Michele Carlisle is the Executive Director of the Amen House in Georgetown, KY. Michele shares her inspiring journey from running a photography business to leading an impactful nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger in Scott County. The conversation dives into the "why" behind her work, leadership through building intentional team culture, challenges and opportunities brought by federal food program changes, and the exciting launch of a new soup kitchen funded by generous community support. Michele also discusses her hands-on philosophy and candidly reflects on work-life harmony and career evolution. If you want to learn more about the Amen House, support their mission, or attend their Denim & Pearls fundraiser to benefit the backpack weekend meals program, visit amenhouse.org. For behind-the-scenes tours or donations, all details are available on their website.

Heather Finley of Finley's Towing and Recovery discussdx her inspiring journey from working in insurance to co-founding a successful family business in Georgetown, Ky. Heather shares insights on taking calculated risks, balancing motherhood and work, and the importance of giving back to the local community. She candidly recounts the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship and offers empowering advice for women considering new directions in their careers. The episode wraps up with some fun facts—including Heather’s unexpected hobby as a beekeeper! Interested in learning more or in need of reliable towing? Visit Finley's Towing and Recovery at finleystowingandrecovery.com or call 502-863-7759. You can also connect with them on Facebook. This episode is powered by Castle Insurance.

Vanessa Grossl is the State Representative for Kentucky's District 88. Vanessa shares her journey from growing up in Eastern Kentucky to becoming a legislator, highlighting her passion for education, community service, and problem-solving. She talks about how encouragement from her family and friends—particularly her mother—helped her step into public service, her approachable leadership style, current bipartisan efforts in Frankfort, and the importance of creating harmony rather than balance in work and life. Vanessa also touches on her nonprofit work with the Bluegrass Community Foundation, her Saturday KET ritual for relaxation, and gives advice for staying present in the moment. Don’t miss her book and podcast recommendations: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom and Kentucky Politics Weekly. Connect with Vanessa on Facebook and Twitter/X. Powered by Castle Insurance.

Jessica Lewis is a former educator turned successful entrepreneur in the direct sales field. Jessica shares her journey from school administrator to stay-at-home mom, and how she found purpose and fulfillment building her business with Neora, a holistic skincare and wellness company. The conversation dives deep into overcoming imposter syndrome, balancing a busy family life with leadership in business, and setting boundaries for personal time. Jessica also opens up about her passion for giving back, notably through her involvement with The Gathering Place Mission and Big Brothers Big Sisters. For resources and to connect with Jessica, check out her Facebook profile Jessica Lewis and her Instagram @jessb_juvenescent. Be sure to tune in for real-life strategies, inspiration, and more about Jessica’s journey!

Joy Harris-Edwards of Authentic Joy explores her journey from profound grief after her father's passing to finding purpose as a helper, therapist, and leader. Joy shares how personal loss inspired her to launch her business, write a book, and dedicate herself to mental health advocacy, especially for women and families overcoming addiction. The conversation covers practical strategies for balancing professional and personal life, the importance of setting boundaries and staying authentic, and the value of leadership within community and church. Joy also discusses her upcoming projects, including a new center for growth and hope in Nicholasville and books on loneliness and lessons from her beloved dog Tobias. For more, connect with Joy at joyaharris.com and follow her as Authentic Joy on social media. Don’t miss her recommended listens, especially anything by Brené Brown, and check out her own podcast, The Kitchen Isn't Clean Unless the Stove is Wiped Down.

Links:

Joy’s website: joyaharris.com

Authentic Joy on social: Facebook Business Page (search “Authentic Joy” on all platforms)

Recommended listens: Brené Brown Podcasts

Joy's podcast on Spotify: Embers of Joy: The Kitchen Isn't Clean Unless the Stove is Wiped Down 

Amanda Hall of Hallstead Farms and Meats discusses her journey as a woman in agriculture, building a family business, and managing the challenges of work-life harmony. Amanda shares stories about growing up in Georgetown, Kentucky, her experiences in 4H and FFA, and meeting her husband through her agricultural pursuits. She offers practical advice for balancing multiple roles—as a business owner, mom, and active community member—and highlights the importance of building financial literacy and self-confidence, especially for women breaking into male-dominated industries. Amanda also touches on the growth of the local beef movement, her commitment to community initiatives like the Scott County Livestock Showcase, and the value of teaching the next generation about where their food comes from. Connect with Amanda and learn more about Hallstead Farms and Meats on Facebook. For more on Boss Babes of the Bluegrass and upcoming episodes, visit Castle Insurance.

Melynda Jamison is the Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. She talks top Kris about the vital work her organization does for children who are victims of abuse or neglect in Central Kentucky. Melynda explains the CASA volunteer model, where trained community members act as Court Appointed Special Advocates to support children navigating the complexities of family court. She shares eye-opening realities about the prevalence of child abuse in Kentucky, the gaps in the reporting and protection system, and how CASA uniquely steps in to make sure each child’s best interest is represented—especially in the most severe cases. Melynda also describes how CASA uses facility dogs like Matilda to provide comfort to kids during difficult court testimonies.

Beyond the organization’s mission, Kris and Melynda discuss the challenges of leading a nonprofit, the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout, and how anyone—with any skill set—can get involved, from volunteering on cases to helping with events or even weeding the CASA building’s garden. Melynda shares the impact CASA has on individual children’s lives, reflects on her own motivations for staying in this demanding field, and encourages listeners to consider how their unique talents could support the cause.

For more information on volunteering, donating, or participating in upcoming events, visit www.casaoflexington.org or call 859-246-4313. Join the movement to give every child the chance for a safe, permanent home!

Kris sits down with Victoria Byrd, team lead of the Birdhouse Group with Real Broker in Georgetown, Kentucky. Victoria shares her inspiring journey from dance major and nonprofit work to flight attendant and, ultimately, a thriving real estate profession working alongside her husband. She dives into industry trends, like the importance of open communication and transparency with clients, and offers practical tips for buyers and sellers this spring. Victoria also discusses her community involvement, from serving at the Gathering Place Mission to teaching yoga classes, and gives valuable advice on achieving work-life balance, the power of walking, and not being afraid to pivot in your career. To connect with Victoria, follow her on Instagram (@mrsvictoriabyrdrealtor), Facebook, or email her at [email protected]. Tune in for motivational insights, practical advice, and a few fun surprises. Don't forget to check out the upcoming Gathering Place Gala in November!

For more resources mentioned:

Mel Robbins Podcast

Let Them Theory Book by Mel Robbins

Gathering Place Mission

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Kris sits down with Monica Owens, Senior Manager at International Crankshaft in Georgetown, Kentucky. Monica shares her journey as a leader in the manufacturing and business technology world, discussing the value of continuous improvement (Kaizen), her approach of "listen, learn, then lead," and how her background as a basketball player has inspired her management style. She opens up about navigating male-dominated industries, building team motivation through daily huddles, and the shifts in workplace culture post-Covid and with emerging technologies like AI. Monica also reveals how ballroom dancing has become her favorite way to recharge and maintain work-life harmony, encouraging listeners to find moments of quiet and self-care in their routines. The episode wraps up with Monica’s current involvement in "Dancing with the Lexington Stars" and advice for younger women in the workplace. Connect with Monica via Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and support her journey with Dancing with the Stars.

Book mentioned:

Reclaiming You by Abby Rawlinson

Want more practical inspiration? Listen to the full episode for insights on leadership, harmony, and finding joy in new seasons of life!

Guest Morgan Murray discusses her journey from majoring in English to becoming a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. She shares her personal experience with divorce and how it influenced her career path, emphasizing the importance of holistic financial advice during such times. Morgan highlights the role of a CDFA in bettering divorce outcomes by assisting with property settlements beforehand, which can potentially reduce the time and conflict involved in traditional legal proceedings. She also talks about the shift towards boutique independent firms providing holistic financial advice and the challenges and strategies of maintaining work-life harmony as an entrepreneur. Connect with Morgan on her website, https://abri.io, or through her Facebook group "Financial Advice for Divorced Women," for more insightful advice and tips.