Carrie, It's Not That Serious

What if you could buy real estate and build wealth without ever stepping foot in a bank?

This episode dives into the radical, empowering journey of Mel Dorman, who went from dumpster diving in her 20s to owning a multimillion dollar real estate portfolio by her 30s—all through creative, community-based seller financing. The conversation focused on Mel’s unconventional path, challenging everything you think you know about money, privilege, and access to opportunity.

Key highlights include her transformation from social worker to financial activist, the myth-busting realities of generational poverty, and a step-by-step breakdown of how ordinary people—yes, even college students—can leverage seller financing to build generational wealth. If you’ve ever felt left out of the wealth-building game, this episode will open your eyes to new possibilities and strategies that have the power to change lives.

Timestamped Overview

[00:00:00] Intro & Mel Dorman’s story[00:02:25] Early life, upbringing, and identity[00:04:16] Generational poverty & money myths[00:05:26] Social work in India, early lessons on money[00:09:05] Family crisis and mental shift toward wealth[00:10:15] First real estate deal & breaking the cycle[00:12:53] The turning point—personal loss, changed mindset[00:15:11] Social work, systems, and access to opportunity[00:17:52] Opportunity gaps and democratizing wealth[00:19:05] What “decentralizing wealth” means[00:22:18] Seller financing explained for beginners[00:25:33] Down payments, creative deals, and real examples[00:29:33] Seller financing tips for students and young people[00:30:42] Outro and what’s next

What if cancer could be both your hardest battle—and your most unexpected gift?

In this powerful, candid conversation, Keri Darling joins Carrie Hunter to reveal how life’s toughest moments, from a shocking cancer diagnosis to overcoming homelessness and loss, can spark profound personal transformation.

Together, they dig into the messy middle of life disruptions, the importance of vulnerability and self-advocacy, and how boundaries and connection are the cornerstones of true strength. Whether you’re in crisis or just craving hope, Keri Darling shares unforgettable lessons on embracing change, rewriting your story, and thriving on the other side of hardship.

Episode Overview:00:00 - Diving back in: why cancer didn’t just affect Keri Darling, but her whole community04:32 - From win to lesson: reframing failure and facing what you can’t control05:53 - Self-advocacy in the medical system: lessons learned the hard way12:21 - Becoming someone new before you’re “ready”14:05 - Rest, boundaries, and letting go of guilt: redefining self-worth19:00 - Why connection—not isolation—is critical for healing23:39 - Action steps for regaining control and starting your rewrite29:00 - Next Together: supporting others through the messy middle34:47 - What real power means: vulnerability, boundaries, and authentic strength35:45 - Episode close and ways to connect with Keri Darling

What if the worst things that ever happened to you could become the turning point for something extraordinary?

On this episode of Carrie, It’s Not That Serious, Carrie Hunter sits down with crisis transition coach Keri Darling, whose journey from private security leader to stage 4 cancer survivor will leave you rethinking what is possible in the face of life's unexpected storms.

You'll hear how Keri Darling weathered repeated losses, burnout, and a devastating diagnosis—then chose to redefine her life on her own terms. From the power of honoring "the messy middle" when things are uncertain and real, to how to find identity beyond just your roles, and why the meaning you assign to life's events matters more than the events themselves, this conversation will inspire anyone who feels stuck, lost, or on the cusp of transformation.

Key highlights:

• Keri Darling shares her childhood and what remained through her toughest times
• Honest insights on the emotional realities of crisis and identity
• The myth of “going back to normal” after trauma
• Self-care, setting boundaries, and letting go of toxic environments
• Reframing your story—not through toxic positivity, but honest transformation

Timestamped Overview:

00:00 Introduction to Keri Darling and her background02:27 Childhood traits and early adaptability05:22 Becoming “the strong one” and lessons from her mother07:34 The cancer diagnosis and a life-changing turning point12:34 The decision to choose herself and walk away from toxicity15:06 Living in the “messy middle” and what real transformation feels like22:31 Losing identity, shifting roles, and embracing the future self27:01 Why meaning matters more than what happens to you33:30 Reflections on vulnerability, honesty, and what Keri Darling would do differently34:25 Outro and episode close

Did you know that more than two-thirds of GoFundMe campaigns are now for people drowning in medical bills?

But what if understanding your health coverage was as common as budgeting for groceries? In this episode, Carrie Hunter dives deep with Dr. Terry Adirim to reveal how crucial health literacy is to your financial wellbeing—and why it's as important as managing your credit score.

They unpack how AI is transforming the relationship between doctors and patients, where it’s a game-changer in the exam room and where caution is still needed for your privacy.

Terry Adirim shares powerful advice on navigating our complicated (and expensive) healthcare system, the dangers of uploading personal health data into AI chatbots, and her journey as a pediatric emergency physician and marathon runner. The episode wraps with an uplifting discussion on women in leadership, resilience, and practical ways to empower yourself in today’s turbulent healthcare landscape.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Episode intro & the promise of AI in healthcare

01:48 Responsible AI use—patient privacy and consent

02:45 AI’s impact & real efficiency in medicine

03:42 Terry Adirim’s clinical background and subspecialties

05:02 Why health literacy equals financial literacy

07:47 The financial gamble of skipping health insurance

09:38 AI in patient care—what you need to know and do

10:15 Cautionary advice on using AI with your health data

13:13 Limits of AI chatbots and misinformation

14:47 Terry Adirim’s book, website, and resources

18:02 Navigating life, resilience, and the marathon mindset

20:22 What “Women In Power” means today

22:54 Closing thoughts and community resources

What if the truth is that there is no “healthcare system” — just a tangled maze of disconnected parts, leaving even the smartest among us lost and vulnerable?

On this episode, Carrie Hunter welcomes renowned physician and healthcare executive Terry Adirim, who pulls back the curtain on the hidden fragmentation of American healthcare — and empowers listeners to take back control.

From childhood dreams of medicine to overseeing care for millions, Terry Adirim shares the real-life strategies that will help you become a truly prepared patient. Get practical tips to advocate for yourself, organize vital information, and navigate confusing insurance hurdles. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed at the doctor’s office or blindsided by paperwork, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, not intimidated.

Episode Overview

00:00 Introducing Terry Adirim: Leadership and Background02:09 Childhood and Early Inspiration for Medicine04:24 Career Evolution and Choosing a Path in Healthcare07:41 The Fragmented Reality of the U.S. Healthcare System10:08 Why Patients Must Be Their Own Advocates12:27 The Challenges of Healthcare Visits and Overloaded Doctors14:46 Why Navigation Feels Impossible — and It’s Not Your Fault16:41 Concrete Steps to Organize and Prepare Your Health Info20:11 How Being Prepared Fundamentally Changes Your Experience23:41 Building Your Own “White Binder” or Digital Toolkit27:26 The Future: Digital Solutions, Health Record Sharing & AI33:55 Wrap Up and What’s Next in Part Two

What if the biggest leap of faith you’ve ever taken was building a platform designed for strangers who desperately need help—without knowing if you’ll make a dime doing it?

In this powerful episode, Kelly Obermayer opens up to Carrie Hunter about the emotional journey behind launching United We Fund, a micro crowdfunding app that could transform how communities support each other through financial crises. From stories that will move you to tears to surprising details about keeping every donation transparent, this episode reveals the real behind-the-scenes of launching a mission-driven tech start-up.

Key highlights include:

• The difficult realities and emotional weight of helping others before you have the resources to do so
• United We Fund’s unique system for privacy and domestic violence support
• Radical transparency in how the app’s shared fund works
• Real talk on keeping the platform secure and verification processes
• Kelly Obermayer's honesty about not profiting from her life’s work—and why she’s doing it anyway
• A raw perspective on what it really means to be a woman in power

Timestamped Overview:

[00:00:00] Episode intro and toughest moments for Kelly Obermayer

[00:05:00] Helping vulnerable community members and finding motivation

[00:07:00] Safe Start: Revolutionary privacy for domestic violence survivors

[00:09:11] How United We Fund works: micro crowdfunding, user experience

[00:13:02] Transparency and real-time visibility of donations

[00:14:12] Funding operations without taking from the shared fund

[00:16:45] Status of nonprofit status and future plans

[00:17:47] Donating directly to specific stories vs. the shared fund

[00:19:22] Fraud prevention and verification process

[00:22:32] Building trust and hope in the system

[00:24:48] How to get involved, help spread the word, and sponsorship opportunities

[00:28:04] Why Kelly Obermayer keeps going despite no personal profit

[00:30:28] What it means to be a woman in power

[00:33:58] Episode wrap-up and how to connect

What if millions of people could help each other escape financial struggle—one dollar at a time, no questions asked?

In this episode, Carrie Hunter sits down with Kelly Obermayer, founder of Jovell Digital and creator of United We Fund, to reveal a radical new approach to microgiving: a community-powered platform where anyone can give and receive support, free from judgment or gatekeepers. Kelly Obermayer shares her personal journey through loss, trauma, and relentless reinvention, discussing the sparks of inspiration, the flaws in our financial system, and the life-changing impact of empowering everyone to be both a giver and receiver—sometimes in the span of a single month.

You’ll hear how this movement was built from her living room without investors or a team, and why it just might be the future of hope.

Timestamped Overview

00:05 Introduction to Kelly Obermayer and the vision for United We Fund

02:11 Kelly Obermayer on her childhood, confidence, and early influences

05:17 Navigating loss, trauma, and personal reinvention

10:27 The viral moment: seeing the problem online and deciding to solve it

13:23 From idea to action—why Kelly Obermayer decided to build, not just dream

16:26 The financial system was never built for all of us—breaking down systemic barriers

21:46 The giver/receiver model: why it matters and how it works

28:37 Building the platform solo—time, sacrifice, and vision

What if everything you’ve heard about microdosing is wrong—and the real story is about healing, self-discovery, and breaking free from old patterns?

In Part 2 of Carrie Hunter continues her conversation with Jessica Larsen to demystify microdosing and explore its intentional use in personal growth and retreat settings. You’ll learn how microdosing psilocybin is less about “tripping” and more about creating subtle, positive shifts in your mental well-being when combined with clear intention and supportive practices.

Jessica Larsen shares real-life experiences from her retreats, reveals how to find the right guide, and offers practical advice for anyone curious (or cautious) about this increasingly common practice. Whether you’re new to the idea or exploring your next step, discover the power of mindful healing and authentic transformation.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 What is microdosing? The basics and key misconceptions02:47 How microdosing actually works and why intention matters06:47 Microdosing in daily life and breaking stigma09:31 Retreats, healing journeys, and intentional environments14:36 Safety, preparation, and selecting the right guide18:48 Advice for those curious or cautious about microdosing21:33 Inside Beyond Purpose Journeys retreats for women25:05 What is somatic work? Mind-body connection explained27:40 How to start your own discovery journey31:07 The meaning of authentic power and closing remarks

What if the key to finding yourself again isn’t about working harder—but daring to let go of control?

Carrie Hunter sits down with Jessica Larsen, founder of Beyond Purpose Journeys, to unravel how women can reclaim their inner selves by slowing down, facing discomfort, and even exploring controversial tools like microdosing. From her journey out of social work and fitness, through a life-shifting personal reset, to redefining what it means to truly care for yourself, Jessica Larsen shares honest lessons about releasing roles, processing discomfort, and learning to hold space for growth.

Whether you're burnt out, craving change, or just intrigued by the power of introspection, this conversation is a must-listen.

Timestamped Overview

[00:00] Meet Jessica Larsen: Untraditional Paths & Purpose[02:20] Childhood, Structure, and Early Nurturing[05:02] The Pattern of Caring for Others[08:38] Realizing It’s Time to Turn Inward[10:59] Blowing Up Her Life and Walking Away[12:16] Losing Identity Outside of Roles[13:22] Facing the Scary Question: Who Am I Really?[14:20] Therapy vs. Mentorship & Confronting Control[16:22] Letting Family Lead Themselves[17:19] Control As Protection—And Its Limits[19:55] Practical Tips for Uncovering Your True Self[20:24] Plant Medicine, Microdosing, and Self-Discovery[22:08] Holding Space: How Jessica Guides Transformation[24:53] The Suitcase Metaphor & Looking from Every Angle[25:53] Wrap-Up & Community Resources

Would you ever turn down a seven-figure job because it didn’t align with your values?

Melissa Aarskaug shares why she walked away from lucrative offers to stay true to herself—revealing the extraordinary personal and professional rewards that came from putting integrity first.

Carrie Hunter dives deep into Melissa Aarskaug’s unique leadership philosophy, why most leaders are facing a decision—not a technology—problem, and practical strategies for finding clarity in overwhelming times. Discover how embracing AI (rather than fearing it) can actually buy you back hours each week, and explore the power of intentional living, building sustainable success, and redefining what it truly means to be “in power.”

Plus: learn about the Maverick Test, her Executive Connect experience, and the daily habits that help her—and other leaders—stay grounded, focused, and impactful.

Timestamped Overview:

[00:00] Welcome & episode introduction[00:15] Melissa Aarskaug on getting creative during tough times[01:38] Leaders don’t have a technology problem—they have a decision problem[02:19] Why most digital transformation projects fail[03:13] The critical role of the “human side” in AI and technology[04:30] Challenges of AI implementation across company divisions[06:25] Making AI less intimidating: the human connection[08:51] How technology can give you more time (and less brain fog)[11:05] Drawing parallels: technology, the Amish, and reclaiming your time[12:20] Helping leaders find clarity amid uncertainty[13:20] Melissa Aarskaug’s daily habits for focus and growth[16:33] Building self-awareness: journaling, trusted advisors, and prioritizing[20:35] Choosing integrity over short-term gain in your career[22:02] The true cost of staying where you don’t belong[27:07] Melissa Aarskaug’s current projects: podcast, Maverick Test, books, and workshops[33:44] The importance of accountability and long-term thinking[35:13] From stage fright to confident speaker: Melissa Aarskaug’s journey[40:20] What “woman in power” means to Melissa Aarskaug[42:34] Final thoughts and episode close