"Welcome back to Milkweed & Monarchs. In today’s episode, we’re setting sail into one of the most unforgettable chapters of my time on Guam. What began as a simple afternoon of sailing with friends quickly turned into a harrowing encounter with the raw power of the Pacific. It’s a story of beauty, fear, resilience, and the kind of memories that stay with you for a lifetime. Join me as I revisit the day we ventured beyond the safety of the harbor—and discovered just how small we can feel against the vastness of the sea."

Sometimes the smallest choices—like what we order for lunch—can lead to the biggest twists in our lives. In this episode of Milkweed & Monarchs, I take you back to my 18-year-old self, a waitress at the Old 99, navigating work, friendships, and the excitement of a simple Quarter Pounder with cheese. What started as an ordinary day turned into an unforgettable lesson about fate, resilience, and the way life can surprise us when we least expect it. Join me as I share the story of how one meal, one night, and one unexpected hospital stay shaped the way I see food, friendship, and the fragility of health.

Hi friends, and welcome back to Milkweed & Monarchs. I’m your host, Dawn Klem, and today I’m inviting you into a memory that’s etched into my heart—a story of childhood innocence, unexpected friendships, and the quiet magic of growing up in a simpler time.

In this episode, I take you back to the early 1960s, to a hill overlooking the football field at Hillsdale College, where my little brother and I found joy, freedom, and connection in the most unexpected of places. It’s a story about community, about how children see the world without filters, and about how a shared Coke bottle became a symbol of something much bigger.

So grab a cup of something warm, settle in, and let’s journey together to a time when the world felt just a little more open, and a lot more kind.

There are moments in life when everything shifts—quietly, unexpectedly, like the hush before a monarch takes flight. In today’s episode, we explore one of those turning points. It’s a story stitched together with vulnerability, courage, and the kind of grace that only comes from weathering the storm. Whether you’re in the middle of your own metamorphosis or simply seeking a reminder that change is possible, this conversation is for you. So settle in. Let’s wander through the milkweed and see what emerges.

Welcome back to Milkweed & Monarchs, where stories bloom with resilience, connection, and the quiet power of transformation. I’m your host, Dawn Klem.

Today’s episode is a tribute—raw, personal, and deeply human. It’s about my Aunt Sue: a woman whose life was stitched together with compassion, quiet strength, and an unwavering devotion to others. From her years as a social worker to her porch-side coffee chats with my mom, Aunt Sue embodied the kind of everyday grace that often goes unnoticed—but never unfelt.

This story isn’t just about memory. It’s about the heartbreak of loss, the frustration of bureaucracy, and the ache of not being able to say goodbye the way we hoped. It’s also about love—the kind that persists through distance, silence, and even death.

So settle in. This one’s for Aunt Sue, and for anyone who’s ever tried to honor someone they loved in a world that didn’t make it easy.

Welcome to Milkweed & Monarchs – Episode 57: The Limousine

Hi everyone, I’m Dawn Klem, and today I’m taking you on a ride—literally and emotionally. In this heartfelt episode, I share the story of how Craig and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary in a way that completely defied my “plain Jane” nature. From cryptic clues and single roses to a surprise limousine ride and a pearl necklace, this episode is a tribute to unexpected romance, thoughtful gestures, and the beauty of being loved just as you are.

Whether you’re someone who prefers jeans over jewels or you live for grand romantic gestures, this story will warm your heart and maybe even inspire your own celebration. Buckle up—this limousine ride is one for the memory books.

Welcome to Milkweed & Monarchs — the podcast where stories bloom and quirks are celebrated. I’m your host, Dawn Klem, and today we’re diving into a tale that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt.

In this episode, The Periscope, I reflect on the beauty of embracing our oddities — those little quirks that make us uniquely ourselves. From childhood insomnia to toe-wiggling anxiety, I share a story that starts with a quiet morning and ends with a laugh-out-loud realization involving a toy submarine, a periscope, and yes… my big toe.

It’s a lighthearted reminder that sometimes, the things we fear most turn out to be parts of ourselves we hadn’t yet learned to love. So settle in, smile, and let’s take a peek through the periscope together.

In this episode of Milkweed and Monarchs, I invite you into one of the most defining moments of my nursing career—a story that captures the grit, heart, and sometimes the fire it takes to truly advocate for a patient. Over four decades in health care taught me many things, but nothing more enduring than the responsibility to speak up when others can’t. Today, I share a raw and honest account from my time on the inpatient oncology unit—a day when frustration collided with purpose, and a fierce commitment to care broke through resistance. It’s a story of tension, transformation, and ultimately, connection. For every nurse who’s ever had to fight to be heard, this one’s for you.

Welcome back to Milkweed and Monarchs, where stories bloom with resilience and connection. I’m Dawn Klem, and today I’m inviting you into one of the most profound chapters of my nursing career—the moment I stepped into the role of a brain tumor navigator.

This wasn’t just a job change. It was a soul-shifting experience that arrived late in my professional journey, yet left the deepest imprint. From navigating uncertainty in a new clinic to forging bonds with patients and families facing unimaginable challenges, this role taught me more about life, empathy, and human strength than I ever expected.

In this episode, I’ll share how I found myself in a position I never anticipated, how three unforgettable patients helped shape my decision to retire, and why this final chapter became the most meaningful one of all. These stories aren’t just about medicine—they’re about transformation, grace, and the quiet power of showing up.

So settle in. Let’s begin with how the best came last.