1 Girl Revolution
Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:05:09 +0000
Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:05:09 +0000
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150281
2025-12-01T00:15:40Z
en
1 Girl Revolution
1 Girl Revolution
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1 Girl Revolution
1girlrevo@gmail.com
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294: Playing Possum Clothing Co - Olivia Flora
294: Playing Possum Clothing Co - Olivia Flora
Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:39:00 +0000
On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Olivia Flora - founder of Playing Possum Clothing Co., a brand creating sensory-friendly clothing designed for neurodivergent adults. Olivia wasn't diagnosed with autism until she was 16. Like many neurodivergent girls, she'd spent years masking her differences, excelling academically while quietly navigating sensory challenges and social disconnect no one around her could see. That changed when she entered a large public high school, and the coping systems she'd relied on for years began to unravel - bringing on severe anxiety, panic attacks, and chronic insomnia. After transitioning to a concurrent enrollment program and starting therapy, Olivia and her family finally found answers: her autism diagnosis, arriving a year later, brought clarity to a lifetime of unexplained experiences. With that clarity came direction. Olivia leaned fully into her strengths, pursuing art and design while completing high school and college at the same time - graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 4.42 GPA and an Associate's degree at just 18. It was during this stretch that she noticed a gap nobody was addressing: sensory-friendly clothing made for adults, not just kids. What started as a personal need quickly became a world-changing mission. Playing Possum Clothing Co. was born from that mission - blending Olivia's art and design background with her lived experience to create apparel that eliminates common sensory triggers like harsh fabrics, tags, and seams, all while showcasing vibrant, original artwork. What started in her parents' garage in December 2022 has grown into a thriving company with its own office, in-house production, and a team of five - now selling in more than 40 countries and building a community of over 130,000 followers. For Olivia, this has never been just about clothing. It's about visibility, dignity, and self-expression for a community that's long been overlooked. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ Olivia's path to an autism diagnosis at 16, and the years of masking that came before it; ✨ How a personal need for sensory-friendly clothing turned into a business idea; ✨ Building Playing Possum from her parents' garage into a company selling in more than 40 countries; ✨ The gap in the fashion industry Olivia set out to fill for neurodivergent adults; ✨ Olivia's reflections on identity, comfort, and what it means to feel truly understood; ✨ And so much more! Olivia Flora is a 1 Girl Revolution! Listen/watch her story today! Connect with Playing Possum Clothing Co.: Website: playingpossumcc.com Instagram: @playingpossumclothingco TikTok: @playingpossumclothingco Listen/Watch + Subscribe: Listen to and watch The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls - and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit 1GirlRevolution.com]]>
On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Olivia Flora - founder of Playing Possum Clothing Co., a brand creating sensory-friendly clothing designed for neurodivergent adults. Olivia wasn't diagnosed with autism until she was 16. Like many neurodivergent girls, she'd spent years masking her differences, excelling academically while quietly navigating sensory challenges and social disconnect no one around her could see. That changed when she entered a large public high school, and the coping systems she'd relied on for years began to unravel - bringing on severe anxiety, panic attacks, and chronic insomnia. After transitioning to a concurrent enrollment program and starting therapy, Olivia and her family finally found answers: her autism diagnosis, arriving a year later, brought clarity to a lifetime of unexplained experiences. With that clarity came direction. Olivia leaned fully into her strengths, pursuing art and design while completing high school and college at the same time - graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 4.42 GPA and an Associate's degree at just 18. It was during this stretch that she noticed a gap nobody was addressing: sensory-friendly clothing made for adults, not just kids. What started as a personal need quickly became a world-changing mission. Playing Possum Clothing Co. was born from that mission - blending Olivia's art and design background with her lived experience to create apparel that eliminates common sensory triggers like harsh fabrics, tags, and seams, all while showcasing vibrant, original artwork. What started in her parents' garage in December 2022 has grown into a thriving company with its own office, in-house production, and a team of five - now selling in more than 40 countries and building a community of over 130,000 followers. For Olivia, this has never been just about clothing. It's about visibility, dignity, and self-expression for a community that's long been overlooked. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ Olivia's path to an autism diagnosis at 16, and the years of masking that came before it; ✨ How a personal need for sensory-friendly clothing turned into a business idea; ✨ Building Playing Possum from her parents' garage into a company selling in more than 40 countries; ✨ The gap in the fashion industry Olivia set out to fill for neurodivergent adults; ✨ Olivia's reflections on identity, comfort, and what it means to feel truly understood; ✨ And so much more! Olivia Flora is a 1 Girl Revolution! Listen/watch her story today! Connect with Playing Possum Clothing Co.: Website: playingpossumcc.com Instagram: @playingpossumclothingco TikTok: @playingpossumclothingco Listen/Watch + Subscribe: Listen to and watch The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls - and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit 1GirlRevolution.com]]>
46:26
false
full
1 Girl Revolution
43018893
2026-09-24T13:04:04Z
293: Food Hugs - Jenna Arcidiacono
293: Food Hugs - Jenna Arcidiacono
Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:13:00 +0000
On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Jenna Arcidiacono - founder and CEO of Food Hugs, a nonprofit that delivers home-cooked meals and random acts of kindness to strangers and people going through difficult times. Food Hugs started with a simple idea: what if a home-cooked meal could be a way of showing up for someone in their hardest moments? Jenna, owner and head chef of Amore Trattoria in Grand Rapids, began delivering complimentary "Food Hugs" to people who could use a pick-me-up. Word spread, hearts were touched, and what started as a handful of meals grew into a fully funded nonprofit dedicated to spreading kindness, one delivery at a time. But Food Hugs rarely stops at the meal. Time and again, a delivery opens the door to something bigger. In one of the organization's memorable moments, the team brought food to a young boy and his family after he lost both of his legs to an infection - and after learning about his love of Monster Trucks, Food Hugs made a few calls and turned his dream of a Monster Truck meet-and-greet into reality. Other deliveries have shown up for families after a car accident, after the loss of a loved one, and for caregivers who rarely get to be on the receiving end of care themselves. Every Food Hug is powered by a small, close-knit team of volunteers and board members who show up again and again - not just to hand someone a meal, but to sit with them, hear their story, and remind them they're not alone. It's random acts of kindness at their most intentional, and proof of just how far one dish, and one act of generosity, can go. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ How Food Hugs started with a single home-cooked meal delivery; ✨ The moment Jenna realized Food Hugs was becoming something bigger and a nonprofit; ✨ The unforgettable story of the Monster Truck meet-and-greet; ✨ How Food Hugs decides who receives a Food Hug, and how the community gets involved; ✨ The volunteers and team members who bring each Food Hug to life; ✨ Jenna's reflections on community, generosity, and the power of showing up for people; ✨ And so much more! Jenna Arcidiacono is a 1 Girl Revolution! Listen/watch her story today! Connect with Food Hugs: Website: foodhugs.org Instagram: @foodhugsbyjenna Facebook: facebook.com/jennasfoodhugs Listen/Watch + Subscribe: Listen to and watch The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls - and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit 1GirlRevolution.com]]>
On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Jenna Arcidiacono - founder and CEO of Food Hugs, a nonprofit that delivers home-cooked meals and random acts of kindness to strangers and people going through difficult times. Food Hugs started with a simple idea: what if a home-cooked meal could be a way of showing up for someone in their hardest moments? Jenna, owner and head chef of Amore Trattoria in Grand Rapids, began delivering complimentary "Food Hugs" to people who could use a pick-me-up. Word spread, hearts were touched, and what started as a handful of meals grew into a fully funded nonprofit dedicated to spreading kindness, one delivery at a time. But Food Hugs rarely stops at the meal. Time and again, a delivery opens the door to something bigger. In one of the organization's memorable moments, the team brought food to a young boy and his family after he lost both of his legs to an infection - and after learning about his love of Monster Trucks, Food Hugs made a few calls and turned his dream of a Monster Truck meet-and-greet into reality. Other deliveries have shown up for families after a car accident, after the loss of a loved one, and for caregivers who rarely get to be on the receiving end of care themselves. Every Food Hug is powered by a small, close-knit team of volunteers and board members who show up again and again - not just to hand someone a meal, but to sit with them, hear their story, and remind them they're not alone. It's random acts of kindness at their most intentional, and proof of just how far one dish, and one act of generosity, can go. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ How Food Hugs started with a single home-cooked meal delivery; ✨ The moment Jenna realized Food Hugs was becoming something bigger and a nonprofit; ✨ The unforgettable story of the Monster Truck meet-and-greet; ✨ How Food Hugs decides who receives a Food Hug, and how the community gets involved; ✨ The volunteers and team members who bring each Food Hug to life; ✨ Jenna's reflections on community, generosity, and the power of showing up for people; ✨ And so much more! Jenna Arcidiacono is a 1 Girl Revolution! Listen/watch her story today! Connect with Food Hugs: Website: foodhugs.org Instagram: @foodhugsbyjenna Facebook: facebook.com/jennasfoodhugs Listen/Watch + Subscribe: Listen to and watch The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls - and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit 1GirlRevolution.com]]>
56:08
false
full
1 Girl Revolution
42933047
2026-09-16T20:20:54Z
292: Shades of Blue Project - Kay Matthews
292: Shades of Blue Project - Kay Matthews
Wed, 09 Sep 2026 21:57:00 +0000
On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Kay Matthews - founder and Executive Director of the Shades of Blue Project, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming maternal mental health care for all women, with a focus on Black and Brown mothers. Kay's mission was born out of unimaginable loss. In 2013, shortly after the stillbirth of her daughter, Troya Simone, Kay - then the successful owner of Extraordinary Cakes and Catering - shifted into full-time advocacy for mothers. What began as a nonprofit called BabyCakes and Brunch grew into the Shades of Blue Project. As she built the organization, Kay came to understand she was far from alone in her experience: Black maternal and infant morbidity rates were only worsening, and the mental health support systems meant to help Black and Brown mothers were often non-existent, poorly managed, or resulted in devastating outcomes. That reality spurred Kay to create the I.N.S.P.I.R.E. Method Training, a compassion-based training model built specifically for women of color and minorities, used by doulas, midwives, clinicians, and support group facilitators. She also launched Black Maternal Mental Health Week (BMMHW), held annually from July 19-25, a week-long event confronting the challenges that persist while spotlighting viable solutions, community support, and compassion training - anchored by a two-day summit, a community brunch, and a 3K Family Walk. As a fierce advocate for women and mothers, Kay has helped shape national policy. She also contributed to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Raising the Bar framework, helping the healthcare sector embed equity into its work. After a decade in the field, Kay is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered keynotes and served on panels for organizations including the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, 2020 MOM, and the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs. Kay's expertise made her a lead author of the 2021 Health Affairs research article on equitable, maternal mental health care, and a contributor to a related study published in Frontiers. She's the author of two books - 365 Days to Recovery: Finding Your Way Out of the Darkness (2017) and the daily journal Recovery State of Mind (2018) - and her advocacy has been featured in the Texas Tribune, the Houston Chronicle, and on ABC, CBS, and NBC affiliates. She serves on the boards of organizations including Black Mamas Matter Alliance, 2020 MOM, and PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy, and was recently appointed Leadership Community Chair of a PCORI-funded project focused on reducing toxic stress and advancing maternal mental health equity. Kay holds an associate's degree in Early Child Care Education and is a licensed community health care worker. She shares everyday life with her husband, Troy, and their dog, Duke. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ How the loss of her daughter, Troya Simone, became the catalyst for Kay's life's work; ✨ Her shift from successful entrepreneur to full-time maternal health advocate; ✨ The creation of the I.N.S.P.I.R.E. Method Training and why compassion-based care matters; ✨ Inside Black Maternal Mental Health Week and the community it brings together every July; ✨ Why Kay believes this work matters for all mothers, not just Black and Brown mothers; ✨ Her research, published books, and life beyond the advocacy; ✨ Her reflections on grief, purpose, and building a movement from personal loss; ✨ And so much more! Kay Matthews is a 1 Girl Revolution! Listen/watch her story today! Connect with Shades of Blue Project: Website: shadesofblueproject.org Instagram: @shadesofblueproject Facebook: facebook.com/sobproject YouTube: youtube.com/@shadesofblueproject Listen/Watch + Subscribe: Listen to and watch The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls - and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit 1GirlRevolution.com]]>
On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Kay Matthews - founder and Executive Director of the Shades of Blue Project, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming maternal mental health care for all women, with a focus on Black and Brown mothers. Kay's mission was born out of unimaginable loss. In 2013, shortly after the stillbirth of her daughter, Troya Simone, Kay - then the successful owner of Extraordinary Cakes and Catering - shifted into full-time advocacy for mothers. What began as a nonprofit called BabyCakes and Brunch grew into the Shades of Blue Project. As she built the organization, Kay came to understand she was far from alone in her experience: Black maternal and infant morbidity rates were only worsening, and the mental health support systems meant to help Black and Brown mothers were often non-existent, poorly managed, or resulted in devastating outcomes. That reality spurred Kay to create the I.N.S.P.I.R.E. Method Training, a compassion-based training model built specifically for women of color and minorities, used by doulas, midwives, clinicians, and support group facilitators. She also launched Black Maternal Mental Health Week (BMMHW), held annually from July 19-25, a week-long event confronting the challenges that persist while spotlighting viable solutions, community support, and compassion training - anchored by a two-day summit, a community brunch, and a 3K Family Walk. As a fierce advocate for women and mothers, Kay has helped shape national policy. She also contributed to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Raising the Bar framework, helping the healthcare sector embed equity into its work. After a decade in the field, Kay is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered keynotes and served on panels for organizations including the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, 2020 MOM, and the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs. Kay's expertise made her a lead author of the 2021 Health Affairs research article on equitable, maternal mental health care, and a contributor to a related study published in Frontiers. She's the author of two books - 365 Days to Recovery: Finding Your Way Out of the Darkness (2017) and the daily journal Recovery State of Mind (2018) - and her advocacy has been featured in the Texas Tribune, the Houston Chronicle, and on ABC, CBS, and NBC affiliates. She serves on the boards of organizations including Black Mamas Matter Alliance, 2020 MOM, and PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy, and was recently appointed Leadership Community Chair of a PCORI-funded project focused on reducing toxic stress and advancing maternal mental health equity. Kay holds an associate's degree in Early Child Care Education and is a licensed community health care worker. She shares everyday life with her husband, Troy, and their dog, Duke. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ How the loss of her daughter, Troya Simone, became the catalyst for Kay's life's work; ✨ Her shift from successful entrepreneur to full-time maternal health advocate; ✨ The creation of the I.N.S.P.I.R.E. Method Training and why compassion-based care matters; ✨ Inside Black Maternal Mental Health Week and the community it brings together every July; ✨ Why Kay believes this work matters for all mothers, not just Black and Brown mothers; ✨ Her research, published books, and life beyond the advocacy; ✨ Her reflections on grief, purpose, and building a movement from personal loss; ✨ And so much more! Kay Matthews is a 1 Girl Revolution! Listen/watch her story today! Connect with Shades of Blue Project: Website: shadesofblueproject.org Instagram: @shadesofblueproject Facebook: facebook.com/sobproject YouTube: youtube.com/@shadesofblueproject Listen/Watch + Subscribe: Listen to and watch The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls - and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit 1GirlRevolution.com]]>
59:35
false
full
1 Girl Revolution
42852130
2026-09-09T22:19:58Z
291: Comeback Snacks - Emily O'Brien
291: Comeback Snacks - Emily O'Brien
Wed, 02 Sep 2026 17:31:00 +0000
On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Emily O'Brien - founder and CEO of Comeback Snacks, a gourmet popcorn company she built from behind bars that has since become a symbol of redemption, resilience, and second chances. Emily's story begins in an unlikely place: federal prison. At 26, she was arrested at Pearson International Airport after getting swept up in a drug smuggling scheme while traveling abroad, and was sentenced to four years in prison for drug trafficking. Facing the reality of incarceration, Emily made a decision that would define the rest of her life - she refused to let prison be the end of her story, and instead resolved to turn it into the beginning of something good. Inside, popcorn became an unexpected catalyst. It was a favorite snack among the women, who got creative with limited ingredients - doctoring it up with everything from powdered cheese to cinnamon and sweetener packets. Somewhere in those shared bags of popcorn, a business idea was born. Using books from the prison library and letters exchanged with mentors on the outside, Emily began building the foundation of Comeback Snacks - even designing logos and building plans by mail with her now business partner, long before she ever popped a bag as a free woman. But the mission was never just about popcorn. Emily was moved by the women around her - many serving time for non-violent offenses, all searching for a real shot at rebuilding their lives once they got out. She decided that if she was going to build a company, it would also open doors for people facing the steep, often unfair climb back into the workforce after incarceration. Today, Comeback Snacks is a thriving, mission-driven popcorn brand that partners with organizations supporting reintegration and prison reform, and creates employment opportunities for people with criminal records - proving that a second chance, and a bag of really good popcorn, can change a life. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ The arrest that changed the course of Emily's life, and the decision she made behind bars to turn it into purpose; ✨ How a shared snack among incarcerated women sparked the idea for a business; ✨ Building Comeback Snacks by mail; ✨ Emily's mission to remove the stigma around having a criminal record; ✨ How Comeback Snacks creates real reintegration opportunities for people leaving incarceration; ✨ Emily's reflections on identity, redemption, and rebuilding a life on her own terms; ✨ And so much more! Emily O'Brien is a 1 Girl Revolution! Listen/watch her story today! Connect with Comeback Snacks: Website: comebacksnacks.com Instagram: @comebacksnacks TikTok: @comebacksnacks Facebook: facebook.com/comebacksnacks Listen/Watch + Subscribe: Listen to and watch The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls - and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit 1GirlRevolution.com]]>
On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Emily O'Brien - founder and CEO of Comeback Snacks, a gourmet popcorn company she built from behind bars that has since become a symbol of redemption, resilience, and second chances. Emily's story begins in an unlikely place: federal prison. At 26, she was arrested at Pearson International Airport after getting swept up in a drug smuggling scheme while traveling abroad, and was sentenced to four years in prison for drug trafficking. Facing the reality of incarceration, Emily made a decision that would define the rest of her life - she refused to let prison be the end of her story, and instead resolved to turn it into the beginning of something good. Inside, popcorn became an unexpected catalyst. It was a favorite snack among the women, who got creative with limited ingredients - doctoring it up with everything from powdered cheese to cinnamon and sweetener packets. Somewhere in those shared bags of popcorn, a business idea was born. Using books from the prison library and letters exchanged with mentors on the outside, Emily began building the foundation of Comeback Snacks - even designing logos and building plans by mail with her now business partner, long before she ever popped a bag as a free woman. But the mission was never just about popcorn. Emily was moved by the women around her - many serving time for non-violent offenses, all searching for a real shot at rebuilding their lives once they got out. She decided that if she was going to build a company, it would also open doors for people facing the steep, often unfair climb back into the workforce after incarceration. Today, Comeback Snacks is a thriving, mission-driven popcorn brand that partners with organizations supporting reintegration and prison reform, and creates employment opportunities for people with criminal records - proving that a second chance, and a bag of really good popcorn, can change a life. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ The arrest that changed the course of Emily's life, and the decision she made behind bars to turn it into purpose; ✨ How a shared snack among incarcerated women sparked the idea for a business; ✨ Building Comeback Snacks by mail; ✨ Emily's mission to remove the stigma around having a criminal record; ✨ How Comeback Snacks creates real reintegration opportunities for people leaving incarceration; ✨ Emily's reflections on identity, redemption, and rebuilding a life on her own terms; ✨ And so much more! Emily O'Brien is a 1 Girl Revolution! Listen/watch her story today! Connect with Comeback Snacks: Website: comebacksnacks.com Instagram: @comebacksnacks TikTok: @comebacksnacks Facebook: facebook.com/comebacksnacks Listen/Watch + Subscribe: Listen to and watch The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls - and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit 1GirlRevolution.com]]>
38:41
false
full
42720700
2026-09-02T20:33:52Z
290: Whip Pediatric Cancer - Jordan Belous
290: Whip Pediatric Cancer - Jordan Belous
Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:16:00 +0000
On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Jordan Belous - founder and CEO of Whip Pediatric Cancer, an organization she launched at just sixteen years old that has since touched the lives of hundreds of children fighting cancer and their families. Jordan's story begins before she was old enough to understand it. When she was just two, her mom was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma – a rare cancer most often found in children. Against the odds, her mom survived. But that miracle opened Jordan's eyes to a world no child should have to know. Growing up, she befriended other kids fighting cancer – she played with them, laughed with them, prayed for them – and one by one, she lost them. At seven years old, she asked her parents through tears: why don't they save anyone from cancer? Their answer became the foundation of her life's work: they saved Mom, and that's why we have to help others. A few years later, sitting on the beach with her headphones in, Jordan had a simple idea: what if people did the Whip/Nae Nae to whip pediatric cancer? Her brother filmed a 14-second video of her dancing in the backyard, challenging friends and family to "dance or donate." Overnight, it went viral – reaching millions, drawing more than 7,000 participants from 47 countries, and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for pediatric cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering. The dance faded. The mission didn't. Today, Whip Pediatric Cancer delivers care packages, makes patient visits, helps introduce safer treatment options in clinics through its Uni-Port Program, celebrates kids with Birthday Boxes and "Whipmas", makes Taylor Swift inspired dresses for children fighting cancer and their dolls, and provides financial support to families through the hardest fight of their lives – all fueled by a promise Jordan made to a little girl named Tessa, whose light lives on in the organization's gold-heart logo and in every child Jordan fights for. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ How Jordan's mom's survival opened her eyes to the world of pediatric cancer; ✨ The heartbreaking question little Jordan asked – and the answer that shaped her life; ✨ The story behind the 14-second video that reached 47 countries and started a movement; ✨ How Jordan built a nonprofit as a sixteen-year-old and grew it into a forever mission; ✨ Whip Pediatric Cancer's programs – from care packages and patient visits to the Uni-Port Program; ✨ The promise to Tessa and the meaning behind the gold heart; ✨ Jordan's reflections on grief, purpose, and why she'll never stop fighting for children with cancer; ✨ And so much more! Jordan Belous is a 1 Girl Revolution! Listen/watch her story today! Connect with Whip Pediatric Cancer: Website: whippediatriccancer.org Instagram: @whippediatriccancer_ TikTok: @jorzzxox Facebook: facebook.com/WhipPediatricCancer Listen/Watch + Subscribe:Listen to and watch The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls - and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit 1GirlRevolution.com]]>
On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Jordan Belous - founder and CEO of Whip Pediatric Cancer, an organization she launched at just sixteen years old that has since touched the lives of hundreds of children fighting cancer and their families. Jordan's story begins before she was old enough to understand it. When she was just two, her mom was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma – a rare cancer most often found in children. Against the odds, her mom survived. But that miracle opened Jordan's eyes to a world no child should have to know. Growing up, she befriended other kids fighting cancer – she played with them, laughed with them, prayed for them – and one by one, she lost them. At seven years old, she asked her parents through tears: why don't they save anyone from cancer? Their answer became the foundation of her life's work: they saved Mom, and that's why we have to help others. A few years later, sitting on the beach with her headphones in, Jordan had a simple idea: what if people did the Whip/Nae Nae to whip pediatric cancer? Her brother filmed a 14-second video of her dancing in the backyard, challenging friends and family to "dance or donate." Overnight, it went viral – reaching millions, drawing more than 7,000 participants from 47 countries, and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for pediatric cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering. The dance faded. The mission didn't. Today, Whip Pediatric Cancer delivers care packages, makes patient visits, helps introduce safer treatment options in clinics through its Uni-Port Program, celebrates kids with Birthday Boxes and "Whipmas", makes Taylor Swift inspired dresses for children fighting cancer and their dolls, and provides financial support to families through the hardest fight of their lives – all fueled by a promise Jordan made to a little girl named Tessa, whose light lives on in the organization's gold-heart logo and in every child Jordan fights for. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ How Jordan's mom's survival opened her eyes to the world of pediatric cancer; ✨ The heartbreaking question little Jordan asked – and the answer that shaped her life; ✨ The story behind the 14-second video that reached 47 countries and started a movement; ✨ How Jordan built a nonprofit as a sixteen-year-old and grew it into a forever mission; ✨ Whip Pediatric Cancer's programs – from care packages and patient visits to the Uni-Port Program; ✨ The promise to Tessa and the meaning behind the gold heart; ✨ Jordan's reflections on grief, purpose, and why she'll never stop fighting for children with cancer; ✨ And so much more! Jordan Belous is a 1 Girl Revolution! Listen/watch her story today! Connect with Whip Pediatric Cancer: Website: whippediatriccancer.org Instagram: @whippediatriccancer_ TikTok: @jorzzxox Facebook: facebook.com/WhipPediatricCancer Listen/Watch + Subscribe:Listen to and watch The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls - and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit 1GirlRevolution.com]]>
46:56
false
290
full
1 Girl Revolution
42563170
2026-09-01T00:01:32Z
289: What a Year! Reflections on 2025 - Kate Milligan
289: What a Year! Reflections on 2025 - Kate Milligan
Wed, 31 Dec 2025 20:59:00 +0000
On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, Kate Milligan, founder of 1 Girl Revolution and host of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, closes out the season and 2025 with a special solo episode. As the final episode of the year, this episode is both reflective and hopeful. In this personal reflection, Kate shares openly about the very real difficulties she faced in 2025, alongside the challenges so many of us experienced this past year. With honesty and heart, she reflects on how seasons of struggle can exist alongside seasons of growth, and why it's essential to look back not only on what we survived, but also on the joys, victories, and moments of grace that carried us through. Kate also reflects on an incredible year for 1 Girl Revolution. From hosting the first-ever live 1 Girl Revolution event, The Power of Her, a powerful and unforgettable night of storytelling and community, to being featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show, to surpassing 280 episodes of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, 2025 was a year of bold steps, meaningful connections, and expanding impact. Throughout the episode, Kate shares her gratitude for the extraordinary people she encountered, the stories that shaped the year, and the growing community that continues to make this work possible. Looking ahead, Kate offers a glimpse into what's coming in 2026. From the return of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, to hopes of filming and releasing the next documentary, to the 2nd Annual The Power of Her event, the year ahead is filled with purpose, possibility, and momentum. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ Kate's personal reflections on the challenges and growth she experienced in 2025; ✨ Why it's important to honor both the hard moments and the wins at the end of the year; ✨ Highlights from a meaningful year for 1 Girl Revolution, including live events, milestones, and The Kelly Clarkson Show; ✨ How community, storytelling, and courage continue to fuel the mission of 1 Girl Revolution; ✨ A look ahead at what's coming in 2026, including events, projects, and big dreams; ✨ And so much more! This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and step into the new year with gratitude, resilience, and hope. Let 2026 and life surprise you! Mark your calendars. The 2nd annual The Power of Her takes place Sunday, March 1st, 2026, from 6–9pm in Detroit. We can't wait to gather again for another incredible event! More to come soon. Listen + Subscribe: Don't miss this meaningful end-of-year reflection and all that's to come. Listen and subscribe to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Join the movement to empower women and girls and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit 1GirlRevolution.com]]>
On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, Kate Milligan, founder of 1 Girl Revolution and host of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, closes out the season and 2025 with a special solo episode. As the final episode of the year, this episode is both reflective and hopeful. In this personal reflection, Kate shares openly about the very real difficulties she faced in 2025, alongside the challenges so many of us experienced this past year. With honesty and heart, she reflects on how seasons of struggle can exist alongside seasons of growth, and why it's essential to look back not only on what we survived, but also on the joys, victories, and moments of grace that carried us through. Kate also reflects on an incredible year for 1 Girl Revolution. From hosting the first-ever live 1 Girl Revolution event, The Power of Her, a powerful and unforgettable night of storytelling and community, to being featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show, to surpassing 280 episodes of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, 2025 was a year of bold steps, meaningful connections, and expanding impact. Throughout the episode, Kate shares her gratitude for the extraordinary people she encountered, the stories that shaped the year, and the growing community that continues to make this work possible. Looking ahead, Kate offers a glimpse into what's coming in 2026. From the return of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, to hopes of filming and releasing the next documentary, to the 2nd Annual The Power of Her event, the year ahead is filled with purpose, possibility, and momentum. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ Kate's personal reflections on the challenges and growth she experienced in 2025; ✨ Why it's important to honor both the hard moments and the wins at the end of the year; ✨ Highlights from a meaningful year for 1 Girl Revolution, including live events, milestones, and The Kelly Clarkson Show; ✨ How community, storytelling, and courage continue to fuel the mission of 1 Girl Revolution; ✨ A look ahead at what's coming in 2026, including events, projects, and big dreams; ✨ And so much more! This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and step into the new year with gratitude, resilience, and hope. Let 2026 and life surprise you! Mark your calendars. The 2nd annual The Power of Her takes place Sunday, March 1st, 2026, from 6–9pm in Detroit. We can't wait to gather again for another incredible event! More to come soon. Listen + Subscribe: Don't miss this meaningful end-of-year reflection and all that's to come. Listen and subscribe to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Join the movement to empower women and girls and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit 1GirlRevolution.com]]>
29:42
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full
1 Girl Revolution
39579215
2026-01-01T00:00:49Z
288: Greyson's Choice - Ali Kessler
288: Greyson's Choice - Ali Kessler
Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:14:00 +0000
On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Ali Kessler - a devoted mother, advocate, and the founder of Greyson's Choice, a powerful organization dedicated to protecting children and empowering parents navigating dangerous situations and domestic violence. Ali's story is as heartbreaking as it is courageous. After the devastating loss of her four-and-a-half-year-old son, Greyson Kessler, in a preventable act of domestic violence, Ali was faced with unimaginable grief. Instead of allowing that grief to silence her, she chose to transform it into purpose - ensuring that Greyson's life would continue to help and save others. Born out of a mother's deep love and determination, Greyson's Choice exists to shine a light on the very real dangers children can face when warning signs of abuse are missed, minimized, or ignored. Ali's work centers on protecting children, supporting parents who are sounding the alarm, and helping communities better understand the risks that can exist behind closed doors. Through awareness, education, and support, Ali is working to ensure that children's voices are heard, that parents are taken seriously when safety concerns are raised, and that prevention is prioritized over regret. Her mission is rooted in a fierce commitment to keeping other families from experiencing the same heartbreak and keeping children safe. This is not an easy conversation - but it is an important one. Ali shares her story with honesty, strength, and grace, offering insight and a powerful call to action for anyone who cares about protecting children and supporting families in crisis. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ Ali's deeply personal story and the life of her son, Greyson; ✨ How Greyson's Choice was born out of love, loss, and a mother's courage; ✨ The warning signs of domestic violence that too often go unseen or unheard; ✨ Why listening to parents - especially when they are raising safety concerns - matters; ✨ How awareness and education can help protect children and save lives; ✨ Ali's message of hope, resilience, and purpose in the midst of profound grief; ✨ And so much more. Ali Kessler is a 1 Girl Revolution - a mother who turned unimaginable pain and heartbreak into a mission to protect children, amplify voices, and help families find safety and support. Connect with Greyson's Choice: Website: Instagram: @greysonschoice Listen to Ali's Podcast - Grey Minds Think Alike: 🎧 Listen + Subscribe: Don't miss this powerful and important conversation — and so many others. Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls — and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit 1GirlRevolution.com]]>
On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Ali Kessler - a devoted mother, advocate, and the founder of Greyson's Choice, a powerful organization dedicated to protecting children and empowering parents navigating dangerous situations and domestic violence. Ali's story is as heartbreaking as it is courageous. After the devastating loss of her four-and-a-half-year-old son, Greyson Kessler, in a preventable act of domestic violence, Ali was faced with unimaginable grief. Instead of allowing that grief to silence her, she chose to transform it into purpose - ensuring that Greyson's life would continue to help and save others. Born out of a mother's deep love and determination, Greyson's Choice exists to shine a light on the very real dangers children can face when warning signs of abuse are missed, minimized, or ignored. Ali's work centers on protecting children, supporting parents who are sounding the alarm, and helping communities better understand the risks that can exist behind closed doors. Through awareness, education, and support, Ali is working to ensure that children's voices are heard, that parents are taken seriously when safety concerns are raised, and that prevention is prioritized over regret. Her mission is rooted in a fierce commitment to keeping other families from experiencing the same heartbreak and keeping children safe. This is not an easy conversation - but it is an important one. Ali shares her story with honesty, strength, and grace, offering insight and a powerful call to action for anyone who cares about protecting children and supporting families in crisis. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ Ali's deeply personal story and the life of her son, Greyson; ✨ How Greyson's Choice was born out of love, loss, and a mother's courage; ✨ The warning signs of domestic violence that too often go unseen or unheard; ✨ Why listening to parents - especially when they are raising safety concerns - matters; ✨ How awareness and education can help protect children and save lives; ✨ Ali's message of hope, resilience, and purpose in the midst of profound grief; ✨ And so much more. Ali Kessler is a 1 Girl Revolution - a mother who turned unimaginable pain and heartbreak into a mission to protect children, amplify voices, and help families find safety and support. Connect with Greyson's Choice: Website: Instagram: @greysonschoice Listen to Ali's Podcast - Grey Minds Think Alike: 🎧 Listen + Subscribe: Don't miss this powerful and important conversation — and so many others. Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. ✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls — and change the world, one story at a time. For more information, visit 1GirlRevolution.com]]>
01:12:22
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full
1 Girl Revolution
39527475
2026-01-01T00:00:49Z
287: Safe Haven Baby Boxes - Monica Kelsey
287: Safe Haven Baby Boxes - Monica Kelsey
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:42:00 +0000
On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Monica Kelsey - U.S. Navy veteran, firefighter, medic, advocate, and the founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, a life-saving nonprofit offering safety, dignity, and hope to newborns and parents in crisis. Monica's story is as powerful as it is personal. Abandoned just hours after her birth, Monica grew up carrying questions about her beginnings - questions that would later become the foundation of her life's mission. Instead of allowing her past to define her, Monica transformed it into purpose, dedicating her life to ensuring that no baby is ever left unsafe and no parent feels completely alone in their darkest moment. After years of service in the Navy and then as a first responder and a pivotal experience overseas, Monica envisioned a simple yet revolutionary solution: a safe, anonymous way for parents to surrender their newborns and ensure immediate care. What started as an idea sketched on a napkin became Safe Haven Baby Boxes - climate-controlled, alarm-equipped boxes installed at fire stations and hospitals across the country, paired with a 24-hour crisis hotline and comprehensive education and support efforts. Today, Safe Haven Baby Boxes are saving lives nationwide and reshaping conversations around compassion, crisis response, and real choice. Monica's work is rooted not in judgment, but in love - meeting people where they are and offering hope when it matters most. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ Monica's powerful personal story and how her beginnings shaped her mission; ✨ The inspiration behind Safe Haven Baby Boxes and how the idea became reality; ✨ How Safe Haven laws and baby boxes save lives and prevent tragedy; ✨ The importance of compassion, anonymity, and dignity in moments of crisis; ✨ Stories of impact from babies and families whose lives have been changed; ✨ Monica's reflections on purpose, resilience, and answering a calling bigger than yourself; ✨ And so much more! Monica Kelsey is a 1 Girl Revolution - a woman who turned her life story into purpose and is saving lives, one brave choice at a time. Connect with Safe Haven Baby Boxes: Website: shbb.org Instagram: @safehavenbabyboxes Call Safe Haven Baby Boxes Crisis Hotline 24/7: (888) 742-2133 Listen + Subscribe: Don't miss this powerful conversation — and so many others! Listen to