t

This episode features Ben Spellman, owner of Good Vibes Movement — a conversation centered around wellness, mindfulness, movement, and building stronger communities through connection. ❤️Ben shares the inspiring story behind Good Vibes Movement and what it truly means to “spread love and build community” throughout the Des Moines area. From creating safe spaces for people to connect, to promoting wellness opportunities for all ages, this episode highlights the power of intentional community-building.We also dive into the importance of yoga and mindfulness for students, discussing how breathing, movement, and self-awareness can help young people navigate today’s fast-paced and high-pressure world. Ben shares how yoga teaches lessons far beyond physical movement — including patience, discipline, confidence, emotional awareness, and inner peace.This episode is a reminder that wellness is bigger than exercise — it’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, connected, and supported. 🌱Stay tuned for upcoming "Math Talk," podcast episode!

In this inspiring episode of Do The Math 247 “Math Talk” Podcast, we highlight the journey of young entrepreneur sisters Abby and Gabby who are chasing big dreams while being supported every step of the way by one important person — Mom.This conversation dives into the realities of balancing middle school life, extracurricular activities, friendships, and entrepreneurship, while also exploring the powerful role a parent plays behind the scenes as a mentor, motivator, organizer, and business manager.Listeners will hear honest discussions about, leadership, confidence, and learning responsibility at a young age. The episode also explores how family support can help young people grow through challenges, stay focused on their goals, and build something meaningful within their community.We also discuss the importance of community impact, using business to inspire others, and how young people can begin developing leadership skills long before adulthood. Through encouragement, life lessons, and real experiences, this episode reminds listeners that success is not built alone—it’s strengthened by support systems, guidance, and belief.Whether you’re a young dreamer, a parent supporting your child’s vision, or someone trying to balance multiple responsibilities, this episode will leave you motivated to keep growing, learning, and believing in the power of purpose.Thank you Regina, Abby, and Gabby for being guests on the "Math Talk" Podcast! Your voices, your stories, and your passion for making an impact truly added value to the conversation. Do The Math 247 "Math Talk" Podcast. 🎙️

In this powerful and purpose-driven episode, we sit down with the team behind Change Course, a career and personal development program in Des Moines, IA that is helping individuals rewrite their stories and reclaim their futures.This conversation dives deep into the “why” behind Change Course — a program created to break cycles of poverty, addiction, and homelessness by providing more than just resources… but real opportunity, structure, and belief.We explore what it truly means to “change course” — not just externally, but internally. From rebuilding confidence and self-worth to gaining industry-recognized certifications and employment pathways, this episode highlights how transformation happens step by step.You’ll hear about the real-life challenges participants face when they first walk through the doors — uncertainty, lack of support — and how Change Course meets them with guidance, mentorship, and a community that refuses to let them fail.This episode brings transformation to life through powerful stories—highlighting the moments where individuals shifted from surviving to thriving, and from uncertainty to purpose.Because at the end of the day, Change Course isn’t just about programs… it’s about people.It’s about second chances.It’s about rewriting narratives.It’s about proving that when you invest in people, you uplift entire communities.Thank you Jjuan and Trenton for being guests on the show and sharing!

In this powerful and informative episode, we sit down with Alzheimer's Association Iowa Chapter leaders Keesha Ward, Director of Development, and Erica Eikren, Program Manager, to explore dementia beyond the diagnosis. This conversation highlights why understanding brain health is essential and why early awareness can change lives. We unpack the early warning signs of dementia that often go unnoticed, and discuss how stigma continues to silence important conversations around cognitive decline. The discussion also takes a deeper look at who is most at risk and why. We explore how race, access to healthcare, stress, trauma, and chronic health conditions all influence dementia outcomes — and why addressing dementia through a health equity lens is critical for meaningful change.Listeners will also learn about prevention — including how movement, nutrition, sleep, and mental health all contribute to brain health — and why prevention conversations should start long before older adulthood.This episode is both educational and empowering — reminding us that awareness reduces stigma, community support improves quality of life, and early action can make a lasting difference.Thank you, Keesha Ward and Erica Eikren, for joining the show and sharing your expertise and valuable insights.

What happens when a teacher becomes someone students don’t outgrow?This thought-provoking episode centers on Ms. Kelli Franklin-Carter and asks a powerful question: How do you measure the impact of a teacher whose influence lasts long after the class roster changes?Through a parent’s heartfelt reflections and her children, some of them now students navigating high school, we reflect on the lasting influence of middle school teacher Ms. Kelli Franklin-Carter who went beyond academics to truly see, support, and believe in her students. The conversation centers on what it means when a teacher leads with love—when encouragement replaces judgment and when a classroom becomes a place of safety, trust, and belonging.Listeners will hear how small, consistent acts of care can leave lifelong impressions. The kind of impact that doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through genuine connection and unwavering belief in kids.We also explore the broader culture of Hiatt Middle School, highlighting how fairness, care, and consistency from teachers—and all staff, shape a sense of belonging for students.The episode expands the lens to school culture as a whole, recognizing that schools are communities. From teachers to support staff to the cafateria workers to maintenance teams, every adult plays a role in making students feel valued. When kids know they are cared for by everyone in the building, it changes how they show up—not just in class, but in life.More Than a Teacher is ultimately a message of gratitude and recognition. It honors educators who shape hearts as much as minds, and it invites us all to reflect on the teachers who helped us become who we are today.Thank you Ms. Kelli Franklin-Carter for all that you do for the students! Thank you Tammy and your kids Jasmine, Damien, and Dominick for being guests on the podcast and sharing!

In this impactful and heartwarming conversation, Breanne Ward, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Founder of ForWard Consulting, shares her expertise on guiding emotional wellness, building awareness, and supporting youth through every phase of growth.Breanne shares what first inspired her to pursue a career in mental health counseling and trauma-focused care — and how that passion led her to launch ForWard Consulting in 2014.Together, we unpack some of the most common misconceptions surrounding trauma and healing, and dive into how schools, families, and communities can work together to support youth mental wellness.From building emotional literacy in elementary students, to helping middle schoolers navigate peer pressure and identity, to supporting high schoolers under academic and social stress — Breanne offers practical insights and heartfelt strategies for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about youth well-being.This episode reminds us that mental health is not a luxury — it’s a lifelong lesson that deserves space in every classroom, conversation, and community.Thank you Breanne Ward for being a guest on the podcast and sharing your insight!

In this inspiring episode of Do The Math 247 "Math Talk", I sit down with Renee Welk — a seasoned mentor, coach, and author with over three decades of experience helping people navigate growth, change, and self-discovery.

Renee shares how her lifelong passion for guiding others led her to write "Ease the Chaos", a book that blends real stories, wisdom, and practical tools for finding peace amid life’s storms. She also introduces her unique and memorable metaphor — “bubble wrap.” The “bubble wrap” concept represents the emotional protection, grace, and support we offer one another — the people and practices that help cushion life’s rough edges.

Listeners will gain insight into the book’s core message: that chaos isn’t something to fear, but something to understand and ease through mindset shifts, self-awareness, and compassion.

✨ Stay tuned for this inspiring conversation — you don’t want to miss it!