Desire to Inspire

At the end of the day, having a community of like-minded people who are interested in the same things as you is something almost everyone desires. Ashley Langer, Founder of Business Socialistas describes how she created such a tight knit community of women entrepreneurs, and how this has flourished into her own business. Learn about the importance of community, and hear Ashley's top tips on how to network and build your tribe. Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.comInstagram: @business.socialistasWebsite: www.ashley-langer.mykajabi.com

Melissa shares the moving hacks that helped her have a stress-free seamless move. From the perfect air mattress, to cleaning your toilet, to having a tool kit on deck, to selling your soul to Amazon, tune in for some great discoveries Melissa learned through her moving experience! Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Join Melissa and her cousin Kelsey from the road on their way to Melissa's new home, Charleston, SC! This episode is a vlog-style episode filled with laughs, hot takes, a rap by Kelsey,  ASMR, getting tractor trailers to honk, and much more. They talk all things road trips and share with you their 15 hour journey to Charleston as if you are a fly on the wall. Enjoy and don't forget to live laugh love. xo.Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Hear travel hacks, tips, and different ways of living lift in this episode with Melissa with a sprinkle of humor from being overtired. Traveling is good for the soul, and so Melissa hopes this episode encourages you to get out into the world and explore! Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

It is so easy to spend your day going through the motions and then by the end of the day, you have absolutely nothing to show for it. This is exactly what Melissa tries to avoid in this episode and discusses ways to be intentional in how you want to spend each day, week, and month. Living intentionally goes hand in hand with forming good habits and slashing bad ones. Inspired by the book Atomic Habits by James Clear, Melissa explains some of the most stand out takeaways to help you form better habits.  Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Change is scary as f*ck let's not sugar coat it. It is uncomfortable, and being uncomfortable means there is growth happening even if it doesn't seem like it.  Hear how Melissa's life did a complete 180 and how she embraced that change with open arms. She provides little nuggets of advice that you can hold close to you the next time you are experiencing a change. Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

I truly believe everyone was put on this Earth for a specific reason. Not many people find their calling or passion in life because they don't look or search hard enough. In this episode, hear how Weverson Ponte has figured out and pursued his passion of creating art. He figured out what his passion was, has been working on his craft, and has felt so fulfilled while doing so. Hear where he's headed next on his creative journey!Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.comInstagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastYoutube: Weverson PonteInstagram: @weverp

Melissa gets raw and vulnerable and talks about the importance of facing your demons. What kind of demons we talking? Any feelings of emotion, hardship, loss, etc that are holding you back from becoming your best self.  Everyone's got 'em whether we'd like to believe it or not. "Don't suppress, address" is the episode motto. The more you feel, the more you understand, the more you're able to learn and blossom into the incredible person that you are.  Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Renting commercial kitchen space, not having enough time in the day or the kitchen,  friends and family not being able to see your vision for your business, etc. These are all hurdles that Anne Grossman, Owner and Founder of Rebel Daughter Cookies had to overcome. Since Anne realizes how tough it is to start out a business in the food industry,  she is making a constant effort to alleviate  some of these pain-points for others who are starting their own business. Rebel Daughter Cookies is so much more than a cookie brand, it is a kick-ass revolutionizing brand that empowers women to say I CAN and I WILL! Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.comInstagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.rebeldaughtercookies.comInstagram: @rebeldaughtercookies

Not your typical D2I episode but a worthy one...this episode brings a new perspective to you on how to level up in your current career. Chris Thorkilsen explains how he did just that with the Atlanta Hawks and describes how he has created a name for himself in the influencer marketing space in Atlanta. Listen and learn how to stand out and make an impact in your current role! Instagram: @cthorkLinkedIn: Chris Thorkilsen Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Booking travel has become so easy yet so hard because there are so many different ways to go about doing so. Curated Coast is a luxury leisure hospitality company that takes the stress of booking a trip out of the equation, because they will book it for you! Learn how Sam and Rach started this boutique travel agency in the middle of a worldwide pandemic.  Instagram: @curated_coast Website: www.curatedcoast.com Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Learn how "The Lawyerista" took her traditional law degree and made it not so traditional by creating her own consulting business around her own passions and interests. For anyone who owns a business but wants to know how to legally protect yourself through and through, Alessandra Cortina, Owner of ALC Consulting Group, LLC has got your back.If you have  gone through years of additional education and thousands of dollars just to still not be satisfied with your career, Alessandra gives you hope to find the spark and opportunity in the career you have worked so hard for. Instagram:  @thelawyeristaWebsite: www.thelawyeristaconsulting.comInstagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Ever wonder how a hair stylist could end up making seven figures? Look no further but this podcast where Daniel Tretrault, Co-Owner of Blonde Solutions explains his entire journey and how it has lead him to where he is today. From specializing in platinum blondes, to educating other stylists across the country, to coming up with his own lift and tone product, Daniel did not end up as your typical hair stylist. Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.comInstagram: @hairlikeaboss @blondesolutionsWebsite: blondesolutions.com

Every human on this planet has experienced stress and emotions to some extent. Ever feel like your stress is eating you alive or your emotions are getting the best of you? Listen along as I share some practices to release both your stress and emotions in a healthy and effective way!Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Learn how Dr. Amanda Hanson swiftly transitions from being a clinical psychologist, to opening up her own life coaching business focused on coaching women in their midlife. Imagine being able to embrace your midlife and all that comes with it instead of disgrace it? Amanda shares reawakening discoveries about society and tells us how she started to rebel against them. Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.comInstagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.amandahanson.comInstagram: @revolutionizingmidlife

Learn why it's important to compete with yourself in order to reach your goals. Start competing with yourself first before you even think you should start competing with others. You are your own worst enemy. Tackle that beast first before worrying about anyone else. Hard work, discipline, and no excuses will get you right where you want to be. Learn how to do it with Melissa.Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com 

Ever think anyone can turn stunt riding motorcycles into a business? Me neither, until I met Gabe and Sal, owners of East Coastin. From riding BMX, to dirt-bike riding, to stunt riding motorcycles, they have gained over a decade of experience of pushing the limits and each other to do the next big stunt. Follow along and get an inside look into the motorcycling community and what it's like to be apart of it. Gain an understanding and respect for the entire East Coastin crew!Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com East Coastin Instagram: @eastcoastincrewSal Fusco's Instagram: @salfusco22Gabe Canestri's Instagram: @reckless_203Website: www.eastcoastin.com

Fashion was guest Victoria Audibert's passion which she turned into her side hustle while being a college student. Learn about how Victoria started an up-cycling fashion design side hustle that is all about eliminating fast fashion by using recycled fabrics to keep up with the trends. From fashion magazines to private photoshoots, Victoria has made a name for herself in Connecticut fashion. Follow along as she tells her story and continues her fashion journey for a semester abroad in Paris.Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.comInstagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastInstagram: @voyage.by.vTikTok:  @voyage.by.v

Hit the reset button and prepare yourself for 2022. This is a new year and you are about to crush it. Walk through some helpful ways Melissa resets before each new year and also learn how to completely audit and analyze  just what happened in 2021. Lets get it! Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Joey Okesson, professional snowboarder from Connecticut shares his story of how he's gotten to compete against some of the best snowboarders in the world. From the US Burton Open to the X-Games, to now training for the 2022 Olympics, come along and hear how he has gotten to compete at such a high level!Watch the full episode and video here thanks to Ferocious Content: Instagram: @joeyokessonWebsite: www.joeyokesson.com Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

This episode if you couldn't guess is all about giving back. Around the holidays, most are stressed and busier than ever. In this episode, Melissa provides ways that you can donate and give back with ease while still making an impact (linked below). She also ties staying fit this holiday season into giving back by having contacted many local Connecticut gyms to see which ones are participating in a toy or food drive this month. Alpha All the Way Toy Drive By Tyler Smith: https://www.gofundme.com/f/1st-annual-alpha-all-the-way-holiday-toy-driveBranford, CT Food Pantry Donation Link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=9CDL5KFKXYD58&source=urlNew York Cares Donation Link:  https://www.newyorkcares.org/ways-to-give/?donateAlso find more links on my Instagram where I will be posting even more ways to give back this holiday season! @desiretoinspirepodcast 

Ever wonder what it would be like going into business with your significant other? Mark and Rebecca, Owners of ROOK NYC explain exactly what has worked for them for the past decade of owning their own branding agency together. From how they got started, to lessons they've learned, to becoming investors in their clients, if you are a creative this is an episode you don't want to miss! Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.comInstagram: @rooknycWebsite: www.rooknyc.com

From sleeping on a friends couch one minute to on his way to Good Morning America the next, celebrity chef Dan Churchill explains how he published his best-selling cookbook which unraveled many opportunities. With now three cookbooks under his belt, his own TV show, regular appearances on The Food Network, his Australian cafe, and plant-based meat products, Dan shares the key components that helped him get to where he is now. Instagram: @dan_churchillWebsite: www.danchurchill.com Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

"You can't make a living out of being an artist" is the stigma that Lacey and Julia proved completely wrong. In this episode you will hear how Lacey and Julia, the Owners of Brilly Design Co created their own mural art business. From working on residential murals to commercial murals, they have figured out just how to turn their love for art into a sustainable business. Ever have a passion that you want to pursue but don't know how? Give this episode a listen and you will see with a little creativity and putting your mind to something, you can figure out how to turn just about any passion into a career or business. Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.comInstagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.brillydesignco.comInstagram: @brillydesignco

This is another great story of someone who had the courage to leave the corporate world to pursue her own venture full time, that venture being a mobile bar.  Listen while Jen Milano, Owner of The Vintage Horse shares how the mobile bar business is a profitable business model with little overhead, how she creates her artisan cocktails, and where she sees The Vintage Horse in the near future.Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite:  www.desiretoinspirepodcast.comInstagram: @thevintagehorseWebsite:  www.thevintagehorses.com

Ever want to learn about the up and coming CBD industry? Look no further than this episode with the Owner of Natural Effex, a Connecticut CBD brand! James describes how he got his business started and the importance of gaining great sponsors. Listen up to learn about CBD!Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.comInstagram: @naturaleffexWebsite: www.naturaleffex.net

Ever wonder how to build a clothing boutique from the ground up all while building an incredibly loyal customer base? Puff Cianciola, Owner of Camouflage Boutique in North Haven, CT explains how she has stayed in business for 16 years and shares all of the pieces of advice she's learned along the way! Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.comInstagram: @camouflageclothingWebsite: www.camoinmycloset.com

What is manifesting? Who actually manifests? In this episode, hear examples of how manifesting has helped Melissa achieve three of her goals. She also makes an announcement about the podcast and shares who her next guest will be. Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Jimmy DeCicco, the CEO of Super Coffee explains how he and his brothers, Jake and Jordan have turned Super Coffee into a multi-million dollar empire. Super Coffee has been ranked as the 3rd best bottled coffee, falling close behind Dunkin and Starbucks. What's so SUPER about Super Coffee you might ask? Super Coffee is a sugar free beverage that has 10 grams of protein and is sweetened by natural sweeteners. It was first crafted in Jordan's college dorm room and then made an appearance on Shark Tank. Since then, Jimmy  has gotten celebrity investors  such as Aaron Rodgers, Jennifer Lopez, and Alex Rodriguez. The DeCicco brothers are only getting started! Instagram: @drinksupercoffeeInstagram: @jimmydecicco5Website: www.drinksupercoffee.comInstagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com 

Many people who have worked their entire lives and gave up everything for the dream of owning their own business were crushed by COVID. Melissa explains the impact COVID had on small businesses and all the ways you can support small businesses, including ways that she has been supporting local businesses across Connecticut. Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Recent college graduate goes against the grain and decides not to start her typical 9-5 job after college. Listen to the ins and outs of how this Long Island native designs and launches her clothing brand, ByKris. Learn what it takes to start your own clothing brand! Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.comInstagram: @bykrisdesigns Website: www.shopbykris.com

Do you find yourself eating horribly on the weekends yet eating healthy during the week? Take a ride (literally) with me and listen to how I counter balance my unhealthy weekends with sweating the demons out on Mondays. Also hear about my full gym routine and what I do on days when I am not sweating the demons out. Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Ever wonder how making smart decisions now can positively effect you in the long run? Look no further but to this episode to hear how the smart decisions of guest Liz Riegert have allowed her to buy a second property to use as an Airbnb. Learn all the ins and outs of this manageable and doable side hustle. Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.comWebsite: airbnb.com

"Listening is learning, speaking is just reiterating what you already know." - Unknown. This episode encourages you to listen more and speak less. Listening is such an important skill to have in any scenario, whether you are having a conversation, out in public, or at work, if you're listening, you're learning.  Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

NFL player turned to a Juice Truck owner. Hear how the work ethic John Moffitt engrained in his everyday life is the reason he is now seeing success as the Owner of Moon Shots. Listen to life lessons, get a peak into the not so glorified aspects of the NFL, and become educated on the food/drink truck industry. Instagram: @drinkmoonshotsWebsite: www.drinkmoonshots.comInstagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Come listen to Melissa's sober "high thoughts", including how not one person will have the same exact experiences in life, what life is like on the other side of the world, and being able to trade places with someone for a day. Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Ever wonder how a Connecticut girl ends up dropping out of college because she's been selected to be a cast on an Italian talent show? Lauren explains her entire journey and what it was like being on  Amici and winning it! Instagram: @laurenncelentano Website: www.laurencelentano.orgInstagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Everyone likes to feel good, have good vibes, and be aesthetically pleased. Listen to this episode and you will  have a new appreciation of the simple yet satisfying feel good things that will feed your soul with happiness. Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Who would have thought you could create a business out of children's  sleepovers? Listen up to hear how Rosebud Slumber Parties started and it's unique business model. This episode goes to show if there's a will, there's a way, and with the right timing, location, and vision, anything is possible. Instagram: @rosebudslumberpartiesWebsite: www.rosebudslumberparties.comInstagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Being weird is used in a negative context almost 99% of the time. This extremely relatable episode unpacks why being weird can actually be seen as a positive and how you are your most true self when you are being weird. Shoutout to all my weirdos!  Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com 

Tim Boyle, former backup quarterback for Aaron Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers explains it all. How he made it into the NFL, what it's like playing behind the 2020 NFL MVP, lessons he's learned, the importance of true leadership, and so much more. Instagram: @timboyle_8 Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Hear effective tips on how to brainstorm in order to find your true passion and come up with an idea that you can action immediately!Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

In Melissa's last episode of Season 2, Nick Fradiani shares how he won the 2015 season of American Idol. From learning about how Nick first started dabbling in music, to his entire journey on American Idol, to what he's been up to after winning Idol, this is not an episode you want to miss! Nick shows what it's like to whole heartedly follow your dreams, and will have you wanting to follow yours! Instagram: @nickfradianiWebsite: www.nickfradiani.comInstagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

What first started as a side hustle turned into a full time gig and then took a turn and went completely virtual. From discussing the struggles of COVID, to knowing in your heart what is right and what is meant to be, this episode is not one you want to miss. Amanda Audibert, the owner of True Blue Wellness discusses this and much much more. Instagram: @truebluewellness_Website: trueblueyogaandwellness.comInstagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Imagine having a spiked seltzer, but with no carbonation...? Well, Melissa digs deep in finding out how NOCA was created, and how NOCA's are now sold on shelves all across New England. Between talking about the importance of having a solid network of people, to getting investors, to the manufacturing and distributing process, this episode is packed with all things you would want to know before creating a food or beverage product. Instagram: @drinknocaWebsite: drinknoca.com Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast Website:  desiretoinspirepodcast.com

In this episode, we talk passions, how important it is to follow your true calling, and how you should never settle. Charcuterie boards, Italian meals, and different cuisines are discussed as we talk about the come up of Eating with E, a local CT catering business. Elena Pace shares how she followed her passion and cooks for others everyday, just as she watched her family do the same growing up. Instagram: @eatiingwith_e Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast Website: desiretoinspirepodcast.com 

This episode is all about spray tanning celebrities, the struggles of the beauty industry and COVID, and business talk with Kara Mac, Owner of Kara Macs A Place to Glow. Leave this episode with the glow up you didn't know you needed.Instagram: @kara.macsWebsite: www.karamacs.comInstagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com 

Pallets, babies, side hustles, OH MY! Melissa breaks down how The Pallet People got started, the grind it really takes to run a successful side hustle, and The Pallet People's future plans with the business. If you don't have a side hustle currently, this will definitely inspire you to make one! Instagram: @thepalletpeopleWebsite: www.thepalletpeopleshop.comDesire to Inspire Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspire.com

Ever wonder how to run an Etsy shop or how to make beautiful jewelry? Mackenzie Campbell, Owner of Sunburst Clay discusses why she started making clay earrings, what it was like to be laid off during a pandemic, and the functionality of having an Etsy shop as a small business owner. So many great relatable topics that you don't want to miss!Instagram: @sunburstclaycoWebsite:  www.sunburstclayco.com Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast Website:  www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com 

Wholesaling real estate...If you've heard of it, it sounds too good to be true but truth be told, it is this good and it is real! Tyler Smith, owner of Alpha Investments LLC  tells us what wholesaling real estate is, how he got into it, and how he built a company from it. Melissa and Tyler also discuss the company culture he has built out and the mindset it takes to be successful.  This is a super inspirational and motivational episode that will have you in your feels by the end. Instagram: @tylersmithbuyshousesInstagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com 

Ever wonder what it's like to publish a book? So many people have said that they want to write a book "some day" but why not start now? Vaneeta Kaur, Author of Broken Branches tells us about how she published two books and is in the middle of completing her third! She dives into the entire process such as how she came up with the ideas, the editing process, and the publishing process. Instagram:  @missvaneetakaur Website www.vaneetakaur.comInstagram: @desiretoinspirepodcastWebsite: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com