Addicted, Homeless, Pregnant... and Then Everything Changed

Firefights, Finance & Finding Purpose: One Marine’s Mission-Driven Life

🎙️ In this powerful episode of Kick It Up a Notch, we sit down with Erik Goodge—Marine Corps veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and founder of Uvest Advisory Group [https://uvestadvisory.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. From firefights in Afghanistan to financial planning in the Midwest, Erik’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and purpose. He shares how one spontaneous decision in high school led him to the battlefield, and how his experience shaped his mission to help self-employed millennials achieve true financial freedom. Erik also opens up about his personal transformation, the importance of long-term investing, and how he built his own investment firm from the ground up. Plus, we dive into his work with The Sanctuary on the Hill [https://thesanctuaryonthehill.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] and the Mission First initiative—an incredible retreat and resource center for veterans and their families, right here in Southern Indiana. Whether you're a veteran, entrepreneur, or just someone looking for a little inspiration to kick your own life up a notch—this one’s for you. 🔗 Learn more: 💼 Uvest Advisory Group [https://uvestadvisory.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 🏞️ The Sanctuary on the Hill [https://thesanctuaryonthehill.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Unleashing Compassion: The Truth About Animal Rescue in Evansville

In this episode of Kick It Up a Notch, host Megan Thomas speaks with Mark Albini, an advocate for animal welfare in Evansville. They discuss Mark's journey in fostering and caring for multiple dogs, the importance of patience in animal training and . Mark shares insights about the PAWS organization, the fostering process, and the challenges faced by animal control. They emphasize the need for community involvement and transparency in animal welfare, and how individuals can make a difference by volunteering or adopting pets.

Expectations for First Time Home Buyers & building a relationship with your Realtor

In this episode Megan talks with Alicia Venson who shares some experiences from her house buying process as a first time home owner. Some Episode Takeaways: * First-time home buyers should start talking to realtors early. * Compromises are often necessary in home buying. * Understanding the costs of home ownership is crucial. * Unexpected expenses can arise at any time. * Building a relationship with a realtor is important. * Buyers need to be realistic about their expectations. * Having a support team can ease the home buying process. * Emotional aspects of buying a home should not be overlooked. * Family and friends' opinions can influence decisions. * It's essential to ask questions and seek guidance. Make sure to check out our Youtube page for behind the scenes and deleteded clips! And listen to Alicia and Megan talk more about things not important but might get you thinking....

Addicted, Homeless, Pregnant... and Then Everything Changed

What happens when a straight-A student and student council president spirals into addiction by age 16 — and ends up homeless, pregnant, and battling for her life? In this raw and powerful episode of Kick It Up a Notch, Jenny McBride sits down with Julie Greer, who shares her extraordinary journey from inhalants at 12 years old to long-term recovery, motherhood, and leadership in healthcare. Julie opens up about the painful moments that nearly destroyed her — and the divine interventions, 12-step program, and deep self-work that brought her back to life. If you or someone you love has been affected by addiction, teen substance abuse, recovery, or mental health struggles, this conversation will give you hope, perspective, and proof that healing is possible. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear: * How early peer pressure led to addiction * The truth about hitting rock bottom * What finally led Julie to seek treatment * Her inspiring path to recovery, motherhood, and purpose * How to support a loved one struggling with addiction 00:00 Introduction to Julie Greer's Journey 05:29 The Impact of Peer Pressure and Bullying 10:14 High School Challenges and Escalation of Substance Use 18:41 Pregnancy and the Struggle with Addiction 22:43 Finding Hope in Recovery 26:36 The Journey to Treatment and Recovery 27:38 The Journey to Recovery: Just for Today 28:34 Finding Support in Treatment 30:19 Pivotal Moments in Recovery 31:39 The Importance of Community in Recovery 33:26 Rebuilding Life After Treatment 34:38 Facing Obstacles in Sobriety 36:34 Understanding Addiction as a Disease 37:59 Creating a Loving Family Environment 39:55 Redefining Success in Recovery 40:41 Finding Purpose in Helping Others 45:16 Guidance for Those Seeking Help 46:57 The Role of Interventions in Recovery 49:37 Messages to My Younger Self 50:21 Hope and Advice for Loved Ones

Katy Perry Went to Space, But Could She Survive a Camping Trip?

In this episode of Kick It Up a Notch, hosts Megan Thomas and Alicia Venson dive into a variety of engaging topics, starting with a humorous debate on whether 100 unarmed men could take down a silverback gorilla. They explore the implications of space tourism, particularly focusing on Katy Perry's recent space flight, and discuss the nature of astronaut training and the role of women in space exploration. The conversation takes a whimsical turn as they theorize about aliens and human existence, wrapping up with light-hearted banter about what they would pack for a trip to space. In this episode, the hosts engage in humorous discussions about hypothetical scenarios involving road trips to space, the safety of women in the wilderness, and the ongoing court case of Diddy. They explore the societal perceptions of danger, particularly regarding encounters with wildlife versus men, and share their thoughts on celebrity trials and public opinion. The conversation is light-hearted yet touches on serious themes of safety and justice. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction 02:51 The Great Gorilla vs. 100 Men Debate 06:01 Exploring the Space Tourism Phenomenon 09:02 Katy Perry's Space Flight and Its Implications 11:58 The Nature of Space Travel and Astronaut Training 14:53 The Role of Women in Space Exploration 17:50 Theoretical Discussions on Aliens and Human Existence 21:07 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up 28:00 Road Trip to Space: A Fun Imagination 29:57 Women’s Safety: Bears vs. Men in the Woods 36:03 Wilderness Dilemmas: Which is Worse? 43:55 Diddy’s Court Case: Celebrity Trials and Public Perception