There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when sisters talk—not about the big milestones, but about the quiet moments in between. In this emotional and deeply honest episode of A Fresh Story’s Weekly Wrap-Up, Olivia and Jenny invite listeners into one of those rare, intimate conversations where laughter and longing intertwine. What begins as playful banter about Dunkin’ Donuts and “noise violations” unfolds into a soulful reflection on energy, sisterhood, and the ways we see (and 'missee') each other.

As they peel back the layers of their relationship, Olivia reveals how Jenny’s powerful presence has shaped her world since childhood—and how, even now, their energies remain entangled across oceans. They speak candidly about the emotional weight of distance, the burnout that comes from loving too deeply, and the surprising tenderness of growing apart to grow stronger. And as they swap love songs and childhood memories, we’re reminded how music becomes the language for what we often can’t say out loud.

But this isn’t just a personal episode—it’s also a celebration. Olivia and Jenny share the behind-the-scenes story of their newest creation: the Divorce Guide Series, a rainbow of supportive books designed to be accessible, nonjudgmental, and profoundly helpful. Their commitment to offering these guides for free, no strings attached, underscores what A Fresh Story is all about—making space for healing, humor, and the power of starting over.

🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:

The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry

🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartspodcasts

In this episode of A Fresh Story, we sit down with Leslie Gray Streeter—journalist, memoirist, and now debut novelist—to unpack the heartbreak, humor, and honesty woven into her new book, Family and Other Calamities. With wit and grace, Leslie shares how she turned personal loss and professional scandal into fiction that cuts close to the bone.

We follow Leslie’s journey from writing about her own grief in her memoir to crafting a protagonist—Dawn Roberts—who’s just as complex, scarred, and compelling. Dawn returns to Baltimore with her late husband’s ashes, only to be confronted by the ghosts of betrayal, ambition, and love. Leslie takes us behind the scenes of building this character, revealing how fiction gave her the freedom to explore emotional truths that nonfiction sometimes can’t contain.

This conversation is about more than a book—it’s about reinvention, aging with power, and the radical act of writing women in their 40s and 50s as vibrant, sexy, and deeply human. Leslie talks pop culture, storytelling as self-discovery, and why reclaiming your narrative isn’t just cathartic—it’s necessary. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your calamities into a comeback, this episode is your permission slip.

BUY Family & Other Calamities: https://amzn.to/43oN7FA

In this episode of Weekly Wrap-Up, hosts Olivia Howell and Jenny Dreizen of Fresh Starts Registry share an engaging and heartfelt reflection on the week's events. They kick things off with the exciting news that their podcasts have been named semifinalists in the Quill Podcast Awards, highlighting their deep commitment to creating impactful and community-focused conversations. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion they pour into their work, sparking a meaningful discussion about the journey of building a brand that prioritizes education and support during life's most challenging transitions.

The sisters also introduce a brand-new resource for divorce support—a comprehensive guide with 250+ essential questions to ask divorce professionals, available completely free of charge. Their belief that education during crisis moments should not be monetized underscores their mission to make divorce support accessible and stigma-free. Throughout the episode, they share personal stories, reflections on work-life balance, and the joy of small comforts like warm socks and having ice at home—moments that ground and uplift them during the chaos of life changes.

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter, reflections on social media etiquette during divorce, and a reminder of the importance of curiosity in understanding oneself and navigating relationships.

Key Takeaways:

🎉 Semifinalists in the Quill Podcast Awards: A Fresh Story and Jenny Says So are in the top three for Best Branded Podcast and Best Creative Branded Podcast.

💡 The Podcast Journey: Reflecting on the culmination of their life's work in creating impactful conversations around divorce, life transitions, and community building.

📚 New Divorce Support Resource: Over 250+ essential questions for divorce professionals, offered for free—no email required, no paywalls, just pure support.

✨ Education During Crises Should Be Free: They believe that monetizing information for people in crisis is unjust, and their resource is a testament to their commitment to accessible support.

🏡 Home Comforts Matter: The simple joy of warm socks and a home ice maker brings a sense of normalcy and happiness.

🎨 Post-Divorce Trends: Decorating with color and personal style becomes a form of self-expression after divorce.

🔍 Curiosity as a Superpower: Emphasizing curiosity over judgment, both in understanding oneself and in navigating relationships.

💡 Navigating Social Media During Divorce: Be mindful of what you share—social media can be used against you in legal matters.

👥 Community vs. Audience: Understanding the difference is key to building meaningful connections.

💭 Light-Hearted Moments: Fun discussions about home decor, Snapple facts, and making iced coffee at home with an ice maker.

Listen to this episode for thoughtful reflections, practical advice, and a sprinkle of humor as Olivia and Jenny explore the realities of life after divorce, the joy of small comforts, and the impact of meaningful support.

Emily Westerfield’s journey into surrogacy began not with a grand plan, but with a simple, profound desire to help others. After experiencing her own ups and downs with pregnancy, Emily found herself drawn to the idea of carrying a child for another family—a selfless act of compassion and strength. Her story unfolds with heart and honesty as she shares the transformative experience of being a surrogate, navigating the emotional landscapes of pregnancy and loss, and ultimately finding her calling in helping others build their families. With each step, Emily learned more about the intricate process of surrogacy, from the deep bonds formed to the legal and logistical challenges that come with carrying someone else’s dream.

But Emily’s journey didn’t stop at surrogacy. Inspired by her experiences, she transitioned from surrogate to entrepreneur, founding her own surrogacy agency. In her conversation with us, Emily opens up about the crucial importance of psychological readiness, the often-overlooked emotional toll of surrogacy, and the need for a solid support system. She shares intimate moments of connection with intended parents—moments of joy, relief, and sometimes heartbreak. Her story is not just one of motherhood but of creating possibilities for families who had almost given up hope.

Throughout the episode, Emily dispels myths about surrogacy, addresses the stigmas attached, and reveals the rigorous screening process that ensures both surrogates and intended parents are fully prepared for the journey ahead. She emphasizes that while the logistics of surrogacy are complex and the legal framework can be daunting, the outcome—a new life and a complete family—is always worth it. Emily’s candid insights and heartfelt reflections remind us that surrogacy isn’t just about carrying a baby; it’s about carrying someone else’s hope.

🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:

The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry

🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartspodcasts

In this episode of the Weekly Wrap-Up, Olivia and Jenny reflect on their week, sharing personal updates, business insights, and reflections on growth and resilience. They kick off the episode by talking about the importance of having an agenda and how the weather can shape their productivity and mood. Jenny shares the experience of buying their first coffee table for their apartment, navigating the quirks of furnished UK apartments, and the satisfaction of finding sustainable, used furniture. This sparks a broader conversation about the joys of home furnishings and the unexpected challenges of home maintenance, especially when dealing with landlords and inherited items from previous tenants.

Olivia discusses her newfound love for her walking pad, highlighting how walking has become a lifestyle change that significantly improves her productivity and mental health. They both reflect on how walking has become a key part of their daily routines, boosting not only their physical health but also their creative energy during long workdays. They touch on the idea of small wins, like finding the perfect pair of jeans after years of searching, and how these moments signify personal growth and confidence.

The conversation takes a serious turn as they address the issue of content theft and plagiarism, highlighting Olivia's recent experience with a man stealing her words on social media. They emphasize the importance of protecting one's work and the unsettling responses Olivia received when addressing the issue. This sparks a discussion on kindness in digital spaces, the importance of empathy, and how being mean online accomplishes nothing positive.

They also discuss the significance of healthcare proxies, especially for young adults and college students, sparked by their recent conversation with Shawnee Baker about her daughter Baylie Grogan. This leads to plans for Fresh Starts to host a series of workshops focused on organizing crucial documents like healthcare proxies, wills, and financial plans.

Olivia and Jenny celebrate the launch of the Divorce Education Library on Fresh Starts Registry, a comprehensive, searchable resource filled with 50+ commonly asked questions about divorce. They express their commitment to providing free, accessible divorce education and outline plans for its continued expansion.

They wrap up with reflections on growth, the importance of community support, and the joy of finding just the right things—whether it’s a piece of furniture or a comfortable pair of jeans. They also tease the launch of How Does She Do It All?, their new podcast celebrating single and solo motherhood, which will drop its first four episodes this weekend.

It began with a mother’s intuition, an uneasy text from her daughter, and a phone call that would shatter the world as she knew it. In this unforgettable episode of A Fresh Story, Shawnee Baker walks us through the life-altering days that followed a tragic accident involving her daughter Baylie Grogan, a brilliant pre-med student with her entire future ahead of her. As Shawnee and her husband raced to Miami from a remote sailboat off the coast of Maine, they were plunged into a nightmare of trauma, legal barriers, and helplessness—held back not just by grief, but by a medical system that refused to acknowledge her as her daughter’s legal advocate due to the lack of a healthcare proxy.

What followed was a month-long battle for truth, agency, and peace. Shawnee shares how she navigated the heartbreak of watching her daughter remain unresponsive in a hospital bed, denied access to toxicology results, second opinions, and even basic updates on her daughter’s condition. With fierce love and resilience, she fought for Baylie’s right to be released from a life she had once said she never wanted—one without consciousness or freedom. This story is not just about a mother’s worst fear come true—it’s about the laws that failed her, the signs Baylie left behind, and the sacred, painful work of letting go.

But this is also a story of new life. Amid unimaginable loss, Shawnee gave birth to two daughters—both conceived through IVF and wrapped in the spiritual echoes of Baylie’s presence. With a renewed mission, Shawnee now leads the Baylie’s Wish Foundation, advocating for college safety, digital healthcare proxy access, and systemic transparency. This episode is a reckoning with maternal love, legal injustice, and the powerful belief that healing can begin—even when it starts with heartbreak.

Learn more about Baylie’s life at: https://www.baylie.com/

In this week’s jam-packed episode of The Weekly Wrap-Up, Olivia and Jenny catch you up on all the behind-the-scenes wins, woes, and wisdom. From award nominations to media features to the eternal struggle of finding a summer camp that actually has spots left, this episode is equal parts celebration and commiseration.

Jenny shares the thrill of a long-awaited breakthrough—years in the making—and Olivia spills the tea on what really makes a great media pitch (hint: it’s not just vibes, it’s good email copy). The sisters celebrate their friends’ publishing milestones, reflect on the mess and magic of parenting, and remind us that growth doesn’t follow a timeline—or a Pinterest-worthy blueprint. They also reveal their weekly “rose and thorn,” and end with a reminder that it’s okay to do things your own way. Because, truly, there are no rules—just fresh starts.

✨ This episode includes:

• A breakthrough Jenny thought might never happen
• Olivia’s media moment + the underrated power of a good email
• Summer camp planning = chaos + spreadsheets + tears
• Why tiny progress is still progress
• A rose, a thorn, and a reminder that success doesn’t follow a script

Tune in for laughs, insight, and sisterly chaos—and don’t forget to vote for us in the podcast awards! VOTE HERE: https://www.quillpodcasting.com/qpa/quill-podcast-awards

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:

The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry

🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartspodcasts

Welcome to Weekly Wrap-Up with Olivia and Jenny!

This week, Olivia and Jenny are pulling back the curtain and letting you all the way in! 🎤✨

Listen in as they chat about the real story behind launching this podcast idea (spoiler alert: it started with a casual convo and a big dream), the highs and lows of running a bootstrapped startup, and why community feedback literally shapes everything they do.

They’re spilling all the juicy details on:

• How running a business together sometimes feels like emotional Jenga (but with more coffee and memes).
• Why affirmations aren’t just “cute quotes” in their newsletter — they’re a major vibe.
• The panic moments behind the scenes and how they manage to stay (mostly) calm.
• Their love/hate relationship with reels and how they leaned hard into them to grow their online world.
• The honest, hilarious story involving Elvis (the cat) that had them (and us) cracking up.
• Open office hours, audience connection, and what happens when you actually listen to your community.
• Manifestation tricks, creative chaos, and what’s next
• The latest scoop on their books and updates on their literary agent.
• What they accomplished this week at Fresh Starts (hint: it’s giving growth and gratitude).
• The real highs and lows of their week — because business (and life) isn’t just highlight reels.
• And of course, they wrap it all up with their Weekly Wisdom — a little something to inspire you to keep moving forward, no matter what.

✨ Questions for you!

Olivia and Jenny want to know:

• Have you ever had a lymphatic massage? (They have thoughts.) 💆‍♀️
• What should we do with A Fresh Start to the Day newsletter? (Help us shape the future!) 💌

🔥 Gossip you don't want to miss: Listen to this episode as they spill the details on who’s always on, why Olivia feels organized in a very specific way, the most honest conversation Jenny’s ever had, why making things fun is basically their secret weapon, and the behind-the-scenes drama (and excitement!) of their writing journey.

Tune in, laugh with them, and leave feeling like you just had a late-night catch-up call with your besties. 💬💖

🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:

The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry

🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartspodcasts

📬 Newsletter: https://freshstartsregistry.substack.com/