Across America, more than 400,000 children are in foster care. These days, it's largely due to the nation's opioid epidemic. The number of children and youth entering care due to abuse and neglect related to their parents' substance use disorders has skyrocketed. Meanwhile, the number of foster families can't keep up with demand. But an organization called America's Kids Belong is hoping to change that... working in states nationwide to empower communities to dramatically improve the experience and outcomes for children in foster care. Lauren Tremper is among those leading the charge to combat what experts call a solvable crisis.

Betsy Rhodes wants us to talk about suicide. If that makes you uncomfortable, then you’ll definitely want to listen to this episode of the podcast. She’s on a mission to assure we take our mental health as seriously as our physical health. And as we exit a pandemic during which the number of Americans suffering from mental health challenges has doubled, there may be no more important time for that conversation. While Betsy's story starts with tragedy, she'll tell you it ends with hope.

Sandra Coates is determined to create a world in which women stop chasing outer beauty and start walking in their God-given beauty, identity and purpose. A tall order in a world where social media has become a constant source of comparison. But through her organization United + Tru, this wife, mom and author is working to take the battle for body positivity to a place you might not expect. The fashion show runway.

The biblical definition of the word "miracle" is an extraordinary event taken as a sign of the power of God. Angie Jorgensen of Omaha, Nebraska says her life is nothing less. Ten years ago, she died... twice. Doctors told her family to say their goodbyes. And yet, incredibly this wife, mom, entrepreneur and fitness trainer is alive, well and sharing her story in this episode as a reminder each of us is a walking miracle in our own way.

For those living below the poverty line in the United States... an estimated 37 million people... hygiene is a luxury. But Ava Holland is determined to change that. After stumbling across a random YouTube video, she was inspired to take on this global crisis by starting It Matters... an organization centered around collecting and donating personal care items to ministries, homeless shelters and domestic violence recovery centers. In this episode, how she's garnering grassroots support, the impact her organization has made in just a few years, and her dream to eradicate hygiene poverty.

It all started with a horse. Quickly, a business born in a barn became a multi-state success story. In the season 2 debut of The Brittany Mitchell Podcast, we're talking with Merrill and Owen Schmidt. Brothers, entrepreneurs and founders of Happy Pops... and both younger than the horse that inspired them. Learn how they overcame age bias to succeed in business as teenagers, the impact their efforts are having on animal rescues from the Mid-Atlantic to New England, and what it means to "share your happy."

If you're a travel bug, this episode is for you. We're talking with author Toni Guagenti about her book 100 Things To Do In Virginia Beach Before You Die. Whether you're a local, new resident, or someone itching to find your next vacation destination... you're sure to love her list of not-to-be-missed attractions. From dining spots locals love to horseback riding on the beach (yes, you can do that!) to live music and lighthouses, Toni gives you the inside scoop.

In this week's episode, a powerful conversation recorded during a talk I was invited to give to members of the Women's Interactive Network. It centers around what networking is and is NOT,  what true mentoring looks like, and adopting a legacy mindset when developing leaders. A must-listen for anyone frustrated because they're not advancing in their field or seeking to develop a growth-minded culture in their workplace.

Ever been told you were good at what you do? Ever wondered why it wasn't enough to feel fulfilled? You might be stuck in the gap between gifting and calling. In this week's episode we talk about the difference between the two and how to bridge the gap. Warning: it's going to require you to dream again.

If the title of this episode sounds familiar, it's because our guest host was our guest for an episode of the same name. This time, Doug Aronson is turning the tables and interviewing Brittany Mitchell about the decision to leave the success you've found in one career to start all over in a new field. They'll dive deep into how faith shapes the leader you become, the success you enjoy, and what role (if any) regret plays in the journey.