Kendra talked with Jessica Van Der Stad and Michele Lee, who shared their commitment to mental health advocacy through their work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Jessica serves as the Executive Director for the Massachusetts Chapter of AFSP. After losing her dad to suicide in 2008, Jessica became involved after seeing a flyer in Starbucks for a local 'Walk to Fight Suicide'. She started as a volunteer with AFSP in California and has been a member of the staff team for 14 years, including the past 4 in Massachusetts.

Michele serves as the Programs Manager for the Massachusetts Chapter; In 2005, Michele’s father, who was a Public Safety officer at Ithaca College, took his own life after struggling with depression. A few years after his death she and her family connected with the AFSP. She started as a volunteer with AFSP in New York and has been a member of the staff team in Massachusetts for 7 years.

Sue and Kendra were thrilled to talk with Lisa Ponte and her daughter Alex who created LP Vibes during the height of the pandemic as a way to promote positive thinking, compassion and self love through affirmation cards. Lisa’s daughter Alex stepped in in 2022 to help create a children’s version of the cards for kids ages 5-12. Lisa and Alex shared their life experiences, their mission and plans for the future of LP Vibes.

Sue and Kendra talked with Meghan Melo, a wife, a mother, a mental health counselor and two time cancer survivor who is currently undergoing treatment for Stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Meghan is also a longtime member of Voices of Hope, a non profit organization that raises funds for cancer research through theatrical performances. She shared her journey and hopes to inspire others!

Sue and Kendra talked with Jenn Gulbrand, who is working to empower women to create a life of purpose. Jen is an author, speaker, coach and energy and sound healer. She is the founder of WeBreathe Wellness in Walpole and the creator of the Soul Soiree that will take place on September 14th. Jenn is a dynamic businesswoman with a fascinating second chapter rooted in healing, wellness, and community.

Sue and Kendra talked with Tanya Hackett, the founder of the Jonny Hackett Memorial Fund and Jonny’s bags. Tanya’s family faced unimaginable loss on July 22, 2021, while swimming with friends, Jonny suffered an undetected ruptured brain aneurysm and passed away days later. Tanya has spent the last 3 years helping her family manage the enormous grief, including her son Bobby who was only five years old at the time. Tanya has written a book called “My Brother Lives in Heaven” that is now available for pre-sale.

Kendra and Sue talked with Shannon Taylor, Co-founder of Legacy Bundles,
a company that allows parents to swap out their kids’ clothing. Legacy Bundles
was created after Shannon and her husband Anthony had their first baby and
realized how quickly kids outgrow their clothes. Their “Bundle Swap” lets parents trade in gently used clothes that children up to 5 years old have outgrown in exchange for any size, gender, or style of clothing in return. Legacy Bundles was designed to help parents AND the planet and to also create a community of families trading clothes together, saving parents time and money.

Kendra and Sue talked with Chef Leigh Whittaker about opening her first ever restaurant - "Le Mari" on Newbury St! After a lucrative 20-year career in the medical device industry, Chef Leigh made the bold decision to leave sales behind to pursue her undeniable passion for cooking. Le Mari (French for “the husband”) is a Mediterranean-influenced concept that celebrates the freshest seasonal creations in in Boston’s most desirable area-- the Back Bay!

Sue and Kendra talked with award winning author and publisher Stacy Padula, whose young adult series Gripped is now being adapted for TV. Stacy is the founder of Briley and Baxter Publications and South Shore College Consulting and Tutoring.