Hitting the Streets Podcast

What does it really take to grow as an artist? Part Two

In this special live Artist Circle episode, recorded at ARTrageous Art Hub, I sit down with artists Krystal Skinner, Ruth Williamson, and Taylor Brooke for an honest conversation about creativity, growth, marketing, selling artwork, overcoming self-doubt, and finding your artistic voice.

Together, we share lessons learned, challenges faced, and the experiences that continue to shape our creative journeys. Whether you're an artist, creative entrepreneur, or someone who simply appreciates the arts, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and inspiration from three talented artists who are actively creating and growing in their craft.

What does it really take to grow as an artist?

In this special live Artist Circle episode, (Part One) recorded at ARTrageous Art Hub, I sit down with artists Krystal Skinner, Ruth Williamson, and Taylor Brooke for an honest conversation about creativity, growth, marketing, selling artwork, overcoming self-doubt, and finding your artistic voice.

Together, we share lessons learned, challenges faced, and the experiences that continue to shape our creative journeys. Whether you're an artist, creative entrepreneur, or someone who simply appreciates the arts, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and inspiration from three talented artists who are actively creating and growing in their craft.

In this special episode of Hitting the Streets Podcast, I'm taking a moment to say thank you.

From the businesses and individuals who support this show to the listeners, followers, friends, and family who continue to cheer me on, this episode is all about gratitude.

Join me as I share the story behind Hitting the Streets Podcast, why I created it, and recognize the amazing sponsors and supporters who help make it possible. From coffee dealers and neighborhood champions to main street sponsors, these are the people and businesses who believe in community, collaboration, and helping others be seen.

This episode is a celebration of local connections, small business support, and the relationships that keep this podcast moving forward.

Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of the journey.

Welcome to another episode of Hitting the Streets Podcast! Today on the show, I have Chantal Zalewski with Texoma Gluten Free on the mic sharing her journey, knowledge, and passion for helping make dining more accessible for the gluten-free community here in Texoma.

In this episode, we dive into what gluten-free really means, the difference between gluten-free and gluten-friendly, common misconceptions, challenges restaurants face, and the importance of creating safe and welcoming dining experiences for everyone.

We also talk about Chantal’s journey, hidden gluten-free gems around Texoma, and her mission to help connect the community with better food options and resources.

Tune in for an educational and inspiring conversation that may change the way you think about food, dining out, and accessibility in our community.

Welcome to another episode of Hitting the Streets Podcast!

Today on the show, I’m sitting down with the wonderful Michelle Castle for a real and reflective conversation about success, burnout, priorities, and what it truly means to build a life that feels aligned, not just impressive on paper.

Michelle wears many hats, mortgage strategist, business coach, author, wife, mom, and leader, but in this episode, she opens up about the moment she realized that constantly carrying it all was not the same as living well. We talk about the pressure of being “the dependable one,” redefining success, learning to say no, and asking the hard question many people avoid:

Is your business supporting your life… or quietly consuming it?

Michelle also shares the heart behind her book, Rethink Everything You Know About Business Planning, and why she believes so many people are building businesses around expectations instead of intention.

This episode is honest, relatable, and filled with reminders that it’s okay to pause, reevaluate, and rebuild something that actually fits the life you want to live.

Be sure to connect with Michelle Castle and learn more about her upcoming June 24th workshop focused on intentional business planning and alignment.

Visit her website: www.michellecastle.info

Today on the show, Britney Barker, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center, is back on the mic to talk about the impactful programs available right here in our community.

We dive into how CAC supports children and families, the resources they provide, and why their work is so important. These are the conversations that matter, the ones that bring awareness and real change.

You’ll also hear from Courtney Murphy as she shares insight on body safety education and how these conversations help protect and empower children.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can get involved, support their mission, or simply learn more, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in now and be part of the conversation.

Visit their website: cacgc.org

Today on the show, Courtney Murphy, Development & Outreach Coordinator for the Grayson County Children's Advocacy Center, is on the mic to talk about the power of outreach and why it plays such a critical role in protecting children in our community.

We dive into what outreach really looks like, how education and awareness can help prevent abuse, and why these conversations, while not always easy, are necessary.

This episode is about showing up, staying informed, and understanding how each of us can be part of the solution.

Visit their website at: cacgc.org

In this episode of Hitting the Streets Podcast, we sit down with Conner Gray, owner of All Stitched Up Puppets. From humble beginnings in 2019 to building a business rooted in quality craftsmanship, Conner shares his journey of creating custom, handcrafted puppets designed for comfort, durability, and creativity.

We talk about the challenges of starting out, lessons learned along the way, and the moments that made it all worth it. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn a creative passion into something real, this episode is for you.

Tune in!!

Website: allstitcheduppuppets.com

Today on Hitting the Streets, I sit down with Amy Hoffman-Shehan to talk about the upcoming Texoma Earth Day Festival happening April 18th!

This year’s theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” shines a light on simple, practical ways we can all reduce our environmental impact and take better care of our planet.

The Texoma Earth Day Festival is a fun, family-friendly community event where everyday people can learn, connect, and walk away with real tools to make a difference.

🌎 Free to attend and open to the public.

Tune in to hear what you can expect, how to get involved, and why this event continues to make an impact right here in our community.

Website: https://www.earthdaytexoma.org/

Welcome to another episode of Hitting the Streets Podcast.

My guest today is MJ Sumrall, a U.S. Army Veteran, recovery coach, author, and founder of triumphantlythriving.com . MJ works with service members, veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors to help them move out of survival mode and into the lives that are resilient, regulated, and intentionally thriving.

Her story is one of resilience, healing, and breaking cycles of generational trauma. MJ openly shares about her own recovery journey, the challenges of living with Functional Neurological Disorder, and how trauma doesn't have to define the rest of your life.

Please tune in to hear her story!

Big thank you to Kim Byler for being a fantastic guest host!