Kick It Up A Notch

Kick It Up A Notch

By Jenny McBride and Megan ThomasSociety & Culture
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Kick It Up A Notch episodes

  • Firefights, Finance & Finding Purpose: One Marine’s Mission-Driven Life

    🎙️ In this powerful episode of Kick It Up a Notch, we sit down with Erik Goodge—Marine Corps veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and founder of Uvest Advisory Group. From firefights in Afghanistan to financial planning in the Midwest, Erik’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and purpose.

    He shares how one spontaneous decision in high school led him to the battlefield, and how his experience shaped his mission to help self-employed millennials achieve true financial freedom. Erik also opens up about his personal transformation, the importance of long-term investing, and how he built his own investment firm from the ground up.

    Plus, we dive into his work with The Sanctuary on the Hill and the Mission First initiative—an incredible retreat and resource center for veterans and their families, right here in Southern Indiana.

    Whether you're a veteran, entrepreneur, or just someone looking for a little inspiration to kick your own life up a notch—this one’s for you.

    🔗 Learn more:
    💼 Uvest Advisory Group
    🏞️ The Sanctuary on the Hill

    1 hr 10 min
  • Unleashing Compassion: The Truth About Animal Rescue in Evansville

    In this episode of Kick It Up a Notch, host Megan Thomas speaks with Mark Albini, an advocate for animal welfare in Evansville. They discuss Mark's journey in fostering and caring for multiple dogs, the importance of patience in animal training and . Mark shares insights about the PAWS organization, the fostering process, and the challenges faced by animal control. They emphasize the need for community involvement and transparency in animal welfare, and how individuals can make a difference by volunteering or adopting pets.



    49 min
  • Expectations for First Time Home Buyers & building a relationship with your Realtor

    In this episode Megan talks with Alicia Venson who shares some experiences from her house buying process as a first time home owner.


    Some Episode Takeaways:

    • First-time home buyers should start talking to realtors early.
    • Compromises are often necessary in home buying.
    • Understanding the costs of home ownership is crucial.
    • Unexpected expenses can arise at any time.
    • Building a relationship with a realtor is important.
    • Buyers need to be realistic about their expectations.
    • Having a support team can ease the home buying process.
    • Emotional aspects of buying a home should not be overlooked.
    • Family and friends' opinions can influence decisions.
    • It's essential to ask questions and seek guidance.


    Make sure to check out our Youtube page for behind the scenes and deleteded clips! And listen to Alicia and Megan talk more about things not important but might get you thinking....


    27 min
  • Addicted, Homeless, Pregnant... and Then Everything Changed

    What happens when a straight-A student and student council president spirals into addiction by age 16 — and ends up homeless, pregnant, and battling for her life?

    In this raw and powerful episode of Kick It Up a Notch, Jenny McBride sits down with Julie Greer, who shares her extraordinary journey from inhalants at 12 years old to long-term recovery, motherhood, and leadership in healthcare. Julie opens up about the painful moments that nearly destroyed her — and the divine interventions, 12-step program, and deep self-work that brought her back to life.

    If you or someone you love has been affected by addiction, teen substance abuse, recovery, or mental health struggles, this conversation will give you hope, perspective, and proof that healing is possible.

    🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:

    • How early peer pressure led to addiction

    • The truth about hitting rock bottom

    • What finally led Julie to seek treatment

    • Her inspiring path to recovery, motherhood, and purpose

    • How to support a loved one struggling with addiction

      00:00 Introduction to Julie Greer's Journey

      05:29 The Impact of Peer Pressure and Bullying

      10:14 High School Challenges and Escalation of Substance Use

      18:41 Pregnancy and the Struggle with Addiction

      22:43 Finding Hope in Recovery

      26:36 The Journey to Treatment and Recovery

      27:38 The Journey to Recovery: Just for Today

      28:34 Finding Support in Treatment

      30:19 Pivotal Moments in Recovery

      31:39 The Importance of Community in Recovery

      33:26 Rebuilding Life After Treatment

      34:38 Facing Obstacles in Sobriety

      36:34 Understanding Addiction as a Disease

      37:59 Creating a Loving Family Environment

      39:55 Redefining Success in Recovery

      40:41 Finding Purpose in Helping Others

      45:16 Guidance for Those Seeking Help

      46:57 The Role of Interventions in Recovery

      49:37 Messages to My Younger Self

      50:21 Hope and Advice for Loved Ones

    54 min
  • Katy Perry Went to Space, But Could She Survive a Camping Trip?

    In this episode of Kick It Up a Notch, hosts Megan Thomas and Alicia Venson dive into a variety of engaging topics, starting with a humorous debate on whether 100 unarmed men could take down a silverback gorilla. They explore the implications of space tourism, particularly focusing on Katy Perry's recent space flight, and discuss the nature of astronaut training and the role of women in space exploration. The conversation takes a whimsical turn as they theorize about aliens and human existence, wrapping up with light-hearted banter about what they would pack for a trip to space. In this episode, the hosts engage in humorous discussions about hypothetical scenarios involving road trips to space, the safety of women in the wilderness, and the ongoing court case of Diddy. They explore the societal perceptions of danger, particularly regarding encounters with wildlife versus men, and share their thoughts on celebrity trials and public opinion. The conversation is light-hearted yet touches on serious themes of safety and justice.

    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

    02:51 The Great Gorilla vs. 100 Men Debate

    06:01 Exploring the Space Tourism Phenomenon

    09:02 Katy Perry's Space Flight and Its Implications

    11:58 The Nature of Space Travel and Astronaut Training

    14:53 The Role of Women in Space Exploration

    17:50 Theoretical Discussions on Aliens and Human Existence

    21:07 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

    28:00 Road Trip to Space: A Fun Imagination

    29:57 Women’s Safety: Bears vs. Men in the Woods

    36:03 Wilderness Dilemmas: Which is Worse?

    43:55 Diddy’s Court Case: Celebrity Trials and Public Perception

    57 min
  • Evansville & Newburgh Real Estate Reality Check: Trends, Timing & Tough Questions

    In this episode of Kick It Up a Notch, Megan and Jenny break down the ever-evolving real estate market with fresh insights and local updates. From post-COVID shifts to current pricing trends and inventory struggles, they tackle what buyers and sellers really need to know. Tune in as they dig into mortgage rates, affordability challenges, and what it actually means to “time the market.” Whether you're a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or just real estate-curious, this episode gives you a boots-on-the-ground look at what’s really happening—and how to make smart moves in any market.

    34 min
  • Faith, Family, and Conquering Espresso Machines with Chelsie Garrett

    In this inspiring episode, Megan and Jenny sit down with Chelsie Garrett to dive into her incredible journey from side hustles to full-time entrepreneurship.

    Chelsie shares how she and her husband built their dream together—balancing marriage, family life, and launching the beloved Revival Coffee Company. We talk about the realities of managing multiple businesses, staying grounded in faith, and what it really means to engage with your community.

    From late-night brainstorming to early morning coffee pours, this episode is all about finding balance, embracing the hustle, and trusting the process.https://cgsdetailing.com

    https://revival-coffee.co


    43 min
  • From College Dreams to Real Estate Wins - The Power Of Never Giving Up with Carol Seiler-Kirchoff

    In this episode of Kick It Up a Notch, Megan and Jenny sit down with a special guest to talk about the winding road from choosing the University of Kentucky to diving headfirst into a career in real estate. 🚀 They share honest moments about overcoming doubts, getting off the waitlist, and navigating the tough transition from college life to full-time entrepreneurship.
    Plus — they swap stories about live music adventures, chasing down tickets, and celebrating the epic return of Cross Canadian Ragweed! 🎸🔥
    Get ready for real talk, laughs, and a whole lot of inspiration.

    #KickItUpANotch #RealEstateJourney #CollegeToCareer #LiveMusicMagic

    50 min
  • Before It's Too Late: What We Wish We Knew Caring for Our Parents

    You’ll never regret being there — but you will regret not being ready.

    In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode of Kick It Up A Notch, Megan Thomas and Jenny McBride share the untold truths they learned the hard way after losing a parent. From last-minute chaos to moments of peace and clarity, they walk you through everything they wish someone had told them before their family members got sick.

    If you still have a parent alive, or if you’re currently walking the heartbreaking journey of caregiving, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

    Learn how simple conversations, preparation, and small steps today can save your family enormous heartache later.
    We aren’t experts — we're daughters who lived it — and we want to share what we learned with love, vulnerability, and a little laughter along the way.

    Because when the time comes, you deserve to be present, peaceful, and proud — not scrambling.

    🎧 Hit play now — this conversation could change everything for your family.

    Subscribe, follow, and get ready to kick it up a notch. 

    50 min
  • The Scale is Lying: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Real Health

    Ladies, if you've ever felt stuck, frustrated, or downright exhausted from trying to get “healthy” — this episode is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.

    Join your favorite real estate queens turned wellness warriors, Megan Thomas and Jenny McBride, as they sit down with powerhouse fitness and lifestyle coach Ashtin Seaton, the woman behind the wildly popular Fiercely Fit Facebook group with over 6,800 women strong.

    Ashtin gets real about how she went from a former athlete to gaining the "Freshman 30," hitting rock bottom during COVID, and rebuilding her health, confidence, and business — one habit at a time.

    This isn’t a “drink celery juice and be skinny” kind of episode. This is the tough-love-meets-grace message every woman needs:
     Why the scale is the least important metric.
     How “just be perfect” is sabotaging your results.
     Why lifting weights won’t make you bulky (and will help you look and feel younger).
     The truth about convenience culture, processed food, and your energy levels.
     How to ditch the comparison trap and finally build confidence that lasts.

    Whether you’re a busy mom, career-focused woman, or someone who just knows it’s time to finally put herself first — this episode will inspire you to stop starting over and start stacking 1% wins every day.

     Because your body, your energy, and your LIFE deserve more than a crash diet and a Pinterest workout plan.

    Subscribe, follow, and get ready to kick it up a notch. 

    Follow Ashtin https://www.facebook.com/groups/337461134924546

    https://www.instagram.com/ashtinseatonfit/


    #KickItUpANotchPodcast | #FiercelyFit | #1PercentBetter

    47 min

About Kick It Up A Notch

From the publisher's feed

Kick It Up A Notch is a podcast that shines a spotlight on extraordinary individuals making a real difference in their communities. Hosted by Jenny McBride and Megan Thomas, two dynamic real estate…