Chapters by PROPEL

If you aren’t lucky enough to know @leatromano_dnp, this is your chance! Leat is a nurse practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice who has built a life rooted in purpose, balance, and impact. This week on Chapters by @propelnetwork, she talks to our host @melaniekule about how she found her calling, the defining moments that shaped her, and how she pours her whole heart into a profession devoted to healing. With authenticity and humor, Leat shares what it looks like to pursue a career she loves while juggling motherhood, community, and personal growth. Tune in to be inspired by her wisdom and the beautiful legacy she’s building.

This episode was brought to you by Mona Haddad A"H School of Nursing

We’re so excited to welcome the one and only @joycechabb — better known as the Upper East Side Mommy — to the Chapters by @propelnetwork podcast! 🎙️ 

Tune in this week as Joyce talks to our host @melaniekule about how she became a viral content creator and built her brand from the ground up. She also opens up about motherhood, purpose, and keeping her priorities straight no matter how busy life gets. Joyce also has 

fantastic advice for anyone looking to grow in the world of social media or just looking to do anything new! This is an inspiring, fun, and real conversation you won’t want to miss! ✨

This episode was brought to you by the Chella Safra School of Communications 

Meet Regine Ashkenazie @regineash, an anxiety therapist from @longislandbehavioral and devoted mom who’s made it her mission to help others navigate the overwhelming world of anxiety. In this episode, she talks to our host @melaniekule about her own path — how she built a career in therapy while raising a family — and breaks down what anxiety really is, how it shows up in adults and kids, and her practical advice for knowing when it might be time to reach out for help. Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or someone who wants to understand your own mind better, this episode will leave you feeling more educated and empowered.
Full episode drops Tuesday on all streaming platforms.
This episode is brought to you by the Ellen Ades and Alice Chera School of Social Work

This week on the Chapters by PROPEL podcast, Melanie sits down with the insanely talented Shelly Schmool, founder of @byshelly photography, whose journey began with simple photo shoots for friends and grew into a thriving business that now takes her around the world. From milestones like birthday parties and weddings to her famous dream sessions, she’s built a career out of capturing life’s most meaningful moments.

In this episode, she shares meaningful advice on how to balance it all while staying true to your passion. Most importantly, she reminds us that no dream is ever too big — even if it feels out of reach at first.

A must-listen for anyone chasing their passion!

This episode is brought to you by the Rachel Sutton School of Photography

This week on Chapters by PROPEL Network, we’re so excited to welcome Marlenn Zarif who is already making a name for herself in the fashion PR world! With incredible experience at fashion houses like Hermès and Chanel, Marlenn is carving out her own path and building a name to watch. In this episode, she talks to Melanie about how she discovered PR, why she values every relationship and experience, and why sometimes the most important thing is simply being “in the room.” 

She shares wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice you won’t want to miss!

This episode is brought to you by the Chella Safra School of Communications

In this episode,  Melanie sits down with the very talented Selena Gindi, founder of SKG Style. Selena shares what style means to her (hint: it’s so much more than what you wear!), how she balances her passion for fashion with family life, and how her career has evolved over the years. She also opens up why she values her client relationships and how gratitude plays such an important role in her life. Find out about Selena’s memorable moments working with incredible brands and advice for women who want to break into the business. 

You’ll walk away feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to embrace your own style journey.

This episode is brought to you by the Marcy Feldman School of Fashion and sponsored by Hit Central Studios. 

In this week’s episode Grace Esses Mamiye from Grace's Gymnastics shares how her lifelong passion for gymnastics turned into a thriving business. What started as backyard lessons quickly grew into hundreds of students packed into her Brooklyn basement and eventually into a beautiful, full-scale studio with a dedicated team. 

In this episode, Grace tells us what it takes to grow a business from the ground up, how she built systems that scaled, and why she still loves every minute of it. So many kids in our community have learned, grown, and thrived through Grace’s Gymnastics. Her story is all about passion, grit, and the magic of momentum.

This episode was graciously sponsored by Betty Esses Flowers

Meet Doris Dwek, a one-in-a-million talent and a truly special soul! What began with birthday parties has blossomed into a thriving career planning unforgettable bar mitzvahs, weddings, and milestone celebrations. Doris pours her heart into every event, bringing joy, beauty, and meaning to the happiest moments in people’s lives.
In this episode, she chats with Melanie Kule about the passion behind her work and her drive to give back, weaving community impact into everything she does.
Get ready for wisdom, words of advice, and inspiration from a woman who does it all with style and heart!

This episode is brought to you by the Margie Saka

School of Hospitality and sponsored by SylC Designs

Linda Levy is the powerhouse behind “Party by Linda,” a one-woman show that’s equal parts Zumba instructor, party planner, camp creator, and entertainer. In this episode, Linda opens up about how she turned her natural energy and creativity into a full-blown brand—all while raising a family, adapting through challenges, and staying grounded in her values. From singing telegrams to scavenger hunts in Bloomingdale’s, Linda shares what it takes to build a business around joy.

Highlights:

• How a post-chemotherapy fitness journey launched Linda’s career in Zumba and entertainment

• The growth from a three-person basement class to packed events and corporate travel gigs

• Confidence, kindness, and humility: Linda’s three pillars of success

• How social media and showing up authentically helped her business thrive

• The importance of creating balance, saying “no,” and prioritizing self-care

• Linda’s creative process behind customized events, songs, and experiences

• Giving back to the community as a core value—and what she’s learned from it

• Lessons her kids have picked up by watching her build a career with heart

This episode is sponsored by Victor Hakim in honor of his wife Michele and by Dans Desserts

Meet the inspiring woman who cofounded Embark Beyond, where every journey is crafted with heart and precision. In this episode, Melanie sits down with the incredible Julie Danziger as she shares how her passion became a profession and tells us about the magic that goes into planning unforgettable trips. She opens up about steering her business through the challenges of COVID with resilience and creativity and how she balances family with her profession. Tune in for her powerful advice to anyone dreaming of turning their passion into a lasting legacy.

Brought to you by the Margie Saka School of Hospitality