Operation Flourish

In this episode, Kayla sits down with her fellow "bangs queen" and absolute powerhouse, Jasmine Fondrisi. Jasmine holds an MBA, has a background in television broadcasting and acting, and currently serves as Miss Indiana South. But beyond her impressive resume, Jasmine is a woman on a mission to help others "live life on fire” through her Violet’s Victory Foundation initiative.

Following her sister’s sudden brain tumor diagnosis in February 2025, Jasmine’s family was thrown into a whirlwind of medical information and a challenging recovery process that required her sister to relearn how to walk and talk. Out of that trial, Jasmine founded Violet’s Victory Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to supporting patients and caregivers walking this incredibly difficult path.

Tune in as Kayla and Jasmine dive deep into the mental grit required for physical rehabilitation, essential resources for medical caregivers, the electric energy of Dance Marathons, and how to maintain hope and flourish even in the midst of life's heaviest health battles.

Key Takeaways From This Episode:

The Sudden Shift: Navigating the emotional whirlwind of a sudden, life-altering medical diagnosis within a family.

Caregiver Resources: Essential networks, support systems, and advice for families trying to process overwhelming medical information.

Violet’s Victory Fund: How Jasmine’s foundation and their partnership with Norton Children’s Hospital are providing financial relief and emotional light to families.

Two Truths & A Lie: Find out if Jasmine really got called adorable by John Corbett, outgrew her food allergies, or got her start running at Disney!

💡Support The Mission:

You can directly impact the lives of children and families fighting pediatric brain tumors.

Click Here to Donate to Violet’s Victory Fund (https://p2p.onecause.com/violetsvictory/donate?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio)

Connect With Jasmine:

Instagram: @JasmineFondrisi (https://www.instagram.com/JasmineFondrisi) & @MissIndianaSouth.IN (https://www.instagram.com/MissIndianaSouth.IN)

Connect With Kayla:

Instagram: @ChooseHealthMAO @MissNortheastIN

Website: www.operationflourish.com

If this story inspired you, please share this episode with someone who needs a reminder of strength today, and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! See you next Thursday!

Welcome back to Season 4 of Operation Flourish! After an intentional pause following two major knee surgeries, host Kayla Myers is back to share a vulnerable look into a season she never planned for. Moving from competitively Spartan Racing to relearning how to walk and spin a bike pedal, Kayla had to confront the trap of wearing "busy" as a badge of honor.

In this episode, Kayla shares how a forced slowdown taught her to give herself permission to rest, heal, and choose herself. If you are currently navigating a season of physical, mental, or emotional recovery, this episode is your reminder that you aren't falling behind, you are rebuilding your foundation.

Key Takeaways:

The "Never Enough" Trap: Uncoupling your personal worth from constant hustle and productivity.

The Truth About Saying Yes: Why overextending to others means saying no to yourself.

The #ChooseHealth Pillars in Recovery: How Kayla reframed movement, nutrition, sleep, mental health, and boundaries to heal holistically from the inside out.

Presence Over Pressure: Shifting mindsets ahead of the Miss Indiana competition to prioritize sustainability over speed, and purpose over perfection.

Connect With Kayla:

Reach out via DM or email to connect, or let me know what you want to hear next!

Instagram: @ChooseHealthMAO @MissNortheastIN

Website: www.operationflourish.com

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs permission to slow down today.

In this transformative conversation, Morgan Mohler, Miss Midwest, bravely opens up about the deeply personal adversities and life-altering challenges she's faced – from profound grief and loss to unexpected physical setbacks. She takes us back to the moments that ignited her passion to not just survive, but to truly flourish, and how this raw experience became the very spark for her groundbreaking platform of Living L.IF.E. Limitless.

Morgan breaks down her powerful "L.I.F.E." framework:

• L - Learn

• I - Imagine

• F - Focus

• E - Earn

Plus, Morgan shares details about her incredible resources – her "Living Limitless" journal, her podcast, and her documentary.

If you've ever felt held back by circumstances or self-doubt, this episode is a must-listen. Morgan's story is a testament to the power of resilience, and her framework provides the roadmap to a life filled with purpose and potential. Tune in to be inspired and equipped with actionable steps to live your L.I.F.E. Limitless!

Connect with Morgan:

Instagram: @missmidwestmn2025

https://msha.ke/morganmohler2022

https://morganmohler.com/

Host Kayla Myers pulls back the curtain for a truly "unfiltered update" on what's been happening behind the scenes. Kayla kicks things off by sharing exciting news about a recent certification she's received, designed to bring even more transformative tools to help you master your mindset.

But beyond the professional updates, Kayla gets vulnerable, sharing a story of a recent life update that was initially jarring and completely unexpected. What seemed like a curveball at first, however, began to reveal itself as a hidden opportunity, teaching invaluable lessons along the way.

Join Kayla as she unpacks this personal journey and reveals three key takeaways that can help you navigate your own unexpected moments with resilience and an eye for hidden potential. This is an episode about embracing the unexpected, finding opportunities in adversity, and the power of mindset when life throws you a curveball. You won't want to miss this honest and inspiring conversation!

Join host Kayla Myers and special guest Elayna Hasty as they tackle the crucial topic of bullying prevention, offering listeners practical strategies and empowering insights.

Elayna Hasty, anti-bullying advocate, founder of G.A.B. Girls, and Miss Banks of the Wabash 2025, shares her personal experiences and expertise. You will learn about the root causes and devastating impact of bullying, and most importantly, what we can do – as individuals, as communities, and as a society – to stand up, speak out, and create lasting change as we work towards a safer, more respectful world.

Socials: 

IG @g.a.b.girls @MissBanksIN 

www.gabgirls.org 

linktr.ee/itselaynah 

https://pacerkidsagainstbullying.org/

Join host Kayla Myers as she sits down with the remarkable Maya Adkins, Miss Indiana South 2025, for an inspiring conversation about resilience, perseverance, and redefining success. Maya's journey to the crown wasn't a straight path; it was a series of challenges, setbacks, and ultimately, profound personal growth.

In this episode, listeners will learn:

• Maya's journey through the Miss America Opportunity system: Hear about her numerous local competitions and what initially drew her to pageantry.
• How to navigate the emotional challenges of repeated setbacks: Gain insights into Maya's experiences and the feelings she faced during her journey.
• Strategies for overcoming comparison and staying focused: Learn how Maya navigated feelings of comparison in a competitive environment.
• Mindset shifts for cultivating perseverance: Explore the specific techniques Maya used to build resilience.
• How to redefine success beyond titles and external validation: Understand how Maya shifted her perspective to value the journey over the outcome.
• How to balance pushing for goals with self-compassion: Discover the importance of kindness and compassion in achieving success.
• What "finding your crown beyond the title" truly means: Understand how Maya's journey has shaped her understanding of personal achievement.

This episode is a powerful reminder that true success lies in the journey, not just the destination. Maya's story will inspire you to embrace challenges, cultivate resilience, and find your own "crown" in any circumstance.

Maya’s Socials:

IG @MissIndianaSouthIN @AdkinsMaya

In this episode, we tackle the pressing issue of political polarization with Sherman Tylawsky, founder of The George Washington Institute, host of the 'Friends & Fellow Citizens' podcast, and a PhD candidate at the University of Alabama. Sherman brings a unique blend of historical perspective and contemporary insight, particularly from his experience during the January 6th insurrection.

In this episode, listeners will learn:

• Making politics personal and civics fun: Learn how to connect with civic duty in a relatable and engaging way.

• How historical lessons apply to today's political climate: Understand the George Washington Institute's mission and how it uses history to foster civic leadership.

• The root causes of political polarization: Discover the factors driving deep divisions in American politics, including the role of political identity and declining civic education.

• Practical strategies for constructive dialogue: Learn how to engage in healthy political conversations, focusing on humility, listening, and understanding.

• How to navigate conversations with differing opinions: Gain insights on setting boundaries and disengaging from toxic discussions.

• Sherman's advice for discussing hot topics: Learn how to approach complex issues with curiosity and personal storytelling.

• The importance of "Cherishing to Flourish": Understand the value of gratitude and respect in fostering personal and societal growth.

This episode offers valuable tools and perspectives for navigating the challenges of today's political landscape, empowering listeners to contribute to a more civil and engaged society.

Sherman’s Socials: 

Instagram: @shermtylaw

Facebook: @friendsfellowcitizens

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherman-tylawsky/

Important Links:

The 'Friends & Fellow Citizens' podcast website: ffc.buzzsprout.com 
The George Washington Institute website: georgewashingtoninstitute.org

In this powerful episode, we delve into a behind-the-scenes look at the sports industry with a truly remarkable guest, Ginger Gordon. Ginger is a data analyst for the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever, breaking barriers and making a significant impact behind the scenes. She also holds the title of Miss Hoosier Valley 2025, showcasing her diverse talents and dedication.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How data analytics shapes professional sports: Discover the crucial role of data in modern teams from an insider's perspective.

• The challenges women face in the sports industry: Gain insights into the disparities in pay, media coverage, and recognition for female athletes and professionals.

• The specific hurdles for female coaches: Understand the unique obstacles they encounter compared to male counterparts.

• How media impacts perceptions of women's sports: Explore the importance of balanced and equitable representation.

• The power of male allyship: Learn how men can contribute to a more inclusive environment.

• Ginger's vision for the future of women in sports: Get inspired by her hopeful outlook and practical advice for aspiring professionals.

Ginger’s Socials: 

Instagram - @misshoosiervalleyin , @fromfieldstofutures , @gingerggordon

In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week we're diving deep into a topic that affects far too many: eating disorders. Did you know someone dies every 52 minutes from an eating disorder? It's a stark reality, and it's why we're dedicated to shedding light on these complex mental illnesses.

This week's theme, "The Time is Now," is a call to action to dismantle the stigma and misconceptions surrounding eating disorders. We're joined by the incredible Kyah Preston, a passionate advocate and certified nutrition coach, who's here to share her personal journey and her powerful community service initiative, "More Than a Body."

Kyah and I, both survivors of eating disorders, understand the challenges firsthand. We'll be discussing the various types of eating disorders, the stigma surrounding eating disorders, the unique struggles men face, and the profound impact these illnesses have on every aspect of life – relationships, careers, and mental well-being.

In this episode, Kyah bravely shares her experiences, addressing the misconceptions, barriers to seeking help, and the crucial steps in her recovery. We'll explore how friends and family can provide more effective support and how we, as a society, can foster open conversations about mental health.

Kyah's "More Than a Body" initiative highlights the importance of recognizing our inherent worth beyond physical appearance. She'll also discuss how her journey has shaped her approach to nutrition coaching, emphasizing core principles that prioritize holistic well-being which aligns perfectly with my #ChooseHealth initiative.

Join us as we tackle tough questions, share vital resources, and remind you that you are so much more than a body. We’ll cover early warning signs of unhealthy relationships with food, and provide resources for those struggling, or those that have a loved one that is struggling. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and empowered. Let’s Flourish together.

This episode features conversations about eating disorders, which some listeners may find triggering. We understand that this topic can be sensitive and difficult. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources are available below.

Kyah’s Socials: 

IG @kyah.preston @kyahpreston

Resources:

NEDA: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ 

NEDA Screening Tool https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool/ 

Centers for Change: https://centerforchange.com/ 

Eating Disorder Hope: https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/ 

To search through online treatment provider databases, please visit: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/find-treatment/ 

To search through research study opportunities, please visit: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/research-study-listings/ 

Recovery Record Self-Help App

Imagine a world where no one goes hungry. On this episode of Operation Flourish, we're not just talking about hunger; we're talking about solutions. Food insecurity is a hidden crisis affecting millions, and it's something host Kayla Myers experienced firsthand. This week, we sit down with the incredible Dominga Murray – a force of nature who's not only Miss South Florida 2024, but also a news reporter and a passionate advocate fighting to end hunger. Dominga shares her powerful personal story and the driving force behind her initiative, "Hunger Has A Cure." 

We break down what food insecurity really means, going beyond the simple definition to explore its devastating impact on families. Dominga's unique approach, using her business Iris Clay & Co. to fund the fight against hunger is truly inspiring. If you have ever felt helpless in the face of such a huge problem, this episode is for you. We'll give you concrete, actionable steps you can take to make a difference in your own community. Plus, we'll discuss how we can push for real change at a systemic level. This isn't just another podcast about a problem; it's a conversation about hope, action, and the power of one person to make a world of difference.  Tune in to be inspired, get informed, and discover how you can be part of the solution.

Socials: 

IG, X, & FB @domingamurray 

IG: @misssouthfl and @irisclay_co
https://helpinghandsfooddistributors.org/lander