Do you have a passion for furry companions? Join us for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation with Brandon Sokol, director of Prairie Paws Animal Shelter in Manhattan, Kansas. Brandon shares the realities of shelter life, from the emotional challenges of animal rescue to the logistics of managing capacity, volunteers, and community partnerships. Discover how compassion, creativity, and teamwork come together to save lives, and hear unforgettable stories of animals (and people) who make a difference.HighlightsThe mission and structure of Prairie Paws Animal ShelterEmotional and practical challenges of shelter workWhat “no-kill” really means and how it’s achievedThe role of volunteers and “Dog Day Outs”Memorable animal rescue stories, including Moose the dogManaging unusual animal drop-offs and Kansas animal ordinancesThe importance of community support and spay/neuter programsAdvice for supporting your local shelter and adopting petsChapters4:59 – Introducing Brandon Sokol from Prairie Paws Animal Shelter6:43 – Challenges and rewards of shelter work10:30 – Managing capacity and maintaining no-kill status14:18 – Volunteer contributions and “Dog Day Outs”26:35 – Odd animal drop-offs and unusual pets27:56 – Animal control, ordinances, and shelter operations31:04 – Feral cats and trap-neuter-return programs32:41 – Personal pet stories and naming pets36:39 – Community support for animal sheltersResources MentionedPrairie Paws Animal Shelter: prairiepaws.orgAdopt a Pet: adoptapet.comThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What if turning 40 isn’t a crisis, but a coming of age? Are you feeling a quiet shift—a pull toward something more honest, grounded, and true to yourself? Today we begin exploring the beauty and complexity of entering a new season of life, where ambition is redefined, softness is embraced, and the “second act” becomes a time for intentional living. Drawing inspiration from family, mentors, and cultural shifts, I reflect on what it means to move beyond proving yourself and start becoming who you truly are. Whether you’re approaching a milestone birthday or simply sensing a change, you’re not alone—and there’s so much more ahead.HighlightsEmbracing aging and the excitement of turning 40Lessons from my grandmother and mentors about thriving in your fortiesThe inspiration behind launching a new podcast season: “The Second Act”Shifts in workplace culture and the rise of the “human skills revolution”Balancing ambition with softness and clarityReflecting on Act One: building, striving, and learningDefining Act Two: living and leading with intentionChallenging the “midlife crisis” narrative and embracing a coming of ageInsights from Mary Oliver and Jane Fonda on living a meaningful lifeWhat to expect from this season: interviews, community stories, and honest conversationsChapters00:00 — Introduction: Embracing 4000:54 — Inspiration from Grandma and Mentors02:09 — The Second Act: A New Podcast Season02:28 — Shifts in Workplace Culture02:53 — Balancing Ambition and Softness03:44 — Life’s Precious Moments04:24 — The Human Skills Revolution04:42 — Reflecting on Act One05:25 — Defining Act Two10:12 — Midlife Crisis or Coming of Age?13:14 — Excitement for the Future14:10 — Mary Oliver’s Wisdom14:41 — Jane Fonda’s Advice16:10 — Season Overview and Expectations17:45 — Conclusion: Welcome to the Second ActResources MentionedLean In & McKinsey: Women in the Workplace 2025 ReportMary Oliver, “The Summer Day” (poem)Jane Fonda’s Advice on Aging (YouTube)Audra Dinell on Substack: The Second ActIf you’re feeling the softening, the clarity, or the pull to live a little differently, you’re not having a midlife crisis—you’re having a coming of age. Welcome to the Second Act.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.

Are you ready to step into your second act? What if the next chapter of your life isn’t about starting over, but about becoming more of who you truly are? As we close out 2025, I invite you to pause, reflect, and get excited for what’s ahead. This isn’t just a recap—it’s a doorway to new beginnings, deeper clarity, and the freedom to design a life that feels like your own. Let’s talk about what it means to embrace change, honor your journey, and boldly step into the next phase with courage, curiosity, and community.HighlightsThe meaning and inspiration behind “the second act”Why turning 40 feels like a recalibration, not a crisisHow to clarify what truly matters and set new boundariesThe difference between proving yourself and believing in yourselfUpcoming interviews with women navigating their own second actsTools, questions, and frameworks to help you build your next chapterHonest behind-the-scenes of my own journey—marriage, motherhood, ambition, and moreEncouragement for anyone feeling behind or uncertain as the new year beginsInvitation to join the written companion on SubstackChapters00:00 — Introduction and Welcome01:08 — Reflecting on 202501:20 — Introducing the Second Act01:58 — Defining the Second Act02:14 — Life’s Timeline and Career Midpoint02:45 — Clarifying What Matters03:18 — The Concept of the Second Act03:50 — Exploring Identity and Skills04:32 — Emotional Agility and Boundaries04:54 — Interviews and Stories05:37 — Coaching and Tools06:09 — Behind the Scenes of My Second Act06:47 — Encouragement for the New Year07:10 — Believing in Yourself08:03 — Looking Forward to 2026Resources MentionedThe Second Act Substack: https://substack.com/@audradinellThank you for listening, sharing, and being part of this journey. If you feel the second act stirring in you, make sure you’re subscribed and join me on Substack for more. Here’s to turning the page—together.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.

What makes a place feel like home, and how do the stories of a state connect us all? From the warmth of a “grandma basement” to the wild adventures across Kansas, this conversation celebrates the people, places, and moments that have shaped a year of discovery. Join us as we reflect on favorite guests, behind-the-scenes stories, and the lessons learned from building a podcast rooted in community.HighlightsThe meaning and Midwest origins of the “grandma basement”How the podcast began and the team behind the scenesFavorite guest moments and what made them memorableLessons learned from Kansas historians, artists, journalists, and community leadersTanner’s photojournalist adventures across the stateUnique Kansas events: rodeos, peace treaties, and Swedish festivalsThe importance of parks, wildlife, and green spaces in KansasA look at the “guest book” and fun awards for standout guestsHopes and plans for the next season, including new regions and storiesChapters00:00 – Understanding the “Grandma Basement” Concept03:22 – Reflecting on Past Episodes04:11 – The Origin Story of the Podcast07:19 – Highlighting Memorable Guests13:24 – Discussing the Podcast’s Reach and Team21:55 – Capturing Kansas: Rodeos, Peace Treaties, and Wildlife29:57 – Whooping Cranes: A Remarkable Comeback32:04 – Exploring Kansas Wildlife32:31 – Lindsborg’s Biannual Ings Fest33:30 – Traditional Swedish Costumes35:27 – Lakewood Park: A Kansas Gem36:56 – Looking Forward to 202641:40 – Reflecting on 2025 Guests53:27 – Closing Thoughts and Thank YousResources MentionedCurious Kansan Newsletter & Stories: askakansan.comPeace Treaty Pageant (Medicine Lodge): peacetreaty.orgKansas Sampler Foundation: kansassampler.orgMaxwell Wildlife Refuge: maxwellwildliferefuge.comBook: “Into Whooperland” by Michael ForsbergEpisodes Referenced:Adrian Zink (Ep. 3)Dr. Andrew Orr (Ep. 11, “The Compassionate Kansan”)Erika Nelson (Ep 16, “Big Little Big Kansan”)Brooke Terrapin (Ep. 5, “Fashionable Kansan”)Greg Victors (Ep. 26, “Steps of Tradition”)Abel Frederic (Ep. 24, “Giving Kansas”)Ross Janssen (Ep. 28, “Forecasting Kansas”)Leslie Bishop (Ep. 1, “The Kansas Dynamic”)Trisha Smith (Ep. 21, “Resilient Kansan”)Rex Buchanan (Ep. 29, “Grounded Kansan”)Marci Penner (Ep. 18, “Sampling Kansas”)Carl Bowden (Ep. 6, “Leading Kansas”)James Bowden (Ep. 17, “Unboxable Kansan”)Cash Hollister (Ep. 22, “Beats Kansas”)If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and help us continue amplifying Kansas voices!This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

How do you build a business that feels like home—for you and your clients? What if the secret to success is as simple (and as complex) as truly listening, embracing your quirks, and trusting the process of transformation?Discover how the journey from commission salon to independent suite can be both terrifying and exhilarating. Suzie Cote shares her story of personal and professional metamorphosis, the power of branding with authenticity, and the importance of building trust through deep listening and consultation. From butterfly-themed decor to the infamous Nicholas Cage magnet, this conversation explores the joys and challenges of creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and valued—not just as customers, but as part of a community. Along the way, we unpack the emotional rollercoaster of the beauty industry, the art and science of color, and the rituals that help us leave work at work.HighlightsThe meaning behind Suzie’s butterfly theme and how it shapes her brandNavigating the leap from commission salon to independenceOvercoming misconceptions and fears about going soloInnovations in client experience: from online booking to personalized amenitiesThe art of consultation and why it’s the key to client satisfactionBuilding trust and long-term relationships with clientsEmbracing feedback (even the tough kind) as a recovering people pleaserThe story behind the Nicholas Cage magnet and what it reveals about personal brandingBalancing emotional energy and self-care in a people-focused businessThe value of community and finding your ideal clienteleChapters00:00 — Introduction to Suite Independence00:47 — Meet Suzie Cote: The Butterfly Theme01:28 — The Concept of Emergence03:44 — Transition to Independence04:49 — Challenges and Misconceptions06:06 — Innovations in Client Experience09:31 — The Importance of Feedback12:41 — Building Trust with Clients17:01 — Catering Music to Audience Preferences17:22 — The Nicholas Cage Magnet Story20:23 — Managing Negative Feedback as a Recovering People Pleaser21:59 — The Importance of Consultation in Hairdressing24:44 — Transitioning to Independent Work28:04 — Embracing Quirkiness and Personal Branding28:27 — Building a Personalized Clientele30:58 — Balancing Emotional Energy in the Salon32:17 — Closing Thoughts & GratitudeResources Mentionedhttps://www.suziecotehairartist.com/To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!