The Kindling Project
We know that women have untapped potential – and it's time to put some kindling on it. Too often, we dim our light for the sake of others. But it's never too late to ignite the fire within. Unlock your potential and embark on a journey of empowerment with The Kindling Project.
Join our host Melissa Halpin, artist and CEO of Memora, an experience design agency, and founder of The Kindling Project, a media platform for women as she interviews women at varying stages of their Kindling Projects.
We explore these inspiring stories, from an off-road adventurer conquering the Rubicon Trail to a non-profit founder delivering feminine hygiene products to millions in developing nations, from a fashion designer building a multimillion-dollar brand after divorce in her 60s to a therapist exploring where psychotherapy meets alternative treatments to improve the mental health epidemic in our country.
The Kindling Project is more than a podcast; it's a passion project dedicated to uncovering, celebrating, and nurturing every woman's extraordinary potential. Remember, it only takes one spark to ignite a flame!
Learn more at:
https://www.thekindlingproject.com/
Join our private Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thekindlingprojectignite
Episodes
96 episodes
Starting Up After Staying Home: Going from Mom to Entrepreneur with Alison Serbentas
In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, Alison Rico-Serbentas shares her transformative journey from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming an entrepreneur and bodybuilder. She discusses the challenges of navigating relationships, buildi...
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Season 4
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Episode 94
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1:10:12
The Daily Spark: Choosing Joy Over Chaos with Jodi Lynn Turpin
In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, Melissa Halpin speaks with Jodi Lynn Turpin about the transformative power of joy. Jodi shares her journey of choosing joy as a daily practice, the impact of life events on her perspective, and h...
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Season 4
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Episode 93
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37:53
She’s in Business! From Idea to Impact with Sommer Gay
In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, host Melissa Halpin speaks with Sommer Gay, founder of Launch Marketing Co. They discuss Sommer's journey into entrepreneurship, the importance of niche marketing in hospitality, and the challeng...
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Season 4
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Episode 92
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53:16
Campfire Series: Being a Woman in Business, in Menopause, and in the Mess
Let's gather around the campfire! In this first iteration of the Kindling Project's "Campfire Series", a group of women entrepreneurs engage in a candid conversation about their experiences in business, the challenges of reinvention...
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Season 4
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Episode 91
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1:23:13
The Classroom Reimagined: Lessons from Arts and Scraps with Ang Adamiak
In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, Melissa Halpin speaks with Ang Adamiak, the executive director of Arts and Scraps, an organization dedicated to transforming everyday scraps into educational tools and creative opportunities for ...
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Season 4
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Episode 90
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46:28
Speak. Lead. Repeat. with Asandi Conner
In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, host Melissa Halpin speaks with Asandi Conner, a writer, coach, and strategist, about the importance of finding one's voice and leading with authenticity. Asandi shares her journey from being sil...
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Season 4
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Episode 89
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42:55
Legacy Matters: Smart Estate Planning for the Future with Karen Schultz-Tarnopol
In this episode of the Kindling Project Podcast, Melissa Halpin engages in a profound conversation with Karen Schultz-Tarnopol about the significance of legacy and estate planning, particularly for women in midlife. They explore the emotional a...
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Season 4
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Episode 88
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36:56
Bloom-i-fication: Transform Your Midlife with Andrea Clebb
In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, Melissa Halpin speaks with Andrea Clegg, founder of Bloomified Life, about the transformative journey of midlife women. They discuss the concept of 'bloomification', the importance of community, ...
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Season 4
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Episode 87
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47:01
Leading a Business in a Male-Dominated Field with Deana Neely
In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, host Melissa Halpin speaks with Deana Neely, founder and CEO of Detroit Voltage, a woman-led electrical contracting company. They discuss Deana's journey into the electrical field, the challenges...
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38:54
Helping Tackle Your Kid's Mental Health with Lisa McIntyre
In this episode of the Kindling Project Podcast, Melissa Halpin sits down with Lisa McIntyre, a therapist, school board member, and advocate for youth mental health. They discuss Lisa's journey from her upbringing in Indiana to her current role...
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Season 4
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Episode 85
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37:12
What's a "Cleanse" and Why is Everyone Doing Them? with Rachelle Beazley
In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, Melissa Halpin welcomes Rachelle Beazley, a wellness experience creator and founder of Aloe and Alchemy. They discuss Rachelle's journey into the wellness space, the importance of creating memora...
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Season 4
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Episode 84
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57:26
Lessons from a Silent Retreat with Antonie Ziegler
In this conversation, Melissa Halpin and Antonia discuss the transformative power of mindfulness, personal growth, and the importance of community support. Antonia shares her experiences from a 10-day silent retreat, emphasizing the connection ...
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Season 4
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Episode 83
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41:35
The First Step to Becoming a Business Woman...Dream BIG with Diamond Branner
In this episode of The Kindling Project podcast, host Melissa Halpin speaks with Diamond Branner, the founder and creative director of Bland Material. They discuss Diamond's journey from being a teacher to a fashion designer, the inspiration be...
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Season 4
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Episode 82
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34:29
The Art of Spiritual Connection with Elana Merzin
In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, Melissa Halpin and Elana Merzin Weinstein discuss the importance of reclaiming creativity and spirituality, especially during challenging times. They explore personal transitions, the healing pow...
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Season 4
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Episode 81
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25:08
Breathe, Bodywork and Beyond! with Jessica York
In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, host Melissa Halpin speaks with Jessica York, founder of Coterie Detroit and owner of Breathe Bodywork and Beautification. They discuss the importance of community building, wellness, and self-ca...
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Season 4
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Episode 80
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43:41
From Hobbyist to Business Owner: Empowering Women Through Creative Content with Dele Nguyen
In this episode of The Kindling Project podcast, Melissa Halpin interviews Dele Nguyen, a creative entrepreneur specializing in content creation and digital marketing. They discuss Dele's journey from being a college dropout to establishing her...
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Season 4
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Episode 79
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1:03:32
Networking vs Community vs Technology with April Clarke
In this conversation, Melissa Halpin and April Clarke explore the significance of community in personal and professional life. They discuss the importance of supportive networks, the challenges of motherhood, and the need for intentionality in ...
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Season 4
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Episode 78
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48:38
The Transformative Power of Travel: Taking Flight with Sanya Weston
In this engaging conversation, Melissa Halpin reconnects with Sanya Weston, founder of Young People Travel Global Edge, to discuss their journeys as entrepreneurs, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative power of travel. They explo...
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Season 4
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Episode 77
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43:01
Building Community Through Creativity and Inclusivity with Amanda Sweet
In this engaging conversation, Amanda Sweet, the creative fairy godmother, shares her community-building journey through her platform ReVamp, a clothing swap and creative experience. Amanda Sweet, affectionately known as the Creative Fairy Godm...
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Season 4
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Episode 76
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57:29
Real Talk About Friendship PART 2: Boundaries and Building Better Connections
This conversation explores the emotional complexities of navigating friendships and breakups as adults. The participants share personal experiences and insights on how relationships evolve over time, the impact of social media, and the challeng...
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Season 4
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Episode 75
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30:46
Real Talk About Friendship PART 1: Building Bonds and Breaking Up
This conversation explores the emotional complexities of navigating friendships and breakups as adults. The participants share personal experiences and insights on how relationships evolve over time, the impact of social media, and the challeng...
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Season 4
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Episode 74
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30:27
OG Firestarters Amy & Melissa Check-in: Amy's PhD, Being "Extra" and Looking ahead to 2025
In this episode, Amy and Melissa kick off Season 4 of the Kindling Project podcast. They discuss what they've been up to, including the growth of the Kindling Project community, their events, and Amy's pursuit of her PhD. They also talk about t...
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Season 4
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Episode 73
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25:51
OG Firestarters Amy & Melissa Check-in: TKP's Values, Feminism, Mentoring & Connection
In this conversation, Amy and Melissa discuss the importance of creating a space for women to connect and support each other. They talk about the roots of their project, TKP, and the role of mentorship and giving back. They reflect on their own...
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Season 4
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Episode 72
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26:07
Diann Wingert Talks: Unmasking Authenticity: Empowering Women to Trust Themselves and Embrace Their True Desires
In this episode, Mic chats with the fabulous Diann Wingert. Diann shares her personal journey of taking off the mask and being true to herself. She discusses her childhood trauma and the masks she wore to survive. Diann emphasizes encoura...
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Season 4
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Episode 71
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58:00
Stacy Sloan Talks: Childhood Nutrition
Mel chats with Stacy Sloan, founder of Three Little Birds Granola. Stacy shares her journey from being a Chef to becoming the Founder and CEO of a clean food granola company. That means: No Soy, No Dairy, Gluten-free, Nut-free and School-safe.&...
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Season 4
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Episode 70
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47:45