Autism Training for First Responders: Improving Emergency Encounters

Autism Training for First Responders: Improving Emergency Encounters

In this powerful episode of Badass in Action, Melanie Browning sits down with Autumn Timmins, founder and president of Preston's Pursuit for Acceptance, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping first responders with the tools they need for effective, informed interactions with individuals on the autism spectrum. As both a mother of a son on the spectrum and the wife of a recently retired law enforcement officer, Autumn has lived on both sides of emergency encounters. What she saw in the media — and experienced personally — led her to take action. With no standardized autism training for first responders, Autumn and her husband created a certified, in-person training curriculum now approved through AZ POST and nationally recognized certifications. Their mission? Bridge the gap between the autism community and law enforcement to create safer, more understanding emergency interactions for everyone involved. In this episode, we discuss: • Why autism emergency encounters are often misunderstood • The importance of hands-on training for police, dispatch, and fire personnel • How simple tools like a 911 checklist can change outcomes • How communities can support this life-saving mission This conversation is emotional, practical, and deeply important. If you know someone in law enforcement, fire, dispatch, or emergency response — share this episode with them. Learn more about training for your department, or to support the mission:  https://prestonspursuit.org [https://prestonspursuit.org/]  Follow @PrestonsPursuit And if this episode moved you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share so we can continue spotlighting bold leaders creating real change. Because when seconds matter… preparation matters more. #AutismAwareness #FirstResponderTraining #AutismSafety

She Started Anyway: Building a Business Without All the Answers

In this episode of Badass in Action, host Melanie Browning sits down with Emily Bacon, founder of Hot Potato Art Studio in Gilbert, Arizona. Emily shares her powerful journey from elementary school teacher to entrepreneur — sparked by a simple question from her daughter and an idea she couldn’t ignore. What began as a vision and a few garage classes has grown into a thriving brick-and-mortar children’s art studio serving ages 5–17, welcoming after-school students, homeschool families, and partnering with local schools to bring creativity to kids throughout the community. This conversation dives into: • Trusting a calling that won’t quiet down • Starting before you feel “ready” • Moving from fear to action — one step at a time • Building community through creativity • Supporting kids in confidence, expression, and joy • Navigating entrepreneurship, systems, and growth as a woman business owner If you’ve ever felt pulled toward something bigger — a business idea, a creative dream, or a new chapter — this episode will meet you right where you are.  Learn more about Hot Potato Art Studio: Website: https://www.hotpotatoartstudio.com [https://www.hotpotatoartstudio.com/] Instagram: @hotpotatoartstudio  Subscribe for more conversations with women who choose courage, creativity, and action.

Why High Achievers Feel Stuck (And How to Break Free) -EP 17 with Michele Christopher

What if the problem isn’t your discipline, motivation, or work ethic—but the way your brain is operating? In this episode, host Melanie Browning sits down with Michele Christopher, a neuroscience-informed executive coach who helps high achievers stop overthinking, trust themselves, and lead with ease instead of pressure. Michele shares how our thoughts shape performance, why confidence disappears even at high levels of success, and practical tools to interrupt mental patterns that keep us stuck. This conversation is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone ready to take aligned action without burnout.Looking to connect directly with Michele check out her website at www.micelechristophercoaching.com [http://www.micelechristophercoaching.com/]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelechristopher/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelechristopher/]SPECIAL THANKS TO HOSTMelanie Browning REALTOR® WestUSA Realty / The Cicero Group, for making this episode a reality.  If you're looking to buy and sell in Arizona please consider her as a resource. 928-925-7909

Mastering the Pivot: Rebuilding Life & Business with Nikki Mingoea

In this episode of Badass in Action, host Melanie Browning interviews Nikki Mingoea, luxury hair colorist, boutique salon owner coach, and wellness-focused entrepreneur based in Gilbert, Arizona. Nikki shares her powerful journey through burnout, identity shifts, and starting over, including leaving a successful salon business in New York and rebuilding her life and career from scratch. This conversation explores entrepreneurial pivots, hustle culture in the beauty industry, nervous-system-aligned business, self-trust, and redefining success. Nikki opens up about moving beyond overwork, embracing wellness and yoga, and helping salon owners build businesses that support their lives—not drain them. If you’re a female entrepreneur, creative, salon owner, or small business owner navigating burnout, change, or a new chapter, this episode will inspire you to trust the pivot and rebuild in alignment.  Topics covered:  Follow Badass in Action for weekly conversations on mindset, business, and bold action. Nikki is a luxury hair color and extension specialist, a coach for boutique salon owners, and a yoga teacher in training. Her mission is to guide others into their highest life force energy—whether that’s expressed through conscious beauty, aligned business creation, or embodied practices that reconnect them to their true nature. To connect with Nikki, reach out to her here https://www.instagram.com/nikki.mingoea [https://www.instagram.com/nikki.mingoea] or check out her podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k5iGVfp6uCMRpIP363yKH?si=qYWEFWJMRU6H5SqAxReV3Q [https://open.spotify.com/show/4k5iGVfp6uCMRpIP363yKH?si=qYWEFWJMRU6H5SqAxReV3Q] This episode is proudly supported by Melanie Browning, Realtor® with West USA Realty in Chandler, Arizona. Melanie is passionate about supporting people as they step into their next chapter. If buying or selling a home in Arizona is part of your journey, she’d be honored to be a resource for you. https://melaniebrowning.thecicerogroupaz.com/ [https://melaniebrowning.thecicerogroupaz.com/] 928-925-7909

Crush Your 2026 Goals Using These 5 Game-Changers from Melanie Browning

Are you ready to make 2026 the year you actually follow through? In this episode of Badass in Action, Melanie Browning shares her 5 favorite proven tips to help you crush your goals in 2026, without overwhelm or burnout. From using the power of your brain’s reticular activating system, to surrounding yourself with the right people, to the #1 life-changing habit that successful people use daily, these strategies are simple, powerful, and actionable. If you’re tired of setting the same goals every year and want real results, this episode is your starting line.