Shows
Platonic Life Partners28. Recharging After the Holiday Rush: Finding Your BalanceIn this episode, Consuelo and Melissa talk about the whirlwind that is the holiday season—family gatherings, gift exchanges, travel, and all the stress—and how they each recharge and reset in the aftermath. They share personal strategies, tips, some lighthearted anecdotes, and help listeners understand the importance of rest and recovery after the holiday rush. 2025-01-201h 14
Spot Light with BrittMindset Makeover Resilience and Renewal with Melissa ChwalinskiIn this inspiring episode of Spot Light with Britt, we welcome Melissa Chwalinski, a passionate life coach and founder of Counter Culture Coaching.
Melissa shares her journey back to Arkansas, navigating the challenges and triumphs since her recent divorce while reestablishing herself both personally and professionally.
Melissa discusses her innovative approach to transforming mindsets around mental, physical, and emotional stability, as well as financial education and the like, for individuals of all ages, 8 to 80.
Finally, we wrap up this episode detailing her mission of...2024-10-3051 min
The Inspiration AcceleratorSeason 2, Episode 7 - Melissa Rush/Ashley Higginbotham - Double Trouble (In a Good Way)!On this episode, Michael speaks with Melissa Rush and Ashley Higginbotham. Melissa Rush is an adventurer and entrepreneur, co-owning Rush & Company, an Executive Search Firm specializing in Textiles, with her husband Rick. She's trekked iconic trails worldwide, from Patagonia's W Trail to Japan's Kumano Kodo to Tour du Mont Blanc and Nepal's Annapurna Base Camp. Her recent conquest of summitting Kilimanjaro adds to her list. Melissa thrives on pushing her limits, whether in business or adventure. Melissa Rush is more than just an avid traveler and hiker; she's a testament to what can be achieved with passion, p...2024-10-1446 min
The And She Looked Up PodcastPrep For the Holidays EP 12: Prep Your Online Shops for the Holiday RushIt's Week 12 of the Prep for the Holidays minisode series and it's time for us to prep all our online shop for the holiday rush. Whether you sell on Etsy, eBay, your own website or any other online platform, there a few things you'll want to make sure are in tip top shape before shoppers land!We're going to talk about photography - especially for key products - SEO, titles and descriptions, telling the story of your business and products, emphasizing the "handmade" aspect of your business, shipping info and most importantly, double checking and...2024-09-2614 min
In Bed With BooksInterview with the Author: Lyndsay RushJoin me and author Lyndsay Rush in conversation about her new book, A Bit Much. Her book is a collection of poems that explore all of the big feelings that we experience as women today - from love and rage, to impassioned or doubtful. Rush’s poems are a confident look at how life could feel if we let ourselves take up more space than we’ve been allowed.A Bit Much is available now! So run to your nearest bookstore or library and grab your copy!You can find Lyndsay on Instagram @maryoliversdrunkcousin or at t...2024-09-2351 min
The Fully Mindful with Melissa ChureauTangents & Sidebars: Breaking the Cycle of Busyness with Melissa Chureau & Debbie HarrellSend us a textEver wonder why your mind constantly races, even when there's no urgent task at hand? Welcome to the first episode of podcast mashup "Tangents and Sidebars," where co-hosts Melissa Chureau (The Fully Mindful) and Debbie Harrell (New World Normal) kick things off by sharing a bit about themselves and how they navigate the cult of busyness that has become the norm.How about you? Have you ever felt the relentless pressure to stay busy, even when your body is crying out for a break? Melissa & Debbie explore this universal struggle. Discover...2024-07-0827 min
Westwood Living Podcast NetworkMelissa RushTom Leyden and Melissa Rush connect to share stories and talk comedy.
Melissa Rush is a 1989 graduate of Westwood High School and, among other things, a stand-up comedian. Melissa will be performing at the inaugural Galentine's Night Luxury Purse Bingo Event on Thursday, February 8 at Neroli Ristorante.
Melissa shares some background on what made her pursue the opportunity to do stand-up, how she prepares for some of her gigs, and what she remembers about her time growing up in Westwood and the friends she has made and kept along the way.
Follow Melissa on Instagram at @melissarushcomedy2024-01-3118 min
The Green RushRevisiting our Conversation with Melissa Lavasani, Founder and CEO of Psychedelic Medicine Coalition
Welcome to the Green Rush, a KCSA Strategic Communications Production, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets and culture.
This week we are revisiting a conversation our hosts Anne Donohoe and Lewis Goldberg had earlier this year with Melissa Lavasani, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Psychedelic Medicine Coalition (PMC) and Founder and President of Psychedelic Medicine Political Action Committee (PM-PAC). In that conversation, Melissa joined to share her psychedelics origin story, discuss her work with PMC, and how her organizations are advocating and lobbying for safe and effective psychedelic...2023-08-0357 min
Together by AGCIMeet Residents of Our Independence Program HomeToday, we had the honor of chatting with some of our favorite people all the way from Bogota, Colombia! Angie and Taty are residents at AGCI’s Independence Program Home and are incredible young women who are working towards their college degree while enrolled in AGCI’s Independence Program. We are also joined by Wendy, who is part of AGCI’s team and providing some support in the translation department—Angie and Taty are both native Spanish speakers so we extra impressed that they were willing to join us today—in English!This is a fun episode and gives...2023-06-2239 minTogether by AGCIOn Being a DadToday, our co-host Marisa Butterworth has an honest, funny, and vulnerable chat with her husband Jesse Butterworth about his journey being a biological and adoptive dad to their three kids and all that he has been working on as a father. Listen in to find out all that he has learned over the years.2023-06-0841 minTogether by AGCIWhat Do You Wish Your Parents Knew When They Adopted You?Today we’re chatting with the incredible Genet Roba. In this episode Genet shares her adoption story and what it was like to be adopted from Ethiopia as an older child. This episode is a must listen for anyone in the adoption community or thinking about becoming an adoptive parent. Genet’s story is filled with miracles and she has so much wisdom to share!2023-05-2538 minTogether by AGCIGod’s Complete Guide to ParentingPastor Neely McQueen is the Co-Lead Pastor of Overlake Church in Redmond, WA and has led for over 25 years in the church and parachurch organizations. She is a wife and mom to three young adults and today, she is going to share about what she’s learned about parenting after years of Biblical study. 2023-05-1150 minTogether by AGCIThe Work of the House of Hope EthiopiaHear more about the incredible work that our team in Ethiopia is doing at the All God’s Children International and Tim Tebow Foundation House of Hope. We are joined by a very special guest, one of our Child & Family Social workers, Hosseana Solomon, to share about her experiences at our reunification home and what she hopes for the future of Ethiopia and Africa.2023-04-2739 minThe Green RushMelissa Lavasani, Founder and CEO of Psychedelic Medicine Coalition
Welcome to the Green Rush, a KCSA Strategic Communications Production, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets and culture.
This week Anne Donohoe and Lewis Goldberg are back for a new episode with special guest Melissa Lavasani, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Psychedelic Medicine Coalition (PMC) and Founder and President of Psychedelic Medicine Political Action Committee (PM-PAC). Melissa joins us this week to share her psychedelics origin story, discuss her work with PMC, and how her organizations are advocating and lobbying for safe and effective psychedelic medicines in Washington D.C.2023-04-1358 min
The Green Rush is real.Melissa Lavasani, Founder and CEO of Psychedelic Medicine Coalition
Welcome to the Green Rush, a KCSA Strategic Communications Production, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets and culture.
This week Anne Donohoe and Lewis Goldberg are back for a new episode with special guest Melissa Lavasani, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Psychedelic Medicine Coalition (PMC) and Founder and President of Psychedelic Medicine Political Action Committee (PM-PAC). Melissa joins us this week to share her psychedelics origin story, discuss her work with PMC, and how her organizations are advocating and lobbying for safe and effective psychedelic medicines in Washington D.C.2023-04-1358 minTogether by AGCIHow is God Calling You To Help?Today, we have the honor of talking to Pastor Doug Frazier. In addition to being the pastor at Living Hope Church, Doug is also married to AGCI President, Hollen Frazier and has had a front row seat to this work for decades. We’re talking about God’s heart for children in need, suffering, and how to get quiet and discern where the Lord is calling you. I really enjoyed our conversation and hope it challenges you to step up and care for those in need. 2023-04-1327 minTogether by AGCIInside an InstitutionCo-host Melissa Rush was recently in Ethiopia and had the opportunity to visit an Ethiopian Institution for the first time. Due to rules, we cannot photograph or video anything that we see but listen in as Melissa does a beautiful job explaining what she saw, experienced, and how it impacted her. 2023-03-3035 minTogether by AGCIIntroducing Cycle BreakersWe are up to some really exciting stuff these days and wanted to share with you about a new way for YOU to be involved in breaking the cycle for vulnerable children around the world! AGCI’s Jep Robertson (you may also know him from Duck Dynasty and Duck Family Treasure) and Campbell Haug share about why they do this work and how you and your family can be involved in seeing real lasting healing in the world around you. 2023-03-1633 minTogether by AGCIHow Parents Can Be the Best Advocates for their Kids: IEP Advocacy/NavigationToday, we’re chatting with Special Education Coach Jessica Monteverde. Jessica has a master’s degree in education and in-classroom experience as well as experience working with parents and professionals navigating IEPs for the children in their care. Links to resources:http://understood.orghttp://pacer.orghttp://readingrockets.orghttps://schoolchoiceweek.com/how-to-continue-your-iep-if-you-start-homeschooling/Spedhomeschool.comhttps://www.wrightslaw.com/2023-03-0222 minTogether by AGCIA Door Made For Me – A Conversation With Tyler Merritt, Author of Children’s Book, “A Door Made For Me"2023-02-1653 minTogether by AGCIHow To Create Connected Foster and Adoptive FamiliesToday, we’re chatting with Dr. Jana Hunsley about how to create connected foster and adoptive families. Dr. Hunsley is an Assistant Professor of instruction at University of Texas Dallas and studies family trauma, adoptive sibling support, and adoption therapeutic interventions. She is also the Executive Director of Project 1025, which offers effective resources to create connected foster and adoptive families. Dr. Hunsley has a unique perspective—she studies family systems and experienced the effects of adoption first hand when her parents adopted her 7 youngest siblings. 2023-01-2138 minTogether by AGCICelebrating the Miracles of 2022Today, we’re celebrating all of the AGCI miracles of 2022! I can’t think of anyone more equipped to speak to this than AGCI President, Hollen Frazier. We’re chatting about all that God provided, answered prayers, and what’s next for 2023. 2023-01-1929 minTogether by AGCICelebrating Adoption in 2022Ethical adoption is a huge part of who we are as an organization and this year we have seen so much change and growth. Join us as we take a look at what adoption looked like in 2022, celebrate all of the miracles, and find out how we can be praying for 2023. 2023-01-0538 minTogether by AGCIThe Best Gifts EverOf all the gifts to receive, we can’t think of anything better than your child coming home. Adoption is a journey full of ups and downs, but today, we get to celebrate kids coming home, the absolute BEST GIFTS EVER! 2022-12-151h 07Together by AGCIUnderstanding Sensory NeedsWe’re back with another mind-blowing episode with Jill Crewes, MSW, AGCI’s Director of US Child Advocacy Services. Jill is an adoptive mom and has decades of experiences working within the child welfare system and foster/adoption community. This episode literally blew my mind. You don’t want to miss Jill explain sensory needs and how it impacts kids and adults. She also offers a ton of practical tools for caregivers of children with sensory processing needs. Don’t miss this! 2022-12-011h 02Together by AGCIAdoption Month MiraclesToday we're chatting with AGCI adoptive parents Lisa and Nick. Nick and Lisa adopted their adorable son William from Colombia earlier this year and their beautiful story is inspiring. If this story tugs on your heart, this is the perfect time to begin your adoption journey. This November we’re celebrating Adoption Month with a $500 adoption grant. These grants are available for families who complete an application for one of AGCI’s international adoption programs by 11/30 and go under contract by 12/31. 2022-11-1744 minTogether by AGCIAbandonment History and Impact on Future Behavioral NeedsWe’re back with another enlightening conversation with Jill Crewes, MSW, AGCI’s Director of US Child Advocacy Services! Jill is an adoptive mom and has decades of experience working within the child welfare system and foster/adoption community. This might be our favorite episode to date. Jill and Melissa dove into Abandonment History and its Impact on Future Behavioral Needs and how this affects children. This is a must-listen for anyone who cares for kids from hard places. 2022-11-031h 10Together by AGCIUnderstanding Chronological Age vs Developmental AgeAge is nothing but a number...particularly when it comes to understanding chronological age vs. developmental age. AGCI’s Director of US Child Advocacy Services, Jill Crewes, MSW, explains the difference between these two often conflated subjects and dives into how this can manifest for children. Jill is an adoptive mom and has decades of experience. Working within the child welfare system and foster/adoption community.2022-10-2056 minTogether by AGCIAdoptive Moms Visit the House of HopeWe have the opportunity to meet AGCI Ethiopia adoptive moms Kerri Dawson and Camille Bendick. They have recently returned from visiting the Tim Tebow Foundation &AGCI House of Hope in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Today we get to hear stories about what they experienced, all they learned, and why they believe this home will make a positive difference in the beautiful country of Ethiopia.2022-10-0630 minTogether by AGCIHouse of Hope’s One - Year AnniversaryWe feel so incredibly blessed to be celebrating the one-year anniversary of the official opening of the AGCI & Tim Tebow FoundationHouse of Hope in Ethiopia! In the last year, the House of Hope has served 34girls and successfully reunified 14 girls with their families. On today’s episode, we get to talk to AGCI’sEthiopia Program Director, Angelyn Salyer, and hear stories about the difference the House of Hope is making in the lives of the girls it serves, local communities, and the country as a whole. Here’s to another year of God doing big things!2022-09-2241 minTogether by AGCIWhy This Work Matters With Jep RobertsonMelissa and Marisa are joined by a very special guest—Jep Robertson! You might know Jep from Duck Dynasty fame but we know him for his incredible heart for vulnerable children and families. In today’s episode, Jep shares why AGCI’s work matters to him on a personal level, and how the people he’s met and the stories he’s watched unfold have changed the trajectory of his life.2022-09-0846 minTogether by AGCIThe Healing Hearts ProjectAn estimated 2 million children in Colombia are victims of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and neglect each year but our AGCI Colombia team and family preservation partners are working every day to provide life-saving therapy for children who have survived sexual violence. We are joined today by AGCI’s Latin America Executive Director, Andrea Leon. She shares about what they are currently seeing in Colombia, how this impacts kids and families and tells stories of lives changed. Because of the generosity and support of so many, children are finding hope, healing, and joy after surviving sexual violence.2022-08-2545 minTogether by AGCISurviving the First Year Home: Advice For Adoptive Families.Adoption is beautiful. It’s also really, really hard. For many families, the first year home is particularly challenging. Our very own Marisa Butterworth welcomed her third child home through adoption just over 10 years ago. In today’s episode, Marisa shares her tips for surviving the first year home. If you’re IN IT right now, take a deep breath—the first step to surviving a trying time is to give yourself some grace!2022-08-1152 minTogether by AGCIWhat to Know Before You GoThere is a definite art to traveling to the developing world and who better to hear from than locals! Whether you’re in the adoption process or planning a trip to another part of the world, AGCI’s Stefania Montaña and HectorChacon have you covered with everything from how to prepare, what questions to ask, and what food to try if you ever find yourself in their native countries of Colombia andEcuador. They are a wealth of important information, and you don’t want to miss this fun episode!2022-07-2846 minTogether by AGCIWhat does it mean to be a waiting child?Today we’re chatting with AGCI’s Director of Adoption: Latin America and the Caribbean, SamMoore. We are so excited to share our conversation about waiting children. We dove into every aspect of this important topic, including what it means for a child to be classified as waiting, and the incredible hope that we have for these amazing kids.2022-07-1455 minTogether by AGCIWe Just Got Back From Colombia. It Was Lifechanging.Today Together by AGCI co-hosts Marisa Butterworth and Melissa Rush are talking about our recent travels to Colombia. After several years away it was such a gift to be back with our Colombia team and see the kids and life-changing work firsthand. It was also at times, really really hard. We hope you enjoy our open, honest conversation. Spoiler: we both cry a little bit so thank you in advance for your grace. If you’d like to get involved in AGCI’s life-changing work, please reach out to us! There are so m...2022-06-3048 minTogether by AGCIA Father’s Day SpecialDescription: In honor of Father’s Day, adoptive dad David Maibach shares with us about the joys of becoming a father through adoption. He shares some of his family’s journey, what he’s most proud of, and his best advice for any new or future adoptive dads. You don’t want to miss this inspirational episode. 2022-06-1643 minTogether by AGCIWhat is TBRI?Do you have children struggling with challenging behaviors? Are you a foster or adoptive parent and feel at your wits end? There is so much hope in our conversation with David Randall, AGCI’s Director of Social Services. In this episode, we’re talking about all things TBRI—what it is, how to begin implementing it, and why it’s an incredibly powerful tool for caregivers. If this is your first introduction to TBRI, I know you’re going to want to know more! families are Forever, an incredible online learning platform for parents has classes specifically on TBRI.2022-06-0244 minTogether by AGCIWhat is TBRI?Do you have children struggling with challenging behaviors? Are you a foster or adoptive parent and feel at your wits end? There is so much hope in our conversation with David Randall, AGCI’s Director of Social Services. In this episode, we’re talking about all things TBRI—what it is, how to begin implementing it, and why it’s an incredibly powerful tool for caregivers. If this is your first introduction to TBRI, I know you’re going to want to know more! Families Are Forever, an incredible online learning platform for parents, has classes spec...2022-06-0244 minTogether by AGCIHow to Bless an Adoptive FamilyThere are so many ways to bless an adoptive family, no matter where they are at in the process. Listen in as parents from all over the country share how God used everyday people to help in big ways. 2022-05-1918 minTogether by AGCIMotherhood For an Adoptive Mom of 6Today, we're talking about all things mom. This Mother’s Day episode is a celebration of moms everywhere. Whether you’re an adoptive mom, bio mom, mom-to-be, or praying that motherhood is part of your journey, this episode is a celebration of you! In this episode, we chatted with Brook, AGCI's adoptive mother 6 about her motherhood journey.2022-05-0528 minTogether by AGCIThe Spiritual Calling of Our WorkAGCI President Hollen Frazier shares a bit about how AGCI was founded by herfamilyand shares her own personal calling. Join us in taking an inspiring look at the Spiritual Calling of AGCI and how our team navigates where we serve and what God has for us next2022-04-2127 min
Together by AGCIWhy is adoption so expensive?Have you ever wondered why adoption can be so expensive? We chatted with AGCI’s Director of Adoption, Sam Moore, to break down the cost of adoption. In this episode, we dive into why adoption costs what it does and all of the important pieces that go into ensuring that children receive the care they need and families are prepared to parent them.2022-04-0725 min
Bizarre & Fascinating DetailsMelissa Luciohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melissa_Luciohttps://innocenceproject.org/who-is-melissa-lucio-death-penalty-texas-execution-innocent/https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/lawmakers-want-death-penalty-reprieve-melissa-luciohttps://www.yahoo.com/news/seeking-clemency-lawyers-argue-texas-180944191.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall#savemelissalucio, savemelissa.orgEMAIL: thebfdpodcast@gmail.comSOCIAL MEDIA: @thebfdpodcast2022-04-0441 minTogether by AGCIIs Adoption Ethical?As a child-centered orphan care ministry, we are deeply dedicated to ensuring that everything we do is in the best interest of the children we serve—even when it’s not the easiest. We’ll be the first to say it—adoption should never be our first choice for children. At AGCI, it never is. While adoption is beautiful, it’s also inherently traumatic. It’s the result of deep loss—the adopted child will not grow up in their first family. We chatted with AGCI’s Director of Adoption, Sam Moore, about the complexities and ethics of adoption.2022-03-2435 minTogether by AGCIPost Adoption DepressionPost adoption depression is extremely common but rarely discussed. While up to 32% of adoptive parents struggle with this condition, stigma and lack of information and support can make post adoption depression feel incredibly isolating. Our very own Marisa Butterworth struggled with post adoption depression after her daughter, Harper, came home from Ethiopia. In this enlightening episode, Marisa shares her journey and offers resources for parents navigating post adoption depression.2022-03-1032 minTogether by AGCIHow We Know Where We’re Needed—A Deep Dive into AGCI’s International ProgramsWe chatted with AGCI’s VP of International Programs, Kiersten Luginbill, about how AGCI knows where we’re needed next. If you’ve ever wondered how we decide what countries to serve in and what programs to implement, this is the episode for you! 2022-02-2440 minTogether by AGCIIntegrating Your Child’s Birth Country and Culture Into Your FamilyGod makes families in such vibrant ways and when a family opens themselves up to adopt, they are often opening their lives up to another culture as well. We spoke with adoptive mom and passionate advocate, Erica Manz to talk about her family’s inspiring journey to adoption and how their entire family has opened the hearts to their children’s culture and country. 2022-02-1034 minTogether by AGCIAdvocating for Your Kids Within the School SystemWe spoke with Dr. Sarah Yee about how to advocate for your adopted and biological kids within the public school system. Dr. Yee is a former K-8 educator and currently serves on the education team at the Center for Equity and Inclusion in Portland, OR. Tune in and listen today. 2022-01-2747 minTogether by AGCIBio Kids and Adoption—How to Prepare or Start the Healing JourneyBringing a new child into your family—however you do it—is never easy. Often, this transition is particularly difficult for “resident” children. We chatted with Gail Heaton, Founder of Suddenly Siblings about how to make this transition a little easier. Whether you’re preparing to bring a child home, or your adoption was finalized a decade ago, you don’t want to miss this enlightening episode. 2022-01-1352 minTogether by AGCITurning Heartbreak Into Community AdvocacyAfter visiting a government run orphanage in Ethiopia, God took Jesse’s personal heartbreak for the kids he met and opened him up to share the need with his immediate community and beyond. This week, learn about how becoming an adoptive father ended up leading to an entire movement. We hope that this story inspires you today. 2021-12-1632 minTogether by AGCIThe AGCI & Tim Tebow Foundation House of HopeThe AGCI & Tim Tebow Foundation House of Hope has opened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and we get to hear about the home, why AGCI opened it, who it serves, and how we think that this home and model of care will bring hope and healing to vulnerable children and families both in Ethiopia, and all around the world. We hope you will tune in to find out how together, we can create pathways to faith, family, and independence for those in desperate need. 2021-12-0225 min
Together by AGCIAdopting an Older Child and Honoring Their StoryAdoption requires adoptive parents to hold space for a lot of unknowns and adopting an older child can often add another layer of complexity. Thankfully, we can learn from other parents and Jacqui has so much wisdom to offer to this conversation. We are so excited for you to hear a bit about the Gustafson family’s adoption story and how they have been intentional in championing their children’s unique stories through every stage of their lives. 2021-11-1845 min
Together by AGCISpecial Needs Advocate and AGCI Adoptive Mom Ashley FeltsNovember is National Adoption Month! We are celebrating by sharing the stories of AGCI adoptive families. Ashley and Stan Felts followed God’s call to adopt their daughter from the Philippines—even when they didn’t know how all the pieces were going to come together. Adoption has completely transformed the Felts family! Listen to their story of tremendous faith and obedience—we know you’ll be inspired.2021-11-0437 min