Connecting the Dots is a heartfelt and thought-provoking podcast where real stories meet purpose. Each episode brings together voices, experiences, and perspectives that help us better understand life’s bigger picture—one conversation at a time.

In this episode, we shine a light on Moms Not Forgotten of Illinois, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and honoring birth moms through gifts of hope and encouragement. Their mission is to remind every woman impacted by adoption that she is loved, cherished, and never forgotten, while raising awareness about the beauty and complexity of adoption.

Join us as we connect the dots between love, sacrifice, healing, and community. Through honest dialogue and powerful storytelling, this episode explores the emotional journey of adoption and the incredible strength of birth mothers whose stories deserve to be seen and heard.

If you’re searching for stories that move you and messages that matter, Connecting the Dots welcomes you to listen and connect on a deeper level.

Website - https://www.momsnotforgotten.com/

Sponsorship Opportunities and Packages - https://www.momsnotforgotten.com/sponsorship-of-tea

🩷WATCH 2025 Mother's Day Tea:

https://youtu.be/fv8NPbL2_NA?si=WFZZLRJ3osDKvt2n

https://www.instagram.com/momsnotforgotten/

https://www.momsnotforgotten.com/

https://linktr.ee/216creatorstudios

youtube.com/@216thenet/Streams

ASCAP License - 40007852

[email protected]

#ConnectingTheDotsPodcast #KarenOwens #MomsNotForgotten #BirthMothers #AdoptionJourney #AdoptionStories #BirthMomStrong #AdoptionAwareness #RealStories #EmotionalHealing #SupportBirthMoms #AdoptionCommunity #UnplannedPregnancy #SelflessLove #BraveMoms #AdoptionSupport #WomenSupportingWomen #HealingConversations #PodcastCommunity #LifeStories #GivingUpForAdoption #AdoptionLove #EmpowerWomen #YouAreNotAlone #MotherhoodUnfiltered #StrongWomen #FaithAndHealing #HopeAndHealing #PodcastEpisode #ListenNow

In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, this episode of Connecting the Dots brings together voices that remind us of the beauty, strength, and individuality within the Down syndrome community.This special conversation features parents and individuals living with Down syndrome who share their stories—moments of joy, challenges, advocacy, and the everyday experiences that shape their lives. Through honest dialogue and heartfelt connection, we explore what inclusion, love, and community truly look like.At Connecting the Dots, we believe every story helps us understand one another better. Today we celebrate abilities, amplify voices, and connect the dots between awareness, acceptance, and belonging.Join us as we listen, learn, and honor the incredible people and families who make the Down syndrome community so special.Karen Owens: https://www.tiktok.com/@kowensofficia...  / owens_karen_  https://linktr.ee/karenowens03?utm_so...Todays Guest:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q...https://www.tiktok.com/@growingwithco...  / growingwithcody  216 Creator Studioshttps://linktr.ee/216creatorstudios   / 216creatorstudios  ASCAP [email protected]#ConnectingTheDots #KarenOwens #PodcastLaunch #LifeStories #PersonalGrowth #RealTalkPodcast #InspiringConversations #PodcastCommunity #WomenInLeadership #LightbulbMoments #PodcastInterview #StorytellingPodcast #NewPodcastAlert #AuthenticConversations #SelfDiscoveryJourney #MotivationalPodcast #DeepTalks #LifeChoices #PodcastLife #YouTubePodcasts #HonestTalks #FirstEpisode #GetToKnowMe #PodcastForChange #ConnectionMatters

VALENCIA KEY is not just Lia's middle and last name, the meaning of each word defines the mission and heart of VALENCIA KEY Jewelry.VALENCIA means STRONG / BRAVEKEY means Crucial Importance / To Unlock.VALENCIA KEY is how we show up in this world. Lia created this jewelry to be beautiful, visual reminders to use LIGHT, JOY, LOVE, GRATITUDE and PEACE as our GUIDING STARS. These principles allow us to truly Unlock our Strength and Bravery.​Lia's childhood was not easy. It was often very dark - She has been impoverished, hungry, and homeless. At an early age, Lia experienced the loss of the three beautiful hearts that raised me: my mother, grandmother & aunt. Because her surroundings could not give her joy, Lia decided to create her own beautiful world. She made the choice to be her own source of light, shining my way out of the darkness. Then, and now, Lia has relied on the words of her mother:"Your predicament does not determine your destiny!"Unfortunately, while her mother was able to give Lia empowering words that changed her life, she died not ever realizing her own dreams. Even in our darkest days, Lia's mother saw my light. She can still hear her say "LIA VALENCIA KEY, never leave the house without your earrings, they represent the sparkling light so powerful inside you!"Those words never left my heart. They are what I think about when I put on my jewelry everyday and when I sketch new designs. We all have the power to embody light. VALENCIA KEY was created to help us remember that. I want to share my mother's message with you in the form of wearable JOY!Karen Owens: https://www.tiktok.com/@kowensofficia...  / owens_karen_  https://linktr.ee/karenowens03?utm_so...Todays Guest:https://valenciakey.com  / lia.v.key.3    / liavalenciakey    / valenciakeydesign  https://linktr.ee/216creatorstudios   / 216creatorstudios  ASCAP [email protected]#ConnectingTheDots #KarenOwens #PodcastLaunch #LifeStories #PersonalGrowth #RealTalkPodcast #InspiringConversations #PodcastCommunity #WomenInLeadership #LightbulbMoments #PodcastInterview #StorytellingPodcast #NewPodcastAlert #AuthenticConversations #SelfDiscoveryJourney #MotivationalPodcast #DeepTalks #LifeChoices #PodcastLife #YouTubePodcasts #HonestTalks #FirstEpisode #GetToKnowMe #PodcastForChange #ConnectionMatters

Connecting the Dots: Conversations with Creators In this episode of Connecting the Dots: Conversations with Creators, Jenny Rana, Stephanie Villanueva, and Taylor Angelini come together for an insightful conversation on navigating the evolving world of social media content creation. They share perspectives on creative strategy, building authentic community, and adapting as creators grow. From behind-the-scenes decisions to lessons learned along the way, this episode connects the dots between creativity, consistency, and meaningful digital impact.Karen Owens: https://www.tiktok.com/@kowensofficia...  / owens_karen_  Todays Guests:  / taylorangelini    / taylor.angelini  https://www.tiktok.com/@taylorangelin...  / jranz13    / jenny.rana  https://www.tiktok.com/@everydayjenny...https://www.tiktok.com/@stevillashops...https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q...  / stevillashops  https://linktr.ee/216creatorstudios   / 216creatorstudios  ASCAP [email protected]#ConnectingTheDots #KarenOwens #PodcastLaunch #LifeStories #PersonalGrowth #RealTalkPodcast #InspiringConversations #PodcastCommunity #WomenInLeadership #LightbulbMoments #PodcastInterview #StorytellingPodcast #NewPodcastAlert #AuthenticConversations #SelfDiscoveryJourney #MotivationalPodcast #DeepTalks #LifeChoices #PodcastLife #YouTubePodcasts #HonestTalks #FirstEpisode #GetToKnowMe #PodcastForChange #ConnectionMatters

In this episode of Connecting the Dots, Karen Owens sits down with the women behind Coco’s Boutique and Elite Laser & Skin Spa — two locally loved, women-owned small businesses making a real impact in the community. They share their journey into entrepreneurship, the challenges and wins of managing their own brands, and how they stay rooted in service, empowerment, and giving back to Crystal Lake. It’s an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to build something meaningful for the people around you.

https://www.facebook.com/elitelaserandskinspa

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576906841909

https://www.instagram.com/elitelaserandskinspa/

https://www.instagram.com/cocos_boutique_cl/

https://216creatorstudios.com/

ASCAP License - 400007852

[email protected]

#womenownedbusiness #womenentrepreneurs #smallbusinessowners #crystallakeil #cocosboutique #elitelaserskinspa #localbusinesslove #supportlocal #communityleaders #femaleleaders #womeninbusiness #connectingtheDotsPodcast #216creatorstudios #entrepreneurlife #shoplocal #medspaowners #boutiquelife

In this episode of Connecting the Dots with Karen Owens, we sit down with Maebelle Obispo, Co-Founder and Executive Director of It’s Our Little Story Organization, NFP. Maebelle shares the heartfelt mission behind her organization — empowering and educating abused, neglected, and at-risk children to break the cycle and rewrite their own stories. Together, we explore how community support, awareness, and compassion can change young lives for the better.

https://www.itsourlittlestory.org

https://www.instagram.com/iolslive/

https://www.facebook.com/iolsnfp

https://linktr.ee/karenowens03?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=e27e8dea-5b50-43d6-8d06-570b2216e294

216creatorstudios.com

youtube.com/216creatorstudios

ASCAP License-400007852

[email protected]

#ConnectingTheDots #KarenOwens #PodcastLaunch #LifeStories #PersonalGrowth #RealTalkPodcast #InspiringConversations #PodcastCommunity #WomenInLeadership #LightbulbMoments #PodcastInterview #StorytellingPodcast #NewPodcastAlert #AuthenticConversations #SelfDiscoveryJourney #MotivationalPodcast #DeepTalks #LifeChoices #PodcastLife #YouTubePodcasts #HonestTalks #FirstEpisode #GetToKnowMe #PodcastForChange #ConnectionMatters

In this episode of Connecting the Dots, host Karen Owens sits down with Andres Lopez, the innovative mind behind DuckADiet.bottle.com — a brand redefining how we think about nutrition, focus, and balanced living. Andres shares his journey from concept to creation, the inspiration behind his wellness brand, and how small daily choices can have a big impact on our energy and mindset.Join Karen and Andres as they connect the dots between healthy habits, entrepreneurship, and staying motivated through every challenge.Tune in now and discover how to fuel your day — and your dreams — the smart way.  / duckadietmealprep    / duckadiet  duckadiet.bottle.comUse Promo Code "216Studios" at Checkout for 20% of your Order!!!https://linktr.ee/karenowens03?utm_so...216creatorstudios.com   / 216creatorstudios  ASCAP [email protected]

On today's episode we have Sharon Fulgenzi who is a Child & Family Advocate who has been Championing for Vulnerable Families & Children for over 20 years.

Her current role is a Director of Development for Safe Families for Children, a national charity based in Chicago that has chapters in over 90 cities across the country! Safe Families preventatively comes alongside families facing crisis with their robust network of volunteers who host children while parents are given the space to stabilize-preventing children from entering the foster care system. Their mission is to "Keep children Safe and Families Together."

She also oversees development for Lydia Home, a residential home also in Chicago, for children in state care; where she also serves as a youth mentor.

Sharon is a Child & Family Advocate who has been Championing for Vulnerable Families & Children for over 20 years.

Her current role is a Director of Development for Safe Families for Children, a national charity based in Chicago that has chapters in over 90 cities across the country! Safe Families preventatively comes alongside families facing crisis with their robust network of volunteers who host children while parents are given the space to stabilize-preventing children from entering the foster care system. Their mission is to "Keep children Safe and Families Together."

She also oversees development for Lydia Home, a residential home also in Chicago, for children in state care; where she also serves as a youth mentor.

Safe Families Misson:

Safe Families for Children seeks to bring the church and community together to keep children safe and families together. Safe Families for Children is rooted in faith, fueled by radical hospitality, disruptive generosity, and intentional compassion, to build a network of caring and compassionate volunteers to support families facing social isolation. Our goal is to support and strengthen families, prevent child abuse and neglect, and reduce the number of children unnecessarily entering the child welfare system.

Learn more about Safe Families:

https://safe-families.org

https://www.facebook.com/SafeFamiliesChicago

https://www.facebook.com/sharon.fulgenzi

216creatorstudios.com

youtube.com/216creatorstudios

ASCAP License-400007852

[email protected]

#ConnectingTheDots #KarenOwens #PodcastLaunch #LifeStories #PersonalGrowth #RealTalkPodcast #InspiringConversations #PodcastCommunity #WomenInLeadership #LightbulbMoments #PodcastInterview #StorytellingPodcast #NewPodcastAlert #AuthenticConversations #SelfDiscoveryJourney #MotivationalPodcast #DeepTalks #LifeChoices #PodcastLife #YouTubePodcasts #HonestTalks #FirstEpisode #GetToKnowMe #PodcastForChange #ConnectionMatters

Connecting the Dots is all about real talk, honest stories, and those lightbulb moments in life. you Each episode dives into little things (and big things) that shape us- whether it's conversation that changed your perspective or a choice that led you somewhere unexpected. It's like a chat with a good friend who helps you see how it all fits together. Come as you are and let's connect the dots togetherIn this episode I sit down with licensed chiropractor Zach Ryan. We dive into the world of spinal health, natural healing and the power of alignment. Whether you're curious about what really happens during an adjustment,how chiropractic care supports overall wellness or you're just looking for tips to improve posture and reduce pain- this conversation covers it all. https://a2zchiro.comhttps://www.facebook.comInstagram: a2zchiroTikTok:@atozchiro
216creatorstudios.comASCAP License - 400007852

Connecting the Dots is all about real talk, honest stories, and those lightbulb moments in life. you Each episode dives into little things (and big things) that shape us- whether it's conversation that changed your perspective or a choice that led you somewhere unexpected. It's like a chat with a good friend who helps you see how it all fits together. Come as you are and let's connect the dots together.For our very first episode, we’re sitting down with the incredible Karen Owens—a leader, connector, and inspiration—to get to know her story and give you a deeper look into what this podcast is all about. It’s like a conversation with a good friend—the kind that leaves you thinking, "That makes so much sense now."Come as you are, and let’s start Connecting the Dots together.216creatorstudios.comyoutube.com/@216thenet/streamsASCAP License - [email protected]