In Episode 13 of Season 2, Ali Stofflet offers a refreshingly candid look at entrepreneurship, anxiety, and the myth of the “dream business.” With heartfelt honesty, she shares her journey from owning a holistic parenting product distribution company to reentering the workforce as the Director of Business Outreach and Growth at the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce.

Ali discusses how the pressure of business ownership triggered panic attacks and constant stress, ultimately leading her to seek stability, collaboration, and a sense of peace through a W-2 role. Her story challenges the glamorized narratives of small business ownership often found on social media, and instead highlights the invisible labor, emotional toll, and self-doubt that frequently accompany the entrepreneurial path.

This episode explores the deeper truth that ambition and anxiety often co-exist, and that success isn’t always about pushing harder. It’s sometimes about choosing differently. Ali discusses how communities can better support small business owners not just economically, but emotionally. She also unpacks the power of collaboration, the need for honest conversations about burnout, and the importance of shifting public perceptions around entrepreneurship.

In a surprising and metaphor-rich segment, Ali reflects on what beekeeping has taught her about business, community, and grace. Her reflections offer both personal insight and collective wisdom, especially for anyone questioning the roles they’re expected to play.

Guest Information:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-ali-stofflet-90a494a6/

References:

Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce – https://www.arvadachamber.org/

Porchlight Family Justice Center – https://www.porchlightfjc.org/

Arvada Sunrise Rotary – https://arvadasunriserotary.org/

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Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion. Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

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In Episode 12 of Season 2, Gretchen Morgan, Managing Partner at the Center for Innovation in Education, shares her insights from decades of work across classrooms, state agencies, and national education initiatives. This episode explores the current challenges facing public education, the historic roots of standardized testing, and the widening debate over the value of public assets in American society.

Gretchen unpacks the concept of systemic symmetry: the idea that everything from curriculum to teacher support must align with how we expect learning to happen. She critiques the rise of national voucher programs and the potential erosion of public education as a shared societal investment, pointing to how privatization can reinforce social and racial inequities rather than solve them.

Despite the weight of these issues, the conversation remains grounded in possibility. Gretchen shares stories of hope from initiatives like Colorado’s Homegrown Talent Initiative and local coalition-building in places like Kentucky, Mississippi, and Vermont. She highlights how community-driven processes, when rooted in inclusion, empathy, co-creation, and reciprocity, can rebuild trust between schools and the communities they serve.

Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how public education reflects broader societal values and how intentional, human-centered change is both necessary and possible. This episode is essential for educators, parents, policymakers, and anyone invested in the future of equitable, responsive learning environments.

Guest Information:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-morgan-0145634/

References:

Center for Innovation in Education (CIE) – https://www.innovationed.org

Homegrown Talent Initiative (HTI) – Led by Colorado Succeeds and the Colorado Education Initiative (CEI)

CareerWise Colorado – Youth apprenticeship system

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion. Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

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In Episode 11 of Season 2, Angela Martinez joins the show to share her extraordinary story of redemption, resilience, and reclaiming purpose. A first-generation college graduate and proud single mother of two, Angela reflects on her journey from a 10th grade dropout facing a 6–8 year prison sentence to graduating college with honors, earning 13 academic cords, and building a meaningful career dedicated to supporting others.

Angela discusses her pivotal turning points—including time in jail, recovery court, and transitional housing—and how she leaned into community, mentorship, and education as lifelines. Her story highlights the importance of programs like Thrive Transformation at Work, Women With a Cause, and Beyond Home in helping justice-impacted individuals and those in recovery rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. She also explores how self-advocacy, second-chance employment, and storytelling have been sources of personal power and transformation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, perspective on reentry and recovery, or an authentic conversation about how change is possible—even in the face of overwhelming odds. Angela’s voice is a powerful reminder that the road to success is rarely linear, and that sharing our full, unfiltered stories can create meaningful impact.

If you’ve ever doubted your ability to start over or wondered about the true role of community and support, this episode will leave you motivated, moved, and more committed than ever to owning your story.

Guest Information:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-martinez-b25764115/

References:

Thrive Home Page - Thrive - Employment Support: https://thrivecolorado.org/

GlobalMindED – Inclusive Success Network - Education Support: https://globalminded.org/

GlobalMindED - Emerging Leaders : Overview | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/globalmindedyp/?viewAsMember=true

BeyondHome (Arvada, CO) – Transitional housing program supporting families on the path to self-sufficiency: https://beyondhome.org/

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion. Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In Episode 10 of Season 2, Maggie Kinneberg shares her journey at the intersections of food systems, learning, and community health. Her career spans nonprofit leadership, nutrition education, food access logistics, and movement-based wellness programs. With a deep commitment to resilience, adaptability, and empowerment, she discusses how her values have shaped both her professional path and personal philosophy.

Maggie reflects on how her own health journey, shaped by her upbringing in rural Michigan and a transformative move to Colorado, led her to explore nutrition, movement, and community engagement. She highlights the realities of food insecurity, the role of accessible nutrition education, and how structural challenges in the food system impact health outcomes.

A dedicated martial artist, Maggie explores how Jiujitsu, Judo, and Tai Chi have shaped her mindset, discipline, and leadership approach. She draws connections between movement practices and personal development, explaining how principles like flow, patience, and constructive conflict translate into professional and community-building work.

This episode delves into spirituality, resilience, and the importance of embracing discomfort as a pathway to growth. Maggie offers insights on living with intentionality, integrating personal values into professional life, and fostering holistic well-being for both individuals and communities. Whether the focus is food justice, personal wellness, or leadership, her story is a compelling testament to the power of interconnectedness and finding purpose through service.

Guest Information:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mag_neato/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-brown-kinneberg-a8554365/

References:

Women’s Bean Project - https://www.womensbeanproject.com/

Jocko Willink - https://jocko.com/

Dollar Tree Dinners - https://www.instagram.com/dtdinners/

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion. Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In Episode 9 of Season 2, Erika Krouse, award-winning author of Tell Me Everything: The Story of a Private Investigation and the newly released short story collection Save Me Stranger, explores the intersections of personal history, professional identity, and storytelling. As a former private investigator, Krouse reflects on the challenges of working on the first-ever Title IX sexual assault case while grappling with her own past, a tension that ultimately shaped her memoir.

This conversation delves into the power of narrative—both in fiction and real life—as a means of self-exploration and healing. Krouse discusses the role of underdogs in literature, the way personal experiences shape creative work, and the evolving nature of identity. She also shares insights into the “code” that protagonists (and people) carry, how internal narratives influence decisions, and why unresolved questions often drive the best stories.

With reflections on the nonlinear paths of careers, the balance between vulnerability and power, and the ways storytelling connects people, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the impact of personal history on creative expression. A must-listen for writers, artists, and anyone drawn to the complexities of human experience.

Guest Information:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/erikakrouse/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erika.krouse#

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/erikakrouse.bsky.social

WEB: https://www.erikakrousewriter.com/

References:

Lighthouse Writers Workshop - https://lighthousewriters.org/

Books by Erika Krouse:

Tell Me Everything: The Story of a Private Investigation (memoir) - https://bookshop.org/p/books/tell-me-everything-the-story-of-a-private-investigation-erika-krouse/16720644?ean=9781250240309&next=t&affiliate=2186

Save Me Stranger (short story collection) - https://bookshop.org/p/books/save-me-stranger-stories-erika-krouse/20981734?ean=9781250240330

Come Up and See Me Sometime (short fiction) - https://bookshop.org/p/books/come-up-and-see-me-sometime-stories-erika-krouse/6769228?ean=9781501142727&next=t

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion. Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In Episode 8 of Season 2, Fawn O’Breitzman, founder of The Sexploratorium, shares how she turned a career in academia into a mission to revolutionize sex education. With over 25 years of experience teaching sex and gender studies, she discusses the deep-rooted gaps in sex ed, the cultural forces shaping them, and why shame-free, fact-based education is so essential.

A stage 4 lymphoma diagnosis became the catalyst for a bold decision—cashing out her retirement to create an educational sex museum unlike anything else in the world. The Sexploratorium, located in Denver, challenges taboos, normalizes discussions around sexuality and gender, and provides a safe space for learning.

Fawn dives into the state of sex education in the U.S., the barriers to comprehensive learning, and the generational misconceptions that persist. She also explores the censorship of sexuality, the erasure of sex workers from history, and the unexpected ways the museum has become a resource for the LGBTQ+ community, the sober community, and those seeking honest conversations about sex.

This episode is an eye-opening look at how history, culture, and policy impact what we learn about our own bodies—and why it’s time for change. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or simply curious, Fawn’s insights will challenge assumptions and inspire a new way of thinking about sex education.

Guest Information:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexploratoriumdenver

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sexploratoriumdenver/

Web: https://www.sexploratoriumdenver.com/museum

References:

Museum of Sex (New York City) – https://www.museumofsex.com/

NEMO Science Museum (Amsterdam) – https://www.nemosciencemuseum.nl/

Freakonomics (Book by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner) – https://freakonomics.com/books/#freakonomics

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion. Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In Episode 7 of Season 2, Ellen Frazier, a certified peer support specialist, entrepreneur, and advocate for alcohol-free living, shares her transformative journey from an all-consuming career in mortgages to a purpose-driven life. After achieving two years of sobriety and a 100-pound weight loss, Ellen founded Booze Free Babes, a thriving community that supports women embracing a sober lifestyle.

She opens up about the challenges of breaking free from the work-hard, play-hard mentality, how the pandemic intensified stress and unhealthy habits, and the pivotal moment that led her to reclaim her well-being. Through therapy, yoga, and a strong support system, Ellen discovered the power of self-love and intentional change. She explores the importance of habit stacking, recovery capital, and writing a contract to herself as key elements in her personal evolution.

Beyond her work in recovery, Ellen is a mortgage broker and real estate investor, redefining success on her terms. She discusses drinking culture in corporate spaces, the emotional shifts of sobriety, and the necessity of building community for sustainable change.

Whether you’re sober-curious, in recovery, or looking for inspiration to make bold changes, this episode is packed with insights on resilience, personal growth, and embracing a fulfilling, alcohol-free lifestyle.

Guest Information:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-frazier/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boozefreebabeschs/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecfrazier/

WEB: www.EllenFrazier.com

Booze Free Babes – https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Porsvkb4i/

References:

Books on Sobriety (“Quit Lit”)

•This Naked Mind by Annie Grace - https://thisnakedmind.com/this-naked-mind/

•Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker - https://mariashriver.com/quit-like-a-woman/

James Clear’s Atomic Habits – https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion. Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In Episode 6 of Season 2, Leslie Newell, a former tech executive turned entrepreneur, explores the powerful intersection of leadership, business strategy, and home life. Drawing from her experience at companies like Slack, Wayfair, and Artifact Uprising, she shares how product management, agile methodologies, and systems thinking can revolutionize the way busy professionals manage their households.

As the founder of Bright Violet Home, Leslie helps corporate parents apply proven workplace strategies to streamline their home life, reducing mental load and increasing efficiency. She delves into the challenges of balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities, exploring how leadership principles—such as empowerment, intentional decision-making, and adaptability—translate from the workplace to the home.

The discussion also touches on the pressures of modern parenting, societal expectations, and how parents can create sustainable, values-driven home systems that actually work. Leslie shares insights on the power of experimentation, the role of habits in personal success, and how embracing one’s unique approach—whether highly analytical, creative, or structured—can lead to a thriving home life.

For high-achieving professionals feeling the strain of balancing work and home, this episode offers actionable insights and a fresh perspective on leading a home, not just managing it.

Guest Information:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliegnewell/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brightviolethome/

Free Work-to-Home Superpowers Assessment: https://www.brightviolethome.com/smallacts  

References:

Bright Violoet Home - https://www.brightviolethome.com/
Dr. Becky (Good Inside) - https://www.goodinside.com/
Marie Kondo - https://konmari.com/

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion. Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In Episode 5 of Season 2, Aaron Brown, an associate professor of engineering at Colorado State University, shares his unconventional career journey spanning humanitarian engineering, renewable energy, and systems thinking. Starting as a self-described “marginal professional cyclist” racing in Italy, Aaron eventually transitioned to working on cutting-edge aerospace projects, including the Mars Rover landing mechanism.

Despite reaching what many consider the pinnacle of engineering success, Aaron found himself unfulfilled. He pivoted toward humanitarian engineering, focusing on empowering underserved communities through sustainable technology solutions. From developing solar heating for low-income neighborhoods to 3D printing ventilator components during COVID-19, Aaron’s work aligns technical expertise with social impact.

He also opens up about navigating academia, the complexities of workplace culture shifts, and the importance of finding environments that align with personal values. This conversation explores the intersection of innovation, ethics, and impact, offering insights on trusting your instincts, recognizing when it’s time to pivot, and applying creativity to solve real-world problems.

For those interested in engineering for social good, career transitions, or aligning work with values, this episode delivers thought-provoking takeaways and inspiration.

Guest Information:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-brown-phd-13258615/

References:

Engineers Without Borders - https://ewb-usa.org/

Veterans Without Borders - https://www.vwb.org/

Soda Can Solar Heating Project - https://www.nprillinois.org/2014-03-06/soda-can-solar-furnace-helps-cut-heating-bills

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion. Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!

In Episode 4 of Season 2, Dr. Violeta Garcia shares her insights on living with intentionality and challenging systemic norms to foster equity and authenticity. A Latina executive, bilingual educator, and systems engineer, Dr. Violeta combines her expertise in ecology, systems change, and leadership to inspire individuals and organizations to align their values with their actions. She delves into the interconnected themes of mindset, manifestation, and money, exploring how they influence personal narratives and systemic change.

Through personal anecdotes and professional expertise, Dr. Violeta highlights the importance of self-advocacy, financial literacy, and setting boundaries. She introduces practical tools, like identifying survival, comfort, and wealth numbers, to help listeners move beyond scarcity mindsets and embrace their power to create meaningful lives.

Dr. Violeta also reflects on the role of community as an ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of fostering connections that honor diversity and mutual growth. From creating intentional spaces for BIPOC leaders to navigating the complexities of cultural expectations, her story is a compelling call to action for those seeking to live authentically and reshape the systems around them. Whether you’re rethinking your career, your values, or your role in the community, this episode offers powerful insights to inspire intentional change.

Guest Information:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ecosistemadesign/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvioletagarcia/
Ecositema Design: https://www.ecosistemadesign.com/

References:

Books Mentioned:

A More Beautiful Question by Warren Berger
Take Back Your Brain by Kara Loewentheil
How Not to Worry by Paul McGee

Organizations Mentioned:

Cafecito Denver: A networking group for Latina professionals 

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Credits and Acknowledgements:

Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/

Thank you for tuning into small acts of rebellion. Ready to start a revolution? Please share it with others who aspire to redefine success on their own terms.

Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of personal and professional defiance. For additional content, follow us on Instagram @smallactsofrebellionpodcast & @PridemoreCoaching and visit us at PridemoreCoaching.com.

Keep owning your story!