Operation Flourish

In this episode, Kayla sits down with her fellow "bangs queen" and absolute powerhouse, Jasmine Fondrisi. Jasmine holds an MBA, has a background in television broadcasting and acting, and currently serves as Miss Indiana South. But beyond her impressive resume, Jasmine is a woman on a mission to help others "live life on fire” through her Violet’s Victory Foundation initiative. Foll...

Welcome back to Season 4 of Operation Flourish! After an intentional pause following two major knee surgeries, host Kayla Myers is back to share a vulnerable look into a season she never planned for. Moving from competitively Spartan Racing to relearning how to walk and spin a bike pedal, Kayla had to confront the trap of wearing "busy" as a badge of honor. In this episode, Kayla shares...

In this transformative conversation, Morgan Mohler, Miss Midwest, bravely opens up about the deeply personal adversities and life-altering challenges she's faced – from profound grief and loss to unexpected physical setbacks. She takes us back to the moments that ignited her passion to not just survive, but to truly flourish, and how this raw experience became the very spark for her groundbrea...

Host Kayla Myers pulls back the curtain for a truly "unfiltered update" on what's been happening behind the scenes. Kayla kicks things off by sharing exciting news about a recent certification she's received, designed to bring even more transformative tools to help you master your mindset. But beyond the professional updates, Kayla gets vulnerable, sharing a story of a recent lif...

Join host Kayla Myers and special guest Elayna Hasty as they tackle the crucial topic of bullying prevention, offering listeners practical strategies and empowering insights. Elayna Hasty, anti-bullying advocate, founder of G.A.B. Girls, and Miss Banks of the Wabash 2025, shares her personal experiences and expertise. You will learn about the root causes and devastating impact of bullying, and mos...

Join host Kayla Myers as she sits down with the remarkable Maya Adkins, Miss Indiana South 2025, for an inspiring conversation about resilience, perseverance, and redefining success. Maya's journey to the crown wasn't a straight path; it was a series of challenges, setbacks, and ultimately, profound personal growth. In this episode, listeners will learn: Maya's journey through the Miss...

In this episode, we tackle the pressing issue of political polarization with Sherman Tylawsky, founder of The George Washington Institute, host of the 'Friends & Fellow Citizens' podcast, and a PhD candidate at the University of Alabama. Sherman brings a unique blend of historical perspective and contemporary insight, particularly from his experience during the January 6th insurrection...

In this powerful episode, we delve into a behind-the-scenes look at the sports industry with a truly remarkable guest, Ginger Gordon. Ginger is a data analyst for the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever, breaking barriers and making a significant impact behind the scenes. She also holds the title of Miss Hoosier Valley 2025, showcasing her diverse talents and dedication. In this episode, you'll l...

In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week we're diving deep into a topic that affects far too many: eating disorders. Did you know someone dies every 52 minutes from an eating disorder? It's a stark reality, and it's why we're dedicated to shedding light on these complex mental illnesses. This week's theme, "The Time is Now," is a call to action to dismantle...

Imagine a world where no one goes hungry. On this episode of Operation Flourish, we're not just talking about hunger; we're talking about solutions. Food insecurity is a hidden crisis affecting millions, and it's something host Kayla Myers experienced firsthand. This week, we sit down with the incredible Dominga Murray – a force of nature who's not only Miss South Florida 2024, but...

Stressed about money? You're not alone. On this week's Operation Flourish Podcast, we're giving you the tools you need to take control of your finances! Join me and special guest Elizabeth King, founder of 'Mind Your Money,' Miss Danville 2025, and a finance and flute performance student at the University of Kentucky, as we break down financial literacy into actionable steps yo...

Join us as we sit down with the incredible Betta (Miss Ohio 2022) and Kathleen (Miss Illinois 1992 and Miss Illinois USA 1993), the visionaries behind SheisMOTIVATED. This unique coaching company is revolutionizing the pageant world by empowering women like YOU with the tools and support you need to achieve your dreams. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of SheisMOTIVATED, exploring: The...

Have you ever felt like the world was crashing down around you? Like a single moment could derail your entire life's trajectory? Life is full of unexpected challenges. The true test of character is how we respond to adversity. In this episode, we delve into the power of resilience, the importance of perspective, and practical strategies for bouncing back from life's toughest moments. We explore th...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of social media with pageant queen of the feed, Jenna Martorana. As a well-known social media ambassador in the pageant world, Jenna shares her invaluable tips and tricks for building a strong online presence. Learn how to create engaging content, effectively use hashtags, manage multiple accounts, and connect with your followers. Discover the importanc...

In this episode of the Operation Flourish podcast, we're thrilled to have the inspiring Jennifer Garrison as our guest. Jennifer is the founder of the non-profit organization, Empowerment Through Education . Dedicated to fostering personal and professional growth, her organization provides scholarships to individuals seeking to develop their skills and share their unique gifts with the world. Join...

In today's fast-paced world, the pressures of work can take a toll on our mental health. So let’s talk about the Brain’s Bottom Line and the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace. Tune in as host, Kayla Myers, delves into the challenges employees face, the impact of mental health issues on individuals and organizations, and strategies for creating a mentally healthy work enviro...

Ever felt like you're not enough? In this episode, we dive deep into the comparison trap – a common pitfall that can sabotage your chances in pageants, sports, job interviews, and life in general. Tune in to explore relatable stories of comparison, understand why our brains are wired to compare, and uncover the negative consequences of letting comparison dictate our self-worth. This episode wi...

Get ready for a raw and honest conversation about mental health, suicide prevention, and the power of connection. In this episode our special guest, Erica Giselle Graham, and host, Kayla Myers, share personal stories about struggling with suicidal ideation, offering a glimpse into the challenges they faced and the strategies they used to overcome them. Discover the importance of seeking help and t...

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of transitions, trusting your gut, and taking a leap of faith into what truly fulfills you. Our special guest, Braxton Hiser (Miss Indiana 2021), shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery as she transitioned from a teaching career of 5 years to her true passion in digital communications and acting. You will learn how to: Listen to Your Mind/Body: Lea...

In this episode we delve into the world of dementia with our special guest, Rachel Ramos. A STEM professional turned dementia advocate, Rachel shares her personal journey and insights into this complex condition. Prepare to demystify Dementia as you learn about the latest research and debunk common misconceptions surrounding dementia--it does not only impact older adults. Rachel will teach you pra...

In this episode of the Operation Flourish Podcast we dive deep into the transformative power of food for both our physical and mental well-being. Our special guest, Alexandra Knotts, shares her personal journey of overcoming health challenges through a holistic nutrition-focused approach, unlocking the healing powers of nutrition. Discover the science behind nutrition and its impact on overall hea...

Ever felt overwhelmed, burnt out, or like you're constantly running on empty? Join host, Kayla Myers, as we dive deep into the importance of self-care and why it's not just a luxury. In this episode, we debunk the myth that self-care is only for the privileged or that it's a sign of weakness. Kayla also highlights that self-care is often NOT convenient; however, it is necessary. Discov...

This week, we're joined by host Kayla Myers for a heartfelt and insightful conversation! Kayla reflects on her recent Miss Indiana week, which took an unexpected turn when she faced an injury during her talent routine. But this wasn't the end of the story... Get ready to be uplifted as Kayla shares the strategies she used (rooted in counseling and sport/performance psychology) to navigate...

In this episode, the host Kayla Myers dives deep into the practical strategies that helped her overcome immense adversity. Having faced challenges like growing up in an abusive home, experiencing homelessness, and sustaining a serious injury while competing for Miss Indiana, Kayla knows what it takes to bounce back. Forget the generic talk of "being strong". Kayla unveils her secret: The...

Meet Sarah Holdcroft who is UNSTOPPABLE. Sarah is an advocate for her movement titled “SC Can’t Stop Me”. In this episode, Sarah shares her story of living with Sickle Cell (SC) disease. It is a story of overcoming, grit, and resilience. You might also realize how little you know about Sickle Cell disease as Sarah sheds light on what it is like to live with this “Invisible” disease. Sarah's So...