Unplug with Mel

05/14/2025

Slaying HR Like It’s 1799 – Featuring Marie Lobbezoo | Unplug with Mel S2E9

What do really cool historical reenactments, and modern HR have in common? Marie Lobbezoo, that’s what.

In this unforgettable episode of Unplug with Mel, Marie brings her signature blend of history-loving flair, HR wisdom, and sharp wit to the mic. From reenacting the past to reshaping the future of workplace culture, she shows us how looking back can powerfully inform how we lead, hire, and actually support people today.

💥 Expect laughs, real talk, and maybe a little revolution.
👩‍💼 HR has never sounded this bold—or this fun.

Tune in and find out why Marie truly is one of a kind.

Click Here: https://youtu.be/--cRPRja-Ho

Don't miss this insightful episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Ever felt HR was the office boogeyman? Think again. In Season 2, Episode 9 of Unplug with Mel, I sit down with Marie Lobbezoo—HR strategist by trade, histori...

04/28/2025

Season 2, Episode 8 of Unplug with Mel is live!

Sometimes the most challenging part isn't knowing you need a career pivot — it's figuring out where to start.

In this episode, I sit down with Shennee Rutt, founder of Laurel Virtual Solutions, Inc.

Episode here: https://youtu.be/CQxYhwXcesc?si=1x8aFFamicCwke9y

Shennee — she's the real deal in helping people shift into careers they want, with a strategy that works.
We talk about the moments that force us to rethink everything:
🔹Pivots
🔹Not doing it the same way you have always done it
🔹What is your dream job?
Shennee shares how she built her business, found her passion in helping others, and became the go-to expert for high-level professionals ready to move forward with purpose.

👉 If you’re an executive looking for your next big move — or a federal worker ready to pivot into a new field — Shennee is your person.

She knows how to help you get clear, get confident, and get hired.
💬 Ready to stop spinning your wheels?

Connect with Shennee Rutt on LinkedIn and start building your next chapter — on your terms.

🎧 Tune in now to Unplug with Mel, where we get real about the shifts that change everything.

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Let’s be real — if you’re stuck in career limbo, dreaming about "someday" while dust collects on that old resume... it’s time for a shift.Today on Unplug wit...

04/07/2025

🎙️ Unplug with Mel – Season 2, Episode 7: "The Core Truth: You're Capable of More Than You Think"

Guest: Derrick Black | Business Sales Manager at Mission Flares and Combustion | Founder of Coffee & Connections – Midland, TX

In this powerful episode, Derrick shares how knowing who you are at the core shapes how you face challenges and the people you choose to connect with. From growing up in West Texas to navigating setbacks and transitions, Derrick's story is rooted in faith, family, and authenticity.

We dive deep into:
✅ Why identity matters more than where you come from
✅ How being grounded helps you handle life's curveballs
✅ The importance of real authenticated and intentional connections
✅ Building community through vulnerability and truth

If you've ever questioned your path, worth, or place, this conversation will remind you: You are capable. You are enough. You are exactly where you need to be to grow.

🧠 Unplug. Reflect. Be inspired.

📍 Watch now: https://youtu.be/ZJYrlqey77I

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations every week.

The Core Truth: You’re Capable of More Than You Think

04/07/2025

I never once imagined being a podcaster or producing and editing them.

I mean it is dream that I am doing. I learn something everyday!

Relistening to Derrick Black’s interview, I realize my passion is to hear other people's stories so I understand people better.

My passion is to help people feel seen, heard, value, and understood.

Living out my purpose is more and more my goal daily!

Tomorrow this episode drops!

04/06/2025

Hey y’all,

This is a little scary to post, but it’s also one of the most meaningful things I've ever done.

I just launched a Kickstarter for my book ShiFt Happens: Rewired Resilience, and I’m reaching out because your support would mean the world to my family and me.

This book comes from a very real place in my life. I wrote it through the hard stuff… the moments where I felt like I was holding everything together with duct tape and a prayer. I've made many mistakes, started over more times than I can count, and finally realized the most challenging part of growth isn't the outside world—it’s getting past the doubts and fears we carry inside.

I'm not a big influencer. I'm a mom, I'm a woman still figuring things out, and I'm someone who believes we don't have to be perfect to rise. Just willing.

So, if this message finds you and resonates even a little, would you consider pledging? Even $10 makes a difference.

Every bit of support helps bring this book into the world, helps me cover printing costs, and maybe, just maybe, helps someone else feel a little less alone in their valley.

Here's the link: http://kck.st/4cmFFPk

Thank you for being part of my journey.
Thank you for believing in this shiFt.
It means more than I can ever say.

With love,
Mel 💙

04/05/2025

Unplug with Mel – Season 2, Episode 7 is coming in HOT! 🔥

Dropping Monday, April 7 🎧

Our special guest this week is Derrick Black— Business Sales Manager at Mission Flares and Combustion and the powerhouse behind Coffee and Connections in Midland, TX.

This episode is about knowing who you are at the core, no matter where you come from. Derrick shares how staying rooted in family and purpose helped him navigate life's transitions and find authentic connections with others.

If you've ever felt like a setback was the end of the road — this one's for you. 🙌

📅 Mark your calendar. Set your reminder.
You don't want to miss this.

03/31/2025

Addiction doesn't discriminate, and for Stephen Sundquist, it nearly cost him everything. But instead of becoming another statistic, he chose to fight back. In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Stephen opens up about his journey—from addiction to discovering his true purpose.

Now, as the founder of Port Charlotte Detox, he's helping others take their first steps toward recovery, providing a safe and compassionate space for those ready to break free. His story is one of vulnerability, accountability, and transformation—proof that purpose can be found even in our darkest moments.

Listen in as we discuss:
✔️ The harsh realities of addiction and the road to recovery
✔️ Why accountability is the key to lasting change
✔️ How Port Charlotte Detox is changing lives one person at a time

This is more than just a story—it's a wake-up call, a dose of hope, and a reminder that no one is beyond saving.

🔥 Want to connect with Stephen? Find him on LinkedIn and tell him you heard his awe-inspiring story on Unplug with Mel!

Listen Here: https://youtu.be/Z7VC1DSa6Sc

03/29/2025

🚨 Something BIG is dropping soon! 🚨

It’s been a minute, but Unplug with Mel is back—and trust me, this episode is worth the wait.

I sat down with Stephen Sundquist, a man with an unforgettable story. From addiction to recovery, from struggle to purpose, he’s now changing lives by helping others on their own journey to healing.

This conversation is raw, real, and deeply inspiring—you won’t want to miss it!

Stay tuned… 🎧

10/11/2024

We’re keeping the 40th birthday festivities going with our second episode drop of the day! Next up is Becky Ackerman, Lily & Bee Wellness sharing her incredible story in “The Road to Parenthood: Lessons of Love, Resilience, and Infertility.” 🌸

Becky’s journey to becoming a parent is a testament to perseverance, love, and the strength of hope. If you’ve ever faced life’s toughest challenges, you’ll find inspiration in her story. 💛

🎧 Listen now on YouTube!
🔗 https://lnkd.in/gc9xYk2t

10/11/2024

Yesterday was a special day! —Mel’s 40th Birthday! 🎂 And in celebration, we’re dropping two incredible episodes on Unplug with Mel! First up is the deeply moving conversation with Jason Tuttle with Letters to Zachary here on Facebook.

In “Colors of Grief: Honoring Zachary Through Creativity and Healing,” Jason shares how he turned the loss of his son into a powerful tribute. His story of using art as a means to heal is both touching and inspiring. 💔🎨
Celebrate with us by diving into this heartfelt episode. 🎧 Now live on YouTube!

🔗https://lnkd.in/g-iumH5s



You can also hear this episode on Spotify and Apple Podcast.

10/02/2024

🎧 *Watch This!* 🎧
In this clip, Christian Lombardini shares a powerful insight:

“It has to be done. And by doing it, that’s your success. I’m continuing this motion of life, of who I am, and what I’m capable of doing.”

It’s all about embracing the journey and showing up. 💪
Catch the full episode now and dive into Christian’s incredible mindset and story!

📅 Watch/Listen Now on YouTube!
🔗 https://youtu.be/PzH4THXhIdY

10/02/2024

🎙️ Welcome back to Unplug with Mel! 🎙️

I’m so excited to have you here for another incredible episode, and today’s guest is someone who has had a profound impact on my own journey—Christian Lombardini was one of the first people to welcome me into the podcasting world, and his mentorship helped shape the path I’m on today.

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of mindset, personal growth, and the idea that life doesn’t happen to us; it happens for us. Christian has an inspiring story of transformation, and he’ll share how his perspective helped him turn obstacles into opportunities and even launch his own podcast The Oilfield Leader Podcast. 🌟

You’re not going to want to miss this one—so settle in and get ready for some serious inspiration! Let’s jump right in with Christian Lombardini! 🎧✨

https://youtu.be/PzH4THXhIdY