In this episode, Becca Murphy sits down with Whitney and Amanda, co-founders of Bookish, a community-driven reading initiative redefining what it means to gather around books.

Whitney, with her background in tech, and Amanda, rooted in visual merchandising, share how their unique skill sets merged to build something deeply meaningful. What began as a simple idea to foster literacy and connection in Utah started with just 12 attendees at their first event. Today, Bookish has grown into a thriving reading community built around the idea that books are a non-polarizing way to bring people together.

From hosting “reading parties” to planning a future book festival, their journey proves that everything starts as an idea — and community makes it grow.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting something meaningful, or you believe in the power of books to connect people, this conversation will leave you inspired.

Connect with Bookish: bookish_slc

https://www.bookishslc.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Janelle, the founder of Craft Club SLC.

What started as one event with 15 attendees — a mix of friends and strangers — has grown into a space where women gather to create, connect, and build meaningful friendships through crafting.

Janelle shares her journey from teaching and sales into entrepreneurship, what it felt like to quit her job, and how she turned a simple idea into a thriving creative business. She opens up about the behind-the-scenes realities of organizing events, managing finances, and using social media to grow a community-driven brand.

We talk about the power of creativity to break down barriers, why feedback matters, and how fun and whimsy aren’t just nice-to-haves — they’re essential.

If you’ve ever had an idea tugging at you or wondered whether you’re “that girl” who could start something… this episode is your sign.

Key Takeaways:

• How Craft Club started and evolved

• Why crafting builds authentic connection

• The role of social media in growing community

• What it really takes behind the scenes to run events

• Why taking risks is the first step toward growth

As Janelle says: “Anyone can do it. You are that girl.”

Connect with Janelle:

Instagram: craftclubslc , janelle_widt

In this episode, Becca Murphy reflects on a moment when excitement turned into overwhelm. After being accepted into the Transcontinental Race, what began as curiosity and inspiration slowly became pressure, obligation, and doubt.

Becca explores how external influence, identity, and momentum can cloud decision-making and how stepping away from noise, technology, and expectation helped her reconnect with what she actually wanted. This episode is an honest look at patience, self-reflection, and learning to tell the difference between desire and pressure.