Call it Good

Molly Huffman is a writer, mom and wife who shares her journey of loss, grief, pain, peace and joy in an honest and heartwarming way, encouraging people in all walks of life with her faith and perspective. She is the author of The Moon is Round: A True Story of Extraordinary Loss, Grief, and the Fight for Faith.  On this episode, we talk about her journey of grief and the ways she has claimed joy and peace. Molly shares about her faith, and as with all episodes of Call it Good, you don’t have to share her faith to extract good nuggets of wisdom or takeaways. For me, one of my main takeaways was how to help someone in your life who is walking through his/her own pain or grief.  Connect with Molly: mollyhuffman.com The Moon is Round Book: https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Round-Story-Extraordinary-Grief/dp/B089D34VT6 Connect with Ali: aliwren.com instagram.com/alisonwren

Morgan Harper Nichols is a writer, artist, and musician who makes her work around people and their stories. In 2017, Morgan started a project where she invites people to submit their stories to her website. From there, she creates art inspired by what they send her, and then, sends them the art, for free. Nearly everything Morgan creates and shares today is from this project, and she always keeps the names and stories anonymous. The fruit of this project is shared daily around social media, in publications, on murals, and more. Morgan lives in California with her husband, Patrick, and their new son, Jacob, who was born on May 30.  I’m pretty sure you’ve seen her beautiful art and read her moving words before. She was so wonderful to talk to, and I felt so honored that she spent some of her busy time to be on Call it Good.  On this episode, Morgan and I talk about her creative process, letting go of self-doubt, her family, and so much more. Connect with Morgan: morganharpernichols.com @morganharpernichols on Instagram   Connect with Ali: patreon.com/aliwren @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com

Madison Hedlund is a coach and self-worth mentor dedicated to helping women reclaim their self trust, personal power, and come alive in their truth. It’s a messy, beautiful line of life-changing work and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Madison and I met through our mutual friend Alexis Teichmiller. You might remember my conversation with Alexis from episode 10 on Call it Good. On this episode, Madison and I talk about stopping the people-pleasing cycle, setting loving boundaries, and embodying our own power. SHOW NOTES Connect with Madison: madisonhedlund.co @madisonhedlund on Instagram Boundaries101 e-course (closes on 12/4) Come Alive Journal Guide Connect with Ali: @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com    

Rachel Klein is the founder of Revival Food Co. Founded in 2014, Revival Food Co. almond butter is filled with nutrient-dense superfoods, sustainably sourced almonds, and lots of handmade hustle. Rachel lives in Indianapolis with her husband, David, and their two sons: Jonathan and Benjamin. On this episode, we talk about how she got started with Revival Food Co., identity, and what health and wholeness mean to her. SHOW NOTES Connect with Rachel: Revival Food Co. @revivalfoodco on Instagram @rachel.klein_ on Instagram   Connect with Ali: @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com

Abbie G Meyer is a 20-something writer and cat mom, married to her pilot husband Cal, and a newly minted Colorado resident. She believes that we are all designed to live abundantly, find fullness in community, and unashamedly press into our creativity.   On this episode, we talk about building community as an adult, navigating friendship, the beauty of the here and now, and seeing gifts in the ordinary.   SHOW NOTES Purposeful Relationships: How to find genuine friendships Purposeful Relationships: How to keep genuine friendships Sermon: How to develop friends A Manifesto for Authentic Friendship - Ali’s ebook   Connect with Abbie: Abbiegmeyer.com @abbiegmeyer on Instagram Abbie G Meyer on Facebook   Connect with Ali: @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com  

Rachel Gilliam is a digital marketer who shares her story of life, love, and loss online and in real life. She founded fmnst.co–an advertising and marketing company that empowers boss babes and fempreneurs with branding and digital marketing consulting. On this episode, we talk about her story of health and healing, her marriage and the loss of her husband, Joe, and social media–the good and the not so good side. SHOW NOTES Connect with Rachel:  @rachelsymonegilliam on Instagram @fmnst.co on Instagram   Connect with Ali: @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com

Nora Schlesinger is a baker, food photographer, content creator, and the face behind A Clean Bake–a website of gluten-free and paleo treats and recipes for everyone to enjoy. (She has the best grain-free chocolate chip cookie recipe, in my opinion.) Nora lives in Chicago with her husband and their toddler son. In her spare time, she loves to test new recipes for her blog, collaborate with brands, and work on freelance recipe development and photography projects. On this episode, Nora and I chat about her food and health journey, what it’s like to be a food blogger, social media, motherhood, the working mom balance, and prioritizing what really matters in life after a season of overwhelm and perfectionism.   SHOW NOTES Ali’s favorite grain-free chocolate chip cookie recipe Nora’s health and food journey Finding Balance After a Tumultuous 4th Year of Blogging   Connect with Nora: acleanbake.com @nora_acleanbake on Instagram @acleanbake on Twitter Facebook Email: acleanbake@gmail.com   Connect with Ali: @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com

Mary Graham is a writer who shares about her life–the raw, embarrassing, funny, hopeful, and real stuff. She is also the co-host of the Not Terrible podcast–a weekly show for the hopeless optimist in all of us. Mary lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, with her husband Chris, two daughters Elliott and Harper, and their rescue dog, Blue. She has a Bachelor’s degree in secondary English education and a Master’s in curriculum and instruction. She taught middle school and high school English for thirteen years and is taking the school year off to pursue a full time writing and creating career. On this episode, we talk about her unfiltered writing style, being an introvert, navigating fear and joy, and choosing forgiveness and peace. SHOW NOTES Quiet by Susan Cain Introverts in the Church Typology Podcast The Enneagram Journey Podcast Slime Videos on Instagram 31 Days of the Enneagram on Ali’s Blog   Connect with Mary: TrustyChucks.com Not Terrible Podcast @themarygraham on Instagram @themarygraham on Twitter   Connect with Ali: @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com

Alexis Teichmiller is a creator at heart with a love for adventure, frequent flyer miles, and trying new food. She believes in side hustles, which is why she has two! Alexis hosts The Laptop Lifestyle podcast, and has built a strong community of laptop lifestylers hungry for motivation and honest conversations. Alexis is also a content creator for hospitality brands. She thrives on vulnerability, connection, and authenticity. When she’s not traveling, Alexis lives in Nashville drinking overpriced coffee and eating at trendy hipster restaurants.   On this episode, we talk about Nashville, living a laptop lifestyle, and chasing your dreams.   SHOW NOTES A Manifesto for Authentic Friendship Larz Mae #HalfTheStory The Five Minute Journal So You Want to Talk About Race   Connect with Alexis The Laptop Lifestyle @alexisteichmiller on Instagram Alexisteichmiller.com   Connect with Ali: @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com

Simi Botic is a coach, author, and speaker who is on a mission to help others embrace their beautifully imperfect lives–food, body, and beyond. She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband Tim, and their son Osh. On this episode we talk about intuitive eating, ditching perfectionism, and comparison. SHOW NOTES SimiBotic.com Letting Go of Leo Beautifully Imperfect Facebook Group Intuitive Eating   Connect with Simi: Facebook Instagram   Connect with Ali: @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com  

Natalie Borton is a jewelry designer, lifestyle blogger, Instagram influencer, wife to Brian, and mom to Jack and Lucy. They live in San Diego. Natalie creates handmade minimalist California-inspired jewelry for everyday wear. On her blog and on Instagram, she inspires women to live healthy, confident lives of true beauty and worth. On this episode, Natalie and I talk about simple style, body positivity, being an entrepreneur, and prioritizing relationships. SHOW NOTES Natalie Borton Shop NEDA Blog post about her birthday pumpkin latte #legitmomstyle on Instagram   Connect with Natalie: Blog Instagram   Connect with Ali: @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com  

Natasha Red is a business owner, designer, wife to Jordan, and mom to Reaghan and Everett. They live in Denton, Texas. She helps women organize their meals and create an intentional plan for hospitality, so that they can invest their energy into people not just food! Natasha is passionate about hospitality and meal planning so women can live with more joy and less fuss, which is why she created the Seasonal Meal Planner–a year-long prompted planner that takes all of the guesswork out of meal time. On this episode, we talk about hospitality, friendship, meal planning, and cultivating community.   SHOW NOTES: The Simplest Way to Change the World Seasonal Meal Planner   Connect with Natasha: natashared.com @natashajred on Instagram   Connect with Ali: @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com  

Lauren Krauter is a former nurse who chased her dream to pursue photography full time. She and her husband Casey own Krauter Photography–intimate photography for adventurous souls and wild love. They live in Indianapolis, but are currently traveling and are in Germany right now. On this episode, Lauren shares her journey of embracing imperfection, living authentically, chasing her dreams, and claiming hope and peace amid life’s unknowns. SHOW NOTES: KrauterPhotography.com @krauterphotography on Instagram Lauren’s health journey   Connect with Ali: @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com    

Manda Carpenter is a writer, speaker, wife, foster mom, and first impressions director at her local church. She lives in Chicago with her husband, Eric. Manda always says: “there isn’t a single person you would not love if you knew their story.” She loves to write and speak with transparency because she believes impressing is exhausting. On this episode, we talk about Manda’s journey to city life in Chicago, faith, depending on social media to feel seen, and their life as foster parents. SHOW NOTES Wild and Free book Soul City Church Hannah Ellen Art Unseen blog post Unseen book by Sara Hagerty #ImpressingisExhausing on Instagram   Connect with Manda: MandaCarpenter.com @mandacarpenter on Instagram @mandasuecarp on Twitter   Connect with Ali: @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com  

Allie is a pediatric SLP, designer, lifestyle blogger, and hand letterer who lives in Seattle with her husband Daniel and 2-year old son, Trey. On her blog, Allie documents her life, DIY projects, recipes, design, and photography. She is one of my favorite Instagram follows. Not only is her feed aesthetically beautiful; Allie has a genuine joy that she shows online about life, marriage, parenthood, and friendship. On this episode, Allie and I talk about balancing social media and overcoming comparison, authentic friendship, and motherhood.   SHOW NOTES #petitejoys on Instagram Caroline Joy Rector Jen Hatmaker Liz Bohannon Sekko Designs Overcoming Comparison with Allie Authentic Friendship with Allie   Connect with Allie Seidel: Allieseidel.com @allieseidel on Instagram   Connect with Ali Wren: @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com

Addie Martanovic is a Chicago-based wellness blogger with a passion for public relations and marketing. She loves to share stories of small businesses in the health industry. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Addie lives in Chicago where she focuses her passions on her blog: Chickpea in The City. The name is inspired by her love of hummus and affinity for city life. Chickpea in the City is dedicated to sharing and educating others on healthy restaurants, products, recipes, workouts, and overall adapting a positive outlook on life. I have followed Addie’s journey for several years. She is a young, successful, and humble influencer who is making a big impact in the health and wellness world.   On this episode of Call it Good, Addie and I chat about what health and wellness means to her, her favorite restaurants and food brands, grieving the loss of her mom, and making the choice to find positivity every day. SHOW NOTES: Presidio Chicago Range Kitch Fix True Food Kitchen Sweet Green Purely Elizabeth Simple Mills Rach L Mansfield Soul Cycle Yoga, Cycling, and Grief   Connect with Addie: Chickpeainthecity.org @chickpeainthecity on Instagram @addiemartan on Twitter Facebook   Connect with Ali: @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com  

On this episode of Call it Good, I’m chatting with Lindsey Hein: 13-time marathon runner, RRCA certified running coach, host of I’ll Have Another Podcast, wife to Glenn of almost 10 years, and mom to three fun and sweet boys with another on the way! I love Lindsey’s enthusiasm and joy that she spreads wherever she goes, and I appreciate her honesty about the hard things in life. Lindsey and I talk about overcoming your fears, what faith looks like, how to cultivate community, and being authentic online and offline. SHOW NOTES Back On My Feet Lindsey’s BRCA 2 gene story Livery Next Door Eatery Twenty Tap Shoefly Public House   Connect with Lindsey: I’ll Have Another podcast @LindseyHein626 on Instagram @LindseyHein on Twitter I’ll Have Another Podcast Facebook group LindseyHein.com YouTube Channel   Connect with Ali: @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com

On this episode, I’m chatting with Sonja Overhiser. Sonja is the wife of the writer and photographer couple behind the award-nominated food blog A Couple Cooks. Alex and Sonja are authors of the cookbook Pretty Simple Cooking. They have garnered a worldwide following for their delicious vegetarian recipes and sustainable approach to cooking and eating well. Sonja is passionate about woman entrepreneurship and she speaks at events empowering women in business. Sonja is the co-founder of Indy Women in Food, an organization to support women working in the food industry in Indianapolis. Alex and Sonja live in Indianapolis with their 1-year-old son Larson. I met Sonja at a women’s conference in 2014 here in Indianapolis, and have since followed her around at local events. I’ll never forget when she shared her journey of cancer at an intimate coffee shop meet-up. I’ve always been struck by Sonja’s strength, charm, and ability to be transparent and professional online all at the same time. Sonja and I talk about her food journey, her story of cancer and adoption, and what she’s learning to call good in this season. SHOW NOTES  Pretty Simple Cooking Food Matters by Mark Bittman Cancer, Miscarriage, and Adoption Napolese Pizzeria Bar One Fourteen Indy Women in Food Connect with Sonja:  ACoupleCooks.com @acouplecooks on Instagram Connect with Ali:  @alisonwren on Instagram @alisonwren on Twitter Facebook Page AliWren.com

In this short episode, Ali Wren explains why she started this podcast, and what you can expect from future episodes.