Ever wondered what it would actually look like to pack up your family and move to Europe for a year?
 
In this episode of BAM, we sit down with my dear friend, neighbor, and Bad Ass Mom, Kelsey Bennett. We go behind the scenes of her family’s life-changing move to Spain—from the initial "what if" to the reality of navigating a new culture and language with kids in tow.

Beyond the travel adventures, Kelsey shares her professional heart as a counselor and the inspiration behind her course, Becoming Mama. We dive into:

• The logistics and emotional "scary parts" of a massive career and lifestyle pivot.
• What living abroad teaches you about parenting and community.
• How to embrace the "Big Life" by doing the hard things first.

Whether you’re dreaming of your own international escape or just need a push to step out of your comfort zone, this conversation is packed with the inspiration you need to make your next big move.

Connect with Kelsey
https://fullbloomcounseling.com/team/kelsey-bennett/
https://stephaniemaywilson.com/becomingmama

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In this episode, we explore the transformative journey of Shawn Brokemond, who walked away from a stable teaching career to follow her passion for adventure and fitness. Shawn opens up about the "tipping point" that led her to quit her 9-to-5 and how she navigated the challenges of building a business from the ground up. By blending her love for nature with a unique coaching philosophy that values real-world experience over simple certifications, she has created a powerful platform that empowers women to reclaim their health and live more boldly.

The conversation delves into the deep connection between movement and mental health, highlighting how outdoor training can serve as a vital tool for overcoming trauma and building lasting confidence. Shawn shares personal stories of facing her own fears—from the adrenaline of high-stakes adventures to the unexpected nerves of public speaking—while offering practical advice for anyone looking to step out of their comfort zone.

 It is an inspiring look at the intersection of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the relentless pursuit of a life lived without limits.

Contact Shawn

https://www.sportadven.com/

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In this episode, we’re joined by executive coach, leadership facilitator, and author Melissa Churchard Hannon. Melissa has spent more than three decades helping teams and leaders build stronger cultures, improve collaboration, and lead with intention.

She shares her journey from experiential education and corporate team development to becoming a trusted coach for leaders navigating complex workplaces. We also dive into her new book, Unscripted: How Women Holding It All Together at Home, at Work, and Inside Can Start Choosing Themselves Again, where Melissa explores the hidden “scripts” many of us follow without realizing it—and how those expectations shape our careers, relationships, and sense of self.

Together, we talk about leadership, burnout, workplace culture, and the importance of challenging the assumptions that keep us stuck. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about choosing alignment over autopilot and redefining what success really looks like.

Contact Melissa

https://melissachannon.com/

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Shawnta Hooks discusses her journey from a corporate career in financial services to becoming a mindfulness advocate and entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in leadership, stress management, and personal growth. 

Shawnta shares practical tips for integrating mindfulness into daily life, the significance of presence in parenting, and how to cultivate a mindful workplace culture. The discussion also touches on the challenges of navigating disruption and the need for self-care in today's overstimulated world.

Contact
https://www.shawntahooks.com/

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In this engaging conversation, Madeleine Pollak shares her journey from the media industry to executive coaching, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, collaboration, and personal growth. 

She discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career, the emotional toll of documentary production, and the significance of addressing bullying in children. 

As an empty nester, Madeleine reflects on the transition to this new phase of life, the power of coaching in the workplace, and the joy of pursuing new hobbies and passions. Her insights offer valuable advice for parents and professionals alike.

Contact

https://pollakproductionsconsulting.com/

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In this inspiring conversation, Lara Merriken — founder of LÄRABAR and current Co-Founder of Anther — opens up about her remarkable journey from a self-proclaimed junk food-loving teenager to a mission-driven entrepreneur. 

She shares the challenges and triumphs of building LÄRABAR, the role of community and connection in her success, and how motherhood reshaped her perspective. Lara also explores the importance of self-care, authenticity, and curiosity — emphasizing how asking the right questions can lead to powerful personal growth. 

Now, through her new company, Anther, she continues her mission to elevate human flourishing and inspire others to live with purpose and joy.

Contact:

www.antherglobal.com

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In this episode, Lori and Jenny sit down with Princess Castleberry, a leadership strategist, global speaker, and mom of two. 

Princess shares her path from a 22-year career in corporate risk management to launching her own business and stepping onto the TEDx stage. She opens up about breaking “bad agreements,” navigating motherhood, co-parenting, divorce, and postpartum struggles—and how her mother’s resilience inspired her along the way. 

Princess also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming book, The Truth Is in the Trigger, and introduces her “A game” framework for turning life’s toughest triggers into fuel for resilience, leadership, and growth.

Connect
www.princesscastleberry.com

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In this episode of The BAM with Lori and Jenny, the hosts reconnect after summer to share travel stories, personal updates, and reflections. 

Jenny talks about upcoming plans to visit the Dolomites in Italy, while Lori kicked off the season with a special trip to Japan and South Korea tied to her stepson’s adoption. 

They discuss using AI tools to plan travel and improve work efficiency, balancing busy schedules with fitness routines, and overcoming injuries. The conversation also touches on the “back-to-school” feeling as a time for renewal and how people perceive and process the world differently.

They also share quirky and fun experiences like donkey races in Leadville and “tooling” around unfamiliar neighborhoods, plus summer highlights such as hockey tournaments and family time. 

Wrapping up, they reflect on both the freedoms and small annoyances of summer versus the structure of the school year, laugh over lighthearted family moments, and look forward to welcoming exciting guests in future episodes.

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Meet Amy Wolff! A conversation filled with heart, hope, and humanity. Amy opens up about how yard signs with a simple message of encouragement sparked a worldwide movement of connection. 

She shares how her deep-rooted sense of unconditional love from her own upbringing influences her parenting, and why she believes ordinary people can create extraordinary change. 

We talk about the profound loss of her brother at age 14, and how that tragedy shaped her worldview and deepened her empathy. 

Whether you’re a parent, a dreamer, or just someone trying to stay present in a distracted world — this episode will inspire you to keep your eyes open and your heart tender.

Connect

www.amynwolff.com

www.dontgiveupsigns.com

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Meet Amy Stark, a former science teacher whose journey into energy healing began with meditation and a growing awareness of her intuitive gifts—such as sensing the physical pain of others.

In her new book, Bridging the Divide, Amy explores the powerful intersection of science and spirituality, offering insights into how energy healing can help people reconnect with their inner light.

She shares how she scientifically validated her abilities in a laboratory—changing the pH of water, influencing energy fields, and even working with NASA-grade diagnostic tools—demonstrating that energy work can have measurable effects.

Amy also introduces Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a tapping method that rewires the brain and nervous system by releasing trauma and emotional blocks. She explains how our early life experiences shape the way we see the world, and how techniques like EFT can help us reframe those beliefs and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Alongside her healing work, Amy opens up about life as a gay mom raising her son, and her experiences as a psychic medium. From receiving messages from those who have passed to being guided by both science and spirit, Amy’s story is one of transformation, empowerment, and deep healing.

Connect With Amy

•  Website: www.starktransformation.com 
•  Book: https://amzn.to/44CzpAX 
•  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Starktransformation/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starktransformation/ 
•  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starktransformation 
•  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Starktransformation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-starktransformation/ 

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Keep being you and keep being Bad Ass!
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