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Floppy's journey as a young writer is nothing short of inspiring. Picture this: a bright-eyed author stepping into a school for her first guest speaking gig, sharing her love for children's books with curious students. In this episode of CleanPool, we explore Floppy's exhilarating personal milestones, including an invitation to Miami to receive a prestigious book award and the release of the fourth installment in her Never Dying series. Our conversation takes a heartfelt turn as we discuss the supportive atmosphere of school life, the scars of past bullying, and the exciting completion of a new poetry project alongside a thought-provoking science fiction book in progress.

The episode isn’t just about personal achievements; it's a rallying cry for change. We shine a light on the voices of young people advocating for understanding and acceptance, particularly within the LGBTQ community. By sharing their stories, we aim to inspire a shift towards a more inclusive and welcoming world. Our discussions highlight the progress made and the work still undone, urging listeners to engage with our show and contribute their thoughts on important social issues. We wrap up with a promise of more insightful discussions, inviting listeners to join us as we continue empowering young voices to foster change.

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Scott Hamilton, the iconic figure skater and cancer survivor, graces our milestone 300th episode with his presence and incredible story. From a challenging start in his skating career to becoming a four-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist, Scott's journey is one of resilience, driven by the cherished memory of his late mother. In an intimate conversation with Faith, Scott shares the emotional experience of standing on the Olympic podium and the invaluable support of those who carried him through adversity, reminding us of the power and impact of a supportive community.

Laughter and joy as healing forces take center stage as we explore how humor can transform difficult experiences like chemotherapy into empowering journeys. Inspired by personal anecdotes of positivity during such trying times, Scott reflects on his evolution from athlete to entertainer, with the encouragement of choreographer Sarah Kawahara. These stories emphasize the creative ways to overcome challenges, and how embracing a playful spirit can lead to discovering new paths and identities, even in the face of adversity.

The episode also highlights acts of kindness and advocacy that define Scott's post-competition efforts. From initiatives like chemocare.com to personal stories of resilience and survival, we discuss the roller coaster of life and how its ups and downs contribute to growth and strength. Coupled with touching stories of young people making a difference despite their own challenges, this episode is a celebration of hope, inspiration, and the enduring spirit of remarkable individuals who continue to shine light for others.

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Ever wondered how Kamala Harris's political history aligns with her public persona? Law enforcement officer Alex Payne joins us for a no-holds-barred conversation about the Vice President's career. With a focus on her controversial policies, such as the incarceration of people for marijuana offenses and the employment of incarcerated individuals for low wages, Alex provides a law enforcement officer's perspective on her track record. We also explore the complexities of Harris's identity shifts and question the authenticity of political figures, contrasting her with non-traditional politicians like Donald Trump.

Education and societal issues take center stage as we share personal stories, including homeschooling experiences, to highlight the current challenges within public education. From the over-reliance on technology to the overshadowing of educational values by identity politics, there's much to discuss. We tackle the changing face of pop culture, censorship, and taxation policies, drawing parallels with historical events and questioning the impact of societal shifts on the next generation. Parenting comes into focus as we discuss the importance of teaching children about consequences and the roles parents play in shaping responsible adults.

We wrap up with a deep dive into the world of law enforcement, exploring the high-stress nature of the job and the critical need for better mental health resources for officers. Alex shares his experiences as a peer support counselor, emphasizing the importance of adequate training and funding for police departments. By examining the hidden struggles faced by officers and their challenging relationship with communities, we call for a balanced perspective on law enforcement and personal responsibility in leadership. Tune in to gain a multifaceted understanding of these pressing issues shaping our world today.

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Ever found a mysterious mess in the bathroom and assumed the worst? That's exactly what happened to my husband in our latest household comedy of errors. This episode kicks off with a hilarious recount of a mix-up involving a leftover hair mask and some overzealous cleaning, proving that sometimes the best stories come from everyday mishaps. Join us as we relive this unforgettable moment and remind ourselves why humor is the glue that holds relationships together, even during the most awkward situations.

As the laughter subsides, we shift gears to share our excitement about a charity auction on November 8th, where you can bid on some amazing items from your favorite personalities. The auction is all for a good cause, supporting special needs families and survivors of abuse. Alongside these plans, we uncover a heartwarming tale of a young birdhouse enthusiast and share quirky insights from our recent garage sale adventures. Our playful banter and practical jokes offer listeners a peek into our dynamic and fun-loving partnership.

Politics takes center stage in our spirited discussion on how it intersects with daily life, affecting everything from grocery prices to Hollywood opinions. Not to be missed is the celebration of our collaboration with Dana—our series has captivated millions! As we chat about book releases and audience engagement, including feedback on "Narc, Narc, Who's There?" and "Gasping for Air," the episode brims with humor, personal growth, and the importance of having a supportive circle. Tune in for whimsical conversations, inside jokes, and a reminder that love and laughter can truly change the world.

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What if growing up in a non-traditional family wasn't a disadvantage but a unique strength? Join us as we celebrate a milestone of reaching over 10 million listeners by diving deep into your pressing questions about mental health, self-acceptance, and individuality. Together, we'll explore how overcoming judgment and handling criticism can lead to embracing self-worth, even in the face of narcissistic abuse and familial discord. Through personal stories, we reveal the transformative power of setting boundaries and finding genuine connections that foster love and acceptance beyond societal expectations.

Family dynamics can be a tricky terrain to navigate, especially when they don't fit the idealized images portrayed in popular culture. We contrast these societal expectations with the reality many face, using candid reflections and examples like Bill Cosby's public persona to highlight the importance of authenticity. This episode emphasizes the value of forming meaningful relationships with those who truly appreciate and support us, recognizing that not all familial bonds are inherently nurturing. We also address the complex nature of trust and friendship, offering insights into maintaining authenticity amidst mental health struggles and navigating friendship boundaries.

Our conversation extends into the nuanced discussion of self-preservation versus narcissism, touching on the subjective nature of these judgments and the journey toward gender identity acceptance. We share heartfelt responses to a young listener's question on worthlessness, highlighting the courage it takes to seek help and the critical role of unconditional love and support. As we wrap up, we remind every listener of their resilience and encourage you to reach out to us across social media platforms, reinforcing the message that you are never alone on this journey toward healing and self-discovery.

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Have you ever wondered how small acts of kindness can ripple into transformative community support? Faith, our incredible daughter, has been a beacon of generosity from a young age, collecting toys for children in need and families rebuilding after domestic violence. As we navigate the complexities of setting up our first GoFundMe for the "Holiday for Heroes" initiative, we also celebrate our 300th episode milestone with an inspiring interview featuring the resilient Scott Hamilton. His story parallels our mission of kindness and community, echoing the strength we see in those around us.

Our conversation takes a serious turn as we address the poignant issues surrounding domestic violence. Faith's powerful acronym, BRAVE—Be Resilient, Acknowledge Victories, and Embrace Your Challenges—resonates deeply with the stories we share. We recount a harrowing tale of domestic abuse and systemic failures, urging reform and empathy. As we highlight works like Victoria Curie's "Who Kicked First," we call on our listeners to join us in advocating for survivors and supporting change. Every listener has a role to play in creating a supportive community for those facing these battles.

While the episode handles serious topics, we balance the narrative with moments of humor and personal reflection on family dynamics. From discussing the complexities of co-parenting to sharing light-hearted stories about regional dialects and humorous family banter, we remind ourselves of the joy and responsibility in nurturing relationships. The chapter on book promotion and editing reveals the playful rapport between author and editor, exemplifying the supportive partnerships that drive our passion. Join us as we celebrate storytelling, resilience, and the joy of coming together for a greater cause.

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What happens when reality TV royalty crashes your birthday party? Join us for an unforgettable episode where we celebrate a surprise visit from Marge Senior of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, all orchestrated by my incredibly thoughtful daughter, Faith. Marge Senior opens up about her journey through the drama of reality television with grace and authenticity, recounting a recent health scare where her daughter and a skilled pulmonologist became her heroes. We share laughter over the antics of her son-in-law, Joe, and the unique camaraderie among the men of the show, making this a heartwarming and humorous celebration of life and family.

Ever wondered about the inspiring journeys behind the scenes? Our conversation takes a profound turn as we speak to a woman with a rich life story, sharing her reflections on work, family, and resilience. From navigating public criticism with poise to transitioning from her daughter’s brand to a new career, her insights are nothing short of inspiring. We explore her resilience through past hardships, her love for animals, and cherished memories of her childhood on a Hungarian farm. And yes, there’s a delightful confession about her guilty pleasure—Haagen-Dazs coffee bean ice cream!

Family drama takes center stage as we explore complex dynamics and emotional turmoil within strained relationships. Teresa's bond with Louie and its impact on her family, especially her brother Joe and his wife Melissa, raises questions about loyalty and support. We highlight the importance of cherishing family memories and standing by loved ones during tough times. As a cherry on top, we wrap up with a shared love for classic Hollywood films, celebrating the timeless elegance of stars like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford while teasing an upcoming show season that promises even more captivating stories.

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Teen author Shanti Hershenson joins us as our new co-host and takes us through her remarkable journey of becoming an author during the pandemic. We explore how her novel, "You Won't Know Her Name," based on personal experiences with bullying, carved a significant path in her writing career, attracting nearly 40,000 readers. Shanti and I share the highs and lows of navigating the world of young adult authorship and reflect on how these shared experiences have deepened our friendship. As we celebrate her incredible milestone, we also discuss unexpected ways to mark such achievements—cue the escape room adventure!

Our conversation shifts to the pressures young women face, particularly in male-dominated genres like science fiction. The episode offers advice on staying authentic amidst societal judgments, especially concerning personal style and family values. We talk about overcoming bullying by seeking supportive communities and emphasize the importance of finding trusted allies in school settings. Shanti and I also dive into the creative process of self-publishing, balancing quality with quantity, and our aspirations for expanding into traditional publishing. As we look ahead, there's excitement for future projects, fashion inspirations, and birthday celebrations, making this episode a rich tapestry of creativity and camaraderie.

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