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

  • How One Social Worker is Quietly Changing Lives (and Teaching Us All to Slay)

    This episode of Kick It Up a Notch is pure heart and real talk. ✨ Megan Thomas sits down with Lindsay Miller — a middle school behavior specialist who’s on a mission to teach kids how to handle big emotions, build healthy relationships, and navigate today's wild world of social media, group chats, and peer pressure.

    Lindsay shares her hilarious (and touching) journey from interior design major to life-changing social worker, explains how slang like "clocked" and "cooked" dominates school hallways, and drops wisdom that adults need just as much as kids. 🙌

    You'll laugh, maybe tear up, and definitely walk away inspired to be that one positive person who can change a life. 🌱

    If you love stories about everyday heroes making a BIG difference (and want a crash course on today's teen slang 😎), this is one you don't want to miss.
    🎧 Listen now. And don't forget — YOU can be the reason someone says, "I made it because of you."

    https://linktr.ee/kickitupanotchpodcast

    #KickItUpANotchPodcast #SocialWorkersRock #MiddleSchoolMatters #SlayAllDay

    48 min
  • Overwhelmed, Exhausted, and Still Smiling? Let's Talk About the Real Reasons Why

    Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or just off and don’t know why? It might be more than just a bad day . 😔 In today’s powerful episode of Kick It Up a Notch, we sit down with Jill Cannon — a health coach, stress recovery expert, and inspiring single mama — to talk about the real struggles no one posts about.

    If you’ve ever felt like you should be happy but you're secretly falling apart... if you're juggling all the things and wondering why it's not enough... THIS is your episode. 💛

    From postpartum anxiety to hormone havoc to losing (and re-finding) yourself after motherhood, Jill shares raw, life-changing wisdom. We dig into why your coping mechanisms don't work anymore, why setting the dinner table perfectly won't fix your soul, and why giving yourself permission to rest is not lazy — it's survival.

    ✨ If your heart feels heavy and your body feels tired, you're not crazy, you're not alone, and you are absolutely enough.

    Tap play to hear real stories, real solutions, and real encouragement for the real you. Let's stop shaming ourselves and start healing together. 🧡

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553603620205

    https://www.instagram.com/deeper_health_coaching/

    39 min
  • From Doubt to Deals: Megan's Journey into Real Estate Investing

    cars, business and duplexs OH MY, a journey through investing.

    This week on Kick It Up a Notch, Megan is flying solo for the first time! 🚀 She’s pulling back the curtain on her real estate journey—from early struggles to big wins, unexpected challenges, and the lessons learned along the way. 💡🏡

    🔹 What is passive income really?
    🔹 How did Cody’s side hustles turn into full-scale investments?
    🔹 What did the pandemic teach us about risk and opportunity?
    🔹 The highs, the lows, and everything in between!

    📌 Tune in now and let us know your biggest takeaway! Don’t forget to use #KickItUpANotch to join the conversation.

    35 min
  • "From Heartache to Hope: A Journey Through Infertility and Adoption"

    This week on Kick It Up a Notch, we dive deep into an emotional and inspiring journey of infertility, adoption, and motherhood. 💕

    Hosts Megan Thomas and Jennifer McBride sit down with Taylor Sparks, who bravely shares her struggles with infertility, the heartbreak of loss, and the life-changing decision to adopt. Taylor opens up about the roller coaster of emotions, the importance of community support, and the incredible beauty of open adoption.

    If you've ever faced fertility challenges, considered adoption, or just want to hear an amazing story of resilience and love, this episode is for you. 💛

    48 min
  • The Hormone Secret: Why ‘Normal’ Labs Don’t Mean You’re Okay

    Exhausted, moody, gaining weight, or just not feeling like yourself? It might not be stress—it could be your hormones! In this episode of Kick It Up a Notch, we sit down with Jessica Blandford, a nurse practitioner at Optimize U, to dive deep into how hormone imbalances affect everything from energy levels to mental health, weight loss, and even relationships.

    If you’ve been told “your labs are normal” but still feel terrible, this is the episode for you! Jessica breaks down the biggest myths about hormone therapy, why traditional medicine might not have the answers, and how you can take control of your health.

    🔥 You don’t have to settle for feeling ‘fine’—you can feel OPTIMAL. 🔥

    Hit play to learn more, and don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this! #KickItUpANotchPodcast #HormoneHealth #OptimizeYou

    Kick It Up A Notch Sponsors

    ⁠⁠⁠McBride Real Estate Group⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠BrightSpire Business Partners ⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠Grable CPA⁠⁠⁠


    Follow us on Social Media

    ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠TikTok

    49 min
  • She Makes Bank: Ditch the Dependence & Build Real Wealth

    🎙 She Makes Bank: Ditch the Dependence & Build Real Wealth 💰🔥

    Ladies, let’s get real. What would you do if, overnight, the income you rely on disappeared? Could you cover the bills? Take care of your family? Too many women find themselves financially vulnerable because they’ve put their trust—and their future—in someone else’s hands.

    But here’s the truth: "A man is not a financial plan."

    In this powerful episode of Kick It Up A Notch, we’re talking about why financial independence is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re married, single, a stay-at-home mom, or a career-driven woman, you need a plan that puts YOU in control. Because life happens. Jobs are lost, marriages end, and the unexpected can change everything in an instant.

    🔑 Here’s what you’ll learn:✅ How childhood experiences shape your money mindset✅ Why relying on one income (even if it’s yours) is a risky bet✅ The non-negotiable financial steps every woman should take✅ How to build your ‘just in case’ fund & break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle✅ The hard conversations you NEED to have about money✅ Why you should stop waiting for permission and start grabbing opportunities

    You are capable. You are worthy. And you deserve financial security on YOUR terms. No one is going to hand it to you—it’s something you have to build for yourself.

    🚀 Ready to take control? DM us @kickitupanotchpodcast and tell us your first step toward financial independence. We’re cheering you on! 💪✨

    #KickItUpANotch #SheMakesBank #FinancialIndependence #WomenAndMoney #BossMindset #MoneyMatters #BuildYourWealth

    ⁠Here is the She Makes Bank Action Plan⁠


    Kick It Up A Notch Sponsors

    ⁠McBride Real Estate Group⁠

    ⁠BrightSpire Business Partners ⁠

    ⁠Grable CPA⁠


    Follow us on Social Media

    ⁠Facebook⁠

    ⁠Instagram⁠

    ⁠TikTok

    21 min
  • Breaking the Silence: Supporting Survivors with Gina Gist from Albion Fellows Bacon Center

    In this episode, Megan and Jenny engage with Gina Gist, the executive director of Albion Fellows Bacon Center, to discuss the critical issues surrounding domestic and sexual violence. They explore the various services provided by the center, including mobile advocacy, the importance of recognizing early signs of abuse, and the challenges faced by survivors. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support, the role of education in prevention, and the significance of self-care for advocates working in this emotionally taxing field. Gina shares insights on how to help loved ones in abusive situations and the importance of being a non-judgmental support system.

    45 min
  • 🎙️ Empowering Warriors: Healing Tools for Veterans & First Responders

    In this powerful episode ofKick It Up a Notch,hosts Megan Thomas and Jenny McBride sit down withKeri McBride, President ofHealing Tools for Warriors Midwest. They discussveteran advocacy, PTSD recovery, service dogs, and the power of community support forveterans, first responders, and their families.

    💙What You'll Learn:
    ✔️ HowHealing Tools for Warriors supports veterans & first responders
    ✔️ Thevital role of family & community in healing PTSD
    ✔️ Howservice dogs provide life-changing support
    ✔️ Whymental health awareness is essential for caregivers
    ✔️ The impact ofretreats, music therapy, and advocacy programs

    🛑You Are Not Alone. You Are Accepted. 🛑

    🔗Listen now to hear real stories of resilience, connection, and healing!Follow & subscribe for more inspiring conversations onveterans' mental health, family support, and community initiatives.

    #VeteranSupport #ServiceDogs #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSDRecovery #FirstResponderCare #HealingToolsForWarriors #KickItUpANotch #CommunityHealing

    https://linktr.ee/kickitupanotchpodcast

    Healing Tools for Warriors Midwest

    49 min
  • Dog Lovers Unite: Lauren Perigo on how Walking Shelter Pups Changes Lives!

    🐶 Dog lovers, this one’s for you! In this episode of Kick It Up A Notch, we sit down with Lauren Perigo, the founder of War Tales on Trails, a heartwarming program that helps shelter dogs get exercise, socialization, and a better chance at adoption.

    🚶‍♂️ Whether you're passionate about dog rescue, volunteering, pet adoption, or just love heartwarming animal stories, you won’t want to miss this conversation! Lauren shares how walking shelter dogs improves their well-being, helps them find forever homes, and even provides emotional healing for participants.

    🐾 Topics We Cover:
    ✅ How War Tales on Trails is changing the lives of shelter dogs & people
    ✅ The best dog breeds for first-time owners
    ✅ What to look for when choosing a rescue dog
    ✅ How volunteering to walk shelter dogs can boost your mental health
    ✅ The exciting world of dog sports like Rally & Agility

    🎧 Tune in now to hear inspiring stories, expert dog training tips, and learn how YOU can make a difference!

  • Facebook: Warrick Tails on Trails
  • 🔗 Follow & Subscribe for more stories of incredible people making a big impact in their communities! 🐕💙 #DogRescue #AdoptDontShop #ShelterDogs #KickItUpANotch #WarTalesOnTrails

    Don’t forget to follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content and updates:

    • Instagram: @KickItUpANotchPodcast
    • Facebook: Kick It Up A Notch Podcast
    • Tik Tok: @KickItUpANotchPodcast
    • 34 min
    • Transforming Health and Fitness with Steve Pickering: The Journey Behind Skinny Jane & Lean 180

      In this episode of Kick It Up a Notch, Jenny McBride and Megan Thomas sit down with Steve Pickering, a business-savvy fitness expert with over 16 years of experience in health and weight loss. Steve shares his inspiring journey from starting a personal training career in college to building Skinny Jane and Lean 180, innovative fitness brands that have transformed countless lives. Learn about his approach to tailored fitness for women, his groundbreaking protein and supplement lines, and his tips for starting and sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether you're a busy parent, a fitness enthusiast, or just beginning your wellness journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights and motivational advice to help you kick it up a notch in your health goals. Don’t miss it!

      https://www.skinnyjane.com/

      https://lean180.com/

      46 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…