Taking the Middle Seat

By Andrea Beck-Lundskow

Personal Journals Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality Other Kids & Family

What's Taking the Middle Seat about?

An interview-style podcast that explores the connection between us all. I think we're all sitting one seat apart right now so I'm taking the middle seat to ask the questions and draw us closer. I know that if we listen and connect, we'll find the magic in the middle seat.

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Taking the Middle Seat episodes:

12.13.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Shannon Cohen
On episode 47 I’m talking to Shannon Cohen, (Facebook, Instagram) difference maker, speaker, writer entrepreneur and encourager. She is like no other. I’m telling you right now. She hosts her own inspiring podcast called Tough Skin, Soft...
11.25.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Marcy Larson, Andy's Mom
On episode 46, I’m talking to Dr. Marcy Larson, host of the podcast, Losing a Child: Always Andy’s Mom (Facebook). She is a pediatrician, wife and mom to 4 including a daughter, 2 sons and 1 foster son. ...
11.01.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Jess Fields with Knots of Love
On episode 45, I’m talking to Jess Fields with Knots of Love (Facebook, Instagram). She is a macrame artist and teacher, a graphic designer and a health advocate for people with endometriosis, adenomyosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (Please do...
10.14.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to the Grand Rapids Feminist Film Festival
On episode 44, I’m talking with Lydia VanHoven-Cook and Courtney Stuart from the Grand Rapids Feminist Film Festival (Facebook, Facebook event, Instagram). This year’s Film Festival will be on October 27 at the Wealthy Theatre. They are in...
09.16.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Rachel Pieh Jones
On Episode 43 I’m talking to Rachel Pieh Jones (Instagram, Facebook). Rachel is a writer living in Djibouti which is in East Africa, and is bordered by Somalia, Ethiopia and Yemen. Of writing, she says, “I can’t help...
08.19.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Toni Rain
On Episode 42, I’m talking with Toni Rain (Facebook). She does 1,000,000 amazing things INCLUDING writing a book called I Was Supposed to be Nothing, creating her own skin, hair and body products, and modeling. She talks about...
07.11.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Erin Eising
On Episode 41, I’m talking to Erin Eising. She is a mom, adventure seeker, therapist and entrepreneur. She does so many things, we could only scratch the surface. She’s a representative for Trades of Hope (Facebook, Instagram)...
07.09.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Becky Haderer
On Episode 40, I’m talking to Becky Haderer, owner of Sacred Self Pathways (Facebook, Instagram). She is an innate traditions and well woman healer provider. She helps women align with their soul and move from surviving to thriving....
06.28.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Marta Johnson with Treeshrugger
On Episode 39, I’m talking to Marta Johnson. She is the creator of Treeshrugger (Facebook, Instagram) which offers programs and community that help us align our desire to help the environment and our complex lives. Treeshrugger is “…here...
05.20.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Lady Ace Boogie
On Episode 38, I’m talking to Lady Ace Boogie (Facebook, Instagram). She is a hip hop artist, community leader, collaborator, storyteller, and all around inspirational, incredible human. Can you tell I adore her? She is a deep...
05.12.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Maggie McGuinness
On Episode 37, I’m talking to Maggie McGuinness with Maggie Ann Soap Co. (Facebook, Instagram). Our conversation is like the very best memoir you’ve ever read complete with a gorgeous storytelling, perseverance and resilience. Maggie talks about her...
04.28.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Theresa Adkison
On Episode 36 I’m talking to Theresa Adkison, the founder of Derek’s Place (Facebook). Theresa talks about her son Derek from his rambunctious boyhood, through the ups and downs of his adolescence, to his adulthood as a father and...
04.19.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to DaNay Tossey
On Episode 35, I’m talking to DaNay Tossey, owner of Cornerstone Coffee (Facebook, Instagram) in McBain, MI. In a town of less than 1,000 residents, DaNay saw a need for a space to connect. She has seen the...
04.05.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next Kendra McNeil and We Are Lit
On episode 34, I’m talking to Kendra McNeil, owner of the online bookstore We Are Lit (Facebook, Instagram). Kendra is an avid reader and an incredible resource for all things books. We Are Lit is a stunning and...
03.20.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Rachael Kaminski
On Episode 33 I’m talking to Rachael Kaminski, alternative hair stylist and owner of Confidence Beyond Hair Loss (Facebook, Instagram). Rachael is an incredible hair stylist working in the area of alternative hair (wigs, toppers etc.) and hair loss....
03.05.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Amber Brandt and Olivia Fitzpatrick
On Episode 32, I’m talking to Olivia Fitzpatrick of Liv Styled (Facebook and Instagram) and Amber Brandt, The Coziness Consultant (Facebook and Instagram). They are sisters who have made it their life’s work to connect people, inspire people, and...
02.18.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Lisa Anderson with Grace's Table
On Episode 31, I’m talking to Lisa Anderson, the founder of Grace’s Table (Facebook, Instagram), an organization that serves young mothers ages 13-24 in the areas of spiritual exploration, parenting, adolescence, career and education. Lisa founded the organization through...
02.09.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Dustin Cornett at the Chocolat Inn and Cafe
On Episode 30, I talk to Dustin Cornett. He and his wife Mai own the Chocolat Inn and Cafe (Facebook and Instagram) in Beattyville, KY a small town in Eastern Kentucky (census stats). My family and I visited...
01.21.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Monica Stegeman
On Episode 29, I’m talking to Monica Stegeman, an artist at Little Shrines (Facebook and Instagram). Monica calls her art “found object assemblage.” You can see a piece we talk about here. She talks about how she’s...
01.15.2019
Taking the Middle Seat next to Jennifer DiGennaro
On Episode 28, I’m talking to Jennifer DiGennaro with Nourished Energy (Facebook and Instagram). As there is so much diet culture swirling around us especially this time of year, Jen feels like the perfect oasis. She speaks to how...
12.30.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Tara Jones
On Episode 27, I’m talking to Tara Jones, owner of Your Pretty Pennies (Tara on Facebook and Instagram). She is a financial success coach, entrepreneur, and single mom. You will hear her tell her powerful story of “pressing...
12.10.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Nichole Beiner
On Episode 26 I’m talking to Nichole Beiner, an attorney, diversity consultant and community builder. She has a gorgeous presence online at Nichole Gabrielle (Instagram, Facebook) and at Melanin and Moxie (Web, Instagram, Facebook ) which is a space...
11.25.2018
This Seat's Taken: Gift Guide with Gretchen
My sister, Gretchen, and I are giving you a gift guide like no other. And by that I mean, it is not super organized, it doesn’t touch on every category, and the list is mostly things that Gretchen and...
11.19.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Topsie VandenBosch
On Episode 24, I’m talking to Topsie VandenBosch, a business mindset coach for female entrepreneurs. (Topsie on Facebook and Instagram) She is a private practice therapist and entrepreneur. And she is a firecracker and motivator. I could...
11.05.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Sarah Jean Anderson
On Episode 23, I’m talking to Sarah Jean Anderson. She is an artist, comedian, event host, mentor and musician. She has the best energy and I could not wait to edit this episode and get it out to...
10.25.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Lauren Taylor
On Episode 22, I’m talking to Lauren Taylor who is running for State Representative in Michigan’s 86th district (district map). She calls herself the a “democrat for common ground,” and she is exactly that. She seeks common ground...
10.14.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Sarah Hartley with Holl & Lane Magazine
On episode 21, I’m talking to Sarah Hartley, Editor in Chief of Holl & Lane Magazine. She describes the magazine by saying, “This is a revolution to show women, you are perfect as you are and there are other...
10.01.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to E+L Salon
On Episode 20 of Taking the Middle Seat, I'm talking to Erin and Lauren, owners of E+L Salon. Not only do these women do amazing hair, they hold space for people in this community to feel Elevated and Loved....
09.10.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Jessica Honegger
On Episode 19 of Taking the Middle Seat, I'm talking to Jessica Honegger, founder and co-CEO of Noonday Collection. She's an author of the recently released book, Imperfect Courage: Live a Life of Purpose by Leaving Comfort and Going Scared. ...
09.06.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to The Nourish to Flourish Society
On Episode 18 of Taking the Middle Seat, I'm talking to Angelle Batten and Jill Tanis, co-founders of The Nourish to Flourish Society which is "a place where women fall in love with nourishing mind, body and spirit with simple...
09.06.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Emily Martin
On episode 17 of Taking the Middle Seat, I'm talking to Emily Martin, owner of Any Body Yoga. She champions body positive and mindfulness based yoga. I could not love her mission more - To create brave spaces for all bodies...
08.26.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Megan Seeley
On episode 16 of Taking the Middle Seat, I'm talking to Megan Seeley, owner of The Goal Designer. She does Planner Matching and 1 on 1 coaching. She also runs a rad Facebook group called Moms Reclaiming Their Time Guilt-Free. She...
08.04.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Strawesome and Nutcase Vegan Meats
On episode 14 of Taking the Middle Seat, I have a double feature for you! In the first half, I'm talking to Daedra Surowiec, founder and artist behind Strawesome, a glass drinking straw company. She trained as an architect and also...
07.09.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Steffanie Rosalez
On episode 13 of Taking the Middle Seat, I'm talking to Steffanie Rosalez, Director at the Cook Arts Center which is part of Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities. She is a visual artist, a musician, a leader in her community...
06.26.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Jennifer Stewart
On episode 13 of Taking the Middle Seat, I'm talking to Jennifer Stewart, associate professor of sociology at Grand Valley State University. She founded an organization called Act on Racism in 2005. Since then it has evolved and changed but...
06.11.2018
This Seat's Taken: Gifts for Fathers or just about anyone
I love giving gifts! So any chance to tell others about cool gifts, makes me happy. We happen to be coming up on Father's Day so these gifts would be great for those people in your life who father. They'd...
06.05.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Bri Luginbill
On episode 11 of Taking the Middle Seat, I talk to Bri Luginbill. She is a photographer and body positivity activist. She struggled with body image issues for many years but has turned her struggle into beauty and social change. She...
06.01.2018
This Seat's Taken: Podcastery
I'm starting a new occasional series of little pods called This Seat's Taken. I just couldn't help myself with that name. Cracks me up every time. The little pods will be just that: little. Snippets of things I love, things...
05.18.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Andi Adams
On episode 9 of Taking the Middle Seat, I talk to Andi Adams. She is a middle school teacher and teaches reading and special education classes. She is mom to 2 busy middle school-age kiddos and to a precious rescue dog. ...
05.14.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Julius Hight
On episode 8 of Taking the Middle Seat, I talk to Julius Hight, founder of Reset GR. He is a father, vocalist, and community activist. He loves his city of Grand Rapids, MI but he also recognizes the change that needs...
04.30.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Carlos Kulas-Dominguez
On episode 7 of Taking the Middle Seat, I talk to Carlos Kulas-Dominguez. This episode gets personal in the best way, you guys. We have a great conversation about Carlos' journey that led him to acknowledging some addictions he had...
04.14.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Val Cobbs - Episode 6
On episode 6 of Taking the Middle Seat, I talk to Val Cobbs, Senior Regional Manager at the National Kidney Foundation. She shares about how NKF is addressing diabetes and high blood pressure, chronic conditions that are the major causes...
04.06.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Christine Mwangi
On episode 5 of Taking the Middle Seat, I talk to Christine Mwangi, founder of Be A Rose. She shares about how she is taking on the issue of period poverty. We talk about how women have always made do...
03.26.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Ruth Bell Olsson
On episode 4 of Taking the Middle Seat, I talk to Ruth Bell Olsson, a teacher, writer, activist and all around beautiful soul. She's shares about her work with movements and communities that are on the front line of the salient...
03.11.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Justine Braford
On episode 3 of Taking the Middle Seat, I talk to Justine Braford, a mom of 4 who has walked through losing two of her children. She's also a trail-blazing sex therapist and social worker. She talks truth about sexual...
03.02.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to Emily Smith: Owner of Adored Boutique
On episode one of Taking the Middle Seat, I talk to Emily Smith, owner of Adored Boutique. She shares about her early professional life and what she's doing now. She shares about how her faith shapes her path....
01.26.2018
Taking the Middle Seat next to ME
I let you in on why I'm doing this podcast and why I think we should all be finding the magic in the middle seat.

What's Taking the Middle Seat about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Taking the Middle Seat episodes:

Taking the Middle Seat next to Shannon Cohen

Taking the Middle Seat next to Marcy Larson, Andy's Mom

Taking the Middle Seat next to Jess Fields with Knots of Love

Taking the Middle Seat next to the Grand Rapids Feminist Film Festival

Taking the Middle Seat next to Rachel Pieh Jones

Taking the Middle Seat next to Toni Rain

Taking the Middle Seat next to Erin Eising

Taking the Middle Seat next to Becky Haderer

Taking the Middle Seat next to Marta Johnson with Treeshrugger

Taking the Middle Seat next to Lady Ace Boogie

Taking the Middle Seat next to Maggie McGuinness

Taking the Middle Seat next to Theresa Adkison

Taking the Middle Seat next to DaNay Tossey

Taking the Middle Seat next Kendra McNeil and We Are Lit

Taking the Middle Seat next to Rachael Kaminski

Taking the Middle Seat next to Amber Brandt and Olivia Fitzpatrick

Taking the Middle Seat next to Lisa Anderson with Grace's Table

Taking the Middle Seat next to Dustin Cornett at the Chocolat Inn and Cafe

Taking the Middle Seat next to Monica Stegeman

Taking the Middle Seat next to Jennifer DiGennaro

Taking the Middle Seat next to Tara Jones

Taking the Middle Seat next to Nichole Beiner

This Seat's Taken: Gift Guide with Gretchen

Taking the Middle Seat next to Topsie VandenBosch

Taking the Middle Seat next to Sarah Jean Anderson

Taking the Middle Seat next to Lauren Taylor

Taking the Middle Seat next to Sarah Hartley with Holl & Lane Magazine

Taking the Middle Seat next to E+L Salon

Taking the Middle Seat next to Jessica Honegger

Taking the Middle Seat next to The Nourish to Flourish Society

Taking the Middle Seat next to Emily Martin

Taking the Middle Seat next to Megan Seeley

Taking the Middle Seat next to Strawesome and Nutcase Vegan Meats

Taking the Middle Seat next to Steffanie Rosalez

Taking the Middle Seat next to Jennifer Stewart

This Seat's Taken: Gifts for Fathers or just about anyone

Taking the Middle Seat next to Bri Luginbill

This Seat's Taken: Podcastery

Taking the Middle Seat next to Andi Adams

Taking the Middle Seat next to Julius Hight

Taking the Middle Seat next to Carlos Kulas-Dominguez

Taking the Middle Seat next to Val Cobbs - Episode 6

Taking the Middle Seat next to Christine Mwangi

Taking the Middle Seat next to Ruth Bell Olsson

Taking the Middle Seat next to Justine Braford

Taking the Middle Seat next to Emily Smith: Owner of Adored Boutique

Taking the Middle Seat next to ME