Are you ready to get down to the 'knitty gritty' with some real conversation? Join Melissa Gilbert-Busfield and Susie Shubert as they talk about all the good things and the wisdom and freedom that come with growing older. Okay, they may touch on some of the bad… and quite possibly the down-right ugly…after all, knit happens. No matter what--aging gratefully, unapologetically, with laughter, and celebrating it together is what matters most. Tune in, get inspired, and feel like you're having the best heart-to-heart with good friends. It's time to celebrate, share stories, and keep learning and growing. If you're ready to support, inspire each other, and change the cultural conversation on aging, give this show a follow. Sponsored by Modern Prairie.
Please welcome the amazing Colleen and Bridgett as they join Melissa and Susie this week!
Colleen and Bridgett break the silence and turn up the volume on menopause and midlife experiences with their fantastic podcast, Hot Flashes and Cool Topics! Join our fabulous hosts and special guests as they dive deep into the ups and downs of menopause and the story behind their friendship and business. We've got expert opinions and celebrity guests galore, creating a well-rounded discussion that's both educational and entertaining. From sleep disruptions to hormone therapy options, we fearlessly tackle every topic in between, leaving no midlife stone unturned!
Colleen and Bridgett believe in the power of finding a community where women can openly share their experiences, and we're thrilled by the growing interest surrounding these knitty gritty topics. After all, knowledge is power! Trust us, they have done their research – seeking info from reputable sources like physicians certified by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
In this episode:
Listen to the end to hear an important announcement from Melissa and Susie!
Meet Our GuestsBridgett Biagi Garratt and Colleen Rosenblum are two friends on a mission! Colleen is a former attorney turned pilates instructor, mother of 2 girls, and married to her high school sweetheart. Bridgett is a former elementary school teacher, mom of a son and daughter, and also married to her high school sweetheart. As friends (and neighbors!) they started Hot Flashes and Cool Topics because they were in search of a voice for midlife women.
Connect With our GuestsOn their website: hotflashescooltopics.com
On Instagram: @hotflashesandcooltopics
On Facebook: facebook.com/hotflashescooltopics
On Their YouTube Channel
Listen to their podcast, Hot Flashes and Cool Topics
Connect With Our HostsMelissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.
Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie
Who said age should slow us down?
In this episode, we shatter the myth that women lose interest in sex as they age and flip the script on what it means to embrace pleasure. Turns out, some women have never experienced the joy of mind-blowing passion which leads them to perhaps be less interested. We also expose the historical neglect of women's sexual health and throw a spotlight on the slow progress in celebrating women in their prime.
We’re not too old to do many things, especially when taking control of our financial destinies. Join Vicki as she shares some shocking facts about women who age into poverty and why it is important to learn about money now.
We're not only opening up the conversation about sexual health and finances. We also dive into the importance of friendships and the support that comes with strong female bonds. Who run the world? You guessed it—women who love and uplift each other!
And as if that wasn't enough, we've got the lowdown on menopause—those hot flashes and wild mood swings. Let's be real, ladies, it's time we demanded better healthcare support during this rollercoaster ride. We're shattering taboos and leaving no topic untouched!
We wrap up this outrageously empowering episode with a celebration of aging fabulously. The tides are turning, and we're here for it! Confidence, beauty, and vitality have no age limit. Say goodbye to society's narrow expectations and hello to a world where women in their sixties are rocking it like never before.
So, grab a glass of wine, sit back, and join us on this wild, no-holds-barred journey of pleasure, power, and embracing life on our own terms. It's time to rewrite the rules, my friends!
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Meet Our Guest Vicki Larson
Vicki Larson is a longtime award-winning journalist at a San Francisco Bay Area newspaper, author of "Not Too Old for That: How Women are Changing the Story of Aging," named a Best Book of 2022 by Take the Lead, co-author of "The New I Do: Reshaping Marriage for Skeptics, Realists and Rebels," named a Best Book of 2014 by PopSugar, and the forthcoming book "LATitude: How to Make a Live Apart Together Relationship Work" (July 2024). A resident of Marin County, California, her writing can be found in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post, Newsweek, AARP's The Ethel and Medium among other publications.
Connect With Our Guest Vicki Larson
On the web: http://omgchronicles.vickilarson.com https://omgchronicles.medium.com/
On Instagram @omgchronicles
On Facebook @vickilarsonjournalist
On Twitter: @omgchronicles
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickilarson/
Connect With Our HostsMelissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.
Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie
This bonus week in June brings us a replay of our top episode so far from 2023!
Did you know you have to break in a new bra the way you break in new shoes? Melissa and Susie learned so much from this fantastic interview with Lori Kaplan, the Fairy Bra Mother herself!
Undergarments are the foundation upon which we build our wardrobes, and Lori Kaplan, affectionately known as The Fairy Bra Mother, has been supplying costume and wardrobe basics to the heavenly bodies on stage and screen for 4 decades. Savvy shoppers know that BraTenders is the go-to place for solutions for all manner of clothing conundrums, and The Uplifting Experience, their signature bra fitting, is sought by women around the world who are in need of a lift, and proper fitting bra.
Lori is also a writer, and working on her “mammoir”, called My Life Behind Bras, which will give readers a beneath-behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the entertainment industry. Many of the stars in the community are also private clients at BraTenders.
Lori is a Cat Mom to Jack and Ms Kitty. Lori enjoys yoga, pilates, crossword puzzles, and the NY Times Spelling Bee. Lori is a lifelong New Yorker, who moved to Manhattan at the age of 22 so she could walk to Studio 54. She now resides is Riverdale, NY.
In this episode:
You don't want to miss this one!
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Connect With Our Guest Lori Kaplan
On her website: bratenders.com
On Instagram @fairy_bra_mother
On Facebook @bratenders
Connect With Our HostsMelissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.
Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie
Buckle up for part two! Melissa and Susie are joined by guest Todd Bridges once again for an engaging conversation covering a range of topics. From Todd's love for gaming and his Twitch channel to reminiscing about NBC parties with Melissa, to Gary Coleman's life and legacy, to social media criticism and confronting past mistakes, this episode has it all.
Todd also shares his plans for a documentary and a feature film about his life story, aiming to inspire and help people in their journey toward recovery. Trust us, you do not want to miss this epic part two episode.
In this episode:
Congratulations to Our Contest Winners!Winners of the $25 Modern Prairie gift card winners are Nini Tanya and Ifiresmithbabe!
The winner of the $50 gift card is Baileymeyster
The grand prize winner of the $100 dollar gift card is Shelleycarlyannie
Remember, these cards can be used for any of the beautifully handcrafted items you see on our website. Winners, please email podcast@modernprairie.com to claim your prize!
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Pick up a copy of Todd’s book Killing Willis: From Diff'rent Strokes to the Mean Streets to the Life I Always Wanted right here.
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Connect With Our Guest Todd Bridges
On Instagram: @toddbridges
On His Website: realtoddbridges.com
On Twitch: www.twitch.tv/toddbridges
Connect With Our HostsMelissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.
Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie
Join Melissa and Susie in the first of a two-part episode with the incredible Todd Bridges. Get ready to feel all the emotions in this rollercoaster of an interview as Todd shares his experiences as a child actor, his views on Juneteenth, and his hopes for the future.
Todd and Melissa reminisce about the powerful episode that left jaws dropping and minds reeling of Little House on the Prairie where Todd guest stars as Solomon. Especially for that time, the episode dives into heavy topics surrounding race, privilege, stereotypes, and more.
In this episode:
Meet Todd Bridges
Todd Bridges is a veteran actor with a remarkable career spanning over 40 years in the entertainment industry. Born into a family deeply rooted in the entertainment world, Todd's mother, Betty A. Bridges, was an actress and manager, while his father, James Bridges Sr., was one of the first prominent black Hollywood agents.
Todd's acting journey started with a dream sparked by watching Redd Foxx on "Sanford and Son." Despite the limited opportunities for black artists at the time, Todd persevered and paved the way for young black actors, becoming the first black child actor to have recurring roles on popular series such as "The Waltons" and "Little House on the Prairie." However, it was his role as Willis Drummond on "Diff'rent Strokes" that made him an international celebrity and household name by the age of 15.
After the end of "Diff'rent Strokes," Todd faced personal challenges, including battles with addiction and encounters with racism and police harassment. However, he has successfully overcome these struggles and has been clean and sober for over 30 years. Today, Todd is not only a working actor, director, and producer but also a motivational speaker who shares his experiences to educate and inspire others. He is happily married and a proud father, continuing to make a positive impact on and off the screen.
Pick up a copy of Todd’s book Killing Willis: From Diff'rent Strokes to the Mean Streets to the Life I Always Wanted right here.
Connect With Our Guest Todd Bridges
On Instagram: @toddbridges
On His Website: realtoddbridges.com
On Twitch: www.twitch.tv/toddbridges
Connect With Our HostsMelissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.
Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie
Get ready to celebrate the women who raised us, because it's Mother's Day, baby! But let's be real, motherhood isn't all sunshine and rainbows. We've all had our fair share of uncooked macaroni art and Tabasco omelets, am I right? Well, Melissa knows all about it, and she and Susie are joined by the cofounder of Modern Prairie, Nicole Haase, to reminisce about past Mother's Days and share some hilarious stories.We're also talking about the value of self-care and finding fulfillment in our own passions. Because let's face it, we can't pour from an empty cup, ladies! We also acknowledge that Mother's Day isn't just about our biological moms, but also the amazing mother figures in our lives, like grandmas, aunts, and stepmom.
In this episode:
So grab a mimosa and join us as we celebrate motherhood, acknowledge the challenges, and highlight the importance of self-care and self-love.
DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY! To leave a review and snag your spot in the giveaway, head to the Knitty Gritty Podcast on Apple Podcast and scroll to the bottom. Leave a rating and review to be entered. That’s it! Good luck.
Meet Nicole
As the CEO and Co-Founder of the lifestyle brand Modern Prairie, Nicole is a dynamic entrepreneur and creative force to be reckoned with. She's had 25 years leading merchandising and business development teams for brands like Williams Sonoma, and ModCloth and is committed to redefining what midlife looks like. She's a devoted bonus-mom, wife, and mother to her beloved fur babies. She finds joy and inspiration in making new connections, whether within the community, collaborators, artisans, or fellow entrepreneurs, and is always seeking out new opportunities to learn and grow.
With her unwavering dedication to her craft, her infectious energy, and her ability to balance her personal and professional responsibilities with grace and style, Nicole is a true inspiration to all who know her. Whether she's leading a team meeting, exploring the great outdoors hiking (which she LOVES), or simply spending time with her family and friends, she approaches each day with creativity, passion, and a commitment to bringing the "extra" to the ordinary.
Connect With Our HostsMelissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie
Get ready to talk cooking with Chef Smarty Pants herself, Erica Wides. Not only can we be thankful for Erica for re-teaching us simple kitchen tricks, but we may alsohave her to thank for making Melissa who she is today.
Erica Wides is a chef, cooking teacher, food media host, and commercial actor. She has been in the food world for almost 30 years and has worked and taught in NYC and in several countries. She's the creator and host of FunnyPeopleMakingFood, a food-comedy mashup series on YouTube, and The Chefsmartypants Academy, a SubStack newsletter and video blog.
In this episode:
Join Erica on her new series Prairie Meals Made Ma-dern. It is based on the Little House on the Prairie Cookbook, with the recipes modernized by Erica herself!
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Connect With Our Guest Erica Wides
On her Substack
On Instagram @funnypeoplemakingfood
On YouTube @funnypeoplemakingfood
Connect With Our HostsMelissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie
I’m sorry to break it to you… Melissa and Susie have not written a real, available, parenting book but we kind of wish it was! In this episode, Melissa and Susie touch on the struggles of being an empty-nester, teaching children to make good decisions, letting them fail, and the challenges of having adult children living at home.
Trust us, the personal stories alone will make you laugh right off your chair. Just ask Susie, who does just that!
In this episode, Melissa and Susie talk about:
Don’t forget to shop April Cornell's new Modern Prairie collection! Use the code: HELLO20 at checkout. Click here to shop!
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Connect With Our HostsMelissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie
Did you know you have to break in a new bra the way you break in new shoes? Melissa and Susie learned so much from this fantastic interview with Lori Kaplan, the Fairy Bra Mother herself!
Undergarments are the foundation upon which we build our wardrobes, and Lori Kaplan, affectionately known as The Fairy Bra Mother, has been supplying costume and wardrobe basics to the heavenly bodies on stage and screen for 4 decades. Savvy shoppers know that BraTenders is the go-to place for solutions for all manner of clothing conundrums, and The Uplifting Experience, their signature bra fitting, is sought by women around the world who are in need of a lift, and proper fitting bra.
Lori is also a writer, and working on her “mammoir”, called My Life Behind Bras, which will give readers a beneath-behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the entertainment industry. Many of the stars in the community are also private clients at BraTenders.
Lori is a Cat Mom to Jack and Ms Kitty. Lori enjoys yoga, pilates, crossword puzzles, and the NY Times Spelling Bee. Lori is a lifelong New Yorker, who moved to Manhattan at the age of 22 so she could walk to Studio 54. She now resides is Riverdale, NY.
In this episode:
You don't want to miss this one!
Excited to shop Modern Prairie's new collections? Use the code: HELLO20 at checkout. Click here to shop!
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Think you know the answers to Two Truths and a Lie: Prairie Style? Send us an email at podcast@modernprairie.com to submit your answer!
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Connect With Our Guest Lori Kaplan
On her website: bratenders.com
On Instagram @fairy_bra_mother
On Facebook @bratenders
Connect With Our HostsMelissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie
In this episode, we're getting open, honest, and learning about each other, as we play a game of "getting to know you". So, grab your beverage of choice (we recommend coffee or wine - depending on the time of day) and join us for some good old-fashioned girl talk, complete with friendship bracelets.
We'll be talking about everything from our biggest fears to our first kisses. And, of course, we'll be diving deep into the topic of friendships - the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Not to mention, Susie shares more about her megalohydrothalassophobia with us (we promise it's not as scary as it sounds). You'll have to tune in to find out what it is, but let's just say it involves a fear of something that's really, really big.
In this episode:
Don’t forget to shop April Cornell's Modern Prairie collection! Use the code: HELLO20 at checkout. Click here to shop!
Want to join the Modern Prairie “Setting the Intention” Facebook group? Join here!
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Think you know the answers to Two Truths and a Lie: Prairie Style? Send us an email at podcast@modernprairie.com to submit your answer!
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Connect With Our HostsMelissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie
Join Melissa and Susie as they welcome their first official guest to the Knitty Gritty Podcast!
April Cornell is an artist and entrepreneur, whose inspired designs lie at the heart of what she does. Born in Montreal, Canada to parents from Nova Scotia, she is one of four children. April is the proud mother of three sons (and two granddaughters!) who currently lives in Burlington, Vermont on the cozy shores of Lake Champlain.
April's wondrous blend of romantic florals and bohemian style can be traced to the places she loves most - from the alluring region of Provence to dusty fabric markets in New Delhi, from the winding alleys of Portugal to the coast of California.
Her journey has led her to the bazaars of Istanbul and through the barren beauty of the Afghan Mountains, revealing beauty around every corner. April's legacy and one-of-a-kind vision continue to guide the company to this day- she is still hard at work and is as dedicated as ever to pursuing beauty in the everyday.
In this episode:
You don't want to miss this one!
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Think you know the answers to Two Truths and a Lie: Prairie Style? Send us an email at podcast@modernprairie.com to submit your answer!
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Connect With Our Guest April CornellOn her website: aprilcornell.com
On Instagram @aprilcornell
On Facebook @apriblcornellpage
Connect With Our HostsMelissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie
Have you ever heard of the five love languages? You know, the ones that explain how we give and receive love to others? Well, what if we applied those same love languages to the way we show love to ourselves? Mind blown!
As parents, we are constantly telling our kids to love themselves and be confident, but do we take our own advice? Nope, we suck at it. That's why Melissa and Susie are here to help us change that. Well, at least think about changing that.
Get ready to learn about the importance of self-love, self-compassion, and self-care. And hey, while you're at it, why not give without expecting anything in return? It's a win-win.
Don't miss out on the hilarious Knotty Topics of this week. Melissa and Susie will be answering questions from all of you, and trust us, you won't want to miss it. So grab your popcorn and join us for a good laugh and some serious self-love talk.
In this episode:
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Think you know the answers to Two Truths and a Lie: Prairie Style? Send us an email at podcast@modernprairie.com to submit your answer!
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Connect With Our HostsMelissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie
Love is in the air! Well, at least it is in this hilarious episode where Melissa and Susie talk about why they prefer Galentine's Day over Valentine's Day. Why is there not a Best Friend Day anyway? But in all seriousness, why does it get harder to make friends the older we get? Maybe it's time to get down to the knitty gritty and get real about friendships and how they impact our lives.
In this episode:
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Think you know the answers to Two Truths and a Lie: Prairie Style? Send us an email at podcast@modernprairie.com to submit your answer!
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Connect With Our HostsMelissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie
Are you ready to get down to the knitty gritty? Join our hosts Melissa Gilbert and Susie Shubert as they discuss the challenges of aging gratefully.
Melissa and Susie want to create an open space for women in their "third phase of life", because sometimes society pigeonholes us into either being the "cute little old ladies" or "mean Mrs. Gulch." Women are just so much more than that and it is time to talk about it!
Listen to this episode to hear:
Connect With Our HostsMelissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie
From setting intentions for 2023 to the time Melissa spent the holidays with The Village People, this episode is full of fun surprises! Join Melissa and Susie in their first official episode of The Knitty Gritty Podcast as they share their holiday recaps, play games, and share their words of the year!
In this episode:
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Think you know the answers to Two Truths and a Lie: Prairie Style? Send us an email at podcast@modernprairie.com to submit your answer!
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Connect With Our HostsMelissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie