The Hats Podcast

Hosted by Kerri & Melissa

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Episodes

206

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

The Hats Podcast is for anyone who wears many hats - mom, friend, business owner, athlete, sister, traveler, fashionista, doctor, etc. - and wants tips on how to balance their hats with style and grace! This show offers listeners personal stories from hosts Melissa Dumaz, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Kerri Harper-Howie, an attorney and business owner, as well as tips for how they balance the many hats they wear. Join Melissa and Kerri for a fun and funny few minutes and learn a little something along the way!

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June 10, 2026Episode 20225 min

202: The Small Talk Hat

Small talk. Argh, right?! Most of us do it. Many of us dislike it. Yet somehow, it remains one of the most important social skills we use in our personal and professional lives. Small talk is a bridge that helps people move from strangers to genuine connection. So, let's talk about small talk: how to make it easier and do it better. Melissa shares why small talk can create anxiety for her as a therapist who spends her days having deep, emotionally meaningful conversations. Kerri reflects on how her career as an attorney has helped her become skilled at asking questions, building rapport, and navigating conversations in virtually any room. Together, they explore the purpose of small talk, why it matters, how it can open the door to deeper relationships, and practical ways to make it feel more authentic and less awkward. Whether you're attending networking events, meeting new people, reconnecting with old friends, or simply trying to feel more confident in social settings, this conversation offers practical insights that can help you approach small talk with greater ease and intention. In This Episode: Why small talk exists and the important role it plays in building connection The difference between small talk and meaningful conversation Melissa's experience with small talk anxiety and why surface-level conversations can feel challenging How Kerri learned to navigate conversations through her work as an attorney The value of finding shared humanity when meeting new people Why silence doesn't always need to be filled Practical strategies for starting conversations in networking and social settings How compliments can become authentic conversation starters The importance of asking questions you are genuinely curious about Why people often enjoy talking about themselves and how to listen well Signature questions that can help create more natural conversations How small talk can lead to deeper relationships, opportunities, and community Connect with The Hats Podcast Send an email: info@thehatspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHatsPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheHatsPodcast Connect with Kerri Harper-Howie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerriharperhowie/ Check out Kerri's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0D9TYFW6N Connect with Melissa Dumaz: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadumaz/ Website: https://www.melissadumaz.com/

June 3, 2026Episode 20135 min

201: The Lifelong Learner Hat

In this episode of The Hats Podcast, co-hosts Melissa Dumaz and Kerri Harper-Howie explore the Lifelong Learner Hat and why continuous growth is essential for anyone looking to level up personally and professionally. As part of the Boss Bitch Season, Melissa and Kerri discuss how lifelong learning extends far beyond classrooms, certifications, and formal education. It includes learning through life experiences, relationships, challenges, mistakes, therapy, business ventures, and self-reflection. They share personal stories about the lessons they've learned, the beliefs they've had to unlearn, and how staying curious has helped them evolve into stronger leaders, partners, parents, and professionals. The conversation also dives into the practical realities of making space for growth when life is already busy. From setting boundaries and prioritising learning on your calendar to advocating for professional development and embracing vulnerability, Melissa and Kerri offer actionable insights for anyone who wants to continue growing at any stage of life. Whether you already consider yourself a lifelong learner or you're just beginning your journey of personal and professional development, this episode is a reminder that it's never too late to learn something new or unlearn something that no longer serves you. In This Episode: Why the Lifelong Learner Hat is a key part of the Boss Bitch Season What it truly means to be a lifelong learner The connection between ambition, growth, and continuous learning How Melissa and Kerri intentionally create space for learning Why learning doesn't stop after school or professional certifications The importance of self-awareness and personal development Lessons Melissa learned from building a podcast and growing her therapy practice How Kerri prioritises learning through strategic scheduling and boundaries The difference between learning and unlearning Kerri's powerful realization that love is not transactional Melissa's journey of unlearning over-giving and strengthening boundaries Why communication is essential when growth changes your relationships How to protect your curiosity and commitment to learning Free and accessible ways to continue learning at any stage of life Connect with The Hats Podcast Send an email: info@thehatspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHatsPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheHatsPodcast Connect with Kerri Harper-Howie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerriharperhowie/ Check out Kerri's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0D9TYFW6N Connect with Melissa Dumaz: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadumaz/ Website: https://www.melissadumaz.com/

May 27, 2026Episode 20029 min

200: Welcome to the Boss Bitch Season

The Hats Podcast is back for Season 9! We are bigger, bolder, and brighter than ever. In fact, we are coming back in full Boss Bitch mode! In this season opener, hosts Melissa Dumaz and Kerri Harper-Howie officially introduce the "Boss Bitch Season" - a season focused on elevation, expansion, leadership, reinvention, and what it truly means to step into your next level personally and professionally. And, surprise: The Hats Podcast is launching a YouTube video version of its podcast! Yes, episodes will continue to be available via our usual audio channels. In conversation, Melissa and Kerri open up about entering their "second life", leaving behind what no longer serves them, and stepping fully into the work, opportunities, and impact they feel called toward. They share honest reflections about ambition, imposter syndrome, innovation, professional growth, wellness, branding, entrepreneurship, and learning how to think bigger without losing authenticity along the way. The episode also gives listeners a preview of what's coming this season. In This Episode: Why Season 9 is called the "Boss Bitch Season" The launch of The Hats Podcast video experience Melissa and Kerri's current season of personal and professional growth The mindset shift from survival mode to expansion Why branding matters more than ever The importance of failing fast in business How AI is changing the future of entrepreneurship Melissa's vision for expanding wellness beyond the therapy office Kerri's public speaking goals and journey toward self-innovation Why visibility, impact, and community matter in this next chapter Connect with The Hats Podcast Send an email: thehatspodcast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHatsPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheHatsPodcast Connect with Kerri Harper-Howie: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kerriharperhowie/ Check out Kerri's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0D9TYFW6N Connect with Melissa Dumaz: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadumaz/ Website: https://www.melissadumaz.com/

January 22, 2025Episode 19935 min

199. What the Guys Said About Season 8

Season 8 was different than all the others. So, we had to mix things up for our closing episodes as well. Episode 198 was all about the highs and lows of Season 8 from co-host Melissa and Kerri's perspectives. This final episode of Season 8 is how their husbands, Khalel and Sanford, felt being on the hot seat all season long. Listen in to see how it went for them. Connect with us: Facebook Twitter Instagram thehatspodcast@gmail.com Thank you for listening! We tip our hats to you!

January 15, 2025Episode 19829 min

198. She Said, He Said, We Said IT ALL ...

Well, maybe we didn't say everything - impossible, right? But, we talked about fatherhood, sex, layoffs, dates, being black men and so many other things. Listen to co-hosts Kerri and Melissa wrap up season 8 and our favorite moments from this unique season with our husbands as our only guests. Connect with us: Facebook Twitter Instagram thehatspodcast@gmail.com Thank you for listening! We tip our hats to you!

January 8, 2025Episode 19747 min

197. The Work/Life Balance Hat - He Said

Men balance life differently than women ... at least our husbands, Khalel and Sanford, do. They even see the need to balance through a different lense. So, co-hosts Kerri & Melissa thought the Hatters could benefit from hearing how they balance their busy lives and careers with our busy lives and careers. They shared some insights even we had not thought of. Listen in so you can get them too! Connect with us: Facebook Twitter Instagram thehatspodcast@gmail.com Thank you for listening! We tip our hats to you!

December 4, 2024Episode 19649 min

196. The Good Gift Giving Hat

You've made it through Black Friday (which is not a full week!) and Cyber Monday. So, you may already have gotten all the gifts you will purchase this holiday season. But, if you are still trying to figure out the perfect gift for that last person on your list, this is the episode for you. Co-hosts Melissa and Kerri share some best bets on how to be a thoughtful gift giver, and how to gingerly receive gifts that may not suit your tastes! Connect with us: Facebook Twitter Instagram thehatspodcast@gmail.com Thank you for listening! We tip our hats to you!

November 20, 2024Episode 19548 min

195. The Romance Hat

"Turn off the lights! And, come closer." Yes! Barry White invokes the romance in all of us. Listen in to this episode where Kerri and Melissa welcome their husbands Sanford and Khalel to talk about how to keep the romance alive in relationships ... even when it seems impossible! Connect with us: Facebook Twitter Instagram thehatspodcast@gmail.com Thank you for listening! We tip our hats to you!

November 13, 2024Episode 19446 min

194. The Black Man Hat

After George Floyd died, co-hosts Kerri and Melissa felt compelled to record The Black Woman Hat. It is one of the shows most listened-to episodes of all time, and for sure one of the most emotionally raw. On this episode, the co-hosts welcome their husbands to share about being Black men in America - the ups, downs, stereotypes and everything in between. If you've ever wanted real and authentic insight on what it's like to be a Black man in America, this is a must-listen-to episode! Connect with us: Facebook Twitter Instagram thehatspodcast@gmail.com Thank you for listening! We tip our hats to you!

October 30, 2024Episode 19333 min

193. The Hobby Hat

In our busy lives, having a hobby becomes vital. Hobbies decrease stress, increse confidence and can expand your horizons. Explore this topic with co-hosts Melissa and Kerri who talk about their hobbies and give you tools and tips that will allow you to incorporate satisfying and fulfilling hobbies into your already hectic lives. Connect with us: Facebook Twitter Instagram thehatspodcast@gmail.com Thank you for listening! We tip our hats to you!