The Inspiration Farm: An Audio Journal for Personal Growth and Belonging

This episode dives deep into the transformative power of establishing a dedicated area for your journaling practice. Whether it's a cozy nook at home or a serene spot in nature, having a space that resonates with your soul can elevate your writing experience and connect you with your true self. In this episode, I share my personal journey of crafting a tea room adorned with ancestral dishes, which has become a source of strength and creativity for me. Inspired by Angie Taylor's concept of a career 'command center' from her book "Your Next Job Strategies for Re-Entering the Workforce," we explore how you can create a sacred meeting place for your thoughts and reflections. As you listen, I invite you to grab your favorite notebook and pen, and ponder how the universe might be speaking through you. I'll be playing calming music to help you settle in and open your mind to the possibilities your journaling space can offer. This is your moment to connect with your true self—one powerful question at a time. I'm eager to see the creative spaces you'll build. Share your photos or tag us on Instagram, and remember, you belong here. Get Angie's book:  Your Next Job: Strategies for Re-entering the Workforce   Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/true-wonder License code: E0DRI5VN8FIY76QG  

Our new series invites listeners to explore the profound feeling of belonging and the power of community. Reflecting on my journey from a small farm in Morning View, Kentucky, I share how a simple conversation with a family friend, Sheila Redman, at a local county fair reignited my sense of belonging and inspired the creation of this new podcast series. Sheila's warm words reminded me of the importance of recognizing and valuing each other's true selves.   Motivated by this encounter, I embarked on writing a book for my daughters, capturing our life's lessons and family bonding exercises. In this series, I aim to provide a similar sense of belonging and encouragement, offering weekly journaling prompts to help listeners connect with their true selves. By asking the powerful question, "What would you regret not doing on your deathbed?" I encourage listeners to uncover and pursue their heart's callings, creating a community that supports and nurtures each other's journeys.   Follow along with my new book, The Growth Plot.  You can get here.   #InspirationFarmPodcast #SelfDiscovery #PersonalGrowth #Belonging #AudioJournaling #TheGrowthPlot #NewEpisode Music credit:  Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/corals/lanterns License code: BOYOFSSNK2C6YZJF  Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/big-dreams License code: IV5U9ZZDMGIHCPCA  

Life's journey is often unpredictable, taking us through winding paths of self-discovery and growth. In the latest episode of our podcast, we dive deep into one woman's fascinating voyage from romance to the runway, and the myriad lessons learned along the way. This episode is an inspiring tale of courage, creativity, and the unyielding pursuit of one's dreams. For more information on Alishia Lee, kindly visit her amazing website at http://mebylee.com. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/overture License code: ZR1DLRDGWDJAFRRL

This episode invites you into a fireside chat with host Sara Jackson.  The winters of '77 and '78 weren't just seasons of snowflakes and ice; it brought a financial frost that tested her family's endurance. Her father's decision to install a wood stove became more than a way to keep the house warm—it ignited a legacy of determination and security that he passed on. Feel the crackle of the wood stove as we explore the slow, steady steps of tending to life's most important fires—from maintaining health routines to nurturing relationships and pursuing dreams. As the leaves turn and the temperature drops, we at Inspiration Farm embrace the chill, knowing it's a time to band together and support each other through the season's trials. This episode celebrates the spirit of community and the recognition of every little victory along our individual journeys. Join us as we foster an environment where personal growth is cultivated and where your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. This isn't just a story about family—it's an invitation to reflect on your own sources of warmth and to stoke the embers of your aspirations in the company of friends who understand that every effort, no matter how small, fuels the path to achievement. Ignite the desires of your heart with this month's seed starter journal.  You can access here: https://www.theinspirationfarm.com/post/imagination-light-the-fire-within. (00:00 - 00:44) Freezing Winters in Ohio River Valley (04:18 - 05:43) Balancing Dreams and Everyday Responsibilities (07:59 - 09:29) Harnessing Winter's Reflection for Spiritual Growth     Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/light-patterns/tethers License code: DWRGXFOKWMSQ8VJS   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/mare License code: JNP2UHFK6ERL2U4K   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/cory-alstad/fort-st-james License code: 6GAU3XDLEIAC6LS  

In this episode we explore the multifaceted life of Carol Hemmer, a true renaissance woman who harmonizes the rhythm of code with the cadence of poetry. Carol's story unfolds from the most unexpected beginnings—a converted men's bathroom at GE.  Her journey is a rich tapestry of professional challenges, personal growth, and poetic musings that transcend the binary world of software engineering. Listen in as Carol shares how her steadfast companion, poetry, provides solace and a means to articulate the complex human experience.  Hear the powerful verses she penned, inspired by the pressures her daughters faced growing up, and witness a heartfelt moment as a particular poem is shared aloud for the first time. Tune in for a conversation that celebrates the courage to express oneself, the transformative power of community, and the undeniable impact of mentorship in elevating our talents and dreams. Visit www.theinspirationfarm.com to download our January Seed Starter Journal.   Music Credits: https://uppbeat.io/t/apex-music/a-carefree-day License code: FWR7UAGFEHAWVRPJ https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/hope License code: TIM6ICWU75L1XMTT https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/eclipse License code: CQS1JDNWM58ZBBTH https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-easton/love-story License code: VJSWQCKBOGRXNYEM      

Discover the transformative magic of community with Jamie, the architect of the Sunrise Sisters group, as she joins me, Sara Jackson, in the charming Tea Room at The Inspiration Farm. Unlock the secret sauce for cultivating safe havens that encourage deep connections, and listen to Jamie's wisdom on building your personal cheer squad. Our enlightening chit-chat peels back the layers on why simple structures in group settings can vastly enhance belonging and ignite imaginations, and how the right dose of simplicity and flexibility can make all the difference in nurturing our aspirations. A couple helpful hints to apply this episode to your life: Visit this page to access a FREE pdf download of our seed starter journal that accompanies this episode. Send Jamie some sunshine for her courage to record this episode.  Her email is jamie.holtzapfel@gmail.com. Episode Chapter Timestamps (04:05 - 06:09) Women's Group for Memorable Experiences (08:48 - 09:16) Deciding on Margaritas in Mexico (15:56 - 17:43) Embracing New Experiences, Remembering Your Worth (22:10 - 23:24) The Importance of Taking Action (31:31 - 32:30) Choosing an Intentional Word Every Year Episode Highlights (00:01) Sunrise Sisters Community power and simplicity in creating a safe space for like-hearted individuals, chosen activities, and personal connection. (08:56) Supportive Community, Embracing Self-Care Simplicity and personal fulfillment in organizing group activities, with manageable sizes, a supportive ringleader, and inclusive participation. (18:46) Navigating Mental Traps and Pursuing Dreams Jamie shares her emotional challenges in maintaining a successful women's group, emphasizing the power of community, self-care, and persistence. (25:40) Empowering Women and Word of Year Sunrise Sisters empowers women through small steps, choosing a word of the year, and using vision boards. (33:43) Setting Intentions Thankful for insights on creating a group, setting intentions for 2024, spreading positivity, and using the Seed Starter Journal. Music Credits: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/foresight License code: P1SCFNXKLM2XDYJX Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/apex-music/a-carefree-day License code: FWR7UAGFEHAWVRPJ   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/hope License code: TIM6ICWU75L1XMTT   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/eclipse License code: CQS1JDNWM58ZBBTH   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-easton/love-story License code: VJSWQCKBOGRXNYEM   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-easton/love-story License code: VJSWQCKBOGRXNYEM  

Welcome back to the Inspiration Farm podcast where we've been journeying together through the UnfiltHER series, bringing to light the importance of a supportive community. Listen in as I reflect on the incredible strides we've made both personally and collectively, thanks to the encouragement of a network of women championing one another. I'll share the challenges I faced in launching this dream and the difference it makes when we link arms and push forward, undeterred by the pursuit of perfection. It's a tribute to the power of raw, real stories, and an invitation to join us in creating a space where every woman can step boldly into the role of her own life's leading lady. With the help ol' friends like Jamie Eggmeyer and Carol Hemmer, we're going to explore the art of building communities and revel in the beauty of poetry. Your active participation and encouragement amplify our courage and commitment to sharing our gifts, affirming the significant impact we have on each other's journeys. So cozy up and get ready for an extraordinary year filled with inspiration, support, and the collective fire of 303 supporters igniting dreams. Click here to access a FREE pdf download of the January edition of The Inspiration Farm Seed Starter journal that accompanies this episode.   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-phillipson/making-progress License code: 6WJGT5NACNSPTPS1   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/raise-your-head License code: WRZAOPGFDKCQWQVL   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/take-my-hand License code: 3L2MX0HPASXQM9U9   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/know-your-why License code: 6MPFKDX0UZFYWZN1   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/a-good-moment License code: 5VWKLKCPEMDS1IBS

Gather 'round the table at The Inspiration Farm Tea Room as my sister, her best friend, and I swap tales of friendship woven through the fabric of time; from the aisles of a local grocery store to the shared laughter on themed vacations. In this conversation, we raise our glasses to the ones who cheer you on as you toggle between career ambitions and the quest for personal fulfillment, all while seasoning life with a dash of festive spirit. This heart-to-heart journey doesn't just skip down memory lane; it propels us into the enthralling world of creating experiences that stick. We celebrate the magic that themed getaways, holidays, and moments bring, creating pockets of paradise that don't cost the earth. But it's not all vacation talk and memory making. In profound reflection, we open up about the road to leadership and the friendships we build along the way. You'll hear firsthand how support from your inner circle can ignite the courage to step into roles we never thought possible. From scrapbooking circles bolstering community initiatives to leadership styles that infuse workplaces with joy, we toast to the power of a supportive village. So sit back, press play, and let's raise a glass to the unwavering strength of friendship and the beauty of chasing our dreams together. Want to access to our Seed Starter Journal that will help you plant seeds of change from the episode? There’s a vacation planning sheet, journal prompts for intentional gatherings, and more.  You can access for free here.   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/monument-music/the-festive-fairy License code: F1MJUWJLJLNMMHMT Music from Purple Planet

Ready to awaken the spirit of the holidays within you? This episode will have you wandering through the heartwarming tale of Virginia and her timeless question to Santa Claus – a story that continues to touch hearts and underscores the power of belief. We'll dive into Virginia's inspiring life and her remarkable contribution to the field of education as a single parent. And to help us be more intentional during this season of giving and gathering, I'm introducing our new monthly seed starter journal. But the journey doesn't end there. We open up about experiences during the holidays – the joys, the struggles, and the healing power of togetherness. Taking a leaf out of the movie "The Holiday," you'll be reminded that you're not alone in your journey, and there's always hope. Let's embrace this season together, one where gathering with loved ones can mend parts of our souls. So, here's to you - single parents, believers in Santa, and lovers of the holiday season. Let's cultivate stories that inspire, uplift, and resonate with the spirit of the season. Don't forget to visit theinspirationfarm.com to download and free pdf of our new Seed Starter Journal.  This journal accompanies our December episodes and is intended to help listeners take action on some of the lessons and themes that we learn together through this listening journey.  Enjoy!    Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/monument-music/the-festive-fairy License code: F1MJUWJLJLNMMHMT

Ever wonder what it takes to transform a small-town coffee shop into a beloved local institution? You're about to find out! We're chatting with Billie, the heart and soul behind The Roost in Latonia, Kentucky, who has turned her passion for community and service into a thriving business. Billie shares her captivating journey from her rustic beginnings on an Oklahoma ranch, the trials she faced along the way, and her invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Discover the importance of knowing your 'why' and find inspiration in Billy's steadfast commitment to creating a sense of belonging in her community. But that's not all! The conversation takes a riveting turn as we navigate the world of women's equity in business and finance with Billie. Her fierce stance on equal opportunities and her drive to inspire women to actively seek fairness in their ventures will leave you pumped up and ready to conquer any challenge. And if you're ever in Latonia, make sure to stop by her side businesses—a cozy B&B and top-tier event planning services—all of which revolve around her core ethos of hospitality and service. So, buckle up for this episode because Billie's journey from an everyday entrepreneur to a beacon for women's equity in business is an inspirational ride you don't want to miss!

Could the secret to preserving the magic of Thanksgiving lie in the most unexpected places? This special episode is all about revisiting those cherished childhood memories at the kids' table, a place of warmth, fun, and genuine connection. Join me as I recount my journey through the joys and trials of Thanksgiving Day, from the anticipation of hosting and the exhaustion that ensues, to the precious moments of familial love and the strain of conflicting emotions when things don't go as planned.  In this deeply personal narrative, I'll take you back to some of my most treasured Thanksgiving experiences. I also delve into a regrettable moment when I lost my patience over a spilled bottle of apple cider, tainting the holiday magic. But through these stories, I hope to bring forth a simple yet profound lesson that could help us all preserve the magic of the holiday season. So whether your holidays look different this year, you're dealing with a new family dynamic, or you're hosting for the first time, come join me as we uncover the real essence of Thanksgiving and find a way to enjoy the magic in the midst of it all.   Music by Purple Planet 

Ever wondered how a small town coffee shop can turn into a community cornerstone? Join us as we chat with the unforgettable Billie, founder of the Roost Latonia in Kentucky. We move from Billie's roots in an Oklahoma ranch to the thriving hub she's created in her adopted home. We discover the trials and triumphs of running a small business, and how Billie's unwavering dedication to her community has shaped the Roost into a unique sanctuary, fostering a sense of belonging with every cup of coffee served.

The trailer gives a glimpse of this season's Inspiration Farm Team Room series, unfiltHER.  As they sit amidst the delicate charm of heirloom china passed down through generations, these remarkable women open their hearts and souls, weaving a tapestry of resilience, determination, and empowerment. The series creates a sense of belonging, reminding us all that perfection is not a prerequisite for making a significant impact; rather, it is the raw, unfiltered essence of these stories that truly resonates and leaves a lasting impression on the hearts of the listeners.