Ordinary People. Ordinary Things. with Melissa Radke

Latest Episodes:

Say My Name Oct 15, 2019

Show notes

It's doubtful we have a lot of young 20-something men listening to this podcast, but for those who are out there, listen to this show. For those of you who aren't 20-something males, you probably have a 20-something male in your life that you love, and you need to listen to this podcast too.

It's beautiful to see someone tell the story of how the church wasn't always kind to them and how people weren't always kind to them. But Jesus was always kind to them. The church and the people are just a building and humans who can be frail and faulty. In spite of this, this Cavanaugh James turned around and served people in the church. I found this refreshing and beautiful. All of this depth came from a millennial.

Cavanaugh James is the author of the book Higher Power Has a Name. He is a writer and renaissance Millennial who loves to communicate truth through vulnerability and humor. He is equal parts writer, singer, and joke-teller; utilizing all three loves on social media, in the local church, and whenever given an opportunity. He loves people and believes his greatest call is to walk hand-in-hand with them, free from judgment and full of tangible love, love that moves the mark.

In this episode, Cavanaugh gets vulnerable and talks about god given purpose and identity. He talks about his life, family, and friends. He also talks about how having a personal relationship with god helped him find his god given purpose and identity. This is an episode that will inspire and surprise you as Melissa chats with Cavanaugh and even discovers that they have similar stories.

Show Notes:

[02:37] Melissa's assistant found Cavanaugh on Instagram.
[04:23] Cavanaugh is from Dallas, Texas and is primarily a writer.
[04:40] He grew up in the church and didn't really have a faith of his own until he was eighteen.
[04:55] He left musical theater school to go to Bible College. He got involved in the church world, but his crew have church have musical theater.
[05:29] Cavanaugh's day-to-day is writing and using social media as a tool. He's also very close to his family.
[07:21] He serves at Gateway Church with Pastor Robert Morris.
[08:32] Cavanaugh and Melissa have similar stories.
[11:15] Cavanaugh gets vulnerable and talks about god given purpose and identity. He grew up not knowing who he was outside of family.
[13:37] At church, he heard people preach about the love of Christ and yet they weren't living it, because of the way they were treating him.
[15:20] It was crucial for Cavanaugh to know who he was in Christ before anything else.
[18:54] He would always go back to the Lord and see who he was supposed to be.
[22:48] The church is waiting for people to be straight, and the world is waiting for people to be gay. He's focusing on working on his relationship with the Lord and not worrying about anything else.
[24:52] The enemy wants us to believe that our struggles keep us from moving towards our purpose.
[29:21] Cavanaugh was living in L.A. and noticed that when they talked about faith, people's language would change. Instead of saying God, people would say a higher power.
[30:39] He got frustrated and said that a higher power has a name.
[32:25] Cavanaugh is excited about who God is and his character. He's willing to talk to anyone about it.
[34:28] Darkness doesn't diminish light. It's his job to bring in the light.
[37:14] A lot of people are looking at the church based on their parents or someone else's faith not their own.
[39:16] Millennials respond to authenticity and sometimes don't feel like they've been told the truth.
[40:41] Community is hard to find unless you're plugged into a healthy group or church.
[46:38] Cav answers the rapid fire questions. We talk friendship, chicken fried steak, and actors.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

Links and Resources:

Podcast Web Page
Facebook Page
@MsMelissaRadke on Instagram
@msmelissaradke on Twitter
Autographed Copy of Eat Cake. Be Brave.
Eat Cake. Be Brave. Extended Book Trailer
Sign Up for Insider Access
INK Replacing What Stained You With What Can Change You
Cavanaugh James
Higher Power Has a Name
Cavanaugh James on Instagram
Cavanaugh James on Twitter
Cavanaugh James on Facebook
Gateway Church
Audible Get a free 30-day trial and free audiobook
Babe's Chicken

Ennea Your Business Oct 08, 2019

Show notes

Have you ever taken a personality test? I've taken 47 billion. I think it's because I've hated my personality for so long. I'm not kidding. I thought I was way over the top, and my laugh was obnoxious, and I was too high maintenance. I took every personality test known to man. Honestly, it didn't make me feel any better.

I was trying to figure myself out, because I disliked myself. I thought the answers in the test would tell me how to fix myself. But that's not me anymore. I don't want to change myself. I don't want to waste another second not being me. I still want to grow, mature, and refine myself, but I wanted to do it being me. Now, if I do a personality test, it's because I want to know what makes me tick. This is where the Enneagram comes in.

Beth and Jeff McCord are here, and they are the founders of Your Enneagram Coach a website that not only helps people find out what their type is, but helps couples find out how to interact with each other no matter what type they are. They have even written a book to help Christian couples live their best lives using the Enneagram. Their book is called Becoming Us. We kick this show off with a kind of Enneagram crash course, and then break down how this information can be useful for individuals, couples and eventually even kids.

Show Notes:

[05:50] The Enneagram is a typology system and way of knowing yourself. It's like your internal GPS. It will tell you your main type and your main destination.
[06:48] The Enneagram will tell you why you veered off course and alert you before you get off course again. It can help you create a different mindset.
[07:25] The Enneagram shows you why you think, feel, and behave in certain ways. It gets to the heart motivations.
[07:59] It gives you hope that there is transformation ahead and a healthier path.
[08:57] Beth and Jeff had trouble understanding each other about five years into their marriage. Some friends introduced them to The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective by Richard Rohr.
[09:30] Finally Beth and Jeff had clarity on why they were doing what they were doing.
[09:42] They've been doing this for over 20 years and are still learning and growing.
[10:40] Beth was Michael Hyatt's personal assistant, so she saw first hand how an amazing team works behind the scenes and develops online courses.
[10:48] Beth and Jeff started creating Enneagram courses and coaching people. It was amazing to watch people transform right before their eyes.
[11:05] They then developed the Become an Enneagram Coach course. They now have over 400 coaches in 18 countries who are transforming other people's lives.
[12:16] Because Enneagram is about why you do the things you do, you want to look at the core motivation of the nine types.
[12:26] There are four core motivations. There's the core fear. There's the desire. There's the weakness. There's the core longing.
[12:56] Type one is the moral perfectionist. Type two is a supportive adviser.
[14:16] Type three is the successful achiever. They fear being exposed or incompetent.
[15:22] Type four is the romantic individualist. They fear being cut off. They desire to be special. Their core weakness is envy.
[15:55] Type five is the investigative thinkers. They fear being annihilated. They desire to be capable and competent. Their weakness is that they feel they lack too many inner resources.
[16:36] Type six is the loyal guardian. They fear fear itself. They desire security. Their core weakness is anxiety.
[17:20] Type seven is the entertaining optimist. They fear being deprived. They desire to be happy and content. The weakness is gluttony.
[18:52] Type eight is the protective challenger. They fear being weak. They desire to protect themselves. Their weaknesses are lust or excess.
[19:57] Type nine is the peaceful mediator. They fear being in conflict. They desire inner stability and peace of mind. Their weakness is sloth.
[23:55] No matter what our type is we can get healthy.
[24:26] Beth takes people through a process called exploring you where they work through five guide sheets.
[25:37] We are all diverse. When we are at our healthiest, we bless everyone including ourselves.
[28:41] The Enneagram is super useful for helping couples or people work together harmoniously.
[29:12] We often assume people see the world the way that we do, but they don't.
[29:49] What Jeff and Beth are doing is the overflow of what has been going on in their marriage since the early 2000s. They've been able to transcend patterns of conflict and have language to describe what is happening inside of us.
[33:31] Instead of fighting, try looking at things through the other person's lens.
[36:51] People parent according to their type.
[37:55] As kids get older, you start to notice patterns. There are unique ways to relate to different types.
[45:39] Jeff and Beth have created a marriage assessment and a book that will help couples understand themselves and each other.
[48:13] It takes couple six years before they actually ask for help. You can find courses that will help you in your marriage on the Your Enneagram Coach website.
[53:01] Melissa has fun asking Beth and Jeff three wrap up questions.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

Links and Resources:

"Tight Around the Middle" Oct 01, 2019

Show notes

I often get asked why I chose Ordinary People Ordinary Things for the name of this podcast. I wanted to do a podcast, because I like to hear myself talk, and I have some pretty good things to say along with some ridiculous things to say. I'm not famous. I'm not wealthy. I'm just ordinary me, so that's how I named the show. I interview ordinary people, and chances are, you are ordinary too. Some of the best lessons I've ever learned were from ordinary people.

When we take a second look, we realize that the things we do everyday aren't ordinary at all. Maybe it takes fresh eyes to see that my role as a parent is a living breathing miracle, and I'm lucky to get to do it. There are miracles all around us in the ordinary. This is why today's guest is so important. Lisa Jo Baker is a fangirl of ordinary life, author, speaker, co-host of the Out of the Ordinary Podcast and champion of women and Netflix. Lisa-Jo lives just outside of Washington DC with her husband of over 20 years and 3 of the loudest kids you've ever heard, and I'm thrilled to talk with her today.

Show Notes:

[03:34] Lisa-Jo is from South Africa. She is named after her mom Jo. Her son is Jackson Jo.
[05:28] The designer for the book cover asked Lisa-Jo for a placeholder photo. This photo ended up being used on the cover. It captured Lisa-Jo as she really was while throwing a kids birthday party surrounded by friends.
[10:00] Lisa-Jo was an attorney and practiced human rights law in the Ukraine for the UN.
[10:26] She writes and speaks and is still an advocate for women. I started blogging and several books were born out of it.
[11:16] She went from advocating as an attorney to being an advocate as a writer. Her husband is a professor of political science. She also has three kids.
[12:59] I share the introduction to Lisa-Jo's book The Middle Matters.
[14:39] The middle is the place where our lives really live.
[16:43] Most of us live very ordinary days, but our kids are interested in our stories. Lisa-Jo's book is like a snapshot of her life. Most of our lives are lived in the middle.
[19:35] Lisa-Jo wants to help women embrace those middle moments. It's about seeing the day not seizing the day.
[21:21] It's a challenge to write or work and still capture those ordinary moments.
[22:18] Lisa-Jo needs to be anchored to people who see her real self.
[25:40] Lisa-Jo shares her feelings about her muffin top. She is also happy to share her age.
[30:01] Nobody is as critical of us as we are. Women should be proud of their bodies.
[34:02] We shouldn't let people put labels on us as teens or college age girls.
[36:44] We don't have to live in a storybook. An ordinary love is perfect and beautiful.
[40:05] On the outside we age, but on the inside we feel kind of frozen in time.
[41:02] Lisa-Jo wants to give people new glasses and a new way to see their own lives.
[43:18] Lisa-Jo answers the rapid fire questions. She loves a South African restaurant called Spur and eats a mushroom burger.
[45:03] Friendship is a safe place with grace and space.
[48:06] We need to say out loud that we are paying attention to what matters.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

Links and Resources:

Podcast Web Page
Facebook Page
@MsMelissaRadke on Instagram
@msmelissaradke on Twitter
Autographed Copy of Eat Cake. Be Brave.
Eat Cake. Be Brave. Extended Book Trailer
Sign Up for Insider Access
Home Chef Use code MelissaR80 to get $20 off your first four meals
INK Replacing What Stained You With What Can Change You
Lisa-Jo Baker
Lisa-Jo Baker on Facebook
Lisa-Jo Baker on Instagram
Out of the Ordinary Podcast
Books by Lisa-Jo Baker
The Middle Matters
Spur South Africa

INK - How Did We Get This Way: What Was Said and What It Did to Us. Sep 24, 2019

Show notes

If you follow me on Facebook Live, you know that I have been teaching and gearing up for my course INK Replacing What Stained You With What Can Change You. I launched this course for the first time back in May of this year. Hundreds of people took the course and loved it and benefited from it. Women, we know that when we buy something we tell the truth.

The feedback, reviews, and encouraging words that we received from INK only solidified that the course was God given and God inspired. The thing that most people want to know before they purchase anything is what will it be like. So today, we are doing something a little different and giving you a sneak peek. Each lesson in INK is in video and audio format. So, today's show is going to be the audio version of week one lesson one.

Show Notes:

[07:24] I've always wanted David's name on my ring finger.
[09:48] A couple of years ago, I made this video of me alone in this room. The video was about what happened to me the year I turned 41. The video was titled Eat Cake Be Brave. My editor ended up seeing this video and that's how I got signed for the book deal.
[11:34] That night I said something that I had never heard before. I'll play this video now.
[12:43] Music is the first talent that I knew I had. I can write a little bit, but music is my talent.
[13:51] My professor made glowing comments about my voice in music school. He then said I would never make it in the music business, because of the way that I look.
[15:05] He tattooed words all over me. Words that stayed on my skin deep into my flesh for years. Then I decided to audition for Diva's Live.
[16:01] I got on stage, sang my song, and killed it. The producer then said, "to be on my show, you can sound like this, but if you look like this, it's not going to happen."
[16:58] At this point, I had a tattooed sleeve on my arm of words like embarrassing, ashamed, glutton, fool, ridiculous, dreamer, and a waste of time.
[17:19] I'm just tired of being tattooed with words that aren't true.
[17:27] Last year, I saw an interview with Shonda Rhimes. She said she was sick of living in fear and wanted to step outside of her comfort zone. I too wanted my mojo back.
[18:55] I drove to Houston and tried out for the voice. All it takes is one more try.
[19:50] I decided last year on my birthday that I would live the year of yes.
[20:10] I started a Facebook page and started to put up videos.
[21:11] I referenced tattoos on this video and how we allow ourselves to be marked up by things that are said to us and done to us.
[23:29] Think about what may be marking you up that you may not even realize is there.
[28:20] People speak things over us from the moment we are born.
[31:16] Hurt people, hurt people. If you were damaged with words, they were too.
[35:58] Did the things stick with you? Chances are it did.
[37:18] How did we get here? Other people and secondly us.
[37:54] Don't beat yourself up, because you didn't know any better.
[40:12] You weren't prepared to replace a lie with the truth.
[41:09] Don't beat yourself up. Give yourself grace.
[45:45] Those words are what you did, not who you are.
[49:57] Taking someone else's baggage doesn't fit. Don't cover yourself in ill fitting truths.
[53:11] It's time to take the disguises off and remove what doesn't belong to you.
[53:41] In this course, we are going to erase, and we are going to replace.
[55:16] I'm constantly replacing old ink, and it just gets easier and easier.
[56:57] We are going to go deep and clean up those old wounds. We aren't doing it alone. I'm here for you, and God is right beside you.
[59:23] Each week comes with homework. There is more for you to do after the lesson. This week has four questions. It's important that we journal significant moments.
[01:01:00] The cart for INK is only open until Wednesday October 2nd, 2019. You will get five more lessons like this one in audio, video, and transcripts, along with homework, and access to the Facebook community. I'll also be doing a five weekly Facebook Lives related to the material. The course belongs to you forever. There is also a 30-day money back guarantee.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

Links and Resources:

Podcast Web Page
Facebook Page
@MsMelissaRadke on Instagram
@msmelissaradke on Twitter
Autographed Copy of Eat Cake. Be Brave.
Eat Cake. Be Brave. Extended Book Trailer
Sign Up for Insider Access
Home Chef Use code MelissaR80 to get $20 off your first four meals
INK Replacing What Stained You With What Can Change You
Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person
Let's All Be Brave: Living Life with Everything You Have

Boss Beast Sep 17, 2019

Show notes

Lindsay Teague Moreno is an author, speaker, mom, and entrepreneur. She calls herself a momtrepreneur. She is the author of Getting Noticed and her new book Boss Up. She is also the host of the Boss Up podcast. Boss Up is all about helping women think big, dream big, and put their businesses on the map.

In this episode, Lindsay shares her story and how she felt like she wanted more after having twins and becoming a mother. She had guilt about these feelings, until she discovered that she had a whole tribe that felt the same way. She has since become a multimillion-dollar-producing business owner and wants to help other women do the same. I just love her, and you will love this episode.

Show Notes:

[05:46] Lindsay loves women between the ages of 30 and 40 who have young kids and are living in the trenches and have a desire for more.
[06:03] There are a lot of moms who love nothing more than being a mom. Lindsay thought that would be her when she had twins.
[06:22] She realized that she loved the babies more than anything else, but being a mother wasn't her purpose.
[07:40] Living your own purpose and doing something that has meaning for you is the best example to set for your kids.
[07:54] It's Lindsay's why to help live their purpose now instead of waiting until their kids go off to college.
[08:08] By putting all of your time, energy, and focus into your kids you lose who you are and then the kids leave.
[11:57] Lindsay preaches authenticity and letting it all out.
[12:32] She teaches women how to stand up and be confident even when things go wrong.
[13:36] Fear holds many back. People doing it and people wanting to do it are both Lindsay's tribe. She wants to help people want it at any cost.
[16:16] Selling yourself is difficult.
[16:30] Lindsay looks for business opportunities everywhere. She presents what she has, and people can take it or leave it.
[18:48] She wanted to change the MLM game. She teaches what happens in real business. She teaches people to create businesses that are best for them.
[21:49] Lindsay decided to use social media to build her business. Spend time advertising who you are, what you do, and what you love than the product that you sell.
[23:26] Have five posts about you and one about your product.
[24:36] Lindsay wants to help people create a brand that is authentic to them not authentic to her. She helps people define their story.
[25:31] She has created new businesses with the income from her first business. She uses the Boss Up blueprint to create her businesses.
[26:27] Boss Up is designed to be a short cut to help women create the businesses they love.
[26:42] She has a print shop and an event planning business. Lindsay can't help herself when she sees a need.
[34:08] If you follow the books and processes in Lindsay's book, you get to decide ahead of time what you will say yes to and what you will say no to. That's called Bossing Up.
[35:33] Lindsay talks about how it's important to be clear about what you want.
[36:16] Sit down and think as big as you can. What do you want in all aspects of your life? Think really big. Become so connected that you think about them everyday. You can get there if you think big enough. Keep your eyes set on the end goal.
[37:44] If you set your goals at a place of high energy, you will stop at nothing to get them.
[40:03] Lindsay loves Chick-fil-A.
[41:30] Friendship is a commitment to be in someone's life no matter what. Friendship is I like you, and you like me.
[44:06] Lindsay shares who she would want to play her in a movie.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

Links and Resources:

Rage MOMster Sep 10, 2019

Show notes

Anger, rage, and screaming were some of the things I dealt with when I was neck deep in depression. I should say, these are some of the things those around me dealt with. My depression comes out in waves of anger. Today's guest is Natalie Hixon who is a certified professional life coach. I am so excited to have her on the show today, because she specializes in helping women overcome destructive anger and burnout.

The theme for season 2 was body, mind, and soul. I was upset because I didn't have a theme for season 3, but everything came together. Season 3 is really about cleaning out our hearts, homes, and souls. It's about ridding ourselves from junk and clutter that threaten our health and relationships. Burnout, self-destructive patterns, addiction, and anger will destroy who you are and what you're setting out to do. This is why I'm so honored to have Natilie on the show to share her story today.

Show Notes:

[03:39] Natalie lives in Montana. This is one of my bucket list states.
[04:58] Natalie married Mike, her high school sweetheart. They have three daughters ages 15, 12, and 8 years old. They love living in Montana. Natalie has been there her whole life.
[05:23] Natalie spends her days coaching moms who suffer with anger and burnout.
[06:29] Growing up, Natalie knew she was an angry person. When she first got married, she noticed she was screaming at Mike.
[07:13] She knew there was a problem when she was on the floor throwing tantrums with her two-year-old.
[08:51] After a couple of years, Natalie took her daughter to a therapist and discovered she was the one who had the real anger problems.
[09:39] When a child has an issue, it's often the mother who has things to work through.
[12:01] Natalie would scream at her kids, throw things, slam doors, squeeze arms, and spank. She would cry that she abused her kids with destructive anger.
[14:59] Melissa doesn't struggle with this now, because her kids are older, and she has had a lot of counseling.
[17:19] Natalie is opening group coaching, because so many people feel like they are alone. There is a multitude of women who are beside themselves.
[20:41] Natalie's journey started in the therapist's office.
[23:13] Communicating how you are feeling helps your kids understand their feelings.
[24:30] Anger is a natural human emotion. Destructive anger is what needs to be worked through.
[25:36] Slamming doors, screaming, hitting, throwing things, or causing any type of pain is destructive anger.
[29:08] Gaining control of anger and restoring relationships in family is possible.
[30:17] When Natalie would blow up in rage, she would ask for forgiveness. This is the recovery piece.
[33:14] Open and honest communication is how we restore, heal, and grow.
[34:42] When mom's get angry, they can practice what they are learning and teach their kids how to get angry.
[35:58] It's not okay to deny destructive anger in your life. Reach out for help.
[37:31] Recognize how you feel after exploding. Create awareness.
[40:03] Natalie loves pizza and rosé.
[40:39] Friendship means love, openness, and sisterhood.
[41:17] Her favorite movie is You've Got Mail.
[42:04] I love women like Natalie who take their pain to change the world. I love the kind that bravely ask for help.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

Links and Resources:

We're All in This Together Sep 10, 2019

Show notes

I can't believe we are already in our third season. I started this on a whim. I can't believe we've made it this far and how well the podcast has done. A lot of money and time go into this, and we really appreciate you listening and telling your friends about the show. I'm really proud of what we are doing with the show, and I really really appreciate it when you share, review, and subscribe to the show.

I care about being real. I have real problems, because I'm in a real marriage and parent real human kids. I have real fears, anxieties, and real weight problems. On this podcast, you get real. I'm also shocked about how much I love doing this podcast. I love people and their stories. I love seeing how they relate to the rest of us. With this podcast you get real people and their stories. On this season 3, we'll have some incredible and inspiring guests and some episodes will feature chats between me and David.

Show Notes:

[03:52] In season 3, we will have inspiring guests that people can relate to no matter where they are at.
[05:56] We will also have conversations between me and David that could be us fighting in the drive-through or trying to figure out some things in our marriage.
[06:06] You can trust that we will be real, vulnerable, and you will feel right at home.
[06:23] I stand on the side of keeping it real and keeping it classy, but you might hear some language on occasion.
[07:25] You will also hear advertisements of products that I use and recommend.
[08:38] As we were putting this season together all the topics started lining up.
[09:03] There was an overall theme about slowing down and managing things.
[09:55] If depression were on a scale between 1 and 10, where would you be?
[10:25] I had said I was a five, but my counselor pointed out that previously I was a three. Apparently, I'm still here in the amusement park of depression.
[11:39] I can see the exit sign, and I am ready to go home.
[12:07] I wanted to know what was going on, so I went to work cleaning out and inspecting all aspects of my life from my diet to my relationships.
[12:51] I began to spiral into depression, and I wanted to know why. For me, it was a lot of crying and insomnia.
[15:19] When I asked the depression question on social media, I got many answers from people who were 10s on the depression scale.
[16:32] Have we stopped and done the work to figure this out?
[17:49] When I feel depression coming on, I invite God to assist me as I work through the process of figuring it out.
[19:35] Listen for clues. I noticed I was watching a show I hated. I was angry over our budget.
[20:35] A small positive change I made was cutting out TV and reading a good book before bed.
[23:26] When reading some particularly bitter social media comments, I realized that I don't have to live with these comments or these commentators, but I do have to live with the comments I tell myself.
[24:49] Speaking negatively about yourself undermines everything you were created to be.
[27:16] Does anyone see how the vicious cycle of depression grabs us. I hate it when we don't stop and fix what is broken.
[30:07] I know when the truth is near, and it's my hope that you come to know this too.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

Links and Resources:

REWIND: Book Birthday Jul 17, 2019

Show notes

This show is going to be a bit different. It is my book birthday. It is launch day of my book Eat Cake. Be Brave. Imagine that you have been keeping a diary since 7th grade, and it was made public. That is kind of how I'm feeling. I'm sharing today, and all of my launch day feelings and emotions with my wonderful husband David and you my wonderful listeners.

You can find Melissa here:

Podcast Web Page Facebook Page @MsMelissaRadke on Instagram @msmelissaradke on Twitter

Show Notes

[02:33] The first time Melissa and David met was on a bus in school. She'll never forget his first words, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"
[03:48] What does Eat Cake. Be Brave. Actually mean?
[04:11] When Melissa turned 41 she was about to blow out the candles on her birthday cake, and she wished for bravery.
[06:09] She wished to be brave for 12 months. After blowing out her candles, she went back to her room and began to journal what bravery meant to her. The rest is history.
[07:01] All we need is a flicker of bravery and going upstream when everyone else is going downstream. Even if it's only for a little bit.
[08:02] Why Melissa is so relatable. When Melissa began discovering her voice she realized that she wrote the same way that she talked. This alone made her voice relatable.
[09:04] It's easy to relate to Melissa's words because she says what we are actually thinking.
[09:38] Melissa is real enough to say you hurt me, and God helped us.
[10:06] Melissa is real enough to say the truth and to admit her shortcomings and failures.
[10:41] The style and genre of the book.
[11:08] The book is a memoir. It's about all the years in Melissa's life that led up to that one year that changed her forever.
[11:32] We have had wonderful reviews. One recurring theme is that the book is an easy read.
[12:03] The most surprising thing for most people is that the book is funny. It's really funny.
[13:18] This book is for women who are tired of standing in the back of the stage and are ready to take center stage in their lives.
[13:53] If you're not a religious person, you will still love and identify with this book.
[15:23] We had an editorial review that said this woman loved the book and didn't feel preached to. We can be like Christ without preaching it.
[15:45] Melissa's writing is kind of like Mindy Kaling, Amy Poehler, or Tina Fey. Those are the three that she hears.
[16:32] The overarching theme that Melissa hopes to communicate with the book.
[18:00] We have got to become more aware of the words that our Creator has said about us.
[19:30] Once we learn the truth about what God has said about us, we can walk in the truth of bravery.
[19:57] What Melissa go back and change the pain that she has experienced?
[20:13] No. If it meant doing it all again, she would do it.
[20:58] Melissa knows what love and healing can do. She would do everything again if it would help one woman to step out of the shadows and live the life she was meant to live.
[21:58] The book is about the entire family including David, Remi, Rocco, and even Melissa's mother, her Granny, Aunt Melba, and some of her girlfriends.
[22:14] When Melissa's mother is talking in the book the font actually changes. And it is written in the style that her mother speaks in.
[24:52] David is curious if there's a scene in The Bodyguard that Melissa would like to act out.
[26:22] If someone is unsure about buying the book, Melissa would encourage them to come see her on the book tour.
[28:20] Melissa wants these people to see someone just like them who decided to fight for one year.
[28:41] You can find out more about the tour here.
[29:51] Follow Melissa on social media. We have a lot of exciting press coming up in the next couple of weeks.
[30:22] Lightning round questions…
[32:15] When the ball is in our hands, what will we do?
[33:07] The book is an easy read that will make people laugh and will make people cry. There was a lot of blood, sweat and tears that went into this book.
[33:22] David is so proud of Melissa.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

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After The Show: Pitch Perfect Jul 10, 2019

Show notes

Doing these podcasts with my family is going to be the death of me. Love us or hate us we are The Radkes. This episode of The Radkes features two mile markers in our lives. Rocco has been wanting a knife for over a year, and he finally gets one. I've been wanting to sing at Minute Maid Park for over 40 years, and I finally get to.

Like most dreams, you have to work for them. Rocco had to learn proper knife instruction, and well, I had to go to the bathroom. Trust me, working for one of these dreams was harder than the other. This episode features my two favorite men on the entire Earth. The Attorney General David Radke and my tiny precious wonderman Rocco Radke.

Show Notes:

[01:59] Rocks, Rock Star, and Bubba Blue are some of Melissa's favorite nicknames for Rocco.
[03:10] We kick off with the bump your cup song. We were heading to Rocco's game, and I had to ask if he was wearing his cup. Which led to this spontaneous song.
[05:01] Rocco can scream very high, for now.
[06:05] Remi is at camp this week. She created the line, "Why do you have to be so extra?"
[07:08] Rocco said he wanted a knife, but it's also a tradition for young men to get a knife or something they have to handle carefully.
[08:05] David had a knife at Rocco's age. He also learned how to handle a knife before he got it.
[09:53] Rocco wants a knife to carve things, cut branches, cut rope, and go fishing.
[13:47] We had a bucket list moment, where Melissa sang at the Astro's game. She sang God Bless America during the seventh inning stretch.
[19:46] Remi always tells Melissa how proud she is of her. Rocco is proud too. Even if, he doesn't say it.
[20:47] This was the last episode of the show. We had a contract for six episodes. There may be more in the future. We don't know.
[20:52] The Radkes is a snapshot of our life during that season and I wouldn't change a thing about it. Ending the season on a high note by me hitting a high note is really the most that I could ever ask for.
[22:09] Melissa taught Rocco that cake meant booty.
[23:40] This is the last Radkes podcast and the end of this season.
[25:48] I am called to ordinary. People watch our show because they can relate. We are all so ordinary but contribute and love in extraordinary ways.
[27:02] This podcast will be back. Subscribe so you don't miss the next season. Thank you.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

Links and Resources:

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@msmelissaradke on Twitter
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The Radkes

After The Show: Melissa Gets Schooled Jul 03, 2019

Show notes

There's something you should know about the Radkes. We don't have it all together. All of the Perfection that you see when you look at us isn't real. When you see me making a sandwich in my car that is because I really and truly made a sandwich in my car. You may be wondering why I didn't buy a Lunchable. The truth is the idea didn't dawn on me until later. You don't have to worry about hurting our feelings this is our life and what-you-see-is-what-you-get.

Sure, I want to be the kind of mother that has a perfect craft room and makes cupcakes with perfect fondant frosting. Sure, I want to be the person who shows up early in case you need help setting up for the party. Sure, I want to be all of these things, but I'm not. Who better to tell you that than the Core Four of me, David, Remi, and Rocco. We are discussing all of the things that happen on your worst first day of school.

Show Notes:

[05:02] Melissa doesn't understand David's fascination with fantasy football.
[05:59] David has created a spreadsheet for every player.
[06:48] School supply shopping was horrible, and they filmed a terrible day for us.
[08:16] None of us wanted to go school shopping. The kids didn't want to go, and we didn't want to take them.
[09:01] We also waited till the last minute, so there wasn't much of a selection.
[10:57] The big deal about backpacks is everyone sees them because you walk around with them on your back.
[12:15] Melissa knows that they aren't really using all of those school supplies.
[13:07] Remi is in middle school and her supplies are carried around in her backpack. They don't have lockers anymore.
[19:02] I don't know from one year to the next what they want to do when it becomes time to eat. I had everything ready to go, but I just forgot it. I pulled into a deli and got everything for the sandwiches and made them in the car.
[22:29] When kids go to junior high, the lunch line is like a food court.
[25:08] Melissa made a choice to not let the kids be late, and she had to "park" close at the school.
[27:27] The episode was a perfect episode to describe our lives, and how we act on a daily basis.
[27:54] David was romantic at the end of the show.
[31:46] I quit worrying about stuff, and I'm okay doing the best that I can do.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

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