The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth

What if wellness wasn't another thing to optimize… but something you actually got to experience? In this episode, Molly sits down with Dominique Farrar, founder of Well in France — a Paris-based community and experience brand helping women slow down, connect, and redefine what it means to live well. Dom shares her journey from fast-paced tech life in Silicon Valley to building a wellness business in France — and how her version of success shifted along the way. Together, they explore the tension so many women feel: trying to "do wellness right" while already carrying too much — and how real wellbeing might look a lot simpler (and more human) than we've been told. What You'll Hear in This Episode: Why wellness has become another source of pressure for women The biggest differences between American and French approaches to wellbeing How Dom transitioned from tech startups to building a wellness business abroad The surprising way her community actually started growing Why connection (not content) became her most powerful business strategy How to build something meaningful without following the "playbook" Resources & Links: Learn more about Well in France Explore retreats, events, and community experiences in Paris & Provence Follow Dominique on Instagram for more on wellness, community, and living well

What if the biggest shift in your leadership didn't come from doing more… but from understanding yourself better? In this solo episode, Molly shares a behind-the-scenes look at a pivotal leadership moment inside her work with The Restoration Project. One that revealed how overperformance, urgency, and independence can quietly create disconnection on a team. Through a personal story about building the Difficult Conversations course, Molly unpacks the leadership patterns she didn't realize she was carrying and how reconnecting with herself changed everything. This episode walks you through the Restoration Process: Rebuild Connection Restore Intention Inspire Action If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right but something still feels off, this conversation will meet you right where you are. What You'll Hear in This Episode: The leadership mistake that started with good intentions (and created disconnect) How overperforming can actually erode trust on a team The difference between reacting and responding as a leader A simple daily practice to reconnect with your energy and patterns How to move from urgency → connection → intention → aligned action Why leadership always starts within Resources & Links: Connection Reset Tool: https://the-restorationproject.myflodesk.com/connectionreset Difficult Conversations Course (Use code MOLLY50 for 50% off): https://www.the-restorationproject.com/courses/difficult-conversations/ Learn more at The Restoration Project: https://www.the-restorationproject.com/

This week on The Found Podcast, Molly reconnects with returning guest Erin McGuire-Henson, a nervous system healer, coach for soul-aligned entrepreneurs, and newly published author of The Art of Unraveling. In this deeply honest conversation, Erin shares the long and winding journey behind writing her book, a 15-year process shaped by personal healing, nervous system work, and the courage to finally be seen. Together, Molly and Erin explore how trauma responses like perfectionism, people-pleasing, and fear of visibility can quietly shape our lives and businesses. Erin opens up about growing up in a volatile environment, navigating chronic illness and burnout, and discovering somatic healing practices that helped her reconnect with her true self. She also shares the emotional reality of launching creative work into the world, including the unexpected grief, vulnerability, and nervous system recalibration that can follow major milestones. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is rarely linear, and that unraveling who we've learned to be is often the first step toward becoming who we truly are. What You'll Hear in This Episode Erin's 15-year journey to writing The Art of Unraveling How nervous system healing supports entrepreneurs and ambitious women The hidden trauma responses behind perfectionism and over-functioning Fear of being seen and why it keeps so many leaders playing small Why big achievements can still bring emotional crashes afterward The difference between surface-level self-help and embodied healing How personal storytelling can become a powerful tool for transformation What entrepreneurship reveals about our deepest patterns and growth edges Resources & Links Erin McGuire-Henson website: PureLightWellness.com The Art of Unraveling book Companion workbook + healing resources Upcoming group programs

This week on The Found Podcast, I'm joined by brand photographer, mother of four, and longtime friend Erin Moore for a deeply honest conversation about courage, community, and what it really takes to rebuild your life and business again and again. 👉 Real talk: The audio quality in this conversation isn't perfect. But Erin's courage, perspective, and heart made this episode one we couldn't keep on the shelf. I hope you'll stay with us through the tech hiccups — her story matters. Erin shares her experience of moving across states multiple times, relaunching her photography business in new places, and learning how to create connection and consistency even when everything around her feels unfamiliar. We talk about the power of women's communities, the leadership it takes to "go first," and how small intentional actions can create momentum during seasons of uncertainty. Erin also opens up about her journey from Canada to becoming a U.S. citizen in 2024 — offering a personal, first-hand perspective on the complexity, cost, privilege, and emotional weight of the immigration process. Her reflections invite us to consider empathy, access, and what it means to build a future for your family in a new place. This episode is a reminder that growth rarely happens in perfectly timed moments. Instead, it comes from choosing courage in small ways, showing up consistently, and trusting that even the scary steps can lead you exactly where you're meant to go. What You'll Hear in This Episode How Erin rebuilt her photography business after multiple cross-country moves The role women's mastermind communities play in entrepreneurial growth Why leadership sometimes looks like quietly going first The mindset shift of "living as if for years" even in temporary seasons How intentional friendship and consistency build grounding in new places Erin's personal journey through the U.S. citizenship process Reflections on privilege, access, and empathy in immigration conversations Why waiting for the "perfect time" often keeps women stuck The courage it takes to evolve from a timid past into a visible leader Resources & Links Erin Moore Photography Website Erin Moore Photography on Instagram

This week on The Found Podcast, I'm joined by Danielle Letayf — founder of Badassery, personal brand strategist, podcast guesting expert, and the perfect woman to help us kick off our Women's History Month interview series. Danielle helps thoughtful executives, authors, and experts turn their stories into something unforgettable. But in this conversation, we go far deeper than personal branding and podcast pitches. We talk about what it really looks like to build a business as a woman, how comparison can keep us stuck, why your path does not have to look like anyone else's, and how some of the greatest wisdom we gain comes from the pivots, mistakes, and messy middle moments we'd rather skip. Danielle shares how her entrepreneurial mindset was shaped by her immigrant family, how her first business evolved through multiple versions, and why slowing down became one of the most important lessons in her growth as a founder. We also dig into what makes someone a strong podcast guest, how to start refining your story, and why community matters so much when you're building something brave. This episode is full of practical insight, honest reflection, and the kind of encouragement ambitious women need when they're building something meaningful in a way that actually fits their life. What You'll Hear in This Episode How Danielle's immigrant family shaped her entrepreneurial mindset The "why not me?" question that helped her start building Why women don't have to take giant, dramatic risks to make bold moves How comparison can distract founders from their own unique path What Danielle learned from pivoting her business after hard seasons Why going slower can actually create more stability and success What makes someone a compelling podcast guest How to begin refining your story and personal brand Why layering your interests and lived experience makes your story stronger Danielle's thoughts on community, support, and resilience as a founder Resources & Links Danielle Letayf on LinkedIn Badassery HQ Dreamers & Doers

It's officially Women's History Month, and this year, instead of starting with statistics, I'm starting with a question: In 2026, are we elevating hot takes…or high character? When I was in seventh grade, I wrote a research paper on Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. I was fascinated by the way she carried herself through public scrutiny, personal grief, and cultural change. Today, we live in a very different media landscape. Algorithms reward outrage. Virality rewards speed. Money rewards attention. Integrity? Not so much. In this episode, I explore: What changed between the era of shared cultural narratives and today's fragmented feeds Why we may be living in a "trust recession" How money, clicks, and status shape modern leadership The danger of urgency-driven decision making Why reluctant, values-aligned leaders may be the ones we need most And how moral leadership starts inside each of us As we kick off Women's History Month 2026, this conversation sets the foundation for the stories ahead: women who embody high character in big and small ways. This isn't about nostalgia...I mean kind of. I love waxing nostalgic. But this conversation is about personal leadership and responsibility. It starts with us. 🔗 Links Referenced in This Episode Malcolm Gladwell – Revisionist History Podcast "When Will Met Grace:" https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history/when-will-met-grace Wellness Wheel (Life Balance Assessment Tool) https://www.the-restorationproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Wellness-Wheel.pdf Values Exercise https://www.the-restorationproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Refining-Your-Values-1.pdf The Restoration Project – Weekly Leadership Momentum Emails https://the-restorationproject.myflodesk.com/newsletter

What if education wasn't a one-time phase of life, but an evolving journey designed to meet people exactly where they are? In this episode of The Found Podcast, Molly sits down with Amy Lasack, Vice President of Business and Community Solutions at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), to explore how workforce development, education, and community collaboration intersect to create real opportunity. Amy shares how nearly 25 years in Iowa's community college system shaped her belief that workforce is an ecosystem, not a straight line. Together, Molly and Amy discuss how education must adapt to modern learners, how local communities can unlock hidden career pathways, and why saying "yes" to things that scare you just a little might be the key to growth. From hands-on learning and AI innovation to deeply personal lessons about family, leadership, and purpose, this conversation highlights how meaningful change happens when institutions listen closely to the people they serve. Whether you're a business owner, parent, leader, or lifelong learner, this episode offers a hopeful look at what's possible when education meets community. What You'll Hear in This Episode Why workforce development works best as an ecosystem How community colleges are redefining education pathways The shift from linear careers to flexible learning journeys How NICC partners with businesses and communities to solve real problems Making education engaging through hands-on learning, technology, and AI The power of exposure in helping students discover career paths Overcoming imposter syndrome and saying yes to growth opportunities Leadership lessons shaped by personal loss and family priorities Resources & Links Register for Trainer Talent Expo: https://nicc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=104976 Northeast Iowa Community College: https://www.nicc.edu Connect with Amy Lasack on LinkedIn Email Amy: [email protected] Follow NICC: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neiowacc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/northeast-iowa-community-college

If you've been here for years or you're only a handful of episodes in... this one is for you. After recently stepping back into the guest seat on another podcast, I realized it had been a while since I reintroduced herself here on The Found Podcast. So today, I'm doing just that. But not with a résumé. Not with a tidy bio. With the real story. In this episode, I walk through the winding, nonlinear path from waitress to teacher, stay-at-home mom to accidental entrepreneur, agency owner to Managing Director of The Restoration Project. I share the inflection points, the burnout, the public pivots, and the deeply personal realizations that reshaped my definition of success. More than anything, this episode is an invitation: You are more than your job title. Your path doesn't have to make sense to anyone else. And sometimes your passion lives from 5–9, not 9–5... and that's beautiful. Whether you're founding a business, founding a cause, founding a family, or simply finding yourself, this episode is a reminder that there is no blueprint: only growth, reflection, and courage to evolve. What You'll Hear in This Episode Why I believe we should introduce ourselves by who we are, not just what we do The personality assessments that shaped my self-understanding (Enneagram 3, Learner strength, Human Design Manifester) Lessons from early jobs — including manufacturing floors and Applebee's shifts The rise (and unraveling) of Molly Knuth Media The breaking point that forced me to ask: What do I really want? Why leadership development — not marketing — became my deeper calling How my role at The Restoration Project evolved into Managing Director The truth about nonlinear paths and public pivots Why you don't need to monetize your passion for it to matter Resources & Links The Restoration Project – Leadership development resources, courses, and weekly momentum emails Founder's Field Notes – Molly's monthly email for female founders Connect with Molly on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook @mollyknuth

Some people build businesses. Some people follow a calling. And sometimes… those two things become the very same path. This week on The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth, I sit down with fellow Iowan and "Molly Squared" guest Molly Schreiber, founder of Challenge to Change and the nonprofit Mindful Minutes. What started as a young teacher's love of education became something much deeper after unimaginable loss. After losing her first husband in a car accident at age 30 while raising three children under three, Molly found herself returning to one unexpected anchor: yoga. That quiet hour at the YMCA became the lifeline that helped her regulate her grief, reconnect to herself, and ultimately reimagine what education could look like for kids, teachers, and even workplaces. Today, her programs serve hundreds of schools across Iowa — teaching breath work, resilience, emotional regulation, and mindfulness practices that ripple far beyond the classroom. This conversation is about: turning wounds into wisdom creating space for "The Pause" helping kids build tools we never learned ourselves and trusting your inner compass when life changes course If you've ever wondered how personal pain can become purposeful work… this one's for you. What You'll Hear in This Episode Molly's journey from classroom teacher to mindfulness founder The loss that reshaped her life and leadership How yoga helped her navigate grief as a young widow and mom Why kids today need emotional regulation tools more than ever The "5 Parts of Practice" framework used in schools The surprising number of thoughts (and emotions!) we process daily Bringing mindfulness into workplaces and healthcare settings What it means to live aligned with your "noble goal" Why "The Pause" might be the most important practice of all Resources & Links Challenge to Change: https://challengetochangeinc.com Mindful Minutes: https://mindfulmins.org Email Molly: [email protected] Follow Molly Knuth + The Found Podcast

This one is a little raw. A little unpolished. And very real. After batch-recording months of episodes and stepping into a new season of leadership, I sat down at the mic for the first time this year and realized something: The most helpful thing I could share right now isn't a strategy or framework. It's the truth. Because even 10 years into business… even 200+ podcast episodes later… even as Managing Director of The Restoration Project… I'm still relearning lessons I swore I already knew. In this solo episode, I'm walking you through five things I'm honestly a little embarrassed I forgot in 2025 — from avoiding my finances (again) to chasing perfection, rushing relationships, overpacking my calendar, and holding back my voice. But here's the thing: Embarrassment usually means growth is happening. So if you've ever thought, "Shouldn't I be better at this by now?" — this episode is for you. You're not behind. You're becoming. What You'll Hear in This Episode Why your business finances are a gift (not something to avoid) The perfectionism + imposter syndrome spiral in new leadership roles How speed and efficiency quietly erode meaningful relationships The "Big Three" method that's helping me reclaim my time Why sugarcoating your voice actually creates more harm than clarity And the truth: you're allowed to relearn lessons at every age and stage Resources & Links The Restoration Project Local & virtual events + Empowerment Communities: the-restorationproject.com/events-experiences Connect with Molly: @mollyknuth on Instagram & LinkedIn

In this final episode of The Found Podcast's Ages & Stages Series, I sit down with Nancy Lynk — Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at US Bank, community leader, mentor, and lifelong learner — for a conversation that spans generations of leadership, resilience, and self-discovery. From growing up on a Century Farm in rural Iowa to navigating the 1980s farm crisis as a young ag lender to leading complex commercial banking portfolios to now guiding others through career and life transitions, Nancy's story is a masterclass in listening deeply, honoring your values, and becoming fearless with your own growth. Together, Nancy and I explore: • Building confidence before the world gives you permission • Lessons from the 1980s farm crisis and the power of human potential • Career pivots that shape long-term leadership • Why reflection, journaling, and contemplative practice matter • Letting go of chronic busyness to invest in yourself • Becoming the mentor you once needed • And the truth Nancy discovered: she was the only thing holding herself back This episode is an invitation to pause, listen inward, and ask: Where am I ready to stop standing in my own way? Listen now to the full episode of The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth and guest Nancy Lynk. Connect with Us Get in touch with Nancy on LinkedIn Follow Molly on Instagram

Liz Garcia is the kind of woman who makes you want to sit up straighter, open a new notes app, and finally do the thing you've been talking yourself out of. In this second guest interview of the Ages & Stages series, I sit down with Liz — owner of Storage Theory, founder of GW Spice Co., mom of two, serial entrepreneur, and host of The Liz Garcia Show — to talk about what it really looks like to pivot from corporate life into entrepreneurship… and keep going even when it's scary. Liz shares the "before and after" moment that propelled her family into business ownership, how perfectionism held her back (until it didn't), and why she believes you should go to worst-case scenario… and ask yourself if you'd survive it (spoiler: you would). This episode is for the woman who's been feeling the nudge to make a change — but needs a little courage, a little honesty, and a reminder that you are capable of more than you believe. What You'll Hear in This Episode Liz's journey from graphic design → insurance → sales → entrepreneurship The pivotal life moment that lit a fire under her and her husband to "just start" Why perfectionism keeps so many women stuck and how to loosen its grip A behind-the-scenes look at building an e-commerce brand How Liz thinks about fear: go to worst case scenario and see if you'd survive it The question that guides her major decisions: "Will I regret not trying?" The power of putting yourself in rooms you don't feel ready for Why Liz believes we should create what we wish existed, especially in the Midwest The constant she's learned through every age and stage: "I'm capable of more than I believe." Resources & Links Liz on Instagram: @lizgarcia.me Storage Theory: @storagetheory Storage Theory website: storagetheory.com Liz's podcast: The Liz Garcia Show 1 Million Cups (mentioned in episode): local weekly entrepreneur meetups (check your city's chapter)

In the very first guest interview of the Ages & Stages series, Molly sits down in person with Carley Kintzle a senior at Iowa State University studying agricultural communications and public relations, a cattle exhibitor, the founder of Wild Orchid Co., and a photographer who picked up a camera… and ran with it. Carley's story is a reminder that you don't have to pick just one lane. From starting a jewelry business in high school (despite never having made leather earrings before) to landing a dream role with Corteva while still in college, Carley shares what it looks like to say yes to opportunity, lean into mentorship, and use networking as a tool, even when it feels uncomfortable. This conversation is full of energy, practicality, and a message every woman needs: challenges aren't a stop sign, they're often the thing that fuels our growth. What You'll Hear in This Episode Why Carley started Wild Orchid Co. during COVID (and what her mom said first!) The power of being multi-passionate and embracing it instead of fighting it How Carley's mentors stretched her (even when she wasn't sure she was ready) Why networking matters more than you think and how to do it without being "weird" What the cattle showing circuit taught her about leadership, work ethic, and confidence How she landed her dream role while still in school What success means to Carley in this stage of life The mindset that keeps her moving forward The one line she wants every listener to remember: "Just go for it." Resources & Links Follow Carley: @carley.kintzle Wild Orchid Co.: @wild_orchid_co Website: wild-orchid-co.com Follow Molly: @mollyknuth Email Molly: [email protected]

As we step into a brand new year, this episode opens the Ages & Stages series with a personal reflection from me, Molly. In this solo episode, I looks back across my own life — from childhood curiosity and creativity, to achievement-driven adolescence, to motherhood, entrepreneurship, burnout, and a more grounded, intentional season of leadership. Rather than rushing toward what's next, this episode invites listeners to slow down, reflect on what each age and stage has already taught them, and consider how those lessons shape who you are becoming. This conversation sets the tone for the weeks ahead, where I will sit down with women at different ages and stages of life to explore leadership, identity, ambition, legacy, and meaning. If you're entering 2026 feeling reflective, hopeful, or ready to lead from a steadier place — this episode is for you. What You'll Hear in This Episode Why this season of life feels less about proving and more about impact How childhood curiosity and creativity shape adult leadership The hidden lessons in ambition, achievement, and burnout What motherhood taught me about presence, rhythm, and partnership Why there are no true "dividing lines" between life stages How skills from earlier seasons still serve us today The intention behind the new Ages & Stages podcast series My word of the year — and how it's already shifting my mindset An invitation to reflect on your own age, stage, and season Resources & Links The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth Connect with Molly on Instagram: @mollyknuth Email Molly: [email protected]

This episode is a little different — and honestly, it might be one of the most important ones I've ever shared. Instead of one long-form interview, you're getting four mini-interviews with women who are quietly (and powerfully) making their communities better — through nonprofit work, community organizing, and the kind of "someone has to do something… so I will" leadership that changes everything. These women were listener-nominated, and every story proves the same thing: You don't need a massive following or a fancy title to make a difference. You just need the willingness to notice a need… and participate in the solution. In this compilation, you'll meet: Callie FitzGerald — founder of Centrally Rooted Mission + Mindful Musicians (building confidence and brain-health skills through music) Molly Schreiber — founder of Mindful Minutes (bringing yoga + mindfulness practices into schools, healthcare, shelters, and more) Dee McKenna — community leader and organizer of the Woodbury County Fair Bonus Sale (investing in youth through 4-H & FFA premium support) Nicole O'Dell — board member for the Bernard Playground Project (building an accessible community space and rallying a small town to do the "impossible") And at the end, I'll give you a 14-day challenge to help you turn inspiration into action. What You'll Hear in This Episode Why community impact rarely starts with a "grand plan" — it starts with noticing How Centrally Rooted + Mindful Musicians teach resilience and confidence through music The "five parts of practice" behind Mindful Minutes and how mindfulness becomes a life skill How the Woodbury County Bonus Sale works — and why it matters for the future of agriculture and youth development The story behind the Bernard Playground Project and the power of phased momentum Practical ways to support these missions (donate, volunteer, subscribe, spread the word) Molly's 14-day challenge: support, thank a helper, or nominate a community leader Resources & Links Centrally Rooted Mindful Musicians Mindful Minutes Woodbury County Fair + Bonus Sale Info Bernard Playground Project Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Nominate a future community helper: [email protected] Instagram: @mollyknuth