We're announcing the "sundowning" of our current podcast as we prepare for a complete rebrand, launching on May 6th. After realizing our audience is primarily women in midlife, we're embracing this direction with deeper, more focused content about relationships in all forms.

• Started discussing a podcast idea back in 2018 before life and the pandemic delayed our plans
• Finally launched in 2023 after Jules suggested the timing was right
• Discovered our audience is primarily women 40+ despite trying to reach a broader demographic
• Working with podcast marketing coach Whitney Gardner (our "young Yoda") to refine our focus
• New podcast will focus on relationships in all forms - with ourselves, others, family, and friends
• Same hosts, new name, and deeper discussions targeted to women in midlife
• Will continue to bring our authentic experiences and hard-earned wisdom

Join us on May 6th for our rebranded podcast launch! We'll be sharing teasers on our social media channels in the weeks leading up to the big reveal.

What happens when a fitness model and IFBB professional athlete who volunteered for Mothers Against Drunk Drivers finds herself arrested for a DUI? Elise Morgan's powerful, candid journey reveals the unexpected twists life can take with just one decision.

With raw vulnerability, Elise takes us through every humiliating step – from field sobriety tests and handcuffs to overnight jail stays and courtroom appearances. The emotional and financial aftermath ($10,000+ in legal fees) transformed her life in ways she never imagined. Forced to install a breathalyzer in her vehicle for a year, Elise faced daily reminders of her mistake while driving her children to activities.

Yet what begins as a cautionary tale evolves into something profoundly inspirational. Through mandatory alcohol education classes, Elise discovered her passion for helping others transform their lives through mindset work – launching her current career as a life coach, author, and podcast host. Even more remarkably, a breathalyzer mishap during a date led her to meet the man who would become her husband!

This conversation goes beyond simple warnings about drinking and driving to explore deeper questions about redemption, purpose, and finding unexpected gifts in our darkest moments. Michele, Jules, and Elise discuss generational shifts in attitudes toward alcohol, the prevalence of "wine mom" culture, and the simple wisdom of planning ahead with rideshare services. Their authentic exchange reminds us that while we all make mistakes, with the right mindset, our lowest moments can become the foundation for our greatest growth.

What happens when you bring together two veteran educators with a combined 85 years of classroom experience? You get a masterclass in how American education has evolved—and what remains fundamentally unchanged.

Barb Houschel (entering her 49th year of teaching) and Angie share their journey from Catholic school classrooms with limited resources to navigating the complex landscape of modern public education. Their candid conversation reveals how teachers have become much more than instructors—they're advocates, counselors, and sometimes second parents to their students.

The discussion takes us through pivotal shifts in educational priorities, from the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to the chronic underfunding that leaves teachers constantly fighting for adequate resources. These educators don't hold back when addressing how "gentle parenting" trends and technology have transformed classroom dynamics, often creating new challenges in social skill development that became glaringly apparent after pandemic disruptions.

Perhaps most enlightening is their perspective on sex education curriculum—dispelling widespread misinformation with their firsthand experience implementing age-appropriate, systematic instruction with strong parent communication. Their thoughtful approach reveals how effective teachers build trust with both students and families when handling sensitive topics.

Despite the growing demands and diminishing support for educators, both teachers share the profound rewards that have sustained their lengthy careers: seeing former students grow into incredible adults, knowing they played some small part in that journey. As Barb beautifully states, "When I lay my head on the pillow at night, I know that I've spent my life in an endeavor that is worth doing."

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who cares about the future of education, this conversation offers valuable perspective from those who've dedicated their lives to shaping generations of young minds. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation on our social channels @BlondeBrunetteandaMic.

Sergeant Jay Walker shares his 15-year military journey and the challenges of living with a traumatic brain injury sustained during his deployment to Bosnia.

• Joined the Army at 19 as a combat engineer, stationed first in Germany
• Deployed to Bosnia for 10 months in 1997 where he suffered a traumatic brain injury
• Left active duty in 2001 but returned to reserves in 2007, changing roles to dental assistant
• Experiences ongoing symptoms including migraines, memory loss, slurred speech, and vision problems
• Faced homelessness even while serving in the reserves
• Found purpose through coaching high school football despite ongoing health challenges
• Emphasizes the importance of mental health support and "doing the work" for recovery
• Advocates for better understanding from family members supporting veterans
• Plans to start his own podcast to continue sharing veteran experiences

If you want to suggest topics for Jay's upcoming podcast or connect with him, please reach out to us at ablondeabrunetteandamic@gmail.com.

Walking alone at night doesn't have to be a terrifying prospect, but awareness is key, especially for women. Join us as we unravel a decade-old article, recently revived on LinkedIn, that shines a sobering light on how attackers identify potential victims. The insights, shared by police officer Martin Katz, guide us through scenarios like accepting drinks from strangers and the perils of using rideshares after a night out. We promise you'll walk away with a stronger sense of how to navigate these situations with confidence and caution.

Parking lots and public restrooms aren't just mundane locations—they're hotspots where predators often prey on the unsuspecting. We explore these unsettling truths and arm you with practical strategies to stay safe, such as projecting confidence and employing everyday items as defensive tools. If you're in a field like real estate that requires trusting strangers, we discuss protocols that could safeguard you in professional settings. Your personal anecdotes and our own experiences underscore the necessity of heightened awareness.

With safety top of mind, we transition from the serious to the playful, as we share stories of youthful recklessness that could make anyone cringe or chuckle. We also tackle the age-old question: are panty lines sexy? Our discussion on undergarment choices adds a lighter touch, all while reinforcing our ultimate message: stay stylish, stay smart, and most importantly, stay safe. Join our conversation to better equip yourself against potential threats and learn how to balance safety with style in every aspect of your life.

Michele shares her insights on making a long-distance relationship thrive despite the challenges it presents. Through discussion of communication, shared experiences, and overcoming misconceptions, she portrays a refreshing and encouraging perspective on love across miles.

• Michele recounts her nearly nine-year-long long-distance relationship
• Daily communication strategies enhance connection
• Learning about each other continuously is crucial to their bond
• Love languages and gifting take on new meaning with distance
• Combating loneliness through proactive communication is vital
• Trust and respect are essential in their relationship
• Long-distance relationships often face misconceptions about their viability

It's almost spring and with that comes the spring real estate market! We decided to repost this episode from last season which is full of tips shared on preparing your home to sell in order to get the max out of your investment!

Ever wondered how to transform your humble home into a buyer's paradise? Tune in as your hosts, Michele and Julee, share insights on making your house market-ready, with a sprinkle of personal stories and professional advice that will leave you feeling prepared. We're not just talking about a quick tidy-up; we dive deep into the essence of decluttering, the magic of staging, and the allure of curb appeal. Imagine walking through your front door and feeling that immediate sense of 'home'—that's the reaction we're aiming for from potential buyers, and we'll tell you just how to achieve it.

As we venture through the journey of selling your home, we touch upon the emotional rollercoaster it can be. From the daunting task of depersonalizing your space to the strategic game of organizing closets and garages, we guide you through the process with empathy and expertise. Julee underscores the significance of a clean, neutral backdrop that allows buyers to picture their future in your space. We also shine a light on the often overlooked resources available to help our elderly and disabled community members prepare their homes for sale.

Wrapping things up, we recap the essential steps to elevate your home from lived-in to must-have. Whether it's buffing up the curb appeal or ensuring your inspection reports are squeaky clean, we've covered all bases to help you navigate the current real estate landscape. This episode is more than just a talk; it's a toolbox brimming with strategies for selling success. So go ahead, download this gem, share it with your home-selling comrades, and join our community as we guide you to a successful sale. Until our paths cross again in the next weekly episode, keep thriving and waving goodbye to your old home with confidence.

Ever found yourself cringing at the smallest quirks in a potential partner or friend? You're not alone! As Michele the Blonde and Jules the Brunette, we share our hilarious and sometimes cringe-worthy tales of "the ick" and how these unexpected turn-offs can sneak up on you in relationships. From minor habits that make us squirm to the importance of etiquette and personal boundaries, we're spilling all the tea, with plenty of laughter and mimosas along the way.

Could a single word or gesture be the ultimate chemistry killer? Discover how certain red flags, like outdated language or inappropriate humor, can quickly escalate from minor annoyances to complete deal-breakers. We'll recount memorable moments where respect was tested and provide insights into how these interactions have shaped our views on compatibility. With a dash of humor and a touch of reflection, we dive into the impact of upbringing and cultural influences on what really gives us "the ick."

But wait, there's more! We also tackle the nuances of navigating long-term relationships and friendships, emphasizing the need for introspection and personal growth. From fashion faux pas to etiquette fails, our candid discussions reveal how personal boundaries are formed and tested. Tune in as we question the fairness of judging others on superficial traits and encourage a mindful approach to understanding and embracing differences in personal values and habits. Whether you're single or coupled up, our stories are sure to entertain and maybe even give you a fresh perspective on your own "icks.