Taking the Middle Seat next to Rachael Kaminski

On Episode 33 I’m talking to Rachael Kaminski, alternative hair stylist and owner of Confidence Beyond Hair Loss (Facebook, Instagram). Rachael is an incredible hair stylist working in the area of alternative hair (wigs, toppers etc.) and hair loss. She developed an awareness of the devastation and negative self talk that can result from hair loss after she went through treatment in 2017 for Hodgkins Lymphoma. She now serves men and women in her home-based salon with acceptance and care.

I learned so much from Rachael. She talked about the myriad of reasons that men and women might lose their hair including post-pregnancy, thyroid and auto-immune disorders, alopecia, cancer, scarring, and thinning. Rachael also mentioned a great resource through the American Cancer Society called Look Good, Feel Better.

Rachael talked about her favorite things including a glass of wine in front of the fire place, her pitbull Kira, spending time with girlfriends and travel. She loved her pottery class at the Holland Area Arts Council, adult coloring books, crafting and DIY home decor.

Go take that middle seat, my dear listeners!

Taking the Middle Seat next to Topsie VandenBosch

On Episode 24, I’m talking to Topsie VandenBosch, a business mindset coach for female entrepreneurs. (Topsie on Facebook and Instagram) She is a private practice therapist and entrepreneur. And she is a firecracker and motivator. I could not love her more! I love how she speaks truth and encouragement to get us out of our stuck spaces.

Topsie’s tips for maintaining a great mindset heading into the holiday season:

1. Remember that you will be ok no matter the season. Keep a mindset centered on abundance and not fear.

2. Recognize that it is ok to slow down. You don’t have to keep up with the hustle and bustle that is around you. You don’t have to!

3. Remember it is ok to NOT buy all of the things. Stay within your means.

Topsie’s tips for maintaining boundaries at the holiday season:

1. Don’t spend time with people who drain you (or limit your time) even if they’re family.

2. Recognize that every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else. Don’t say yes out of obligation.

Topsie mentions Side Hustle Pro podcast. If you have a little baby side hustle and want some encouragement, it just might be for you. I’ve also found a lot of encouragement through GR Boss Babes and Grand Rapids Women Who, local GR groups of rad women. Don’t hate on social media. It can be a source of connection if you do it right.

If you need more Topsie-on-a-podcast-fun, be sure to catch her on Balanced Bites episode 374.

Topsie’s favorite things include an iced matcha green tea latte with almond milk from Starbucks (I *heart* her specificity here), The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k by Mark Manson, The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix (I’m going to take her word on this. Horror - EEEK!), My Favorite Murder podcast (we’re going to the live show together!!!!), Jenna Kutcher’s podcast, and Skinny Confidential podcast. Topsie also treats herself to cold-pressed juices because they’re so freaking delicious. She loves Bodhi Tree Juice Co. and Malamiah Juice Bar.

Go take that middle seat all holiday season long!

Taking the Middle Seat next to The Nourish to Flourish Society

On Episode 18 of Taking the Middle Seat, I'm talking to Angelle Batten and Jill Tanis, co-founders of The Nourish to Flourish Society which is "a place where women fall in love with nourishing mind, body and spirit with simple soulful self care practices, delicious food and a supportive community" (from The Nourish to Flourish Society website).  

Jill and Angelle describe themselves as life coaches for women with an expertise in health.  I am not kidding when I say that I LOVE the space they have created for women to thrive.  Check out the 14 Day Fall Reset!!  I promise you will love it.

Jill and Angelle are hosting an upcoming event called Soiree on September 26.  I know it will be nourishing and beautiful and worth every cent.  Grab you buddies and go!

I talked about how I found The Nourish to Flourish Society through my friend Shari Meyering who is an ambassador for Noonday Collection.  You'll find some of my favorite big earrings from Noonday here.

Angelle and Jill   s h o w e d  u p   with some incredible favorites!

Jill's Faves: Practicing sabbath (here's a book on sabbath by Wayne Muller), Slow Down Diet, jasmine green tea, Lake Michigan, Grocer's Daughter Chocolates, OXO good grips Y peeler, Vitamix, Cutco chef knife, microplane, Young Living, Barbara Brown Taylor, Rob Bell's Robcast.

Angelle's Faves: Bark Thins, Autumn's Gold grain free granola, water pillow, Car Talk episodes, Grace & Frankie on Netflix, The Book of She.

I was not prepared when they asked me about MY favorite things but now that I think about it...  I have a favorite vegetable peeler that I won in a white elephant gift exchange and I just ordered these earrings from Noonday.  Favorite things for the win! 

I'll be back soon!  Until then, take the middle seat.  You'll love what happens.

Taking the Middle Seat next to Megan Seeley

On episode 16 of Taking the Middle Seat, I'm talking to Megan Seeley, owner of The Goal Designer.  She does Planner Matching and 1 on 1 coaching.  She also runs a rad Facebook group called Moms Reclaiming Their Time Guilt-Free.  She was inspired to create all of this after a very hard season when she had a baby and was diagnosed with a chronic illness, Grave's Disease.  She now encourages moms as an anti-productivity coach.  Isn't that awesome!  

I would definitely encourage you to take Megan's Planner Quiz!  She'll give you some great ideas on what to look for in a planner that fits your lifestyle.

The planner that Megan uses is The Simplified Planner from Emily Ley.  I'm doing a planner match session with Megan really soon so I'll let you know which one I pick!

Megan talks about her favorite self care is doing lots of things she loves all-at-the-same-time.  One of the things she loves is Lush bath bombs.  A locally made bath bomb soap maker I love is Maggie Ann Soap Co.  

Megan loves true crime.  She is my people.  Best true crime podcast of all time... My Favorite Murder.  SSDGM!

She also loves the Courage and Clarity Podcast with Steph Crowder.  Megan was on that podcast on this episode.

Her other loves... cozy mysteries, author Karen McInerney and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel. 

I'll be back soon to explore the magic in the middle seat.