The Knitty Gritty Podcast with Melissa and Susie

In this episode, we're getting open, honest, and learning about each other, as we play a game of "getting to know you". So, grab your beverage of choice (we recommend coffee or wine - depending on the time of day) and join us for some good old-fashioned girl talk, complete with friendship bracelets.

We'll be talking about everything from our biggest fears to our first kisses. And, of course, we'll be diving deep into the topic of friendships - the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Not to mention, Susie shares more about her megalohydrothalassophobia with us (we promise it's not as scary as it sounds). You'll have to tune in to find out what it is, but let's just say it involves a fear of something that's really, really big.

In this episode:

• Learn about what superpower Melissa and Susie would have if they were superheroes
• Find out Melissa’s favorite place in the world to throw an epic party
• Hear all about the character on Little House on the Prairie that Susie would be if she was on the show

Don’t forget to shop April Cornell's Modern Prairie collection! Use the code: HELLO20 at checkout. Click here to shop!

Want to join the Modern Prairie “Setting the Intention” Facebook group? Join here!

____________

Think you know the answers to Two Truths and a Lie: Prairie Style? Send us an email at [email protected] to submit your answer!

____________

Connect With Our Hosts
Melissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.

Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie

Who said age should slow us down?

In this episode, we shatter the myth that women lose interest in sex as they age and flip the script on what it means to embrace pleasure. Turns out, some women have never experienced the joy of mind-blowing passion which leads them to perhaps be less interested. We also expose the historical neglect of women's sexual health and throw a spotlight on the slow progress in celebrating women in their prime.

We’re not too old to do many things, especially when taking control of our financial destinies. Join Vicki as she shares some shocking facts about women who age into poverty and why it is important to learn about money now.

We're not only opening up the conversation about sexual health and finances. We also dive into the importance of friendships and the support that comes with strong female bonds. Who run the world? You guessed it—women who love and uplift each other!

And as if that wasn't enough, we've got the lowdown on menopause—those hot flashes and wild mood swings. Let's be real, ladies, it's time we demanded better healthcare support during this rollercoaster ride. We're shattering taboos and leaving no topic untouched!

We wrap up this outrageously empowering episode with a celebration of aging fabulously. The tides are turning, and we're here for it! Confidence, beauty, and vitality have no age limit. Say goodbye to society's narrow expectations and hello to a world where women in their sixties are rocking it like never before.

So, grab a glass of wine, sit back, and join us on this wild, no-holds-barred journey of pleasure, power, and embracing life on our own terms. It's time to rewrite the rules, my friends!

_________

Meet Our Guest Vicki Larson

Vicki Larson is a longtime award-winning journalist at a San Francisco Bay Area newspaper, author of "Not Too Old for That: How Women are Changing the Story of Aging," named a Best Book of 2022 by Take the Lead, co-author of "The New I Do: Reshaping Marriage for Skeptics, Realists and Rebels," named a Best Book of 2014 by PopSugar, and the forthcoming book "LATitude: How to Make a Live Apart Together Relationship Work" (July 2024). A resident of Marin County, California, her writing can be found in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post, Newsweek, AARP's The Ethel and Medium among other publications.

Connect With Our Guest Vicki Larson

On the web: http://omgchronicles.vickilarson.com https://omgchronicles.medium.com/
On Instagram @omgchronicles
On Facebook @vickilarsonjournalist
On Twitter: @omgchronicles
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickilarson/

Connect With Our Hosts
Melissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.

Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie

Get ready to celebrate the women who raised us, because it's Mother's Day, baby! But let's be real, motherhood isn't all sunshine and rainbows. We've all had our fair share of uncooked macaroni art and Tabasco omelets, am I right? Well, Melissa knows all about it, and she and Susie are joined by the cofounder of Modern Prairie, Nicole Haase, to reminisce about past Mother's Days and share some hilarious stories.We're also talking about the value of self-care and finding fulfillment in our own passions. Because let's face it, we can't pour from an empty cup, ladies! We also acknowledge that Mother's Day isn't just about our biological moms, but also the amazing mother figures in our lives, like grandmas, aunts, and stepmom.
In this episode:

• Find out exactly what Melissa, Susie, and Nicole would do on Mother’s Day if they had the choice (psst... it’s not what you think! Or maybe it is....)
• Learn about the time Susie was “extra thrifty” with her Mother’s Day shopping
• Dig into why it’s important for women to use their voices, feel heard, and surround themselves with supportive people who validate them and allow them to express themselves

So grab a mimosa and join us as we celebrate motherhood, acknowledge the challenges, and highlight the importance of self-care and self-love.

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY! To leave a review and snag your spot in the giveaway, head to the Knitty Gritty Podcast on Apple Podcast and scroll to the bottom. Leave a rating and review to be entered. That’s it! Good luck.

Meet Nicole

As the CEO and Co-Founder of the lifestyle brand Modern Prairie, Nicole is a dynamic entrepreneur and creative force to be reckoned with. She's had 25 years leading merchandising and business development teams for brands like Williams Sonoma, and ModCloth and is committed to redefining what midlife looks like. She's a devoted bonus-mom, wife, and mother to her beloved fur babies. She finds joy and inspiration in making new connections, whether within the community, collaborators, artisans, or fellow entrepreneurs, and is always seeking out new opportunities to learn and grow.
With her unwavering dedication to her craft, her infectious energy, and her ability to balance her personal and professional responsibilities with grace and style, Nicole is a true inspiration to all who know her. Whether she's leading a team meeting, exploring the great outdoors hiking (which she LOVES), or simply spending time with her family and friends, she approaches each day with creativity, passion, and a commitment to bringing the "extra" to the ordinary.

Connect With Our Hosts
Melissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.

Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie

Have you ever heard of the five love languages? You know, the ones that explain how we give and receive love to others? Well, what if we applied those same love languages to the way we show love to ourselves? Mind blown!
As parents, we are constantly telling our kids to love themselves and be confident, but do we take our own advice? Nope, we suck at it. That's why Melissa and Susie are here to help us change that. Well, at least think about changing that.
Get ready to learn about the importance of self-love, self-compassion, and self-care. And hey, while you're at it, why not give without expecting anything in return? It's a win-win.
Don't miss out on the hilarious Knotty Topics of this week. Melissa and Susie will be answering questions from all of you, and trust us, you won't want to miss it. So grab your popcorn and join us for a good laugh and some serious self-love talk.

In this episode:

• Explore ways to break the cycle of negative self-talk
• Learn what Melissa and Susie have in common (it might be more surprising than you think!)
• Find out what TV shows Melissa and Susie can't get enough of these days

____________
Think you know the answers to Two Truths and a Lie: Prairie Style? Send us an email at [email protected] to submit your answer!
____________

Connect With Our Hosts
Melissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.

Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie

Join Melissa and Susie in the first of a two-part episode with the incredible Todd Bridges. Get ready to feel all the emotions in this rollercoaster of an interview as Todd shares his experiences as a child actor, his views on Juneteenth, and his hopes for the future.

Todd and Melissa reminisce about the powerful episode that left jaws dropping and minds reeling of Little House on the Prairie where Todd guest stars as Solomon. Especially for that time, the episode dives into heavy topics surrounding race, privilege, stereotypes, and more.

In this episode:

• Hear as Todd shares his experiences filming his guest role as Solomon and his thoughts on Michael Landon
• Be a fly on the wall as Melissa, Susie, and Todd discuss the importance of Juneteenth and how the world has changed in so many ways
• Catch up to learn what Todd is up to these days and how you can connect with him, or watch his live streams!

Meet Todd Bridges

Todd Bridges is a veteran actor with a remarkable career spanning over 40 years in the entertainment industry. Born into a family deeply rooted in the entertainment world, Todd's mother, Betty A. Bridges, was an actress and manager, while his father, James Bridges Sr., was one of the first prominent black Hollywood agents.

Todd's acting journey started with a dream sparked by watching Redd Foxx on "Sanford and Son." Despite the limited opportunities for black artists at the time, Todd persevered and paved the way for young black actors, becoming the first black child actor to have recurring roles on popular series such as "The Waltons" and "Little House on the Prairie." However, it was his role as Willis Drummond on "Diff'rent Strokes" that made him an international celebrity and household name by the age of 15.

After the end of "Diff'rent Strokes," Todd faced personal challenges, including battles with addiction and encounters with racism and police harassment. However, he has successfully overcome these struggles and has been clean and sober for over 30 years. Today, Todd is not only a working actor, director, and producer but also a motivational speaker who shares his experiences to educate and inspire others. He is happily married and a proud father, continuing to make a positive impact on and off the screen.

Pick up a copy of Todd’s book Killing Willis: From Diff'rent Strokes to the Mean Streets to the Life I Always Wanted right here.

Connect With Our Guest Todd Bridges

On Instagram: @toddbridges
On His Website: realtoddbridges.com
On Twitch: www.twitch.tv/toddbridges

Connect With Our Hosts
Melissa Gilbert on Instagram @melissagilbertofficial
Susie Shubert on Instagram @susie_shubert
This podcast is sponsored by Modern Prairie. Visit us at modernprairie.com or Instagram @officialmodernprairie
Download the new Modern Prairie App on National Prairie Day! Head to your App Store and search for “Modern Prairie” to join the conversation or click here.

Learn about upcoming events at Modern Prairie