<![CDATA[Side Note...]]>After growing up on cattle ranches in Wyoming and Colorado, Melissa Broughton spent much of her adult life in Santa Barbara, California, before eventually settling in the Texas Hill Country. Today she runs a lavender business that still takes her back to California each summer for harvest, while spending the rest of the year writing, creating, and collecting stories.

This podcast is a place for those stories. From lavender farming and writing to family, dating, getting older, career changes, and the unexpected turns that shape a life, Melissa shares the experiences, questions, and lessons she's gathered along the way.

Part storytelling, part conversation, and occasionally a bit like therapy, these episodes explore the people, places, and moments that shape us. Melissa has been known to begin a thought with "generally speaking," interrupt herself with a "side note," follow an interesting tangent, and somehow circle back to the original point. Along the way, listeners may find themselves laughing, reflecting, and seeing their own stories—and the possibilities ahead—a little differently.

Melissa Broughton is an author, entrepreneur, lavender farmer, and screenwriter. She holds a Master's degree in Higher Education and Counseling from Azusa Pacific University and has worked in education, mental health, mediation, skincare, and small business ownership. Over the years, she has been a licensed esthetician, ESL teacher, mediator, counselor, college instructor, and business owner. Melissa splits her time between Texas and California, where she returns each summer to harvest the lavender used in her June Bloom Lavender products. Her work and storytelling draw from a lifetime of diverse experiences, career reinventions, and a deep curiosity about people and the paths they take through life.

Brought to you by June Bloom Lavender:  A lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California.

The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.

More than a gift shop, June Bloom is built around the belief that self-care, storytelling, and mental health matter. Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 25 Sep 2026 20:44:51 GMTTue, 16 Jun 2026 05:20:00 GMT60Melissa Broughton<p>After growing up on cattle ranches in Wyoming and Colorado, Melissa Broughton spent much of her adult life in Santa Barbara, California, before eventually settling in the Texas Hill Country. Today she runs a lavender business that still takes her back to California each summer for harvest, while spending the rest of the year writing, creating, and collecting stories.</p><p>This podcast is a place for those stories. From lavender farming and writing to family, dating, getting older, career changes, and the unexpected turns that shape a life, Melissa shares the experiences, questions, and lessons she's gathered along the way.</p><p></p><p>Part storytelling, part conversation, and occasionally a bit like therapy, these episodes explore the people, places, and moments that shape us. Melissa has been known to begin a thought with "generally speaking," interrupt herself with a "side note," follow an interesting tangent, and somehow circle back to the original point. Along the way, listeners may find themselves laughing, reflecting, and seeing their own stories—and the possibilities ahead—a little differently.</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Melissa Broughton</b> is an author, entrepreneur, lavender farmer, and screenwriter. She holds a Master's degree in Higher Education and Counseling from Azusa Pacific University and has worked in education, mental health, mediation, skincare, and small business ownership. Over the years, she has been a licensed esthetician, ESL teacher, mediator, counselor, college instructor, and business owner. Melissa splits her time between Texas and California, where she returns each summer to harvest the lavender used in her June Bloom Lavender products. Her work and storytelling draw from a lifetime of diverse experiences, career reinventions, and a deep curiosity about people and the paths they take through life.</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Brought to you by June Bloom Lavender</b>:  A lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. <i>June Bloom</i> specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner <b><i>Melissa Broughton</i></b> in Santa Barbara County, California.</p><p>The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.</p><p></p><p>More than a gift shop, <i>June Bloom </i>is built around the belief that self-care, storytelling, and mental health matter. Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.</p>episodicMelissa Broughtonmelissa@spadefined.comno<![CDATA[ Why Coincidences Aren't Random in This Wyoming Story]]>A lost cat in a Wyoming blizzard. A devastating cancer diagnosis. A father she hadn’t fully reconnected with. Melissa’s final Season 1 story ties these moments together in a way that may change how you think about coincidence, faith, and the hidden meaning in your own timeline.When Dink, her mom’s orange cat, vanished after being dumped 60 miles into the mountains, everyone assumed the story was over. But months later, on a dark road near Yellowstone, Melissa and her mom see something impossible and what happens next becomes the kind of moment you don’t forget. As the episode unfolds, that single miracle starts to echo through everything else happening in Melissa’s life, from her best friend Kylie’s breast cancer diagnosis to the painful reconnection with her father. This heartfelt story explores grief, resilience, faith, and the possibility that even life’s strangest coincidences may be connected.

Notes and Resources:

Chicken Soup for the Soul

Al-Anon Family Groups

Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous

Buy Cowboy Dad: June Bloom Lavender's Store

Cowboy Dad Audiobook by Melissa Broughton

This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country featuring English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, and skincare products developed by Melissa, a licensed esthetician. The shop is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa’s memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the resident therapy cat and local celebrity. Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.

]]>bc5815c0-cde3-488b-8050-088e808efa94Wed, 23 Sep 2026 01:50:10 GMT<p><b>A lost cat in a Wyoming blizzard. A devastating cancer diagnosis. A father she hadn’t fully reconnected with. Melissa’s final Season 1 story ties these moments together in a way that may change how you think about coincidence, faith, and the hidden meaning in your own timeline.When Dink, her mom’s orange cat, vanished after being dumped 60 miles into the mountains, everyone assumed the story was over. But months later, on a dark road near Yellowstone, Melissa and her mom see something impossible and what happens next becomes the kind of moment you don’t forget. As the episode unfolds, that single miracle starts to echo through everything else happening in Melissa’s life, from her best friend Kylie’s breast cancer diagnosis to the painful reconnection with her father. This heartfelt story explores grief, resilience, faith, and the possibility that even life’s strangest coincidences may be connected.</b></p><p></p><p>Notes and Resources:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.chickensoup.com/" target="_blank">Chicken Soup for the Soul</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://al-anon.org/" target="_blank">Al-Anon Family Groups</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.aa.org/" target="_blank">Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous</a></p><p>Buy Cowboy Dad: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.barn2door.com/junebloomlavender/all" target="_blank">June Bloom Lavender's Store</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Cowboy-Dad-Audiobook/B07V9VKPK8?srsltid=AfmBOopTF30dHT7aHe_Y05_MwjfBRE_8v8geh0L8sf_CbEi77y1ayG2u" target="_blank">Cowboy Dad Audiobook by Melissa Broughton</a></p><p></p><p>This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country featuring English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, and skincare products developed by Melissa, a licensed esthetician. The shop is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa’s memoir <i>Cowboy Dad</i>, and Rico, the resident therapy cat and local celebrity. Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.</p><p></p>no00:44:36112 Why Coincidences Aren't Random in This Wyoming Storyfull<![CDATA[Writing and Self-Publishing Cowboy Dad]]>Melissa answers your questions about how she wrote and self-published her memoir, Cowboy Dad. She shares how she found her editor, why she avoided vanity publishing, and how a chance meeting with Guy Kawasaki led her to publish through Amazon KDP, plus a surprise announcement about what’s next for Cowboy Dad.

Resources mentioned:

Narrative Therapy, Affect & the Body – Re-Authoring Teaching

Division of Narrative Medicine | Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics

Writing Life Stories by Bill Roorbach: 9781582975276 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

Bio | Bill Roorbach

Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo

Guy Kawasaki - Wikipedia

Guy Kawasaki

APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur - Guy Kawasaki

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing: Self-publish your book to Amazon's Kindle Store

Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay - Wikipedia

Considering the Oscar Best Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay Categories - Filmmaker MagazineFilmmaker Magazine

Al-Anon Family Groups

Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous

Buy Cowboy Dad: June Bloom Lavender's Store

Cowboy Dad Audiobook by Melissa Broughton

This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country featuring English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, and skincare products developed by Melissa, a licensed esthetician. The shop is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa’s memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the resident therapy cat and local celebrity. Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.

]]>232a0cd2-6828-471f-bc1d-259005efe11cThu, 03 Sep 2026 13:27:33 GMT<p>Melissa answers your questions about how she wrote and self-published her memoir, <i>Cowboy Dad</i>. She shares how she found her editor, why she avoided vanity publishing, and how a chance meeting with Guy Kawasaki led her to publish through Amazon KDP, plus a surprise announcement about what’s next for Cowboy Dad.</p><p></p><p>Resources mentioned:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://reauthoringteaching.com/narrative-training/ce-courses/new-horizons-nt-affect-body/" target="_blank">Narrative Therapy, Affect &amp; the Body – Re-Authoring Teaching</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mhe.cuimc.columbia.edu/division-narrative-medicine" target="_blank">Division of Narrative Medicine | Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/631049/writing-life-stories-by-bill-roorbach/" target="_blank">Writing Life Stories by Bill Roorbach: 9781582975276 | </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://PenguinRandomHouse.com" target="_blank">PenguinRandomHouse.com</a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/631049/writing-life-stories-by-bill-roorbach/" target="_blank">: Books</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://billroorbach.com/bio/" target="_blank">Bio | Bill Roorbach</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sbfiestarodeo.org/" target="_blank">Fiesta Stock Horse Show &amp; Rodeo</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Kawasaki" target="_blank">Guy Kawasaki - Wikipedia</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://guykawasaki.com/" target="_blank">Guy Kawasaki</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://guykawasaki.com/books/ape-author-publisher-entrepreneur/" target="_blank">APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur - Guy Kawasaki</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/bookshelf" target="_blank">Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing: Self-publish your book to Amazon's Kindle Store</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Adapted_Screenplay" target="_blank">Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay - Wikipedia</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://filmmakermagazine.com/127713-analysis-oscar-2024-best-screenplay-adapted-categories/" target="_blank">Considering the Oscar Best Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay Categories - Filmmaker MagazineFilmmaker Magazine</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://al-anon.org/" target="_blank">Al-Anon Family Groups</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.aa.org/" target="_blank">Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous</a></p><p>Buy Cowboy Dad: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.barn2door.com/junebloomlavender/all" target="_blank">June Bloom Lavender's Store</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Cowboy-Dad-Audiobook/B07V9VKPK8?srsltid=AfmBOopTF30dHT7aHe_Y05_MwjfBRE_8v8geh0L8sf_CbEi77y1ayG2u" target="_blank">Cowboy Dad Audiobook by Melissa Broughton</a></p><p></p><p>This podcast is brought to you by <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://junebloomlavender.com/" target="_blank">June Bloom Lavender</a>, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country featuring English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, and skincare products developed by Melissa, a licensed esthetician. The shop is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa’s memoir <i>Cowboy Dad</i>, and Rico, the resident therapy cat and local celebrity. Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.</p><p></p>no00:48:48111Writing and Self-Publishing Cowboy Dadfull<![CDATA[This Is Not Right: Learning to Advocate for Yourself]]>In episode 10 of Side Note, Melissa explores self-advocacy; why it’s so hard for most people (especially women) and how she developed it through her upbringing as a child of an alcoholic, her natural intuition, and formal mediation and negotiation training at Pepperdine Law School. She shares how those skills culminated in an eight-year class action lawsuit against Pepperdine University after being let go from her MBA recruiter position, a case she ultimately won. She closes by warning that staying silent leads to illness and unaccountability, and challenges listeners to reflect on whether they’ve ever stood up for themselves or had anyone truly stand up for them.

Resources mentioned:

Pepperdine University | Christian University in California

MBA Programs - Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

Pepperdine Caruso School of Law: Your World of Opportunities

Women’s Negotiation Academy | Pepperdine Caruso School of Law

Legal Professional Training and Conferences | Pepperdine Caruso School of Law

Westmont Goes Downtown | Westmont College

Al-Anon Family Groups

Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous

Cowboy Dad Audiobook by Melissa Broughton


Brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California.

The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.

Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.


]]>e59847a0-33a4-4594-a670-e3c9ad46a847Thu, 27 Aug 2026 01:00:00 GMT<p>In episode 10 of Side Note, Melissa explores self-advocacy; why it’s so hard for most people (especially women) and how she developed it through her upbringing as a child of an alcoholic, her natural intuition, and formal mediation and negotiation training at Pepperdine Law School. She shares how those skills culminated in an eight-year class action lawsuit against Pepperdine University after being let go from her MBA recruiter position, a case she ultimately won. She closes by warning that staying silent leads to illness and unaccountability, and challenges listeners to reflect on whether they’ve ever stood up for themselves or had anyone truly stand up for them.</p><p></p><p>Resources mentioned:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.pepperdine.edu/" target="_blank">Pepperdine University | Christian University in California</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bschool.pepperdine.edu/mba-programs/" target="_blank">MBA Programs - Pepperdine Graziadio Business School</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://law.pepperdine.edu/" target="_blank">Pepperdine Caruso School of Law: Your World of Opportunities</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://law.pepperdine.edu/straus/training-and-conferences/womens-negotiation-academy/" target="_blank">Women’s Negotiation Academy | Pepperdine Caruso School of Law</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://law.pepperdine.edu/straus/training-and-conferences/" target="_blank">Legal Professional Training and Conferences | Pepperdine Caruso School of Law</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.westmont.edu/magazine/summer-2015/westmont-goes-downtown" target="_blank">Westmont Goes Downtown | Westmont College</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://al-anon.org/" target="_blank">Al-Anon Family Groups</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.aa.org/" target="_blank">Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Cowboy-Dad-Audiobook/B07V9VKPK8?srsltid=AfmBOopTF30dHT7aHe_Y05_MwjfBRE_8v8geh0L8sf_CbEi77y1ayG2u" target="_blank">Cowboy Dad Audiobook by Melissa Broughton</a></p><p><br /><b>Brought to you by </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.junebloomlavender.com/" target="_blank"><b>June Bloom Lavender,</b></a> a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California.</p><p>The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.</p><p>Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.</p><p><br /></p><p></p>no00:27:30110This Is Not Right: Learning to Advocate for Yourselffull<![CDATA[The Porch Swing Test: 3 Jobs, 100 Rejections, and Getting Sober Before 40]]>Almost 40, working three jobs, and 100 rejection letters deep, Melissa shares how the fear of regret pushed her to self-publish Cowboy Dad, reinvent her career, and finally face her drinking. Plus: The porch swing test, a packed book signing at Chaucer's, and the glass of wine that changed everything.

Brought to you by June Bloom Lavender: 

This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California.

The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.

Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.

Resources Mentioned:

TESOL | Department of Linguistics

Welcome to Addictive Disorders Counseling - Santa Barbara City College

Secretary Kennedy Announces Over $700 Million in New Funding to Address Mental Illness, Addiction, Homelessness | HHS.gov

Five stages of grief - Wikipedia

Al-Anon Family Groups

Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous

Cowboy Dad Audiobook by Melissa Broughton

Memoir Remembers “Cowboy Dad” - The Santa Barbara Independent

June Bloom Lavender's Store

home - enjoy cupcakes

Santa Barbara Public Market | Food Hall, Cooney’s Bar & Events

ELC English Language Center Santa Barbara - Learn English in Santa Barbara

Saudi Arabia to End Ban on Women Drivers

]]>a7258bb6-50ff-4189-9790-ad388531382aTue, 18 Aug 2026 15:31:41 GMT<p>Almost 40, working three jobs, and 100 rejection letters deep, Melissa shares how the fear of regret pushed her to self-publish Cowboy Dad, reinvent her career, and finally face her drinking. Plus: The porch swing test, a packed book signing at Chaucer's, and the glass of wine that changed everything. </p><p></p><p><b>Brought to you by </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.junebloomlavender.com/" target="_blank"><b>June Bloom Lavender</b>:</a> </p><p>This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California.</p><p>The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.</p><p>Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.</p><p></p><p>Resources Mentioned: </p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linguistics.ucsb.edu/undergraduate/tesol" target="_blank">TESOL | Department of Linguistics</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.sbcc.edu/adc/" target="_blank">Welcome to Addictive Disorders Counseling - Santa Barbara City College</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/secretary-kennedy-announces-new-funding-mental-illness-addiction-homelessness.html" target="_blank">Secretary Kennedy Announces Over $700 Million in New Funding to Address Mental Illness, Addiction, Homelessness | </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://HHS.gov" target="_blank">HHS.gov</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_stages_of_grief" target="_blank">Five stages of grief - Wikipedia</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://al-anon.org/" target="_blank">Al-Anon Family Groups</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.aa.org/" target="_blank">Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Cowboy-Dad-Audiobook/B07V9VKPK8?srsltid=AfmBOopTF30dHT7aHe_Y05_MwjfBRE_8v8geh0L8sf_CbEi77y1ayG2u" target="_blank">Cowboy Dad Audiobook by Melissa Broughton</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.independent.com/2015/06/16/memoir-remembers-cowboy-dad/" target="_blank">Memoir Remembers “Cowboy Dad” - The Santa Barbara Independent</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.barn2door.com/junebloomlavender/all/5mDA1?selectedFulfillmentType=shipping&amp;selectedFulfillmentId=1386&amp;isPreferredOption=true" target="_blank">June Bloom Lavender's Store</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://enjoycupcakes.com/" target="_blank">home - enjoy cupcakes</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.sbpublicmarket.com/" target="_blank">Santa Barbara Public Market | Food Hall, Cooney’s Bar &amp; Events</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://elc.edu/locations/santa-barbara/" target="_blank">ELC English Language Center Santa Barbara - Learn English in Santa Barbara</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/saudi-arabia-end-ban-women-drivers-n804921" target="_blank">Saudi Arabia to End Ban on Women Drivers</a></p>no00:35:4519The Porch Swing Test: 3 Jobs, 100 Rejections, and Getting Sober Before 40full<![CDATA[Cowboy Dad and the Decade of Grief]]>Grief can break you open, or it can become your fiercest teacher. Melissa shares the decade that changed everything, tracing how loss, trauma, addiction, and recovery collided in her 30s and forced her to confront what she could no longer outrun.

Resources mentioned:

Five stages of grief - Wikipedia

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Assessing the Evidence - PMC

PTSD | Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families

Al-Anon Family Groups

Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous

Cowboy Dad Audiobook by Melissa Broughton

Memoir Remembers “Cowboy Dad” - The Santa Barbara Independent

June Bloom Lavender's Store

Triple-negative Breast Cancer | American Cancer Society

Counseling & Bereavement Services | Support Healing - Get Started Now — Hospice of Santa Barbara


Brought to you by June Bloom Lavender: 

This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California.

The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.

Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.


]]>aa1766f0-232f-4e9d-9440-90a3490fd993Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:15:00 GMT<p>Grief can break you open, or it can become your fiercest teacher. Melissa shares the decade that changed everything, tracing how loss, trauma, addiction, and recovery collided in her 30s and forced her to confront what she could no longer outrun.</p><p></p><p>Resources mentioned:</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_stages_of_grief" target="_blank">Five stages of grief - Wikipedia</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4396183/" target="_blank">Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Assessing the Evidence - PMC</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://adultchildren.org/resources/ptsd/" target="_blank">PTSD | Adult Children of Alcoholics &amp; Dysfunctional Families</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://al-anon.org/" target="_blank">Al-Anon Family Groups</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.aa.org/" target="_blank">Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Cowboy-Dad-Audiobook/B07V9VKPK8?srsltid=AfmBOopTF30dHT7aHe_Y05_MwjfBRE_8v8geh0L8sf_CbEi77y1ayG2u" target="_blank">Cowboy Dad Audiobook by Melissa Broughton</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.independent.com/2015/06/16/memoir-remembers-cowboy-dad/" target="_blank">Memoir Remembers “Cowboy Dad” - The Santa Barbara Independent</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.barn2door.com/junebloomlavender/all/5mDA1?selectedFulfillmentType=shipping&amp;selectedFulfillmentId=1386&amp;isPreferredOption=true" target="_blank">June Bloom Lavender's Store</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/types-of-breast-cancer/triple-negative.html" target="_blank">Triple-negative Breast Cancer | American Cancer Society</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://hospice-of-sb-setup.squarespace.com/about-counseling-bereavement" target="_blank">Counseling &amp; Bereavement Services | Support Healing - Get Started Now — Hospice of Santa Barbara</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Brought to you by </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.junebloomlavender.com/" target="_blank"><b>June Bloom Lavender</b>:</a> </p><p>This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California.</p><p>The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.</p><p>Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.</p><p><br /></p>no00:38:5218Cowboy Dad and the Decade of Grieffull<![CDATA[Firsts, Failures and First Starts]]>After losing her job post 9/11, Melissa takes another leap, grad school,. From founding a Women's Resource Center to bankruptcy, a repossessed car, and a serendipitous Miata, this episode is about firsts, fresh starts, and reframing weaknesses into strengths.

Brought to you by June Bloom Lavender: 

Resources Mentioned:

Azusa Pacific University | #1 Christian University in California

(1) What Happened to Jennifer Lopez Restaurant Madre’s ??? #jenniferlopez #madres #losangeles #celebrity - YouTube

Students Are the Answer - PeerForward (previously College Summit)

By the Company It Keeps: J.B. Schramm

Janet Reno - Wikipedia

Will Farrell on SNL impersonating Janet Reno

Will Ferrell Regrets 'SNL' Drag Sketches Like Janet Reno

Women, Sex, and Addiction: A Search for Love and Power: Kasl, Charlotte Davis: 9780060973216: Amazon.com: Books

A Tribute to a Strengths Legend: Chip Anderson - Leadership Vision

Strengths Quest: Discover and Develop Your Strengths in Academics, Career, and Beyond: Donald O. Clifton, Edward Chip Anderson, Laurie A. Schreiner: 9781595620118: Amazon.com: Books

Brooks Institute - Wikipedia

After 70 years, Brooks Institute of Photography has closed. As a testament to its legacy I wanted to share this EPK video from one of my best friends graduation piece, one of the final projects from that school. : r/photography

Ernest Brooks Foundation | history

Bureau for Private and Post-Secondary Education - BPPE

]]>24954217-ec9f-4c21-84bc-de3b3d1f7932Thu, 06 Aug 2026 01:11:22 GMT<p>After losing her job post 9/11, Melissa takes another leap, grad school,. From founding a Women's Resource Center to bankruptcy, a repossessed car, and a serendipitous Miata, this episode is about firsts, fresh starts, and reframing weaknesses into strengths.</p><p></p><p><b>Brought to you by </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.junebloomlavender.com/" target="_blank"><b>June Bloom Lavender</b>:</a> </p><p></p><p>Resources Mentioned:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.apu.edu/" target="_blank">Azusa Pacific University | #1 Christian University in California</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6KarzsDJcN8" target="_blank">(1) What Happened to Jennifer Lopez Restaurant Madre’s ??? #jenniferlopez #madres #losangeles #celebrity - YouTube</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.peerforward.org/students-are-the-answer/" target="_blank">Students Are the Answer - PeerForward</a> (previously College Summit)</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/company-it-keeps-jb-schramm" target="_blank">By the Company It Keeps: J.B. Schramm</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Reno" target="_blank">Janet Reno - Wikipedia</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/PbHLsshXv2E?si=ti9L4q-Sic_TYXdh" target="_blank">Will Farrell on SNL impersonating Janet Reno</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/will-ferrell-regrets-snl-drag-sketches-janet-reno-1236139470/" target="_blank">Will Ferrell Regrets 'SNL' Drag Sketches Like Janet Reno</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Women-Sex-Addiction-Search-Power/dp/0060973218" target="_blank">Women, Sex, and Addiction: A Search for Love and Power: Kasl, Charlotte Davis: 9780060973216: </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Amazon.com" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Women-Sex-Addiction-Search-Power/dp/0060973218" target="_blank">: Books</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.leadershipvisionconsulting.com/a-tribute-to-a-strengths-legend-chip-anderson/" target="_blank">A Tribute to a Strengths Legend: Chip Anderson - Leadership Vision</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Strengths-Quest-Discover-Develop-Academics/dp/1595620117" target="_blank">Strengths Quest: Discover and Develop Your Strengths in Academics, Career, and Beyond: Donald O. Clifton, Edward Chip Anderson, Laurie A. Schreiner: 9781595620118: </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Amazon.com" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Strengths-Quest-Discover-Develop-Academics/dp/1595620117" target="_blank">: Books</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooks_Institute" target="_blank">Brooks Institute - Wikipedia</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/comments/4y7fm2/after_70_years_brooks_institute_of_photography/" target="_blank">After 70 years, Brooks Institute of Photography has closed. As a testament to its legacy I wanted to share this EPK video from one of my best friends graduation piece, one of the final projects from that school. : r/photography</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ernestbrooksfoundation.org/history.html" target="_blank">Ernest Brooks Foundation | history</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bppe.ca.gov/" target="_blank">Bureau for Private and Post-Secondary Education - BPPE</a></p>no00:36:37Firsts, Failures and First Startsfull<![CDATA[Headed West]]>Leap of faith to California, working with a cult, working for 2 authors, writing and self-publishing my first book, 9/11, Santa Barbara living and rent, Girls Inc

The Oprah Winfrey Show - Wikipedia

Montecito, California - Wikipedia

The Daily Grind – Santa Barbara Coffee Shop – Santa Barbara Coffee Shop

Jeannine’s Restaurant and Bakery – Jeannine's Bakery

Santa Barbara News-Press

craigslist: santa barbara jobs, apartments, for sale, services, community, and events

Amazon.com: The Little College Handbook eBook : Broughton, Melissa: 

Education Defined Blog and Education Articles by Melissa Broughton

Kate Ludeman, PhD - Worth Ethic

Girls Inc. | Inspiring All Girls to be Strong, Smart & Bold

About Susan Bridges | Tamsen Gallery

September 11 Attacks: Facts, Background & Impact | HISTORY

Home - Laguna Blanca School

Brought to you by June Bloom Lavender: 

This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California.

The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.

Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.

]]>4b577299-9cae-4b67-a4c0-d66d8d36bd9fWed, 29 Jul 2026 03:12:31 GMT<p>Leap of faith to California, working with a cult, working for 2 authors, writing and self-publishing my first book, 9/11, Santa Barbara living and rent, Girls Inc<br /></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Oprah_Winfrey_Show" target="_blank">The Oprah Winfrey Show - Wikipedia</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montecito,_California" target="_blank">Montecito, California - Wikipedia</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.dailygrindsb.com/" target="_blank">The Daily Grind – Santa Barbara Coffee Shop – Santa Barbara Coffee Shop</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://jeannines.com/" target="_blank">Jeannine’s Restaurant and Bakery – Jeannine's Bakery</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.newspress.com/" target="_blank">Santa Barbara News-Press</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.craigslist.org/area/santabarbara" target="_blank">craigslist: santa barbara jobs, apartments, for sale, services, community, and events</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Amazon.com" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-College-Handbook-Melissa-Broughton-ebook/dp/B00HG4TZTA" target="_blank">: The Little College Handbook eBook : Broughton, Melissa: </a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://educationdefined.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Education Defined</a> Blog and Education Articles by Melissa Broughton</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://worthethic.com/kate-ludeman-phd/" target="_blank">Kate Ludeman, PhD - Worth Ethic</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.girlsinc.org/" target="_blank">Girls Inc. | Inspiring All Girls to be Strong, Smart &amp; Bold</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tamsengallery.com/susan-bridges/" target="_blank">About Susan Bridges | Tamsen Gallery</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.history.com/articles/9-11-attacks" target="_blank">September 11 Attacks: Facts, Background &amp; Impact | HISTORY</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.lagunablanca.org/" target="_blank">Home - Laguna Blanca School</a></p><p></p><p><b>Brought to you by </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.junebloomlavender.com/" target="_blank"><b>June Bloom Lavender</b>:</a> </p><p>This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California.</p><p>The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.</p><p>Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.</p>no01:08:3516Headed Westfull<![CDATA[From Cowboy Roots to College Dreams: A First-Gen Journey]]>Peeing in a Folgers can. Purple irises outside a trailer home window. Chocolate for dinner. The smell of Apple Jolly Ranchers on the morning commute. And $100,000 in student loan debt.

Melissa, lavender farmer, ranch kid, and the first in her family to graduate high school asks whether college was worth it. Raised by a cowboy and a waitress in a one-stoplight Colorado town, she navigates FAFSA with zero help, bombs the interview that changes her life, gets told she’s got “a pretty face, just pick something else,” and survives heartbreak that reawakens a childhood California dream. This is what chasing the college dream looks like when nobody’s shown you the way.

Mentioned Resources:

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum

Flying W Ranch

Colorado State University

Colorado Mesa University

University of Colorado Boulder

CESDA Diversity Scholarships

FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid

Teen Corner (Alateen) - Al-Anon Family Groups

Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous

Adult Children of Alcoholics Anonymous

Brought to you by June Bloom Lavender: 

This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California.

The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.

Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.

]]>15555dac-8905-4197-bea6-6e84ced0347dWed, 22 Jul 2026 05:05:13 GMT<p>Peeing in a Folgers can. Purple irises outside a trailer home window. Chocolate for dinner. The smell of Apple Jolly Ranchers on the morning commute. And $100,000 in student loan debt.</p><p></p><p>Melissa, lavender farmer, ranch kid, and the first in her family to graduate high school asks whether college was worth it. Raised by a cowboy and a waitress in a one-stoplight Colorado town, she navigates FAFSA with zero help, bombs the interview that changes her life, gets told she’s got “a pretty face, just pick something else,” and survives heartbreak that reawakens a childhood California dream. This is what chasing the college dream looks like when nobody’s shown you the way.</p><p></p><p>Mentioned Resources:</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/56955/all-i-really-need-to-know-i-learned-in-kindergarten-by-robert-fulghum/" target="_blank">All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://flyingw.com/tickets/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23905743075&amp;gbraid=0AAAABAP3LF661JstSZKJtYJE40ms-ne8I&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw6_HSBhCpARIsANvVltZ3VnbgTDvSOLyALfcQxNnPDWTWmatTjAJrsC-vUb0FWhhw0UcRU7QaAppWEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Flying W Ranch</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank">Colorado State University</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.coloradomesa.edu/index.html" target="_blank">Colorado Mesa University</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank">University of Colorado Boulder</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://accessscholarships.com/scholarship/cesda-diversity-scholarships/" target="_blank">CESDA Diversity Scholarships</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa" target="_blank">FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://al-anon.org/newcomers/teen-corner-alateen/" target="_blank">Teen Corner (Alateen) - Al-Anon Family Groups</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.aa.org/" target="_blank">Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.adultchildren.org/" target="_blank">Adult Children of Alcoholics Anonymous</a></p><p></p><p><b>Brought to you by </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.junebloomlavender.com/" target="_blank"><b>June Bloom Lavender</b>:</a> </p><p>This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California.</p><p>The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.</p><p>Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.</p>no01:09:4315From Cowboy Roots to College Dreams: A First-Gen Journeyfull<![CDATA[How Losing My Job Led to Skin Cancer and an Unexpected Life Transformation]]>Melissa continues her esthetician story: reviewing spas on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, teaching skin physiology in Santa Barbara, and leading spa-writing retreats in Ecuador. Then came bullying, a layoff, and a skin cancer diagnosis and the unexpected gift that followed: writing Cowboy Dad. Don’t kill the messenger.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Le Sirenuse - Hotel in Positano - Amalfi Coast, Italy

J.K. Place Capri - Luxury 5-star hotel in Capri

Melissa in Tuscany

Welcome to Cosmetology - Santa Barbara City College

Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals | Milady

Pivot Point International - Your Trusted Education Partner #LearnForward

Jack O'Connell (American politician) - Wikipedia

Jazz Z Beauty and Barber Supply | Los Angeles, California

Start Your Career as a Beauty Professional | Lu Ross Academy

DNA Skin Institute™

Santa Barbara Aesthetics Academy Opens - The Santa Barbara Independent

mirage-experiences - lamiragehotel

Santa Barbara Skin Institute - SB Skin

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Book: Cowboy Dad by Melissa Broughton

Brought to you by June Bloom Lavender: 

This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California.

The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.

Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.

]]>908bdf15-cd87-4678-9565-097d23d70c5aTue, 14 Jul 2026 18:06:45 GMT<p>Melissa continues her esthetician story: reviewing spas on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, teaching skin physiology in Santa Barbara, and leading spa-writing retreats in Ecuador. Then came bullying, a layoff, and a skin cancer diagnosis and the unexpected gift that followed: writing Cowboy Dad. Don’t kill the messenger.</p><p></p><p>Resources mentioned in this episode:</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sirenuse.it/en/" target="_blank">Le Sirenuse - Hotel in Positano - Amalfi Coast, Italy</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jkplaces.com/jkcapri/" target="_blank">J.K. Place Capri - Luxury 5-star hotel in Capri</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://melissaintuscany.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Melissa in Tuscany</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.sbcc.edu/cosmetology/" target="_blank">Welcome to Cosmetology - Santa Barbara City College</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.milady.com/catalog/milady-standard-esthetics-fundamentals" target="_blank">Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals | Milady</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.pivot-point.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq9w_yq_1m8ghhdncnCU1wPFow5ynQTKB0FsQvKVQ1WCzR3Z6Zq" target="_blank">Pivot Point International - Your Trusted Education Partner #LearnForward</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_O%27Connell_(American_politician)" target="_blank">Jack O'Connell (American politician) - Wikipedia</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://jzbeauty.com/" target="_blank">Jazz Z Beauty and Barber Supply | Los Angeles, California</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.lurossacademy.com/" target="_blank">Start Your Career as a Beauty Professional | Lu Ross Academy</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.dnaskin.com/" target="_blank">DNA Skin Institute™</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.independent.com/2012/02/02/santa-barbara-aesthetics-academy-opens/" target="_blank">Santa Barbara Aesthetics Academy Opens - The Santa Barbara Independent</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mirage.com.ec/" target="_blank">mirage-experiences - lamiragehotel</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.sbskin.com/" target="_blank">Santa Barbara Skin Institute - SB Skin</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/" target="_blank">Squamous Cell Carcinoma</a></p><p></p><p>Book: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Dad-Love-Alcoholism-Dying/dp/1511901497" target="_blank">Cowboy Dad by Melissa Broughton</a></p><p></p><p><b>Brought to you by </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.junebloomlavender.com/" target="_blank"><b>June Bloom Lavender</b>:</a>  </p><p>This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California.</p><p>The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.</p><p> Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.</p>no01:00:3714How Losing My Job Led to Skin Cancer and an Unexpected Life Transformationbonus<![CDATA[What do you want to be when you grow up? Dreamy Gigs in Dreamy Places: Creating my own dream job]]>What if losing your job led to the best decision of your life? Melissa Broughton shares how a spontaneous trip to Italy, a leap into aesthetician training, and a fearless mindset turned an unexpected detour into a global spa career. It’s a story about reinvention, risk, and the surprising power of saying yes to the unknown.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Everything Santa Barbara, www.santabarbara.com

Meet The Restaurant Guy - The Santa Barbara Independent

Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine: A Journey of Inspiration and Love | Acupuncture Today

www.spasofamerica.com

Ojai Valley Inn | Official Site

Offers - Lake Austin Spa Resort

American Spa Homepage | American Spa

Discover Spas Near You with the Spafinder Wellness Gift Card

Mii amo | Sedona Arizona Spa Resort | Wellness Journeys

WHO WE ARE - broughtonHOTELS

Spa Defined Blog

Learn Italian in Siena - Saena Iulia School

Melissa in Tuscany

Terme Di Saturnia, Spa E Golf Resort Con Terme In Toscana

Santa Monica Resort | Luxury Hotel | Shutters on the Beach

Terme di Chianciano Benessere e Spa in Toscana

Four Seasons

This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California. More than a gift shop, June Bloom is built around the belief that self-care, storytelling, and mental health matter. Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.

]]>0b61866a-bdc4-4872-9b08-f31e621f0b73Wed, 08 Jul 2026 02:30:13 GMT<p>What if losing your job led to the best decision of your life? Melissa Broughton shares how a spontaneous trip to Italy, a leap into aesthetician training, and a fearless mindset turned an unexpected detour into a global spa career. It’s a story about reinvention, risk, and the surprising power of saying yes to the unknown.</p><p></p><p>Resources mentioned in this episode:</p><p></p><p>Everything Santa Barbara, <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.santabarbara.com" target="_blank">www.santabarbara.com</a></p><p>Meet The Restaurant Guy - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.independent.com/2012/12/09/meet-restaurant-guy/" target="_blank">The Santa Barbara Independent</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://acupuncturetoday.com/article/31452-santa-barbara-college-of-oriental-medicine-a-journey-of-inspiration-and-love" target="_blank">Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine: A Journey of Inspiration and Love | </a>Acupuncture Today</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.spasofamerica.com" target="_blank">www.spasofamerica.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ojaivalleyinn.com" target="_blank">Ojai Valley Inn | Official Site</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.lakeaustin.com/resort/offers/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22130583595&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADzX5LFdQAKcCje5TqgruLy6kP74D&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwx7LSBhB3EiwAjcodxNXurV2l_uPgN--FlHhFW7fcVS3LexTcWOoxYTBO5KaMnrNCTeHTIhoCazcQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Offers - Lake Austin Spa Resort</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.americanspa.com" target="_blank">American Spa Homepage | American Spa</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.spafinder.com" target="_blank">Discover Spas Near You with the Spafinder Wellness Gift Card</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://miiamo.com" target="_blank">Mii amo | Sedona Arizona Spa Resort | Wellness Journeys</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://broughtonhotels.com/who-we-are/" target="_blank">WHO WE ARE - broughtonHOTELS</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spadefined.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Spa Defined Blog</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.saenaiulia.it" target="_blank">Learn Italian in Siena - Saena Iulia School</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://melissaintuscany.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Melissa in Tuscany</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.termedisaturnia.it" target="_blank">Terme Di Saturnia, Spa E Golf Resort Con Terme In Toscana</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.shuttersonthebeach.com/" target="_blank">Santa Monica Resort | Luxury Hotel | Shutters on the Beach</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://termechianciano.it/" target="_blank">Terme di Chianciano Benessere e Spa in Toscana</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage/spa/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=organicsearch&amp;utm_campaign=tor-wes-spa-mid-seo-na&amp;utm_content=na-na&amp;utm_term=na" target="_blank">Four Seasons</a></p><p></p><p>This podcast is brought to you by <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.junebloomlavender.com/" target="_blank">June Bloom Lavender</a>, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California. More than a gift shop, June Bloom is built around the belief that self-care, storytelling, and mental health matter. Whether you come for the lavender, the stories, or a visit with Rico, June Bloom offers a place to pause, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.</p>no00:37:2914What do you want to be when you grow up? Dreamy Gigs in Dreamy Places: Creating my own dream jobfull<![CDATA[Why I Don't Grow Lavender in Texas...]]>Why I don't grow lavender in Texas:  California (climate and soil) spoiled me, I don't have the skills to farm lavender in Texas, Every good woman has a back-up plan, more lavender is not better,  and Flower and Mexican Food tangents (wait for it...at the end in Q and A)

Resources mentioned:

The Unlikely Lavender Queen, A memoir written by Jeannie Ralston, the original owner of Hill Country Lavender, founder of the Lavender Festival in Blanco

Sequim Lavender — Lavender Capital of North America | Farms, Festival & More

Leander Lavender

Blanco Lavender Festival

Los Poblanos Inn & Organic Farm | Los Poblanos

Arnosky Family Farms, Texas' Premier Cut Flower Farm and Garden, Texas Hill Country, Blanco

Texas Lavender Farms:

Steve (Sunrise Shores), Canyon Lake

Luling Lavender Fields | Home | Texas Lavender Farm

Cypress Creek Lavender Farm, Wimberely

Two Acres, Fischer

Lavender Farm | Chappell Hill Lavender Farm | Brenham

Lavender Ridge Farms, Gainsville

Doe-Re-Mi Lavender Farm Yancey 

Becker Lavender – Becker Vineyards, Fredericksburg

The Farm – Hummingbird Farms Store, Fredericksburg

Hill Country Lavender, Blanco

Brought to you by June Bloom Lavender:  This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California.

The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.

]]>f0c805c2-6653-4fe4-8adc-6f92ec88d7fdWed, 01 Jul 2026 03:19:57 GMT<p>Why I don't grow lavender in Texas:  California (climate and soil) spoiled me, I don't have the skills to farm lavender in Texas, Every good woman has a back-up plan, more lavender is not better,  and Flower and Mexican Food tangents (wait for it...at the end in Q and A)</p><p></p><p><b>Resources mentioned:</b></p><p></p><p><b><i>The Unlikely Lavender Queen</i></b>, A memoir written by Jeannie Ralston, the original owner of Hill Country Lavender, founder of the Lavender Festival in Blanco</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://lavenderfestival.com/" target="_blank">Sequim Lavender — Lavender Capital of North America | Farms, Festival &amp; More</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.leanderlavender.com/" target="_blank">Leander Lavender</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.blancolavenderfest.com/" target="_blank">Blanco Lavender Festival</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://lospoblanos.com/" target="_blank">Los Poblanos Inn &amp; Organic Farm | Los Poblanos</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://texascolor.com/" target="_blank">Arnosky Family Farms, Texas' Premier Cut Flower Farm and Garden, Texas Hill Country</a>, Blanco</p><p>Texas Lavender Farms:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Sunrise-Shores-Honey-and-Lavender-LLC-61564017937372/" target="_blank">Steve (Sunrise Shores), Canyon Lake</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.lulinglavenderfields.com/" target="_blank">Luling Lavender Fields | Home | Texas Lavender Farm</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cypresscreeklavender.com/" target="_blank">Cypress Creek Lavender Farm, Wimberely</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.twoacrestx.com/" target="_blank">Two Acres, Fischer</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.chappellhilllavender.com/" target="_blank">Lavender Farm | Chappell Hill Lavender Farm | Brenham</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.lavenderridgefarms.com/" target="_blank">Lavender Ridge Farms</a>, Gainsville</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://doeremilavender.com/" target="_blank">Doe-Re-Mi Lavender Farm </a>Yancey </p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://beckervineyards.com/pages/becker-lavender" target="_blank">Becker Lavender – Becker Vineyards</a>, Fredericksburg</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://hummingbird-farms.com/pages/the-farm" target="_blank">The Farm – Hummingbird Farms Store</a>, Fredericksburg</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.hillcountrylavender.com/" target="_blank">Hill Country Lavender</a>, Blanco</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Brought to you by </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.junebloomlavender.com/" target="_blank"><b>June Bloom Lavender</b></a>:  This podcast is brought to you by June Bloom Lavender, a lavender speakeasy in the Texas Hill Country. June Bloom specializes in handcrafted lavender gifts and a premium skincare line made with lavender harvested each summer by owner Melissa Broughton in Santa Barbara County, California.</p><p>The shop features English and French lavender bundles, sachets, candles, eye pillows, greeting cards, and skincare products developed by Melissa, who is also a licensed esthetician. June Bloom is home to the popular Lavender Bunny Fidget Sensory Sachet, Melissa's memoir Cowboy Dad, and Rico, the store's resident therapy cat and local celebrity, known for bringing comfort to visitors.</p><p></p>no00:54:2213Why I Don't Grow Lavender in Texas...full<![CDATA[ From CA to TX: Elephant in the Room, Family and God]]>Having a love affair with California and breaking up, Secret trips to Texas, Talking like a Californian, Elephants in the room, Hallmark movies, Group therapy in my store, Pondering

References mentioned or notable for this episode:

Cowboy Dad

The Garden Shoppe in Lompoc

An Elephant in the Living Room: a book for children and adult children of alcoholics,

ExploreJCTX

Lights Spectacular Johnson City,

Wildflower Festival Johnson City

]]>c9756477-c4f9-43d8-bc30-590d7c8b7b54Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:04:31 GMT<p>Having a love affair with California and breaking up, Secret trips to Texas, Talking like a Californian, Elephants in the room, Hallmark movies, Group therapy in my store, Pondering</p><p></p><p>References mentioned or notable for this episode:</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.barn2door.com/junebloomlavender/all/5mDA1" target="_blank">Cowboy Dad</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thegardenshoppelompoc.com" target="_blank">The Garden Shoppe in Lompoc</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Elephant-Living-Room-Childrens-Book/dp/1568380356" target="_blank">An Elephant in the Living Room: a book for children and adult children of alcoholics,</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://explorejctx.com" target="_blank">ExploreJCTX</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://lightsspectacular.com" target="_blank">Lights Spectacular Johnson City,</a></p><p>Wildflower Festival Johnson City</p>no00:39:5612 From CA to TX: Elephant in the Room, Family and Godfull<![CDATA[How I "Became" Lavender Farmer]]>How I "Became" a Lavender Farmer

No, this is not a gardening tutorial.

A rambling tale involving unexpected connections, a few wrong turns, chance encounters, unlikely opportunities, and the strange chain of events that led me to a lavender field.

Along the way we discuss the migration from "you guys" "ya'll" God, grit, hard work, meth, marijuana, lavender, the difference between luck and providence, and why the people you meet may be shaping your future more than you realize.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

June Bloom Lavender

www.junebloomlavender.com

United States Lavender Growers Association (USLGA)

www.uslavender.org

Growing Lavender Certificate Course

Michigan State University Extension

Growing Lavender (online, self-paced certificate course)

www.canr.msu.edu/growinglavender/

Credits & Thanks

Moon Lab Studios, Podcast Production

June Bloom Lavender Logo Design

Erin Pata, Butterbean Studios

June Bloom Lavender Labels & Packaging

Rodrigo Aguilar, HudioWorks

With gratitude to:

  •  Kayla Feder Perez
  •  Jose Banuelos
  •  Martha's Farm Animal Sanctuary
]]>80b7b187-2ff6-43b5-976a-89edf506abebTue, 16 Jun 2026 18:11:51 GMT<p>How I "Became" a Lavender Farmer</p><p>No, this is not a gardening tutorial.</p><p>A rambling tale involving unexpected connections, a few wrong turns, chance encounters, unlikely opportunities, and the strange chain of events that led me to a lavender field.</p><p>Along the way we discuss the migration from "you guys" "ya'll" God, grit, hard work, meth, marijuana, lavender, the difference between luck and providence, and why the people you meet may be shaping your future more than you realize.</p><p></p><p>Resources Mentioned in This Episode:</p><p></p><p><b>June Bloom Lavender</b></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.junebloomlavender.com" target="_blank">www.junebloomlavender.com</a></p><p><b>United States Lavender Growers Association (USLGA)</b></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.uslavender.org" target="_blank">www.uslavender.org</a></p><p><b><i>Growing Lavender Certificate Course</i></b></p><p><b>Michigan State University Extension</b></p><p><i>Growing Lavender (online, self-paced certificate course)</i></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.canr.msu.edu/growinglavender/" target="_blank">www.canr.msu.edu/growinglavender/</a></p><p></p><p><i>Credits &amp; Thanks</i></p><p></p><p>Moon Lab Studios, Podcast Production</p><p>June Bloom Lavender Logo Design</p><p>Erin Pata, Butterbean Studios</p><p>June Bloom Lavender Labels &amp; Packaging</p><p>Rodrigo Aguilar, HudioWorks</p><p></p><p>With gratitude to:</p><ul><li> Kayla Feder Perez</li><li> Jose Banuelos</li><li> Martha's Farm Animal Sanctuary</li></ul>no00:33:5111How I "Became" Lavender Farmerfull