The Best For Your Nest: Owl Roofing Podcast

What happens when one old house turns into an entirely new career?
In this episode of Best for Your Nest, Bea and Anya sit down with Claire Johnston to talk about the journey that took her from a corporate career to real estate, rental properties, renovations, and life as a new mom.
Claire’s story started with a 1918 Craftsman bungalow that became her first rental property. With no traditional construction background, she learned by doing — researching, watching tutorials, asking questions, and gradually building the confidence to take on renovation projects herself.
At the time, Claire was working as a project manager at 3M, but her interest in homes continued to grow. She eventually earned her real estate license, built a strong pipeline of clients, and made the leap from corporate life into real estate full time.
Throughout the conversation, Claire shares what she has learned from owning and managing rental properties, working with older homes, helping buyers see potential in fixer-uppers, and navigating the competitive Twin Cities housing market.
The conversation also dives into some of the questions homeowners and buyers often have: When is a fixer-upper actually worth it? Are foundation problems always a dealbreaker? Which renovations offer the best return? And how much should you really invest into a home before you risk spending more than you’ll get back?
Claire explains why the answer often depends on the neighborhood, the condition of the property, and the buyer’s comfort level. She also shares an important reminder for homeowners: sometimes maintaining a property well can matter just as much as completing a dramatic renovation. She specifically discusses why kitchens and bathrooms can help sell homes, while also pointing out that major renovations can become expensive very quickly. 
Beyond real estate, this episode gets personal.
Claire opens up about meeting her husband, building a life together, becoming a mom, taking maternity leave, and gradually returning to work while adjusting to an entirely new routine. She shares the reality of balancing ambition, family, clients, and a new baby — and why there is no single “right” way to navigate motherhood and a career.
Her biggest reminder for new moms is simple: figure out what works for you rather than measuring your experience against someone else’s. 
From 100-year-old homes and rental properties to career changes, motherhood, marriage, renovations, and real estate investing, this conversation is about much more than houses. It’s about taking chances, learning as you go, and building a life that evolves with you.
If you love conversations about real estate, home renovation, investment properties, fixer-uppers, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and life in the Twin Cities, this episode is for you.
Subscribe to Best for Your Nest for more conversations with local leaders, business owners, creators, and people making an impact in their communities.
#BestForYourNest #ClaireJohnston #RealEstate #HomeRenovation #FixerUpper #RentalProperty #RealEstateInvesting #TwinCitiesRealEstate #MinneapolisRealEstate #OldHomes #Motherhood #WomenInRealEstate

What does it really take to build a beautiful life after loss, change, and starting over?

In this episode of Best For Your Nest, Bea and Anya sit down with Cori Thompson for an honest conversation about family, grief, marriage, motherhood, generosity, faith, and what it means to create beauty in every season of life.

Cori shares how her love of flowers began with memories of her grandfather and eventually grew into a passion for gardening, roses, tulips, and creating spaces that bring joy to the people around her.

But her story goes much deeper than the garden.

After losing her first husband to suicide, Cori suddenly found herself raising two young children on her own. She opens up about navigating that incredibly difficult season, the unexpected people and communities that supported her, and how her life eventually led her to love again and build a new family.

Today, Cori and her husband have a family of seven children, bringing together biological children and stepchildren. She shares a refreshingly honest perspective on blended families — including why she believes the idea of “blending” can sometimes create unrealistic expectations.

The conversation explores the difference between being loved, liked, and accepted as a stepparent, the challenges of speaking uncomfortable truths within a family, and how relationships can grow when people let go of the pressure to make everything feel perfectly equal.

Cori also talks about the role generosity plays in her marriage and family. For her, generosity isn’t just about money — it can be time, attention, hospitality, energy, or simply showing up for the people you love.

She shares how her husband’s way of living inspired her own intention to cultivate beauty and appreciate the joy that is already present in everyday life.

In this episode, they talk about:

• Building and navigating a blended family
• The realities of being a stepmother
• Losing a spouse and becoming a single mother
• Finding love again
• Raising seven children together
• Faith and family values
• Gardening, roses, tulips, and creating beauty at home
• Generosity beyond money
• Learning to speak uncomfortable truths
• Marriage, support, and feeling cared for
• Their life and vacation properties in Costa Rica
• Letting go of the need to be liked
• Finding meaning in difficult seasons of life

One of the most powerful moments comes when Cori reflects on what she wishes her husband could truly understand: what it feels like to finally be cared for after carrying so much on her own.

It’s a conversation about resilience, family, love, and the small choices that can make life feel fuller, more meaningful, and more beautiful.

Guest: Cori Thompson
Podcast: Best For Your Nest with Bea & Anya

#BestForYourNest #CoriThompson #BlendedFamily #Stepmom #Motherhood #Marriage #Family #Grief #Healing #PersonalGrowth #Generosity #Gardening #Faith #Minnesota #TwinCities

In this episode of Best For Your Nest, Bea and Anya sit down with family law attorney Colleen Case for an honest and surprisingly personal conversation about divorce, relationships, family law, identity, and the stories behind the people who work in this field every day.

Colleen breaks down what family law actually includes — from divorce and custody to child support, protection orders and prenuptial agreements — and explains what it really means when a marriage is considered “irretrievably broken.”

The conversation also goes far beyond the courtroom.

Colleen talks about building her professional identity, why keeping the last name Case became part of her personal brand, and even the unexpected connection between practicing law and her background in stand-up comedy. She also shares personal stories about family, career, communication, and the experiences that shaped who she is today.

In this episode, Bea, Anya and Colleen talk about:

What family law really covers
Divorce and no-fault divorce
What “irretrievably broken” actually means
Custody and child support
Prenuptial agreements
Protection orders and harassment restraining orders
Professional identity and personal branding
Communication in difficult situations
The human side of being a family law attorney
Colleen’s background in stand-up comedy
Career, family and personal growth

Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, curious about family law, or simply interested in hearing the story behind a local professional, this episode offers a thoughtful and approachable look at what happens when relationships, family and the law intersect.

Guest: Colleen Case
Podcast: Best For Your Nest with Bea & Anya

Hashtags

#BestForYourNest #ColleenCase #FamilyLaw #Divorce #DivorceAttorney #FamilyLawAttorney #Marriage #Relationships #Minnesota #TwinCities #WomenInBusiness #LegalAdvice #PersonalGrowth #LocalStories

In this episode of Best For Your Nest, Bea and Anya sit down with Danny Kulus, founder of VisionScapes, to talk about entrepreneurship, landscaping, leadership, growth, and what it really takes to build a business with intention.

Dan shares how his entrepreneurial mindset started unexpectedly in college, where he played football at Bethel University and even became the go-to guy for haircuts among his teammates. Years later, that same drive led him to start VisionScapes and begin building a landscaping business around a much bigger idea: having a clear vision for where you want to go.

Dan explains why he believes too many people simply “coast through life,” and why living and working intentionally can make such a difference. He also opens up about the competitive mindset he developed through sports, taking calculated risks, dealing with the uncertainty of entrepreneurship, hiring the right people, and learning to trust character and communication over experience alone.

The conversation also explores the value of learning from people who are already ahead of you. Dan shares one of the most important lessons he has learned as an entrepreneur: being humble enough to ask questions and learn from experienced business owners can save you years—or even decades—of mistakes.

They also talk about:

Starting a business from the ground up
The story behind the name VisionScapes
Landscaping and outdoor transformations
Hiring and developing young employees
Why character can matter more than experience
Using college students during peak business seasons
Leadership and building trust within a team
The competitive mindset behind entrepreneurship
Taking calculated risks
Learning from mentors and other business owners
Balancing ambition, relationships, family, and personal growth

Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, landscaper, aspiring founder, or simply someone trying to live more intentionally, this conversation is full of practical lessons about building something meaningful and continuing to grow.

Guest: Dan Kulus
Company: VisionScapes
Podcast: Best For Your Nest with Bea & Anya

Hashtags

#BestForYourNest #DanKulus #VisionScapes #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwner #SmallBusiness #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #Landscaping #LandscapingBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessTips #SmallBusinessOwner #MinnesotaBusiness #PersonalGrowth #SuccessMindset #BusinessLeadership

What can really happen to your home when no one is there to notice something has gone wrong?

In this episode of **Best For Your Nest**, Bea Bonte and Anya Bergland sit down with **Ana Cantell of Snowbird Home Watch** to talk about the hidden risks of leaving your home unattended,  especially during Minnesota’s extreme winters.

Ana shares how the idea for her business started after a real-life disaster at her parents’ home. Just three days after checking the house, she returned during a brutal cold snap to discover that the furnace had stopped working and a pipe had burst. That experience made her realize how quickly a small problem can turn into major damage when no one is there to catch it.

The conversation dives into what a professional home watch service actually does, why relying on a neighbor or family member may not always be enough, and the small precautions homeowners can take before leaving town.

Ana also shares her journey into entrepreneurship, growing up around family businesses, her family’s unexpected history in the Swedish clog business, and how becoming a business owner allowed her to create a career that fits her life.

Later in the episode, the conversation shifts into motherhood, learning to say no, protecting your time and energy, and an honest discussion about perimenopause, hormones, and why more women are finally talking openly about changes in their health.

**In this episode, we talk about:**

• How a furnace failure and burst pipe inspired Snowbird Home Watch
• What can happen to a home in just a few days
• Why professional home checks are different from asking a neighbor
• Simple ways to reduce the risk of water damage
• Why turning off your water before leaving can make a huge difference
• Home security risks when a property looks unoccupied
• Insurance, documentation, and professional home watch services
• Ana’s journey into entrepreneurship
• Growing up in a family of business owners
• The unexpected Swedish clog family business
• Learning to say no and protect your energy
• Perimenopause, hormones, and recognizing when you don’t feel like yourself
• Taking a more proactive approach to your health

Whether you travel frequently, spend winters somewhere warmer, own a second home, or simply want more peace of mind when you’re away, this episode offers practical advice and real stories every homeowner should hear.

Don’t forget to **like, subscribe, and share** the episode with someone who travels often or leaves their home unattended for extended periods.

#BestForYourNest #HomeOwnership #HomeMaintenance #HomeWatch #Entrepreneurship #Minnesota #SmallBusiness #WomenInBusiness #HomeSafety #Perimenopause

Life doesn’t always follow the plan we imagined—but sometimes the unexpected leads us exactly where we are meant to be.

In this heartfelt episode, Gina Schmidt shares her journey through motherhood, military life, Down syndrome, adoption, faith, and the many experiences that shaped her family.

Gina opens up about raising her first child while her husband was deployed with the U.S. Air Force and how military life taught her resilience, independence, and the importance of asking for support. She also reflects on healing from an eating disorder and discovering a healthier relationship with her body through motherhood.

During her second pregnancy, Gina learned that her son, Gunner, had Down syndrome and Ebstein’s anomaly, a congenital heart condition. She shares how her family navigated the unexpected diagnosis, found strength through faith and community, and learned that different does not mean bad.

Gunner’s life later inspired Gina and her husband to explore adoption. Their journey led them to Layla, who joined their family through an interstate adoption during COVID-19. Gina discusses the challenges of navigating the NICU, traveling with a premature newborn, and building a loving open adoption with Layla’s birth mother.

The conversation also explores transracial adoption, raising a neurodiverse family, inclusive education, homeschooling, marriage, vulnerability, and creating a home where every child feels valued, understood, and fully accepted.

In this episode:

• Life as an Air Force wife and military spouse
• Parenting during military deployments
• Healing from an eating disorder and body-image struggles
• Receiving an unexpected Down syndrome diagnosis
• Raising a child with Down syndrome
• Ebstein’s anomaly and congenital heart conditions
• Domestic and transracial adoption
• Open adoption and relationships with birth families
• Adopting a premature baby during COVID-19
• NICU experiences and interstate adoption
• Raising a neurodiverse family
• Homeschooling and inclusive education
• Faith, marriage, motherhood, and vulnerability

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – A preview of Gina’s story
01:03 – Meet Gina Schmidt
01:41 – How Gina met her husband
03:13 – Body-image healing and eating disorder recovery
04:33 – Gina’s connection to the U.S. Air Force
06:02 – Becoming a mother during deployment
09:48 – The lasting impact of military separation
12:35 – Gina’s journey through motherhood
13:46 – Receiving unexpected news during pregnancy
15:39 – Gunner’s congenital heart condition
16:30 – Learning that Gunner had Down syndrome
17:53 – Gunner’s birth story
20:08 – Raising a child with Down syndrome
21:16 – Why their family chose adoption
24:10 – The call that changed their family
25:04 – Meeting Layla during COVID-19
26:14 – Navigating the NICU and interstate adoption
28:25 – Bringing their daughter home
29:24 – Building a healthy open adoption
32:01 – Gina’s relationship with Layla’s birth mother
34:11 – Raising a transracial and neurodiverse family
41:46 – Why Gina chose homeschooling
46:01 – Supporting children with disabilities
50:42 – Marriage, fear, and vulnerability
52:56 – Learning to speak honestly about her feelings
53:36 – Final reflections

If Gina’s story encouraged you, subscribe for more honest conversations about motherhood, marriage, adoption, faith, family, and embracing life’s unexpected seasons.

#Motherhood #AdoptionStory #DownSyndrome

Welcome back to Best For Your Nest! 🎙️

In this episode, Bea and Anya sit down with Maddie LaRue for an honest and meaningful conversation about mental health, relationships, identity, personal growth, and the experiences that shape who we become.

Maddie shares stories from her own life, the lessons she's learned through working with individuals and families, and why healing, connection, and self-awareness are essential to building healthy relationships. Together, they explore what it means to navigate life's challenges with confidence, embrace personal growth, and create a strong foundation for yourself and the people you love.

Whether you're married, raising a family, building a career, or simply trying to become the healthiest version of yourself, this episode offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and thoughtful conversations that you'll be thinking about long after it ends.

In this episode, we discuss:
✨ Mental health and emotional well-being
✨ Personal growth and self-awareness
✨ Building healthy relationships
✨ Marriage and family life
✨ Confidence, identity, and purpose
✨ Lessons learned through counseling and real-life experiences

If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to help us continue bringing you inspiring stories and practical conversations that help you build a life—and a home—you love.

👇 We'd love to hear from you!
What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Leave a comment below and join the conversation.

#BestForYourNest #Podcast #MentalHealth #Relationships #PersonalGrowth #Marriage #Family #SelfGrowth #Wellness #MaddieLaRue

In this episode of Best For Your Nest, Bea Bonte and Anya Bergland sit down with entrepreneur and business leader Morgan Molitor for an honest conversation about leadership, hiring, entrepreneurship, and building a business that lasts.

Morgan shares why the most successful leaders aren't afraid to hire people who are smarter than they are—and how surrounding yourself with talented individuals creates stronger teams, healthier company cultures, and long-term growth.

The conversation goes beyond business strategy, diving into the realities of working with family, building trust, handling criticism, navigating leadership challenges, and learning how to lead with confidence instead of ego.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, manager, or someone looking to become a better leader, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-life experiences you can apply immediately.

In this episode:

✔️ Why great leaders hire smarter people
✔️ Building high-performing teams
✔️ Leadership vs. ego
✔️ Working with family and close relationships
✔️ Creating a healthy company culture
✔️ Marketing, branding, and public perception
✔️ Handling criticism and online negativity
✔️ Lessons learned from entrepreneurship
✔️ Growing a business through trust and mentorship
✔️ The mindset required to become a stronger leader

If you're building a business—or leading people—this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and success.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone building a business or leading a team.

In this episode, we sit down with Erin Livingston to talk about careers, motherhood, workplace culture, leadership, and what it really means to create a healthy balance between work and life.

From re-entering the workforce after raising a family to building workplaces where people feel valued, Erin shares honest insights on leadership, psychological safety, company culture, and why success today looks very different than it did a generation ago.

Whether you're a working parent, a leader, navigating a career transition, or simply looking for more balance in your life, this conversation offers practical advice and a fresh perspective on what meaningful work can look like.

✨ In this episode:
• Returning to work after motherhood
• Creating healthier workplace cultures
• Leadership and psychological safety
• Work-life balance
• Supporting women in the workforce
• Career growth and personal fulfillment

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share if this conversation resonates with you.

#WomenInLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #CareerGrowth #Leadership #WorkingMoms #CompanyCulture #ProfessionalDevelopment #WomenAtWork #PsychologicalSafety #Podcast

Building a Life of Leadership, Family & Community | Shannon Bellan | The Best For Your Nest Podcast

What does it take to balance leadership, family, community involvement, and raising four children?

In this episode of The Best For Your Nest Podcast, hosts Bea and Anya sit down with Shannon Bellan, educator, community leader, wife, and mother of four, to discuss the experiences that shaped her journey and the values that continue to guide her today.

Shannon shares stories about growing up as the only girl among three brothers, being raised by a teacher and a small business owner, leaving home to attend college out of state, building lifelong friendships through unexpected adventures, and creating a family-centered life rooted in service and community.

Throughout the conversation, Shannon reflects on motherhood, leadership, education, personal growth, and the importance of embracing opportunities even when they take you outside your comfort zone.

✨ In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Growing up in a family of four siblings
• Lessons learned from entrepreneurial and educator parents
• Leaving home and starting a new chapter in Arizona
• Building confidence through independence and adventure
• Raising four children and navigating family life
• Leadership, service, and community involvement
• The power of meaningful relationships and lifelong friendships

Whether you're a parent, educator, leader, or someone navigating life's transitions, Shannon's story is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights that remind us how much growth can come from stepping into the unknown.

💬 We'd love to hear from you:

What experience pushed you the most outside your comfort zone—and how did it change your life?

🎧 If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to like, subscribe, and share the podcast with someone who would benefit from Shannon's story.

#BestForYourNest #ShannonBellan #Podcast #Leadership #CommunityLeadership #Motherhood #Parenting #FamilyLife #WomenInLeadership #PersonalGrowth #Education #TeacherLife #FamilyValues #WomenSupportingWomen #LifeLessons #Community #LeadershipDevelopment #Inspiration #PersonalDevelopment #PodcastLife