Hodge Podge: A Podcast About All Types of Things!

Listen to my inspirational conversation with Natasha Smith of Aspiring Adventurers: an online fitness and nutrition platform offering services to clients internationally. Natasha has years of training and experience in fitness and nutrition programs. She is a world-class athlete who has applied her knowledge of health and fitness to her lifestyle. The fitness solutions are short and effective for all ages. The goal of the organization is to get individuals as well as families moving and living their best, healthiest lives from her home in New Zealand and beyond!

Jon Sadler has lived with epilepsy since childhood and has an intimate knowledge of its effects and consequences. Through the many ups and downs, his experiences have given him a unique perspective and many life lessons, most importantly, the power of hope. He has published inspirational books to help individuals struggling with their own battles: Weathering the Storms: Living With and Understanding Epilepsy, In the Midst of the Storm: A Story of Trauma, Faith and Hope and Sailing Through the Storms of Seizures: Living with Epilepsy, Recovering from Brain Surgery, and Being a Caregiver. Listen to our inspirational conversation here on Hodge Podge!

Paul Attaway, Author of Blood in the Low Country, talks about his transition from a 30 plus year career in business to becoming a Southern Fiction novelist. Paul gives excellent advice to aspiring writers and talks about his creative process.

Critically Acclaimed Southern Fiction Novelist Bren McClain joined me on Hodge Podge to talk about her fabulous award-winning debut novel, One Good Mama Bone. She talks about the inspiration behind her novel and offers wonderful advice for aspiring writers as well as her work in progress that has already earned the William Faulkner Novel-In-Progress Award.

Brittany Moore is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, iRest Meditation Teacher, 200 Hour Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She is the mastermind behind The Balanced B— a virtual studio that offers holistic health coaching- specializing in hormone balancing, stress reduction and self-discovery, as well as group and private yoga classes and more! Listen now!

Chef Asata Reid Helps Parents Feed Kids! We talked about her debut book, How to Feed a Kid, as well as her involvement with Small Bites Adventure Club, the importance of food education and raising healthy eaters.

Listen to my inspirational conversation with Western North Carolina’s Stacy Hawks, an author, poet and host of The Writing Wall podcast.

Shermaine Perry-Knights- Author of I Move A Lot and That’s Okay! Pulled from her own experience growing up as a #militarykid to help other children of #militaryfamilies with adapting to the #mil-lifestyle

Join me as I talk with Punam V. Saxena: M.Ed. Parent Impact Coach, Podcast Host of edu-Me and author of Parent Power: Navigate School and Beyond. Punam’s new book debuts this week! It is an amazing guide to empower parents to become partners in their kid’s education— and so much more. You will be enlightened and inspired by her words.

Donetta Gray Wilson, the author of Big God! Big Dreams! Dreams of a Dancer joins me to talk about her beautiful book that inspires young readers to go after their God-given dreams!

Marissa Ortiz is a force of light and hope for women and children. After growing up during her adolescent years in group homes and the foster care system, Marissa has achieved greatness and lends a helping hand to all in her path. Listen to our conversation here!

Deanna Anderson is the founder of Mom’s Making It Together, an online community created one year ago as Covid-19 became a reality for families to help moms cope during the pandemic. Listen to our conversation here!

Author Julie Samra Uses World Travel to Create Books for Rich Stories for Young Readers. Listen to our conversation about her life abroad and children’s book, Kadoo and Ladoo: Mystery of the Missing Necklace.

Listen to my conversation with Claire Cain- Romance Novelist Uses Military Spouse Experience to Create Beautiful Love Stories!

Listen to my interview with Sharifa Johnson of Books ‘N Bops! An adorable children’s literature program that incorporates books and dance!

Ashley Bugge- a Military Widow, Mom, Speaker, Explorer, and Award-Winning Author joined me on Hodge Podge to talk about her debut books as well as her amazing journey. Listen to our conversation here on Hodge Podge.

MilspouseFest is a fabulous organization that supports military spouses worldwide. During Covid, the folks at MilspouseFest learned to pivot and are now bringing the fun virtually to spouses. Tune in to learn more about this amazing resource and the upcoming events this fall!

Kayla Spears joined me to talk about her vibrant, adorable and popular children’s book story-time show on YouTube. Such a fun conversation about the importance of building a love of books and reading in children’s lives.

Brandon Foster- Family Time Comic Book Series Author— joined me on Hodge Podge to talk about his amazing award-winning, family and faith-based themed comic book series.

An interview with Tommy Balaam— Captain Fantastic, the UK’s #1 Children’s Entertainment Company, Author and Musician.

Darshaun McAway is the Best-Selling Children’s Book Author of the Anaiah’s Adventures Book Series and Host of WOWpodcast which features authors worldwide. He talks about his journey and gives awesome ideas and tips for aspiring authors and writers.

Amanda Cottrell- Children’s Book Author & Educator out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, joined me on Hodge Podge to talk about her amazing picture books that teach kids to be mindful and empathetic of the world around them. She has great advice for aspiring authors and published authors alike. You will love our conversation!

Author and Speaker, Diane Scabollini, Helps Children and Adults Shed Doubt and Find Hope through Faith. Listen to our conversation here!

UK Children’s Book Author, Tamsin Wood weaves gorgeous fairytales to teach children important life lessons. Her books focus on the importance of kindness, bravery and friendship as well as healthy coping during times of loss or hardship. Listen to our meaningful conversation here!

Doctor of Soul- National Recording Artist Gregory releases new single, “Friday” 👏 Listen to our conversation about his extensive music roots and career in the medical field— helping heal hearts and souls. Gregory talks about his life experience writing and producing music, as well as advice in navigating life during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ashley Marie has created a beautiful children’s picture book— The Little, Big Rescue. Listen to our conversation about how she pulled from her experience teaching young kids in multiple countries— as well as her love of books to create a timeless tale!

Landis Wade is a retired trial attorney turned award-winning author and host of the popular Charlotte Reader’s Podcast. Enjoy our conversation about his journey from a 35-year-career in law to publishing a holiday themed book series— and creating a podcast that would be awarded Charlotte’s favorite podcast in 2019.

Camy Kennedy is a Mindset & Life Coach working with high achievers to create breakthroughs in health, wealth and love. With a background in molecular biology, neuroscience & psychology she provides a framework for incremental success. She notes that it’s not about being perfect, it's about practicing your potential! She’s been featured in Oxygen Magazine and Shape.com, as well as an international speaker. Enjoy our conversation here.

Rae Marie Czuhai is The Green Chair Project’s new Director of Development— in Raleigh, North Carolina. Rae Marie joined the agency in February 2020 and leads development activities for the non-.profit organization which provides families in need with quality furniture, household items and advocacy.

Hilary Iker has led a trailblazing journalism career with articles published in Fit, Fit Yoga, Prevention, Glamour, and more. Her first job was with Vogue Magazine in New York, New York. She has also worked with LA Times and Disney Channel. In addition, Iker is a writing professor for LA’s esteemed Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). Iker, a huge Ashtanga Yoga enthusiast, has made Los Angeles’ infamous Silver Lake community near Hollywood home since 1988. We discuss her amazing career, life in LA and love of Ashtanga Yoga. Listen here:

Today, I chatted with the amazing Kellie Artis, Millie COO, who is helping Military Families PCS with ease in partnership with Lowe’s Home Improvement. #LetsPCSTogether

Melissa Vera is the creator and contributor of four beautiful and informative blogs: Adventures of Frugal Mom, Champagne Style Bare Budget, Reading with Frugal Mom, and her most recent venture The Writer and The Farmer. Listen to our recent conversation on Hodge Podge Podcast where we talk everything from North Carolina agriculture, blogging tips, DIY projects, raising children in the time of social distancing and so much more!

Matthew Brown- Originalé The MC: This Washington, North Carolina native feeds from his #faith, #family and #lessons learned growing up in a #smalltown in #rural Eastern North Carolina to create #positive and #soulful #Christian #hiphop and #rap to #inspire others.

An interview with Monica Fullerton, Founder of Spouse-ly— an Air Force spouse, momprenuer who has created a genius #startup #onlinecommunity to support #military connected businesses. Spouse-ly is a one-stop #marketplace #shop to buy & #supportmilitary and #Veteranowned #businesses. On Spouse-ly you can find both products & services, creating a true one-stop shop. Everything from #homedecor, #apparel, #books to services stemming from #employmentassistance to #taxpreparation. It has it all! Think of #etsy but devoted entirely to the #milcommunity.

Jeremy Fiebig- Son of a Preacher Man- Talks #SweetTea, #Shakespeare and Fayetteville, NC on Hodge Podge Podcast. We chat about Jeremy’s life dedicated to the #theater arts, his love of Shakespeare, life as a father, husband and son of a preacher man—and what led him to #Fayetteville, NC to teach theater at #FayettevilleStateUniversity as well #SweetTeaShakespeare Theater Group. He gives the 411 on what’s coming to the #stage and his new #podcast!

An interview with Lindsey Wofford and Stacy Graybill of Seth’s Wish- an amazing organization in Fayetteville, North Carolina that is helping the homeless and hungry.

Erika Wallgren is a military spouse, mom, educator and life coach on a journey to help others find their dream job. Listen to my interview with Erika here to here more about the Career Development Coaching she provides.

To say I am inspired by Danica Thomas is an understatement. She is a widowed Army spouse who survived her late husband’s suicide following his traumatic injuries from combat in Afghanistan. She is now paving a path of life and healing for her two young daughters and the military community. She survived a nightmare and is now helping military families and service members connect to supports to prevent tragic outcomes. She is a huge proponent of suicide awareness, an avid volunteer and speaker. She serves as the Board Chair for Susan Tillis Foundation which supports families with newborns born at Womack Army Medical Center on Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Enjoy my conversation with Shane McCarthy, Chief Marketing Officer of Sandboxx, a United States veteran-owned platform that supports almost 2 million #servicemembers and their supporters throughout their #military journey via #content, #technology, & #products enabling the military ecosystem to thrive. Shane and I discuss everything from what led him (an #Irish born and bred young professional) to Sandboxx along with tips on #militaryspouse and #veteran hiring practices as well as all of the fabulous services Sandboxx provides the military community. Note: Please forgive glitchy moments in our recording as we experienced some technical difficulties which is to be expected when recording remotely from time to time.

An interview with Kelsy Timas- founder and CEO of Guiding Wellness Institute in Fayetteville, North Carolina which is dedicated to guiding the #military #community to #wellness through #holistic practices.

It was only natural my first podcast of the new year would be with a delightful and brilliant woman who shares a mutual love of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Jenny Bell , Communications & Social Media Specialist for the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (FACVB). Jenny shares about her award-winning blog Go Fayetteville as well as all the fabulous things she and her team at FACVB are promoting here in the #FayettevilleNC and #CumberlandCounty area!

I had the pleasure of speaking with Katlin McFadden, #BusinessCoach with the Women’s Business Center @CEED, #SocialMediaMarketing Expert, and Talented #VisualArtist and owner of McFadden Studio. Katlin brings her experience as an #entrepreneur, successful #blogger and #artist to help #women strive toward their entrepreneurial dreams. Listen to our interview here!

Today I was honored to speak with Tiffany Haywood who is a military spouse, mom to six children, and Award-Winning Blogger, Radio/TV Personality, Technology and Social Media Guru, and Business Consultant. Tiffany is a wealth of knowledge and talents. Enjoy our interview!

Interview with #California based #AwardWinning #ChildrenBookAuthor Donna Sager Cowan. We discuss the debut of book two in her Superhero School Series, finding a #superhero in ourselves, and insights on a writer’s life! Listen for #encouragement #inspiration and #tools to pursue your #writing #goals 🌟

In honor of the spookiest of days- Halloween- I share some of my favorite ghost tales and legends from my home state of North Carolina.

Jami McLaughlin is a visionary, active community partner and volunteer, mom on the go, and advocate for her beloved community of Spring Lake, North Carolina. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Jami at my home to discuss her vision for Spring Lake, NC and why it's residents should consider electing her as their mayor. http://jamiformayor.com/get-updates/

Kathy Coule is an Army Spouse on a mission to capture ALL of the diverse “faces” and personal stories of the individuals of her community in Fayetteville, North Carolina— as well as people and places she finds along her journey— through the lens of her camera... a poignant journey she calls “Faces of Fay.”

Today, I had the honor of interviewing one of my dearest friends in the world. Stephanie Starr is a #superstar whose light shines so bright. She has overcome amazing odds and blossomed during a time of struggle. She is an amazing #mother, #wife, #mompreneur, #womanoffaith, and #MultipleSclerosis #warrior. We talked about everything from her battle with #MS, #infertilityissues, #Christianfaith, #postpartumdepression, and her recent entrepreneurial pursuit in the #CBD industry with Coastal #NorthCarolina Company, Green Compass Global.

Natalie Spencer: Renaissance European Day Spa, Fayetteville, NC • Interview: Rises from ashes following devastation from fire in October 2018

Joann “JoJo” Yost: Gold Star Wife, Breast Cancer Survivor, Mother, Business Woman, Guiding Light. This woman has an amazing, inspirational story. Take time to listen to her. Thank me later.

“Wendi Iacobello is an Army wife, former adult educator and Middle and High School Special Education teacher. Currently, she is a blogger, freelance writer, aqua cycling instructor, and avid volunteer. In her free time, you can find her volunteering at USO’s story time on Fort Bragg , outdoors in the garden, exercising, or enjoying time with her husband and their adorable Beagle, Daizi. Wendi is extremely passionate about helping others find their inner strength by sharing her experiences, insight, resources, and inspirational stories on her blog Strength4Spouses.”

Anchor • A reading of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck! I thought some of you might enjoy listening to my children’s book! Sit back and let me take you on a fun adventure with this super cool mom and son AND their Big, Red Monster Truck! Perfect for a bedtime story!

Spring is here in #fayettevillenc - Updates on my Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck journey and new budding partnerships with #GoFayetteville Blog and Fayetteville NC Bloggers Network

An essay on self-acceptance and happiness.

Anchor • What is Love? My thoughts on the true meaning of LOVE.

I’m suffering from WRITER’S BRAIN!!! Too many ideas, not enough time. A discussion of prioritizing, promotions, events, and life! #booktips #publishing #writerscommunity

2018 Reflections and happy wishes for the new year

Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck is my debut children’s book. Learn more about it at alisonpaulklak.wordpress.com and www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com and purchase your copy at https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000066020196

A short wish for a Happy Halloween 🎃

Hurricane Florence update #hurricaneorence #northcarolina

An update on my small business: Nautigul: Custom Wood Art; writing endeavors; and interview on Hodge Podge to come

This is why I started a podcast. I blame my husband, Adam. It’s all his fault! 😄

An ode to my mama, Julia Beth, on her 69th birthday.

My thoughts on poetry... everyone is a poet.

Fourth festivity and memories of days past

Kinder Grad, Milspouse Life, Summer Fun, & Writing Update

A celebration of my brother, the park ranger and his 40th birthday on the Pamlico River; and a brief update on the progress of my children's book.

Episode 4: A Memorial Day weekend trip up to Philadelphia; and Memorial Day thoughts from a Military Spouse

My professional and writing background... Writer turned Human Services Professional turned Writer.

My inlaws: Philly natives and grandchildren of immigrants; my Philly Fanatic Husband; the Poconos; A brief update on my writing (Again, please forgive my very lazy southern drawl, mouth breathing, and rudimentary editing. ha!

Hodge Podge is a podcast about all types of things. Mainly about writing, publishing, and life in North Carolina, coastal life, military life... and, whatever else comes to mind. This is my first EVER podcast. Please forgive my southern drawl, mouth breathing and other imperfections.