What happens when a powerhouse in media and communications retires—but doesn’t slow down? In this episode, we welcome Deb Hopp, recently retired president of Minneapolis–St. Paul Communications, as she reflects on a remarkable career spanning publishing, advertising, and board leadership.

Deb shares stories from her small-town beginnings to becoming a force in Twin Cities media, including the challenges of working through personal tragedy, building women-centric sales teams, and navigating massive changes in the publishing world. Now in her “third chapter,” Deb opens up about life after loss, becoming a first-time grandmother, and the unexpected joys of strength training at 70.

Whether you're thinking about what comes after your career—or want to understand how women lead with compassion and competence—this episode is filled with practical wisdom, heartfelt moments, and plenty of humor.

Our Non Profit Spotlight is Center for Broadcast Journalism

_

Katie Harms: katie@katieharms.com, www.katieharms.com

Lisa Rubin: lisa@wardrobeconsulting.net, www.wardrobeconsulting.net .

Follow Us On:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

YouTube

Please take a moment to rate our podcast wherever you are reading or listening to this! Thank you!

We are thankful to our sponsors Andersen Cabinet and Jester Concepts (new owner of Rustica Bakery)

Katie Sterns is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and movement-builder with a passion for creating first-in-market ventures that empower women, like Blyngz Luxury Technologies and the You Betcha Box. Networking and community-building are at the heart of our chat. We also dive into the complexities of fashion-forward entrepreneurship, exploring how wardrobe choices can project confidence and authenticity at tech-centric events; the fascinating intersection of sociology and entrepreneurship, revealing how this combination is key to understanding market trends and consumer behavior. Get ready to challenge societal norms with discussions on gender roles and financial independence, and learn about the importance of the Two Percent Club in empowering women in the investment world

Our Non-Profit Spotlight: Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

_

Katie Harms: katie@katieharms.com, www.katieharms.com

Lisa Rubin: lisa@wardrobeconsulting.net, www.wardrobeconsulting.net .

Follow Us On:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

YouTube

Please take a moment to rate our podcast wherever you are reading or listening to this! Thank you!

We are thankful to our sponsors Andersen Cabinet and Jester Concepts (new owner of Rustica Bakery)

Unlock the mysteries of menopause and transform your understanding of this pivotal life stage as we chat with Kathy Norton, a Certified Menopause Coach, speaker, and advocate for women’s health. Kathy provides an in-depth look at the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) including improved heart, liver, and cognitive health, and how it can revolutionize personal relationships and your mental health. We discuss the often-overlooked symptoms and the history of misinformation related to menopause care. This is not a “one size fits all”. Kathy shares amusing tales of her "third chapter" along with unexpected connections, including a past podcast guests, Amanda Brinkman and Maria Pinto. We invite you to challenge societal norms around menopause and embrace the conversation.

_

Katie Harms: katie@katieharms.com, www.katieharms.com

Lisa Rubin: lisa@wardrobeconsulting.net, www.wardrobeconsulting.net .

Follow Us On:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

YouTube

Please take a moment to rate our podcast wherever you are reading or listening to this! Thank you!

We are thankful to our sponsors Andersen Cabinet and Jester Concepts (new owner of Rustica Bakery)

Imagine what people see, learn, and hear in a car as a driver. Hop in for a ride with the owner of Chey Car, whose talents extend far beyond driving. She tracks the economy in real time, observes travel behavior, airline performance, political and social shifts, as well as learning about her clients career expertise and life experiences. We talk about what it's like to drive high-profile individuals, balancing work with personal, along with the unique challenges of dating in this profession. Chey shares her passion for staying open to life's possibilities in both personal and professional spheres.

Our Non Profit Spotlights: Next Avenue and Three Sixty Journalism

_

Katie Harms: katie@katieharms.com, www.katieharms.com

Lisa Rubin: lisa@wardrobeconsulting.net, www.wardrobeconsulting.net .

Follow Us On:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

YouTube

Please take a moment to rate our podcast wherever you are reading or listening to this! Thank you!

We are thankful to our sponsors Andersen Cabinet, Sweet Ivy and Jester Concepts (new owner of Rustica Bakery)

Renowned designer and fashion futurist, Maria Pinto offers a collection of timeless, ready-to-wear garments for sophisticated, stylish women. Maria’s desire to make fashion that empowers women to feel chic and confident – from day to night – fueled the creation of her brand. We share strategies for building a versatile travel wardrobe. We discuss the importance of a well-planned wardrobe and how a strategic approach to fashion can save time and reduce stress. Maria Pinto shares her creative journey and design influences for her fall 2025 collection. We discuss the impact of clothing on perception and trust in professional settings, offering insights on maintaining a consistent persona through attire. This is an episode of passion, information, fashion, and female empowerment.

Our Non Profit Spotlight is The Simple Good

_

Katie Harms: katie@katieharms.com, www.katieharms.com

Lisa Rubin: lisa@wardrobeconsulting.net, www.wardrobeconsulting.net .

Follow Us On: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

Please take a moment to rate our podcast wherever you are reading or listening to this! Thank you! We are thankful to our sponsors Sweet Ivy , Andersen Cabinet and Jester Concepts (new owner of Rustica Bakery)

Katie and Lisa pause to celebrate over 100 episodes of real, authentic conversations. They reflect on their journey together — the growth, the challenges, the laughter, and the deep bond they've built, not just as podcast co-hosts but as longtime collaborators and friends. From the joys of incredible guests to the quiet power of closet and wardrobe transformations, this episode dives into the heart of why the podcast exists: to uplift and embolden our listeners to take ownership of their image, lifestyle, and mindset.

Whether it's organizing your spaces to redefine their functionality and use, curating your wardrobe, or just making sense of everyday chaos, Katie and Lisa remind us that perfection isn’t the goal — presence is; so you can show up every day feeling like the best version of yourself.

HIGHLIGHT: Our upcoming inaugural LIVE event, "Inspiring Your Shift: Designing Your Third Chapter," focused on helping Gen X women and beyond re-imagine their lives with intention and purpose. You are your most extraordinary canvas.

CLEAR YOUR CALENDARS FOR MAY 21, 2025! Sign up today at inspiringyourshift.eventbrite.com. Spots are limited.

_

Katie Harms: katie@katieharms.com, www.katieharms.com

Lisa Rubin: lisa@wardrobeconsulting.net, www.wardrobeconsulting.net .

Follow Us On: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

Please take a moment to rate our podcast wherever you are reading or listening to this! Thank you! We are thankful to our sponsors Sweet Ivy , Andersen Cabinet and Jester Concepts (new owner of Rustica Bakery)

Ever wondered how an architect’s mind works beyond blueprints and designs? Emily Pearl from Lundberg Design joins us to undercover the secrets to transforming your personal environment into sanctuaries of efficiency and serenity.

Emily is licensed in California. She received her Master of Architecture with distinction from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design and a B.A. in Studio Art with honors from Dartmouth College. She has also studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and has trained professionally in Tokyo, London, and San Francisco.

We discuss practical routines that elevate everyday spaces, whether organizing kitchen drawers or setting up a calming hotel room. Our conversation also navigates the dynamic world of urban development from the trend of opting for renovations over buying new homes. As we reflect on life’s continuous transitions and the role architecture plays in these changes, we encourage you to embrace personal growth and the unique journeys that make each of us who we are

Our Non-Profit Spotlight is Girls on the Run

_

Katie Harms: katie@katieharms.com, www.katieharms.com

Lisa Rubin: lisa@wardrobeconsulting.net, www.wardrobeconsulting.net .

Follow Us On:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

YouTube

Please take a moment to rate our podcast wherever you are reading or listening to this! Thank you!

We are thankful to our sponsors Sweet Ivy and Jester Concepts (new owner of Rustica Bakery)

We are thrilled to introduce Joanna Strober, the visionary founder of Midi Health, who brings virtual, expert, insurance covered, perimenopause and menopause care to women nationwide. In a world where women's hormonal health remains under-researched, it's essential to prioritize well-being amidst busy lives. Midi Health is revolutionizing menopause care with a focus on personalized treatments for often overlooked hormonal changes including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and even microdosing of GLP-1 medications. Joanna's insights promise to redefine how women perceive and manage menopause-related challenges, making expert care accessible, transparent, and empowering. Join us in championing a conversation that encourages women to rest, not quit, and to embrace their health journey with resilience and support.

Our Non-Profit Spotlight is Lung Cancer Research Foundation

_

Katie Harms: katie@katieharms.com, www.katieharms.com

Lisa Rubin: lisa@wardrobeconsulting.net, www.wardrobeconsulting.net .

Follow Us On:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

YouTube

Please take a moment to rate our podcast wherever you are reading or listening to this! Thank you!

We are thankful to our sponsors Sweet Ivy and Jester Concepts (new owner of Rustica Bakery)