The Kindling Project

Don't panic! Here's how to turn your midlife crisis into an opportunity for change and growth. Are you feeling unsettled–stuck, questioning your identity and purpose in life? You might be at the crossroads of a midlife crisis. You are not alone— Join Melissa, Amy, and Monica as they discuss their journeys towards discovering new paths during times of upheaval. Through The Kindling Projec...

In this episode, Monica Inestroza-Curtis returns to interview Melissa Halpin about where The Kindling Project started for her and what it was like growing up as a young creative mind. Monica is a dear friend and blogger who is part of the TKP team! Her words and interviewing ability are captivating, and she really knows how to ask hard-hitting questions! Find more of Monica here: https://togetherj...

In this episode, Monica Inestroza-Curtis returns to interview Amy Parravano Drummond about where The Kindling Project started for her and a little deeper dive on her own passions and struggles. Monica is a dear friend and blogger who is part of the TKP team! Her words and interviewing ability will mesmerize you, and you won't want to miss this chance to dig inside Amy's brain! Find more...

Amy Parravano Drummond interviews two of the ladies working behind the scenes on The Kindling Project! In this episode, they discuss the inner workings of creative minds and growing up surrounded by all types of art.   Catherine DiRosa is a recent college graduate who went to school at Manhattanville College and received a BA in Music Technology and Film. Since graduating, she has established a fr...

In this episode, Amy Parravano Drummond and Melissa Halpin have the pleasure of interviewing Deepa Shastry Macha where they discuss how to take the ultimate risk professionally and culturally, and how she pivoted from doctor to entrepreneur. Deepa is the owner and Medical Director of CosMedic LaserMD, a Medspa in Ann Arbor Michigan. She is a Double Board Certified Physician in Emergency Medicine a...

In this episode, Amy Parravano Drummond   and Melissa Halpin   have the pleasure of interviewing Jo Figueras about Modern Spirituality. Jo is a Psychic Medium, Akashic Records Reader, and podcaster with a passion for guiding others through the development of their intuitive practices and alignment with their soul’s purpose. Even though everyone’s path looks much different, Jo’s life purpose is to...

This episode Amy Parravano Drummond and Melissa Halpin get real in with how things have been going for them in their personal lives. From empty- nesting to perfectionism, Amy and Melissa talk about how they are navigating life on life’s terms. Learn more about The Kindling Project at our website: https://www.thekindlingproject.com/ ...and join our Facebook group for women looking for that extra ki...

Amy and Melissa have the honor of interviewing Jacki Smith about Setting intentions while responding to the Universe. Jacki Smith is the founder and president of Coventry Creations, a locally based, internationally known maker of spiritual products, and co-owner of Candle Wick Shoppe in Ferndale, MI. In 1992 Jacki was the first on the national market with her Blessed Herbal Candles. You can find h...

In this episode of The Kindling Project, Amy and Melissa have the honor of interviewing Charlene Bower , and they discuss How to take the cotton out of your ears and into your mouth. Be prepared to be blown away by her authentic, genuine, and inspiring personality. Charlene is truly a one-of-a-kind, awe-inspiring woman. We cover everything from how to find your people, how to mentor, take a compli...

Our discussion with Carrie is all about finding #femaleempowerment , even when you feel you have nothing left to give. Any aspiring writers, this one is a must-listen for you! This week we are excited to interview Carrie Talick Ayotte , an advertising creative director and a best-selling author who speaks our language at The Kindling Project. Carrie shares that her underlying personal theme is fin...

**Suicide discussion warning** In this episode of The Kindling Project, Amy and Melissa have the pleasure of talking to Kaitlyn Young. Kaitlyn is honest, vulnerable, and raw with us as she describes the barriers and limitations she has overcome in her young life. We cover everything from unmasking ourselves, what it means to be relentless, Borderline Personality Disorder, self-harm, and religion w...

In this episode of The Kindling Project, Kisha brings her down-to-earth energy. Kisha is steadfast, real, and honest. She shares how her journey began with her business partner Jen Langen and took some devastating and unexpected turns. We ride the rollercoaster of learning how to pivot, let go, grieve, move on, and show up for ourselves and others. Kisha is transparent in the challenges and barrie...

In this episode of The Kindling Project, we have the pleasure of interviewing Lisa Samartino. Alignment and balance are the themes of our time with Lisa. Lisa shares her creative spirit while she describes how she makes it all work. Balance is fleeting as she navigates family, teenagers, full-time work, and freelancing. Lisa Samartino Design was founded in 2001 and is based in the Detroit-Metro ar...

In this episode of The Kindling Project, Amy and Melissa discuss how to get honest with ourselves and let go of the all-or-nothing thinking mentality. They share  with each other how they don't always listen to the internal voice that says “stop” “halt” and “do not enter.”  When people-pleasing happens and disregard for warning signs happens, we are often left holding the bag saying, “what ab...

Linda Schlesinger-Wagne r , the founder of Skinny Tees, overcame challenges and barriers to building a brand for women that continues to empower and inspire. After 30+ years in the apparel industry, Michigan native Linda Schlesinger-Wagner was inspired to create a brand that filled a void in the women's apparel market. It started with a one-size-fits-most silhouette and has grown into a multi...

Sanya Weston, founder of Young People Travel, inspires and walks the walk of giving back while opening doors for minority and underserved youth. In this episode of The Kindling Project,  Sanya gets vulnerable with Melissa and Amy in the conversation before the conversion, sharing how she was able to finally start grieving the loss of her father at a recent conference with six other female travel e...

What does holding a mirror for yourself and others feel like? This podcast offers the realness of calling yourself on your own Bull$hit. Together Joy! To-Get-Her-Joy blogger and writer Monica Inestroza-Curtis is our first guest on The Kindling Project, and she does not disappoint. Monica shares with us her journey to starting her blog, To-Get-Her-Joy, and the layered meaning of its title. She expl...

Finding the power within ourselves. What can power mean when we want to reevaluate and get real with ourselves about changing the narrative of our story? In this episode of The Kindling Project, Amy and Melissa discuss the meaning of power and power vs. empowerment. Power is something we feel, experience, want, reject, and crave. Women experience power or the lack of it throughout a lifetime.  Per...

*Trigger Warning* How to lose a sister to cancer and keep going: Amy shares her intimate experience with grief and loss of the love of her life Christine.  Amy and Melissa discuss grief, loss, bereavement, and acceptance in this episode of The Kindling Project. Amy brings the intersection of her professional and personal life. They explore how losing a loved one changes the course of our path the...

This is the episode where the rubber meets the road.  In this episode, Amy and Melissa talk about “the itch” to try something new, something more meaningful, something with purpose. Amy and Melissa detail their professional backgrounds and how they see their complementary skill sets coming together for The Kindling Project.  After years in their respective careers and on the cusp of becoming empty...

In our flagship episode, Amy and Melissa stumble their way through their first attempt at recording a podcast. They do not know how, where, and why they decide to take a leap of faith and make a recording. Starting somewhere while dreaming, supporting, and empowering one another, Amy and Melissa get vulnerable with their “why.” Although it does take them the morning to set up the microphone stand,...