Grow NOW

grownow

Welcome to Grow Now, the official podcast — where personal growth, professional development, leadership, healing, and purpose-driven living come together. Hosted by Grow NOW Executive Director RaeAnn Hall, Keep Growing features conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and community changemakers who share three things that have helped them grow personally and three things that have helped them grow professionally. Through authentic stories, life experiences, and practical insights, listeners gain encouragement and real-world tools for building resilience, strengthening relationships, developing leadership skills, growing professionally, and living with greater purpose. From mindset and mentorship to business and community impact, each episode is designed to inspire continued growth in every area of life. Whether you are a business professional, nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, student, or someone committed to becoming your best self, Keep Growing is a space for connection, encouragement, and transformation. Join as we empower individuals, strengthen communities, and prove that growth is always possible. https://linktr.ee/grownowwa

  1. 4d ago

    26| Stronger Through Change: Kylea’Na Rosario

    In this inspiring episode of the Grow NOW Podcast, RaeAnn Hall sits down with Kylea’Na Rosario, a 20-year-old Grow NOW scholarship recipient proudly representing Guam, to talk about personal growth, overcoming adversity, self-confidence, career aspirations, and the courage to keep moving forward through life's challenges. Kylea’Na shares her journey of discovering her strength, believing in herself, and learning how to become stronger through change. Her story is a reminder that personal growth doesn't happen all at once. It comes from navigating challenges, embracing new experiences, recognizing your potential, and continuing to believe in what is possible. Passionate about self-expression, fashion, and self-care, Kylea’Na is currently pursuing her goal of becoming an ultrasound technician. Her desire to enter the healthcare field comes from wanting to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women by helping them feel safe, comfortable, supported, and cared for. During the conversation, Kylea’Na shares what professional growth means to her, including setting career goals, learning from new experiences, and using challenges and opportunities as stepping stones toward a brighter future. In this episode, we explore: Overcoming personal challenges and adversity Building self-confidence and believing in yourself Becoming stronger through change Finding your voice and embracing self-expression Setting goals and pursuing your dreams Learning from new experiences Turning challenges into opportunities for growth Developing resilience, independence, and self-awareness Pursuing a career in healthcare and becoming an ultrasound technician Representing your culture and sharing your story The importance of self-care and personal development Creating a future rooted in purpose and possibility As a Grow NOW recipient, Kylea’Na represents what our mission is all about: empowering young adults to overcome adversity, pursue education, discover their potential, and build a future filled with opportunity. Her journey reminds us that our circumstances don't define our future. With determination, self-belief, support, and a willingness to grow, we can create a life beyond what we once imagined. Keep growing, Kylea’Na! Your story matters, and your future is full of possibilities.

    26| Stronger Through Change: Kylea’Na Rosario
  2. Oct 23

    25|Finding Your Calling: Kim Pelham

    What happens when you spend nearly a decade battling an illness doctors call “incurable,” only to discover that resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to personal growth can completely change the direction of your life? In this episode of the Grow NOW Podcast, RaeAnn Hall sits down with Kim Pelham, a residential real estate professional, entrepreneur, business owner, and host on the two-time Emmy-nominated American Dream TV, for an inspiring conversation about personal growth, professional development, resilience, self-discovery, adaptability, and finding your true calling. Kim shares the experiences that have shaped who she is today, including recovering from nearly 10 years of living with fibromyalgia, developing a learner’s mindset, and using personality assessments, psychology, and personal development to better understand who she truly is. Her professional journey is just as remarkable. Kim has worked across 15 different industries, developing adaptable skills and learning how to embrace change and new opportunities. At age 50, she discovered her true calling in residential real estate, a career that aligns with her natural abilities and allows her to serve clients in a unique and deeply personal way. Kim also shares what she has learned from 43 years of marriage and working alongside her husband, a general contractor, as they have built businesses together. Their combined expertise allows them to help homeowners prepare properties for sale through repairs, remodeling, moving, and staging, with payment potentially deferred until closing. Known for saying, “I do residential real estate differently,” Kim takes a highly personalized approach to both sellers and buyers. She limits herself to a maximum of two buyers at a time so she can truly focus on their individual needs and searches. Her innovative approach has helped sellers maximize their return, including a 102.3% sale-to-list ratio. Kim is based in Everett and serves Snohomish County, and she is brokered by Katrina Eileen Real Estate, a two-time Best of Snohomish County winner and Best of Zillow recipient. She is also the author of Six-Word Lessons on Selling Your Home in Seattle and a host on American Dream TV. This conversation is about so much more than real estate. It’s about reinvention, lifelong learning, overcoming adversity, discovering your strengths, embracing change, building a life and business with purpose, and having the courage to follow your calling—even when it comes later than expected. In this episode, we explore: Personal growth through adversity and resilience Recovering from long-term illness Developing a learner’s mindset Landmark classes and continual self-improvement Personality tests, psychology, and self-discovery Understanding your natural strengths and abilities Adaptability and transferable skills Working across 15 different industries Finding your true calling later in life Entrepreneurship and building businesses with your spouse Marriage, partnership, and professional collaboration Residential real estate and doing business differently Serving clients through a personalized approach The power of reinvention and lifelong growth Television, storytelling, and American Dream TV Following your purpose and continuing to grow at every stage of life Keep growing. Keep learning. Keep discovering who you are. And remember—it’s never too late to find what you were meant to do. #GrowNOW #GrowNowPodcast #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalGrowth

  3. Oct 15

    24|From Excuses to Accountability: The Power of Discipline with Chris Jennings

    What does it take to stop making excuses, rebuild trust in yourself, and become the person you were meant to be? In this inspiring episode of the Grow NOW Podcast, Chris Jennings of The Discipline Project shares how personal accountability, self-discipline, and intentional growth transformed his approach to life, leadership, and professional development. Drawing on lessons from his military service in the Army, continued learning, and hands-on experience working with clients, Chris reveals why lasting personal growth begins with keeping the promises we make to ourselves. He discusses the importance of taking ownership of our choices, embracing responsibility, and recognizing that while we cannot always control our circumstances, we can control how we respond and the direction we choose to take. Chris also explores the powerful journey of defining your identity beyond the roles and titles you hold. By clarifying your core values, character, personal standards, and goals, you can begin intentionally building the person you want to become rather than allowing circumstances or others to define you. From developing a growth mindset and strengthening self-trust to practicing accountability, building discipline, and becoming a more effective leader, Chris offers practical insights for anyone ready to stop settling, overcome limiting habits, and take ownership of their future. Tune in to discover how keeping promises to yourself, taking responsibility for your decisions, and defining who you want to become can create meaningful change in your personal and professional life. At Grow NOW, we believe growth happens when we commit to becoming better versions of ourselves while helping others do the same. Chris Jennings reminds us that transformation begins with a decision—and becomes reality through consistent action. Keep growing. Keep showing up. Become who you choose to be.

    24|From Excuses to Accountability: The Power of Discipline with Chris Jennings
  4. Oct 8

    23|From Chaos to Clarity with Bev Whyte

    What if the moments that shake us the most can also become the moments that transform us? In this episode of the Grow NOW Podcast, RaeAnn Hall sits down with Bev Whyte of Living Change Coaching and Consulting for an honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, self-discovery, trusting yourself, and finding meaning in the unexpected twists and turns of life. Bev shares how her personal growth has been shaped by recovery, meditation, spiritual practices, and the willingness to look back at chaos and catastrophe—not to remain stuck in the past, but to discover the silver linings, lessons, and strength that can emerge from difficult experiences. She also opens up about what it means to walk through fear instead of allowing fear to make the decisions. In her professional journey, Bev discusses learning to listen to her instincts, stepping outside of her comfort zone, and the transformative process of becoming a certified coach. Her story is a reminder that growth often requires us to trust the voice within us, take a courageous step into the unknown, and become willing to evolve along the way. In this episode, we explore: How recovery can become a powerful catalyst for personal growth. The role of meditation and spiritual practices in creating greater awareness. Finding lessons and silver linings after chaos and difficult experiences. What it means to walk through fear rather than run from it. Learning to recognize and trust your instincts. The courage it takes to step outside your comfort zone. How becoming a certified coach can transform both your professional path and your understanding of yourself. Why some of life's greatest growth can come from the moments we never would have chosen. Bev's story reminds us that transformation isn't always comfortable—and sometimes we don't recognize the growth until we look back and see how far we've come. Join RaeAnn and Bev for a meaningful conversation about recovery, resilience, intuition, courage, spirituality, and the ongoing process of becoming who we are meant to be. Because sometimes the path to growth isn't about avoiding the storm. It's about learning how to walk through it. Keep Growing.

  5. Oct 1

    22|Power of Curiosity & Making Better Decisions with Matt Layson

    What if growth begins with recognizing that you have the power to change yourself, embracing what makes you different, and staying curious about everything? In this episode of the Grow NOW Podcast, RaeAnn Hall sits down with Matt Layson, owner of CalRose Insurance, for a meaningful conversation about the personal and professional experiences that shape who we become and how we lead. Coming from a long line of insurance professionals dating back to his great-grandfather, Matt brings a unique perspective to his work and a genuine desire to help people make informed decisions. He believes that knowing the cost of insurance is only part of the equation—understanding what you're choosing and why matters just as much. Together, RaeAnn and Matt explore the influence of family, the freedom to redefine ourselves, and the courage to embrace being different. Matt shares how learning quickly, being willing to fail publicly, and maintaining an insatiable curiosity have contributed to his professional growth. From challenging our own assumptions to embracing lifelong learning, this conversation reminds us that growth isn't about having everything figured out. It's about remaining open, taking action, and continually becoming who we're capable of being. In this episode, we explore: The role family plays in shaping our personal growth. Recognizing our ability to change and redefine ourselves. Embracing what makes us different rather than trying to fit in. Learning quickly and putting knowledge into action. Finding the courage to fail publicly and grow through the experience. Why curiosity is one of our greatest tools for personal and professional development. Making informed decisions that go beyond simply looking at the price. Join us for an engaging conversation about curiosity, self-awareness, courage, and the power of continually growing. Because at Grow NOW, we believe your next chapter begins when you decide it's time to grow.

    22|Power of Curiosity & Making Better Decisions with Matt Layson
  6. Sep 24

    21|Reclaim Your Voice, Reignite Your Vision with Cyndi Thomsen

    In this episode of Keep Growing, RaeAnn Hall sits down with Cyndi Thomsen—storyteller, coach, theatre director, author, and speaker—to explore what it means to listen to your inner voice, trust what you know, and continue growing through every season of life and work. With more than 35 years of leadership experience and decades in theatre, Cyndi creates spaces where people can reclaim their voice, reignite their vision, and realign with what matters most. She is the host of The Creative Connection podcast and the Artistic and Managing Director of RBCC Players. Cyndi shares three powerful lessons that have shaped her personal growth: • Reclaiming Your Inner Voice — through presence, breath, and mindfulness, learning to quiet the outside noise, listen inward, and trust yourself more deeply. • Reigniting Your Vision — staying connected to your inner storyteller and discovering new ways to express who you are through theatre, coaching, and empowering others to use their voices. • Realigning With What Matters — intentionally creating spaces of connection and belonging, particularly for people whose voices and experiences have too often been overlooked. She also shares three lessons that have contributed to her professional growth: • Build Relationships With Like-Minded People — surrounding yourself with entrepreneurs and leaders who believe in collaboration, referrals, shared opportunities, and supporting one another. • Become Intentional About Your Visibility — clarifying your message, strengthening your presence, and allowing people to recognize both your name and the work you are here to do. • Develop Your Signature Message — creating a keynote and TED-style talk that allows your story and ideas to reach a larger audience. Cyndi also opens up about the next chapter of her own growth: working with a TEDx speaking coach, seeking mentorship from someone who has already achieved the level of impact she is pursuing, and writing her second and third books. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reminder: growth doesn't always begin with having all the answers. Sometimes it begins by getting quiet enough to hear your own voice—and brave enough to follow it. As Cyndi says: “I believe growth requires both inner listening and outside support. I’m continuing to strengthen my voice while also seeking mentors who can help me carry that voice into larger rooms.” This is a conversation about voice, vision, courage, connection, visibility, and becoming more fully who you are. Keep growing. Keep listening. Keep using your voice.

    21|Reclaim Your Voice, Reignite Your Vision with Cyndi Thomsen

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About

Welcome to Grow Now, the official podcast — where personal growth, professional development, leadership, healing, and purpose-driven living come together. Hosted by Grow NOW Executive Director RaeAnn Hall, Keep Growing features conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and community changemakers who share three things that have helped them grow personally and three things that have helped them grow professionally. Through authentic stories, life experiences, and practical insights, listeners gain encouragement and real-world tools for building resilience, strengthening relationships, developing leadership skills, growing professionally, and living with greater purpose. From mindset and mentorship to business and community impact, each episode is designed to inspire continued growth in every area of life. Whether you are a business professional, nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, student, or someone committed to becoming your best self, Keep Growing is a space for connection, encouragement, and transformation. Join as we empower individuals, strengthen communities, and prove that growth is always possible. https://linktr.ee/grownowwa