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The Meltdown City PodcastHello and What is UpHello from the dead. We are still here, messing around per usual and dropping a random episode. That's all I'll say. If you want to drop a line, the podcast email is still up meltdowncitypodcast@gmail.com, but the website has been retired.Hope you are all well.Nic & Ali 2021-03-1145 minThe Meltdown City PodcastCome Check Out Nicole's New podcast 'Found Down' - A Podcast of Untold Nursing StoriesHI Meltdown City Peeps, I have officially launched my new nursing podcast - Found Down. Here is the first episode. If you like it, please like, review and subscribe!Also, Ali and I are going to do a random episode in the coming weeks just for the hell of it.I miss you guys.XONic2020-08-1511 minThe Meltdown City PodcastThis is the End. Thank You and Goodnight.Well, we have decided to call it quits and press pause on The Meltdown City Podcast. This has been the best and most fun adventure for both of us. We are so grateful for anyone who has ever listened, liked us, supported us or been a guest on the show. We could not have done it without you.On this episode, this very last episode, we definitely hit all of the emotions. We talk about our journey, this experience, where we were started in the beginning and where we have come. We take the time to thank...2020-06-1446 minThe Meltdown City PodcastMeltdowns and CatchupsOn this episode, we realize we have not recorded just the two of us in since mid-April so we have a lot to catch up on. We shout out to our listeners who have written in such as Katrina, James and Thomas. We share epic meltdowns and bring back 'TV Time.'We hope you are managing ok in this Pandemic. We discuss what has been getting us through. This is a crazy time and we want to know how you are holding up. What are you doing to get by? Please let us know by emailing...2020-06-0149 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with Musician Joe Syverson - Part 2Today we are talking to Joe Syverson, a seasoned musician from bands such as Throw me the Statue, The Final Spins and his solo act Joseph Giant. Joe is currently fronting a new band, Floored Faces with brand new album out called ‘Escapism Prism.’ Joe is also the owner of his own construction company Viking Construction. He is a family man, married with four kids. We wanted to chat with him about his musician life and his new album! You can buy and listen to his album here https://flooredfaces.bandcamp.com/Follow them on social media @floo...2020-05-2527 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with musician Joe Syverson of Floored Faces - Part 1Today we are talking to Joe Syverson, a seasoned musician from bands such as Throw me the Statue, The Final Spins and his solo act Joseph Giant. Joe is currently fronting a new band, Floored Faces with brand new album out called ‘Escapism Prism.’ Joe is also the owner of his own construction company Viking Construction. He is a family man, married with four kids. We wanted to chat with him about his musician life and his new album! You can buy and listen to his album here https://flooredfaces.bandcamp.com/Follow them on social media @floo...2020-05-1938 minThe Meltdown City PodcastNicole Johnson is United with Travel Unites UsHey Everyone,I had the uptmost pleasure of being interviewed by my very good friend, Aaron Schlein on his new show Travel Unites Us. Aaron has partnered up with Richard D'ambrossio to create a movement and community to come together over travel. Aaron interviews me about the genesis of my business Unwound Retreats, a wellness business for nurses. We discuss how I got unstuck from my restlessness and also how travel has impacted my life. Aaron also asks me what my life as an ICU nurse is like during the Covid 19 pandemic. So, I tell him and...2020-05-1102 minThe Meltdown City PodcastTen Ways to Boost Your ConfidenceOn this episode, we catch up and do fun shout outs to our loyal listeners Barry and Nelson among others. Were you shouted out? Come listen!Ali has an epic meltdown involving her timeshare and Nicole is looped out after being up all night at the hospital.Periodically, we all suffer from low self esteem as this is a part of the human experience. So, this week we dig into the topic of self confidence. We discuss '10 Things You Can Do to Boost Self-Confidence' by Chris W. Dunn and discuss his ideas for how...2020-05-0545 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with Quynh Nguyen, Founder of Pink & PoseyToday we chat with Quynh Nguyen, the founder of Pink & Posey where she makes paper flowers “that are as realistic - or vibrant - as your dreams.” She is a “wife to a drone nerd, mom to a doodle furbaby, a chef and an artist at heart". She is the Founder of The Paper Florist Facebook Group and The Posey Box and cohost of the Paper Talk Podcast. She is also a founding member of the Paper Florists Collective.Quynh is a power house. We learn how she accidentally fell into this career. She is an entrepreneur, an educ...2020-04-2032 minThe Meltdown City Podcast10 Tips for Dealing With the Stress of UncertaintyToday we report on how we are doing in the midst of this Global Pandemic. Ali reflects on her feelings about having to adapt to things completely out of her control and Nicole wrestles with her emotions about being on the frontlines amidst all of the uncertainty. Our topic for the day is a timely one - we bring you some real applicable tips for how to deal with all of the stress we are facing. We discuss '10 Tips for Dealing With the Stress of Uncertainty' an article by the American Psychological Association. Although this was...2020-04-0642 minThe Meltdown City PodcastFour Ways to Reignite Passion in Your RelationshipOn today's episode of the Meltdown City Podcast, we chat remotely, due to our adherence to social distancing. We decide to take a moment to discuss the odd silver linings to this pandemic. Obviously, this is a challenging time for all, but we wanted to take a moment away from the deluge of bad news. We hope you can understand.This week, we offer an escape as we talk about relationships and how to reignite your passion. Are you in a long term relationship? Do you need some ideas on how to kickstart the fire? Well, we...2020-03-2341 minThe Meltdown City PodcastGet to Know Your Podcast Co-hosts Nicole & AliOn today's episode, we chat via Zoom from the safety of our own homes in Seattle, the first hotzone of Covid 19 in the US. We discuss how the pandemic is impacting our lives and our meltdowns related to it. We both have careers in healthcare and have been involved either on the frontlines or behind the scenes. Everything is so changing rapidly. How are you handling it?On a much lighter note, we delve into a funny questionnaire that we ask one another to lighten things up. You might learn some random tidbits about us. Are you...2020-03-1645 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with NYU Certified Executive and Life Coach Regan WalshOn today's episode, we talk with Regan Walsh, a NYU-certified executive and life coach who focuses on helping women who are over-programmed and underwhelmed, reclaim their lives, both personally and professionally. Regan has coached hundreds of women through her one-on-one and group coaching programs, and she is regularly asked to give keynotes and facilitate workshops for fortune 500 companies, including Nike, QuickBooks, and Nationwide to audiences ranging from 50-500. Regan contributes to Harvard Business Review and Forbes, and has been featured in NBC.com, FastCompany, and Columbus CEO. She is located in Columbus, Ohio and coaches women from all ov...2020-03-0347 minThe Meltdown City PodcastAtomic HabitsOn today's episode, we are back in the studio with our new equipment. Hooray! And we have a new patreon account! We discuss our #meltdownmoments... and how Ali is feeling with her job uncertainty. Hint: she is feeling a little down about it.This episode, we discuss James Clear's book "Atomic Habits - An Easy Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones." Did you know Steve Martin worked on perfecting his craft for 10 years before he got any good gigs and Jerry Seinfeld has a habit of writing jokes daily? Tiny, atomic sized habits can...2020-02-1742 minThe Meltdown City PodcastMelting Down into Self DoubtWe didn't forget about you! We are still here and back to our regularly programmed schedule!On today's episode, we chat about our meltdown moments and catch up. Our topic of the day is self doubt and how to over come it. We dig into the article "13 Powerful Ways to Overcome Self-Doubt (So You Can Finally Move Forward in Life)" by Henrik Edberg. We digest it and reflect on it from our own perspectives.Do you have self doubt? How do you move through it?There are some really big belly laughs in...2020-02-0437 minThe Meltdown City PodcastNew Decade New YouOn today’s episode, we talk about entering the new decade of 2020, setting resolutions and how to stick to your goals. We reference Marie Forleo’s 7 minute video here that has three science based tips for achieving your goals the first time. Check it out!What are you looking to accomplish this year? Are you going to do that thing you’ve always wanted to do?We discuss our goals for the podcast and for ourselves. We also discuss a #meltdownmoment that involves the two of us.THANKS FOR LISTENING!xoN...2020-01-2331 minThe Meltdown City PodcastCatching Up With Travel Blogger and World Traveler Melissa Bitz, aka Traveling BitzOn today's episode we catch up with world traveler and travel blogger, Melissa Bitz, aka Traveling Bitz and we learn about her seven month long solo journey around the world. Last time we talked with Melissa, she was just a few weeks in. Now she has returned home to California and has had time to reflect on her experience and how it has changed her. Melissa shares where she traveled to in Europe and in South America, reveals what places are still lingering in her mind, as well as the highs and the lows and her advice to people...2020-01-0643 minThe Meltdown City PodcastChristmas Bonus EpisodeWe are just popping on to wish you Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Solstice, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year! We shout out to some of our new listeners! Thanks for the support!Love to you and yours!Nic & Ali2019-12-2506 minThe Meltdown City PodcastGrit God DamnitOn today's episode, we talk funny #meltdownmoments and reflect on how things are going with our side hustles. Plus, we discuss the concept of GRIT which is passion plus perserverance. Dr. Angela Duckworth has studied this concept and has a TEDx talk that you can watch here. We talk about grit in our own lives and in relation to our own projects and parenthood. True to form, things get really raw and there are tears. I'm not going to reveal who cries this time, so you'll have to listen. The message is you can do what you want, just...2019-12-2338 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with Podcaster, Public Speaker and Family Man, Aaron SchleinOn today’s episode, we talk with Podcaster, Speaker & Family man Aaron Schlein from Sacramento, CA. He is the host of the successful Family Travel Radio — a weekly podcast presented by The Family Travel Association. Aaron shares how he got on this path to entrepreneurship by wanting to write a book about how traveling with his grandmother as a teenager changed his life. However, his initial plan fell flat. It wasn’t until he pivoted to starting a podcast that everything changed. He quotes John Lee Dumas from Entrepreneurs on Fire who says, “Having a podcast makes people pay attention...2019-12-0945 minThe Meltdown City PodcastThankful for YOU!On today's episode, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, we take the time to thank all the guests who have been on our show and the many listeners.Thank you to our amazing, talented and fearless guests for being on the show and inspiring all of us to embrace change and take a chance!Courtney Erwin, Barry Faught, Carrie and Albert Bond, Amy Johnson, Shane Jones, Nelson Lau, Nicholas Williams, Melissa Bitz, Michael Tranmer, SumedaAhuja-Bahri, Kathy Waage, Matt Kepnes, Erick Prince and soon to be guest, Aaron Schlein.Thank you to our loyal listeners...2019-11-2533 minThe Meltdown City PodcastMelting Down into VulnerabilityOn today’s episode, Nicole and Ali chat while Ali is in Seattle and Nicole is in Pullman, WA. They get into a conversation about vulnerability and reflect on a video by Brene Brown, PhD and LMSW. “Vulnerability is the core of shame and fear and our struggle for worthiness, but it appears that it’s also the birthplace of joy, of creativity, of belonging, of love” states Brene.
Ali opens up about how parenting is super hard and how she would just love some “freedom and danger.” Nicole sheds a few tears talking about her fears and discussing t...2019-11-1127 minThe Meltdown City PodcastWhere do our souls go?Hey there!
On today’s episode, we catch up and reflect on last week’s interview with Erick Prince of Minority Nomad. You can listen to it here! Per usual, we discuss #meltdownmoments that have come up. Ali reflects on the unexpected death of her friend of 20 years, may he rest in peace.
We discuss moving through fear and Nicole quotes her old coach, James Swanwick “feel the fear and do it anyway.” Yes, sometimes it is challenging to do things that we are afraid of but ultimately, facing things we fear gets easier with time.
2019-10-2832 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with Photo Journalist, World Traveler and Entrepreneur Erick Prince aka Minority NomadOn today’s episode, we talk with the very talented Erick Prince, aka Minority Nomad calling in from Bangkok, Thailand. Erick is a photographer, blogger, vlogger, entrepreneur and world traveler who for several years has called Bangkok his home.
Originally from East Cleveland, Ohio Erick shares how he got started as a photographer after being given a choice between vocational school or expulsion. Choosing vocational school, more specifically photography he was gifted his first camera by his teacher, Irene Shinkle. In short order he became the school photographer shooting school dances and events and saw an opportunity for his...2019-10-2155 minThe Meltdown City PodcastRiding the WaveThis week, we talk #meltdownmoments that involve nagging, medical scares, facial scars and the sacrifices that Ali makes for motherhood.We shout out to some of our listeners such as Katrina, her amazing review and her bold moves! Shout out to our previous guest Desirae Judy and her and her husband Eric Judy’s launching of their bookstore Paperboat Booksellers! Shout of to Nick Reynolds for listening! And thank you to our new listener Dr. Dueck! Thank you so much for listening!Nicole discusses the highs and lows of starting her own business Unwound Retreats, what t...2019-10-0729 minThe Meltdown City PodcastTrips Around the SunOn today’s episode, Nicole and Ali catch up and talk about Ali’s son and his recovery. A topic unexpectedly comes up and they open up about eating disorders from their youth and how it plays out in adulthood.
The two ladies discuss previous trips around the sun including birthday lows and highs and what it felt like to turn 40. What do you normally do for your birthday? Do you reflect, set goals for the coming year? Are you comfortable getting older?
Come listen!
Nic & Ali
XO
2019-09-2339 minThe Meltdown City PodcastMeltdowns, Mishaps and MoreOn today’s episode, Nicole and Ali catch up and give YOU a big shout out for listening! Thank you!!
They discuss some serious mishaps and meltdowns from the past week. Ali’s youngest was bit in the face by a dog and she goes into the frightening details. Nicole and Rob got swept away in kayaks and needing rescuing… They discuss their countless technical difficulties and also share how they got a TROLL. That was bound to happen.
Anyway, they close the episode out by reflecting on the positive moments that life can bring us. “Do wh...2019-09-0928 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with New York Time's Best Selling Author, Nomadic Matt aka Matt Kepnes Today we are talking to New York Times Best Selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day, world renowned travel expert and entrepreneur Matt Kepnes, aka Nomadic Matt. Matt has an award winning blog www.nomadicmatt.com which hosts countless travel resources, plus guidebooks and e-courses. He has been featured on CNN, National Geographic, The BBC and many more. Matt just released his new travel memoir Ten Years a Nomad – A Traveler’s Journey Home and we asked him on the show to talk about it. Matt’s new book is deeply personal which...2019-09-0231 minThe Meltdown City PodcastMidlife UnravelingOn today’s episode, Nic & Ali catch up, talk about cat fiascoes and masterminds. Ali’s children make some unexpected appearances and that leads to hilarity.
There are quite a few shout outs this episode! Thank you to Brian, Rache, Caty, Martha, Beth, Merrick and Sunga for listening to the show!
This episode, they discuss an article written by prolific author Brene Brown, ‘On Midlife Unraveling‘ and how deeply it resonated with them. Brene writes about her own experience confronting midlife and the way in which it came crashing down.
“Like it or not, at some p...2019-08-1929 minThe Meltdown City PodcastCatching up with Coco of Morocco a.k.a Courtney Erwin
This week, Nic and Ali catch up with their dear friend Courtney Erwin to discuss life in Morocco and how this last year has been. Coco was on the 1st season, on episode 03 so it was super fun and heart warming to catch up while she was on US soil.
On this episode, Court discusses how it feels to live in two very distinct cultures, in-between two places and the stark contrast between the drive for individualism or belonging to a community. She shares her spiritual path, as a Sufi as we talk about how to...2019-08-1241 minThe Meltdown City PodcastThe Happiness HypothesisOn today’s episode, Nic & Ali catch up, talk about #meltdowns and a ghost story in a ghost town.
They did get into a book ‘The Happiness Hypothesis’ by author Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and professor.
He talks eloquently about how our minds are like the elephant and the rider. The rider is our conscious mind and the elephant is the subconscious… And how we can tame the elephant in order to find happiness.
In the pursuit of happiness, he includes three ways to become happier such as practicing meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy o...2019-08-0630 minThe Meltdown City PodcastLooking Back
On this episode, Nic & Ali talk about kids loosing their baby teeth, Breitenbush, Eddie Izzard, Oregon Country Fair and #meltdownmoments including parades, Paypal mishaps and wrestling with garden hoses! Stupid GD hoses.
We review our career path from high school until present day and how it has not been a straight line. We were inspired to review our trajectories after a reader’s email – Christopher Greenwood. Thanks, Chris!!
Are you wanting to change things up, start a new career or try something new? Where are you pivoting? Why have you made some of your care...2019-07-3045 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with ICU Nurse, Kathy Waage all about taking off and hitting the road!
On this week’s episode, Nic and Ali interview Kathy Waage. A married mother of two and an ICU nurse, Kathy talks all about how she and her husband decided to sell their home in North Bend, WA to travel around the states in an RV for a year. Kathy gets really personal about how motherhood challenged her and her need for some serious change. So, Kathy, Leland and their two young kids set out on a great adventure. She has some incredible stories, amazing gems of places to see such as the Channel Islands off of Ventur...2019-07-2247 minThe Meltdown City PodcastCatching up from Travelcon 2019On this weeks episode, Nic and Ali catch up on the morning of Fourth of July, hence the name of the episode. Nicole recaps TravelCon 2019, Matthew Kepne’s travel conference that was in Boston this June and the fun that was had! Everyone there was doing amazing, inspirational things, from travel bloggers, travel vloggers, journalists, podcasters and tour operators. Some of the keynote speakers included Cheryl Strayed, Mark Manson, and Clay Hebert. Nic caught up with a few familiar faces including Melissa Bitz from Traveling Bitz, Aaron Schlein with Dramatic Dad and the Family Travel Radio Podcast, Kevin Hill with Two...2019-07-1532 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with Comedy Writer, Comic, Playwright and Producer Sumedha Ahuja-BahriSumedha Ahuja-Bahri is a patent attorney, stand-up comedian, comedy writer, playwright and producer and mother of two who lives in the DC area. She discusses how her life has always been infused with her creative side, how she got on this path and how this was received by her family, especially her father.
Sumedha co-wrote and co-produced an interactive stage comedy called “fishnet-networks.net” that ran in Boston for 3 years in the theater district. Currently, she is one of the three writers and creators on Pushers – a show about pharmaceutical reps. Sumedha divulges her creative writing process, how it fe...2019-07-0846 minThe Meltdown City PodcastNew Season New You
Did you miss us? We missed you! We are back for Season Two – New Season, New You. We have a new intro and outro. Let us know what you think! We cover our #meltdownmoments, catch up on all of the things we are up to trying to push ourselves out of our comfort zones. We talk about our upcoming guests that YOU don’t want to miss.
Come laugh, get inspired and have fun!
What are you doing to push yourselves along?
XOXO
Nic & Ali
2019-07-0228 minThe Meltdown City PodcastThe Four AgreementsThis week, Nicole and Ali catch up, talk about their new segment “TV time” and their upcoming event, the Episode 30 Party which is a wrap of Season One of The Meltdown City Podcast!Have you ever taken something personally or made the wrong assumption? We have, too! This week, we get into ‘The Four Agreements – A Path to Personal Freedom’ by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book offers up a code of conduct from ancient Toltec wisdom that can help free a person from suffering by following the following steps:Be impeccable with your wordDon’t take things personally...2019-06-0231 minThe Meltdown City PodcastYou are a BadassOn today’s episode, Nicole and Ali do their usual catchup, talk about #Meltdownmoments and discuss their new segment “TV show time.”Today, we discuss Jen Sincero’s best selling book, ‘You are a Badass – How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life.’ This is a book everyone should read! This will help you believe in the power in trusting the universe. Some key takeaways were:Your mind believes what you tell it. If you tell it “you suck, you can’t do this, you’ll never find happiness” then that will be the case. Start telling...2019-05-2248 minThe Meltdown City PodcastNot on My ResumeOn this week’s episode, Nic and Ali catch up on a beautiful Seattle spring day and tell funny job meltdowns, mistakes and mishaps from years past. Have you ever had something not go your way on the job? We sure have. Ali should be careful with her email clearly as you will hear, and Nicole should re-consider ever being a temp. There might be a funny nurse story in there and we shout out to the Nurses for Nurse’s Week. Thanks for all you do! Come listen, laugh and be entertained. Send us YOUR funny job mishaps or mistake...2019-05-1346 minThe Meltdown City PodcastCrush ItOn this episode, Nicole and Ali share their #meltdownmoments from the week and this one should go down in the annals of podcasting failures. Ali shares how her birthday was a dudder and needs a do-over. Poor babe.This week, we discuss ‘Crush It‘ by Gary Vanyerchuk. Gary is an entreprenuer, author, CEO of VaynerMedia and founder of WineLibraryTV. Gary inspires hard work and hussle and lays it out for you in this book. If you want to go after your passion, you can achieve it but you must hussle. He offers advice for people just getting started...2019-05-0638 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with Michael Tranmer - Coach, Engineer, Speaker and AuthorOn this episode, Nicole and Ali interview Michael Tranmer, Coach, Speaker, Engineer and Author who is based out of Vancouver, BC. Michael opens up about his transformational story that put him on a path of self discovery and clarity. Michael even wrote a book about his journey called, ‘Satori Ananda – Awaken to Happiness’ releasing this June. Michael offers real, practical advice on getting unstuck, as well as moving through our fear! Also, he offers recommendations for inspirational reading such as:‘The Untethered Soul’ by Michael Singer‘The Four Agreements’ by don Miguel RuizMaterial by Dr. J...2019-04-2537 minThe Meltdown City PodcastReflections of 25On this episode, Nicole and Ali celebrate their 25th episode of Meltdown City by laughing and reflecting on this process of their podcast. They reflect on the bloopers, behind the scenes mishaps, lost episodes, equipment failures and also they re-cap the guests they have had on the show!Nicole and Ali announce their new twitter account @meltdowncitypod and that there is a 30th episode party on May 29th! Location TBD. This event will be open to guests of the show, listeners and friends of the show so come meet us in person!Come Listen and Mel...2019-04-1838 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with Travel Blogger Melissa BitzOn episode 24, Conversations with Melissa Bitz, Nicole and Ali talk to travel blogger, Melissa Bitz aka TravelingBitz from Banos, Ecuador to hear how things are going two weeks into her six month trip traveling the world. Melissa blogs about traveling solo while being a working professional and she has stepped up her game to travel and write full time for the next six months. This was a very exciting interview as you can hear car horns, children playing, and fireworks transporting you to the South American country of Ecuador. On this episode, Melissa shares why she left her job and g...2019-04-1130 minThe Meltdown City PodcastBecoming by Michelle ObamaOn today’s episode, Nicole and Ali catch up, swap #meltdownmoments and read an email from a listener! They also go on a bit of a tangent and segue into their topic of the episode, discussing Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming. They discuss Michelle’s inspirational and successful path, her openness to discuss her personal “swerve” moments and her behind the scenes look into living at the most famous address while being the First Lady of the United States. Michelle Obama is funny, vulnerable, courageous and inspiring. We are so grateful she shared her memoir with the world. Come Listen!2019-04-0457 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with Nelson Lau - Seattle Foodie and Cohost of the Seattle Foodie PodcastOn Episode 22, Nic and Ali sit down with Nelson Lau of @nelson_eats fame. He is an influential food photographer, as well as the co-host of the Seattle Foodie Podcast with Monica Beach of @monybseattle. Nelson shares how he left his very stable, yet unfulfilling job to be in alignment with his professional goals and personal passions. His journey is fascinating and full of introspection. Plus, he is a fan of the show and it is our first time doing a podcastor to podcastor interview! We had the best time with Nelson and hope you do too listening to this ve...2019-03-2540 minThe Meltdown City PodcastTravel Meltdowns - Tales from the Road Part 2On this episode, Nic and Ali continue their telling of their travel meltdowns from the road which were a bit more dangerous this go around. They involve being stuck in a sauna in Mexico, in a bathroom England, MacGyver, a harrowing car ride in Cambodia and a murder. Hilarity ensues. This is by no means non-endorsement of travel, but a sharing of the craziness that can happen on the road. We read a couple travel meltdowns from listeners who wrote in! Also, we created a list of 10 books to read you are feeling stuck. Please email us at meltdowncitypodcast@gmail...2019-03-1943 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with Desirae JudyOn Episode 20, we sit down to chat with Desirae Judy, the owner and principal at M.O.I Designs, a Seattle based interior design studio specializing in residential and boutique commercial interior design. She is also the co-owner of the independent bookstore Paperboat Booksellers, a new joint venture with her husband, Eric Judy. Nicole and Ali talk with Dez about how she became an interior designer, what it felt like to start out and how things are different now that she has some skin in the game. She offers sage advice for someone just opening a business. Dez also discu...2019-03-1132 minThe Meltdown City PodcastModern LoveOn this episode, Nic and Ali discuss the topic of modern love after they digested Esther Perel’s book ‘Mating in Captivity‘, her Ted Talk on ‘Rethinking Infidelity‘ and the talk from SXSW ‘Modern Love and Relationships.‘ Esther is a world renowned couple’s psychotherapist and New York Times best selling author. Nic and Ali wanted to examine how love in relationships has changed over time, how to maintain your own sexual identity in a relationship and the shadow of the third. They look at their own relationships with this content from Esther Perel to bring out insights and important epiphanies...2019-02-2849 minThe Meltdown City PodcastTravel Meltdowns - Tales from the Road # 1On this episode, Nic and Ali share their #meltdownmoments as Seattle Snowmaggedon hits. This week, they read their first listener’s #meltdownmoment from Nelson, known as @nelson_eats, one of the co-hosts from the Seattle Foodie Podcast and it did not disappoint.The meat of today’s episode is about funny travel tales from the road. Nic discusses some interesting “blessings” she received while in Morocco with friend Courtney this past May. Ali tells old tales from a ladies trip to Spain and Morocco in the late 90s. Nic discusses an unfortunate but funny experience living in France and Al...2019-02-2143 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with Architect Nick Williams aka the Hobo ArchitectOn this episode, Nicole and Ali talk with architect, Nicholas Williams. Nick has been living an nontraditional lifestyle from his airstream trailer, adventuring on the road while creating beautiful architecture for his clients. He built out his airstream to function off the grid and with space for him to design on the road from places like Joshua Tree National Park or the beach in Malibu. He discusses the logistics of working remotely for his clients in Sante Fe, New Mexico and Los Angeles, California and the dichotomy of those two subsets; artists with no money to egomaniacs with all the...2019-02-1447 minThe Meltdown City PodcastWhat a weird note to end on!On this episode, Ali and Nicole catch up and discuss how things are going. They are super excited to tick off one of their 2019 goals by attending their first podcast meet-up with the Seattle Podcaster Guild at Optimism Brewery later that night. Those two ladies are doing something new and out of their comfort zone!Ali is really finding her groove with her work-life balance and getting at her 2019 goals with her Asana Rebel app. Nic is wrestling with her new role and had some feelings of purposelessness with her role transition. Per usual, they talk #meltdown momen...2019-01-2926 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with Amy Johnson, Seattle Based Food PhotographerOn episode 15, Conversations with Amy Johnson, Nicole’s sister and our life long friend, we learn about how she changed her life path and to fulfill her dream of being a professional photographer. Amy has been taking photos since she was little, and now is a food and interiors photographer. She shoots for Amazon Restaurants, GrubHub and Smartshoot. She is also a food stylist. Her beautiful photos have been featured in Seattle Magazine, Sip and Cidercraft and you can see them here. You can view the rest of her portfolio on her website www.amyjohnsonphoto.com or follow her on inst...2019-01-2130 minThe Meltdown City PodcastResolution Town - Do you make New Year's Resolutions?New Year, New You? or New Year, Same You? Since this is the beginning of 2019, Nicole and Ali discuss New Year’s Resolutions. Do you make resolutions every year or do you think it is hogwash? What happens if you break them? The ladies chat about this and more, such as words of the year and intentional naming your decade. For example, the 30’s for Ali were all about power. Do you name your year or decade? Did you resolve to do something or not in 2019? There is some wise wisdom in the end. Tune in and check it out! Don’t forg...2019-01-0832 minThe Meltdown City PodcastSometime Tea is TOO muchHello and Happy New Year’s Day 2019! On this episode, Nic and Ali thank some of the listeners who have written in. Then, they dive into an exercise about finding your passion. This is from Jack Canfield’s exercise that you can find right here – https://www.jackcanfield.com/blog/finding-life-purpose/. However, Nicole didn’t finish her homework assignment and that creates some fun tension. They discuss the exercise and the good stuff to glean from it. Come take a listen and Happy New Year!2019-01-0245 minThe Meltdown City PodcastFailure to Launch - Our Hysterical Failed Business Ideas of YesteryearMerry Christmas Eve everybody and Happy Holidays! Nic and Ali talk #meltdownmoments, reminisce on some childhood Christmas memories. Nic catches up the audience to what happened at TravelCon 2018 and what it felt like to go outside of her comfort zone. Ali discusses Dare to Lead as she finished the book and has some great take aways. Then, they dive into their failed business ideas and the hysteria begins. Come listen and meltdown with us! XOBooks mentioned:The Sublte Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark MansonDare to Lead, by Brene Brown...2018-12-2451 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with Entreprenuer Shane JonesNicole and Ali interview Shane Jones, one of their long time friends. Shane divulges all of his entrepreneurial pursuits, from elementary school to present day. There are some amazing stories in there as we learn a lot about Shane and his successes and also his #failures. Shane, while mostly an entrepreneur (the founder of eProject, Inc), is currently working at Microsoft as a Senior Program Manager. Of late, he is interested in AI projects and pursing comedy. He talks openly about his plan to audition for America’s Got Talent, how he practices telling robot jokes to his captive audience...2018-12-171h 00The Meltdown City PodcastReflections on an International Nursing Mission to Cambodia - A Non-Holiday in CambodiaOn this episode of Meltdown City, Ali and Nic talk openly about how it feels to have this podcast published for all to hear and judge. Plus, they continue with the #meltdownmoment and Ali’s is epic. Hoses anyone?Ali shares thoughts on utilizing Brene Brown’s book, ‘Dare to Lead’ and the role it is playing in her worklife.Nic discusses her recent nursing trip to Cambodia for the International Nursing Program. She divulges the challenges, what was surprising and how it felt to have so much here and accessible in the states and bare witness...2018-12-1033 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with Barry Faught - Seattle Coffee EntrepreneurOn this episode, Nicole and Ali interview local entrepreneur, Barry Faught, the founder, roaster and janitor of Broadcast Coffee Roasters.Barry shares how he did a complete 180 and left his comfortable, corporate job to start a business as owner and founder of Broadcast Coffee. He has since expanded to several additional locations in Seattle, as well as opening Broadcast Coffee Roasters which produce his own brand of beans, Broadcast Coffee. Come listen as he shares his story, and offers up great, real advice for those who are trying to get started doing their new thing.The...2018-12-0327 minThe Meltdown City PodcastMeltdown into Motherhood - What I wish I'd known Before Having KidsNicole and Ali catch up and continue with the #meltdownmoment. Then, Ali goes into what it was like to become a new mom. Her experience was not the average one, but not uncommon. Her thoughts are raw and thought provoking. Are you a new mom? Maybe you can relate.Mentioned in this Episode:Barry Faught, CEO of Broadcast CoffeeLia Golden, ARNP, BSN, CCRN, Director of the INP http://www.internationalnursingprogram.org/lia-golden/The Riveter, A Coworking Space Built by Women for Everyone, www.theriveter.coUpwork.com A freelance...2018-11-2747 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with Travel Bloggers Backpacking with the BondsOn this episode, Nicole records an interview with Carrie and Albert Bond from Backpacking with The Bonds from the conference halls of TravelCon 2018 in Austin, TX. We find out how Carrie and Albert met, how their blog got started and all about their BIG exciting career change coming up. Take a listen!You can follow what The Bonds are up to at:On Instragram @backpackingwiththebondswww.backpacking-with-the-bonds.com 2018-11-1914 minThe Meltdown City PodcastGoing to TexasOn this episode, Nicole and Ali share #meltdownmoments, talk about what they have been up to. Ali talks about her side hustle game and tries out being a ghostwriter for a dating website and Nicole talks about going her intentions going to TravelCon and blunders with writing. Laughter ensues.People/things mentioned in this episode:Lighthouse of the Blind http://thelighthousefortheblindinc.org/Melanie Wimmenaur @melaniewimmenauerAl Simmons SoundSwiped documentary about modern dating https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4867110/TravelCon https://travelcon.org/Book Reommendations...2018-11-1930 minThe Meltdown City PodcastKeep on Keeping On - Discussions of Side HustlesNicole and Ali continue to talk about the ideas in their heads about what they want to do, what they are doing now and ways to practice how to manifest their future life. They continue with #meltdownmoment segment.People Mentioned:Jeff KoberMeditationBooks mentioned:Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdainhttps://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Confidential-Updated-Adventures-Underbelly/dp/0060899220 Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklGroup Mentioned:Lady Bosses Place to do a have a side hussle:https://www.i...2018-11-1145 minThe Meltdown City PodcastConversations with Religious Scholar CoCo aka Courtney ErwinOn this episode, Nicole and Ali interview their dear friend and amazing woman, Courtney Erwin who is living a very different kind of life abroad in Morocco. She is lawyer, a religious scholar, fluent in Arabic, French and Spanish. On this episode, she discusses how she ended up there, what her “career” is and how life in America is different than life in Morocco.Here is Courtney’s instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtneypaigeerwin/?hl=enHere is a link to her Moroccan TV show:Coco Says ‘Hello’: The First American Woman to Host a Moroccan TV...2018-11-0643 minThe Meltdown City PodcastThe Last Big ShiftNicole and Ali decide to share their most recent BIG career changes and really open up about some very personal, vulnerable times. Risky Business. Ready? There is even mention of a murder. Have you every made big scary professional decisions? If so, what were they and how did you handle it?Thanks for listening!Nic & Ali2018-11-0247 minThe Meltdown City PodcastDevirginized - Meltdown City Podcast, The Journey BeginsNicole and Ali start their podcast journey outside in the summer of 2018 while planes fly overhead – don’t worry, they take it indoors the next episodes. They are newbs! Go easy. Here they discuss where they are in their careers, embracing midlife crisis and riff about all the creative things they could be doing.The following people and ideas get a mention in the first episode in no particular order:People mentioned:Amy Johnson @amyjohnsonphoto , Courtney Erwin @courtneypaigeerwin, and Melanie Wimmenaur @melaniewimmenauerNick Williams @hoboarchitectBoondocking boondocking.org TravelCo...2018-10-2641 min