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
85 episodes
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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34:38
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
Brenda Naomi Rosenberg Talks: Peace
Mel chats with Brenda Naomi Rosenberg, a peacemaker and author, and discusses her work bringing communities together and moving from hate to hope to healing. She shares her experiences working with various groups, including Girl Scouts, police ...
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Season 4
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Episode 69
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39:58
Mel & Mic Talk: Sparks
Mel & Mic delve into their aspirations and their passion for igniting sparks within their community. They emphasize the importance of taking action and finding one's rhythm in pursuing goals, regardless of scale. Together, they discuss the ...
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Season 4
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Episode 68
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38:05
Building a Welcoming Pickleball Community with Leslie White and Christy Howden from Wolverine Pickleball
Join us as we dive into the world of pickleball with Leslie White and Christy Howden, founders of Wolverine Pickleball. In this episode, Leslie and Christy share their journey of building a successful pickleball facility and creating a strong c...
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Season 4
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Episode 67
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44:03
Dr. Amanda Tracy Talks: How to Thrive in Perimenopause & Menopause
In this episode, Mic engages in a dynamic conversation with Dr. Amanda Tracy, delving into holistic health and focusing on the intricate phases of menopause and perimenopause. Dr. Tracy candidly shares her journey in the realm of women's hormon...
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Season 4
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Episode 66
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47:30
Rachael Phillips Talks: Embracing Your Choice and Living in Flow
Sometimes we are forced into a life shift that changes how we view this life. Rachael Phillips re-evaluated her career and the hurry she fostered when she was faced with breast cancer. Mel and Mic discuss with Rachael her new focus...
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Season 4
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Episode 65
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40:04
Stacey Kulongowski Talks: Leaving Your Big Career to Find Fulfilling Work
Stacey Kulongowski, former Google executive and founder of The BND Group, opens up about her pivot into coaching and finding true fulfillment. Learn how she found the grace to leave behind a successful career for personal growth and inspiring o...
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Season 4
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Episode 64
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33:28
Yolanda Williams Talks: Navigating Your Path Through Entrepreneurship and Grief
When starting your kindling project, doors open and close all the time. It's up to you to figure out which opportunities feel right to you. Yolanda Williams shares her experiences, in starting her own business, Creme Blends, and th...
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Season 4
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Episode 63
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36:16
SHEFIT founder Sara Moylan Talks: The Heart Behind the Rise of the Game-Changing Activewear
Pregnant Sara Moylan had a problem with her bust being cumbersome when she went to work out. She had to wear two ill-fitting sports bras that made her feel horrible. This was the spark for her company, SHEFIT, which creates performance gear and...
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Season 4
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Episode 62
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50:32
Mel & Mic Reflect
Join Mic and Mel in a heartfelt conversation as they reflect on the past year and dive into the magic of the holiday season. They cover it all, from heartwarming holiday cards to the joy of giving gifts. They also share their incredible expe...
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Season 4
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Episode 61
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49:51
Replay: Princess Castleberry Talks: Breaking Free from Unconscious Agreements
This is a replay of our conversation with Princess!Princess Castleberry is on a journey to break free from unconscious agreements. She helps her clients unleash the power of collective responsibility and tap into their inner strength to...
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Season 3
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Episode 62
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1:06:22
Replay: Amy Peterson Talks: The Power of Investing in People
This is a replay of our conversation with Amy Peterson. Meet Amy Peterson, a trailblazer driven by a deep passion that inspires. She keeps a box of rejection letters as a reminder of her determination to succeed and has created a compan...
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Season 3
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Episode 61
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41:21