The Hats Podcast

Hosted by Kerri & Melissa

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226

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Oct 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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November 4, 2026Episode 22346 min

223: The Professional Associations Hat with LaVada English

How can joining the right professional association help you grow your career, strengthen your business, and enter rooms you may not reach alone? In this episode of The Hats Podcast , Melissa Dumaz and Kerri Harper-Howie welcome leadership educator, executive coach, entrepreneur, and community builder LaVada English for an honest conversation about wearing the Professional Associations Hat. LaVada is the president of the National Association of Women Business Owners Los Angeles, founder and CEO of Bright Places, and co-founder of the National Association of Women in AI. With more than 20 years of experience in leadership development, workplace culture, emotional intelligence, communication, and human behavior, she understands the power of bringing people together around a shared mission. LaVada explains why professional associations offer more than networking opportunities. The right organization can provide education, mentorship, advocacy, credibility, meaningful relationships, business opportunities, and access to people who understand the challenges you are navigating. Together, Melissa, Kerri, and LaVada discuss why community is essential for professional growth and why women should feel comfortable being honest about their financial goals. Building relationships, pursuing opportunities, and increasing your income can also create greater capacity to serve, invest, and make an impact. They also explore the unique value of women-focused organizations while emphasizing the importance of joining communities outside your immediate industry, identity, or comfort zone. Different associations provide different perspectives, information, and opportunities—and diversifying your network can be just as valuable as diversifying your income. In this episode, you'll learn: Why professional growth happens more effectively in community How associations can create opportunities, credibility, and economic growth Why showing up consistently helps people know, trust, and recommend you The value of having someone speak your name in a room you are not in Why women-focused professional spaces offer important support and shared understanding LaVada reminds listeners that simply paying dues and adding an organization to a résumé or LinkedIn profile is not enough. The real value comes from showing up, building relationships, contributing your skills, and taking advantage of the opportunities available within the community. Before joining an association, understand what you want, research its mission and values, and decide how involved you are prepared to become. The right professional community should allow you to contribute, learn, build meaningful relationships, and move closer to your personal and professional goals. Tune in to learn how to choose the right associations, build an intentional network, and go farther through the power of community. Connect with LaVada English Website: https://www.thewomeninai.com/ https://brgtplaces.com/ 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/

October 28, 2026Episode 20646 min

222: The Legacy Hat with Charisse Bremond Weaver

What are you creating today that will continue making a difference long after you are gone? In this episode of The Hats Podcast, Melissa Dumas and Kerri Harper-Howie put on the Legacy Hat with Charisse Bremond Weaver, President and CEO of Brotherhood Crusade, for a powerful conversation about service, leadership, community, and creating an impact that reaches beyond personal success. Charisse shares how growing up in a home centered around service shaped her understanding of legacy. Her late father, Walter Bremond, and her mother modeled generosity, education, and a deep commitment to the community. After her father passed away when she was 18, Charisse realized that her purpose was to continue serving others and carrying his vision forward. She also reflects on becoming a second-generation leader and the responsibility of honoring what came before her while building something new. Under her leadership, Brotherhood Crusade expanded its work through trauma-informed youth development, community partnerships, advocacy, and programs that give young people access to opportunities they may never have imagined for themselves. Charisse reminds us that legacy is not about money, recognition, social media attention, or going viral. It is about discovering your gifts, serving with integrity, creating opportunities for others, and consistently offering your best. In this episode, you'll learn: How family, mentors, and community can shape your legacy Why legacy should be rooted in purpose rather than recognition How Charisse continued the work of her father while creating her own leadership path Why writing down your vision can help turn an idea into lasting impact How trauma-informed programs help young people lead from a place of healing Charisse also offers a practical place to begin: write down what you want your legacy to look like over the next six months, then consider what you hope to build over the next one to five years. Melissa and Kerri add that creating a legacy also requires quiet reflection. Whether through prayer, meditation, or journaling, making space to listen can help you recognize what you are being called to create, continue, or change. Legacy does not have to be the biggest or most visible accomplishment. It may be a business, a book, a podcast, a community program, a lesson shared, or the way you care for your family. You are already creating it. Put on your Legacy Hat and tune in for an inspiring conversation about honoring the people who poured into you, embracing your purpose, and creating opportunities for the generations coming behind you. 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/

October 14, 2026Episode 22042 min

220: The Book Publishing Hat with Brooke-Sidney Harbour

Writing the first draft is only the beginning. How do you turn those words into a polished book that connects with the right audience, strengthens your brand, and creates a lasting legacy? In this episode of The Hats Podcast, Melissa Dumas and Kerri Harper-Howie welcome author, attorney, journalist, editor, and book development expert Brooke-Sidney Harbour to discuss The Book Publishing Hat. Brooke Sidney is the founder of The Soul Story Agency, a luxury book development and ghostwriting firm that helps leaders, experts, and visionaries transform their ideas and lived experiences into meaningful books. She is also the host of The Soul Story Show, where she explores the deeper stories behind success, transformation, and authorship. Together, they unpack what happens after the first draft, why every author needs support, and how the editing and publishing process can develop not only your book but also your voice, confidence, authority, and personal brand. Brooke-Sidney explains why a first draft is not yet a finished book and why developmental editing is one of the most important and frequently overlooked steps in self-publishing. Unlike copyediting or proofreading, developmental editing examines the book's structure, message, audience, characters, and overall promise to the reader. They also discuss the courage required to share part of yourself publicly and how the journey from writer to published author can become a transformative experience of its own. In this episode, you'll learn: What separates aspiring writers from those who successfully publish Why passion, support, and a desire to serve others are essential The difference between developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading Why your first draft is the starting point, not the finished book How to identify the specific reader your book is meant to help Whether your book is still an idea, sitting unfinished on your computer, or ready for professional editing, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to move from writing to publishing. Your story may begin with you, but its greatest impact comes from how it helps someone else move forward. Put on The Book Publishing Hat and discover how the right support can help you transform your ideas into a book that creates impact, builds authority, and preserves your legacy. Connect with Brooke-Sidney Harbour: Website: https://brookesidneybooks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrookesidney/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brookesidney 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/

October 8, 2026Episode 21944 min

219: The Author Hat

Do you have a story inside you but keep wondering whether it is worth sharing or where you would even begin? In this episode of The Hats Podcast, Melissa Dumas and Kerri Harper-Howie put on The Author Hat and share the personal journeys behind writing and publishing their books. Melissa explains how a 30-day relationship challenge that began on her blog eventually became The Love Challenge: 30 Days, 30 Ways to Increase the Love in Your Relationship. What started as a divine idea grew into a practical resource that has helped couples, families, and even workplace teams strengthen their relationships. Kerri shares how her desire to preserve her mother's legacy and tell the honest story of their family business inspired The Family Secret: The Business and Franchise Owners' Guide to Building Generational Wealth. She opens up about the courage, persistence, and structure it took to bring the book from an idea to publication over seven years. Together, Melissa and Kerri discuss the different paths authors can take, the hats they had to wear throughout the writing process, and why your story does not have to look like anyone else's to hold value. In this episode, you'll learn: How Melissa turned a 30-day blog challenge into a published book Why Kerri felt called to preserve her mother's story and family legacy How to recognize when your experience can become a valuable resource for others Why writing a little each day can make a big goal feel achievable The importance of discipline, commitment, courage, confidence, and persistence Whether you have already started writing or your book is still only an idea, this conversation will encourage you to make time for your story, find the writing process that works for you, and take the next step. Your book will not write itself, but it does not have to happen all at once. 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/

September 30, 2026Episode 21837 min

218: The Delegation Hat

What if doing everything yourself is the very thing keeping you from growing? In this episode of The Hats Podcast, Melissa Dumas and Kerri Harper-Howie put on the Delegation Hat and explore why learning to share responsibility is an essential part of becoming an effective leader. Kerri explains that delegation is not simply about taking work off your plate. When done well, it creates a mutually beneficial relationship. Leaders gain the time and capacity to focus on bigger priorities, while team members receive opportunities to develop new skills, take ownership, and feel more connected to their work. Melissa opens up about one of her biggest struggles with delegation: feeling like it would take less time to complete a task herself than to explain it to someone else. Together, she and Kerri examine why training should be viewed as a long-term investment. The time spent building systems and preparing someone today can save hours of repeated work in the future. They also discuss the fear of losing control, the expectation that others will complete a task exactly as you would, and the importance of accepting that there can be more than one successful way to reach an outcome. In this episode, you'll learn: Why delegation is essential for leadership and business growth How delegation benefits both the leader and the person receiving the responsibility Why trust, connection, and engagement grow when people feel valued How your tone can make a task feel like an opportunity instead of an order Why training, resources, and clear expectations set people up for success Delegation may feel uncomfortable at first, but it is a skill that becomes stronger with practice. When you communicate clearly, create supportive systems, allow room for mistakes, and trust others to contribute, you make space for everyone to grow. Tune in to learn how to put on your Delegation Hat, release some control, and create more room for leadership, opportunity, and growth.

September 23, 2026Episode 21743 min

217: The Branding Hat with Kinley Croton LaGrange

What makes a brand memorable—and how can you build one without losing your authentic voice? In this episode of The Hats Podcast, Melissa Dumas and Kerri Harper-Howie welcome branding and marketing expert Kinley Croton LaGrange for a thoughtful conversation about personal and professional branding. Kinley explains that branding is much more than a logo, color palette, or social media aesthetic. It is the reputation you build, the values you represent, and the experience people associate with you. Whether you are growing a business, advancing your career, or developing a personal platform, a strong brand begins with understanding who you are and what you want to be known for. The conversation explores the overlap between personal and professional branding, the importance of showing up consistently, and how authenticity helps people connect with and trust you. Kinley also offers practical, budget-friendly ways to begin—including doing the internal work, gathering feedback from trusted people, defining your goals, and seeking professional support only when you understand what you need. Melissa and Kinley also discuss how artificial intelligence can support brainstorming, writing, organization, and content planning. While AI can make the creative process more efficient, it cannot replace your expertise, emotional connection, or unique point of view. In this episode, you'll learn: What branding really means beyond logos and visual design Why your reputation, values, and personal story are part of your brand How personal and professional branding increasingly overlap Why authenticity and consistency help build trust How to discover what makes your perspective valuable Before investing in a new logo, website, coach, or branding strategy, start with the free but essential work of getting to know yourself. When your brand reflects who you truly are, it becomes easier to show up consistently, connect with the right audience, and create opportunities that align with your goals. Tune in and discover how to put on your Branding Hat, own your story, and build a brand that people will remember. 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/

September 16, 2026Episode 21644 min

216: The Side Hustle Hat with Kim Prepetit

Can you build a profitable side hustle without leaving your nine-to-five? In this episode of The Hats Podcast, Melissa Dumaz and Kerri Harper-Howie welcome multifaceted entrepreneur and business professional Kim Prepetit for a practical conversation about wearing The Side Hustle Hat. For more than a decade, Kim has balanced her career, family, and several side business ventures. In this episode, she shares how her side hustles have evolved with her interests and seasons of life, eventually leading her to create On the Wall LA, an online boutique featuring culture-inspired apparel, wall art, and gifts. Kim explains why passion is essential when building a side hustle, especially when you are using your evenings, weekends, and early mornings to make it work. She also shares the financial side that many new entrepreneurs overlook, including tracking every expense, pricing for profit, understanding your market, and knowing when you can expect a return on your investment. Together, Kim, Melissa, and Kerri discuss how to protect your nine-to-five, keep clear boundaries between both roles, involve your family, ask for help, and decide whether your side hustle should remain an additional income stream or eventually become your full-time business. In this episode, you'll learn: How to turn a personal need or creative interest into a business idea Why passion and profit both matter when choosing a side hustle How to calculate your real expenses and price your work appropriately Why your customers' needs should guide your products and services A side hustle takes time, discipline, sacrifice, and plenty of trial and error. With passion, preparation, and a clear understanding of your numbers, it can also become a meaningful creative outlet and an additional source of income. Tune in to discover how to start, grow, and confidently wear The Side Hustle Hat. 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/

September 10, 2026Episode 21552 min

215: The Hiring Hat

What does it take to hire the right people for your growing business? In this episode of The Hats Podcast, Melissa Dumaz and Kerri Harper-Howie put on The Hiring Hat and explore one of the biggest steps in growing a business: building a team you can trust. Drawing from Kerri's experience as an employment attorney and franchise business owner, she shares what she looks for beyond a résumé, how she evaluates culture and role fit, and why curiosity can reveal so much about a candidate. Melissa also reflects on her first experience hiring a virtual assistant and the lessons she learned about setting expectations, maintaining professional boundaries, and knowing when a working relationship is no longer the right fit. Together, they discuss the responsibility employers carry throughout the hiring process, from clearly communicating the role to asking appropriate interview questions and creating a structured, legally sound process. In this episode, you'll learn: What to look for beyond a candidate's résumé How to assess whether someone fits the role, team, and company culture Why clear expectations and professional boundaries matter from the beginning How leading with your heart can affect hiring decisions Why reviewing fewer strong candidates can lead to a better hiring process As your business grows, there may come a time when doing everything yourself is no longer sustainable. Learning how to hire, train, and trust the right people can give you the support you need to keep moving forward. Tune in to learn how to approach hiring with greater clarity, structure, and confidence because you may wear many hats, but you do not have to wear them all. 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/

September 2, 2026Episode 21443 min

214: Board of Directors Hat with Tamala Lewis

Serving on a board of directors is a significant way to level up any career. But, knowing how to get there can be a big challenge. In this episode of The Hats Podcast, Melissa Dumaz and Kerri Harper-Howie welcome Tamala Lewis, Senior Director of Community Affairs for AEG's Dignity Health Sports Park, for an insightful conversation about serving on a board of directors. Drawing from her experience serving on community and philanthropic boards, Tamela explains what board service truly involves, from attending meetings and supporting events to fundraising and fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities. She also shares why it is important to choose organizations that align with your values, interests, and passions. Tamala opens up about entering rooms where women, particularly women of color, have historically been underrepresented. Guided by the belief that she belongs in every room she enters, she follows what she calls the "Four Ups": stand up, speak up, show up, and pull someone up behind you. Together, Melissa, Kerri, and Tamala discuss how to prepare for board service, find the right opportunities, understand the expectations, and confidently contribute your experience once you have a seat at the table. In this episode, you'll learn: What serving on a board of directors truly requires Why passion and research should guide the boards you choose How to contribute confidently, even when you do not initially feel ready Why representation and bringing the community to the table matter How Tamela's "Four Ups" can guide your leadership 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/

August 26, 2026Episode 21347 min

213: The AI Hat with Khalel Dumaz

What if AI could help you work smarter, build faster, and bring your ideas to life without taking away the creativity and experience only you can bring? In this episode of The Hats Podcast, Melissa Dumaz and Kerri Harper-Howie put on The AI Hat and welcome AI founder and entrepreneur Khalel Dumaz for a conversation about artificial intelligence, what it can actually do, where people get it wrong, how entrepreneurs can begin using it without feeling overwhelmed, and ethical concerns around the growth of AI. Khalel brings experience from product initiatives at Meta, Amazon, and Fanatics and is a co-founder of Vora IQ, an AI business operating system designed to help founders validate ideas and execute them. He breaks AI down in a way that makes it approachable and easy to understand. In this episode, we cover: How to think about AI as a teammate rather than expecting it to do all the thinking and creating for you. The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make with AI and why better inputs, context, and prompting lead to better results. How AI can help turn an idea into action, from validating a business concept to creating a clearer path toward execution. The real concerns surrounding AI, including privacy, ethics, job disruption, and what happens as the technology becomes increasingly powerful. Where beginners can start without chasing every new AI tool, including Khalil's go-to platforms and advice for choosing tools that actually fit your needs. AI is moving quickly, but you don't have to understand every new tool to start benefiting from it. The key is learning how to use AI intentionally while keeping your own knowledge, creativity, and judgment in the driver's seat. 🎧 Tune in to Episode 213 of The Hats Podcast for an approachable look at AI and how you can begin using it to support your ideas, your business, and what's next. 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/