What if the best things in your year weren’t what you planned? As we wind down 2025, I’m reflecting on the surprises, tools, and shifts that made this year meaningful—personally and professionally. From discovering new values to finding joy in the unexpected, I’m sharing the 10 things I loved most this year, hoping they’ll inspire you to reflect, reset, and maybe try something new as you look ahead.HighlightsDiscovered the Values Bridge Tool by Suzy Welch for deeper self-understandingExperienced the benefits of food sensitivity testingUsed the How We Feel app to expand emotional vocabulary (and helped my kids do the same)Celebrated 15 years of marriage with a transformative Focus Lab experienceDownshifted work for a more intentional, essential rhythmLearned to let go of “good” to make space for “great”Found renewed joy in podcasting and committed to another yearWatched my family become avid readers (and hit a personal reading record)Built new friendships with real staying powerChose to stay and invest in our current home, embracing contentmentChapters00:00 Reflecting on 202500:51 10 Things I Loved in 2025: Categories & Overview02:03 Values Bridge Tool by Suzy Welch08:45 Food Sensitivity Testing10:03 How We Feel App13:29 Focus Lab Experience15:01 Downshifting Work17:11 Letting Go of Good for Great20:25 Podcasting Joy22:21 Family of Readers24:15 New Friendships with Staying Power26:12 Deciding to Stay in Our Home29:00 Reflecting on Home and Values29:58 Intentional Living30:06 Closing Thoughts and ReflectionsResourcesValues Bridge Tool by Suzy WelchValues Bridge Tool Book: 10-10-10 by Suzy WelchBrené Brown’s Values AssessmentBook: Dare to Lead by Brené BrownEmotional AgilityBook: Emotional Agility by Susan DavidHow We Feel AppHow We FeelFocus Lab with Liz Forkin BohannonLiz Bohannon’s WebsiteEssentialism by Greg McKeownBook: Essentialism by Greg McKeownLiz Bohannon’s Podcast: Plucking UpPlucking Up 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.

This special episode of Ask A Kansan is a bit different. We had the opportunity to take our entire crew out to Greensburg, Kansas to capture all the things that are happening there. In fact, we felt like it was a better episode to watch rather than listen to. So hit the link below to watch this special "on the road" edition of Ask A Kansan. But don't worry, we'll be back next week with our usual audio version of the podcast. Thanks for listening!https://youtu.be/ZBPSHojkinc

What if your greatest strengths could help you navigate life’s biggest challenges—and even shape the way you parent? Discover how understanding and leveraging your unique talents can transform your career, relationships, and family life. Join the conversation with Kennedy Rogers, Director of Strengths Leadership and Student Impact at Wichita State University, as we explore the power of CliftonStrengths, the intersection of ADHD and personal growth, and the freedom that comes from embracing who you truly are.HighlightsKennedy’s journey from discovering her strengths to leading others at Wichita State UniversityThe difference between CliftonStrengths and other personality assessmentsHow strengths-based approaches empower both individuals and parentsNavigating ADHD: reframing challenges as assetsThe “balcony and basement” concept—how strengths can help or hinder usParenting with intention and letting go of perfectionPractical ways to apply strengths in career, education, and daily lifeEncouragement for skeptics and those feeling lost or in transitionChapters00:23 — Kennedy’s work at Wichita State and her strengths journey01:14 — What is CliftonStrengths? How does it differ from other assessments?02:37 — The science and validity behind strengths-based tools04:31 — Strengths in times of transition and personal growth07:47 — ADHD and strengths: Kennedy’s personal story12:21 — The “balcony and basement” of strengths15:14 — Using strengths to find vocational direction17:46 — Kennedy’s path from sales to higher education21:57 — Parenting, education, and letting kids be themselves27:29 — Strengths-based parenting and letting go of societal expectations29:14 — Final thoughts, where to find Kennedy, and resourcesResources MentionedCliftonStrengths (Gallup StrengthsFinder):https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspxWichita State University:https://www.wichita.edu/Strengths-Based Parenting (Book):https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253676/strengths-based-parenting.aspxConnect with Kennedy Rogers on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedy-rogers-3187618a/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.

How can one foundation transform an entire region? Discover the story behind the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and how its strategic giving, community focus, and unique leadership model have shaped Northwest Kansas for generations. From inspiring local initiatives to supporting rural communities, this conversation with Betsy Wearing reveals the power of philanthropy, the importance of strong nonprofit boards, and the enduring legacy of a visionary Kansan.HighlightsThe origin story of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and its founder’s entrepreneurial journeyHow the foundation’s endowment model enables long-term, impactful givingThe evolution from responsive grantmaking to strategic initiatives in education, arts, childcare, and housingThe unique “working board” structure and what makes the foundation’s leadership model unusualReal stories of community impact, from theater camps to rural revitalizationThe importance of strong nonprofit boards and volunteerism in rural KansasInsights on regional collaboration and lessons for other communitiesLocal gems: Rock City, Minneapolis, and community events in Northwest KansasChapters01:50 – Meet Betsy Wearing: Career Journey & Nonprofit Roots06:40 – The Dane G. Hansen Foundation: History & Mission13:40 – Mr. Hansen’s Legacy & Philanthropy Approach22:00 – How the Foundation Works Today: Scholarships, Grants, and Initiatives28:20 – Strategic Initiatives: Literacy, Arts, Childcare, Housing34:00 – The “Magic Corner” and Regional Impact38:00 – The Role of Nonprofit Boards & Volunteerism44:00 – Community Stories & Northwest Kansas Today Magazine50:00 – Lessons for Other Regions & The Power of Local Agency55:00 – Personal Legacy, Foundation’s Future, and Final Thoughts1:00:00 – “Where in the Rectangle?”: Rock City & Local Recommendations1:05:00 – Closing Remarks & How to Support the ShowResources MentionedDane G. Hansen Foundationhttps://danehansenfoundation.org/Northwest Kansas Today Magazinehttps://danehansenfoundation.org/magazine/Curious Kansan Storieshttps://askakansan.com/curious-kansanMid-America Arts Alliancehttps://www.maaa.org/Kansas Learning Center for Healthhttps://www.learningcenter.org/Rolling Hills Zoohttps://www.rollinghillszoo.org/If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and help us continue amplifying Kansas voices!

What does it really take to turn a passion for beauty into a thriving, in-demand business? How do you build a brand that clients recognize instantly—and keep them coming back for years? Today, I sit down with Brooke Bemis, owner of Brows by B and the Brow Battalion, to uncover the real story behind her journey from serving tables to becoming one of Wichita’s most sought-after brow artists and educators. We talk about the grit, the branding, the boundaries, and the bold decisions that shaped her career, plus the lessons she’s learned about building a business, a brand, and a life you love.HighlightsBrooke’s journey from her first salon job to opening her own suiteThe moment she decided to niche down and focus exclusively on browsHow branding (and a love of pink) set her apart in a crowded marketThe power of boundaries and policies in building a sustainable businessWhy she created a unique booking system—and how it keeps her schedule (and sanity) intactThe leap from side hustles to full-time entrepreneur (and why it was terrifying)Launching a product line and professional tool collection for beauty prosThe importance of community, networking, and training your “competition”How to handle burnout, set boundaries, and rediscover your “why”Advice for new estheticians and beauty professionalsChapters00:00 — Welcome & Introduction to Brooke01:07 — Brooke’s Early Career and Finding Her Niche02:10 — Building Brows by B: The Brand and the Experience03:33 — The Power of Branding (and Pink Everything)05:44 — From Side Hustles to Full-Time: Making the Leap09:19 — Creating Hype: Booking, Waitlists, and Client Experience15:24 — Training, Mentorship, and Building Community21:03 — Product Lines, Tools, and Teaching Clients23:11 — Burnout, Boundaries, and Rediscovering Passion26:05 — Advice for New Beauty Pros & Final ThoughtsResourcesBrows by B Website & Shop — Products, trainings, and moreTo 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!