Love this podcast. Mel has such a soothing voice that I feel like I’ve had a spa day, or a mini meditative session, I’m so relaxed after listening. I appreciate the simple nature of her podcast. Thanks for a lovely break in my day!

Really enjoyed this episode. The sound quality is excellent and Mel’s voice is clear and easy to listen to.

If you’re looking for silly back and forth chit chat and crazy joking, this is not the podcast for you. If you’re looking for someone to share all their latest stash enhancements, skein after skein, bag after bag, this is not the podcast for you. But if you want a few minutes of quiet conversation, some knitting tips, an occasional free pattern, and general encouragement and refreshment in the midst of your busy week, this is the place for you. And it’s all set in the beautiful backdrop of Kodiak, Alaska, with plenty of nature footage mixed in. Mel has a soft sweet voice and the personality to match. I am always encouraged in my knitting journey, but also find myself encouraged to be kinder as I go through my days.

I love listening to Mel talk about knitting. I usually am knitting while I listen and I find this is so enjoyable. She has encouraged me to learn new things and feel okay about all the wips that used to stress me out.

This podcast always makes me feel like Mel and I are old friends who are just catching up. She has such a calming voice and tells the best stories. I am always inspired by this podcast and love listening to it when I knit and sip my tea.

Mel has a calming voice and is so inspirational. I love hearing her stories and her knitting adventures! She is a generous and kind person. Her episodes always have great tips. I love the one about gratitude knitting. It really hit home and helped change my attitude 🙌

I just found this podcast and have been binge listening/knitting while recovering from surgery. It brings me a sense of groundedness and genuineness that I crave. It’s so nice to have a podcast playing that I feel safe having my children overhear. Thank you.

I enjoy the variety of subjects covered and of course it is always refreshing to hear a positive voice.

Mel, I have been listening to you for years now from your old podcast to this one. I cannot pick just one epi, I listen to you its like having good friend with me plus it’s help my mental health as well I feel good and encouraged to try different knits and crochets to.. I’d love to be be guess on your podcast with you.

I love listening to Mel share her adventures with yarn. This podcast always sparks my creativity.

I have never been much of a podcast listener, I lean more towards visual media, but let me tell you. Mel has such a soothing voice, you feel like you are sitting at the table with her sipping a warm beverage in between stitches. I have truly enjoyed listening, and I can't wait for more!

Really enjoyed the May 3 episode talking about what to do with all the stash scraps! I love the idea of regifting them. Definitely already use some to mend and have a few glass jars full of different sized balls! One mason jar is just dedicated to bits (mostly from trimming ends after weaving them in). Haven't decided what to do with those yet, but they're fun to look at. Considering using them as stuffing or maybe trying to sandwich the scraps between two pieces of sheer gauze/organza (quilting over it) and using that to make a bag or something!

This is a fantastic podcast. Mel is breezy and gentle, her words flow as gently as the blossoms falling from my bradford pear tree. i loved listening to her, and i did get some great ideas! Thanks, joy

Love Mel! Great content and her voice is so calming

Mel, when you announced that it was Stephen West’s MKAL, I laughed exactly at the same moment as you did! He gets me EVERY year!! But I’ll do you one better…I’m a section away from finishing my Slipstravaganza from the year before! My favorite bit of wisdom was your tip of “you don’t have to COMPLETE the project in order to finish ir.” (I think that was the wording). So good. Thank you, fellow multiple WIP maker!!

I love how Mel encourages the freedom to be the boss of my knitting. The podcast is like sitting down with a friend who understands you.

I’ve really enjoyed Mel as a host for this show. She is consistently relaxed and positive, and her topics are always fiber-arts related. I haven’t enjoyed other knitting or crocheting podcasts that meander and veer off-topic, so if you prefer a more focused experience I think you’ll enjoy this one.

I have always enjoyed Mel’s podcasts from Hawaii to Alaska! She is so sweet and inspirational.

I ALWAYS turn to Melissa’s podcast when I need a moment of calm, clarity, focus, peace or just need to recenter myself with my crafting. I say crafting, because even though this might be a podcast about knitting, I think Melissa would agree that the thoughts and motivations she shares could relate to any craft - cross-stitch, spinning, weaving, paper crafts, painting, wood turning, etc., etc., etc. Just listening to this podcast reminds me I’m not alone in my crafting journey and all the thoughts and feelings I have as a maker are shared by every one of us, regardless of the craft we engage in.

Hi Melissa, I’ve watched a few of your IGTV episodes and today just tuned into your audio podcast. I LOVE that I can just sit and listen, or go for a walk with my dog and listen. Your messages are always helpful and encouraging and uplifting! So thank you! May we all continue to grow, even when our roots are exposed and we’ve been knocked right over! I feel the sunshine on my face even when it’s not sunny as I listen to your voice and messages. Have a great day! Margaret - @KnitByGramsy And PS - One thing I love about your IG is that you smile as you talk.

I’m constantly amazed at how you are always so positive and encouraging. My time listening to the podcast is always like listening to a great friend. Just finished episode 3; OMG you were so talking to me! Thank you for encouraging me to keep up with my first sweater design.

I’m a new listener. This is a wonderful podcast with positive and encouraging content. I find myself just knitting away listening to Mel. So happy I found this podcast!

New listener. I enjoyed the contemplation about knitting/art/creativity. I enjoyed the poem about the salmon and envisioning the Alaskan scenery. I enjoy being purposeful in all things, including knitting and planning through the process of a project resonated with me. Finally, I enjoyed the soothing voice and thoughtful narration. I am sold.

I love listening to and watching the Encourage Better podcast. Love the simplicity and beauty, motivation & inspiration in each episode. Several times I have been in awe at how closely the things Mel talks about resemble situations in my own life, reflections of myself. Thank you for sharing your world, your projects, your heart with us. With me.

I’ve been enjoying your podcasts and videos for many years now, thank you

Mel is a warm, welcoming, positive soul who loves to knit & create, but who most of all values others and their unique individuality. She’s so encouraging to help you find a path that best suits your own needs and talents. She’s really like a Mr Rogers of knitting!

I’m a knitter and I love this podcast, but I think I would love this podcast even if I wasn’t a knitter. Mel starts each episode by saying “Aloha, friend,” and that’s exactly what she feels like: a friend. This podcast feels like being wrapped up in a warm, woolen hug (along with some woolen socks, mittens, and a hat, to boot).

I look forward to Melissa’s podcast every week. So many great ideas and suggestions. Love her knitting style and adventures in Alaska.