Sprouting Minds

Jess Quarello and Taryn Lagonigro join the podcast to talk about their organization ELM, formerly known as Extra Lucky Moms. Jess and Taryn catch us up on what they've been up to and the wonderful things ELM has done in the disability community. These two incredible women are extra lucky in many ways. They are parents to beautiful children, entrepreneurs and advocates. At the start of 2024 I l...

Anya Raetsch is a big part of the reason why New Jersey will now be providing NJ students in sixth through 12 grade with free menstrual products. Anya is a menstrual equity activist, who saw a problem and worked hard to find a solution. While attending her local NJ high school, Anya noticed a big need for her school to add FREE menstrual products to the girl's bathrooms. With the help of her G...

Maryah Greene, a fellow Bank Street College of Education Alum joins me to talk about her debut children's novel Good Things. 🎓 We reminisce about our time and experience at Bank Street and the tools it provided us with to be successful. 🪴 While attending school, Maryah founded Greene Piece; a platform for plant lovers all over the world. Rooted in education and growth, Greene Piece is an acc...

During Pride Month in June of 2023 I came across a segment on Bernie and immediately invited hero not the podcast. Bernie Wagenblast's voice is quite familiar to those of NYC as she voices the subway's "Next Train" announcements. Bernie shares her journey growing up wishing she was a girl, finding her love for news and where she is today. Bernie's socials: LinkedIn Sprouting...

Sprouting Minds update: After 2 years of running Sprouting Minds I finally took time off. I spent June and July not focusing on certain aspects of podcasting that would interfere with my love of connecting with people and sharing their story with the world. My head is clear and I am ready to dive back in and bring you all new episodes starting August 1, 2023! It’s year 3 and I’m ready to rock and...

Erika Joy Sneath is an educator, author and cat mom. Erika chats about her experience as a new teacher and the little things she started to notice that would ultimately affect her teaching career. Erika shares the time she injured her ankle at work and how that left her with chronic pain. Her journey is about overcoming obstacles, understanding that who we are can effect our ability to separate wo...

Aaron Machbitz joins me to talk about his journey navigating his understanding and experience with mental health. Aaron is a former WWE wrestler who went by the name Jaxone Stone. After his sister died by suicide, Aaron began noticing how his WWE alter ego juxtaposed his real life personality. Aaron shares his struggles, wins and the tools he uses to help maintain his mental health. You can learn...

Tyrel Hunt is the author, director and producer of The Sound of Southside. The Sound of Southside is based in Queens, NY where both Tyrel and I are from. He captures the beauty, hardships and obstacles the community faces. Though fictional, the characters and storyline feel real. Tyrel and I talk about how he conceptualized this idea and the obstacles he had to overcome to produce such a unique an...

Amalia Flecksteiner joins the pod to share her journey navigating her moms ALS diagnosis to self published her very own children's book. On Valentine's Day 2019, Amalia Flecksteiner's mom was diagnosed with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells. Though her mom passed less than 2 years later, Amalia realized there were very few resou...

Use code: VIP23 to get 10% off at ⁠https://www.stealthbrosco.com/⁠ As seen on Shark Tank! I first saw Braxton Fleming on Shark Tank when he was pitching his amazing invention; a Dopp kit bag. This bag was unique in the sense that it was not just for someone transition, but also for anyone going through IVF, diabetes or any other personel matter. The invention was all about making people feel comfo...

Alessia Maria was living her average life with no experience with anxiety or depression. After being sick with strep like symptoms she started to experience depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety. At just 15 years old her life quickly was turned upside down. After what felt like ages, she was diagnosed with PANDAS disorder: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strepto...

Jeff Corrigan and Sheldon Mills are the Habit Masters. Jeff, Sheldon and I talk about the identity of self and how we define who we are as humans. We talk about why certain habits don't last and a simple and easy way to approach starting good habits **spoiler alert: their tip does in fact work** Jeff and Sheldon blow my mind when they start talking about the Garden Method.  FYI Sprouting Mind...

Jeanelle Teves is taking the term boss mom to a whole other level. Jeanelle is a wife and a mom to two young children. She is also the General Manager for Bugaboo's North America and Canadian region. In 2022, Jeanelle gave birth to her son Max and when the preschool I worked for opened up virtual classes, Jeanelle took that opportunity to sign up her older daughter for classes. Well, I'm sure you...

Join me as I talk to Rick Werry about how one event transformed his life. Rick grew up able-bodied, but one day while working on what was supposed to be his dream home, Rick fell and everything changed. Rick recounts his journey from the moment he found out he was quadriplegic to another life event that started his second life.  TW: there is a trigger warning on this episode as we talk about...

Join Aram and I as we talk about her journey to becoming a children's author and illustrator. Aram's books focus on universal themes while providing proper representation of her South Korean culture.  Follow Aram Kim on her social media platforms: website instagram Sprouting Minds is now on YouTube! Follow along HERE

They don't call him Donofriend for nothing! Donvoan Taylor Hall is an advocate for: youth empowerment, mental health and  self growth. He is working to reframe the narrative we have of ourselves and the world we live in.  Donovan's goal is to help young adults and children build positive relationships with themselves. Check out Donovan's social media platoforms here: Linktree For more in...

Megan Sharp left her 9-5 job to fulfill her passion for working with people living with Intellectual and physical disabilities. Her older sister Jessie, who is living with Angelman Syndrome helped guide her in living in the now.  Follow Megan and This Ability Recreation below: Website Instagram

Alnardo and I sit down and chat about anxiety! We focus on social anxiety and the amazing experiences we all have during middle school (that last part was sarcasm). We talk about being adults, young adults and kids and how anxiety effects all ages. Alnardo discusses different signs of anxiety and the different ways we can make it easier for us to navigate those experiences.  For more informat...

This month's featured young adult is Cherie Animashaun is a 17 year old author, leader, and student in  Skokie, Illinois. She is committed to making welcoming and vibrant spaces for youth and women around the world. Since establishing her nonprofit, Her Rising Initiative in 2021, she has awarded scholarships, led statewide conferences for hundreds of girls, and fundraised to empower wome...

Please note that there is a trigger warning for this episode as Cody Newman shares her personal experiences with anorexia, anxiety and OCD. Cody is raw and vulnerable as she shares the different treatments she has undergone and is currently going through.  Cody's article on being a former D1 athlete. International OCD Foundation Sprouting Minds website

Whether you are a first year or veteran teacher you know how hard this profession can be. At any job we take the stressors and carry them on our shoulders, but as teachers we are told to suppress our feelings of burning out, growing and stress. We are told to remember our why, but our why is the only thing keeping us going. Not anymore! Caitlin has created Radiant Teacher School, which she conside...

Gary Weitzen is the executive director of POAC: Autism Services. This non-profit helps educate children, teachers, officers and more about the Autism community. Gary is the father to two children one of which has inspired him to work with the Autism community. Christopher is now 28 years old and is sweet, intelligent, is a tv expert and he is living with Autism. I hope you enjoy my conversation wi...

As Sprouting Minds turns 1, please join me for a sprouting update. As the first year closes I want to share my goals for Sprouting Minds, my personal goals and an update on my healing journey.  Sprouting Minds: Website Instagram TikTok

When Covid-19 hit Olivia took up golf and quickly noticed that the sport was not accessible for all. She understood the importance of making golf accessible to children and young adults of color. She created Diversify Golf which is located in Evanston/Chicago Land area and is helping to make the sport more accessible, enjoyable and inclusive.  Olivia Ohlson's social media: Diversify Golf's instagr...

At just 15 years old Sir Darius Brown is the CEO and Founder of Beaux and Paws. His mission is to help shelter animals get adopted.  **just a reminder whether you adopt or shop make sure to do it responsibly!**  Sir Darius Brown's social media: Website Instagram