Check out Jennifer here!!

In this empowering episode, Coco Plank sits down with motivational speaker and self-defense expert Jennifer Cassetta for a conversation about personal growth, manifestation, and stepping fully into one's purpose. Jennifer shares her journey to becoming a motivational speaker and introduces her framework, The Art of Badassery—a philosophy rooted in resilience, self-trust, and embodied confidence. Together, they explore the concept of finding your inner dojo, embracing life's challenges as teachers, and using conscious communication and self-talk to reclaim personal power. Drawing from ancient wisdom and modern leadership principles, this conversation is a reminder that the strength, clarity, and courage we seek are already within us—and when we access them, we become leaders who help others rise too.

• Jennifer emphasizes the importance of connecting with a broader audience through relatable storytelling 📖🤝

• The concept of the dojo represents the intersection of mind, body, and spirit in personal growth 🧠💪✨

• Manifestation is a powerful tool for achieving goals and connecting with collective energy 🌟🔮

• Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining personal well-being and focus 🚧🛡️

• The journey to becoming a motivational speaker often starts small and evolves over time 🌱🎤

• Communication and self-talk play a significant role in personal empowerment 🗣️💭⚡

• Resilience is built through embracing challenges and learning from them 🔥💎

• Leadership involves helping others rise and achieve their potential ⬆️👑

• Ancient wisdom teaches that the answers we seek are already within us 🌀📜

• Breath is a powerful tool for connecting with our inner strength 🌬️💛

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connections
02:40 Navigating Anger and Collective Emotions
05:20 The Role of the Dojo in Personal Growth
08:15 Manifesting and Taking Aligned Action
10:35 The Power of Connection and Community
13:26 Finding Your Inner Wisdom
16:12 The Importance of Different Perspectives
17:58 Finding Your Soul's Purpose
23:05 The Journey to Becoming a Motivational Speaker
27:00 The Art of Badassery Framework
36:00 Ancient Wisdom and Personal Power

Lara's Website https://www.laralovehardin.com/

Buy her book here

In this powerful conversation, Lara Love Hardin joins Courtney "Coco" Plank to explore how connection—through stories, relationships, and community—can become a lifeline. Lara shares her journey from incarceration to authorship, reflecting on health struggles, personal reckoning, and the profound transformation that comes from being truly seen. Together, they discuss the power of memoir to build empathy, the difference between punishment and healing, and how authentic connection can interrupt cycles of harm. Lara also introduces The Gemma Project, her nonprofit dedicated to keeping women connected to critical services during reentry—so jail isn't the default. This episode is a moving exploration of freedom, belonging, and becoming more than your past.



Takeaways

Reading can be a powerful escape and addiction.
Health challenges can lead to profound personal insights.
Authentic connections can transform lives.
Incarceration can change one's perspective on humanity.
Empathy is crucial in understanding community struggles.
The Gemma Project aims to support women post-incarceration.
Memoirs can foster empathy and understanding.
Writing is a skill honed through practice and reading.
Personal growth often requires overcoming fear and shame.
Freedom comes with responsibility and self-acceptance.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Connection Through Literature
02:47 Navigating Health Challenges and Personal Struggles
05:39 The Impact of Connection in Interviews
08:23 Transforming from Cautionary Tale to Inspirational Figure
11:14 Understanding the Incarceration System
13:58 Creating Change: The Gemma Project
16:42 Empathy Through Storytelling and Memoir
23:36 The Power of Personal Stories
28:28 The Art of Evocative Writing
31:32 Lessons from Incarceration
37:16 Understanding Humanity and Compassion
37:54 Embracing Authenticity and Vulnerability
39:39 Defining Freedom and Responsibility

Check Out Moxies Here!

In this Project Connection episode, Coco speaks with Juliette Blake, founder of Moxies, about how to help young girls build healthy, meaningful connection in a digital world. Juliette shares why ethical tech matters, how the attention economy impacts girls' development, and what it looks like to design online spaces that prioritize safety, autonomy, and well-being over engagement.

Together, they explore digital literacy as a relational life skill, the role of parents and community in shaping girls' online experiences, and how open conversations about technology can foster trust, confidence, and authentic connection—both online and offline.

Takeaways:

• Connection restores depleted caregivers and families. 💛

• Moxies creates a safe, healthy digital space for girls. 🛡️

• Well-being matters more than engagement metrics. ⚖️

• Connection and autonomy support girls' development. 🌱

• Digital literacy is an essential life skill. 📚

• Parents and community shape kids' online experiences. 🤝

• Open tech conversations build trust. 💬

Chapters

00:00 End of Year Reflections and Feelings
02:56 The Launch of Moxies: A New Digital Platform
05:33 Prioritizing Safety and Wellbeing in Digital Spaces
08:12 The Importance of Digital Literacy for Kids
11:16 Building Healthy Relationships with Technology
13:52 The Role of Parents in Navigating Digital Spaces
16:37 Creating a Safe Digital Environment for Children
19:47 Community and Collaboration Among Parents
21:36 Measuring Positive Outcomes in Digital Engagement
24:13 The Future of Ethical Tech for Kids
26:58 Resources for Parents: Navigating Digital Content
29:45 Fostering Open Communication with Children
32:54 Conclusion: Meaningful Connections in a Digital World