Hi friends, and welcome back to Milkweed & Monarchs. I’m your host, Dawn Klem, and today I’m inviting you into a memory that’s etched into my heart—a story of childhood innocence, unexpected friendships, and the quiet magic of growing up in a simpler time. In this episode, I take you back to the early 1960s, to a hill overlooking the football field at Hillsdale College, where my little brother and I found joy, freedom, and connection in the most unexpected of places. It’s a story about community, about how children see the world without filters, and about how a shared Coke bottle became a symbol of something much bigger. So grab a cup of something warm, settle in, and let’s journey together to a time when the world felt just a little more open, and a lot more kind.  

Welcome back to Milkweed & Monarchs, where stories bloom with heart and humor. In this episode, Dawn takes us deep into the soul of Michigan football culture—from high school championships and family traditions to the unforgettable clash between Michigan State and Notre Dame. What starts as a joyful reunion with Midwest sports fervor quickly turns into a passionate tale of fairness, fandom, and one very vocal Libra in the stands. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just love a good story about community, rivalry, and personal conviction, this episode will have you laughing, nodding, and maybe even cheering along.

There are moments in life when everything shifts—quietly, unexpectedly, like the hush before a monarch takes flight. In today’s episode, we explore one of those turning points. It’s a story stitched together with vulnerability, courage, and the kind of grace that only comes from weathering the storm. Whether you’re in the middle of your own metamorphosis or simply seeking a reminder that change is possible, this conversation is for you. So settle in. Let’s wander through the milkweed and see what emerges.

Welcome back to Milkweed & Monarchs, where stories bloom with resilience, connection, and the quiet power of transformation. I’m your host, Dawn Clem. Today’s episode is a tribute—raw, personal, and deeply human. It’s about my Aunt Sue: a woman whose life was stitched together with compassion, quiet strength, and an unwavering devotion to others. From her years as a social worker to her porch-side coffee chats with my mom, Aunt Sue embodied the kind of everyday grace that often goes unnoticed—but never unfelt. This story isn’t just about memory. It’s about the heartbreak of loss, the frustration of bureaucracy, and the ache of not being able to say goodbye the way we hoped. It’s also about love—the kind that persists through distance, silence, and even death. So settle in. This one’s for Aunt Sue, and for anyone who’s ever tried to honor someone they loved in a world that didn’t make it easy.    

Welcome to Milkweed & Monarchs – Episode 57: The Limousine Hi everyone, I’m Dawn Klem, and today I’m taking you on a ride—literally and emotionally. In this heartfelt episode, I share the story of how Craig and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary in a way that completely defied my “plain Jane” nature. From cryptic clues and single roses to a surprise limousine ride and a pearl necklace, this episode is a tribute to unexpected romance, thoughtful gestures, and the beauty of being loved just as you are. Whether you’re someone who prefers jeans over jewels or you live for grand romantic gestures, this story will warm your heart and maybe even inspire your own celebration. Buckle up—this limousine ride is one for the memory books.

Welcome to Milkweed & Monarchs — the podcast where stories bloom and quirks are celebrated. I’m your host, Dawn Klem, and today we’re diving into a tale that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. In this episode, The Periscope, I reflect on the beauty of embracing our oddities — those little quirks that make us uniquely ourselves. From childhood insomnia to toe-wiggling anxiety, I share a story that starts with a quiet morning and ends with a laugh-out-loud realization involving a toy submarine, a periscope, and yes… my big toe. It’s a lighthearted reminder that sometimes, the things we fear most turn out to be parts of ourselves we hadn’t yet learned to love. So settle in, smile, and let’s take a peek through the periscope together.

In this episode of Milkweed and Monarchs, I invite you into one of the most defining moments of my nursing career—a story that captures the grit, heart, and sometimes the fire it takes to truly advocate for a patient. Over four decades in health care taught me many things, but nothing more enduring than the responsibility to speak up when others can’t. Today, I share a raw and honest account from my time on the inpatient oncology unit—a day when frustration collided with purpose, and a fierce commitment to care broke through resistance. It’s a story of tension, transformation, and ultimately, connection. For every nurse who’s ever had to fight to be heard, this one’s for you.

Welcome back to Milkweed and Monarchs, where stories bloom with resilience and connection. I’m Dawn Klem, and today I’m inviting you into one of the most profound chapters of my nursing career—the moment I stepped into the role of a brain tumor navigator. This wasn’t just a job change. It was a soul-shifting experience that arrived late in my professional journey, yet left the deepest imprint. From navigating uncertainty in a new clinic to forging bonds with patients and families facing unimaginable challenges, this role taught me more about life, empathy, and human strength than I ever expected. In this episode, I’ll share how I found myself in a position I never anticipated, how three unforgettable patients helped shape my decision to retire, and why this final chapter became the most meaningful one of all. These stories aren’t just about medicine—they’re about transformation, grace, and the quiet power of showing up. So settle in. Let’s begin with how the best came last.

The Fire Hydrant: There are stories we tell because they make people laugh—and then there are stories we carry, quietly, because they remind us who we were and how far we’ve come. This one happens to be both. In today’s episode of Milkweed & Monarchs, I’m sharing a tale I’ve never been proud of, one that still makes me cringe and laugh in equal measure. It begins with an anxious sixteen-year-old behind the wheel for the first time, and ends with a Camaro, a fire hydrant, and a very patient friend named JD. It’s a story of reckless youth, hard truths, and the grace that sometimes finds us in the most unlikely places. So buckle up—literally and figuratively—as we take a ride through a chapter that just might remind you of your own fire hydrant moment.

The Journey In this episode, we explore what it means to truly move forward—not just across miles, but through moments that shape us. It’s the story of letting go, reaching back, and learning to hold both joy and uncertainty in the same hand. From the quiet ache of change to the unexpected beauty found along the way, this is a reflection on resilience, belonging, and the invisible threads that carry us from who we were to who we’re becoming.

In this episode of Milkweed & Monarchs, I take you on a journey that begins on a quiet soybean farm in northern Ohio and winds through hospital corridors, hunting trails, and the sacred spaces of human connection. "The Hunter" is more than a story about one man's diagnosis—it's about dignity, purpose, and the heartbreaking choices we sometimes face in the face of loss. This one changed me, and I hope it stays with you too.

This episode of Milkweed & Monarchs, titled "Divine Intervention," is an intimate and heartfelt reflection on friendship, redemption, and fate. Dawn Klem, the host, recounts her deep bond with a tight-knit group of friends from Hillsdale, Michigan, and the ways life inevitably pulled them in different directions. She shares a touching story of her attempt to reconnect with her old friends by organizing a special lobster dinner for their 50th birthday celebration. However, an unexpected health scare involving one of her friends' husbands leads to an urgent trip to the emergency room—an event she later describes as a moment of divine intervention. Through this experience, she reflects on the importance of maintaining close friendships despite the years and distance, and the realization that these lifelong relationships remain an essential part of her life.

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs. I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share the story of Kate—a patient who became a friend, a fighter who defied expectations, and a presence that lingers long after she’s gone. Kate’s journey began in an elevator, where a simple exchange turned into an unforgettable connection. Months later, I found myself sitting across from her in a hospital room, delivering news no one should ever have to hear. Diagnosed with a rare midline brain tumor, she faced the impossible with grace, resilience, and an unwavering determination to live. This episode is about the moments that shaped our friendship—the weekly visits, the conversations that blurred the line between patient and caregiver, and the heartbreaking reality of watching someone you love fight for time. But it’s also about something more—the inexplicable, the unexplainable, the messages that come when we least expect them. Join me as I recount Kate’s story, the lessons she taught me, and the goosebumps that remind me she’s still here.

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs. I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I take you back to an unforgettable experience—the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500. For my husband, Craig, cars have always been more than just machines—they’re a passion, a lifelong fascination that started with childhood trips to stock car races and evolved into a love for Formula One and IndyCar. So when our daughters surprised him with tickets to the Indy 500 for Christmas, it was a dream come true. We planned the perfect weekend—hotel reservations, a nice dinner, and the excitement of witnessing one of the most iconic races in history. But life had other plans. What should have been a thrilling day at the track turned into a battle with food poisoning, forcing me to navigate the event in a way I never expected. This episode is about resilience, about making the best of an imperfect situation, and about the joy of seeing someone you love experience a moment they’ve always dreamed of. Join me as I recount the highs and lows of that weekend, the unexpected challenges, and the lasting memories of the 99th running of the Indy 500.

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs. I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share the story of how I unexpectedly became a runner—motivated not by personal ambition, but by the desire to encourage my daughters to embrace team sports. Growing up, I never considered myself an athlete. I was a cheerleader, but I always wished my mother had pushed me toward something more—perhaps cross country or track. When my daughters reached middle school, I saw an opportunity to give them what I had missed. They loved the outdoors, but hesitated to join a team. So, I made a bold decision: I would start running myself. With the help of my colleague Lois—a seasoned marathon runner—I embarked on a journey that tested my endurance, reshaped my mindset, and ultimately led me to my first 5K race. From training in freezing temperatures to overcoming self-doubt, every step brought new challenges and unexpected rewards. This episode is about perseverance, about stepping outside your comfort zone, and about the surprising ways in which personal growth can inspire others. Join me as I recount the highs and lows of my first 5K run and the lasting impact it had on my family.

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs. I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I dedicate this episode to the teachers who shape lives in ways they may never fully realize. Teachers often don’t get the appreciation they deserve. Behind the scenes, they work tirelessly to guide, encourage, and uplift students, sometimes in ways that go unnoticed. But for me, three teachers stand out—three women who made a lasting impact on my journey. From my first-grade student teacher, Ms. Lloyd, who saw something in me worth studying, to my high school English teacher, who believed in my potential even when I didn’t, to the college professor who challenged me in ways that ultimately led to one of my proudest academic moments—each of these women shaped my path in profound ways. This episode is a reflection on their influence, the lessons they taught me, and the power of educators to change lives. Join me as I share their stories and celebrate the incredible work teachers do every day.

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs. I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I take you back to a childhood moment that shaped my imagination and curiosity in unexpected ways. Growing up in Hillsdale, Michigan, I was surrounded by stories—ones my mother read to me, ones I saw on television, and ones I created in my own mind. Two stories in particular stuck with me: The Princess and the Pea and Family Affair. One was a fairy tale about proving royalty, the other a show about an uncle raising his nieces and nephew. Somehow, my young mind wove them together into a grand experiment—one that involved grape seeds, badminton shoes, and a secret test to confirm whether my father was truly my father. This episode is about childhood wonder, the power of storytelling, and the hilarious lengths I went to in pursuit of answers. Join me as I recount the details of my experiment, the anticipation leading up to it, and the moment my dad unknowingly validated my theory—proving, in his own way, that he was exactly who I thought he was. Let’s dive into the world of childhood imagination and the unexpected ways in which stories shape our understanding of the world.

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs. I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share a story about childhood, friendship, and the unexpected ways in which lost things find their way back to us. Growing up in Hillsdale, Michigan, my neighborhood was filled with adventure—blanket forts, backyard baseball, and long summer days spent with my best friend, Marianne. We did everything together, including playing with our beloved Barbie dolls. But one day, mine disappeared. Decades later, a package arrived in the mail. Inside was my original Barbie, dressed exactly as I remembered her, along with a note from Marianne explaining how she had ended up in her grandmother’s house all those years ago. This episode is about nostalgia, about the objects that hold memories, and about the friendships that withstand the test of time. Join me as I recount the journey of my lost Barbie and the unexpected joy of its return.

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs. I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I take you back to the beginning of my journey in healthcare—the rigorous training that shaped me into the nurse I would become. At 19, fresh out of boot camp, I arrived at Great Lakes, Illinois, for hospital corpsman training. I had never cared for a patient before, never set foot in a hospital beyond my own childhood surgeries. But over the next ten weeks, I learned the fundamentals—how to make a bed with tight corners, how to lift and ambulate patients, and how to measure intake and output. The training was hands-on, sometimes uncomfortably so. We practiced on each other—giving injections, learning to draw blood, and even performing procedures that pushed the boundaries of what I thought I could handle. It was a trial by fire, but it prepared me for the real world of patient care. This episode is about those early lessons, the challenges of learning on the job, and the moments that made me question everything—only to emerge stronger. Join me as I recount the experiences that shaped my path in nursing.

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs. I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I take you back to the early days of parenthood—when my husband Craig and I brought our daughters home from Romania and began the journey of adoption. Adjusting to life as a family was filled with surprises, laughter, and plenty of learning curves. From navigating language barriers with a Romanian dictionary to figuring out meals that felt familiar yet new, every day brought a new challenge. The girls’ excitement for school, their fascination with cereal, and their insistence on wearing patent leather shoes in the snow made for unforgettable moments. This episode is about adaptation—how we learned to embrace the unexpected, how the girls found their place in a new country, and how small moments, like singing Yankee Doodle Dandy in the driveway, became cherished memories. Join me as I reflect on those first few months, the lessons we learned, and the joy of building a family through love, patience, and a whole lot of humor.