, Instagram, Facebook, and Spotify.
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 6
We chatted with author, blogger, lifestyle expert, mom, and innovator, Jordan Reid, founder of Ramshackle Glam. We’ve known Jordan for years, and we were honored to have the time to sit down with her and chat all things influencer world, what happens after you stop influencing, all of her fresh starts in life, a fresh start into parenthood, mental health, divorce and dating, and major (MAJOR) career fresh starts. As she calls it, “a chaotic constant reinvention,” for the better part of her life - and how she has since learned to slow down, stay present, and find joy.
As the creator of Ramshackle Glam, Jordan has become a driving force in the world of lifestyle media, captivating audiences with her refreshingly honest approach to motherhood, relationships, and mental health. Her engaging content transcends traditional norms, challenging societal expectations and encouraging individuals to embrace their unique journeys wholeheartedly.
You can find Jordan at Ramshackle Glam, Instagram, and her books here!
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 5
A very special guest on this mini-bonus episode: Wyatt, Olivia's son! Wyatt leaves us with a few wise words and makes us laugh. A career in podcasting? Unclear, but this is a start!
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 4
We chatted with marketing expert and mom Megan Miller about the experience of her young son being diagnosed with cancer, and their journey together, as well as her background in entertainment, opera, and experiential marketing. We talked about how life and parenting is all about creating experiences for people, and what that means when life gets tough. It’s a beautiful episode about joy, hope, and the ways we can support each other during hard times in life.
Recently listed as Disruptor Magazine’s Top 30 Female Entrepreneurs to look out for in 2022, Megan Miller is the owner of Megan Miller Marketing, LLC, and co-host of the popular podcast XM Divas.
Megan is recognized in the non-profit and for-profit worlds for her creativity, drive, and leadership; she brings enthusiasm for new challenges and creating integration strategies, particularly those that expand a company’s reach. Prior to joining Opera Carolina, she was Product Owner of all .com businesses for Harris Teeter Corporate HQ. Her most recent project for Opera Carolina was founding Opera Recycles, an environmental sustainability program that turns old print collateral into Couture Fashions. Launched in 2015, it debuted in New York City at New York Fashion Week in October 2016. She returned in 2017, producing her own fashion week show with 13 new Opera Recycles Fashions. This program will continue to inspire those around the world with its first international appearance next March during Paris Fashion Week. Megan began her experience in fashion marketing, runway production, & pageant coordination with MISS USA & MISS TEEN USA STATE PAGEANTS in early 2011.
In addition to her role with Opera Carolina, Megan is sought after as a consultant and guest speaker for Opera America. She serves as a member of the Opera America Strategic Committee and is a member of the Board of Advisors for the UNC-Charlotte Enactus business team, providing insight and mentorship for students. She has also served as a volunteer for the American Heart Association, and The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for which she currently leads communications committee for Brewer’s Ball and was a CLASS of 2018 STANDOUT Honoree. In addition to her professional credentials in the field of marketing, Megan Miller is still currently a performing artist, singing with Opera Carolina as a member of the resident company.
You can find Megan on her website, Instagram and Twitter.
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 3
Friend of the podcast, Rob Abney is back! And this time, to talk about relationships. We dive into what it means to be a partner in a relationship, how you know you’ve become a “we,” and what that means for our personal and shared identities.
Rob is a marketing executive with over 15 years of experience helping small businesses, startups and large household brands market their products and services to the masses. Most recently as the head of marketing and partnerships for a tech startup called ShearShare where he helped triple their active user as well as their annual revenue. In addition to navigating a successful marketing career, Rob has spent the same number of years building award-winning teams across a number of industries from banking and financial services to franchised restaurants. Rob enjoys coaching talent and helping individuals develop goals to achieve their own personal success in business and in life.
You can find Rob on LinkedIn, and check out his delicious food account No One Asked Eats!
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 2
Originally from Louisiana, Emily Clancy LoPorto has lived mainly in NY for almost 20 years. Emily is a highly accomplished marketing and real estate professional with 15 years of experience in construction management, business development, and landscape design. She is an intuitive communicator with a gift for problem-solving, and she has the grit, determination, and attention to detail to manage intricate processes and ensure they run smoothly. She possesses a wealth of firsthand knowledge about the local market and can advise on school districts, neighborhood lifestyles, and more. She’s also one of our beloved Fresh Starts Experts! Emily is a mother of four children (including a brand new baby girl!), as well.
We chatted with Emily about the journey she took out of her marriage, and the aftermath of the divorce. We were moved by her vulnerability and honesty in telling her story, and know that her honest account of her path to freedom will motivate, inspire, and guide many others.
You can learn more about Emily on her website, and follow her on Instagram.
A Fresh Story, season 3, episode 1
Chelsea Long is a freelance writer and content manager by day and moonlights as a meditation teacher interested in helping people connect with healthy spirituality. She's currently writing her first memoir on finding her voice through the challenges of motherhood. She lives in San Diego with her husband and 3 children.
We chatted with Chelsea about deconstructing her religion, how to find your faith after deconstruction, spirituality as an individual journey, as well as within your relationships, parenthood, and how we can step into our own meditations in life.
You can learn more about Chelsea on her website, and follow her on Instagram.
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 20
We chatted with podiatrist and foot surgeon, Dr. Brad, of the popular TLC show, My Feet Are Killing Me. We talked about his journey coming out, and what he learned along the way, as well as how the people he loved supported him - and learned to support him in the way he needed. We discussed why representation in the LGBTQ+ community is so important, and how to support your friends on their coming out journey. It was an incredibly honest, funny, and interesting conversation about stepping into our truth, what it means to love ourselves, finding your career passion, and of course, corn chips!
Dr. Brad Schaeffer [“Dr. Brad”] is a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon with a practice on the upper west side of NYC. He was recently [Dec/Jan issue] recognized as one of the three finalists in Men’s Health Magazine’s Ultimate Men’s Health Guy Contest 2023 for his hard work, humility, integrity, and the belief that each of us can always do a little better. He was a finalist in NBC’s The Titan Games, hosted by executive producer Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and continues to share his love of fitness on his motivational IG fitness portal “Nothing but NET [No Excuses Team],” simply to share and generate interactive excitement about fitness.
He can also be seen on the popular TLC show, My Feet Are Killing Me, where he is known to bring compassion and expertise of podiatric medicine to patient’s lives. He is a proud member and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. His public coming out story was featured on NBC News’ Today.com and continues to reverberate across straight and queer media.
You can follow Dr. Brad on Instagram and his website.
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 19
We chatted with viral gymnastics sensation Nia Dennis about her journey in gymnastics, and how one single second changed the rest of her life - and led her to many new Fresh Starts. Nia is incredibly wise, appreciative of her past, and passionate about learning new things (like the saxophone!), and excited for her future. We discussed her viral moment at The Met Gala, her fresh start in college, and how she pivoted her whole career at a young age. You will learn so much from Nia’s wise words about self-talk and learning to love yourself, even when things are tricky in life.
Viral gymnastics sensation, Nia Dennis aspires to inspire. Her debut on the 2021 Met Gala red carpet was a cultural moment! Flanked by the 30-person Brooklyn United marching band, while wearing a patriotic Stella McCartney for Adidas jumpsuit, Nia easily went from gymnastics routine to red carpet glam as she flipped and danced her way to the top of the famous steps!
A member of the U.S. National Team from 2012-2016, Nia was a 2018 NCAA Gymnastics Champion and leading contender on the UCLA Women’s Gymnastics team. “The Culture” was a recurring theme in the fun-filled floor routines of her college career, as she treated the gymnastics floor as her stage and the perfect place to showcase black excellence to the world. In February 2020, Nia tumbled and hip-hop danced to a Beyonce inspired “Homecoming” performance that highlighted majorette-style dancing typical of HBCUs, which resulted in millions of online views, becoming the #1 trending topic online, and landing Nia a guest spot on The Ellen Degeneres Show. In February 2021, another one of Nia’s socially-justice filled routine also went viral, with a message of power and hope towards the push for equality that caught the attention of Michelle Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris and Janet Jackson, among others.
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Nia grew up with Midwest values and a supportive family who encouraged her illustrious Junior Olympic and Elite gymnastics career. She sacrificed a traditional classroom experience and trained more than 30 hours per week to reach Elite status and compete internationally with the ultimate goal being the 2016 Olympics. But, with a torn Achilles months before the games, Nia learned invaluable lessons about overcoming obstacles, perseverance and creating new dreams.
You can follow Nia on Instagram, TikTok, and her website.
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 18
Model, entrepreneur, and opera singer, Alex Frankel grew up in San Francisco, where the definition of “hotness” was dictated by “beautiful” people in popular magazines and TV shows. His entire childhood, he felt trapped in his fat body and hated how he looked. That was until he realized what he had been taught his whole life was a lie. Hotness was more than perfect abs and bulging biceps, it was an attitude. And that he had!
Fast forward, and now Alex is a successful plus-size model with Wilhelmina, and a body acceptance advocate and role model to fat guys all around the world. He created the Hot Fat Guy Club to dispel the myths around diet culture, fatphobia, and other fat-people stereotypes. He wanted a community where people are celebrated, not shamed, for their body type.
We has an amazing conversation with Alex, about everything from his career as a professional opera singer, his entrepreneur journey founding The Hot Fat Guy Club, childhood bullying and how it changes us on a cellular level, his pandemic pivots in the entertainment industry, relationships, his foray into the big and tall modeling industry, toxic masculinity, raising sons in today’s cultural climate, body image and mindset - and so, so much more. Alex is brilliant, hysterically funny, compassionate, and out to change the world for the better with The Hot Fat Guy Club. We know you’ll enjoy this conversation about fresh starts, using your voice, and finding your way back to loving yourself.
You can follow Alex on Instagram, TikTok, and learn more about The Hot Fat Guy Club!
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 17
Susannah B (aka Susannah Blinkoff) is an accomplished singer-songwriter, screenwriter and actor. A Los Angeles resident for most of her adult life, Susannah grew up in Manhattan as the daughter of well-known Broadway composer/lyricist Carol Hall. From an early age, Susannah was acting off-Broadway and singing professionally in NYC clubs. She is currently writing a comedic musical TV series and, as a singer, Susannah B has performed at many clubs in L.A., She has also released six albums of her own pop songs as well as an album of retro jazz standards. Susannah B has a lifelong passion and dedication to philanthropy. She has been involved for many years with Peace4Kids and Kidsave, two organizations based in L.A. that support foster youth. Susannah B lives with her husband, two teenage kids and their fluffy dogs in a newly redesigned house in Los Angeles, where she's converted the garage into a performance space that she hopes to soon use for charity fundraiser shows.
We chatted with Susannah about the power of singing and how transformative it can be to get your voice in the world. She took us through all of her career pivots in the career industry, from acting to screenwriting, to music, to musicals, and always with the intention of community and uplifting people with the power of song. As a singer-songwriter, lyricist, and composer, Susannah believes in the power of harmonizing together and using music as a tool in therapy and wellness. We had a lovely conversation with Susannah about finding yourself through music and song. We appreciated Susannah’s devotion to creativity, philanthropy, and bringing people together to make the world a better place.
You can follow Susannah B on Instagram, her website, and Twitter. You can check out her library of music on Spotify, too.
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 16
Megan Bowen is a dancer, actor, entrepreneur, and content creator. She likes to provide her audience with a balance of comedic, relatable, and entertaining content while also sharing stories about her day-to-day life. As an entertainer, Megan creates captivating content through creative storytelling all while including her personality, style, humor, and artistry. Megan has a close relationship with her followers and they look to her as a guide to help them create a better, more confident, more fulfilled life within themselves.
We chatted with Megan about the power of movement and dance, her Fresh Start journey in New York City, and major career pivots during the pandemic. Ever the entrepreneur, Megan had to completely pivot her entire career in dance overnight and founded her company Dance from Home, a platform to take live and on-demand dance classes with Megan and move your body and soul. We love Megan’s authenticity and storytelling, as well as her sense of humor about herself and her journey. We chatted about becoming a dancer in New York City, and a sneak peek into the behind the scenes of auditioning and the dance industry. And, we especially love her wise words at the end of the episode about intuition.
You can follow Megan on Instagram and TikTok. Learn more about the Dance from Home program on the website, and Megan’s newest venture, The Dancer Body Club here. The Dancer Body Club is an Elite Membership for ex-dancers who grew up hating their body and want to form a new, healthy, and consistent relationship with working out & dance to achieve the results they want. The DBC is redefining what it means to have your ideal “dancer body”. We help dancers transform into confident people who can live boldly, love themselves from the inside out, and form habits to create sustainable results that last a lifetime through Megan's Method of strength, tone & dance-based cardio classes that will make you feel like a dancer again.
Don’t miss Megan’s new podcast, Megan’s Mantras, too!
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 15
Laura McKowen is the bestselling author of We Are The Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life and Founder of The Luckiest Club, an international sobriety support community. Laura has been published in The New York Times, and her work has been featured in The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, the TODAY show, and more. Her second book, Push Off From Here: Nine Essential Truths to Get You Through Sobriety (and Everything Else), was released in March 2023 from Penguin Random House. She lives outside Boston.
We chatted with Laura about her journey to sobriety, how even the darkest of Fresh Starts can lead to beautiful journeys, the foundation of The Luckiest Club during the early days of the pandemic, and of course, her gorgeous book Push Off From Here: Nine Essential Truths to Get You Through Sobriety (and Everything Else). Her wise words about starting fresh, as well as her brilliant advice and beautiful storytelling are incredibly powerful, and we were honored to have such an important discussion with Laura about sobriety – and choosing yourself.
You can follow Laura on Instagram, and read We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life, as well as Push Off From Here: Nine Essential Truths to Get You Through Sobriety (and Everything Else). For more information on The Luckiest Club, check out the website here. Keep up with Laura’s events on her website, as well.
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 14
Erica Taylor has been a professional makeup artist and beauty expert for over 25 years working with top brands like MAC, Laura Mercier, Benefit Cosmetics, and more. She recently made the decision to leave the industry she has loved for over 25 years and become a full-time entrepreneur. She started her TikTok in 2021 where she does makeup tutorials and has created an incredible and engaging community sharing tips and techniques for women in their 40's +.
We chatted with Erica about her winding career in the world of makeup and beauty - and why you just need to “do the work,” and lead with kindness. Erica’s incredible work ethic has taken her to so many places she is excited to talk about, and we appreciated her paying homage to all of the women who lifted her up along the way and taught her the lessons as she stepped into new career paths.
We discussed how her ADHD is a superpower, and how she used her super skills to propel herself into the world of beauty. And, we especially loved her perspective on makeup and why it’s so important to look at yourself in the mirror and take a moment to notice yourself and your beauty. Erica made us laugh, cry, and appreciate the beauty of staying creative with your life’s choices.
You can follow Erica on Instagram and TikTok.
Jenny and Olivia had a Terrible Idea...and then, it became a BOOK! Yes, friends - we wrote a book!! We're so excited to introduce you to Simple Scripts to Support Your People: What to Say When You Don't Know What to Say.
Heralded as the modern day go-to guide for everything you need to support your people, Simple Scripts to Support Your People guides you through tough, trying and tremendous life moments. Speak them, text them, send them. Each simple script is like a hug that can be sent over the airwaves. Grounded in the proprietary and revolutionary VASE Method, each script is crafted with supporting your people in mind. From lost luggage to funeral planning, from heartbreak to new jobs, and everything in between, we’ve got you. As one reader said, "If every person read this, our world would be better."
You can purchase Simple Scripts to Support Your People in paperback, hardcover, or for your Kindle. You can learn more about Simple Scripts to Support Your People at TheSupportBook.com and TheSupportBook on Instagram. Let us know what you think!
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 12
Larry Sprung is the Founder and Wealth Advisor of Mitlin Financial, and an Award-Winning Wealth Advisor and Financial Literacy Advocate, the host of the Mitlin Money Mindset podcast, and most importantly a father, and husband.
We chatted with Larry about how he became an entrpreuner, how his brother-in-law’s suicide propelled him to help others, fatherhood, marriage, and his beautiful perspective on the relationship between money and joy.
You can follow Larry on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can learn more about Mitlin Financial on their website, and check out Larry’s NEW book: Financial Planning Made Personal: How to Create Joy And The Mindset for Success. Listen to Larry’s podcast, Mitlin Money Mindset. Check out our co-founder Olivia on Mitlin Money Mindset!
The net proceeds of "Financial Planning Made Personal" are being donated to the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 11
Emily Feret (like the animal) is a 30 year old stay at home mom of two who loves to “normalize normal” on her social media platforms by talking about motherhood, body image, marriage and more with no filter! She gives tours of her messy house, celebrates her cellulite and stretch marks and more.
We chatted with Emily about her fresh start into motherhood, and her mission to help normalize normal lives so that no one feels alone. We had a fantastic conversation about why the lack of village around us raising children, and how it impacts our mental health, her experience on TikTok sharing her vulnerability, and why it’s so important to talk about living life without the filter, the real, authentic, messy parts of parenthood and how it truly connects us all.
You can follow Emily on TikTok, Instagram, and her website.
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 10
Zach Lupetin is a songwriter, playwright, podcaster, and the founding member of folk-rock adventurers Dustbowl Revival. Since coming together via a hopeful California Craigslist ad, Dustbowl has played in over ten countries and produced seven beloved albums. The group's latest, “Is It You, Is It Me,” appeared in the top 20 of the alternative sales charts and enjoyed features in Rolling Stone and Billboard. A new EP “Set Me Free” dropped in 2022.
We chatted with Zach about the birth of his daughter, how his wife nearly died during delivery, and his fresh start into fatherhood during a traumatic event. Zach talks about his passion for storytelling, his journey into music, and how his daughter has become his musical muse since her birth. It’s a beautiful conversation about parenthood, marriage, making brave decisions, and how the soundtrack of our lives is the heartbeat within all of our stories.
Lupetin began his music discovery podcast The Show On The Road in 2018. The show aims to introduce incredible artists to new audiences, and focuses on giving fans a sense of what it's really like to tour the world and play music 200 + days a year. 125 episodes strong, the podcast has been downloaded nearly 1 million times. In 2022, Lupetin launched his first radio show The Sway Out West Radio Hour on 88.5FM the SoCal Sound in LA on Saturday mornings where he showcases his favorite songwriters each week.
You can listen to Dustbowl Revival’s albums here, check out their tour schedule and learn more on their website, and check out Zach’s podcast, The Show on the Road.
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 9
Novelist Zoe Fishman is the critically acclaimed author of six novels, the most recent of which, The Fun Widow's Book Tour, was published in March of this year. She’s the recipient of myriad awards, including an AJC "10 Southern Books We Loved in 2019" selection and an IndieNext Pick, and was the 2020 Georgia Author of the Year in the Literary Fiction category.
We chatted with Zoe about losing her husband suddenly and how it completely changed course of her life, how living with grief feels, her relationship to writing, and her dedication to telling her story so that no one else feels along in their grief journey. Join us as we talk about her new novel, The Fun Widow’s Book Tour, loss, grief, writing, and finding hope.
Interviews and profiles of Zoe have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, The Atlanta Jewish Times and The Huffington Post among others and her essays have been published in The New York Times' Modern Love column, as part of The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Personal Journey series and Modern Loss.
Zoe worked in the New York publishing industry for thirteen years before moving to Atlanta in August of 2011. She was most recently the Executive Director of The Decatur Writers Studio as well as an instructor, and a Visiting Writer at SCAD Atlanta. She is currently working on her next novel and raising her two young boys in Decatur, Georgia.
You can learn more about Zoe Fishman on her website, and snag The Fun Widow's Book Tour here.
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 8
What was it like going to a Quaker high school on Long Island in the early aughts? In this March sister episode of A Fresh Story, Olivia and Jenny take you down memory lane of their high school experiences - and they were very different experiences! We chat about everything from their love for Latin class, high school heartbreak, bullies, their fashion sense, how high school impacted the rest of their life, and lots of very odd and funny stories about attending a private school before social media existed! Let us know if you have any questions - and enjoy this walk down memory lane!
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 7
Dana Bowling is a former award-winning casting director turned brand strategist and video coach. She helps small business owners and entrepreneurs get comfortable and confident on camera to create video content that increases visibility, all while having Fun. Dana lives in Los Angeles with her husband, a Director of Photography and her two sons. She also hosts the podcasts, Show Up on Video and A Daily Dose of Dana.
We chatted with Dana Bowling about her experience in the world of entertainment as a casting director, why she ultimately decided to make a career pivot while she was at the top of her game, how she met her husband and why it’s so important to see the potential in a person when you fall in love, and how our childhood passions are actually the key to our happiness as adults.
You can find Dana on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, her website, and check out her podcasts, Show Up on Video and A Daily Dose of Dana.
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 6
Andrew Scrivani is an award-winning photographer, director, and producer who has worked on editorial, publishing, advertising, content creation, and documentary, and feature film projects for the past 20 years. Andrew is also a certified leadership and performance coach and consultant, internationally recognized workshop instructor, author, and columnist. Andrew recently launched his own online learning platform in April of 2022 called the Andrew Scrivani Academy.
We chatted with Andrew about his major career pivot into photography and how it changed the course of his life, finding his way post-divorce, saying ‘yes’ to new adventures, and his passion for storytelling. It’s a wonderful episode about figuring out what lights you up inside, and how, when we follow our passion, we simply can’t lose.
You can learn more about Andrew Scrivani on his website, Instagram, his book, “That Photo Makes Me Hungry: Photographing Food for Fun & Profit,” his podcast, and the Andrew Scrivani Academy.
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 5
Sometimes people come into our lives and change the course of it forever - Emily Helck is one of those people. We chatted with Emily, the founder of The Lost Bookshop, about her many fresh starts in life - including supporting her partner through cancer, a diagnosis and experience of breast cancer as a young woman, figuring out her career, pregnancy loss, grieving a parent, and ultimately - following her dream and opening The Lost Bookshop - Delhi, New York’s independent bookstore.
As she says about The Lost Bookshop, "Our name plays with the dual associations of the word "lost" when it comes to books —it’s a pleasure to be lost in a story, for example, and people in periods of change or transition (like leaving home, relationships ending or beginning, and grief and loss) who are perhaps feeling lost, can benefit from time spent with books. We offer books for getting lost and finding your way. Our carefully curated selection, which is guided by personal recommendations from our community, will place absorbing books in the hands of all readers, including those at crossroads in their lives."
Emily Helck is a writer and artist who divides her time between Philadelphia and New York's Catskill Mountains. She holds a bachelor's degree from Drew University, a master's degree from Fordham University, and is a graduate of Rutgers University–Camden’s creative writing MFA program. Her writing has been published by ABC News, Bustle, and other outlets. In addition to writing, she's proud of professional accomplishments in young adult cancer advocacy, and in the arts, having worked for iconic artist William Wegman for nearly twenty years. Emily is currently in the process of opening her own bookstore, The Lost Bookshop.
You can learn more about Emily and The Lost Bookshop:
website: https://thelostbookshop.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostbookshopny/
A Fresh Story, season 2, episode 4Samantha Sineni is the founder and CEO of Formation Media, a full-service digital marketing agency for artists and lifestyle brands. We chatted with Samantha about her decision to open her marriage up, and how it ultimately helped her learn about her communication style, her journey with intense sleep deprivation as a new mother and entrepreneur, and a fantastic conversation about how to bring art into your world even if you are struggling to keep your head above water. It’s an honest and vulnerable behind the scenes view of entrpreuner-life as a new parent, wife, and creator.
You can learn more about Samantha and Formation Media on her website, twitter, and instagram.
Beth Booker is the founder and CEO of Gracie PR, a boutique lifestyle public relations company in Naples, FL. When she's not pitching her heart out or trying to help her community in Southwest Florida get back on its feet post-hurricane, she can be found chasing her two kids, snuggling with her three dogs, reading, or at the beach.
We chatted with Beth about accidentally coming out as queer during the pandemic, why representation matters, how she navigates her fresh starts in life with confidence, and why it’s so important to show up for ourselves.
You can learn more about Beth on her website, twitter, and instagram.
Chaz Thomas is a self-taught artist and maker currently living in New Jersey. His work focuses on translating ideas or words into abstract paintings that focus on color, shape, and direction. Chaz’s art is shown at galleries along the East Coast and appreciated by celebrities and art collectors. We chatted with Chaz about growing up as a Black student in a predominantly white school, his love of reading, how he weaves art and nostalgia together, his journey as a professional athlete, parenthood, and how he’s stayed true to himself through his life.
You can learn more about Chaz and see his artwork on his website: https://www.chazthomas.com/
We chatted with author, and award-winning actress, writer, and director, Gabrielle Stone, about how she took a massive heartbreak and turned it into a best-selling book, podcast, and movement. We talked about the transformation after divorce, traveling alone through the world, her journey writing Eat, Pray, #FML, and how she healed herself through creativity, wisdom, and empowering others. It’s a gorgeous, honest, and vulnerable conversation about turning heartbreak into humor, and everything in between.
Gabrielle Stone is no stranger to the world of entertainment and the idea of a fresh start in life. Growing up on set with her legendary scream-queen mother, Dee Wallace, she had days of licking off mommy’s fake blood and watching behind the scenes movie magic. Seeing the world with mom and dad gave her the travel bug at an early age—until Gabrielle experienced a real-life horror when she lost her father suddenly at age seven.
After many years in the industry herself, Stone transitioned from meaty acting roles to writing and directing. Her award-winning films It Happened Again Last Night and After Emma gained her awards for writing, directing, and acting—but she had a bigger role in life that would soon present itself: freaking badass.
After the rug was vigorously pulled out from under her when her husband’s affair came to light, she found herself falling into the arms of another man. After a second failed attempt at love and a massive heartbreak, she decided that instead of landing flat on her ass—she’d make a career out of it.
And so came the birth of the book Eat, Pray, #FML, where she shared all the mistakes, all the lessons, and most importantly, how she became a fearless leader from it all.
When fans around the world demanded more, the highly anticipated sequel, The Ridiculous Misadventures of a Single Girl, and the podcast FML Talk were born—and Gabrielle soon realized that her broken heart had bloomed a movement.
You can learn more about Gabrielle Stone and purchase her books on her website: https://www.eatprayfml.com/
Rob is a marketing executive with over 15 years of experience helping small businesses, startups and large household brands market their products and services to the masses. Most recently as the head of marketing and partnerships for a tech startup called ShearShare where he helped triple their active user as well as their annual revenue. In addition to navigating a successful marketing career, Rob has spent the same number of years building award-winning teams across a number of industries from banking and financial services to franchised restaurants. Rob enjoys coaching talent and helping individuals develop goals to achieve their own personal success in business and in life.
We chatted with Rob about growing up between two worlds, what it was like being a Black student at a predominately white high school, how he found his way into marketing, parenting daughters, marriage, and how he ultimately found himself through all of the fresh starts in his life. It’s a powerful episode about race, masculinity, parenthood, and writing your own story in life.
You can find Rob on LinkedIn, and check out his delicious food account No One Asked Eats!
Galentine's Day is all about supporting your girlfriends through life, so we reached out to our real life gals and asked them to come on the show! We chatted with eleven (11!) of the amazing women in our life about brave life decisions that they went through and how their community supported them through their journey. We discussed how friendship can transcend space, and how we personally use Marco Polo to connect with our friends, all day, every day.
We talked about everything from devastating heartbreak, to major career changes, transitioning into parenthood, handling a sick child in the hospital, becoming a working mother, finding yourself after divorce, child loss and changing the narrative around loss, supporting your friends through marriage growth - and of course, all of the beautiful, happy moments in friendship. Join us, and eleven of our people, for this very, very special episode of a Fresh Story.
Want to try Marco Polo? Head to FreshStartsRegistry.com/marco for TWO months of Marco Polo Plus FREE!
Laura Danger is a Certified Life Coach, Licensed Educator, Content creator and Certified Fair Play Facilitator who has been facilitating, coaching and community organizing in Chicago for over 12 years. She has advanced endorsements in the areas of English as a Second Language and Learning Disabilities. Laura facilitates workshops, retreats, coaches individuals and couples and creates educational content in an effort to create a more equitable world. She is passionate about domestic equity, the value of domestic labor and how empowerment out in the world starts with empowerment at home.
We chatted with Laura, also known on TikTok and Instagram as That Darn Chat, about her journey from education to coaching and facilitating Fair Play, as well as how she entered into the world of Eve Rodsky’s Fair Play. We also talked about what intentional or weaponized incompetence is, how it impacts families, women, and marriages, and her journey on TikTok to help people live their best lives.
Laura is an empowering, educational, and non-judgemental coach and facilitator, and we were honored to have this much-needed conversation with her. You can learn more about Laura on her website, Instagram, TikTok, and read Fair Play by Eve Rodsky.
More resources for this episode:* Fair Play by Eve Rodsky * The Fair Play Deck: A Couple's Conversation Deck for Prioritizing What's Important * Learn more about Fair Play
It's February, and some major things have happened this week thus far. Fresh Starts Registry was in New York Magazine and The Cut, "Starting Over With a Divorce Registry," by Kathryn Jezer-Morton (illustration by Kelsey Dake). What an exciting moment for us! Listen as we chat about how it all happened and how we're processing. PLUS, we're finishing up season one of A Fresh Story and are heading into season two with some amazing guests!
Anna Burgess Yang is a freelance writer with expert-level experience in banking and technology, and a workflow consultant, and a self-proclaimed productivity geek. We chatted with Anna about her major career pivots, leaning into what brings her joy with her work and personal life, the importance of knowing the story of where we came from, parenting during the pandemic, and how we can make brave career decisions to bring us more joy in life.
After college, Anna joined a small software company, where she thought that the path to success was to climb the ladder. She was promoted repeatedly, eventually earning a role on the executive team in 2016. But the company was utterly toxic. She kept thinking that maybe she could change the culture from within (spoiler alert: she couldn't). Then the pandemic hit and her kids were home for remote learning. That became her breaking point. She couldn't handle the level of toxicity while also managing her three kids at home. So after 15 years at the company, she quit. Not only did she quit, but she also pivoted in her career. She "started over" in content marketing and journalism.
You can find Anna on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Laurel is a Cleveland based art therapist, scooter enthusiast, wife, mom of three boys, and style genius - but, you may know her better as the middle aged, mid sized mom from the midwest, as she is also a TikTok icon inspiring mid-sized fashion lovers every day on her account with her let’s get dressed videos.
We chatted with Laurel about how her breast reduction changed her entire life, her personal style journey, body image as we age, her commitment and enthusiasm for supporting small businesses, and how her background in art therapy and a support profession helped her grow a loyal and kind community of supporters on TikTok.
You can follow Laurel on TikTok! (@laurelladeville, and don't forget to pre-snap! #IYKYK)
Shop the small businesses mentioned in the show:
ABLE clothing - use code LAUREL15 for an excellent discount
Eleven10 Leather - use code LAUREL15 for discount
Hannah Wingate Designs
Tiny Baker Creations
Lace and Pine
Tiny Galaxies
Meesh Made
Daniel is a 15 year veteran of the music industry where he toured the country as a singer songwriter of the band Bedlight for Blue Eyes. Currently Daniel is a mental health counselor in Massachusetts working to decrease stigma surrounding mental health.
We chatted with Daniel about his time on the road as a touring musician, his mental health journey after leaving the music world, how a childhood tragedy changed the course of his life, the winding journey of long-grief, and how he found himself in the mental health industry. It was a beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring episode about having hope, living with grief, and the soundtrack of our lives.
You can learn more about Daniel on his website, Twitter, and Instagram.
The song about Daniel's brother referenced in the episode is Michael by Bedlight for Blue Eyes.
Is there an art to female friendships? As sisters, we've always been searching for answers when it comes to female friendships, so we were thrilled to talk to Danielle Bayard Jackson, a female friendship coach and educator who speaks nationally on the subject of friendship as a wellness imperative. Her coaching business, Friend Forward, is dedicated to teaching women how to create and maintain better female friendships.
We chatted with Danielle about her fresh start leaving education and becoming a friendship coach, how her business took off because of a viral TikTok video, why there is an art to female friendships (and breakups hurt so much), mom friends, making new friends as an adult, and why it's necessary to have female friendships in your life.
Danielle’s expertise has been featured in NBC News, Psychology Today, Wall Street Journal, FORTUNE Magazine, and Oprah Magazineand a host of other media outlets. She also speaks across the country about the power of female friendship and was recently hired by Bumble to be the official spokesperson for Bumble BFF.
A former high school teacher, Danielle now uses her teaching skills as an educator to coach women through ways to navigate common friendship conflicts. As a member of the American Sociological Association, she uses the latest research to create practical, tangible strategies to help women create more depth in their platonic relationships.
She shares her insight weekly on The Friend Forward Podcast, has several viral videos on TikTok, and recently signed a book deal to bring her practical, research-based strategies to the masses.
You can learn more about Danielle and her work by visiting www.betterfemalefriendships.com.
What if you lived in alignment with the vibration of your life? How do you even start down that fresh start journey? We had the immense pleasure of chatting with our very own therapist, Dr. Christine Borst, about living in alignment with your higher self, divorce at a young age, finding and meeting her soul-mate, major career pivots and identity crises, and the role of spirituality and manifestation in our lives.
She offers fantastic advice on how to begin again, finding your authentic self, and how to stay grounded on your fresh start journey. Plus, the amazing story of how she met her husband, also known as: the most romantic meet-cute we've ever heard.
Christine Borst is a professor, licensed therapist, habit coach, artist, wife, and mom of three. She’s the podcast host of Alchemy of the Heart, and children's book author of many books, including For the Love of Organs: A Quasi-Educational Collection of Poems, Us: An Introduction to Pronouns, and Colorado Springs From A to Z. Her newest release is Atrocious Love: A Book of Poetry for Gently Disturbed Romantics.
You can learn more about Christine and shop her creative empire on her website: https://www.christineborst.com/
Did you know January is known as "divorce month" as most divorces as filed during January? What a perfect time to chat with Rob Roseman, the founder of the WTF Divorce podcast, and WTF Divorce, a resource website for people going through, and post-divorce. Rob is also a former professional poker player, dad of three, entrepreneur, host of the podcast Dad the Best I Can, and author of the best-selling book Dad the Best I Can. We chatted with Rob about his days as a poker professional at the Bellagio, the relationship between playing poker and parenting, divorce as a dad, dating after divorce, and his helpful tips for parenting during a divorce, as well as how you can take a positive outlook on playing the hand you're dealt.
You can learn more about WTF Divorce on the website and Instagram, listen to the WTF Divorce podcast, check out the Dad the Best I Can podcast, and read Dad the Best I Can: Nuggets of Wisdom From Entrepreneurs, CEOs, and 52 Other Dads That Will Help You Thrive At Dad Life.
How can we turn the traumas we endure into the growth and healing that ultimately leads us to our own heaven on earth? How can we see our difficulties as a gift? How can we take our hard life moments and transform them into beauty? We had the chance to talk to talent broker and former triathlete, Susan Gold, about her fresh starts through life - and there were many! From working with Barbara Walters, to her encounter with Andy Warhol, and most significantly, her experience marrying and divorcing a narcissist, Susan weaves a gorgeous story on this episode outlining her fresh start moments, what she learned, how she healed, and why she's excited to help others transform their traumatic experiences and find their peace. We chatted about everything from major career pivots in the entertainment industry to living with a narcissist, single parenthood, healing from trauma, and how she ultimately found love and peace, and her next path in life.
In Toxic Family: Transforming Childhood Trauma into Adult Freedom, Susan Gold reveals a challenging personal journey and path to create a new perspective to thrive in life and share with others who may have had similar childhood experiences. After living with force on both coasts, Susan now quietly resides in the NW corner of the mythical state of Montana bathed in nature with her beloved partner and pets. Through retreats, workshops, webinars, and private sessions she is helping others navigate their way back to their true home, their hearts.
You can learn more about Susan, sign up for her newsletter, and get in touch with her on her website.
Website: https://www.susangold.us/
It's that weird week between Christmas and New Year's, so we're saying hello with a re-introduction about us! What is Jenny's favorite food? Her most played musician? The career she would not want to do? What movie could Olivia write a book about? What's the curse word that brings tears to her eyes?
We're interviewing each other on this episode, which is full of fun facts, laughter, and whole lot of goofy stories. We cover topics such as: our love for Nick at Nite, what it's really like being each other's sister, the Greek restaurant we can't get enough of, how working together has changed our relationship, our favorite songs, movies, snack food, and most importantly: our favorite Muppet.
Come hang with us on the weirdest, most liminial week of the year and say hello to the hosts of A Fresh Story.
Have you ever thought about marrying a stranger on television? Today's guest, Kate Sisk, was on season 8 of Married at First Sight and married a complete stranger on national television. Kate chats with us about what it was like to realize the marriage was not going to last, and more importantly, how she picked up the pieces of her life to found her empowering brand Hidden Intimates. We discussed everything from healing after narcissistic abuse to busting through beauty standards, and the impact of late in life ADHD diagnoses. It was a gorgeous conversation about healing, the reality of reality television, founding a business, dating after divorce, and how women can empower themselves through life changes.
Kate Sisk is an entrepreneur and the founder of Hidden Intimates, Hidden Intimates is lingerie and sleepwear online boutique, inspiring women to love themselves, piece by piece. They offer inclusive sizing and diverse model representation, as they break societal beauty standards and promote female empowerment. Kate is also a travel writer, and you may have seen Kate on television, as she was on season 8 of Married at First Sight, where she married a stranger on television, which ended up being a fresh start of sorts and led to the next phase of her life.
You can follow Kate and Hidden Intimates:
Hidden Intimates on Instagram
Kate Sisk on Instagram
Hidden Intimates on Facebook
Hidden Intimates Website
What's it like being a major influencer with a huge platform, while behind the scenes you’re grappling with big, bold, and brave life decisions? We had the pleasure of chatting with writer and activist Katie Crenshaw about the last few years of her life, and how her brave decisions have ultimately helped her untame her soul and find herself. We chat about everything from the profound impact of Glennon Doyle’s Untamed on her life and decisions, to amicable divorce, co-parenting, the behind the scenes of the influencer world, stepping into your truth and sexuality, and how to stay strong during the big life changes.
Katie Crenshaw is a writer, a mom to 3, an influencer, and an advocate. She is one of the OG bloggers and has used her platform to educate, inform and advocate for over a decade. Her blogging and writing has become an outlet for authentic storytelling, and has built a community of people through vulnerable and honest conversations. Her children’s books - Her Body Can and His Body Can, celebrate the wonders and uniqueness of who we are and who we want to be. Katie is known for normalizing and celebrating body positivity, blended families, and honoring our own stories.
Check out Katie’s children’s books Her Body Can and His Body Can, and make sure to follow Katie on Instagram.
On this episode with Olivia + Jenny, they're breaking down all of the fresh starts in the career journeys. Olivia chats about manifesting the teaching job she'd always dreamed about, and why she had to leave education. Plus, how she founded a social media agency from the kitchen table, and how she ended up working with celebs, influencers, and her pathological love of helping people find jobs.
Jenny digs into her twisty and turny career journey, covering everything from teaching preschool to office administration and even marrying people on television! She chats about eventually finding the job of her dreams and how she had to walk out after a conversation with her boss one day. Plus, what it's like working with Olivia and her job advice for anyone starting over again.
Come laugh with Olivia + Jenny as they share some slightly embarrassing stories you've probably never heard before (including why Olivia is still mad at the girl who took the guy she was going to ask to prom!), and won't forget after this episode!
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On this episode of A Fresh Story, we chatted with medical esthetician and skin care influencer Cassandra Bankson. We discussed everything from the impact of childhood bullying on your adult life, her modeling career, her journey to heal her skin, and the importance of finding your authentic community. It was a beautiful, vulnerable, and honest conversation about starting fresh in our personal journey, relationships, and feeling at home in our own skin.
Cassandra Bankson is a medical esthetician and skin care influencer who is at the forefront of social media, the Skincare Community and the Skin Positivity Movement. As a former sufferer of acne herself, she is an expert on acne recovery and the psycho-social implications that connect our mental health and skin. Cassandra often challenges mainstream ideas about skincare and beauty by providing scientific information to her followers. On her YouTube channel, Cassandra has done thousands of reviews of skincare products, especially for those with oily skin and acne.
Bankson’s platform conveys that skincare should be a journey to skin positivity and self-love rather than a fight for flawless skin. She is known for being a source of encouragement, and she concentrates on building a community around those who have skin complications. Her content aims to empower her audience against exploitation by educating them about skincare ingredients and problematic marketing tactics. She also actively publishes written narratives of community members, works with charities to give back to the community, and has pioneered skin scholarship programs to empower those in need to get an education, care, and treatment when it would otherwise be difficult to do so.
Forbes magazine has called her a “Rising Woman Of Power,” Allure Magazine has called her a “Skincare and Beauty Expert.” She has won numerous awards and honors for her work, including “Best Ad Campaign” from Adweek along with an “Inspiration” from Good Morning America.
You can follow Cassandra:
YouTube
TikTok
Website
What if you just said “yes” and took the leap through your journey in life? In today’s episode of A Fresh Story, we chatted with CEO of Workplace Catalyst, Magalie René, about the inability to settle, following your inherent gifts, and how to leave room for magic in life.
Magalie René is a Compassion & Confidence Expert, CEO of Workplace Catalyst, and a Transformational Coach. She activates compassion, authenticity, and impact in organizations, executives, and entrepreneurs. Her business coaching applies a unique blend of growth-mindset, along with business and marketing strategy. Magalie supports leaders in finding the confidence to successfully transition careers, launch their businesses, and shift their habits to create epic results.
She has worked with Fortune 500 companies, the renowned Ford Foundation, and clients including Publicis Groupe, Senator Mark Kelly, Kaiser Permanente, Live Nation, California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech), Eventbrite, and more. Magalie has been featured on Good Morning America, CBS News, Forbes.com, KTLA, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and The Ladders, among others. As the founder of “Find Your Shine,” she hosts transformational events and courses for entrepreneurs and business leaders, inspiring them to conquer fear and share their message.
When she’s not speaking, writing, or coaching executive leadership, you can find the native Brooklynite on a walk, in her cities of residence (Los Angeles and Palm Springs) with her dog Prince.
Learn more about Magalie René and follow along:
Website
Kid-Smart Spaces: Decorating a Classroom That Changes Lives by Magalie René
What's it like growing up with divorced parents and divorced grandparents? Growing up, Olivia and Jenny went to a minimum of four family meals each Thanksgiving day - and boy, were they full! Take a break this Thanksgiving and come laugh with Olivia and Jenny as they relive Thanksgivings of their childhood and spill the gravy on their family history!
Emmy Award Winner Danny Quin is today's guest as we chat about his Fresh Start in his career and family life. What happens when you get everything you've ever wanted career wise, but at the expense of your mental health? Join us for Danny's story about his fresh starts in life, the power of role models in your life, and why being honest and vulnerable is the most important tool for your mental health journey, as well as his sage advice for anyone looking to start over.
You can learn more about Danny here:
Follow Danny on Twitter
Mental Health Role Models Podcast hosted by Danny Quin
Follow Danny on Instagram
Today we're chatting with Fresh Starts Registry COO and co-founder Genevieve (Jenny) Dreizen. Jenny chats all about calling off her engagement, how she is in the constant pursuit of joy, and how she ultimately found love once again.
Fresh Starts Registry co-founder Olivia Howell is today's guest and chatting about how she navigated the end of her marriage and divorce, and where the idea for Fresh Starts Registry initially came from.
Fresh Starts is excited to announce a new podcast from Olivia and Jenny, the founders of Fresh Starts Registry, about brave hearts, bold choices and new beginnings.