Please welcome the amazing Colleen and Bridgett as they join Melissa and Susie this week!

Colleen and Bridgett break the silence and turn up the volume on menopause and midlife experiences with their fantastic podcast, Hot Flashes and Cool Topics! Join our fabulous hosts and special guests as they dive deep into the ups and downs of menopause and the story behind their friendship and business. We've got expert opinions and celebrity guests galore, creating a well-rounded discussion that's both educational and entertaining. From sleep disruptions to hormone therapy options, we fearlessly tackle every topic in between, leaving no midlife stone unturned!

Colleen and Bridgett believe in the power of finding a community where women can openly share their experiences, and we're thrilled by the growing interest surrounding these knitty gritty topics. After all, knowledge is power! Trust us, they have done their research – seeking info from reputable sources like physicians certified by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS).

In this episode:

• Hear about the amazing upcoming events from Hot Flashes and Cool Topics featuring Dr. Somi Jave, the expert in comprehensive menopause care, ready to enlighten women about this crucial phase of life. Joining the panel this year is Melissa Gilbert herself so you don’t want to miss out
• It's time to challenge those outdated stereotypes of "traditional grannies" and "nanas." We celebrate the power of embracing multifaceted identities beyond society's expectations. Menopause and aging are chapters of life to be proud of – brimming with vitality and wisdom!
• We embrace our journeys with confidence, fight against societal pressure, and join our community of support and connection.

Listen to the end to hear an important announcement from Melissa and Susie!

Meet Our Guests
Bridgett Biagi Garratt and Colleen Rosenblum are two friends on a mission! Colleen is a former attorney turned pilates instructor, mother of 2 girls, and married to her high school sweetheart. Bridgett is a former elementary school teacher, mom of a son and daughter, and also married to her high school sweetheart. As friends (and neighbors!) they started Hot Flashes and Cool Topics because they were in search of a voice for midlife women. 

Connect With our Guests
On their website:​​ hotflashescooltopics.com
On Instagram: @hotflashesandcooltopics
On Facebook: facebook.com/hotflashescooltopics
On Their YouTube Channel

Listen to their podcast, Hot Flashes and Cool Topics 

Connect With Our Hosts
Melissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert

This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie

Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.

Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie

Who said age should slow us down?

In this episode, we shatter the myth that women lose interest in sex as they age and flip the script on what it means to embrace pleasure. Turns out, some women have never experienced the joy of mind-blowing passion which leads them to perhaps be less interested. We also expose the historical neglect of women's sexual health and throw a spotlight on the slow progress in celebrating women in their prime. 

We’re not too old to do many things, especially when taking control of our financial destinies. Join Vicki as she shares some shocking facts about women who age into poverty and why it is important to learn about money now. 

We're not only opening up the conversation about sexual health and finances. We also dive into the importance of friendships and the support that comes with strong female bonds. Who run the world? You guessed it—women who love and uplift each other!

And as if that wasn't enough, we've got the lowdown on menopause—those hot flashes and wild mood swings. Let's be real, ladies, it's time we demanded better healthcare support during this rollercoaster ride. We're shattering taboos and leaving no topic untouched!

We wrap up this outrageously empowering episode with a celebration of aging fabulously. The tides are turning, and we're here for it! Confidence, beauty, and vitality have no age limit. Say goodbye to society's narrow expectations and hello to a world where women in their sixties are rocking it like never before.

So, grab a glass of wine, sit back, and join us on this wild, no-holds-barred journey of pleasure, power, and embracing life on our own terms. It's time to rewrite the rules, my friends!

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Meet Our Guest Vicki Larson 

Vicki Larson is a longtime award-winning journalist at a San Francisco Bay Area newspaper, author of "Not Too Old for That: How Women are Changing the Story of Aging," named a Best Book of 2022 by Take the Lead, co-author of "The New I Do: Reshaping Marriage for Skeptics, Realists and Rebels," named a Best Book of 2014 by PopSugar, and the forthcoming book "LATitude: How to Make a Live Apart Together Relationship Work" (July 2024). A resident of Marin County, California, her writing can be found in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post, Newsweek, AARP's The Ethel and Medium among other publications.

Connect With Our Guest Vicki Larson

On the web: http://omgchronicles.vickilarson.com https://omgchronicles.medium.com/
On Instagram @omgchronicles
On Facebook @vickilarsonjournalist
On Twitter: @omgchronicles
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickilarson/

Connect With Our Hosts
Melissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert

This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie

Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.

Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie

This bonus week in June brings us a replay of our top episode so far from 2023!

Did you know you have to break in a new bra the way you break in new shoes? Melissa and Susie learned so much from this fantastic interview with Lori Kaplan, the Fairy Bra Mother herself!

Undergarments are the foundation upon which we build our wardrobes, and Lori Kaplan, affectionately known as The Fairy Bra Mother, has been supplying costume and wardrobe basics to the heavenly bodies on stage and screen for 4 decades. Savvy shoppers know that BraTenders is the go-to place for solutions for all manner of clothing conundrums, and The Uplifting Experience, their signature bra fitting, is sought by women around the world who are in need of a lift, and proper fitting bra.

Lori is also a writer, and working on her “mammoir”, called My Life Behind Bras, which will give readers a beneath-behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the entertainment industry. Many of the stars in the community are also private clients at BraTenders. 

Lori is a Cat Mom to Jack and Ms Kitty. Lori enjoys yoga, pilates, crossword puzzles, and the NY Times Spelling Bee. Lori is a lifelong New Yorker, who moved to Manhattan at the age of 22 so she could walk to Studio 54. She now resides is Riverdale, NY.

In this episode:

• Learn more about the Fairy Bra-Mother herself like her adventures in NYC in the late 70s (she was a huge fan of Studio 54!) 
• Lori's best tips for wearing the RIGHT bra, and how to find the Goldilocks of bras
• Listen to Melissa and Susie ask all your most asked questions about hiding the perfect bra 

You don't want to miss this one! 

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Connect With Our Guest Lori Kaplan 

On her website: bratenders.com
On Instagram @fairy_bra_mother
On Facebook @bratenders

Connect With Our Hosts
Melissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert

This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie

Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.

Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie

Buckle up for part two! Melissa and Susie are joined by guest Todd Bridges once again for an engaging conversation covering a range of topics. From Todd's love for gaming and his Twitch channel to reminiscing about NBC parties with Melissa, to Gary Coleman's life and legacy, to social media criticism and confronting past mistakes, this episode has it all.

Todd also shares his plans for a documentary and a feature film about his life story, aiming to inspire and help people in their journey toward recovery. Trust us, you do not want to miss this epic part two episode.

In this episode:

• Todd Bridges reflects on his relationship with Gary Coleman and how they grew close in the last four years before Gary's passing
• Todd shares encounters with celebrities such as Chuck Barris and Jean "Jamie Dancing Machine."
• Todd opens up about his personal journey of overcoming addiction and maintaining sobriety for 30 years
• Todd’s plan to share his life story through a documentary series and a feature film to inspire others in their recovery journeys

Congratulations to Our Contest Winners!
Winners of the $25 Modern Prairie gift card winners are Nini Tanya and Ifiresmithbabe!
The winner of the $50 gift card is Baileymeyster
The grand prize winner of the $100 dollar gift card is Shelleycarlyannie

Remember, these cards can be used for any of the beautifully handcrafted items you see on our website. Winners, please email [email protected] to claim your prize!
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Pick up a copy of Todd’s book Killing Willis: From Diff'rent Strokes to the Mean Streets to the Life I Always Wanted right here.
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Connect With Our Guest Todd Bridges 

On Instagram: @toddbridges

On His Website: realtoddbridges.com

On Twitch: www.twitch.tv/toddbridges

Connect With Our Hosts
Melissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert

This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie

Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.

Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie

Join Melissa and Susie in the first of a two-part episode with the incredible Todd Bridges. Get ready to feel all the emotions in this rollercoaster of an interview as Todd shares his experiences as a child actor, his views on Juneteenth, and his hopes for the future. 

Todd and Melissa reminisce about the powerful episode that left jaws dropping and minds reeling of Little House on the Prairie where Todd guest stars as Solomon. Especially for that time, the episode dives into heavy topics surrounding race, privilege, stereotypes, and more. 

In this episode:

• Hear as Todd shares his experiences filming his guest role as Solomon and his thoughts on Michael Landon 
• Be a fly on the wall as Melissa, Susie, and Todd discuss the importance of Juneteenth and how the world has changed in so many ways 
• Catch up to learn what Todd is up to these days and how you can connect with him, or watch his live streams! 

Meet Todd Bridges 

Todd Bridges is a veteran actor with a remarkable career spanning over 40 years in the entertainment industry. Born into a family deeply rooted in the entertainment world, Todd's mother, Betty A. Bridges, was an actress and manager, while his father, James Bridges Sr., was one of the first prominent black Hollywood agents.

Todd's acting journey started with a dream sparked by watching Redd Foxx on "Sanford and Son." Despite the limited opportunities for black artists at the time, Todd persevered and paved the way for young black actors, becoming the first black child actor to have recurring roles on popular series such as "The Waltons" and "Little House on the Prairie." However, it was his role as Willis Drummond on "Diff'rent Strokes" that made him an international celebrity and household name by the age of 15.

After the end of "Diff'rent Strokes," Todd faced personal challenges, including battles with addiction and encounters with racism and police harassment. However, he has successfully overcome these struggles and has been clean and sober for over 30 years. Today, Todd is not only a working actor, director, and producer but also a motivational speaker who shares his experiences to educate and inspire others. He is happily married and a proud father, continuing to make a positive impact on and off the screen.

Pick up a copy of Todd’s book Killing Willis: From Diff'rent Strokes to the Mean Streets to the Life I Always Wanted right here. 

Connect With Our Guest Todd Bridges 

On Instagram: @toddbridges
On His Website: realtoddbridges.com
On Twitch: www.twitch.tv/toddbridges

Connect With Our Hosts
Melissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert

This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie

Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.

Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie

Get ready to celebrate the women who raised us, because it's Mother's Day, baby! But let's be real, motherhood isn't all sunshine and rainbows. We've all had our fair share of uncooked macaroni art and Tabasco omelets, am I right? Well, Melissa knows all about it, and she and Susie are joined by the cofounder of Modern Prairie, Nicole Haase, to reminisce about past Mother's Days and share some hilarious stories.

We're also talking about the value of self-care and finding fulfillment in our own passions. Because let's face it, we can't pour from an empty cup, ladies! We also acknowledge that Mother's Day isn't just about our biological moms, but also the amazing mother figures in our lives, like grandmas, aunts, and stepmom.

In this episode:

• Find out exactly what Melissa, Susie, and Nicole would do on Mother’s Day if they had the choice (psst… it’s not what you think! Or maybe it is….) 
• Learn about the time Susie was “extra thrifty” with her Mother’s Day shopping 
• Dig into why it’s important for women to use their voices, feel heard, and surround themselves with supportive people who validate them and allow them to express themselves

So grab a mimosa and join us as we celebrate motherhood, acknowledge the challenges, and highlight the importance of self-care and self-love.

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY! To leave a review and snag your spot in the giveaway, head to the Knitty Gritty Podcast on Apple Podcast and scroll to the bottom. Leave a rating and review to be entered. That’s it! Good luck. 

Meet Nicole

As the CEO and Co-Founder of the lifestyle brand Modern Prairie, Nicole is a dynamic entrepreneur and creative force to be reckoned with. She's had 25 years leading merchandising and business development teams for brands like Williams Sonoma, and ModCloth and is committed to redefining what midlife looks like. She's a devoted bonus-mom, wife, and mother to her beloved fur babies. She finds joy and inspiration in making new connections, whether within the community, collaborators, artisans, or fellow entrepreneurs, and is always seeking out new opportunities to learn and grow.

With her unwavering dedication to her craft, her infectious energy, and her ability to balance her personal and professional responsibilities with grace and style, Nicole is a true inspiration to all who know her. Whether she's leading a team meeting, exploring the great outdoors hiking (which she LOVES), or simply spending time with her family and friends, she approaches each day with creativity, passion, and a commitment to bringing the "extra" to the ordinary.  

Connect With Our Hosts
Melissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert

This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie

Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.

Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie

Get ready to talk cooking with Chef Smarty Pants herself, Erica Wides. Not only can we be thankful for Erica for re-teaching us simple kitchen tricks, but we may also have her to thank for making Melissa who she is today.

Erica Wides is a chef, cooking teacher, food media host, and commercial actor. She has been in the food world for almost 30 years and has worked and taught in NYC and in several countries. She's the creator and host of FunnyPeopleMakingFood, a food-comedy mashup series on YouTube, and The Chefsmartypants Academy, a SubStack newsletter and video blog.

In this episode:

• Learn more about the viral video of Erica poaching an egg in the microwave with over 35 million views 
• Hear how Erica got the name behind Chef Smarty Pants and what led to her starting her YouTube Channel, Funny People Making Food
• Find out how Erica and Modern Prairie started their epic collaboration 

Join Erica on her new series Prairie Meals Made Ma-dern. It is based on the Little House on the Prairie Cookbook, with the recipes modernized by Erica herself!

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Connect With Our Guest Erica Wides

On her Substack

On Instagram @funnypeoplemakingfood

On YouTube @funnypeoplemakingfood

Connect With Our Hosts
Melissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert

This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie

Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.

Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie

I’m sorry to break it to you… Melissa and Susie have not written a real, available, parenting book but we kind of wish it was! In this episode, Melissa and Susie touch on the struggles of being an empty-nester, teaching children to make good decisions, letting them fail, and the challenges of having adult children living at home. 

Trust us, the personal stories alone will make you laugh right off your chair. Just ask Susie, who does just that!

In this episode, Melissa and Susie talk about:

• The struggles of asking your kids about their relationships (they don’t always want to share or worse, they overshare) 
• The fact is you need to be prepared to not be happy with all of your kids’ life choices
• When is the right time to tell your kids it’s time to leave the nest (does this even exist?!)

Don’t forget to shop April Cornell's new Modern Prairie collection! Use the code: HELLO20 at checkout. Click here to shop!

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Connect With Our Hosts
Melissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert

This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie

Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.

Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie

Did you know you have to break in a new bra the way you break in new shoes? Melissa and Susie learned so much from this fantastic interview with Lori Kaplan, the Fairy Bra Mother herself!

Undergarments are the foundation upon which we build our wardrobes, and Lori Kaplan, affectionately known as The Fairy Bra Mother, has been supplying costume and wardrobe basics to the heavenly bodies on stage and screen for 4 decades. Savvy shoppers know that BraTenders is the go-to place for solutions for all manner of clothing conundrums, and The Uplifting Experience, their signature bra fitting, is sought by women around the world who are in need of a lift, and proper fitting bra.

Lori is also a writer, and working on her “mammoir”, called My Life Behind Bras, which will give readers a beneath-behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the entertainment industry. Many of the stars in the community are also private clients at BraTenders. 

Lori is a Cat Mom to Jack and Ms Kitty. Lori enjoys yoga, pilates, crossword puzzles, and the NY Times Spelling Bee. Lori is a lifelong New Yorker, who moved to Manhattan at the age of 22 so she could walk to Studio 54. She now resides is Riverdale, NY.

In this episode:

• Learn more about the Fairy Bra-Mother herself like her adventures in NYC in the late 70s (she was a huge fan of Studio 54!) 
• Lori's best tips for wearing the RIGHT bra, and how to find the Goldilocks of bras
• Listen to Melissa and Susie ask all your most asked questions about hiding the perfect bra 

You don't want to miss this one! 

Excited to shop Modern Prairie's new collections? Use the code: HELLO20 at checkout. Click here to shop!

____________

Think you know the answers to Two Truths and a Lie: Prairie Style? Send us an email at [email protected] to submit your answer!

____________

Connect With Our Guest Lori Kaplan 

On her website: bratenders.com
On Instagram @fairy_bra_mother
On Facebook @bratenders

Connect With Our Hosts
Melissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert

This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie

Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.

Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie

In this episode, we're getting open, honest, and learning about each other, as we play a game of "getting to know you". So, grab your beverage of choice (we recommend coffee or wine - depending on the time of day) and join us for some good old-fashioned girl talk, complete with friendship bracelets. 

We'll be talking about everything from our biggest fears to our first kisses. And, of course, we'll be diving deep into the topic of friendships - the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

Not to mention, Susie shares more about her megalohydrothalassophobia with us (we promise it's not as scary as it sounds). You'll have to tune in to find out what it is, but let's just say it involves a fear of something that's really, really big.

In this episode:

• Learn about what superpower Melissa and Susie would have if they were superheroes 
• Find out Melissa’s favorite place in the world to throw an epic party 
• Hear all about the character on Little House on the Prairie that Susie would be if she was on the show

Don’t forget to shop April Cornell's Modern Prairie collection! Use the code: HELLO20 at checkout. Click here to shop!

Want to join the Modern Prairie “Setting the Intention” Facebook group? Join here! 

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Think you know the answers to Two Truths and a Lie: Prairie Style? Send us an email at [email protected] to submit your answer! 

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Connect With Our Hosts
Melissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert

This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie

Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.

Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie