Shows
a little happyEpisode 45: More Than Music with Katie FaganMusic moves us, heals us, and connects us together. In this week’s episode, Nattie sits down with Katie Fagan, President of Mom+Pop Records and they talk about the power of music, the importance of women in the music industry, amplifying the stories of singer songwriters, and how a resilient mindset helps in the face of adversity.2025-05-1056 mina little happyGive Me 5 with Nattie Meador and Audie BruetmanBuckle up... another convo in the books. Nattie and Audie catch up about their weekends, reflect on "The World's Greatest College Weekend", spring time and the busy schedules, bike rides with kids, and the ongoing search for down time and recharging. Ever feel like you only have 5 minutes to catch up, take a break, or squeeze in a little joy? Take a listen to Give Me 5 - a weekly series packed with quick, honest, and uplifting convos to keep you going.Tune in, and take 5 with Nattie and Audie. 2025-05-0524 mina little happyEpisode 44: Can I Go Outside and Play? w/ Lizzie AssaMuddy bare feet and a little room to roam - this episode is all about PLAY. Nattie sits down with Lizzie Assa, founder of The Workspace for Children, to explore how play isn't just fun - it's how kids make sense of everything around them. Lizzie shares personal experiences in motherhood and professional insights on creating simple play ideas that spark curiosity, creativity, and connection. The two reflect on the power of play as grown ups, and what happens when we let go, trust the process, and let play lead the way. Show Notes: 2025-04-1644 mina little happyGive Me 5 with Nattie Meador and Audie BruetmanThe sisters were together IRL this weekend and it was everything. They share what it's like to see each other in "work-mode" moments, Audie reminisces on her time in college, and Nattie drops a sunscreen PSA you don't want to miss. They also reflect on the power of storytelling and why amplifying voices matters. Come for the laughs, stay for the heart - and leave ready to take on the week!Ever feel like you only have 5 minutes to catch up, take a break, or squeeze in a little joy? Take a listen to Give Me 5...2025-04-1020 mina little happyGive Me 5 with Nattie Meador and Audie BruetmanM-O-T-I-V-A-T-I-O-N. Do you have it? What do you do when you "lose it"? How do you gain momentum to get it back? Auds shares the Monday's lows, and the girls chat about the difference between motivation and momentum. Nattie remembers great advice about the word "should" and they pump each other up for another week ahead. Ever feel like you only have 5 minutes to catch up, take a break, or squeeze in a little joy? Take a listen to Give Me 5 - a weekly series packed with quick, honest, and uplifting convos to keep you going.2025-04-0318 mina little happyEpisode 43: The Consistency Game: Moving with Life's Rhythms with Ashley FlemingThis week, Nattie catches up with Ashley Fleming. We are so excited she is back - Ash was our first guest on a A Little Happy where she shared perspective on healthy habits and intentional routines. Nattie and Ashley continue the conversation in this packed episode. Ashley shares advice she learned in her mom's group, they talk about the power of consistency, share a few parent musings and laugh about routines constantly changing. Host: Nattie MeadorProducer: Audrey Bruetman Show Notes: 6:45 - Advice from Moms Group11:00...2025-03-2348 mina little happyGive Me 5 with Nattie Meador and Audie BruetmanAudie and Nattie catch up on spring break plans, including a recent adventure to a cave, Nattie shares the hilarity of taking her three kids more than 200 feet underground and the fears they conquered along the way. Audie reflects on the "matrix of worry" and how first-time experiences are almost always the most daunting... until we realize how confident we really are! The sisters gear up for a weekend together with a fellow pod guest. Ever feel like you only have 5 minutes to catch up, take a break, or squeeze in a little joy? Take a listen...2025-03-1921 mina little happyEpisode 42: Go, Go, Girl Power! with Jodi Bondi NorgaardJodi Bondi Norgaard is back and we are so psyched! Jodi was on the podcast a year ago and shared her experience as an entrepreneur, a mom, and an advocate of girls empowerment. Nattie and Jodi catch up about Jodi's new book, More Than a Doll, share reflection on the importance of lifting up young girls and women, and Jodi recalls stories of squaring up to big toy companies after she created a line of sport dolls, Go! Go! Sports Girls. BONUS!! Nattie and Jodi sneak peek a collaboration happening at the end of March that you won't want...2025-03-1238 mina little happyGive Me 5 with Nattie Meador and Audie BruetmanWhat started as a 5 minute convo turned into a 20 minute gab session, and that's what happens when you get Nattie and Audie together. The sisters catch up about the newest episode on the podcast, they share reflections from their own childhood and playing with toys, Nattie laughs about her need for a tribe of women to help her with school spirit week, and Audie shares about her latest project - sewing! Ever feel like you only have 5 minutes to catch up, take a break, or squeeze in a little joy? Take a listen to Give Me 5...2025-03-1225 mina little happyGive Me 5 with Nattie Meador and Audie BruetmanNattie and Audie catch up about their weekends, running 31 miles, losing voices and meal planning, they laugh about family dinners as kids and processing out loud - BONUS, a guest appearance at the end of the episode makes this one all the more real. Ever feel like you only have 5 minutes to catch up, take a break, or squeeze in a little joy? Take a listen to Give Me 5 - a weekly series packed with quick, honest, and uplifting convos to keep you going.Tune in, and take 5 with Nattie and Audie.2025-03-0520 mina little happyGive Me 5 with Nattie Meador and Audie BruetmanReal talk this week. Nattie and Audie cover a lot of ground from hormones to weekend plans, they had 10 minutes and went for it. They talk periods, rollercoaster emotions, and those sneaky moments when anxiety pops up out of nowhere. They gab about weekend plans, the art of dating yourself, and the magic of solo adventuring. Ever feel like you only have 5 minutes to catch up, take a break, or squeeze in a little joy? Take a listen to Give Me 5 - a weekly series packed with quick, honest, and uplifting convos to keep you going. 2025-02-2720 mina little happyEpisode 41: To Spain and Back: An Journey of Friendship and Teaching with Abby GrayThis week, Nattie sits down with Abby Gray and they share how a 7th grade Spanish class launched a 25 year friendship. They reflect on a trip to Spain, raising kids together and how their monthly lunch dates became a place to share the most vulnerable pieces of their life and launch some of their biggest dreams. Abby shares lessons on starting a business at 50 and the two laugh about there life journey together. Abby's Spain Consulting Business: https://www.instagram.com/experience.espana.abby/Host: Nattie Meador, @natdm19 2025-02-2150 mina little happyGive Me 5 with Nattie Meador and Audie BruetmanNattie and Audie had 10 minutes to catch up and they pack it in! Audie shared how their first family meeting went, the sister's chat about habit stacking, and Nattie gabs about a special upcoming guest on the pod! Ever feel like you only have 5 minutes to catch up, take a breath, or squeeze in a little joy? Take a listen to Give Me 5 - a weekly series packed with quick, honest, and uplifting convos to keep you going. Tune in, and take 5 with Nattie and Audie. 2025-02-1919 mina little happyGive Me 5 with Nattie Meador and Audie BruetmanDo you have a family meeting? Audie shares her recent thoughts about the need for a family meeting - we all need to get organized, right? Nattie provides some laughs about kids and Kroger and the sisters gab about how good it feels to have a plan. Ever feel like you only have 5 minutes to catch up, take a breath, or squeeze in a little joy? That's exactly why we launched Give Me 5 - a weekly series packed with quick, honest, and uplifting convos to keep you going.Tune in, and take 5 with Nattie and...2025-02-1420 mina little happyGive Me 5 with Nattie Meador and Audie BruetmanBig news, same heart!A Little Happy is shaking things up in 2025, and Nattie is sitting down with her sister, Audie, to spill all the deets.Ever feel like you only have 5 minutes to catch up, take a breath, or squeeze in a little joy? That's exactly why we're launchingGive Me 5 - a weekly series packed with quick, honest, and uplifting convos to keep you going.Tune in, and take 5 with Nattie and Audie2025-02-0714 mina little happyEpisode 40: The Hope that Comes with Sobriety with Katherine RhadansThis week, Katherine Rhadans, Quit Lit Author, speaker, and addiction recovery advocate, joins the podcast. Nattie and Katherine share experiences in sobriety and motherhood, Kat talks about the creation of her popular Instagram platform, No.Wine.In.The.Carpool.Line, Nattie and Kat talk about Mommy Wine Culture, the power of recovery and the hope that comes with sobriety.
This episode contains content related to alcoholism and substance abuse. If you or someone you know are seeking help, please find a list of resources for your reference:
988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
Alcoholics Anonymous...2025-01-1257 mina little happyEpisode 39: Trailblazing, Teaching and Service with Sue TalbotThis week, Nattie sits down with her Nana, Sue Talbot, and they gab about life! Sue shares her experience growing up in the country, how her parents met at a local historic movie theater, her experience teaching in the classroom and mentoring women in her community. She and Nattie share memories from childhood and ways women can lift each other up. 2024-12-0350 mina little happyEpisode 38: Being Content Where You Are with Mahja ZeonThis week, Nattie sits down with guest Mahja Zeon and they chat about life's journeys. Nattie and Mahja met almost a decade ago and after hearing Mahja's story, Nattie was determined to reconnect with her - some 10 years later - to chat again. Mahja shares her experience coming to America as a Liberian refugee, growing up in Georgia, journey's back to her home country and reading The Alchemist on her birthday every year. Nattie and Mahja reflect on experiences that lead them into the "tea shops" of their lives and how to be content with where you are. 2024-06-1159 mina little happyEpisode 37: We Must Do Something About This with Reproductive Rights Activist Amanda ZurawskiAmanda Zurawski joins Nattie on the podcast this week and she shares her tremendous story - a story full of heartbreak, of bravery, of advocacy and of hope. Amanda vulnerably shares her experience with infertility treatment, pregnancy loss, and how the lack of access to reproductive healthcare has resulted in the fight of a lifetime - advocating for women's health in the United States. Nattie and Amanda talk about grief, hope, and the power of speaking up and fighting for what you believe in.
2024-05-1547 mina little happyEpisode 36: You're Not That Big of a Deal with Lindsey HeinLindsey Hein is back and we are so excited! Nattie sits down with Lindsey and they talk kids, expectations, screen time, outside play and free range parenting. Lindsey shares her experiences navigating youth sports, providing space for her kids to explore on their own, and how a simple conversation with a friend leads to backyard chickens!
Check out what Lindsey is up to below:
Lindsey's Website
I'll Have Another Podcast
Why is Everyone Yelling Podcast
2024-04-291h 04a little happyEpisode 35: There is No Yoga for Burnout with Caroline Dowd-HigginsThis week, Nattie sits down with Caroline Dowd-Higgins and they talk burnout! It is real and it is exhausting, and they are here to talk about it. Caroline shares her personal experience burning the candle from both ends and the affects it has had on her personal and professional life. Nattie and Caroline dive into the societal expectation of raising the bar, ways to challenge a historically traditional mindset of success, the powerful realization that "suffering is optional", and how we might mitigate burnout in the workplace. 2024-03-2545 mina little happyEpisode 34: When the Flowers Seek You with Laura Deck, The Seedlings Flower FarmThis week, Nattie sits down with the Laura Deck, the owner of The Seedlings Flower Farm and Truck. Laura, her husband Logan, and their 3 kids share their flower farm with our community and it is such a joy! Laura shares her experiences around motherhood and how a love offering of a field of sunflowers inspired her to create and launch her flower business. Nattie and Laura talk failures, successes, and speaking things into the world.
Stay up to date on The Seedlings Flower Farm by subscribing to their email list!
2024-02-2950 mina little happyEpisode 33: Philanthropy and Service with Jeannie Infante SagerThis week Nattie and Mary Susan sit down with Jeannie Infante Sager, director of the Women's Philanthropy Institute at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Jeannie breaks down some myths around philanthropy and shares ground breaking research around how and why women give of their time, talent, and treasure. They discuss how empathy motivates behavior and the power of women realizing their worth.
Check out what's happening at the Women's Philanthropy Institute here.
Connect with Jeannie Infante Sager on LinkedIn2024-02-0254 mina little happyEpisode 32: Meet Me on the Trails with Nattie MeadorThis week, Mary Susan and Nattie are back! Mary Susan asks Nattie to share her experience running 30 miles through the woods of Southern Indiana. Nattie shares the pursuit of "dating herself" for the past 2 years, reflections on depression, the power and hope from putting one foot in front of the other and conversations had deep in the woods. This is so much more than a running recap! 2024-01-1655 mina little happyEpisode 31: How to Walk Life Out in Front with Olivia RobertsThis week, Nattie sits down with guest Olivia Roberts. Olivia shares her experiences moving to Hawaii with her husband and 5 children, how they navigate his military deployments, ways she approaches homeschooling and how to seek daily rhythms that create stability and comfort for families. Olivia shares the concept of constantly repairing with our children, and the irrefutable truth that joy can come from all walks of life. 2024-01-0852 mina little happyEpisode 30: You Go Girl: Empowering our Future with Jodi Bondi NorgaardThis week, Nattie is joined by Jodi Bondi Norgaard and they talk about the importance of fostering confidence in young girls. Jodi shares how shopping for a child's birthday gift launched a career in reframing the toy industry and the tireless work she has dedicated to advocating for and supporting girls and women.
Jodi Bondi Norgaard
https://www.jodibondinorgaard.com/
The Representation Project: Miss Representation
https://therepproject.org/
2023-12-1044 mina little happyEpisode 29: The Baseline of Peace with Donna AshworthThis week, Nattie is joined by twice Sunday Times Bestselling Poet and writer, Donna Ashworth. Donna shares how her work gained attention during a time when the world needed so much hope and love. They talk about how to find peace in the everyday, the power of dipping in and out of emotions, and what happens when we are brave enough to wear our hearts on our sleeves. Donna has published 8 books, most recently releasing Wild Hope.
2023-11-2149 mina little happyEpisode 28: When the Pressure Drops... Regulate.This week, Mary Susan and Nattie chat about regulating the big stuff - emotions, kids, and ourselves! Nattie shares about family weekends, Mary Susan shares about living through a 21st birthday and the gals share how they track "pressure changes" before they need their oxygen masks. 2023-10-2844 mina little happyEpisode 27: Workin' 9-5, Lived Experiences of Women in the Workplace with Dana CummingsThis week, Nattie is joined by friend and colleague Dana Cummings and they talk about lived experiences of women in the workplace and the importance of wedging your foot into the doorway of opportunity. Dana shares her reflections as she pursues her doctoral degree, and the notion of never being able to get to everything on the "to-do" list. 2023-10-0853 mina little happyEpisode 26: Anniversaries, Kids and Spouses, Oh My: Reflections on Seasons of MarriageThis week, Nattie and Mary Susan talk marriage. They share experiences from their own marriages, ways they have celebrated anniversaries, moments of recommitment in relationships, and reflections on hitching wagons together for life. 2023-09-2340 mina little happyEpisode 25: Noticing the Green Lights with Jean SherfickThis week, Nattie sits down with her friend Jean Sherfick and they catch up on seasons of life, running, the mindset of setting goals, how to choose the "green light moments" of life, and the power of noticing exactly where you are. Jean relates her experience running ultra distance marathons to strengthening mental fortitude in relationships with others and herself and shares her experiences of changing the mind over time. 2023-09-0759 mina little happyEpisode 24: Happiness as a Choice with Kim Van LueThis week, Nattie sits down with friend, Kim Van Lue and they talk happiness... how do we get it, how do we keep it, how much is too much? They reflect on the ebb and flow of life, how we come in and out of ourselves, how to stop "should'ing" on ourselves, and daily practices to pinpoint happiness triggers.
A few show notes:
Kim Van Lue's Business:
Northspring Leadership
https://northspringleadership.com/
Books:
The Happiness Curve by Jonathan Rauch
...2023-08-1947 mina little happyEpisode 23: Navigating Seasons of Transition and ChangeThis week, Nattie and Mary Susan talk about how they navigate season of change, overcome the fear of the unknown, and rock the transitions... from Sunday to Monday or summer to school year.
2023-08-1137 mina little happyEpisode 22: This Little Light of Mine with Trish Mong and Mary Susan BuhnerThis week, Mary Susan sits down with Trish Mong and shares reflection of their friendship, leaning into the mantra of "done is better than perfect" and that it's not about building the perfect fire, its about flipping the switch on to let the light in! 2023-07-1232 mina little happyEpisode 21: The Sparks We Carry with Jenny HendersonThis week, Nattie is joined by her friend Jenny Henderson and they talk about the sparks we all carry, they discuss the various effects change has in life, and the beauty that can come from re-invention at any point in time. 2023-07-0137 mina little happyEpisode 20: Choosing your Words with Mary Susan and Theresa RhodesThis week, Mary Susan is on the podcast with her good friend Theresa Rhodes and they talk about the power of serving others, life after retirement, and the positive influence we can have on each other when we choose our words. 2023-06-1330 mina little happyEpisode 19: Dance Parties with Your Sister, feat. Audrey Deinlein BruetmanSister, Sister! This week, Nattie talks with her little sister, Audrey Deinlein Bruetman. Audie and Nattie talk childhood dance parties, Nattie bringing Audie in as 4th grade show-and-tell, lessons learned in your 20s and 30s, role models, and the beauty of viewing life as stained glass.
Show Notes:
NAMI Chicago
https://www.namichicago.org
The Mild West
https://www.themildwestband.com
2023-06-0646 mina little happyEpisode 18: Sweet Summertime, The Summer SeriesSummer is here! This week, Nattie and Mary Susan laugh about high school memories, mixed tapes, 4th grade school field trips, and ways to get your household ready for summer! 2023-05-2936 mina little happyEpisode 17: The Beautiful Mess of MotherhoodThis week, Nattie and Mary Susan reflect on the messy and imperfect moments of motherhood - birthdays, end of school and summer - oh my! And, how "job-sharing" motherhood lightens the load. 2023-05-2139 mina little happyEpisode 16: The Evolution of Self and Seeking the Softer Approach with Patricia RussoThis week, Patricia Russo joins Nattie on A Little Happy Podcast and they talk about the evolution of self, how we can embrace change and the shakes life can bring, and the ways our histories help us pursue a softer way of living. Pat is a mystic, muse and spiritual teacher guiding women into their hearts with the journey of softening. She's a published poet, a lover of hearts and a forever student.
2023-05-1453 mina little happyEpisode 15: Finding Calm in the Midst of ChaosThis week, Mary Susan and Nattie get real about how they navigate the chaotic seasons in life, the sometimes inefficient ways to ways weather the storms, and lessons learned about the beauty of shutting up and listening to those around. 2023-05-0736 mina little happyEpisode 14: Community, Making Friends, and Loosening Control on Parenting with Lindsey HeinThis week, Nattie is joined by friend, Lindsey Hein, and they get real about making friends in new places, building community wherever you are, and the beauty that can come from loosening the grip on parenting. 2023-04-2954 mina little happyEpisode 13: Diving into Mental Health and Self Compassion with Marian Frick Rigsbee, LCSW, MACThis week, Nattie is joined by special guest, Marian Frick Rigsbee, LCSW, MAC. Nattie and Marian get real about therapy, the power of self-compassion, leaning into mental health strategies and Nattie picks up a few tips and tricks along the way. 2023-04-1531 mina little happyEpisode 12: Closing Out Your Mental Load TabsThis week, Mary Susan and Nattie get real about the mental load we all carry, what it feels like to have 200 open tabs of "to-dos" in the brain, what they have learned from just letting go and how a 3 lb. bag of jellybeans and a run may be the key to lighten the heavy lifts of life! 2023-04-0842 mina little happyEpisode 11: The Power of Positivity, Friendship and Finding the Light with Katie NikouThis week, Nattie welcomes a dear friend and special guest, Katie Nikou, and they get real about positivity in adversity, unexpected blessings out of grief, and the power of unconditional friendship. This episode is vulnerable and authentic as they discuss grief and loss and the hope and light that comes out of the most unexpectd and dark places.2023-03-3137 mina little happyEpisode 10: The Where, the Why, and the How of Energy!This week, Nattie and Mary Susan get real and talk about energy - how we find it, how we use it, and how it affects our days. They talk about Nattie as a tired extrovert, Mary Susan shopping for oranges, and the continued pursuit of living life authentically.2023-03-2438 mina little happyEpisode 9: Wear that Two Piece, You Hot Mama!This week, Nattie and Mary Susan get real about swimsuit season, lessons learned from the inner dialogue in a dressing room, exercises to promote some self love, and the secret may just be in ordering a size up.2023-03-1838 mina little happyEpisode 8: Waving the White Flag!This week, Mary Susan and Nattie get real and talk about the power of waving the white flag, rides with emergency ski patrol, impromptu kitchen renovations, and experiences we have had when asking for micro or macro help!2023-03-1248 min
Why is Everyone Yelling?Episode 124: Nattie Meador – Community, Friendship, and Vulnerability
I am so excited about this conversation with my friend, Nattie Meador. I know Nattie from way back, she is from the same hometown as me and is one of those friends that I have kept up with since reconnecting on social media!
Nattie is from Bloomington, Indiana (my hometown!) and has moved back there and works as the Associate Director at Indiana University Alumni Association. She is the mom of three.
She recently started her new podcast called A Little Happy. She has such a great story of why they named it that and...2023-02-2859 mina little happyEpisode 7: Healthy Habits and Intentionality with Ashley FlemingNattie chats with guest, Ashley Fleming and they get real about ways to show up with intention each day, how a good date night can conquer goal setting, and the power of building healthy habits for yourself and your family.2023-02-2340 mina little happyEpisode 6: Humility, Cussing, and the Wowzah of ParentingNattie and Mary Susan get real about the roads traveled to reach humility, the stories that come out of daycare, how good humble pie can taste and the power of being vulnerable and authentic.2023-02-1739 mina little happyEpisode 5: Conversations with your Younger SelfNattie and Mary Susan officially launch the A Little Happy Podcast and get real about the power of conversations with their younger selves, how wisdom sometimes comes in the form of broken sunglasses, saying your a hot mess can provide relief, and three simple words, "I Need Help" can be the key to a little more happy in your life.2023-02-0930 mina little happyEpisode 4: It's Unscripted, Y'all!This episode, Mary Susan and Nattie get real over the power of pivot, having a conversation with your younger self and secret superpowers!2023-02-0937 mina little happyEpisode 3: Self-Care & Saying NoThis episode, Nattie and Mary Susan get real about self-care, the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO), and why having a theme song to start your day makes all the difference.2023-02-0933 mina little happyEpisode 2: Being Scared and Doing it AnywayThis episode, Mary Susan and Nattie get real about how they handle being scared to leave their comfort zone and how they push past their fears. Tune in as they share how the gift of rejection, rock climbing and John Mayer help them overcome fear and do the things they love.2023-02-0944 mina little happyEpisode 1: Kicking the Imposter Syndrome to the CurbMary Susan and Nattie get real about why we struggle to feel legit and how to finally kick the imposter syndrome to the curb!2023-02-0931 mina little happya little happy (Trailer)2023-02-0800 min
Mommy MagicThe Truth About Postpartum, The Power in Asking for Help & Roping The HogNattie Meador shares the truth about postpartum, the power of asking for help and the importance of authentic connections.2020-10-2738 min