Are you prepared for the unexpected? Imagine if you suddenly couldn’t work—how would that impact your family, your business, and your peace of mind? Today, I sit down with Molly Henthorn from Empower Financial Group to uncover the real risks beauty professionals face and the practical ways to protect your income, your business, and your future. From personal stories to actionable advice, this conversation is packed with insights every independent professional should hear.HighlightsThe true impact of being unable to work—and how to plan for itHow Empower Financial Group partners with beauty professionals to offer tailored benefitsReal-life stories of professionals who faced unexpected challengesThe surprising affordability of income protection and other benefitsWhat to consider when choosing coverage as a self-employed professionalHow to adjust your protection as your business growsThe unique value of working with a partner who understands your industryChapters00:00 — Introduction: The Unexpected Impact of Absence00:10 — Meet Molly from Empower Financial Group00:58 — Molly's Visit to the Salons01:43 — The Importance of Benefits for Beauty Professionals01:56 — Empower Financial Group's Offerings02:22 — Income Protection: A Critical Component02:39 — Real-Life Scenarios and Testimonials03:44 — Understanding the Cost of Benefits04:54 — The Value of Income Protection05:00 — Empower's National Reach and Claims Support07:49 — Customizing Coverage for Beauty Professionals13:16 — Conclusion and Future OpportunitiesResources MentionedEmpower Financial GroupWebsite: https://www.empowerfingroup.com/To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

What makes a place truly feel like home? That’s the question at the heart of this conversation with Beccy Tanner, a journalist whose passion for Kansas and its people has shaped her four-decade career. From the origins of small-town names to the stories behind Kansas’ most beloved folk song, we explore the spirit, history, and quirks that make the Sunflower State unique. Along the way, we uncover how storytelling preserves community, why authenticity matters, and what it means to belong—whether you’re a lifelong Kansan or just passing through.HighlightsBeccy Tanner’s journey from a farm in Radium, Kansas, to the Kansas Newspaper Hall of FameThe surprising story behind the name “Radium” and other Kansas townsWhat makes Kansas—and its people—distinctive and worthy of storytellingThe evolution of journalism and the importance of passion in teaching historyHow Beccy’s reporting helped save the “Home on the Range” cabinPreserving the stories of African American homesteaders and Native Americans in Stafford CountyThe role of grassroots art and hidden gems across KansasAdvice for aspiring storytellers: let people tell their own storiesFun with historical newspaper clippings and the quirks of Kansas historyChapters01:05 — Meet Beccy Tanner: A Seasoned Journalist02:59 — Beccy’s Kansas Roots and Early Life05:37 — The Unique Charm of Kansas: What makes this place special?08:06 — Beccy’s Journalism Journey: From childhood dreams to the Wichita Eagle14:47 — Impactful Stories and Real-World Change: Saving the “Home on the Range” cabin21:19 — Retirement and Return to St. John: Coming home and giving back23:14 — Preserving Kansas History: Museums, glass negatives, and untold stories30:07 — Exploring Historical Newspapers: How journalism and storytelling have changed32:20 — Advice for Aspiring Storytellers: Letting people’s voices shine34:12 — Teaching Kansas History: Why it matters and how to inspire passion37:06 — Kansas Leadership and Community Stories: Grassroots art and local legends39:14 — Kansas Bus Trips and Hidden Gems: Off-the-beaten-path adventures45:25 — Fun with Historical Newspaper Clippings: Guessing Kansas counties and quirky stories53:39 — Wrap-Up: Reflections, gratitude, and a Kansas pep talkResources MentionedBear Grease, Builders and Bandits: The Men and Women of Wichita's Pasthttps://a.co/d/2klfqnIKansas Leadership Centerhttps://kansasleadershipcenter.org/Stafford County Historical Museumhttps://staffordcountymuseum.weebly.com/Kansas Sampler Foundationhttps://kansassampler.org/Wichita Eaglehttps://www.kansas.com/Kansas Magazinehttps://www.travelks.com/kansas-magazine/Home on the Range Cabinhttps://www.homeontherangecabin.com/Kansas History Museumhttps://www.kansashistory.gov/museumHome on the Range Trailerhttps://youtu.be/WX07IbmUpakIf you’d like to learn more about Beccy’s work or any of the places and people mentioned, check out the links above or reach out for more information!If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and help us continue amplifying Kansas voices!

Is it possible that the year is ending already? Today I’m bringing our Thread team together to talk about the unexpected curveballs that came our way in 2025. This candid conversation explores the surprises, lessons, and growth that come from a year of navigating business, family, and personal challenges. Join us as we reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and the wisdom we’re carrying into the new year.HighlightsNavigating grief and personal loss while staying present for business and familyThe power of simplicity and learning to say “no” to overcommitmentRealizations about playing small and daring to pursue big dreamsLessons from motherhood: letting go, managing conflict, and giving kids spaceThe tension between ambition and contentment—and how to find flowDelegating in business and the courage to take calculated risksBuilding routines that support health, family, and work-life balanceChoosing a “word of the year” as a guiding intention for growthChapters00:00 – Welcome & Setting the Scene00:45 – Team Podcast and Year Wrap-Up01:21 – Personal Reflections and Surprises01:52 – Navigating Personal Challenges (Grief, Resilience)05:43 – Embracing Simplicity (Kendra’s Insight)08:37 – Pursuing Big Dreams (Audra’s Realization)14:47 – Lessons from Motherhood18:01 – Balancing Ambition and Contentment22:11 – Finding Flow and Productivity26:31 – Business Strategies and Delegation29:30 – Personal Health and Routine31:32 – Parenting and Time Management34:45 – Choosing a Word for the Year38:00 – Reflections on 2025 & Looking Forward to 202642:00 – Closing Thoughts & Listener Call-to-ActionResources MentionedEssentialism by Greg McKeownBrené Brown’s “Strong Ground”Glennon Doyle’s “Houseplant Parent” conceptWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What if the best things in your year weren’t what you planned? As we wind down 2025, I’m reflecting on the surprises, tools, and shifts that made this year meaningful—personally and professionally. From discovering new values to finding joy in the unexpected, I’m sharing the 10 things I loved most this year, hoping they’ll inspire you to reflect, reset, and maybe try something new as you look ahead.HighlightsDiscovered the Values Bridge Tool by Suzy Welch for deeper self-understandingExperienced the benefits of food sensitivity testingUsed the How We Feel app to expand emotional vocabulary (and helped my kids do the same)Celebrated 15 years of marriage with a transformative Focus Lab experienceDownshifted work for a more intentional, essential rhythmLearned to let go of “good” to make space for “great”Found renewed joy in podcasting and committed to another yearWatched my family become avid readers (and hit a personal reading record)Built new friendships with real staying powerChose to stay and invest in our current home, embracing contentmentChapters00:00 Reflecting on 202500:51 10 Things I Loved in 2025: Categories & Overview02:03 Values Bridge Tool by Suzy Welch08:45 Food Sensitivity Testing10:03 How We Feel App13:29 Focus Lab Experience15:01 Downshifting Work17:11 Letting Go of Good for Great20:25 Podcasting Joy22:21 Family of Readers24:15 New Friendships with Staying Power26:12 Deciding to Stay in Our Home29:00 Reflecting on Home and Values29:58 Intentional Living30:06 Closing Thoughts and ReflectionsResourcesValues Bridge Tool by Suzy WelchValues Bridge Tool Book: 10-10-10 by Suzy WelchBrené Brown’s Values AssessmentBook: Dare to Lead by Brené BrownEmotional AgilityBook: Emotional Agility by Susan DavidHow We Feel AppHow We FeelFocus Lab with Liz Forkin BohannonLiz Bohannon’s WebsiteEssentialism by Greg McKeownBook: Essentialism by Greg McKeownLiz Bohannon’s Podcast: Plucking UpPlucking Up PodcastWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

This special episode of Ask A Kansan is a bit different. We had the opportunity to take our entire crew out to Greensburg, Kansas to capture all the things that are happening there. In fact, we felt like it was a better episode to watch rather than listen to. So hit the link below to watch this special "on the road" edition of Ask A Kansan. But don't worry, we'll be back next week with our usual audio version of the podcast. Thanks for listening!https://youtu.be/ZBPSHojkinc