Shows
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastNew Year, New Liver!This week Carrin and Kylei talk about the liver and what we can do to allow it to function at its best. Spoiler alert, it's stop drinking alcohol. Topics/rants include: What does sober community look like for men? They aren't going to coffee shops and yoga retreats to form a community or bond with each other, so what do they do? An orange shot of turmeric isn't going to cure your liver or repair any damage. It may help stop further damage from happening, but not if you're still drinking alcohol and eating fatty foods. A local rehab...
2026-01-0639 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastNo AlcoHoHoHol For ChristmasThis week Carrin and Kylei share some tips on navigating the holiday season in sobriety. The hosts acknowledge a variety of scenarios, stages of sobriety, potential social and familial dynamics one may encounter, and all the festivities that this time of year can bring. While going to events and parties to celebrate may be your style, others may enjoy staying home, and some may need that quiet rest and alone time to get through. Whatever you need to do to find your joy during the holidays, make it happen!Make a plan, grab your festive sweater and...
2025-12-2344 min
Opes and Dreams™ Podcast"If Being Sober Wasn't Fun, I Wouldn't Be Sober. Period."This week, special guest Kristi Tanner, known as @mocktailmommy, shares her inspiring journey from alcohol addiction to sobriety and her mission to create a supportive community for those in recovery. As a single mother of four, Kristi discusses how her reliance on alcohol led to a turning point in her life. She emphasizes the importance of open conversations about alcohol with children and the transformative impact of sobriety on her parenting. Kristi also talks about her store, Sober Social, a space dedicated to non-alcoholic beverages and community engagement, and her future plans to expand this vision. The conversation highlights...
2025-12-0952 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastYou Should Be Your FavoriteSleeping therapists, pumpkin NA beer, and Neurological Science fill this episode with insight and humor. Kylei shares some client stories and Carrin tells us some cool things she's been learning in her Transformative Sober Coach program. The ladies taste a new to them NA beer, and "unpack" some untherapeutic therapy. Grab your cozy blanket and your favorite mocktail, Opes and Dreams is here for you! NA Beverage featured on today's episode: F*ckin Pumpkin by Go Brewing in Naperville, ILhttps://gobrewing.com/Follow Opes & Dreams on social media
2025-11-2549 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastOpes & Danny Frank! Today on Opes and Dreams, hosts Kylei and Carrin share personal updates about their journeys, including Carrin's new role as an alcohol-free coach. They discuss the challenges of navigating family dynamics while undergoing personal transformations. The episode also features a special guest, Danny Frank, of Duluth, Minnesota. Danny shares how deciding to be alcohol free 3 years ago has made a positive impact on his life and his livelihood. As a musician, he and his band Danny Frank & The Smoky Gold play much of the midwest and he answers all of their curios questions about how that lifestyle has changed...
2025-11-1149 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastEmbracing The Rebrand: AFSurprise! We are Re-Branding! In this episode, we discuss the evolution of the podcast towards a focus on alcohol-free living. We share personal experiences with sobriety, the rise of non-alcoholic beverages, and the importance of community and family in Sober Living journeys. The conversation highlights the positive impacts of sobriety on daily life and the joy of exploring new activities without alcohol. Carrin and Kylei are so grateful to our listeners so far, thanks for being here!Music by: The People Brothers BandUnaffiliated Brand Mentions: Surly Brewing Co., Pabst Blue Ribbon, Guinness.
2025-10-2842 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastExploits, Ed Gein, & EtiquetteIn this episode of the Opes and Dreams, Carrin and Kylei discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal updates and career growth to pop culture phenomena like Taylor Swift and Ed Gein. They delve into their interests in holistic life coaching, and reflect on their childhood mischiefs. The conversation also touches on community concerns regarding missing persons and the etiquette of parking lots. Setting the bar high for standards between serial killers and fast food, let them know which ones are your favorite!
2025-10-1439 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastIt's Hiking, It's Distracted, It's Opes!In this episode, Kylei and Carrin take it to their roots, literally. Join them (along with DeVere) as they stroll through the woods and discuss various topics. Touching on community standards and how they can contradict for profit, as well as some funny moments from their weekends. There's a parade, there's a sleepover, there's an online breakup! We have it all here at Opes and Dreams, thanks for listening.
2025-09-3034 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastAn Offshoot of S'moresIn this episode, Kylei and Carrin reflect on their recent experiences at the Boogiedown Music Festival, discussing memorable moments, personal growth, and the challenges of parenting. They share insights on emotional connections with children and the importance of creating safe spaces for expressing feelings. The conversation ingredients include upcoming events and the excitement of fall activities topped with Carrin's big news!
2025-09-1633 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastJet Fueled & Jam PackedWe BACK! Season 2 is here with more stories of life mishaps, Summer fun, and big news! Carrin opens up about a career change, and Kylei gushes about her fangirling at festivals. We learn what it sounds like to live in a city with fighter jets and look forward to the nice quiet Fall. Did you miss us? We sure missed you. So settle in, turn up the volume and catch that sweet sweet jet fuel in your ear holes.
2025-09-0245 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastFrom the Garden- Plumbing Opes & Hawk TalksClosing out Season 1, Carrin and Kylei sink down into the grass as they recap the start to the summer, the festivals to come, and some enlightening moments. Kylei has an experience at the salon and Carrin finds herself back in nature. If these leaves could talk, they would tell the same stories you'll hear in this episode. Enjoy!
2025-07-0855 minOpes and Dreams™ PodcastEvolving Lives and ThrivingLacy's Cafe is our studio this week as Carrin and Kylei learn about how local entrepreneur Lacy Rude got her start and how she keeps finding the motivation to do more. Like-minded women relating to each other and laughing along the way, plus cold brew float?? We're in!
2025-07-0144 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastThe Bagpipes of BonfireCarrin & Kylei are back from the festival and ready to tell you all about it. The do's and dont's of crowd etiquette, the healing properties of Driftless Music Gardens, and much more! Tune in for this rejuvenating episode. Don't forget your sunscreen!
2025-06-2444 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastDid we just therapy ourselves?When life hands you a rotten lemon, do you still try to make the juice? This week, Carrin and Kylei do some active talk-therapy while patiently waiting to eat some tacos. Things get heavy, but they manage to lift your spirits and allow you to laugh between the bouts of crying. Grab the tissues, and get your fire sauce, we’re going deep y’all.TRIGGER WARNING: this episode contains references to self-harm, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Viewer discretion is advised.support the pod: buymeacoffee,com/opesanddreamspodcast
2025-06-1041 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastTips for Camping & Why You Should Quit SmokingSweet 16th episode is coming in hot with a gas station rescue, a satisfying moment for independent women and important tips for your bougie- on- a- budget camping experience. Carrin and Kylei get real with offensive social behavior and offer up their must-haves for camping. Get your notepad out and settle in.Support the Pod: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/opesanddreamspodcast
2025-06-0333 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastJust throw the whole damn thing outThis episode is a whole mix of real life lately: weird weather, old injuries, mild existential crises, and the ongoing saga of Carrin’s patio cushion drama. We talk about being perfectionists (even when we know better), holding onto clothes for way too long, and that fine line between doing it all and doing nothing.We also share some funny stories from Devere’s night market, a wild moment at a burlesque show, and a deep dive into our shared love of trash TV (hello Real World Austin). Plus, a few listener shoutouts, upcoming festival panic, and a qu...
2025-05-2749 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastDesigning the Sound: Inside the Creative Mind of Carolyn AdkinsCarolyn Adkins of Schnitzel Bear Studios joins us to talk all things gig posters, screen printing, and building a creative business rooted in live music. From festival favorites like Driftless Music Gardens to tour art for bands like Spafford and Armchair Boogie, Carolyn shares how she brings music to life through visual storytelling. A must-listen for art lovers, music fans, and anyone chasing a creative dream.
2025-05-2046 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastThe Weird Glimmers Episode: Ants, ASMR, and Unexpected JoyCarrin and Kylei explore the oddly satisfying moments that make life better- like watching ant colonies, falling down ASMR rabbit holes, spotting vintage lamp posts, and chasing the perfect haircut. They talk about navigating birthdays (and the pressure we put on them), using ChatGPT to win at adulting, and learning to let go of caring what others think. It’s real conversation, lots of laughs, and the kind of offbeat observations that make this show a favorite.support the pod : buymeacoffee.com/opesanddreamspodcast
2025-05-1346 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastSkyZone Is a Germ Pit and Other Hard TruthsWe made it to episode 12 somehow, and this one’s a mix of random thoughts, weird stories, and a little heart. We talk about wanting crow costumes, why SkyZone is a germ pit, and how trampolines used to be fun before our backs gave out. There's also some love for Driftless Music Gardens, sober life shifts, childhood chaos, and the complicated art of being social when you’d rather not be. Bonus points if you make it to the part about death by suitcase.support the pod: buymeacoffee.com/opesanddreamspodcast
2025-05-0654 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastThumbs Down from the UniverseNew foam walls, same chaos. In Episode 11, Carrin and Kylei break down their janky studio upgrades, Big Richard concert adventures, sketchy tow truck drama, and the ongoing beige vs. bold-color standoff ...spoiler: Carrin’s Team Beige, Kylei’s Team Maximalist. They also get real about grief, boundaries, and why being an adult feels like managing one minor crisis after another. It’s messy, it’s honest, it’s dangerously relatable — and it’s exactly why you keep coming back.Support the Pod: www.buymeacoffee.com/opesanddreamspodcast
2025-04-2947 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastWe stuck to something for 10 weeks!We made it to double digits, baby! In this milestone episode, we talk about why we skipped a week...spoiler alert: burnout hit hard. Carrin and Kylei get real about the emotional overload of trying to do it all, the ADHD struggle bus, and what it feels like to show up for things you love when you’re running on empty. We dive into the messiness of mental health, friendship dynamics, and the importance of protecting your energy (even if it means telling your group chat to shove it). There’s also tabbouleh, fraud alerts, and something called meat circ...
2025-04-2255 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastNo plot, just vibesIn this episode, Kylei and Carrin definitely had a plan… until they didn’t. What started as a gender-affirming haircut spotlight quickly spirals into a full-blown ramblefest featuring macarons, fantasy book obsessions, e-bike speed scares, and unsolicited opinions about Ariana Grande in Wicked.We touch on safe spaces (because duh), the absurdity of “warm gray” bike colors, adulting fails, and why we’ll fake phone calls to avoid awkward small talk. Also: shoutouts to supportive brothers, sober pals, and all the sweet humans who make this weird world feel a little kinder.Basically, if you came here...
2025-04-0859 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastGreetings from the Green Room In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, Carrin and Kylei take you inside the Green Room Public House in Madison, WI~ a dream come true for their dear friends John and Teresa Marie Hardy. They sit down with Teresa to talk about the incredible energy of this new space, the legacy of Up North, and the creative community that brought the Green Room to life with serious love and elbow grease.Teresa opens up about performing in the Respect: Women in Music showcase, what it's like to hit notes you didn’t know you had, and shares a po...
2025-04-0137 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastFriendships, Walking, and an almost Piggie Ope!Description:In this episode of Opes and Dreams, we attempt our first-ever remote recording (fancy, right?), and somehow it actually works! Kylei reports live from St. Louis, sharing tales of zoo trips, surprise arch sightings, and her questionable vacation weather optimism. Meanwhile, we reflect on eight years of friendship, our unintentional Tim fan club, and the absolute necessity of gassing up your besties.Also on the agenda: Gardening goals we may or may not follow through on . The wild backstories of our rescue pets (one of us almost ended up with a giant pig) The...
2025-03-2556 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastCrying at Concerts & Begging for BedtimeLive music is supposed to be fun… so why are we sobbing? This week, we unpack the unexpected emotions of concerts, the struggle of festival season exhaustion, and our (Carrin's mostly) ongoing campaign to make shows end at a reasonable hour (because we need our beauty sleep). Plus, work-life chaos, travel dreams, and why unplugging is sometimes the best self-care.#OpesAndDreams #PhishFeels #FestivalFatigue #NormalizeEarlyConcerts #CryingInPublicBuy us a coffee! buymeacoffee.com/opesanddreamspodcast
2025-03-1946 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastOpes & Flows: Breaking the Cycle (Part 2 of 2)In this episode of Ope’s and Dreams Podcast, we dive into part two of our series on women’s health, covering everything from endometriosis and postpartum depression to the realities of perimenopause and menopause. Our candid conversation includes personal experiences, medical insights, and a discussion on the importance of mammograms. We also celebrate Carrin’s five years of sobriety and explore the impact of alcohol on women’s health.Plus, we welcome a special guest—spawn of the pod, DeVere—who stops by to share a surprising animal fact: cheetahs don’t roar, they squeak! Who knew? We also...
2025-03-1243 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastOpes & Flows: Breaking the Cycle (Part 1 of 2)In this two-part series of Opes & Dreams, we’re diving deep into women’s health- starting with periods, menstrual myths, and the realities of living with cycles. From first-period horror stories to blood clots the size of Texas, we’re normalizing the conversation with humor and honesty. We also touch on birth control experiences, natural remedies, and why everyone—including men—should care about this topic. Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions about abortion. Grab a cup of tea (or a heating pad) and join us for Part 1 of this important conversation. Stay tuned for Part 2, wh...
2025-03-0448 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastCow Pies and our First Guest!In this episode, Carrin and Kylei are back with improved audio (finally!) and lots of laughs. We unwrap a surprise gift, reminisce about awkward childhood nicknames, and discuss the art of Midwest quirks, including the infamous cow pie throwing tradition. Later, we welcome a very special guest for a conversation about travel dreams, favorite destinations, and the ultimate bucket list adventures. Plus, we share tips on traveling with kids and the joys (and struggles) of air travel. Tune in for a fun chat filled with Midwest charm, inside jokes, and playful banter.Follow Opes and Dreams on...
2025-02-2546 min
Opes and Dreams™ PodcastSobriety, Scams, & Swan Attacks? Ope!We are back with more laughs, life lessons, and a touch of ridiculousness. In this episode, we dive into the humbling realities of parenting (including a fabricated playground brawl), the wild world of fake cancer scams, and Carrin's love for dragons- because, honestly, why can’t we all have a pet dragon? Plus, we open up about our journeys with sobriety, sharing raw, real, and inspiring insights on life beyond the booze. Tune in and let’s get into it!Follow Opes and Dreams on social media and join the conversation! And If you love our...
2025-02-1846 minOpes and Dreams™ PodcastThe First OpeHey everyone, in this very first episode of Opes & Dreams, we pull back the curtain and share our story- from how our friendship came to be to why we’re so obsessed with those Ope moments that make life hilariously unpredictable. We chat about our messy, sometimes dumpster-fire-like lives, and how all that chaos inspired us to start this podcast. It’s raw, its real, and its us, inviting you to laugh along as we navigate lifes ups, downs, and unexpected twists together.Follow Opes and Dreams on social media and join the conversation! And If y...
2025-02-1234 min