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What happens when the career you thought you would retire from suddenly disappears? For Jennifer Struffert, losing a 20-year corporate career became the beginning of something much more meaningful. Today, she is the founder of Enduring Connections and Advocacy, where she helps people navigate divorce, co-parenting, conflict, and difficult family transitions through mediation, coaching, and parenting coordination. In this episode of Diary of a Dreamer, Jennifer and I talk honestly about what it looks like to leave a path that no longer fits, rebuild your life, and turn difficult experiences into work that helps other people. We talk about divorce mediation, co-parenting, divorce coaching, parenting coordination, healthy relationships, trauma healing, nervous system regulation, and finding the right support system during difficult seasons. Jennifer also shares why she believes people don't have to navigate divorce and co-parenting struggles alone and why the goal of coaching should ultimately be to give people the tools they need to move forward independently. If you or someone you know is navigating divorce, separation, co-parenting, or high-conflict parenting, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to figure everything out alone. Connect with Jennifer Struffert: Website: enduringca.com Instagram: @enduringca Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube: Enduring Connections & Advocacy

Your local library might be one of the best (and most overlooked) resources for your small business. In this episode of Diary of a Dreamer, Tasha Eizinger talks with Melissa Brander, founder of Pocket Homeschool and Smart Homeschool Society, about how entrepreneurs and small-business owners can use public libraries to learn, connect, research, create, and grow. Libraries have evolved far beyond books. They can provide access to business education, professional development, specialized databases, online courses, technology, Makerspaces, affordable printing, event space, networking opportunities, and connections to community resources. Many of these resources are available at little or no cost. One of the best pieces of advice from this conversation? Ask your librarian. Don't assume your library doesn't have a resource simply because you don't know about it. Ask: "What do you have for small-business owners?" If you need something your library doesn't have? Ask if they can get it. For entrepreneurs, especially those running small or local businesses, the library can function as an affordable extension of your business toolkit. Instead of immediately paying for an expensive course, software, database, printing service, event space, or piece of specialized equipment, check whether your local library already provides access. Melissa and Tasha also discuss an important part of supporting libraries: actually using them. Community usage helps demonstrate demand for programs, resources, and funding. If we want strong public libraries in our communities, we need to participate in them. Diary of a Dreamer with Tasha Eizinger explores entrepreneurship, small-business growth, resilience, personal development, self-belief, education, and the real stories behind pursuing meaningful dreams.

What can a 104-year-old family apple orchard teach us about entrepreneurship, resilience, and surviving hard times? In this episode of Diary of a Dreamer, Tasha Eizinger talks with Maureen Kercher of Kercher's Apple Orchard in Goshen, Indiana, about what it really takes to build a resilient family business. From a devastating hailstorm that destroyed approximately 265,000 bushels of apples to today's labor challenges, weather risks, agricultural technology, diversification, and agritourism, Maureen shares practical lessons that apply far beyond farming. You'll learn about small business resilience, entrepreneurship, business diversification, employee retention, labor solutions, agritourism, family businesses, and adapting to change. This is a conversation about what happens when you can't control the circumstances, but you can control how you respond. Subscribe to Diary of a Dreamer for conversations about entrepreneurship, resilience, personal growth, and pursuing meaningful dreams.

What if taking better care of your skin didn't require a 12-step routine or a bathroom full of expensive products? In this episode of Diary of a Dreamer, I sit down with Dr. Angela Casey, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, to talk about skin health, skincare for teens, sunscreen, skin cancer prevention, and how to cut through the noise of the beauty industry. Dr. Angela is the founder of Bright Girl, a skincare brand created specifically for young people. Her mission is to help Gen Z and Gen Alpha develop healthy skincare habits early, using products grounded in dermatology research and designed to be approachable, effective, and something young people actually want to use. We talk about how the habits we develop as children and teenagers can affect our skin decades later, why sunscreen is so important, how much skincare we actually need, what parents should know about teen skincare, and when a spot or mole deserves a visit to the dermatologist. About Dr. Angela Casey Dr. Angela Sanfilippo Casey is a double board-certified dermatologist and micrographic dermatologic surgeon specializing in skin cancer and cosmetic dermatology. She is a partner at a private practice center for surgical dermatology in Columbus, Ohio, and serves as assistant program director and head of dermatologic surgery for the OhioHealth Dermatology Residency Program. Inspired by her daughters and her experience treating skin cancer, she founded Bright Girl, a skincare brand created to help young people develop healthy skincare habits. Get Bright Girl Learn more about Bright Girl skincare at Bright Girl. Use code DREAMER for 20% off. Bright Girl products are also available through retailers mentioned in the episode, including Amazon, TikTok Shop, Macy's, Nordstrom, and Beauty Space by Space NK. A Note About This Episode This episode is intended for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your skin or notice a persistent or changing spot, talk with a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist. Subscribe & Connect Listen to more conversations about resilience, personal growth, entrepreneurship, confidence, and chasing your dreams on Diary of a Dreamer. Visit TashaEizinger.com for more from Tasha Eizinger.

What if the behavior we're calling "defiance," "laziness," or "lack of focus" is actually telling us something about a child's brain? In this episode of Diary of a Dreamer, I'm joined by Dr. Lisa Riegel for a powerful conversation about ADHD, executive function, brain development, and practical ways parents and teachers can better support children. Dr. Riegel explains why ADHD isn't simply an inability to focus, how executive function develops through experience and practice, and why today's children may be experiencing more executive-function challenges. We also talk about practical strategies—including learning sprints, brain breaks, positive routines, unstructured play, and helping kids understand their own brains. Most importantly, we discuss how adults can shift from asking, "What's wrong with this child?" to asking, "What does this child need?" CONNECT WITH DR. RIEGEL: https://lisariegel.com/ Dr. Riegel is the author of NeuroWell and Aspirations to Operations. Her work focuses on brain science, education, leadership, and creating systems that better support people. CONNECT WITH TASHA: https://tashaeizinger.com/  Subscribe to Diary of a Dreamer for stories and practical insights about resilience, personal growth, entrepreneurship, confidence, and chasing meaningful dreams.

In this episode of Diary of a Dreamer: Be The Change, Tasha Eizinger sits down with Colin William, Teaching Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Purdue University, to explore how we can become more thoughtful consumers of information in a world filled with social media, misinformation, and emotional manipulation. Colin breaks down how propaganda works, why even highly educated people can fall for misinformation, and how our own brains can make us vulnerable to confirmation bias, cognitive dissonance, and group polarization. This conversation is not about telling you what to believe. It is about learning how to think. Together, Tasha and Colin discuss: * What propaganda actually is and why it is more than simply sharing an opinion * Why fear, anger, and outrage are powerful tools for manipulation * How social media algorithms can reinforce our existing beliefs * Why we are vulnerable to confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance * How to recognize emotional triggers before reacting or sharing * Why pausing before reposting is an act of responsibility * How to evaluate your information sources * Why critical thinking does not mean questioning everything. It means knowing what deserves deeper examination * How we can stay informed without living in a constant state of urgency One of the biggest reminders from this conversation: You can be an informed citizen without consuming information every moment of every day. Real change does not come from reacting quickly. It comes from thoughtful people who are willing to stay curious, ask better questions, and engage with others intentionally. About Colin William: Colin William is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Purdue University. His work focuses on psychological science, human behavior, and helping students understand how we think, learn, and make decisions.

What does it take to break barriers, build confidence, and create a legacy that lasts beyond your accomplishments? In this inspiring episode of Diary of a Dreamer, Tasha Eizinger sits down with Dr. Paula Crider, internationally recognized conductor, educator, clinician, and Professor Emerita at the University of Texas. Dr. Crider shares the powerful story behind her groundbreaking career, including becoming the first woman to conduct a top classification high school band in Texas. this conversation goes far beyond music. Dr. Crider shares lessons about: * Building confidence without confusing it with arrogance * Overcoming limitations and refusing to accept "you can't" * The importance of self-reflection and continuous growth * Why success is not just about achievement, but about doing good * Encouraging young women to recognize their gifts and potential * The difference between technical excellence and meaningful impact * Creating a legacy through mentorship and helping others experience joy From becoming an unexpected high school band director after only 10 days of student teaching to mentoring generations of musicians, Dr. Crider reminds us that true leadership is about serving others and creating moments that matter. Her message is simple but powerful: "Don't just focus on doing well. Ask yourself: Are you doing good?" Whether you are an educator, entrepreneur, leader, musician, or someone chasing your own dream, this episode will encourage you to trust yourself, keep learning, and create something meaningful. 🎧 Subscribe to Diary of a Dreamer for more inspiring stories of resilience, courage, leadership, and personal growth.

What if giving up isn’t always failure? What if sometimes it’s the first step toward finding the right path? In this episode of Diary of a Dreamer, Tasha Eizinger sits down with Dr. Heather Baker to explore what resilience really means and how we can develop the skills to navigate challenges, setbacks, and uncertainty. With research focused on resilience and coping strategies, Dr. Heather Baker shares why people often fall into what she calls the “easy trap” which is quitting too soon instead of evaluating whether they need to adjust their approach, redefine their goal, or take a different path forward. Together, Tasha and Heather discuss: ✨ Why resilience starts with understanding your self-talk
 ✨ The difference between quitting and strategically pivoting
 ✨ How to recognize when a goal needs to change
 ✨ The five coping strategies people use during difficult situations
 ✨ Why boundaries are essential for protecting your energy
 ✨ How surrounding yourself with supportive relationships helps you persevere
 ✨ How to step outside your comfort zone without becoming overwhelmed
 ✨ Why affirmations and positive self-talk matter
 ✨ How parents can help children build resilience through natural consequences and learning from failure One of the biggest conversations in this episode is about parenting and resilience. Heather explains why children need opportunities to struggle, make mistakes, and experience natural consequences in order to develop confidence and problem-solving skills. Protecting children from every failure may feel loving, but allowing them to learn is part of helping them grow. Heather also shares a powerful reminder: failure does not define us. Instead, we can use reflection, support, and action to move forward. Whether you are a parent, educator, entrepreneur, leader, or someone navigating a difficult season, this conversation will help you rethink resilience and give you practical strategies for moving forward. 📚 Heather and Tasha recommend: Simply More by Cynthia Erivo Do Hard Things by Steve Magness Connect with Dr. Heather Baker:
[email protected] Learn more about Tasha Eizinger:
https://tashaeizinger.com Subscribe to Diary of a Dreamer for inspiring stories about resilience, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and turning challenges into opportunities.

What does it take to raise resilient kids in a world full of distractions, division, and constant noise? In this episode of Be the Change, I sit down with my former teacher, Kristin Bonner, for a thoughtful and practical conversation about parenting, education, resilience, and how we can teach the next generation to think critically and communicate respectfully. From technology overload and post-COVID challenges to letting kids fail, teaching independence, and modeling healthy disagreement—this conversation is packed with wisdom for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about raising capable, kind humans. This isn’t about politics.
It’s about people. It’s about learning how to listen better, think more clearly, and be the change we want to see. In this episode, we discuss: * Why resilience begins at home * The danger of overprotecting our kids * How boredom actually builds creativity * Why kids need opportunities to fail—and recover * What teachers are seeing post-COVID * The impact of technology on attention spans and confidence * How to model respectful disagreement * Why listening is half of communication * What healthy debate actually looks like * How community and teamwork shape stronger humans Memorable Quote: “It doesn’t really matter what you believe. It only matters what you can prove.” — Kristin Bonner Book Referenced: https://www.amazon.com/1001-Things-Your-Kids-Should/dp/1404104186 Connect with Tasha: 🌐 TashaEizinger.com

What if the key to better behavior, stronger leadership, and healthier relationships isn't found in stricter rules, but in understanding how the brain works? In this episode of Diary of a Dreamer, Tasha Eizinger sits down with educator, author, and leadership expert Dr. Lisa Riegel to explore how brain science influences behavior, learning, anxiety, self-regulation, and personal growth. Drawing from decades of experience in education, leadership development, and neuroscience research, Dr. Riegel explains why many of our reactions happen long before we're consciously aware of them. She shares practical strategies for managing stress, developing self-awareness, building healthier habits, and creating environments where people can thrive in and out of the classroom. Whether you're a parent, educator, leader, entrepreneur, or someone interested in personal growth, this conversation offers practical tools you can start using immediately. Connect with Dr. Lisa Riegel Website: LisaRiegel.com Website: EPInstitute.com LinkedIn: Dr. Lisa Riegel Connect with Tasha Website: TashaEizinger.com Thank you for listening to Diary of a Dreamer, the podcast featuring inspiring conversations about personal growth, resilience, leadership, entrepreneurship, and pursuing meaningful dreams.

What does it take to grow a passion project into a thriving business with hundreds of thousands of followers? In this episode of Diary of a Dreamer, I sit down with Emily Christensen, founder of Country Roads Sourdough, to talk about her incredible journey from learning how to bake sourdough bread to building a business that reaches more than 800,000 followers across social media. Emily shares the behind-the-scenes story of how Country Roads Sourdough began, the challenges she faced while growing her brand, and the lessons she's learned about perseverance, community, and staying grounded while building a successful business. One of the most powerful parts of our conversation is Emily's reminder that success rarely happens alone. She talks about the importance of having encouraging people in your corner, continuing to show up when growth feels slow, and intentionally making time to recharge so you can sustain both your business and your well-being. Whether you're an entrepreneur, content creator, blogger, or someone pursuing a dream that feels bigger than your current circumstances, Emily's story is a powerful reminder that consistency and perseverance matter. Connect with Emily Christensen Website: CountryRoadsSourdough.com Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube: @countryroadssourdough Cookbooks: Same Day Sourdough Our Sourdough Table Visit Country Roads Sourdough for beginner-friendly sourdough recipes, baking guides, online classes, cookbooks, and practical tips that make sourdough approachable for home bakers. Emily's mission is to help others discover that sourdough doesn't have to be intimidating. It can be simple, enjoyable, and achievable for anyone.

In this episode, Tasha Eizinger sits down with civic advocate Sue Kesim to explore what real civic action looks like in everyday life and how ordinary people can create meaningful change in their communities. From city meetings and budgeting decisions to sidewalk repairs and legislation, Sue breaks down how local government actually works and how you can engage with it in practical, doable ways. She also shares her 3-3-3 Advocacy Framework, a simple method for focusing your message, taking action, and following through until change happens. In this episode: * What civic action means in real life * How to navigate local government and meetings * The 3-3-3 Advocacy Framework explained * Why follow-up is key to creating change * Simple ways to take action in your community Key takeaway: You don’t need a platform to create change. You need consistency and a willingness to show up. Learn more at TashaEizinger.com Connect with Sue: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzankesim/ Sites Referenced: * Michiana Yardeners ~ https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1bcrtpML3Q/ * Green News ~ https://www.facebook.com/groups/168789573196263 * Michiana Observer ~ https://www.facebook.com/MichianaObserver * Lost and Found Dog Advice ~ https://www.Fab4Dogs.com * Write My Law ~ https://www.WriteMyLaw.com

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your circumstances but your mindset? In this episode of Diary of a Dreamer, I sit down with mindset coach and nurse Regina Sloan to talk about overcoming people-pleasing, procrastination, overwhelm, and limiting beliefs. We discuss:
✔️ Therapy vs. coaching
✔️ The “Fishbowl Mindset”
✔️ Why asking for help is powerful
✔️ How to stop repeating old patterns
✔️ Practical tools for lasting personal growth Connect with Regina: [email protected] Instagram: @YourMindsetNurse Facebook: @ReginaSloan Connect with Tasha: tashaeizinger.com Instagram: @tashaeizinger Facebook: @TheLittleShot

What if the thing your business needs most… isn’t another strategy, but the right room? In this episode of Diary of a Dreamer, we’re sharing the heart behind The Elevated Entrepreneur Event: why we created it, who it’s for, and what makes it different from traditional small business events. As small business owners, we’ve both experienced what it feels like to build something from the ground up, navigating uncertainty, growth, and the pressure to figure everything out on your own. This event was created to change that for small business owners. If you’re craving real connection, fresh exposure for your business, and a space that actually supports your growth, this conversation is for you. See the speaker line up & buy your ticket here: https://ElevatedEntrepreneur.eventbrite.com Connect with some of the speakers: Keynote, Dan from the 1985 band: youtube.com/c/the1985 undergroundlaughlounge.com guides.lib.purdue.edu/ai stratoscreativemarketing.com theacademyofchaos.com sunnysgourmetproducts.com clevercatescaperooms.com soulstir.co arosieplace.org tashaeizinger.com www.irishrealty.net/agent/2071403-mary-cooper/

Can kids actually enjoy learning math? In this episode of Diary of a Dreamer, Tasha Eizinger sits down with Kathleen Cotter Clayton, curriculum developer for RightStart Mathematics, to explore a better way to teach math. Instead of worksheets and memorization, Kathleen shares how games, visual tools, and hands-on learning help kids truly understand math concepts. If your child struggles with math (or says they hate it) this conversation will change how you think about teaching numbers. You'll learn: • Why memorizing math facts often fails kids
 • How understanding concepts builds real confidence
 • Simple math games you can play with a deck of cards
 • Why fractions are easier than most people think
 • How parents can turn everyday moments into learning opportunities Kathleen also explains how the RightStart Mathematics program helps children build strong number sense through visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning. Whether you're a parent, teacher, homeschool family, or simply someone who wants kids to enjoy learning, this episode will inspire you to rethink math education. Resources Mentioned: RightStart Math https://rightstartmath.com Discount Code (limited time): DREAMER25KC2 Explore more inspiration and resources: https://TashaEizinger.com About the Podcast: Diary of a Dreamer is hosted by author, speaker, and entrepreneur Tasha Eizinger. Each week she shares powerful stories and practical insights to help you build confidence, overcome obstacles, and pursue your dreams. Website: https://TashaEizinger.com