#WorkInProgress

Season 3 - Episode 4 - Redemption In this special episode, the #WorkInProgress crew sits down with Robert James Lewis aka Train with James, as he tells his redemption story.  James grew up in Minneapolis and shares his life journey from getting into trouble in his youth, going to prison, changing his life, and starting all over. As fate and faith would have it, he shares how he went from nothing to building his own personal training and motivational coaching business.  He shares the life lessons he's learned as well key principles to help anyone who wants to make a difference in their life and start over again. Listen in!   #podcast #podcasters #miclife #LetsTalkAboutIt #Shambles #ComicRelief #KeepinItReal #Season3 #Redemption #FitnessSavesLives

Season 3 - Episode 6 - But, did you die though?... Imagine going on a normal hunting weekend with your family right before your wedding but then, experiencing a major accident that changes how you live your life for the next several months.  That's what happened to our guest Flanders.  In this special episode of #WorkInProgress, Flanders shares with Francine and Glaiza  a once in a lifetime story about falling from a treestand while hunting (about 25ft) and his incredible story of how he was able to make it out of the woods, heal from the fall, and how this incident impacted his life. You don't want to miss this amazing testimony.   #podcast #podcasters #miclife #LetsTalkAboutIt #Shambles #ComicRelief #KeepinItReal #Season3 #Testimony #ButDidYouDie

Season 3 - Episode 5 - Is it real or fake? Can we ever just keep it real?  That's the question Francine and Geoff are trying to answer.  With social media and all of the filters, to how you show up in life or at work, it seems like we can never really be ourselves. The pressure to conform to societal norms is exhausting and it seems like we can never show up as our full selves in every situation…or can we? Tune in to see what the crew has to say about what's real and what's fake.   #podcast #podcasters #miclife #LetsTalkAboutIt #Shambles #ComicRelief #KeepinItReal #Season3 

The crew is finally back!! It's our first time back in the studio together and all of your favorite hosts are sharing what's been going on in their lives.  From major life changes, to big break-ups and even...starting an OnlyFans account lol Glaiza, Geoff and Francine get real about the good, the bad and the ugly of life lately.  Listen in and get caught up with your favorite #WorkInProgress friends.   #podcast #podcasters #miclife #LetsTalkAboutIt #Shambles #ComicRelief #KeepinItReal #Season3 

Season 3 - Episode 3 - Is it love?...Relationships or nah? In this special episode of #WorkInProgress, Francine and Glaiza talk about dating and relationships. Dating has been a hot topic lately and Glaiza and Francine are trying to understand why it's so challenging to meet someone or make a real connection.  People say the dating pool has pee in it….but does it really??  Is the whole pool contaminated or is it just us? Are we confusing it for a swamp because hunny...were gonna talk about it! Tune in!   #podcast #podcasters #miclife #LetsTalkAboutIt #Shambles #ComicRelief #KeepinItReal #Season3 

Season 3 - Episode 2 - Mental Health, Andrew Tate & other stuff Geoff and Francine get real about mental health.  Did you know that more than half of Americans (about 56%) are seeking help with their mental health issues and 76% of Americans now see mental health as important as physical health.  The two talk through what's potentially causing the mental health crisis we are seeing today as well as some potential solutions.  And of course, we couldn't talk about men's mental health without talking about Andrew Tate.  Tune in to hear the hosts go head to head on this important topic. Per usual, expect some foolery lol   #podcast #podcasters #miclife #LetsTalkAboutIt #Shambles #ComicRelief #KeepinItReal #Season3 

#WIP 50/50 How are you contributing to your relationship? If we compartmentalized it from a monetary standpoint, quality time spent, how do you gift?…What does that look like? How does it differ when you're just dating vs marriage? And the big question…if the woman makes more, what then becomes the man's responsibility? Have you considered the season you're in? Are you the ride or die type? What does protect and provide look like these days? All things considered, a conversation was had. Thanks to our “partner in crime” @geoff briley, we were able to hear and share both sides of the gender roles. Listen in as we go into roles of modern relationships 50/50….or no?

It's a journey," Sandi describes having been in recovery for over 35 years, nearly half of her life. After moving around countless times growing up, being sexually abused for years, a failed marriage, contemplating suicide and growing up in an environment where alcohol was always being exposed--the blackouts, multiple personalities and moving from place to place took a toll on her. Alcohol freed her from the burdens she was carrying, but the burdens had to go. In this powerful, witty and moving episode that will have you in tears or laughing, we hear how Sandi turns her mess into great mendings. After finally healing the relationships with her family, marriages, and herself-- Sandi is able to open up about her journey that will change the lives of those who are experiencing something similar or could pass along this good story.   Resources for our surrounding Minneapolis/St. Paul areas are available below for those in need of help. https://aaminneapolis.org/  (covers all of Minneapolis) https://www.aastpaul.org/   (covers all of St. Paul)    #Recovery #FightingAlcoholism #Addication #Relationships #Restoration #Healing #Forgive  #Recover #MicLife #Momcasters #Podcasters #Men #Women #Season2Ep7 #ListenToWIP

Whether you've been with someone for a year or 20, the relationship will always require work. If you're lucky enough to find someone who equally chooses you, the two of you can weather any storm. However, there are instances where you can do all right things and make all the best choices, and things still don't work out the way you want.  In this special episode of #WorkInProgress, Francine and guest co-host Geoff Briley catch up on their lives and unpack their dating woes.  They talk about their learning experiences with dating, what men and women are looking for, the definition of high-value men, and much more.  Sit back and relax as we deep dive into dating and relationships.   #Dating #Relationships #LetsTalkAboutIt #Season2 #MicLife #Momcasters #Podcasters #Men #Women #Season2Ep6 #ListentoWIP  

“Forget all that other noise that you allowed to come cloud your mind and tell you whether or not you deserve to be there.” - @ashleydubose Advice Ashley DuBose gave herself when discussing her experience on The Voice and the importance of simply being you (also the name of one of her album cover titles, Be You). Known for her participation in Season 5 of NBC's The Voice, Minnesota's songstress shares feel good conversation with us about authenticity, being You, relationships, loss, self-care and a life journey both off the mic and on stage. Click on the link in our bio to listen in on this amazing and much needed conversation we all could benefit from. For more information about Ashley DuBose and her music, check her out at www.ashleydubose.com , follow her page @ashleydubose . #Season2Ep5 #ListenToWIP #MicLife #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasters #Momcasters #Season2 #Episode5 #TuneIn #ListenUp #BeYou

Breakups suck…. They're really hard.  And during the pandemic, many couples realized that being together wasn't going to work.  In this episode of #WorkInProgress, Francine gives some insight into her Pandemic breakup that happened during the summer of 2020.  And if anyone has gone through an unexpected breakup, you know how challenging it can be.  She opens up about the rise and fall of her relationship, understanding the signs, realizing her role in the process, learning to heal, and moving forward.  Sit back, relax and tune in as Francine exposes her pandemic revelations. #Season2Ep3 #ListentoWIP

#Season2Ep3 #ListenToWIP Transition: You know when you know…a change is gon' come. It's happening each passing day; internally and environmentally. The pandemic slowed us down and gave us all new perspective. And as we come back to “normal,” conversation was had. For one of us ( 

Trauma erodes our confidence, causes anxiety and can stifle our growth.  But sometimes the right person can come around and spark the new idea, and ignite possibility of doing the things you actually enjoy doing. In spite of the people who doubted, Shanelle knew what she was capable of doing but after the tragic loss of her cousin, depression, weight gain and mood swings consumed her. With the help of therapy and journaling, she was able to find her balance and self-care to get to a place of rebuilding and started her own business. Listen in as Shanelle shares her story with us on better health and entrepreneurship. You can follow Shanelle @houseofsilhouettesmn on Instagram.  And check out Shanelle’s website at houseofsillhouettesmn.com. #WorkInProgress #WIP #MicLife

Growth. From St. Paul to LA to Atlanta, Black In America actor @geoff_briley ‘s testimony is proof that no amount of circumstances in life can limit the laughter and lessons you have to give to others or the belief that you can still have in yourself. From growing up in multiple foster homes, behind broke, self destructive, battling addiction, and unprepared for fatherhood, an interesting opportunity arises and opens a new world for Geoff. Here, we discover where the Growth experience really begins for him. This episode is unparalleled to any other. Full of big laughter, deep and meaningful conversation, and a guarantee you’ll enjoy this episode; it’s more than just Growth. Enjoy! #ListenToWIP #WorkInProgress #Season2 #Episode1 #Podcasters #MicLife #Momcasters #Growth #Laugh #LetsTalkAboutIt#Season2Ep1 #ListenToWIP

Can we just talk about it? After six months of being away from the studio, masking, distance learning, being distanced, changes in sports and activities, and working from home or transitioning in new roles—we’ve just got a lot to catch up on. The fact is, 2020 did a number on us (well—the pandemic did), but to be honest...it wasn’t all bad. Growth comes from anything opposite of it—IF you choose to look on the brighter side, and see the beauty that comes from it. Listen in as Fran and Glaiza recap most of what they’ve been up to, been through, and been trying to get to in life. Enjoy!  #micLife #2020InANutshell #Recap #COVIDconvos #podcasters #Momcasters #notAllShambles #WorkInProgress #TheStrugglesBeenReal #WeGonMakeIt  Check out the resources below to support your mental health.  :) betterhelp.com talkspace.com

Excessive worrying, irritability, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, trouble falling asleep, and panic attacks.  These are the common symptoms of individuals living with generalized anxiety disorder.  GAD affects approximately 6.8 million adults (according to ADAA) in the United States.  That's a lot of people so, in this episode of #WorkInProgress, we bring in Stephanie Guzman to talk about her personal experiences. Anxiety shows up differently for everyone on a physical, emotional, and mental level but as you know, we are not experts. Our goal is to learn more, educate ourselves, and encourage others to do the same so by sharing Stephanie's story, we hope more people become open-minded and have perspective on how we may be viewing others from the wrong lens.  Stephanie talks about when she discovered she had anxiety, symptoms she was experiencing, and how she's learned to cope with it.  Listen in. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, check out the American Psychiatric Association for resources. #Episode22 #ListenToWIP

Did you know that every 18 seconds someone in the US turns 18 and is eligible to vote?  Well...we didn’t.  However, this group of young interns from The Brand Lab did (shout out to Target and 3M for sponsoring their internship!!). Henry, Kiara, and Alexa joined us via Zoom to talk all about it in this very special episode of #WorkInProgress.  These CEO’s in the making are part of the next generation and are champions for change.  They share how  Covid19 impacted their internship and adjusted to a virtual world of creating a brand and team building. Our favorite part was hearing their individual stories that had us in tears or laughing hysterically (this you will thoroughly enjoy). Lastly, they explain to us WHY it’s important to make their voices heard and #VOTE in the upcoming election on November 3rd, 2020. Go to Vote411 to get all the information you need about voting including registering to vote and where to go. #Every18Seconds #VoteForYourLife #WorkInProgress #ListenIn  #MicLife #Podcasters  

Endometriosis: A disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus onto the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the intestines.  In short--it’s painful and we don’t want those problems! As women, there are areas anatomically that we suffer in silence or invisibly. Whether it’s pregnancy, periods, or conditions- you can’t truly understand what we go through just by looking at us. In this episode, we brought in two ladies (Tamien Elder and Amanda Moody ) who speak to their personal experiences on what it’s like living with endometriosis. While it’s a common condition, it wasn’t a topic we grew up hearing about so we decided-- to talk about it. For more information or support systems on endometriosis, please check out the following: @endo_black  @livingwithendometriosis_ @endofound @endo.dietitian www.endoblack.org www.blkwomenshc.com www.endometriosisassn.org www.endometriosisteam.com www.endofound.org #ListentoWIP #Podcasters #Momcasters #Womenshealth #Endometriosis #LetsTalkAboutIt #MicLife  

"Always do what you feel like you should do in your heart and then let the other things fall into place." Tennesha Woods lives by this quote.  In hearing her story, moving from Minnesota to different coasts and sharing her dating/career/life and love journey- you understand more why this Dating Coach (Host of DRL podcast) has made a name for herself. Fill your quarantine cleaning or chillin around with some laughter, life hacks, and dating advice. Grab some wine- you're in for a great time.

“Because we are spirit beings having human experiences...” how can we combat the stigmatism that goes against spirituality? When you’re a person of great faith (particularly Christian) who’s worried that if you attend a yoga class, it’s  considered demonic; when life moves at such a fast pace you’ve forgotten to grieve; when you’ve been conditioned to put on a face so no one sees you’re hurting and in need of deep healing. Our special guest Jaralyn Roberts opens up about her process to maintaining a healthy and best version of herself and what spirituality looks like for her. From the mom, wife, blogger, yoga instructor and life coach herself, please enjoy and grow with us on Jaralyn’s episode. Also check out Jaralyn’s blog at http://www.jaralynroberts.com for more.

Cheers to a midpoint and another one off the bucket list! What better way to travel and recap the venture from the mountains of the beautiful Denver CO, the comedy, a funny confession, and more! Glaiza shares her birthday getaway with travel tips, moments of gratitude, friendships, and a few  gems we hope you can take from this trip. Take a break and have a listen and a little laughter! #ListenToWIP #Episode17 #MicLife #Podcasters #TravelMore #Getaway #LaughAboutIt 

#Gratitude. In Episode 16 of #WorkInProgress we have a conversation about Francine’s once in a lifetime trip to Dubai, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe in Africa and we discussed Gratitude. Robert Emmons (the world’s expert on gratitude) says that it’s an affirmation of goodness and that there is still good things in the world. The second thing he notes is that we recognize that the sources of this goodness is outside of ourselves.  We realized that this is all great, but why don’t we have it all the time?  When do we show graciousness?  How do we keep gratitude in the forefront of what we do even when things aren’t going well?  It’s a conversation worth listening to.  Sit back, relax, and laugh with us in our latest episode of #WorkInProgress.

Get Your Money Right. Whether you’re a professional athlete, a millionaire, working a nine to five, or just trying to get by— there are key elements to financial success; a willingness mindset, a support system, drive, determination, and even a few setbacks to teach you along the way. @mr.simplyp is a former basketball player for Ohio state and also played overseas. He later discovers that he is a father of a two year old girl who changes his life forever. Listen in as PJ shares everything it has taken him to be a successful and financially stable father, husband, and entrepreneur. #ListenToWIP #Episode15 #miclife

Some of you know him as the CEO and founder of the @theavantgardeis others know him as a lyricist with a blend of East Coast hip hop, Jazz, and a twist of poetry in flow. But what makes Chadwick aka Niles’ music so unique is the story telling you hear about his own journey (it’s deep!). There’s a culture on the instrumental side, and a deep root for “original hip-hop.” It’s not about the talent but the telling in his lyrics. Niles opens up about honesty in his music, his take on how hip hop impacts love, people, education, and the journey of pursuing his dreams. Listen in. #ListentoWip #Episide14 #MicLife

If you’re a local here in the Twin Cities (Minnesota) and don’t know who Ryan Bynum is— you’re in for a treat on this episode! You even get a little a cappella by yours truly @kematolbert and @glaizaregis at the end lol. Ryan Bynum is a Music Director who’s had a history of working with artists like Jeffery Osborne and L.T.D, Ice Cube, Nipsey Hussle, 50 Cent, Collie Buddz and more. He’s also performed at venues like Paisley Park, Broadway Musicals, road tours, cruises and the list goes on. He’s the Musical Director for Avant Garde, but more than a Director, he shares the story of how a young boy discovered his talent, life choices leading to sacrifices, navigating parenting with your dreams, and how music really IS Healing. Listen in.  Follow Ryan at @rylife21 and the @theavantgardeis to keep up with upcoming events and what Ryan has in store for future projects. #ListenToWIP #Episode13 #WorkInProgress #Music #MusicIsHealing #MusicTherapy #MicLife #LetsTalkAboutIt 

#ListenToWIP #Episode12 Perception Vs Reality If you’re life is as polished and put together as you make it out to be- this need not apply to you then

Fran and Glaiza are not afraid to admit when things are in shambles-- they just are. But as they evaluate some of the experiences they've been through along with others around them, the question no longer became just about what do you do, who YOU are in the mist of it all? Did you have a support system or was there too much of a shame factor to ask? When an unexpected twist of life takes you from the dreams you were certainly about, how did you process the feelings? What about those moments of, "how could this happen to me?" This episode, we just went for it and did an open share. Let us know if you have any stories on how you move forward from a difficult situation. #LetsTalkAboutIt #MicLife

Grab some Kleenex because this episode’s cutting onions in the room. We brought in a special guest Brittani Senser, who is the mother of Aria Joy Burch-Senser. In this episode, we honor Aria’s name and life by telling her story out loud and speaking up against the silence that has become an epidemic: Teen suicide. Brittani takes us on a journey that leads to February 6th, 2019 when her life would be changed forever. As mothers, we vulnerably shared stories, tears, asked questions, and gained perspective. Our goal is to raise awareness and create change for this young generation. Listen in. #321 #AriaJoy

Beyonce` said a diva is a female version of a hustler....well ladies and gentlemen, allow us to introduce you to this momtrepreneur, business woman, community activist, political enthusiast, (particularly in the African American community) mother, wife and hustler who wears many hats BUT....how does she keep it all together? Has she always?? Listen in as you get an up close and personal interview with Ms. Denise Butler as she opens up about marriage, balancing a household and dealing with the hurdles.

How many runs of bad luck, misfortunes or mishaps can one really take? Just when you thought you could tackle through one thing, it seems like another follows, and another after. We forget to do something, late for an appointment, spilled milk, kids are crying, burnt dinner, you missed your flight, and are just underperforming at life...we can’t be the only ones—right?? Besides, you can only mask the guise of a smile for so long before a meltdown occurs. And you can only be strong for so long before you realize today is Just.Not.The Day. So if we can’t fix it, let’s let it out. Listen as Fran and Glaiza talk about their failures and how eventually, this too shall pass.

In the beginning he was bullied as a child, grew up in a rough neighborhood, and homeless. Eventually depression followed, an eating disorder developed, obesity kicked in, and the loss of his best friend deemed him as a hopeless cause. That is- until he was finally given a reason to change and turn his life around...Hear Seneca Little's 200lb testimony.

So what have we learned??

From the heavy dater, to the happily married father, and in between, we had an open conversation with a panel of men who tried to help us crack the code of how men REALLY think. We stand corrected on some things we thought we knew. The good news is, we gained some insight, perspective and a whole lot of laughter. Buckle up for another great episode of #WorkInProgress.   Guests: Derek Francis - The Married Guy Jontae` Koonkaew - The Heavy Dater Mike DeCole - The Entertainer

"Prevention is better than Cure.” In this episode of #WorkInProgress we take a little detour to explore one of the areas we tend to struggle with....Men.  In an effort to understand more about their "ways" we decided to start with how they take care of themselves. For example, why men don't go to the doctor?  What about the definition of health in itself? How do men and women compare from a biological standpoint? We asked Dr. Mark Holder from MPerial Health  to give us some insight.  In the process of trying to understand what's good for men, we also learned more about our own health as women. As Dr. Holder drops a few gems for us, we made sure to give you some laughter in our learning. Tune in!!

You hear all the success stories from motivational speakers who start their mornings at 4am, travel all around the world, read dozens of books, eat healthy and exercise, mentor, and make a lot of money. But really though… where do you find the motivation? In episode 3 of #WorkInProgress we bring in Mr. Jesse Ross. Jesse is an executive coach that works with leaders on personal and professional development. He focuses on transformation from the inside out. In addition to coaching, Jesse is an international speaker, certified facilitator, and a qualified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). But before the titles and travels, Jesse shares his story of humbling beginnings from experiencing loss, failure, struggles, and overcoming. Through all of the trials and triumphs, he shares how he stays motivated to keep going.

In the second episode of #WorkInProgress we talk about vulnerability. As the two of us think about the next steps needed to make positive changes in our lives, we talk about dealing with some vulnerable baggage we need to address. Sometimes it’s not easy to do, but we take a stab at it. Join us as we talk about what we’re vulnerable about, things we hold back from sharing, and how we plan to address it.

Have you ever asked yourself, "How am I doing in life"? If you're like us, you've probably wondered this a million times. You may get to work in the morning, take care of your kids or spouse, but where are YOU in all of this? In the first episode of #WorkInProgress we decided to assess ourselves…the good, the bad, and the ugly. Join us as we talk to Lekie Dwanyen, MS, to understand what is the state of the state? What needs to change? What stays the same? And what does that mean? Notes on Today's Guest: Lekie Dwanyen is a graduate of the Couple and Family Therapy program at the University of Kentucky, and currently a doctoral student in the University of Minnesota’s Family Social Science Department. With her background heavily rooted in a family systems orientation, Lekie is committed to promoting the wellbeing of individuals, couples, children, and families in diverse and underserved populations. Her goal in therapy is to work in a client-centered manner. She strives to meet clients where they are and employ strengths-based and empowerment-based approaches to collaboratively help them progress toward their goals. Lekie is passionate about providing the best services for each client or client group as it fits with their unique background and needs. She values attention to diversity and cultural competency in clinical work and believes that honoring diverse ways of knowing, living, and interacting is incredibly necessary, especially in our ever-changing society.