Startin' Some Ripples

Heather N. Wilde
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Startin' Some Ripples is the podcast that turns real stories into powerful life lessons. Hosted by Heather N. Wilde—author, educator, indie publisher, and trauma survivor—this is a space where authenticity and connection thrive. Heather’s journey, chronicled in her memoir "Tumbled," proves that tough experiences, self-reflection, and a little grit can lead to profound growth. Each episode invites cohosts to share their stories or those submitted by listeners, uncovering practical tips for building a more enjoyable life. Together, we’ll celebrate victories, unpack challenges, and connect through the common threads of human experience. It’s a safe, supportive space where vulnerability becomes strength, and shared life lessons spark ripples of change. Whether diving into a listener’s story, exploring personal growth, or just having a heartfelt conversation, Startin’ Some Ripples is here to inspire, uplift, and remind you that life’s greatest teacher is experience itself. Let’s make waves together!

  1. 1D AGO

    Peeling Back the Layers: Finding Yourself Again with Maris Saar

    Among many other topics, we explore: The Power of Following the Pull: How Maris built multiple careers—from photography to hypnotherapy to TV—by going all in on what lit her up. From Doing to Being: Why success isn’t about doing more, but about removing what’s blocking you from being yourself. The “Library of the Brain”: Maris shares a powerful analogy for how our experiences are stored—and how they shape our reactions, patterns, and beliefs. Healing Without Reliving: A compassionate approach to working through past experiences without retraumatizing yourself. Nervous System Awareness: How learning to listen to your body can completely change how you make decisions, show up, and live your life. From Burnout to Freedom: My personal journey of moving from pressure and performance into ease, intuition, and joy. Intuitive Marketing: Why your business doesn’t have to feel heavy—and how alignment creates more impact than force ever could. Choosing Joy on Purpose: The small, intentional shifts that can create ripple effects in your life and in the lives of others. The Courage to Be Seen: How releasing internal blocks allows your voice, your work, and your presence to expand naturally. Creating Space for What Matters: Why slowing down might be the very thing that opens the door to your next big idea. Joy isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you choose, moment by moment… starting with something as simple as a smile. Connect with Maris! Website: http://heymissmarissa.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heymissmarissa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maris-saar-b57829173/ Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing Website: www.HezzieMae.com Facebook: Heather HezzieMae Wilde Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    1h 1m

  2. MAR 1

    Paisley the Musical: Teaching Kids (and Adults) They Are Enough

    Among many other topics, we explore: From Pavilion Projects to Purpose: How Deborah’s high-level corporate career masked a deeper longing to create meaningful impact. The Three-Year Wake-Up Call: Deborah’s medical misdiagnosis, loss of credibility, and the emotional toll of not being believed. The Million-Dollar Penny: How discovering the story of a rare 1943 copper penny sparked her first children’s book and musical about self-worth. Self-Esteem vs. Self-Worth: Why one depends on achievement—and the other comes from within. The Birth of the Self-Worth Initiative: Deborah’s promise to dedicate her life to helping others reclaim their value. Meet Paisley: A porcupine fashion designer who gives away her power “quill by quill” until she must decide what to do with her last one. Giving Away Our Power: Why Deborah believes we don’t get stuck because of fear—but because we slowly surrender our voice. Magical Realism on a Broadway Scale: Deborah’s bold vision for Paisley the Musical and her unconventional path to bringing it to life. The Power of Music to Rewire Belief: Why songs can reach places inside us that words alone cannot. Join us for an imaginative, heartfelt conversation about resilience, creativity, and the radical act of reclaiming your worth, proof that even when you feel discarded, you may be the rarest coin of all. If you’ve ever felt unheard, unseen, or unsure of your value, this episode is your reminder: every penny counts… and so do you. Connect with Deborah! Website: https://paisleysfashionforest.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deborah.weed.1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborah.weed/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-weed-67b91313/ Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing Website: www.HezzieMae.com Facebook: Heather HezzieMae Wilde Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    43 min

  3. JAN 30

    When Women Support Women: Why Collaboration Changes Everything

    Among many other topics, we explore: Finding Home Through Change: How Morgan’s life of constant movement helped her discover what community, belonging, and “home” really mean to her. The Power of Presence in Leadership: Why being seen, heard, and valued matters—and how that shapes the way Morgan leads. Being Underestimated: How early career challenges in male-dominated spaces taught Morgan to advocate for herself and lead with integrity. Brave Communication: The moment that changed how Morgan approaches conflict, choosing honesty over avoidance. Women Supporting Women: Why collaboration, not competition, is the key to powerful female leadership. Letting Go of Chasing Power: How stepping away from status and salary helped Morgan reconnect with her true values. Redefining Success: Why fulfillment comes from how you show up for people, not the title you hold.   Explore more about the YWCA Duluth at www.ywcaduluth.org   Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing Website: www.HezzieMae.com Facebook: Heather HezzieMae Wilde Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    40 min

  4. JAN 21

    Queer, Sober, and Starting Again: Finding Purpose Through Bread

    Among many other topics, we explore: The Magic of Grandma’s Kitchen: How Tom’s earliest memories of baking with his grandmother sparked a lifelong love for bread. From Corporate Life to Cottage Bakery: Why leaving behind a PhD program and corporate consulting led Tom to a more joyful, fulfilling path. Baking as Healing: How bread became a form of therapy during anxiety, divorce, and major life transitions. Redefining Success: Why less money and more joy turned out to be the richest combination of all. Growing Up Queer in a Fundamentalist Church: Tom shares the challenges of discovering his identity in an environment that didn’t offer safety or support. Religious Trauma and Self-Acceptance: How unlearning shame became part of Tom’s healing journey. Choosing Joy on Purpose: Why happiness isn’t always automatic—but it can always be chosen. Finding Community Beyond the Bar Scene: The importance of diverse, supportive spaces for queer connection and belonging. The Story Behind “Behind the Breadbox”: A nostalgic, meaningful name rooted in family, food, and home. The Special Bond Between Gay Men and Straight Women: A heartfelt reflection on safety, trust, and joyful connection. Join us for a warm, honest, and laughter-filled conversation about identity, resilience, and the beautiful freedom that comes from finally being yourself—proof that it’s never too late to start living the life that feels like home. Connect with Tom! Website: https://www.behindthebreadbox.com/ Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing Website: www.HezzieMae.com Facebook: Heather HezzieMae Wilde Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    47 min

  5. 09/07/2025

    The Uninvited Passenger: Choosing Yourself After Six Decades of Silence with Bella Tousignant

    Among many other topics, we explore: Growing Up Different in the 1950s: Bella recalls her early years in a male-dominated household, long before there was language or support for what she was experiencing. The Mask of Normalcy: From sports to music to marriage, Bella describes how she built a “normal” life while carrying a hidden truth. Halloween Outfits to Honesty: What started as a playful tradition with her wife became the first space where Bella could explore her authentic self, and eventually led to seeking therapy and beginning transition in her 60s. The Tipping Point: How decades of suppression, one too many goodbyes to her true self, and finally seeing role models like Caitlyn Jenner and Laverne Cox pushed Bella to say, “When is it my turn?” Transitioning Later in Life: From hundreds of hours of electrolysis to major surgery, Bella shares the physical and emotional journey of aligning her inner and outer self. Writing The Uninvited Passenger: Why Bella turned to writing as a way to process her story, and how her memoir became a message of hope for anyone carrying silent battles. Hope in the Midst of Gaslighting: Bella speaks to today’s political climate, the dangers of misinformation, and why her book is also a call to protect and encourage vulnerable young people. Join us for an honest, inspiring conversation about identity, resilience, and the joy of finally living as your true self—proof that it’s never too late to embrace who you are. The Uninvited Passenger releases September 12, 2025, in paperback and eBook. Visit  HezzieMae.com  to order your copy and step into this powerful story. Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing Website: www.HezzieMae.com Facebook: Heather HezzieMae Wilde Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    35 min

  6. 08/31/2025

    Brewing More Than Beer: Jen Fox on Building Community

    Among many other topics, we explore: Leading from the Heart: Jen shares what it means to lead with a strong sense of community and stay rooted in your values, even when the outcome isn't what you hoped for. The Firecracker Grandma: We talk about how Jen's grandmother, a "firecracker" who advocated for everyone, taught her the heart of inclusion and the importance of having a strong support system. Brewing Community: We dive into Jen’s family business, Spiral Brewery, which is more than just a business—it's a mission to "brew community through quality beer and rich history." Join us for a beautiful and inspiring episode filled with layers of richness about how hope lives right next to despair, how to be part of the "untangling process" of problems, and the powerful lesson that showing up with what you can is always enough. www.spiralbrewery.com Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing Website: www.HezzieMae.com Facebook: Heather HezzieMae Wilde Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    40 min

  7. 08/24/2025

    Neurodivergent Not Broken: Sam Nelson’s Story

    Sam Nelson returns to the podcast to discuss her personal journey as a neurodiversity advocate. She opens up about receiving her own ADHD diagnosis a little over two years ago and how she and her family had to navigate their own unique ADHD-related circumstances. Sam also discusses her new brand, "Neurodivergent Not Broken," which she created to share her experiences and build a community where people can feel supported and less alone. Among many other topics, we explore: A Family's Journey: Sam shares that just two years ago, she received her own diagnosis, which led to clarity and the realization that all four members of her family are in different neurodivergent categories. This prompted her to become an advocate and share her story. The Lack of Support: Sam describes how, after her diagnosis, medical professionals provided very little follow-up support beyond a sheet of paper with recommended books. She had to pursue an understanding of neurodivergence by herself. Accommodations and New Understandings: Sam outlines five accommodations her family has made since the diagnosis to create a smoother home life. These include allowing for quiet downtime after work and school, implementing sensory accommodations, letting go of expectations around family meals, and a few more! The "Neurodivergent Not Broken" Brand: Inspired by her and her husband's experiences, Sam has started a brand called "Neurodivergent Not Broken" that aims to offer help and support to others and create a community with more compassion, grace, and less shame. Join us for an inspiring and empowering episode about understanding how your brain works, finding new ways to support your family, and being courageous enough to share your story to help others. Connect with Sam! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentnotbroken Substack: https://substack.com/@neurodivergentnotbroken Hustle & Heart Salon:https://hustleandheartsalon.com/ Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing Website: www.HezzieMae.com Facebook: Heather HezzieMae Wilde Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    46 min

  8. 08/17/2025

    Floyd’s Baller: A Hood Philosopher With a Story the World Needs

    In this episode, I’m joined by Adarryl Hunter, a lifelong friend of George Floyd. We announce our joint project, a book titled Floyd's Baller, set to be released in February 2026, which is Black History Month. The book aims to serve as a resource for schools and is designed to teach and engage students on important life themes. We’ll talk about Adarryl (and his nickname “Baller”), his friendship with George Floyd, and this book’s inception.  Among many other topics, we explore: Becoming a “Hood Philosopher”: Adarryl says he gained many of his people skills from Floyd, while Floyd saw Adarryl as a "hood philosopher" who could provide perspective on life. The Reluctance to Tell a Story: After Floyd's murder, Adarryl was hesitant to share his story, not wanting to appear to be capitalizing on his friend's death.  A Creative Collaboration with a Spiritual Twist: Adarryl recounts that Floyd used to refer to himself as Morpheus from  The Matrix and Adarryl as Neo, which provides a fitting metaphor for George's role in telling the story.  More Than a Story, It’s a Gumbo: The collaboration itself is a testament to this message, as a Black man and a white woman from the Midwest come together for a common purpose - a “gumbo” of perspectives, if you will.  A Shared Purpose: The project’s timeline, delayed for several months, now seems perfectly aligned with the current political climate and educational needs. Both of us are fully invested in this project, believing it's not about achieving specific results but about sharing an authentic, loving story with the world. Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing Website: www.HezzieMae.com Facebook: Heather HezzieMae Wilde Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    48 min
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About

Startin' Some Ripples is the podcast that turns real stories into powerful life lessons. Hosted by Heather N. Wilde—author, educator, indie publisher, and trauma survivor—this is a space where authenticity and connection thrive. Heather’s journey, chronicled in her memoir "Tumbled," proves that tough experiences, self-reflection, and a little grit can lead to profound growth. Each episode invites cohosts to share their stories or those submitted by listeners, uncovering practical tips for building a more enjoyable life. Together, we’ll celebrate victories, unpack challenges, and connect through the common threads of human experience. It’s a safe, supportive space where vulnerability becomes strength, and shared life lessons spark ripples of change. Whether diving into a listener’s story, exploring personal growth, or just having a heartfelt conversation, Startin’ Some Ripples is here to inspire, uplift, and remind you that life’s greatest teacher is experience itself. Let’s make waves together!

Information

  • Creator
    Heather N. Wilde
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025-26
  • Show Website
    Startin' Some Ripples