Best Amy Donaldson Podcasts (2025)

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Kristine Frailing and The New York Sewing Center 26:18

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7d ago26:18

26:18

In this episode of Sew & So, we sit down with Kristine Frailing, founder of The New YorkSewing Center, a vibrant, hands-on sewing school with two locations in New York and virtual classes that reach students in all 50 states. A fashion designer, entrepreneur, and mom, Kristine brings her passion for sewing and empowering others into everything she …

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Derek Sivers: Lessons from Making (and Giving Away) a Fortune 54:11

17d ago54:11

54:11

Derek Sivers is one of the most interesting thinkers of our time. He’s been a professional touring musician, a circus performer, and a successful entrepreneur who sold his company for millions – and then gave away his proceeds from the sale. Since selling the company, Derek has become a speaker, writer and author of five books including his latest …

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Tania McKnight Norris - The Story of A Magnificent Lady and Purple Wallpaper 45:28

21d ago45:28

45:28

At times we have the opportunity to deviate a little from the tried-and-true conversations this podcast has become known for as opportunities occur for us to sit down with a very special person, perhaps not known as a sewist or quilter, but as someone who has made an indelible mark in the world of creativity. Our guest today is a woman whose life a…

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Amy Barickman - Inspired by the Past, Creating for the Future: 37:30

1M ago37:30

37:30

Our guest today is Amy Barickman. Born in Michigan, raised in Iowa - Amy graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Fine Arts, only wishing it was with an emphasis in textiles versus glass blowing. Always drawn to boutique fashion as well as upcycling and vintage, Vintage Made Modernhas been a theme of many of the books and patterns s…

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Hal Donaldson: The ‘Secret Sauce’ Behind Convoy of Hope, One of the World’s Biggest Charities 41:29

2M ago41:29

41:29

Hal Donaldson has a goal to feed a million children every day. And his organization, Convoy of Hope, is on pace to make it happen. In this episode, Hal joins us to discuss how he overcame tragedy early in life to found one of the world’s biggest charities. He’ll share what it’s like to come face-to-face with Mother Teresa, and the powerful advice s…

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Threading Destiny – Behind the scenes of the movie Sew Torn 1:14:42

2M ago1:14:42

1:14:42

Today we’re threading together sewing, and fate with some of the extraordinary people behind one of the most innovative and visually striking films of the year—Sew Torn. It’s a thriller. A dark comedy. And a stitched-together cinematic wonder that explores how every decision unravels a different destiny. In Sew Torn, Barbara Duggen—‘The Mobile Seam…

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Barbara McCraw - Living My Dream 44:18

2M ago44:18

44:18

Today we welcome quilt artist Barbara Ann McCraw. Actually…we welcome her back as we met Barbara in person and interviewed her at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah at her exhibit Life Stories during Quilt Week in 2024. While our conversation was a component of a compilation of stories…we felt that she had so much more to share, hence she joins u…

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Pat & Walter Bravo – Art Gallery Fabrics. Partners in Every Aspect of Life 44:22

3M ago44:22

44:22

Our guests today come to us from the world of fabric design as we welcome Pat & Walter Bravo from Art Gallery Fabrics- Textile Manufacturer in Miami, Florida. Both born in Buenos Aires Argentina, Pat got the sewing bug beside her mother as she sewed…as she dreamed of painting her world with fabrics. As Pat created a gallery in their home with quilt…

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Drs. Natasha Bray and Douglas Nolan: Fighting the National Doctor Shortage and Creating New Opportunities for Native Americans at the Nation’s First-Ever Tribally Affiliated Medical School 42:55

3M ago42:55

42:55

Just 5 years ago, Oklahoma State University and the Cherokee Nation launched a first-of-its-kind medical school. The College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation is the first and only medical college to be founded on tribal land and linked to a native tribe. The school made history when its first graduating class of doctors received their…

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The Sisters...Sue Nickels & Pat Holly. We've Always Played Well With Each Other 49:55

3M ago49:55

49:55

In this special family-themed episode we're delighted to welcome sisters Sue Nickels and Pat Holly, renowned figures in the quilting community. Both have dedicated more than four decades to the art of quilting, earning numerous accolades and inspiring countless enthusiasts worldwide. Pat Holly was born in Lafayette, Indiana, during her father's te…

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Beth Donaldson – The Quilt Index 40:34

3M ago40:34

40:34

Our guest today is Beth Donaldson, quiltmaker, quilt book author, and Associate Director of the Quilt Index www.quiltindex.org an online repository of quilt information housed at MATRIX: Center for Digital Humanities & Social Sciences at Michigan State University (https://matrix.msu.edu/),East Lansing, Michigan. Born and raised in suburban Detroit,…

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Amy Ard: Motherhood Beyond Bars Helps Incarcerated Moms and Their Innocent Babies 49:17

4M ago49:17

49:17

Each year, thousands of women give birth while in jail or prison. What happens to them, and their babies? Amy Ard had been working as a doula (a caregiver for labor and delivery) for decades when she saw a prisoner who was in the hospital to give birth. Amy also saw a set of handcuffs hanging from a gurney, which said so much about the start of tha…

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Harvey Fierstein - Life Only Changes When You're Brave Enough to Say Yes 53:52

4M ago53:52

53:52

Today we have a very special guest. From the stages of off-Broadway to the bright lights of Broadway, from his unmistakable voice to his performances in 30+ movies, Harvey Fierstein has spent a lifetime telling stories that matter. With four Tony Awards to his name—two for writing, two for acting—his work in Torch Song Trilogy, La Cage aux Folles, …

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Allie Amoroso and ROSE Women’s Foundation: The Path Out of Poverty 45:27

4M ago45:27

45:27

Alle Amoroso is the founder of ROSE Women’s Foundation, which helps impoverished women in Kenya learn how to launch and run small businesses. To date, the organization has launched more than 3,500 businesses — and lifted thousands of people out of poverty. Allie shares: The awakening that led her to quit her dream life of venture capital and startu…

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Inside BERNINA’s Annual Dealer retreat: A Gathering of Passion, Creativity and Community 1:06:25

4M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Just about 40 miles west of Chicago, nestled in a quiet office and industrial park, you'll find the headquarters of BERNINA of America. In one building, the heart and soul of the business hums—sales, marketing, operations, and so much more—where a dedicated team works passionately every day to bring BERNINA’s incredible sewing machines to dealers a…

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Adam Brand – A Legacy in Bloom: The Story of M&S Schmalberg Flowers 1:01:21

5M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

In this episode, we take a fascinating journey behind the scenes with Adam Brand, the fourth-generation owner of M&S Schmalberg Flowers, the last artificial flower factory of its kind in America. Since 1916, this family-owned business has been handcrafting exquisite fabric flowers that have adorned high fashion, Broadway, Hollywood, and some of the…

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Linda Z’s First-Ever Fall Festival of Sewing, Embroidery, and Quilting: Behind the Seams 26:31

5M ago26:31

26:31

Join us as we uncover how this one-of-a-kind event came to life and why it’s already a must-attend gathering for sewing, embroidery, and quilting enthusiasts. Episode Highlights: (1:18) Meet Linda Z – Hear from Linda herself as she shares how the idea for Fall Fest was born and what it took to make it happen. (4:20) Family Legacy – Linda talks abou…

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Tom Bodett, Voice of Motel 6 and Founder of HatchSpace: The Antidote to a Divided World 46:55

5M ago46:55

46:55

Tom is the spokesperson behind Motel 6’s TV and radio spots and their famous tagline: “We’ll leave the light on for you.” His latest idea, HatchSpace, might be exactly what our world needs right now. After all, Tom is more than a great baritone. He’s lived a fascinating life — and now he’s giving back in an excellent way. In today’s episode, Tom sh…

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Vickie Coleman & Allison Rainboth – Quilt Appraisers. For What It’s Worth! 58:25

6M ago58:25

58:25

Meet Our Guests Allison Rainboth grew up in Glendale, CA, just 10 minutes from the Rose Bowl (where she learned to drive in the parking lot!). She pursued graduate studies in biology at UCLA before moving to Wisconsin in 1992. Today, she and her husband are passionate about maintaining their historic home, and she shares her space with three belove…

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Michelle Renee Hiatt – American Quilter’s Society. Trust the Process 42:01

6M ago42:01

42:01

Our guest today is Michelle Renee Hiatt, Executive Show Director at the American Quilter’s Society. Michelle story is a remarkable blend of professional achievements and creative passion. Raised in South Jersey by her single mom and grandmother, Michelle is one of five siblings. After earning her bachelor’s degree in accounting and marketing, follo…

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Be Prepared Be Ready: 2024 Reflection & 2025 Kickoff - Coni Meyers 32:16

6M ago32:16

32:16

Coni Meyers, joined by my co-host, Howard Fox, reflect on the whirlwind that was 2024—a year marked by essential prioritization, persistence, and dodging those ever-tempting "shiny objects." In this episode, we celebrate: The remarkable achievements of the "Be Prepared, Be Ready" nonprofit The ingenuity behind our "Kits for Kids" initiative, and Th…

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Shirley Leung: The Secret to Beating Burnout (From Someone Who’s Been There) 31:07

6M ago31:07

31:07

Leung is an award-winning business columnist and associate editor of the Boston Globe, as well as host of a Globe Opinion podcast called “Say More.” She’s also a working mom who struggled to keep up with work and home-schooling her kids during the pandemic. Her motivation and abilities suffered until she finally acknowledged the problem and asked f…

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Threads of Valor: Lexie Millikan's Journey in Art, Quilting, and Leadership at the Quilts of Valor Foundation 30:24

7M ago30:24

30:24

Our guest today is Lexie Millikan, Executive Director of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Lexie is an artist, educator, and curator. She received her BFA, with a focus in fiber, installation, and social practice, at the Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, MO. Along with her work with the Quilts of Valor Foundation, she also has an active studi…

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Terry Grahl – Enchanted Makeovers - Love is in the Details 28:04

7M ago28:04

28:04

Our guest today is Terry Grahl the Founder and CEO of Enchanted Makeovers, a national non-profit charitable organization based in Taylor, Michigan. She started Enchanted Makeovers after a life-changing visit to a shelter for women Terry grew up in Michigan ran a successful interior decorating business called Terry's Enchanted Cottage. Terry has con…

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The $55K Giveaway: Supporting Joshua’s Heart, Teens4Teens Help, Heart of Mary House Nashville, Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center and more. 52:25

7M ago52:25

52:25

Crazy Good Turns listeners like you sent in more than 120 nominations of organizations that are helping others. In this show, we profile four of those organizations who were selected to receive a $10,000 grant. They are: Heart of Mary House, a hospice in the Nashville area that specifically serves patients who have nowhere else to go. Volunteer Reb…

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100th Episode – Celebrating 100 and Featuring Bisa Butler in Episode #1 39:22

8M ago39:22

39:22

Over the years, we've been honored to host iconic figures like Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably, who revealed how color can be a life-changing force, and Tula Pink, who welcomed us into her imaginative, boundary-pushing world. We heard from Alex Anderson, who reminded us of the importance of claiming space for our creativity, and Amanda Murphy, who …

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Houston Festival 2024 – A Golden Anniversary Celebration 52:40

8M ago52:40

52:40

Welcome to Sew & So, brought to you by BERNINA, made to create! I’m Meg Goodman, and today, you’re in for an exclusive treat. Join me on a behind-the-scenes tour of a truly extraordinary milestone—the 50th anniversary of the Houston Quilt Festival. This isn’t just any quilt show; it’s an international celebration of artistry, creativity, and histor…

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Be Prepared Be Ready: Meet the Advisory Board - Kolleen Chesley 29:00

8M ago29:00

29:00

We have the pleasure of chatting with Kolleen Chesley on the "Do Well by Doing Good" podcast podcast today. Kolleen is the chief table shaker, head cheerleader, lead visionary, and founder of Powerful Women Synergized. She is also an advisory board member for the Be Prepared Be Ready nonprofit. DISCUSSION POINTS 🎯 Empowerment Through Tech - Initiat…

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Luther Lockwood and the McColl-Lockwood Lab: A Family’s Love Leads to a Medical Breakthrough 22:49

9M ago22:49

22:49

When Luther’s daughter, Jane Lockwood, was just 5 years old, she was diagnosed with a rare and incurable form of muscular dystrophy. Luther and his family resolved to do something about it. During the two decades since, they founded the McColl-Lockwood Laboratory and dedicated enormous resources to creating more effective treatments for the disease…

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Lina Owen – Growing the Latino Quilting Community and Staying True to My Why 40:54

9M ago40:54

40:54

Introduction: Lina Owen, a passionate quilter and entrepreneur, shares her journey from Colombia to the United States, her quilting inspirations, and how she’s empowering the Hispanic community through her love of quilting. Early Beginnings (1:42): Despite only starting four years ago, Lina has made incredible strides. Learn how she transitioned fr…

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Lynn Schmitt - Risk Taker, Rule Breaker - Living in the World of Why Not 39:49

9M ago39:49

39:49

Lynn Schmitt’s journey began in Chicago, where she cultivated her love for art. After attending Bradley University as a Fine Arts major, she went on to graduate from the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and Roosevelt University with a BFA in Interior Design. For 30 years, Lynn thrived as a commercial interior designer, contributing to high-profile proj…

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Deanna Springer – The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, 20 Years of Honoring the Legacy of Nancy Zieman 31:20

10M ago31:20

31:20

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Deanna Springer. Deanna was a close collaborator with the legendary Nancy Zieman, co-founding Nancy Zieman Productions in 2007. Together, they launched a blog, social media channels, and over 40 sewing and quilting products, as well as produced 12 seasons of Sewing with Nancy. Today, Deanna carries Na…

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Dan Senor: Bringing Clarity to the Fog of War 39:47

10M ago39:47

39:47

We mark 1 year since the October 7 attacks by speaking with Dan Senor. Dan is the host of ‘Call Me Back,’ a podcast that is home to some of the most thoughtful and thorough reporting on the multi-front war Israel now faces. Dan’s work provides a valuable service to all of us – especially to people like myself, and many other Americans, who have onl…

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Be Prepared Be Ready: Meet the Advisory Board - Tami Bonnell 25:06

10M ago25:06

25:06

Welcome back to "Do Well by Doing Good," the podcast where we explore the intersection of success and social impact. In this episode, we have the pleasure to chat with Tami Bonnell. Tami is an international speaker, real estate veteran, podcast host, and is on the advisory board of the Be Prepared Be Ready nonprofit. DISCUSSION POINTS Empowering Wo…

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The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Celebrates 20 Years and Honors the Legacy of Nancy Zieman 40:44

10M ago40:44

40:44

Join us for this special episode as we travel to Madison Wisconsin for the Great American Quilt Show which began largely in thanks to the late Nancy Zieman. Nancy hosted Sewing With Nancy on PBS Wisconsin for 35 years and inspired hobbyists across the country to sew, quilt and embroider. What started as an instructional program filmed in her home i…

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Be Prepared Be Ready: Meet the Advisory Board - Amy Donaldson 26:07

10M ago26:07

26:07

Welcome back to "Doing Well by Doing Good," the podcast where we explore the intersection of success and social impact. In this episode, we have the pleasure to chat with Amy Donaldson. Amy is a Professional Sales and Leadership Coach at Southwestern Consulting and an Advisory Board Member of the Be Prepared Be Ready nonprofit. DISCUSSION POINTS Co…

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OMG Fashun Part 2. Meet more Disruptors! 30:14

10M ago30:14

30:14

Welcome back to Part 2 of OMG Fashun – Friends They Never Knew They Needed. In Part one, Co-Executive Producer Rich Brusa and Producer Marcy Guevara-Prete gave us an exclusive peek into the genesis and workings of this show. Then, several of the contestant/disruptors shared personal stories of their paths to this show and how it changed their lives…

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Be Prepared Be Ready: Meet the Board - Debra Trappen 30:35

10M ago30:35

30:35

Welcome back to "Doing Well by Doing Good," the podcast where we explore the intersection of success and social impact. In this episode, we have the pleasure to chat with Debra Trappen. Debra is the founder of the Red Threads Collective and a Board Member of the Be Prepared Be Ready nonprofit. DISCUSSION POINTS Core Values and Intuition Sacred Sist…

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Jenn Drummond, Mom of 7 and World Record Mountaineer 42:15

11M ago42:15

42:15

Jenn is the first woman to climb the “seven second summits,” or the second-highest mountain peaks on all seven continents – which are arguably even tougher to climb than the tallest ones, for reasons which will surprise you. She is also a successful businesswoman, a mother of seven children, and the author of “BreakProof: 7 Strategies to Build Resi…