In episode 9 of The Speech Source podcast, hosts Kim and Mary are joined by sisters MaryAnn Means-Dufrene and Emily McAnelly who share their story into the world of podcasting and self-discovery. Together, they recently launched The Great Noticing Podcast, encouraging listeners to pause, observe, and engage more deeply with the world around them.

MaryAnn shares how a casual conversation nine years ago planted the seeds for The Great Noticing. Emily recalls being invited into this dream by MaryAnn, noting her initial hesitation but expressing admiration for her sister’s vision and leadership.

For MaryAnn and Emily, “noticing” is a transformative practice that helps break cycles, encourages nonjudgmental awareness, and allows for personal growth. MaryAnn developed this concept while working in leadership and coaching with her company Collective Growth Leadership. Emily, too, finds herself using “noticing” to manage emotions, better understand relationships, and bring curiosity into her daily life.

Emily recently made the brave decision to step back from her tech career to focus on her family, a transition that has prompted self-reflection and a reevaluation of identity. This conversation between the sisters goes into the common struggle many women face in balancing career and family, as well as the societal pressures surrounding these choices.

Through The Great Noticing Podcast, they hope to inspire listeners to become “noticers” in their own lives, allowing mindfulness to guide their responses rather than reactions. Their ultimate goal? To help others gain insight into their experiences, build a deeper understanding of themselves, and foster growth in both personal and professional realms.

Tune in to hear more from MaryAnn and Emily about their journey and the lessons they’ve learned from each other and from those they interview. Plus, hear Kim and Mary reflect on their own personal experiences, illustrating the powerful impact of community and connection. Don’t miss out on these inspiring stories—subscribe to The Great Noticing Podcast and The Speech Source Podcast for more genuine conversations.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

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For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode of our Changing the Game season, Meg Minter, founder of Studio of Movemint, shares her journey from competitive dancer to transformative studio owner in Fort Worth, Texas. Growing up in the world of competitive dance, Meg witnessed many challenges, from body image pressures to extreme competitiveness, that shaped her desire to create a different kind of dance environment: a safe, positive space where kids can experience movement, grow in confidence, and form genuine connections.

Starting from scratch in Fort Worth with no initial clientele, Meg and her husband took a leap of faith. They opened Studio of Movemint with just 50 students, but thanks to their community-centered approach and commitment to high standards, the studio has grown rapidly, now nearing 1,000 students. Meg emphasizes that the studio isn’t just about dance classes – it’s about building a community. She has introduced inclusive programs like adaptive dance for children with special needs and a dance class specific to those living with Parkinson's, ensuring that everyone can experience the joy of movement.

While the studio’s fast growth has been exciting, it has also brought challenges. Meg talks openly about the struggles of balancing an expanding business with her commitment to maintaining a welcoming and high-quality environment. To manage this, she relies on her team, whom she carefully hires to share her vision of inclusivity and excellence. Her passion for giving back to the Fort Worth community is evident through initiatives like “Pink Week” for breast cancer awareness and the “Dancing with Joy” scholarship, which supports students in need. Inspired by a former student, this scholarship is a deeply personal cause for Meg and is on its way to becoming a full non-profit.

Meg also reflects on the partnership with her husband, which has been crucial to balancing the demands of a successful business and family life. Clear communication and teamwork allow them to support one another, especially with a busy household. She speaks about the power of community, highlighting how word of mouth has fueled Studio of Movemint’s growth and reinforced its place in Fort Worth. With a strong commitment to her values and a heart for making dance accessible for everyone, Meg’s story is a powerful example of how passion, community, and inclusivity can transform not just a business, but an entire city. As she puts it, “It’s easy to give back to a city that has given so much to us.”

Don’t miss this inspiring episode that redefines success, as Meg shares her vision of making dance a joyful, welcoming experience for all.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode of the Speech Source Podcast, hosts Kim and Mary sit down with Sarah Calk, the creative mind behind Sadl's Designs. Sarah shares how her need to a creative outlet sparked a business that has grown alongside her journey as a mom, wife, and full-time professional. From learning to sew with her mom to creating custom pillows for designers and homes in Fort Worth, Sarah’s story beautifully illustrates the balance between creativity and life’s changing seasons.

Sarah began sewing as a creative outlet during the newborn phase with her first son. Wanting to break the monotony of caring for a baby, she called her mom for a sewing lesson, sparking a passion that quickly grew into a business. With no sewing machine or storefront of her own, Sarah started small, using her mom’s machine and selling her first creations at a local market. She emphasizes the importance of beginning where you are and reinvesting profits to grow steadily.

Throughout the episode, Sarah discusses the power of collaboration and community. Partnering with interior designers, artists, and monogrammers has allowed her to expand her business while learning from others. She explains how working with people who share her creative vision makes the process more rewarding. Sarah also touches on setting boundaries, explaining that managing a side hustle while raising a family requires intentional choices. Success, for her, isn’t about doing everything but focusing on what truly matters and staying aligned with personal values.

Sarah’s business journey is a reminder that success isn’t always measured by growth or profit. For her, joy comes from contributing creatively to her family’s life, whether by paying for a vacation or adding beauty to someone’s home. She encourages entrepreneurs to focus on what they can do instead of being overwhelmed by limitations. Staying in her own lane and avoiding unnecessary comparisons has helped her maintain balance and fulfillment.

Sarah reflects on how she loves having her creative outlet as a side hustle rather than a full-time commitment. She explains that not every business needs to grow endlessly and that scaling back has allowed her to rediscover joy in her work.

Make sure to follow Sarah Calk and Sadl's Designs on Instagram to see her beautiful, custom-made pillows!

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/