The Brittany Mitchell Podcast

Across America, more than 400,000 children are in foster care. These days, it's largely due to the nation's opioid epidemic. The number of children and youth entering care due to abuse and neglect related to their parents' substance use disorders has skyrocketed. Meanwhile, the number of foster families can't keep up with demand. But an organization called America's Kids Belong is hoping to change that... w...

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

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

For those living below the poverty line in the United States... an estimated 37 million people... hygiene is a luxury. But Ava Holland is determined to change that. After stumbling across a random YouTube video, she was inspired to take on this global crisis by starting It Matters... an organization centered around collecting and donating personal care items to ministries, homeless shelters and domestic violence recovery centers. I...

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

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

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

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

Justine Wenzel is an entrepreneur, glam girl, and karaoke enthusiast. But one of her unique talents is being a savvy thrifter. From her wardrobe to her home decor, most all of it is upcycled. She shares her finds with thousands of Instagram followers, who eagerly watch to see what treasures she'll unveil in her latest haul. In this episode, she's sharing her secrets with us. Be forewarned: you might find yourself running ...

Some people consider themselves fortunate to find success in one career. But Doug Aronson knew if he could do it once, he could do it again. And he did... trading 20 years as a television news reporter for a job in commercial real estate. And oh yeah, a side hustle as (wait for it) a drummer in a Tom Petty tribute band. What did he learn that could help others looking to make a major vocational life change? We're diving into t...

June 1st marks 18 years in a leadership role at the helm of my own business. It's one I never expected to start, having gone to school to become a broadcast journalist. But sometimes the call on one's life to lead takes us places we'd never have imagined. And in the process, we discover what I call "the leader only you can become." In this week's episode, leadership lessons from nearly two decades of i...

It started with a sea turtle rescue and evolved into The Sea Glass Project. This is the story of Michelle Beebee, a licensed clinical social worker in The Hamptons, whose desire to give back during the global pandemic turned into a quest to encourage people to share their gifts with the world. Her hope is this episode encourages you on your journey to self-discovery, and that you'll share something to encourage others on Insta...

When Aaron McLellan started sewing waxed canvas and leather totes and selling them around the North End of Virginia Beach almost a decade ago, he had no idea success was "in the bag." He peddled as he pedaled, showing off his handiwork from a makeshift shop on the back of a vintage trike. From humble beginnings, he's grown the business to ten employees and 20,000 followers on Instagram alone. In this episode, his fir...

Successful entrepreneurs are often asked, "what’s your secret sauce?" But in Megan Riggs’ case you’d be better off to ask her "juicy secret." Like many entrepreneurs, her product started as a solution to a problem: feeling something was missing amidst professional success, as she faced daily anxiety and bouts of depression. After trying and failing with the Western approach to medicine, she decided to head to So...