Are you craving a slower, more intentional pace as the seasons change? Discover how tuning into the rhythms of nature can transform your well-being, mindset, and daily habits. Join me and special guest Jess Dunegan, an Ayurvedic nutritionist, yoga teacher, and co-owner of Yoga State as we explore the art of seasonal living, practical ways to embrace slowness, and how to make winter a restorative, nourishing time.HighlightsThe meaning and origins of seasonal livingHow our ancestors lived in tune with nature—and what we can learn from themModern challenges to living seasonally (and how to overcome them)Simple nutrition shifts for each seasonRecognizing your body’s signals for a seasonal resetPractical self-care rituals rooted in AyurvedaReframing winter as a time for restoration, not just survivalTips for embracing slowness and presence in a fast-paced worldHow to work with Jess for deeper support and communityChapters00:28 – Introduction to Seasonal Living01:00 – Meet Jess Dunegan02:15 – Ancestors and Seasonal Living04:23 – Modern Challenges of Seasonal Living05:10 – Demystifying Seasonal Living06:22 – Seasonal Nutrition08:21 – Energy and Mood in Different Seasons11:31 – Practices for Embracing Slowness12:01 – Introduction to Ayurveda16:11 – Winter Practices and Self-Care18:09 – Mental and Emotional Benefits of Winter19:34 – Physical Activities for Winter21:35 – Signs Your Body Needs a Seasonal Shift24:36 – Conclusion and How to Work with JessResources MentionedThe Wellness Kula – Jess’s website for Flow and Flourish program, retreats, and workshopsYoga State KS on Facebook – Jess’s yoga studioYoga State KS on Instagram – Connect for classes and updatesWintering by Katherine May – Book recommendation for reframing winter as a restorative season (Book Link)PDF Guide to Self-Massage (Abhyanga)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 organization ignite hope and transform the lives of children who need it most? Explore the heart and vision behind Ember Hope, and discover how dedicated people are making a real difference for kids and families—plus, hear the inspiring journey of a leader who found his calling in unexpected ways.HighlightsEmber Hope’s mission: empowering and supporting vulnerable childrenReal stories of impact—how kids’ lives are being changedThe importance of trauma-informed care and community supportMitch’s personal journey: from career pivot to purpose-driven leadershipPractical ways listeners can get involved and make a differenceQ&A: Addressing the biggest challenges facing kids todayChapters00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Ember Hope’s Mission04:10 – Why Supporting Kids Matters: The Heart of Ember Hope11:25 – Stories of Transformation: Kids and Families Impacted19:40 – Trauma-Informed Care: Meeting Kids Where They Are27:15 – Mitch’s Career Pivot: Finding Purpose in Service34:50 – Building Community Partnerships41:30 – How You Can Help: Volunteer and Support Opportunities47:55 – Listener Q&A: Challenges & Solutions for Kids53:20 – Final Reflections & Call to ActionResources MentionedEmber Hope Official WebsiteVolunteer Opportunities at Ember HopeSupport: Donate to Ember HopeIf 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

Is it possible that the year is ending already? Today I’m bringing our Thread team together to talk about the unexpected curveballs that came our way in 2025. This candid conversation explores the surprises, lessons, and growth that come from a year of navigating business, family, and personal challenges. Join us as we reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and the wisdom we’re carrying into the new year.HighlightsNavigating grief and personal loss while staying present for business and familyThe power of simplicity and learning to say “no” to overcommitmentRealizations about playing small and daring to pursue big dreamsLessons from motherhood: letting go, managing conflict, and giving kids spaceThe tension between ambition and contentment—and how to find flowDelegating in business and the courage to take calculated risksBuilding routines that support health, family, and work-life balanceChoosing a “word of the year” as a guiding intention for growthChapters00:00 – Welcome & Setting the Scene00:45 – Team Podcast and Year Wrap-Up01:21 – Personal Reflections and Surprises01:52 – Navigating Personal Challenges (Grief, Resilience)05:43 – Embracing Simplicity (Kendra’s Insight)08:37 – Pursuing Big Dreams (Audra’s Realization)14:47 – Lessons from Motherhood18:01 – Balancing Ambition and Contentment22:11 – Finding Flow and Productivity26:31 – Business Strategies and Delegation29:30 – Personal Health and Routine31:32 – Parenting and Time Management34:45 – Choosing a Word for the Year38:00 – Reflections on 2025 & Looking Forward to 202642:00 – Closing Thoughts & Listener Call-to-ActionResources MentionedEssentialism by Greg McKeownBrené Brown’s “Strong Ground”Glennon Doyle’s “Houseplant Parent” conceptWant 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 truly feel like home? That’s the question at the heart of this conversation with Beccy Tanner, a journalist whose passion for Kansas and its people has shaped her four-decade career. From the origins of small-town names to the stories behind Kansas’ most beloved folk song, we explore the spirit, history, and quirks that make the Sunflower State unique. Along the way, we uncover how storytelling preserves community, why authenticity matters, and what it means to belong—whether you’re a lifelong Kansan or just passing through.HighlightsBeccy Tanner’s journey from a farm in Radium, Kansas, to the Kansas Newspaper Hall of FameThe surprising story behind the name “Radium” and other Kansas townsWhat makes Kansas—and its people—distinctive and worthy of storytellingThe evolution of journalism and the importance of passion in teaching historyHow Beccy’s reporting helped save the “Home on the Range” cabinPreserving the stories of African American homesteaders and Native Americans in Stafford CountyThe role of grassroots art and hidden gems across KansasAdvice for aspiring storytellers: let people tell their own storiesFun with historical newspaper clippings and the quirks of Kansas historyChapters01:05 — Meet Beccy Tanner: A Seasoned Journalist02:59 — Beccy’s Kansas Roots and Early Life05:37 — The Unique Charm of Kansas: What makes this place special?08:06 — Beccy’s Journalism Journey: From childhood dreams to the Wichita Eagle14:47 — Impactful Stories and Real-World Change: Saving the “Home on the Range” cabin21:19 — Retirement and Return to St. John: Coming home and giving back23:14 — Preserving Kansas History: Museums, glass negatives, and untold stories30:07 — Exploring Historical Newspapers: How journalism and storytelling have changed32:20 — Advice for Aspiring Storytellers: Letting people’s voices shine34:12 — Teaching Kansas History: Why it matters and how to inspire passion37:06 — Kansas Leadership and Community Stories: Grassroots art and local legends39:14 — Kansas Bus Trips and Hidden Gems: Off-the-beaten-path adventures45:25 — Fun with Historical Newspaper Clippings: Guessing Kansas counties and quirky stories53:39 — Wrap-Up: Reflections, gratitude, and a Kansas pep talkResources MentionedBear Grease, Builders and Bandits: The Men and Women of Wichita's Pasthttps://a.co/d/2klfqnIKansas Leadership Centerhttps://kansasleadershipcenter.org/Stafford County Historical Museumhttps://staffordcountymuseum.weebly.com/Kansas Sampler Foundationhttps://kansassampler.org/Wichita Eaglehttps://www.kansas.com/Kansas Magazinehttps://www.travelks.com/kansas-magazine/Home on the Range Cabinhttps://www.homeontherangecabin.com/Kansas History Museumhttps://www.kansashistory.gov/museumHome on the Range Trailerhttps://youtu.be/WX07IbmUpakIf you’d like to learn more about Beccy’s work or any of the places and people mentioned, check out the links above or reach out for more information!If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and help us continue amplifying Kansas voices!

Are you prepared for the unexpected? Imagine if you suddenly couldn’t work—how would that impact your family, your business, and your peace of mind? Today, I sit down with Molly Henthorn from Empower Financial Group to uncover the real risks beauty professionals face and the practical ways to protect your income, your business, and your future. From personal stories to actionable advice, this conversation is packed with insights every independent professional should hear.HighlightsThe true impact of being unable to work—and how to plan for itHow Empower Financial Group partners with beauty professionals to offer tailored benefitsReal-life stories of professionals who faced unexpected challengesThe surprising affordability of income protection and other benefitsWhat to consider when choosing coverage as a self-employed professionalHow to adjust your protection as your business growsThe unique value of working with a partner who understands your industryChapters00:00 — Introduction: The Unexpected Impact of Absence00:10 — Meet Molly from Empower Financial Group00:58 — Molly's Visit to the Salons01:43 — The Importance of Benefits for Beauty Professionals01:56 — Empower Financial Group's Offerings02:22 — Income Protection: A Critical Component02:39 — Real-Life Scenarios and Testimonials03:44 — Understanding the Cost of Benefits04:54 — The Value of Income Protection05:00 — Empower's National Reach and Claims Support07:49 — Customizing Coverage for Beauty Professionals13:16 — Conclusion and Future OpportunitiesResources MentionedEmpower Financial GroupWebsite: https://www.empowerfingroup.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!