Jess Quarello and Taryn Lagonigro join the podcast to talk about their organization ELM, formerly known as Extra Lucky Moms. Jess and Taryn catch us up on what they've been up to and the wonderful things ELM has done in the disability community. These two incredible women are extra lucky in many ways. They are parents to beautiful children, entrepreneurs and advocates. At the start of 2024 I launched my own media company; Sprouting Productions, which focuses on producing top-notch podcasts. I have always loved the work Jess and Taryn do for the world and knew I wanted to produce a podcast for them. I'm happy to announce that The Extra Lucky Podcast will be launching in the Spring of 2024. You can find out more below. The Extra Lucky Podcast website Sprouting Productions website

Anya Raetsch is a big part of the reason why New Jersey will now be providing NJ students in sixth through 12 grade with free menstrual products. Anya is a menstrual equity activist, who saw a problem and worked hard to find a solution. While attending her local NJ high school, Anya noticed a big need for her school to add FREE menstrual products to the girl's bathrooms. With the help of her Girl Scout Golden Award and Aunt Flo she navigated talking to her principal, Superintendents and boardrooms full of adult men. Anya still works with New Jersey schools and the Period Equity project. She is currently a freshman in college. Anya's social links: Instagram Aunt Flo Guest Blog

Ashleigh Frater the Anxiety Coach helping small female business founders and entrepenurs  Ashleigh Frater is the anxiety coach you didn’t know you needed. Ashleigh and I talk about her journey becoming a coach and, imposter syndrome, work-life balance and more. Ashleigh is also the host of her own podcast, Free from burnout available on Spotify!  Here is a link to Ashleigh’s free Anxiety first-aid kit workshop: sign up here You can check out Ashleigh's free resource here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/64ede836f354e0ede26eea6d Ashleigh's social links LinkedIn Instagram

Maryah Greene, a fellow Bank Street College of Education Alum joins me to talk about her debut children's novel Good Things. 🎓 We reminisce about our time and experience at Bank Street and the tools it provided us with to be successful. 🪴 While attending school, Maryah founded Greene Piece; a platform for plant lovers all over the world. Rooted in education and growth, Greene Piece is an accessible platform sharing plant knowledge and more. 📚 Maryah Greene's debut children's book Good Things is out now. We talk about the importance of writing books with heavy topics as the focal point. Good Things is an impactful picture book that depicts grief and loss while incorporating plants and growth. Maryah's social links: website purchase Good Things on amazon

During Pride Month in June of 2023 I came across a segment on Bernie and immediately invited hero not the podcast. Bernie Wagenblast's voice is quite familiar to those of NYC as she voices the subway's "Next Train" announcements. Bernie shares her journey growing up wishing she was a girl, finding her love for news and where she is today. Bernie's socials: LinkedIn Sprouting Mind's socials: website additional links

Sprouting Minds update: After 2 years of running Sprouting Minds I finally took time off. I spent June and July not focusing on certain aspects of podcasting that would interfere with my love of connecting with people and sharing their story with the world. My head is clear and I am ready to dive back in and bring you all new episodes starting August 1, 2023! It’s year 3 and I’m ready to rock and roll. As always thank you for your continuous support and let’s keep growing and connecting. You can follow Sprouting Minds on: instagram website If you want to be a guest on the Sprouting Minds podcast please reach out at info@sproutingminds.com

Erika Joy Sneath is an educator, author and cat mom. Erika chats about her experience as a new teacher and the little things she started to notice that would ultimately affect her teaching career. Erika shares the time she injured her ankle at work and how that left her with chronic pain. Her journey is about overcoming obstacles, understanding that who we are can effect our ability to separate work from life and how we can take our challenges and create something meaningful and beautiful from them. Erika's socials: website Instagram You can purchase her book on her website above or on amazon here.

Aaron Machbitz joins me to talk about his journey navigating his understanding and experience with mental health. Aaron is a former WWE wrestler who went by the name Jaxone Stone. After his sister died by suicide, Aaron began noticing how his WWE alter ego juxtaposed his real life personality. Aaron shares his struggles, wins and the tools he uses to help maintain his mental health. You can learn more about Aaron by clicking the links below. Aaron's link.tree You Are Loved Sprouting Mind's links

Tyrel Hunt is the author, director and producer of The Sound of Southside. The Sound of Southside is based in Queens, NY where both Tyrel and I are from. He captures the beauty, hardships and obstacles the community faces. Though fictional, the characters and storyline feel real. Tyrel and I talk about how he conceptualized this idea and the obstacles he had to overcome to produce such a unique and beautiful piece of art. Tyrel's socials: website instagram Get the book here the Sprouting Minds platforms

Amalia Flecksteiner joins the pod to share her journey navigating her moms ALS diagnosis to self published her very own children's book. On Valentine's Day 2019, Amalia Flecksteiner's mom was diagnosed with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells. Though her mom passed less than 2 years later, Amalia realized there were very few resources that explained this complicated disease to young children, like her niece Aubrey who was only 8 years old when her grandmother was diagnosed. She chose to create one herself, writing and self-publishing, "But She Still Can Love: A Child's Understanding of ALS" in April 2020. to purchase click here But She Still Can Love by Amalia Flecksteiner

Use code: VIP23 to get 10% off at ⁠https://www.stealthbrosco.com/⁠ As seen on Shark Tank! I first saw Braxton Fleming on Shark Tank when he was pitching his amazing invention; a Dopp kit bag. This bag was unique in the sense that it was not just for someone transition, but also for anyone going through IVF, diabetes or any other personel matter. The invention was all about making people feel comfortable in their own skin. I reached out to Braxton and he came on the pod to talk about his journey discovering who he was and how he became the man he is today. Stealth Bros. & Co. website: https://www.stealthbrosco.com/ insta: https://www.instagram.com/stealthbrosco/ Sprouting Minds socials: https://linktr.ee/sproutingmindsnyc

Alessia Maria was living her average life with no experience with anxiety or depression. After being sick with strep like symptoms she started to experience depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety. At just 15 years old her life quickly was turned upside down. After what felt like ages, she was diagnosed with PANDAS disorder: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. Alessia is here to share her journey from pre-diagnosis to post-diagnosis. You can follow her on her social media accounts below!  Alessia Maria's socials: website instagram Sprouting Minds socials!

Jeff Corrigan and Sheldon Mills are the Habit Masters. Jeff, Sheldon and I talk about the identity of self and how we define who we are as humans. We talk about why certain habits don't last and a simple and easy way to approach starting good habits **spoiler alert: their tip does in fact work** Jeff and Sheldon blow my mind when they start talking about the Garden Method.  FYI Sprouting Minds s officially on YouTube!  The Habit Master's socials: website Habit Tracker youtube instagram

Jeanelle Teves is taking the term boss mom to a whole other level. Jeanelle is a wife and a mom to two young children. She is also the General Manager for Bugaboo's North America and Canadian region. In 2022, Jeanelle gave birth to her son Max and when the preschool I worked for opened up virtual classes, Jeanelle took that opportunity to sign up her older daughter for classes. Well, I'm sure you can guess who her teacher was. I have been in awe of Jeanelle and her family since the day I met her. It was an honor to have her on the podcast.  Jeanelle's profiles! LinkedIn Instagram Bugaboo's website Sprouting Minds is on YouTube so make sure to check it out: YouTube page

Join me as I talk to Rick Werry about how one event transformed his life. Rick grew up able-bodied, but one day while working on what was supposed to be his dream home, Rick fell and everything changed. Rick recounts his journey from the moment he found out he was quadriplegic to another life event that started his second life.  TW: there is a trigger warning on this episode as we talk about suicidal thoughts and acts. If those are triggers for you, please do not listen to this episode. If you do chose to listen, please know you can stop at any time.  Rick's social media: Instagram Website Buy his book here!

Join Aram and I as we talk about her journey to becoming a children's author and illustrator. Aram's books focus on universal themes while providing proper representation of her South Korean culture.  Follow Aram Kim on her social media platforms: website instagram Sprouting Minds is now on YouTube! Follow along HERE

They don't call him Donofriend for nothing! Donvoan Taylor Hall is an advocate for: youth empowerment, mental health and  self growth. He is working to reframe the narrative we have of ourselves and the world we live in.  Donovan's goal is to help young adults and children build positive relationships with themselves. Check out Donovan's social media platoforms here: Linktree For more info on Sprouting Minds head the website by clicking here

Megan Sharp left her 9-5 job to fulfill her passion for working with people living with Intellectual and physical disabilities. Her older sister Jessie, who is living with Angelman Syndrome helped guide her in living in the now.  Follow Megan and This Ability Recreation below: Website Instagram

Alnardo and I sit down and chat about anxiety! We focus on social anxiety and the amazing experiences we all have during middle school (that last part was sarcasm). We talk about being adults, young adults and kids and how anxiety effects all ages. Alnardo discusses different signs of anxiety and the different ways we can make it easier for us to navigate those experiences.  For more information on anxiety head to the Child Mind Institute's website: here

This month's featured young adult is Cherie Animashaun is a 17 year old author, leader, and student in  Skokie, Illinois. She is committed to making welcoming and vibrant spaces for youth and women around the world. Since establishing her nonprofit, Her Rising Initiative in 2021, she has awarded scholarships, led statewide conferences for hundreds of girls, and fundraised to empower women all over the globe. Follow along here: Instagram Website Compass Books