Shows
The Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesCatching Up with Jen and Megan: Proposals, Poop, and Travel Plans
This week, we talk about… well, everything and nothing at all, which is basically our specialty.
We catch up on Megan’s time up north Wisconsin, one of Jen’s former make-out sessions, and why you should always walk up the hill when your boyfriend tells you to. (Spoiler: proposals happen on hills.) We get into upcoming travel plans, pooping on vacation, Groupon purchases, Mexican food cravings, and of course, JAMAICA! Come travel with us.
SPECIAL ALERT: If you’ve been thinking about advertising with us, now’s your moment. Get in at the basement level and g...2025-07-3039 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesDecoding Your Wedding Dreams with Jesse LyonThis week, we’re joined by Jesse Lyon of Lyon Mental Health—a therapist, dream interpreter, and hilarious human who somehow made talking about the subconscious feel like a party.
We get into the weird and wonderful world of wedding dreams (yes, those anxious ones with missing dresses and runaway grooms), including Megan’s cake dream that—spoiler alert—wasn't really about cake at all.
Jesse breaks down what our dreams are trying to tell us during high-stress seasons like wedding planning, how therapy can help us navigate the chaos, and why he thinks your mental hea...2025-07-2347 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesBehind the Lens with Heather Cook Elliott Photography
This week on the pod, we’re joined by one of our OG listeners — Heather Cook Elliott! To say that Megan and Jen are as mutually obsessed with her as she is with us? A massive understatement.
Heather is a Milwaukee-based wedding and portrait photographer whose work is rooted in real connection, thoughtful storytelling, and capturing people as they truly are. She’s the kind of person who shows up fully behind the camera and in life, and we absolutely adore her.
In this episode, we dive into Heather’s origin story, what it’s like building a...2025-07-0953 min
Beauty and the Gi: Gripping Conversations about Jiu-Jitsu and Life218: Megan Timler on the Pelvic Floor and Jiu-JitsuMegan Timler visits the podcast this week!Connect with Megan Timler on Instagram @nuttmeg012If you love the Podcast, share it with a friend! You can also leave us a 5 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts. https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2 Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp https://rollmodelswanted.com/ New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes https://o...2025-07-0330 min
The Bold Entrepreneur Podcast with Jen KinalEpisode 25: From Grit to Growth with Megan GolightlyIn this episode of The Bold Entrepreneur Podcast, Jen Kinal interviews Megan Golightly, founder and CEO of Go Simplified, about decluttering, organization, and social media strategy. Megan discusses her business's focus on helping people declutter and the emotional impact of letting go of possessions. She shares her unique approach to social media, emphasizing audience building through collaboration and relatable content. Megan also dives into the importance of analyzing social media analytics, experimenting with new features like Instagram Trials, and using stories effectively. The conversation explores the psychology behind decluttering, highlighting the Room Refresh program, and concludes w...2025-06-181h 00The Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesWho’s Really Winning? Inside the Business of Wedding AwardsLast week, Jen popped off about moms (and no, Megan still does not agree with her).
This week? Megan’s the one telling it like it is. And honestly? We're. Here. For. It.
She’s in her villain era, y’all. We’re talking wedding industry awards and how (surprise!) a lot of them are paid for. Not saying the people winning don’t deserve the spotlight, but it’s worth knowing there’s usually money behind that shiny badge. Transparency matters, and Megan’s not holding back.
Tune in! Why? Because it’s so fun when Megan...2025-06-1141 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesFrom Jen, With Love: A PSA for All Wedding MomsThis week’s episode is all about moms.
To be clear, Megan does not sign off on any of this. This is 100% Jen’s story arc... from superhero to supervillain wedding planner.
Now, Jen actually loves most moms. But in her experience, a few bad apples spoiled the bunch so much that she no longer works with parents unless they’ve been fully vetted.
But this episode isn’t just about mom drama (although yes, a few wild stories are shared). It’s really meant to help moms navigate the modern wedding planning journey. A lot has change...2025-06-0455 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesThe Man Behind the Vintage Recipes: Marco Braun of Marco's FunhouseWe’re fangirling a little harder than usual this week, because our guest isn’t just TikTok-famous—he’s also one of Jen’s former grooms… twice. (Ah, the joys of COVID-era weddings.)
Marco Braun—aka @marcosfunhouse—joins us to share the story of his two celebrations, what it was like planning during a pandemic, and how he accidentally became the internet’s vintage recipe king. Oh, and did we mention that Hilary Duff bought him and his husband their registered china after he went viral for being the world’s biggest Lizzie McGuire fan?
We talk about love, w...2025-05-281h 05The Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesTropic Like It’s Hot: We're Going to The Bahamas!🎙️ This Week on the Podcast: We're Going Tropical, Baby! 🌴
Pack your sunscreen and questionable swimwear—we're taking this podcast to The Bahamas and want YOU to come with us! In this episode, we spill the (piña colada-flavored) tea on our upcoming getaway to Sandals Royal Bahamian. Think snorkeling with sea turtles (or at least aggressively friendly fish), late-night karaoke that may cause permanent secondhand embarrassment, and tropical drinks with umbrellas that are fancier than our actual wardrobes.
We're giving you the inside scoop on what it's like to party podcast-style in paradise, how to snag your s...2025-05-2123 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesSonoma Shenanigans: Wasted in Wine CountryThis week, Jen’s in Sonoma County to facilitate a bachelorette party , but let’s be real, she also used the trip to scout the region for future travelers (because of course she did).
From sipping sparkling wine at Iron Horse Vineyards to inhaling the best vegan quiche of her life at Little Saint in Healdsburg, this episode is packed with wine country magic and mild chaos. She stopped in Bodega Bay for oysters, explored Calistoga for those cute Northern California vibes, wandered around The Barlow in Sebastopol, and managed to fit in a date—because you know how Jen rolls. This one happ...2025-05-1442 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesBring on the Southern Charm with Kelley Kohler of Haviland EventsThis week on The Planner’s Passport, we’re heading south.
We’re joined by Kelley Kohler of Haviland Events, a boutique wedding planning and design firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina. After hearing our East Coast vs. West Coast episode, Kelley had a few thoughts, especially after Jen questioned whether North Carolina even counts as “the South.” (Spoiler: it does. And she came ready to defend it.)
Kelley brings over a decade of experience planning stylish and meaningful weddings across the country and abroad. She started Haviland Events in Chicago before returning to her Southern roots...2025-05-0745 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesBehind the Scenes of WedMKEThis week, we’re taking you behind the scenes at the WedMKE wedding show in Milwaukee! We had an incredible time hosting a booth, connecting with real couples (and a few very enthusiastic moms), and catching up with some of our favorite vendor friends, like Milwaukee Airwaves and Two Birds Event Group.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Planner’s Passport episode without a bit of chaos and laughter. Jen may or may not have developed a very on-brand crush on a DJ (stay tuned—you won't want to miss it).
Throughout the event, we answered tons...2025-04-3028 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesMegan Explores Sandals St. VincentThis week on The Planner’s Passport, Megan takes us to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where work and play collided in the best way. She went for business (because Megan’s idea of time off is working from a beach), but she still found time to soak up the island magic—bat cave adventures, new friendships (channeling Jen, of course), and a Sandals resort experience that seriously impressed her.
She shares why this Sandals property just might be her favorite (and no, she doesn’t say that about all of them), how to customize your Sandals stay to...2025-04-1650 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesDestination I Do’s & Don’tsAre you dreaming of saying “I do” with your toes in the sand? This week, Jen and Megan are diving into all things destination weddings—the good, the complicated, and the cocktails.
From breezy beach vows to mountain-top ceremonies, we’re breaking down the real pros and cons of planning a wedding away from home. Should you hire a local planner? When does it actually make more sense not to? And what sneaky logistics are often overlooked?
This episode is your passport to understanding the full picture—from legal requirements to travel stress, and everything in between.2025-04-0953 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesIt's a Toast, Not a RoastThis week, Megan and Jen dive into the only thing that can throw a perfectly planned wedding timeline into chaos: toasts.
Are we a little crabby about it? Maybe
Do we have some hilarious, real-life stories to share? Absolutely
Are those stories packed with actually helpful advice? You already know
From rogue speeches to timing disasters, we’re spilling the tea on how to give a wedding toast that’s unforgettable for all the right reasons. Tune in to hear our insider tips, pet peeves, and what makes a toast land or totally flop...2025-04-0256 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesSwiss Alps & Spritzes: Jen in SwitzerlandJen is back from Switzerland and filling Megan in on everything from skiing in Davos to sipping Aperol Spritzes in Zurich's 75 degree weather (in March!). The two dive into the magic of solo travel, the Swiss food scene, the surprise weather swings, and yes, Jen cried again.
With plenty of signature Jen and Megan banter, this episode is full of laughs, travel inspo, and behind the scenes moments from Jen’s seven day adventure through Zurich, Lucerne, and Davos.
If you have ever considered a solo trip to Europe, this might be the sign you were wa...2025-03-2646 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesFrom Shutdowns to Chaos: The COVID Wedding Era
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been five years since the world changed overnight. This week on The Planner’s Passport, Megan and Jen take a look back at 2020 to 2022, revisiting what it was like to navigate the industry through shutdowns, endless wedding reschedules, and the chaos of reopening.
From the early days of postponements and pivots to the overwhelming demand that followed, they share their personal journeys, how COVID impacted their businesses, their clients, and the wedding and travel industries as a whole.
What did survival look like in the events world? How did...2025-03-1953 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesWelcome Sean Denny of Luxe ProductionsEver wonder what it means to work in wedding production? This week, our podcast welcomes Sean Denny, the Director of Events and Production Designer for Luxe Productions which is based in Chicago. From his humble beginnings working as a DJ during college to traveling the country and producing high-profile, star-studded events, Sean's journey has us wishing he hadn't signed so many NDAs and could share more dirt.
Listen now to hear Sean's story, from his early passion for music to his transition into the wedding production industry in NYC. He reveals the challenges and excitement of creating u...2025-03-0557 min
A Broadway Body: Continued ConversationsContinued Conversations with Jen DiBellaTrigger Warning: This conversation contains discussion of eating disorders, nutrition, and body dysmorphia. Please take care of yourselves as you listen and avoid if these topics might be triggering for you.Everyone please welcome my friend and acting consultant Jen DiBella to A Broadway Body: Continued Conversations! Jen is an actor, acting coach, and acting career consultant. I’ve been working with Jen since 2020, and not only is she a wonderful human being, she’s also an insanely talented actor and knows exactly what she’s doing when it comes to helping actors.Jen approaches our co...2025-03-0457 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesEast Coast vs. Midwest Weddings: Jen v. MeganEast Coast vs. Midwest Weddings: Jen v. Meg
In this episode of The Planner’s Passport, it’s the first-ever Jen v. Megan showdown—though, let’s be real, no one's actually swinging. Megan loves the classic East Coast wedding format, while Jen—well, she’ll happily plan a Midwest wedding, but deep down, she’s ready to flip the whole wedding day schedule on its head. From dancing between courses to rigid timelines, we’re breaking down traditions and questioning the status quo. Tune in for a fun, slightly competitive, but mostly just entertaining debate on East Coast vs. Midw2025-02-2645 min
Attention to IntentionThe Productivity Paradox: Why Doing More Makes Us Feel Less with Jen FisherFor most of my life, I’ve tied my worth to productivity. The chase for the next milestone. Filling every moment with activity. Believing that if I just push harder, I’ll finally feel “enough.” Sound familiar?This is the paradox of productivity. The more we do, the more we feel like we’re falling behind. The harder we push, the emptier we feel.In this episode of Attention to Intention, I sit down with Jen Fisher, workplace well-being whisperer, to unpack:✨ Why we attach our worth to productivity—and the hidden cos...2025-02-2550 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesMegan Travels to Sandals Montego Bay - with Kathy!This week on The Planner’s Passport, Megan heads back to Jamaica and visits Sandals Montego Bay! Along for the ride is her mom Kathy who's always up for a piña colada and some antics on the beach.
Will Jen's favorite OWM make it back to shore after his ill-advised windsurfing adventure? And how do Megan and Kathy take advantage of the baller butler service they received from their new best friend Marvin?
But most importantly, do they get in the tub?
You have to listen to find out so grab a Red Stripe and push play to hear all abo...2025-02-1949 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesWedding Gratuity: Here's a Tip . . .This week, we’re tackling one of the most controversial wedding topics—tipping. Who gets tipped? How much? Is it really optional? (Hint: No.)
If you’re getting married, this episode will help you figure out who and how to tip your wedding pro team. If you’re a wedding vendor, this is a good listen too—because we know you have thoughts.
Jen and Megan break down what they tell their couples to do, share the biggest tip they ever received (which was “look both ways before you cross the street”), and try to answer the age-old...2025-02-121h 01The Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesBTS: Jen in Hawaii, The Big IslandThis week on The Planner’s Passport, Jen takes us to the stunning Big Island of Hawaii! She explores Kona and Hilo, drives around the island, and visits incredible spots like the Krishna Cow Sanctuary in Papaikou, the Green Sand Beach at Papakōlea, and the Black Sand Beach at Punalu‘u.
Jen also indulges in a private dinner with Chef Ippy, owner of Nāpua at Mauna Lani, and shares tips for creating your own Hawaiian escape. Don’t miss this episode packed with breathtaking sights, local flavors, and travel inspiration!
Locations Highlighted:
Krishna Cow Sanctuary
Green Sand Beach at Papakōl...2025-01-2950 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesBTS: In-House Catering v. Outside Catering Pros and ConsThis week, Jen and Megan are diving into all things catering—a topic every wedding planner and engaged couple needs to know about. And yes, they’re spilling a few new pet peeves along the way (you’re welcome!).
They’ll break down the pros and cons of in-house catering versus bringing in your own caterer, sharing behind-the-scenes insights on how to navigate this key decision. Plus, they’re dishing on some of the coolest, most creative catering setups they’ve pulled off with their partnered caterers—because who doesn’t love a good grazing table or a fresh oyster station? Of course, i...2025-01-1544 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesBTS: Wedding Day TransportationThis week, Megan and Jen are driving (see what we did there?) into one of the most critical (and often overlooked) aspects of wedding planning—transportation! We’re sharing all the dos and don’ts of booking and coordinating transportation for your wedding day. Whether it’s getting the wedding party to the venue on time, managing shuttles for guests, or navigating last-minute logistics, we’ve got you covered.
Packed with practical tips and real-life examples, this episode is a must-listen for couples, wedding planners, and anyone looking to ensure a smooth, stress-free day. Because let’s face it—tran...2025-01-0838 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesBTS: Holiday Weddings Pros and ConsIt’s that week between Christmas and New Year’s—when no one knows what day it is, wine is flowing, and schedules are out the window. We might be a little all over the place, but we’re still diving into the pros and cons of planning a holiday wedding!
If you’re recently engaged or in the early stages of wedding planning, this episode is full of helpful insights to guide you in choosing the perfect date for your big day. From planning for additional labor charges to the secret holiday you should choose if you don’t w...2024-12-2646 minThe Planner’s Passport - Wedding Planners, Travel Agents, Decades of StoriesBTS: Jen Takes on McDonalds and PragueIn this episode of The Planner’s Passport, Jen takes us on a rollercoaster trip through Munich and Prague, where she wandered through magical Christmas markets like a festive queen, drank her weight in Glühwein (a true talent), attended a European hockey game—because culture comes in all forms—and went on so many educational tours she could practically give one herself.
Of course, no trip is complete without a little chaos: she cried in the streets of Munich, found a lover in Prague (yes, you read that right), and hit up McDonald’s not once, but twice—because sometime...2024-12-1840 min
Halfway To Dead, A Midlife Spiritual JourneyEpisode 30 -Unlocking Midlife Transformation: Embracing Therapy with Megan Campbell-DegedehAre you ready to unlock the secrets of navigating midlife with resilience and grace? Join us for an insightful conversation with licensed clinical professional counselor Megan Campbell-Degedeh, who brings her wealth of expertise to the table. Together, we unravel the myths surrounding therapy and discuss why it's an essential tool for tackling many of the challenges we face in midlife. Hear how therapy can be a beacon of hope amidst rising anxiety and stress levels and find out how to take the first steps towards emotional healing. Ever wondered how to find a therapist who truly resonates wit...2024-12-111h 14