The Community Cast

From Capturing Moments to Creating Community with Heather Nyquist

In this episode of The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Heather Nyquist, wedding and branding photographer and director of Maine Women in Business. Heather shares how her creative work and experience as an entrepreneur led her to build a growing community centered on connection, support, and collaboration. They talk about the power of showing up authentically, building confidence, and creating spaces where women feel seen and valued—both in business and beyond. If you've ever felt like you're building something on your own or want to better understand how community and creativity go hand in hand, this episode is for you.

From Baristas to Big Impact with Crystal Brown

In this episode of The Community Cast, Carissa Chipman sits down with Crystal Brown, Community Marketing Manager for Maine and New Hampshire at Aroma Joe's and Chair of the AJ Cares Foundation. Crystal shares how she's built a career rooted in connection and bringing Aroma Joe's mission to "positively impact people" to life every day. From empowering baristas in their first jobs to building meaningful community partnerships, Crystal gives an inside look at what makes the brand more than just a coffee stop. They also talk about the power of showing up as yourself, how local businesses can make a real difference, and what it means to truly invest in people. That includes everything from supporting Make-A-Wish to working on better water access for coffee farmers in Honduras. If you've ever thought about what it looks like to lead with purpose, build real relationships, and create a sense of community through your work, this episode is for you.

Reclaiming Your Home and Your Peace with Cholla Foote

In this episode of The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Cholla Foote, owner of The Useful Witch, a professional organizing service that helps people turn overwhelmed homes into spaces that truly support their lives. Through compassion, intuition, and practical systems, Cholla works with clients to create physical order that leads to greater mental clarity without judgment or shame. In this conversation, we talk about why decluttering is often more emotional than physical, common misconceptions around professional organizing, and how small changes like labeling, editing down belongings, and storing items where they are actually used can make a big difference in a home's daily flow. Cholla also shares meaningful client stories, her journey to starting The Useful Witch, and how listening to yourself and your space is often the first step toward feeling less overwhelmed. If you are craving calm, clarity, or a better relationship with your home, this episode will meet you right where you are.

Redefining Support During Midlife with Allison Poole

In this episode of The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Allison Poole, physical therapist, integrative women's health coach, and owner of Allison Poole Midlife Wellness & Community. Allison brings a thoughtful, compassionate voice to conversations about midlife health, connection, and what it really means to feel supported during a season of change. She shares why perimenopause and menopause can feel confusing or isolating, what she sees most often from sleep disruption and fatigue to shifts in how our bodies respond to routines that used to work, and how women can reconnect with their bodies in a way that feels empowering and not overwhelming. Allison also talks about the power of community and shared experience and offers a grounded perspective on the flood of quick fix midlife messaging, reminding listeners that real support starts with individualized care, sustainable habits, and making space to pause.

Building Confidence Through Clarity with Mackenzie Parsons

In this episode of The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Mackenzie Parsons, CFP®, principal and financial planner of Cornerstone Financial Planning. Mackenzie has built her career around thoughtful planning, trusted relationships, and a deeply personal, values‑driven approach to financial advice. She shares how she empowers women, demystifies financial decision‑making, and helps clients build confidence through clarity and consistency. Mackenzie also opens up about motherhood, leadership, and the legacy she hopes to create—both within her firm and for the next generation. Dottie and Mackenzie dive into the realities of financial "noise," the long‑game of investing, the importance of inclusive client experiences, and Cornerstone's commitment as a Certified B Corp to community impact and workplace culture. It's an inspiring conversation about purpose, planning, and leading with intention—one that will resonate with anyone seeking more confidence in their financial life or their leadership journey.