239: The Power of "The Pause" with Molly Schreiber

Some people build businesses.

Some people follow a calling.

And sometimes… those two things become the very same path.

This week on The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth, I sit down with fellow Iowan and "Molly Squared" guest Molly Schreiber, founder of Challenge to Change and the nonprofit Mindful Minutes.

What started as a young teacher's love of education became something much deeper after unimaginable loss. After losing her first husband in a car accident at age 30 while raising three children under three, Molly found herself returning to one unexpected anchor: yoga.

That quiet hour at the YMCA became the lifeline that helped her regulate her grief, reconnect to herself, and ultimately reimagine what education could look like for kids, teachers, and even workplaces.

Today, her programs serve hundreds of schools across Iowa — teaching breath work, resilience, emotional regulation, and mindfulness practices that ripple far beyond the classroom.

This conversation is about:

• turning wounds into wisdom

• creating space for "The Pause"

• helping kids build tools we never learned ourselves

• and trusting your inner compass when life changes course

If you've ever wondered how personal pain can become purposeful work… this one's for you.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

• Molly's journey from classroom teacher to mindfulness founder

• The loss that reshaped her life and leadership

• How yoga helped her navigate grief as a young widow and mom

• Why kids today need emotional regulation tools more than ever

• The "5 Parts of Practice" framework used in schools

• The surprising number of thoughts (and emotions!) we process daily

• Bringing mindfulness into workplaces and healthcare settings

• What it means to live aligned with your "noble goal"

• Why "The Pause" might be the most important practice of all

Resources & Links

• Challenge to Change: https://challengetochangeinc.com

• Mindful Minutes: https://mindfulmins.org

• Email Molly: molly@challengetochangeinc.com

• Follow Molly Knuth + The Found Podcast