For my first episode of 2026, I once again sit down with my friend Rob Fagan to discuss the release of his book, "31 Days to Emergency Preparedness and Personal Resilience." We talk about his vast experience in emergency preparedness and disaster management, and how he's working to educate anyone interested through his book and a course he's developed. Learn more about it at Unlimited Emergency ManagmentHappy New Year, and thank you for listening!

Happy Friday - today is a wonderful episode of The Happy Meemaw Reads podcast with poet, artist, and educator Chad Boxley. We talk about his collection of poems, "Turnbuckle," inspired by his love of pro wrestling, as well as his life as a creator and the incredibly important work he does every day teaching art to incarcerated youth.

Chad and I are both wrestling buffs and had a great chat about his lifelong love of the recently-retired John Cena and how wrestling is our soap opera of choice.

Thanks for listening!

My grandma used to say that "getting old ain't for sissies," and she wasn't wrong. Women experience so many changes as they age, and writer Laurie S. Jacobson was kind enough to join me to answer some questions posed by my friends as they navigate the phases of menopause.

It's nice to know others are experiencing the same things you are, so give us a listen, and if you have questions, comment here and we'll address them on Laurie's next episode.

Learn more about Laurie and subscribe to her newsletter at Laurie S. Jacobson – Writer & Certified Health Coach

Thanks for listening!

Meet Author Jessica Jude, who is busy writing fantastic posh romances at 4:30 in the morning while all of you are still in REM. Jessica talks about her books set in the fictitious Wesbourne, and we get into her new release, King of Obsession, a rock star romance/fake dating trope with the imperfect but endearing Rhett and Saylor.

Learn more about Jessica and purchase her books here:

https://www.jessicajude.comhttp://instagram.com/jessicajudebookshttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Jessica-Jude/author/B0DF36JBS7

It's Meemaw Music Monday! Today I'm joined by my friend Sarah Sparrows as we accomplish the impossible task of listing our top 5 female rock vocalists. Sarah and I learn from each other every time we talk, and this visit is no exception!

Chime in and let us know how close we got to your top 5 Female Rock Vocalists.

Be sure to follow The Happy Meemaw podcast on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon.

Visit the blog, www.thehappymeemaw.com

I had an insightful chat with author Laurie S. Jacobson about her book, "Unexpected Awakening: 22 Days at a Buddhist Monastery Freed Me From Abuse." Laurie discusses how her life changed when she took a brave step and escaped to a silent retreat, and how she was able to find the strength and courage to leave an unhealthy relationship and find her way to joy in her life.

Learn more about Laurie at Laurie S. Jacobson

You can purchase her book at Unexpected Awakening: 22 Days at a Buddhist Monastery Freed Me from Abuse: Jacobson, Laurie S.: 9798991692311: Amazon.com: Books

What a blast to chat with Mia Phifer of Mia Phifer Consulting about running successful Democratic political campaigns and coaching potential candidates. I've long admired Mia, who grew up in the same small Southern Illinois town that I did, and I was excited to talk about what it takes to coach potential political candidates (at every level) and the evolution of running campaigns.

Visit Mia's website at Campaign & Fundraising Consulting | Mia Phifer & AssociatesYou can sign up for one of Mia's November Candidate Coaching Sessions at Coaching | Free Video Sessions | Mia Phifer & Associates

The Happy Meemaw Reads is back with a conversation with Author Dee Armstrong. I loved meeting Dee and learning about how she became a writer, the inspiration for her Twin Springs series, and a preview of the release of her new book, Haunted by a Broken Oath, available on Nov. 11.

Enjoy our conversation and Dee's books - thanks for listening!

Learn more about Dee's work at www.deearmstrong.com

My friend Tricia Wolfrey of the Rappahannock Chapter of American Red Cross joins me this week to discuss fire safety. October is always Fire Safety Month as we prepare for the change of seasons and the holidays. Take a listen and be sure to double check all of the tips that will keep you and your family safe!

Thanks for listening!

Learn more about American Red Cross Fire Safety at Home Fire Prevention & Safety Tips | American Red Cross

Donate to American Red Cross at Donate Now - Online Donations | American Red Cross

Learn more about getting involved and becoming an American Red Cross volunteer at How To Volunteer | American Red Cross

Welcome to the first Meemaw Music Monday!

The inaugural episode features my friends Mary and Julie as we discuss our top 5 Billy Joel songs. You may remember from a past The Happy Meemaw episode that we became friends as pen pals when we were kids, and our love of the Piano Man drew us together. We were challenged to only feature 5 songs each, but the discussion was fun.

Thanks for listening!