Best Jen Vos Podcasts (2026)

1
Historical Note: Royal Commentating with Amanda Matta 1:19:02

Play Pause

2h ago1:19:02

1:19:02

Dear Diary, This week, we got to speak with a very exciting guest, Amanda Matta! Known on social media as Matta_of_Fact, Amanda has made a niche for herself as TikTok's number 1 royal commentator. Amanda shared with us her extensive knowledge of Tudor history: the court life, art, and family drama. If you want to hear more of Amanda's takes on roya…

1
Red Rose of the House of Tudor: Elizabeth I part 2 1:35:25

4d ago1:35:25

1:35:25

Dear Diary, This week, we are recapping the second half of Red Rose of the House of Tudor: Elizabeth I, and it is JAM PACKED! We've got intrigue, marriage plots, and confirmation that Kat's fear of poison is justified! All this drama has our princess wondering if she'd rather trade the money and privilege for the "simple" life of a peasant. Tune in…

1
Designing Spaces While Raising a Family, Weekly Commutes & Building a Business - Kim Vos Does It All 39:16

13d ago39:16

39:16

Send us a text In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, I sit down with Kim Voss, founder of HomeWorks Interiors., an interior design firm serving both homes and businesses across Michigan. Kim shares her journey of building a design business from the ground up while raising four children (including twins), running a storefront in Traver…

1
Digging Deep - Mary Gunther on Life Lessons and Using Social Media Correctly 46:21

26d ago46:21

46:21

Send us a text In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, I sit down with Mary Gunther, Founder & CEO of The Social G Co. — a West Michigan social media and content strategist helping brands create real connections through strategy, creativity, and content that truly stops the scroll. Mary shares the behind-the-scenes realities of entrepre…

1
Red Rose of the House of Tudor: Elizabeth I part 1 1:33:01

22d ago1:33:01

1:33:01

Dearest Diary! In the classic way of youthful diaries, we will start with an apology for being away so long! The fall really got away from us, but we are back with a new book and a NEW SERIES. Join us as we recap the first half of the first Royal Diaries book (a sister series of the Dear America books), all about Elizabeth I. We meet the future que…

1
Finding Your Voice - Courtney Schutt Helps Elevate Your Company Brand 43:52

1M ago43:52

43:52

Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Schutt, President & CEO of Resource Communications, a marketing and branding leader who helps organizations find their voice and elevate their message. Courtney’s journey blends creativity, clarity, and courage — and her insights on leadership, storytelling, and balancing life as a stepmom an…

1
Sharing her heart and honesty - Jen Koffman is the Real Deal 42:44

2M ago42:44

42:44

Send us a text Join me for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation with Jen Koffman, founder of Grand Rapids Elderly Care. Jen turned her own journey of caring for her parents into a mission to help others. After losing her mom nine years ago and supporting her dad through recovery and transition, she saw the need for guidance, compassion, and…

1
Empowering Confidence: Holly Young Discusses Technology with Seniors 57:30

2M ago57:30

57:30

Send us a text In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, Shari Hooper talks with Holly Young, an IT professional and educator who helps seniors build confidence in using technology. Holly shares how patience, purpose, and perseverance have shaped her journey as a woman in tech and a business owner dedicated to bridging generations through…

1
Serving Seniors, Building Dreams: A Conversation with Laura Kelso 47:33

3M ago47:33

47:33

Send us a text In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, I sit down with Laura Kelso, founder of Kelso Homes and creator of the GR Savvy Seniors series, for a conversation that is both inspiring and refreshingly real. Laura’s journey began in the early days of Pampered Chef, where she learned the foundations of relationship-based business…

1
Building a Business That Serves: Kelly Poll Syren of Voyage Benefits, LLC 54:46

3M ago54:46

54:46

Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with a truly inspiring woman Kelly Poll Syren whose journey in health and Medicare insurance Voyage Benefits, LLC is filled with purpose, passion, and hard-earned wisdom. We talk about building a business that serves, finding courage in transitions, and how women are redefining success on their own terms. …

1
Building a Legacy: Kristle Teague’s Journey from Litigator to Law Firm Owner 56:28

3M ago56:28

56:28

Send us a text Kristle was born and raised in Kentwood, Michigan, and her roots in this community run deep. After graduating from East Kentwood High School and earning her degree at Grand Valley State University, she stepped into the legal world and never looked back. Over the last 20 years, Kristle has worn many hats—litigator, advisor, mentor, an…

1
Redefining Patient Care: Dr. Lara Baatenburg on Building Concierge Medicine of West Michigan 49:08

3M ago49:08

49:08

Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lara Baatenburg, founder of Concierge Medicine of West Michigan, which opened its doors in September 2024. Dr. Baatenburg brings an incredible academic background, with degrees from Calvin University, Wayne State University, and Michigan State University. We dive into her inspiring journey as a ph…

1
Clearing Space, Finding Peace: Susie Marsh on the Power of Letting Go 52:55

3M ago52:55

52:55

Send us a text Susie, a professional organizer who helps people clear more than just their homes—she helps them reclaim their peace of mind. We talk about the lessons that live inside everyday messes, what it takes to rebuild after health challenges, and why success sometimes starts with letting go. A powerful episode about resilience, renewal, and…

1
Helping Women Rise: Jennifer Kok and the Power of Next Wave Business Coaching 41:53

3M ago41:53

41:53

Send us a text In this episode, I had the honor of having Jennifer Kok, owner of Next Wave Business Coaching, for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about leadership, growth, and what it truly takes to build a sustainable business. Jennifer brings a grounded, real-world approach to coaching business owners through transition, clarity, and momen…

1
Grit, Guidance & Growth: Lori LaClair of Natural Northern Foods 40:41

3M ago40:41

40:41

Send us a text Just Launched: Episode 1 of the Women & the Businesses They Own Podcast! My guest Lori LaClair from Natural Northern Foods. After months of vision, planning, and passion, I'm proud to share the first episode of a podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of women entrepreneurs. This episode dives into Lori's grit, her mentor and whe…

1
Breaking Bias, Building Results: April Wells of Gauthier Family Home Care 36:08

3M ago36:08

36:08

Send us a text In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, Shari Hooper sits down with April Wells, a leader whose work is changing lives in one of the most meaningful industries—home care. April is part of Gauthier Family Home Care, where compassion, advocacy, and results intersect every day. In this conversation, April shares her journey,…

1
Fermenting Success: How Courtney Lorenz Built Cultured Kombucha 46:21

3M ago46:21

46:21

Send us a text In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, I’m joined by Courtney Lorenz, founder of Cultured Kombucha — a wellness brand she began building more than a decade ago. At just 34 years old, Courtney is already 10 years into entrepreneurship, redefining what wellness drinks can be by blending flavor, function, and intention. Wha…

1
Clearing the Clutter: How Melanie Built Willis Bookkeeping Services 40:02

3M ago40:02

40:02

Send us a text In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, I sit down with Melanie Willis, founder of Willis Bookkeeping Services – Clear Biz Clutter. Melanie spent decades in the world of accounting, building expertise, trust, and deep industry knowledge. A few years ago, she made a bold and courageous decision — stepping away from the sec…

1
Designing a Life You Love: Jessica’s Journey from Family Roots to Entrepreneurship 40:10

3M ago40:10

40:10

Send us a text Jessica grew up in the charming town of Niles, Michigan, famous for its apple festival and history as the hometown of Aaron Montgomery Ward, founder of Montgomery Wards. After attending Grand Valley College—before it became a university—Jessica built her life in West Michigan, raising three amazing kids who are now thriving adults. S…

1
Historical Note: Kolby Lanham of the Alamo Museum 54:20

3M ago54:20

54:20

Dear Diary, Much like a real diary, sometimes we forget to update you in a while! So this week we're taking a step back to where we were this past spring: the Alamo. We had a great conversation with Kolby Lanham from the Alamo Museum. Kolby shared some fascinating stories from the Alamo and gave us the inside scoop on exciting things coming to the …

1
The Alamo Diary of Lucinda Lawrence part 2: this time we did a smidgeon of research 1:39:34

8M ago1:39:34

1:39:34

Dear Diary, It's time to finish our recap of A Line in the Sand: The Alamo Diary of Lucinda Lawrence, and whoooooo boy, what a doozy. What could possibly go wrong when you send a bunch of under-prepared Texians against the Mexican army? Turns out, a lot of death and destruction. This book carries on the proud tradition of seeing how much misery thi…

1
The Alamo Diary of Lucinda Lawrence part 1: Not 'Merican, Technically Mexican, True Texian 1:41:01

9M ago1:41:01

1:41:01

Dear Diary, This week, we are heading to the southwest to learn about the Alamo! Our guide is Sherry Garland, and her 1998 book, A Line in the Sand: The Alamo Diary of Lucinda Lawrence. Lucinda and her family of Mama, Papa, and her creatively named brothers live in the small frontier town of Gonzales near the Guadalupe River. Trouble is brewing bet…

1
Historical Note: Paul Lee and the Real Time Titanic 1:43:30

9M ago1:43:30

1:43:30

Dear Diary, This week, we had the privilege of talking to Paul Lee, who has been studying the history of Titanic for nearly 40 years! Every year, he publishes social media posts in real time, along with the historical events of the fateful voyage of the RMS Titanic. Tune in to hear our discussion on some of the lesser-known stories of Titanic and a…

1
The Diary of Margaret Ann Brady part 2: I Will Go Down With This Ship 1:40:26

10M ago1:40:26

1:40:26

Dear Diary, We're here with part 2 of our recap of A Voyage on the Great Titanic: The Diary of Margaret Ann Brady, and it's a DOOZY. Flirting and snobbery abound before the fateful striking of the iceberg. But what becomes of our cast of characters? Will Margaret and Mrs. Carstairs bond over their shared trauma? Will Robert make it to safety? And w…

1
The Diary of Margaret Ann Brady part 1: Culture Clashes and Class Consciousness 1:14:18

10M ago1:14:18

1:14:18

Dear Diary, We made it to one of our most anticipated books of this series: Voyage on the Great Titanic: The Diary of Margaret Ann Brady! It was written by Ellen Emerson White and published in 1998. Boy, were the late 1990s a fantastic time to hyperfocus on the Titanic. In this story, we meet Margaret, a precocious orphan from Whitechapel. Margaret…

1
Historical Note: Chief Bluejay with the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania 1:04:44

1y ago1:04:44

1:04:44

Dear Diary, For our historical note, we had the privilege of speaking with Barbara "Bluejay" Michalski, the Chief and Keeper of Culture of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. Chief Bluejay shared with us some of the stories and projects she works on to carry on the traditions of her people. Tune in to hear her thoughts on settler/Indigenous relation…

1
Bonus Episode: Julia Carpenter 1:09:37

1y ago1:09:37

1:09:37

Dear Diary, We made another friend! Julia Carpenter is a journalist, writer, and creator from New York who loves women's history just like us! She has a great Substack called A Woman To Know where she uncovers some great stories about women in history. Also, she's been rereading the Dear America books and talking about them on her TikTok account, @…

1
The Captive Diary of Catherine Carey Logan part 2: Mary Pope Osborne, You've Done it Again! 1:15:21

1y ago1:15:21

1:15:21

Dear Diary, Wow! What an emotional journey we've been on with this book! Join us as we recap the second half of Standing in the Light: The Captive Diary of Catherine Carey Logan written by Mary Pope Osborne. In the story's second half, Caty continues going through the stages of grief and seems to accept her new place in the Lenape tribe. We learn m…

1
The Captive Diary of Catharine Carey Logan part 1: Tooken 2:00:47

1y ago2:00:47

2:00:47

Dear Diary, It's a new book, and we (mostly Jen) were so worried about this one! Mary Pope Osborne takes on a huge challenge with her book, Standing in the Light: The Captive Diary of Catharine Carey Logan. Our main character, Catharine (Caty), is a Quaker living with her family on the frontier of Pennsylvania in 1763. Tensions with local Native Am…

1
Historical Note: The Tenement Museum's Kathryn Lloyd and Amanda Adler Brennan 1:16:32

1y ago1:16:32

1:16:32

Dear Diary, It's guest-pert day! This week, we have not one, but TWO guests to talk to us about the real history of life in the tenements of the Lower East Side. Read on to get to know our guests a little better! Kathryn Lloyd is the Vice President of Programs and Interpretation at the Tenement Museum, where she oversees museum programming and educ…

1
The Diary of Zipporah Feldman, a Jewish Immigrant Girl part 2: Zipping Through the American Dream 1:39:21

1y ago1:39:21

1:39:21

Dear Diary, This week, we're finishing our recap of Dreams in the Golden Country: The Diary of Zipporah Feldman, a Jewish Immigrant Girl. What an action-packed second half! This book has everything: family drama, tragic deaths, labor issues, entrepreneurship, and Yiddish theater! Join us as we dig deeper into Zippy's first year in America. Yours Tr…

1
The Diary of Zipporah Feldman, a Jewish Immigrant Girl part 1: Tradition! 1:19:27

1+ y ago1:19:27

1:19:27

Dear Diary, Fall is here, and we're back in the podcast saddle! This week we're starting our discussion on Dreams in the Golden Country: The Diary of Zipporah Feldman, a Jewish Immigrant Girl. The book was written by Kathryn Laskey (her second of the series) and was published in 1998. Zipporah (Zippy), her Mama, and two sisters have just arrived at…

1
The Diary of Theresa Angelino Viscardi part 2: Sister Feels 1:36:53

1+ y ago1:36:53

1:36:53

Dear Diary, This week we are wrapping up our discussion on West to a Land of Plenty: The Diary of Theresa Angelino Viscardi! And boy, there is so much to discuss. We pick up where we left off, with the Viscardis and Co. who have exchanged a steam train for a wagon train and are making their way across the Dakotas. Disease and death plague the trave…

1
The Diary of Theresa Angelino Viscardi part 1: West to a Land of Trains 1:30:48

1+ y ago1:30:48

1:30:48

Dear Diary, New story time! Today we are starting our recap of West to a Land of Plenty: The Diary of Theresa Angelino Viscardi. This story takes place in 1883 and follows Theresa and her family as they travel west to the Idaho Territory. The book was written by Jim Murphey (his first Dear America book) and published in 1998. The first half of this…

1
Historical Note: Ranger Sam Mischke from the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park 59:14

1+ y ago59:14

59:14

Dear Diary, We made another new friend! Added to our collection of National Parks Service Ranger guests is Ranger Sam Mischke from the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park in Beaufort, South Carolina. Sam told us the fascinating history of Beaufort's role as a hub for the Union Army and freed African Americans beginning in 1861. We talk abou…

1
The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl Part 2: Promises Promises 1:45:48

1+ y ago1:45:48

1:45:48

Dear Diary, Today we accomplished a true feat by charging through the rest of Patsy's story! Join us as we power through to find out what happens to Patsy and the rest of the freed folk of Davis plantation. Will they ever get a teacher? Will Patsy choose her new name? Yours Truly, Cate and Jen RibbonBookClubPod.com @RibbonBookPod on Facebook and In…

1
The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl part 1: Reconstruction Deserves More Attention 1:04:18

2y ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Dear Diary, This week we are cracking open a new book! I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly: The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl was written by Joyce Hansen and published in 1997. It was awarded the Coretta Scott King Award in 1998, which recognizes "outstanding books for young adults and children by African Americans that reflect the African American…

1
Historical Note Continued: Susan Campbell Bartoletti 54:04

2y ago54:04

54:04

Dear Diary, We have a special extra treat for you! We are here with a further historical note about the Irish Famine with author, Susan Campbell Bartoletti! Bartoletti is an author and speaker who does not shy away from tough topics in history. We had her on the show to talk about writing history and historical fiction for young readers. We also ha…

1
Historical Note: Ranger Aubrey Brown 1:41:51

2y ago1:41:51

1:41:51

Dear Diary, This week we got to talk to Ranger Aubrey Brown who works at the Lowell National Historic Park! Aside from becoming instant best friends, we also learned a lot about the real history of Lowell, Massachusetts, and the textile mills that made it famous. Tune in to hear about how the city of Lowell was planned, how textile mills worked har…

1
The Diary of Mary Driscoll, an Irish Mill Girl Part 2: Is She, You Know 1:30:14

2y ago1:30:14

1:30:14

Dear Diary, On to the second half of our discussion of So Far From Home: The Diary of Mary Driscoll, an Irish Mill Girl! This time, we finally make it to Lowell and the mills! Mary catches on quickly to her work in the mills. Thanks, in part, to her new friend, Annie. And aren't they just great gal pals? But life in the mills is hard work. Accident…

1
The Diary of Mary Driscoll, an Irish Mill Girl Part 1: We'd Huck a Rotten Potato at an English Landlord No Problem 1:33:51

2y ago1:33:51

1:33:51

Dear Diary, It's new book time! And this one is a fan favorite. We're reading So Far From Home: The Diary of Mary Driscoll, an Irish Mill Girl. This is the second book in the series by Barry Denenberg and it was published in 1997. The story begins in Skibbereen, Ireland where Mary Driscoll lives with her Ma and Da. Ireland is in the depths of the p…

1
Historical Note: Ranger Chris Carey on the Oregon Trail 1:25:39

2y ago1:25:39

1:25:39

Dear Diary, We got to talk to an old friend of Jen's, Chris Carey about his work at the Whitman Mission National Historic Site! Chris had some great facts to share about life on the Oregon Trail and some fresh insight into the story of the Whitman Mission. Chris also had a surprise choose-your-own-adventure game at the end of our conversation! Oreg…

1
The Oregon Trail Diary of Hattie Campbell Part 2: Manifesting Gal Pals 1:01:45

2y ago1:01:45

1:01:45

Dear Diary, It's the second half of our recap of Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie: The Oregon Trail Diary of Hattie Campbell! We get to find out what happens to the Campbells and their wagon train as it continues along the trail. Will Hattie ever get a straight answer about what marriage is like? Will Wade ask Hattie to dance? Will the klepto M…

1
The Oregon Trail Diary of Hattie Campbell Part 1: Manifesting Destiny 1:50:14

2y ago1:50:14

1:50:14

Dear Diary, We took a nice long break but we're back with another season and a new book! This week we're reading the first half of Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie: The Oregon Trail Diary of Hattie Campbell. It was written by Kristiana Gregory and it was published in 1997. This marks our first repeat author! In the book, we are introduced to Ha…

1
Historical Note: Paul Ringel on Writing the Civil War for Kids 1:16

2+ y ago1:16

1:16

Dear Diary, We finished our first season with a great chat with Paul Ringel! Paul is a history professor at High Point University, and an author of books including Commercializing Childhood: Children's Magazines, Urban Gentility, and the Ideal of the Child Consumer in the United States, 1823-1918 and Kid History, Inc.: Selling Children the American…

1
The Diary of Clotee, A Slave Girl Part 2: Escape from Belmont Plantation 2:06:18

2+ y ago2:06:18

2:06:18

Dear Diary, We finished recapping A Picture of Freedom: The Diary of Clotee, a Slave Girl by Patricia C. McKissack, and what an incredible story! So much happened: we learned more about the abolitionists and Spicy's history, and Clotee figured out what freedom looked like to her. An engaging and essential read. Tune in to hear more! Yours Truly, Ca…

1
The Diary of Clotee, a Slave Girl Part 1: We Friend-ship It! 1:44:20

2+ y ago1:44:20

1:44:20

Dear Diary, On to a new book, and boy, this one is different than the last! A Picture of Freedom: The Diary of Clotee, a Slave Girl was written by Patricia C. McKissack and was published in 1997. (a very good year!) Clotee is a clever 12-year-old girl who works in the Big House on a plantation in Virginia and teaches herself how to read and write. …

1
The Civil War Diary of Emma Simpson Part 2: Frankly My Dear, We Don’t Give a @#$%&! 1:22:22

2+ y ago1:22:22

1:22:22

Dear Diary, We're back for part 2 of our discussion of When Will This Cruel War Be Over?: The Civil War Diary of Emma Simpson written by Barry Denenberg. Is it better than the first half? Wellllll...... on the plus side, there's more action! Tune in to find out what's in store for Emma, Tally, and Cousin Rachel. What happens when the Yankees come t…

1
The Civil War Diary of Emma Simpson Part 1: Gone With the Wind...for Kids? 1:52:41

2+ y ago1:52:41

1:52:41

Dear Diary, We've reached book 3 in the series! And it's... certainly something! Author Barry Denenberg tackles a big topic with When Will This Cruel War Be Over?: The Civil War Diary of Emma Simpson. We have a lot of thoughts about this book, namely, why did they choose to focus on a slave-owning white girl from the South? Tune in to hear our hot …

1
Historical Note: Beth Dhunjisha from Valley Forge National Historical Park 1:18:37

2+ y ago1:18:37

1:18:37

Dear Diary, Now that we're done reading The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, we got to talk to a park ranger from Valley Forge National Historical Park! Ranger Beth Dhunjisha shared with us some great information about the history of the Continental Army's winter encampment of 1777-1778. We talked about myths…