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 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.

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!

Are you constantly chasing the next goal, feeling like you’re never quite enough, or wondering why rest feels like a guilty pleasure? Let’s unravel the roots of our “never enough” mindset, explore how it shapes our self-worth, and discover how to anchor ourselves in gratitude and genuine connection—even in a world that demands more, more, more.HighlightsThe origins of the “never enough” mentality and how it’s passed down through generationsNature vs. nurture: Are we born to want more, or are we taught?The impact of social media and comparison culture on our self-worthHow early attachment and family dynamics shape our drive for achievementThe dangers of tying self-worth to productivity and external validationStrategies for breaking the cycle: practicing gratitude, redefining success, and self-compassionThe importance of open communication and understanding in healing generational woundsReal talk on balancing ambition, rest, and the pursuit of “enough”Practical tips for parents to foster secure self-attachment in childrenWhy sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is simply pause and appreciate what you already haveChapters00:00 – Welcome & Introduction: The “Never Enough” Trap01:07 – Where Does the Pressure Come From?03:30 – Nature vs. Nurture: Are We Taught to Want More?07:52 – Generational Lessons: Scarcity, Survival, and Self-Worth11:34 – Productivity, Achievement, and Conditional Love16:21 – Social Media and the Comparison Machine20:06 – The Hedonic Treadmill: Why Achievements Don’t Satisfy24:44 – The Cost of Chasing More: Burnout and Anxiety29:13 – Relationships, Validation, and Self-Compassion36:06 – Healing, Communication, and Breaking the Cycle43:11 – Redefining Success and Practicing Gratitude47:22 – Anchoring Yourself in Chaos: Final Thoughts & Takeaways56:13 – Where to Find Us & Closing RemarksResources MentionedAnchoring Chaos Website: https://www.anchoringchaos.orgInstagram & YouTube: Find us by searching “Anchoring Chaos Podcast”Genuine Effort LLC: https://genuineeffortllc.com (Tim Caldwell)Mental Health Support: Consider reaching out to a psychotherapist, youth pastor, or trusted community leader for supportIf you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social media. Remember: you are enough, and you’re doing better than you think.This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network

What if the messiest chapters of your life are actually the foundation for your most powerful growth? Today, I sit down with Janice Perkins—executive coach, speaker, and all-around force of nature—to explore the real stories behind resilience, self-worth, and the power of community. From battling chronic illness and single motherhood to building a thriving business and finding love again, Janice shares the unfiltered truth about letting go of expectations, embracing imperfection, and duct-taping life together with humor and heart. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying too much or not enough, this conversation is for you.HighlightsThe surprising power of sharing your story and bringing struggles into the lightHow Janice rebuilt her life after chronic illness, divorce, and career upheavalLetting go of perfectionism and learning to give yourself graceThe role of accountability partners, coaches, and inner circles in personal growthDaily practices for self-care and staying connectedWhy vulnerability is essential in both personal and professional lifeConfronting limiting beliefs and the myth of controlThe importance of risk-taking and trusting yourself in new chaptersChapters00:00 — Welcome and Introduction00:49 — Meet Janice Perkins01:32 — Building Confidence and Friendship02:46 — The Power of Sharing Stories04:26 — Janice's Journey Through Adversity07:05 — Parenting and Letting Go of Expectations09:33 — The Struggle with Control and Self-Worth12:45 — The Impact of Dr. Caroline Leaf's Work17:35 — The Importance of Accountability and Support Systems20:01 — Balancing Self-Care and Professional Life22:55 — Daily Practices for Personal Growth26:41 — Overcoming Fears and Limiting Beliefs29:25 — Reflecting on Life's Challenges and Lessons31:27 — Closing Thoughts and Where to Find JaniceResources MentionedDr. Caroline Leaf – Clean Up Your Mental MessI Have Capacity (Janice Perkins’ website)Janice Perkins on LinkedInThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkWant 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.