Worth Your Time

Jessica Hulsey Nickel’s first advocacy project came when she was in elementary school — and she hasn’t stopped educating others about addiction and prevention since then. It’s been 20 years –and since then she founded the Addiction Policy Center.

As a little girl, her parents both suffered from drug-use disorders and she spent long stints in foster care and living with grandparents as her parents navigated their way through grueling addictions.

Her tough beginnings led her to a life of passionate advocacy, rather than becoming a statistic of the drug epidemic herself. She found herself at Princeton University and not long after, working with every President from Bill Clinton to Donald Trump.

She’s re-creating the conversation around addiction, cultivating attitudes and approaches to drug–use disorders centered around the science behind addiction, the humanity of those affected and the tangible ways we can combat this crisis one person at a time.

I’ve been so inspired by her work and measured approach. She’s helping teach us all how to be better friends, neighbors, parents and siblings. I loved when she said, “There’s nothing more powerful than a well-informed mother.”

It reminded me of the article I wrote recently expressing the power that moms have to transform this addiction crisis and get those death toll numbers down significantly.

What we talked about:

* Addiction Policy Forum* Parent Tool Kit* The Glass Castle* The Art of Racing in the Rain* Game of Thrones, Ellen, Shameless

Connect with Jessica:

* Twitter* Facebook* Instagram

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily Mail White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers about to board Air Force One

With multiple photos showing her heading off onto Air Force One, Francesca Chambers’ really knows what’s it’s like inside the world’s most famous plane.

Francesca is always bubbling with energy, excited to see you and ready to fill you in on the many exciting things she’s doing as a member of the White House Press Corps.

Her professional ambition is infectious, as his her obvious love of life, her husband, family and her job. She’s exactly the kind of woman I want to bring to you each week on “Worth Your Time.”

For four years, Francesca has been in the briefing room with President Barack Obama and traveling the world on Air Force One – with President Donald Trump — for the Daily Mail.

She got the job at the ripe old age of 26 and has cut her teeth among veteran reporters at places like CNN, NBC News, ABC News and more. Francesca is a cheerfully determined, hard-working and charmingly extroverted millennial from Kansas.

How did she end up zipping around the country on Hillary’s Clinton’s campaign plane, visiting the Great Wall of China with Melania Trump and trailing President Trump as he toured the Forbidden City with the President of China? You’ll hear every word of it in today’s podcast episode.

I’ve been lucky to know her for many years, back when she started her career at Red Alert Politics, owned by the Washington Examiner. It’s a joy to see her every time I do and I think you’ll become well aware of how contagious her fun personality is in today’s episode.

Here’s the story and photo with the late Sen. John McCain:

What we discussed:

* John McCain story* Colleen McCain Nelson* The Gilded Years by Karen Tanabe* Last Week Tonight with John Oliver* Kerry Washington Photo:

Connect with Francesca:

* Instagram* Twitter* Facebook

*Don’t miss last week’s episode with attorney superstar Anastasia Boden!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anastasia Boden, Attorney

Anastasia Boden sues the government for a living . What does that mean? She’s a 31-year-old attorney for the Pacific Legal Foundation, based in California, and this Mom of two is fierce. Anastasia has argued some very tough cases and her dedication to liberty inspirational. Ever wanted to know to know what a libertarian really is?

Jump into this conversation where we talk politics, freedom, empowering women and a few other things — like post-partum anxiety, stoicism (you will want to hear this!) and being a mom with a high pressure, high power job.

We also talk a bit about a spicy tweet she sent a few months back:

No one should hire a woman bc she’s a woman.No one should believe a woman bc she’s a woman.No one should refuse to hire a woman bc she’s a woman.No one should disbelieve a woman bc she’s a woman.Hire women when they are qualified. Believe women when they are credible. https://t.co/7ictZjwXGF— A lady (@Anastasia_esq) October 1, 2018

Here’s what she had to say in that portion of the conversation:

Did you know the government can keep new businesses from opening if they don’t get approval from other, rival businesses in some cases? Or that bars aren’t free to advertise happy hour as they’d like in certain places? Or that you can be fined for wearing certain types of clothing on Election Day?

See a bit about one her cases here:

Let’s play a little game: is this crazy, antiquated, and paternalistic alcohol law real? (Hint: probably) #FreeTheDrinks @PacificLegal @RSI @drinksreform @cjdieterleFull video here: https://t.co/mA1RLiOAVz pic.twitter.com/EtUNbSGTyB— A lady (@Anastasia_esq) April 3, 2018

Enjoy this enlightening and fun conversation with Anastasia — and stay till the end when she doles out some incredible wisdom she wants to pass on to her kids.

Also, loved these shirts!

What we talked about:

* Anastasia’s Washington Post op/ed* A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy* California Mandates Female Board Member Quotas* Stoicism: A Deeper Insight Into Stoic Principles and Practices* The Federalist Society* Book recommendation:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What’s it like to be a multi-passionate, positive and successful force of nature? Meet Katy Widrick, a business owner, Orange-Theory addict, political activist and mother of two. I’m hooked to Katy’s Instagram stories, where she provides daily doses of wisdom on everything from parenting to exercising. And when she cares about an issue — like gun control — she is one of the most pro-active and passionate players around. She even did phone banking this year!

In todays’ conversation, we talk about our shared love of social media, mom life, Katy’s uber-successful media business and for a large chunk of time, we talk politics. Specifically, we discuss how two people who disagree politically, as Katy and I do, can still be friends and respect one another.

She is a beautiful example of civility and respect, never saying a disparaging word about “the other side,” yet advocating fiercely for what she believes in as a progressive. I loved our conversation.

What we mentioned in the episode:

* Orange Theory* Chrissy Tiegen IG* Moms Demand Action* Make Media Over* Growing Bolder* Sandy Hook Promise* West Wing Weekly podcast* Scandal* Crooked Media podcasts* Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard* Young House Love

Connect with Katy:

* Twitter* Instagram* Facebook

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Intuitive eating sounds vague, mysterious even — but it’s simpler than you think. Also, did you know the way to stop feeling guilty about eating is to eat MORE of what you love?

Dietitian Lauren Rieker, who specializes in eating disorders and founded Renovate Your Plate, is a different kind of nutritionist. She says “emotional eating” can be a good thing — and gets into the meat and potatoes (no pun intended) of WHY we binge or restrict — or just feel plain bad about what we eat.

“Diet culture tell us what we shouldn’t trust our bodies, that we should put our nutrition into an app and have an app tell you what to eat, versus listening to your hunger and fullness cues…once you make peace with food and remove that judgment, then you can start talking about nutrition and how it can benefit your body.” Lauren Reiker, Renovate Your Plate

Intuitive Eating — Not Diets

She doesn’t believe in diets and her words of wisdom on this topic are like a warm blanket on a cold day. You don’t have to start 2019 with restriction. In fact, if you do — you’re on a mission to failure.

I spoke with Lauren on Facebook Live on January 1st as well here.

90% of women are either currently dieting or diet often, and 1 in 4 of those women go on to develop an eating disorders. We don’t have to live this way. As a survivor of an eating disorder, I’ve read a lot of material about this but Lauren’s perspective is new and refreshing. Don’t miss it.

Things we talked about:

* Renovate Your Plate* Hive Community* Podcast: Up and Vanished* TV Show: A Million Little Things* Orgs: National Suicide Prevention, Humane Society, Trace Fashion* BOOKS: Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch* 8 Keys to Recovery From and Eating Disorder by Carolyn Costin and Gwen Schubert Grabb * Your Dieting Daughter by Carolyn Costin * Body Kindess by Rebecca Scritchfield * Breaking Free from Emotional Eating by Geneen Roth 

Connect with Lauren:

* Instagram* Facebook

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beverly Hallberg really is a boss babe. She started her own media training and public speaking company — District Media Group — 10 years ago. This week on “Worth Your Time,” I speak with her about that entrepreneur life.

It hasn’t been easy, but Beverly has built an incredibly successful company and has spent hours (for example!) teaching and training some very high profile clients how to speak on television. We’re not naming any names, but let’s just say she’s the big time.

She’s become a great friend over the past several years — and I hired her to help train me for several public speaking gigs this year. The girl knows her stuff — and is truly genuine, seriously hardworking and such a sweet friend.

It’s always fascinating to learn from the pros. You may recognize her from her own regular appearances for analysis on network news as well. Enjoy this interview with Beverly Hallberg!

What we discussed: — District Media Group— Things That Matter by Charles Krauthammer— DMG Facebook page— DMG Twitter— DMG InstagramConnect with Beverly: — Facebook— Twitter— Instagram

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Laura Skladzinksi is a total rockstar. I first discovered Laura through our shared love of blogging and running — and we’ve remained online friends for years. Luckily, we’ve had the chance to meet in person multiple times as well.

I met Laura on her trek to run 50 full marathons — one in every state — by the age of 25. She easily surpassed her goal and now she’s actually run 107 full marathons (wowza!)

But that’s not the only impressive thing about Laura. She’s also a brand manager at Price Waterhouse Coopers, where she jets around the country training brands and loving her job. She used to live smack dab in the middle of New York City and one day just picked up and moved out to beautiful Colorado. That’s inspiring in and of itself!

Last but not least, Laura forged her way into politics this year, running for office in her town of Superior, Colorado. While this interview was recorded before Election Day, I’ll let you in on a little secret — she won! Laura is a fanatastically positive, independent woman that I would want as a role for my own daughter, and has plenty of invaluable advice to offer. 

What we talked about: — Laura for Superior— Laura’s blog— Orange Theory— Price Waterhouse Coopers— Book: Executive Presence— Book: Confidence Code— Book: Lean In— Book: The Art of Gathering

Get in touch with Laura:— Instagram— Twitter— Facebook

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Words have such power. That’s why ‘Kicheko,’ a social good jewelry business founded by Sarah Bayot, elicits happiness. It means “laughter” in Swahili and was born out of Sarah’s love for the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is there, in Uvira, that over 30 orphaned children live and eat and go to school. (Check out the trip I took there with Sarah in these posts: here, here, here and here.)

Sarah has visited the DRC seven times and has invested her time, money, prayers and business into the lives of these kids who have grown up with her as a friend and mentor. Without mothers and fathers, the children are reliant on adult figures who love and care for them to procure wisdom, protection and unconditional love.

Sarah’s passion for Congo combined with her creative spirit and mind for business led to the creation of a business that is now going over three years strong. She’s grown into an inspirational entrepreneur, starting from scratch and Googling “how-tos,” building a gorgeous website and online presence and hacking the world of online shopping.

I think everyone has a pocket dream — to create something out of nothing. And for people that actually do it, there’s a lot of admiration, support, curiosity when you watch someone else do it. It can be fuel for yourself to keep going for yourself.

While Kicheko is a for-profit, business, it is also a social good brand. They give back with every piece of jewelry sold, specifically sending money toward the Mango Tree School the orphans are educated at. So plug in your headphones and listen in our conversation about living a life that matters and doing what your heart — and God — has called you to do.

Things in this episode:

* Kicheko

* Sacred Enneagram

* Toms Shoes

* Lizzie Fortunato

* Anglea Ahredts, Senior VP of Retail at Apple

* Up First, Radiolab, No Limits with Rebecca Jarvis, National Retail Federation podcast

* Design Matters podcast

Connect with Sarah:

* Facebook

* Twitter

* Instagram

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You might recognize Kelsey Harkness from her weekly appearances on Fox News and Fox Business. Or maybe from her popular podcast, “Problematic Women” — or from the incredible documentaries she produces for The Daily Signal.

“[I] want to point out that women’s empowerment and women’s voices are important and there are ways for us to unite…there is a need for women to speak up and say, nothing is more empowering than thinking independently.”  — Kelsey Harkness

Kelsey began her career in New York City, working for Fox News, but quickly decided she wanted to be more ingrained in the political scene and moved to Washington, DC to do just that. One of her first assignments was to cover the tumultuous battle going on about same-sex marriage and religious liberty at the Supreme Court.

In today’s episode, we discuss Kelsey’s perspective on covering controversial issues during this very divisive, political time in history. We also talk about what it means to be an empowered woman and how conservatives can be feminists too. Kelsey isn’t shy about her ideas on what it means for women to think for themselves — or her opinions on the Women’s March and the #MeToo movement (not one in the same, btw!)

You hear her passion and commitment in this interview — and you’ll walk away with a greater understanding of what draws people to journalism and politics, even when it’s a difficult time to do so.

In this interview: 

* Sante Fe School Shooting Survivors Ignored

* Masterpiece Cake Shop Goes to the Supreme Court

* Problematic Women Podcast

* Champion Women Movement

* Independent Women’s Forum

* Podcasts: The Daily, Up First, Federalist Radio Hour, Pod Save America, Ben Shapiro Show, From the Heart

* “Bright” Email Newsletter

* The Steamboat Institute

Connect with Kelsey: 

* Twitter

* Facebook

* Instagram

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly Clemente is one of the sweetest, most genuine people I’ve ever met — and her story is incredible. You don’t often hear from birth moms, the women who put their babies up for adoption after an unexpected pregnancy. Today, you’ll hear from one. Kelly became pregnant at 18 and knew she wasn’t ready to be a mother or provide her son with what he needed.

In the podcast episode, we talk about the tough decisions Kelly had to make, pressure she faced while pregnant, and the beautiful story she has of giving birth to her son, Alex and maintaining a thriving relationship with he and his adoptive family. Kelly talks about what it was like to choose a mother for her son, and you hear how that choice came full circle for her 10 years later.

We also talk about Kelly’s latest venture, Chaste After, a ministry she’s creating to promote abstinence and more. Kelly’s rock solid faith is very apparent in our interview and her compassion for women in facing unexpected pregnancy is palpable. I was moved and inspired by her story — and I know you will be too.

Learn more about what we discussed here:

* Kelly’s Story: “Birth Mommy”

* Bethany Christian Services (adoption resource)

* Chaste After

* Jess Ekstrom (Mic Drop Workshop)

* Kelsey Harkness

* The Heritage Foundation

* Podcast: Terrible, Thanks for Asking

Connect with Kelly: 

* Instagram

* Facebook

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices