What if the secret to growing your second act business isn't hiding behind your computer screen, but actually getting out and meeting people face-to-face? I know networking can feel uncomfortable—even for extroverts like me—but it's absolutely essential for building a thriving second act. The truth is, your business won't flourish through emails and algorithms alone. It needs real human connections. In this episode, I'm sharing practical strategies to make networking less intimidating and more effective, including the three simple questions you can ask at any event to start meaningful conversations. Whether you're just starting your second act or looking to grow, these networking tips will help you build the relationships that matter most.HIGHLIGHTS• You already have more networking contacts than you realize—your dentist, attorney, neighbors, kids' sports teams, and more• Networking is about building relationships, not making sales—avoid "commission breath" at all costs• Three essential questions to ask at any networking event: What brings you here? What do you do? What's going on in your industry?• Consistency beats charisma every time—showing up regularly is more important than being the loudest person in the room• Five networking events and three coffee meetings per week is the ideal goal for growing your second act• Networking shortens your learning curve by connecting you with experienced business owners who can help you avoid costly mistakes• Getting out of your house and interacting with people creates momentum and energy that keyboard work simply can't provideCHAPTERS[0:00] Everyone's Favorite Thing: Networking[0:51] The Importance of Networking in Your Second Act[1:59] Leveraging Your Existing Network[2:42] Building Relationships, Not Transactions[3:14] Effective Networking Strategies[4:13] Making Meaningful Connections[7:02] Consistency Over Charisma[9:47] Maximizing Networking Opportunities[10:21] Learning from Networking Experiences[11:57] The Power of Networking in Business Growth[13:43] Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRESOURCES MENTIONED• LinkedIn (for connecting with networking contacts)Want to get more help from Lee with your business? Visit her website: https://leegray.actioncoach.com/This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information, visit ictpod.net.

What does it take to transform a community when you're barely old enough to drive? Andres Mata was just 13 years old when he was appointed to Salina's Human Relations Commission, and that was only the beginning of his civic journey. Six years ago, at age 21, he founded the Kansas Civic Network with a simple belief: the resources to solve our communities' biggest challenges already exist—we just need to connect the right people with the right ideas. From launching the first food pantry in Lindsborg's history to helping Latino farmers understand organic certification, Andres and his team have learned that the most powerful solutions often come from the simplest actions: picking up the phone, asking questions, and refusing to accept "that's not my role" as an answer. Kansas faces real challenges—by 2050, 76% of the state's population will live in just 19 counties—but Andres has seen firsthand that when young people are invited to the table instead of told to wait their turn, remarkable things happen. The question isn't whether Kansas has what it takes to thrive; it's whether we're willing to work together to make it happen.Highlights:• Started civic engagement at age 9 with a Haiti relief fundraiser that raised $3,400 • Appointed to Salina's Human Relations Commission at 13, then Planning Commission at 16• Founded Kansas Civic Network at age 21 during COVID-19 pandemic• Helped establish Lindsborg's first food pantry in city history after discovering 1/3 of Bethany College students were food insecure• Built a remote, all-volunteer team of young professionals from 7+ states using Handshake platform• Conducted USDA-funded seminars revealing critical gaps in organic farming education for Latino farmers in southwest Kansas• Operates with radical transparency: "We're basically a club of young doers"• Core philosophy: "We just do it" - removing barriers and focusing on community benefit over organizational egoChapters:[0:00] Introduction - Meet Semi Quinn the Bison[1:58] Meet Andres Mata: Early Life and Civic Engagement[6:56] The Kansas Civic Network: Mission and Impact[11:17] Challenges and Success Stories in Rural Kansas[13:54] Building a Team of Young Doers[26:40] Organizational Structure and Future Goals[36:20] Founding the Kansas Civic Network[37:02] Challenges and Hopes for Kansas[39:16] The Role of Politics in Community Work[41:29] Engaging Communities and Institutions[44:49] Organic Farming Project[47:47] Concluding Thoughts and Reflections[48:31] Post-Interview Reflections[54:27] Who's A Kansan: Community Organizer Edition[63:21] ClosingResources Mentioned:• Kansas Civic Network - https://www.kscivicnetwork.org/• Bethany College (Lindsborg, Kansas) - https://www.bethanylb.edu/• Kansas 250 - https://www.travelks.com/kansas-250/This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What happens when you finally stop pretending to be fine? When you peel back the layers of people-pleasing, workplace masks, and self-abandonment, what's left? This conversation explores the messy, beautiful work of radical honesty—not the loud, dramatic kind, but the quiet, everyday practice of telling the truth to yourself first. Through the lens of Alison Espach's novel The Wedding People, Amber Dunn and I unpack what it means to stop performing, start listening to your body, and create safe spaces where you can show up fully as yourself. Whether you're navigating workplace dynamics, cycle syncing, or simply trying to ask for what you need, this episode is an invitation to stop abandoning yourself and start living aligned with who you really are.Highlights• The difference between radical honesty and just being honest—and why the softer approach might be more sustainable• How to identify safe spaces where you can unmask and why you need them to recharge• The workplace trap of "don't let them see you sweat" and what happens when you finally let people see you as human• Cycle syncing, rest as a gift, and why busyness is often a numbing mechanism• The powerful question "Can I have?" and how it opens doors to support, rest, and joy• Self-abandonment: what it looks like, what it costs, and how to stop doing itChapters[1:02] Introduction to Amber Dunn and The Wedding People[1:55] Book Club Discussion: The Wedding People[2:33] Themes of Radical Honesty[4:22] Personal Reflections and Safe Spaces[13:03] Workplace Dynamics and Authenticity[22:00] Self-Abandonment and Personal Growth[28:40] Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources Mentioned• The Wedding People by Alison Espach - https://www.alisonespach.com/novels• Brené Brown's Dare to Lead - https://brenebrown.com/book/dare-to-lead/Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Ever catch yourself thinking you should be further along by now? That quiet fear that everyone else has it figured out while you're still trying to catch up? Here's the truth: being "behind" isn't a personal failure—it's a misdiagnosis. Whether you're hitting a milestone birthday, navigating a career shift, or simply comparing your life to others, that nagging feeling of not measuring up is more common than you think. Let's talk about three powerful tools to help you reframe this story and show up from a place of abundance instead of scarcity.Highlights• Why the feeling of being "behind" often stems from outdated timelines and comparison traps• The power of looking back to recognize how far you've actually come• How to identify who you're comparing yourself to and why it matters• Bill Gates' wisdom on overestimating one-year progress while underestimating decade-long growth• The danger of building a life that works for other people but not for you• Four essential questions to examine your thoughts: Is this true? What else could be true? What am I making this mean? What neutral thought could I choose instead?• Why your 80-year-old self has better perspective than your current anxious mindChapters[0:00] Introduction: Are You Feeling Behind in Life?[1:30] Personal Anecdote: Cooking Misadventures[6:45] Reflecting on Milestones and Progress[9:20] Tool 1: Looking Back[15:45] Tool 2: Looking Up[22:30] Tool 3: Looking Ahead[25:15] Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources Mentioned• Super Simple cookbook by Tieghan Gerard (Half Baked Harvest)• How We Feel app• Rachel Hollis podcastWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What happens when a school administrator discovers TikTok during a pandemic and decides Kansas deserves better representation? Steven Kimmi joins us to share his journey from isolation to becoming one of Kansas' most dedicated content creators. From sleeping in his car at Little Jerusalem to eating three burgers in one day, Steven reveals the adventures, challenges, and philosophy behind his mission to celebrate Kansas' food scene and small-town businesses. Plus, he settles the score on Cozy Inn, shares his most memorable meals, and explains why he'll never post a negative restaurant review.Highlights:How pandemic isolation and TikTok sparked Steven's Kansas content creation journeyThe infamous Little Jerusalem camping fail and reversing a mile down a muddy road in a minivanWhy Steven focuses on promoting small-town Kansas businesses instead of just Wichita and Kansas CityThe colorblind video that hit 2 million views and temporarily impressed his teenage kidsSteven's burger philosophy: three in one day was a mistake, and why he won't trash restaurants publiclyPartnerships with Kansas State Fair and River Festival, plus dreams of World Cup contentThe gap in Kansas' food scene: where's a good bagel shop when you need one?Steven's most memorable meals: pasta in Italy, farm-to-table in Fort Wayne, and rare AHI tuna in WichitaWhy Steven can't schedule content more than a day ahead (and the stressful 4-6 PM scramble)Teaching, social media, and staying authentic both on and off cameraThe Volga Germans' legacy: how Catherine the Great, Turkey Red wheat, and bierocks transformed KansasChapters:[0:00] Discovering a Supercell Shelf Cloud[1:50] Introducing Steven Kimmi[2:41] Welcome, Steven Kimmi[3:22] Steven's Journey as a Content Creator[4:03] Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Taste Test[6:08] Adventures and Challenges in Kansas[14:52] Focusing on Food and Small Businesses[17:46] Collaborations and Future Plans[21:02] The Influence of Social Media on Teaching[21:57] Handling Negative Experiences at Restaurants[22:48] Burger Eating Adventures[23:51] Content Scheduling Struggles[25:00] Kansas Food Scene and Restaurant Gaps[28:45] Memorable Dining Experiences[31:45] Thanks for joining us[33:48] The Volga Germans and Kansas Wheat[39:04] The Legacy of Volga German Cuisine[40:55] Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming FeaturesResources Mentioned:Steven Kimmi on TikTokSteven Kimmi on InstagramSteven Kimmi’s website: https://stevenkimmi.com/Cozy Inn (Salina, Kansas)Jiffy Burger (Smith Center, Kansas)Little Jerusalem Badlands State ParkKansas Sampler FoundationKansas State FairSalina River FestivalThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net