Becoming Your Best Version

Zerina Derveni is a distinguished Life Coach who specializes in empowering high-performing women and organizations to unlock their full potential. Specializing in guiding women who feel lost, stuck, or simply curious to level up, Zerina helps them embrace their inner strength, overcome obstacles, and create lasting transformation in both their personal and professional lives.With a rich executive background in strategic consulting and client engagement with Fortune 500 brands for more than a decade, Zerina brings a unique blend of expertise in personal growth, professional development and transformational coaching. Her tailored coaching approach is designed for those who seek transformative results, and the clarity needed to thrive. Whether pursuing greater personal fulfillment, enhancing relationships or navigating career shifts, Zerina provides the high-level guidance and actionable strategies that lead to lasting success. Invest in yourself and achieve your highest aspirations with Zerina's bespoke coaching services.She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society with Honours, an MBA Executive Certificate in Business Management from the prestigious Schulich School of Business, and a Post Graduate degree in Corporate Communication and Public Relations with Honours. In addition to her academic background, Zerina has completed advanced training in Negotiation Mastery from Harvard Business School, equipping her with the skills to navigate complex situations. Combining her professional certifications and academic achievements, Zerina delivers high-impact coaching that fosters lasting change and success for her clients.In this episode, we discuss:· Overcoming Self-Doubt: how women can build confidence and break free from negative self-talk and reclaim inner strength.· Navigating Self-Discovery: how to overcome overthinking and tap into your authentic self.· Transforming Anxiety into Inner Peace: master techniques for transforming anxiety into calmness and effective approaches for managing stress and self-doubt.· From Overwhelm to Clarity: how women can prioritize personal growth and career goals without losing themselves and make life decisions that are in alignment with their core values.· Building Stronger Relationships: effective communication, intimacy, and conflict resolution in romantic partnerships.Zerina joined us from Toronto, Canada. She shared a fun fact: She represented Ontario in the Miss Universe Canada competition! She offers her coaching in person and online. Zerina offers a free introductory call for potential clients.Learn more:https://www.zerinalifecoach.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/zerina-derveni-64687386/https://www.instagram.com/zerinalifecoach/

Talek Nantes began traveling before she was born. Her mother was pregnant with her when she traveled from Cuba to New York City where she was born. She likes to say, "I was made in Cuba and born in the USA."In college, she determined that whatever she studied would have to lead to the ultimate goal of traveling so she studied international business. She obtained an MBA and a Master's in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania. She had a career in international business as an international business development professional opening and developing foreign markets for U.S. products. This allowed her to feed her voracious wanderlust traveling to 111 countries, and counting, and living in Colombia, Spain, The Dominican Republic, Mexico and the UK.After her decades-long career in the corporate world, she switched gears and became a travel blogger. She honored her Cuban roots by writing her Amazon best-selling book, Cuban Exile Memories: Journeys of Courage and Resilience in the Pursuit of Freedom. Her travel site is www.travelswithtalek.com where she shares travel tips, advice and destination guides with readers. She also created a Facebook group for women over 50 who love to travel, “Over 50 Women Travelers Community and Resource Sharing.” In this inclusive, non-political group we share travel photos, experiences, tips and comments. It is a great place to find travel buddies, meet like-minded women, explore small group tours, arrange and participate in local meetups.Travel feeds Talek's soul. Talek continues to travel the world to expand her perspective by having new experiences. People searching for travel tips and advice can find her at: www.TravelsWithTalek.comhttps://www.facebook.com/travelswithtalekhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/Over50womentravelerscommunityhttps://www.instagram.com/travelswithtalek/https://twitter.com/travelstalekhttps://www.pinterest.com/travelswithtalekAll new subscribers to Talek's emails list get a free eBook, “110 Best Travel Tips.”Learn more about me at www.MariaLeonardOlsen.com.***This podcast was just selected to the top ten in the most comprehensive list of Top 90 Midlife Women Podcasts on the internet!***

Dr. Lenka Schulze's lifelong experience, ongoing research, and ample knowledge in the area of intuition and consciousness, create a solid platform from which she invites others to view and to see life from the soul's point of view. As a student of life, Lenka has been given many valuable and often challenging lessons which made her understand human nature, connection to nature as well as the oneness to the cosmic realm of the subtle energy.Lenka consider herself a student first, as she continually enjoys learning, as well as empowering others through her teachings. She is very passionate to share her unique perspective to subtle energies, vibrations and frequencies and bring them down to earth in a palatable way for people to not only comprehend easily, but to take this information to apply easily into their daily life.Lenka has authored three books on healing, intuition and spiritual health. In this episode, she discusses:What is soul and how do we communicate with our soul?What is your soul purpose and why is it important for you to know your soul purpose?How do you know you are living your life from the essence of your soul?What are the signs that you are living from your soul's essence?Do you really know yourself? Are you aware of yourself?This age-old wisdom can change a routine life into one that is aligned with clarity of your soul's purpose.How does one embark on a spiritual journey?How are you able to spot truth and deception with ease?How can you tell the difference between judgement or discernment?How do you LIGHT-en up?What are the benefits of incorporating spiritual hygiene daily?Learn more:www.Lenka.orgInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/intuologywithlenka/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569052654485LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/intuology-with-lenkaTwitter - https://x.com/intuology_lenkaTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lenkaschulze?lang=enspotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4PajGqvBZt6VGmQZloq142?si=32daf513c952417a&nd=1&dlsi=2e62056626704015youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@intuologywithlenkaAmazon: - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=lenka+schulze&crid=2FTSMC5DXTRW7&sprefix=lenka+schulze%2Caps%2C232&ref=nb_sb_noss_1*** Honored that the Becoming Your Best Version Podcast was recently selected by Feedspot to the most comprehensive list of Top Midlife Women Podcasts on the internet! Check it out at https://podcast.feedspot.com/midlife_women_podcasts/ ***

Rebecca Danigelis is the British 80-year-old star of the critically acclaimed and award-nominated documentary Duty Free. After being fired from her long-time career as a hotel housekeeper at the age of 75, Rebecca has become an activist against ageism in both workplaces and communities. The upbeat mother of three uses her lived experience to educate employers and employees on the values of being age-inclusive, underlining the essentiality of including age in DEI initiatives. She also stresses the importance of family. As a speaker, Rebecca has the ability to connect with audiences internationally. It is her joy and mission to help others.Since Duty Free's premiere, she has inspired thousands via notable live discussions with organizations including AARP, World Health Organization, National Council on Aging, SouthArts, American Society on Aging, Cirkel and more. She speaks at schools and recently was invited to speak about ageism at the United Nations. She is being featured in The New York Times for the second time in April.Rebecca has gone skydiving in this chapter in her life, and continues to live an exciting, vital life in New York City. She continues to face life with optimism, despite a cancer diagnosis and other challenges.Learn more and watch the film:https://www.dutyfreefilm.com/@dutyfreefilm or @rebrexithttps://www.facebook.com/DutyFreeFilm/https://www.instagram.com/dutyfreefilm/

Victoria M. Gallagher is a worldwide leader in Hypnotherapy, a best-selling author, international speaker, life success coach and renowned authority on the Law of Attraction.  She has dedicated her life to empowering people all over the world to successfully live a life of liberty, aligned with their dreams through her effective meditative recordings and online courses. Through her podcast, The Power of Your Mind, she exudes her passion for inspiring listeners with influential guests in the areas of self-development, mindset, discipline & habits, entrepreneurship, wealth and relationships. Victoria shares about her work, how she personally has manifested in her life, and how she has helped so many other people do the same. Victoria joins us today from Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more and follow her: https://victoriamgallagher.com/ https://www.youtube.com/hyptalk https://www.instagram.com/believehypnosis/ https://www.instagram.com/victoriamgallagher https://www.facebook.com/victoriamariegallagher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@loahypnotist

Dionne Eleanor is a global leader in integrative wellness and trauma-informed healing and the founder of The Body Sage. With more than 14 years of international experience internationally across Europe, Australasia, Asia, and the Americas, Dionne has guided thousands of individuals in transforming grief and heartbreak into meaningful legacies. Her methods help people cultivate governance and awareness of the body's emotional intelligence, using it as a gateway and tool for mental liberation and empowerment in their personal and professional lives. Dionne's unique approach blends Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) hypnosis, intergenerational trauma & ancestral healing, tantric philosophy, somatic practices, and relationship skills training to help individuals heal emotional wounds and elevate their lives. Dionne's work is rooted in inclusivity, a deep understanding and passion for integrative functional medicine, human behaviour & psychology. Through tailored empowerment mentoring, transformational retreats & carefully curated rituals, she unlocks deep emotional blocks & offers people a path back to their true empowered selves. Dionne specialises in helping high-achieving professionals navigate grief, relationship challenges and the complexities of modern life. Dionne works with women and their partners to embrace challenges on the path of motherhood itself, working with people who've brought a child into the world or lost one. She addresses hidden barriers such as complex grief, negative body image, past abuse, sexual trauma, injury and relationship skills dysfunction. It is her hope that her work not only empowers individuals but also positively shifts the way organizations care for their staff and train their leaders. Her life mission is to facilitate deep healing from heartbreak & pain via the integration of relevant education. Dionne offers private mentoring that is a unique blend of action-based empowerment mentoring, hypnosis, somatics, voicework, movement therapy, sound therapeutics & tailored rituals. Mentorship is available for 1:1 or couples and features close tracking of progression. "People have known me for years as that person who always had a smile on her face. But it wasn't because I didn't experience pain," Dionne says. "It's because I invested multiple hours and finances into understanding heartbreak, pain, and adversity on both a physical and emotional level. I was determined to master how to transform loss into legacy and access pleasure. I knew it was essential to share my findings with the world and that is why I created The Body Sage Method - a unique personal empowerment and transformation method."In this episode, we discuss:How to turn a loss into a legacy: Moving from heartbreak to empowermentThe power of RTT hypnosis & integrative wellness to heal grief & intergenerational traumaCombining ancestral healing, relationship psychology & tantric philosophy to elevate relationshipsThe power of ritual to unlock deep emotional blocks and heal emotional painLeading Through Loss: Trauma-Informed Leadership and Grief ResilienceLearn more:https://bodysageco.com/linkedin.com/in/dionneeleanorhttps://www.instagram.com/dionneeleanor_/

Suzanne Campi is a Life Transitions Coach and community builder with an emphasis on women in retirement. She brings together women who are shaping their retirement so that they can inspire each other to embrace freedom, create meaningful connections and design a more vibrant life than they even dreamed possible at this stage in their lives!  Suzanne is a professional speaker and an International Coaches Federation certified coach, a former Fitness Studio owner and recruiter. With a BS in Psychology, she has been fascinated with what "makes people do what they do," especially as it pertains to the ebbs, flows and stage changes in life.    In this podcast, Suzanne talks about how people typically prepare for retirement financially, but what about the other areas of life? She touches on other ways to live large post-retirement and takes a look at retirement from a holistic approach. More than saving money, creating a successful and fulfilling retirement is an inside job! Her clients love to take a deep dive into self-discovery and reflection. We have a lot of fun doing this by taking a look into: Honoring past accomplishments and contributions Growth/Purpose Health/Fitness Nurturing all social relationships, friends, family, love Recreation / play / adventures Spirituality / Self-Time Legacy (not always financial!) Wisdom "As a certified professional co-active coach, I am dedicated to helping individuals thrive both personally and professionally, with a special passion for guiding clients through the exciting transition into retirement," Suzanne says. "While many people focus solely on financial preparation, they often overlook the equally crucial aspects—like Purpose, Growth, Health, Relationships, Play, Spirituality, Adventure and Legacy—that make this phase truly enriching." "With a background in psychology and a diverse career spanning real estate, gym ownership and high-tech recruiting, I bring a comprehensive understanding and strong advocacy for those navigating life transitions. I meet clients exactly where they are, embracing their unique circumstances and strengths while providing the insight and guidance needed to propel them toward their highest potential. What I cherish most about coaching is being the catalyst that empowers clients to achieve optimal well-being and peak performance. Retirement is more than just an end—it's an adventure waiting to be designed, where you can create the best version of yourself!" Suzanne joined us from the San Francisco area. She is forming coach-led groups to help her clients inspire one another. Try a free discovery call with Suzanne if you are facing or contemplating a life transition. Learn more: www.suzannecampi.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannecampi/

Dara McKinley has studied and worked in the realm of spirituality and health for over three decades. In 2012, difficult life circumstances pointed her to forgiveness. She realized that many spoke prolifically about why we should forgive but no one spoke of how. Her background in psychology enabled her to successfully create and follow a forgiveness path that worked, but in the years that followed, the experience made her see some significant themes. In particular, she saw how mainstream forgiveness understanding (pardoning, ceasing anger, having compassion, and letting go) was obscuring the forgiveness path. She also saw that people who identified as spiritual-but-not-religious required a forgiveness path that was clear, and logical. This inspired Dara to devote her professional life to understanding forgiveness' infrastructure and to making forgiveness the practical healing modality it was always meant to be.Dara teaches a course on forgiveness. "At its essence, forgiveness is a person's ability to apply unconditional love and the ability to identify exactly what needs it," Dara says. "When these two skills are practiced over a consistent period of time, freedom prevails."In this episode, Dara discusses:• Interpersonal vs. Intrapersonal forgiveness• Compassion vs. forgiveness• The three timeframes that forgiveness can address• How we are all anatomically designed to forgiveLearn more:https://howtoforgive.com/https://www.instagram.com/DaraMcKinley/https://www.facebook.com/DaraMckinley108

Known for helping attorneys and professionals become bestselling authors and get positioned as experts in their practice area, Melanie Herschorn wants to help you step into your spotlight as an authority. As a publisher and book marketing strategist, she's on a mission to empower new authors to make an impact and grow their income with their signature book.With her comprehensive background of over 20 years as a celebrity publicist, award-winning journalist in radio, print and TV, as well as a clothing designer and entrepreneur, Melanie is uniquely positioned to support authors to step into thought leadership and make a big impact with their book. She earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California where she graduated first in her class. Melanie grew up in Canada has lived on both US coasts. She now resides in Arizona with her husband, daughter and son, her dog Marty and her cat Phoebe.Her award-winning book, Make a Big Impact with Your Book, is available now. Learn more:Website: https://yourbigimpactbook.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-herschorn/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigimpactbooks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigimpactbooks/ Book: https://amzn.to/43tBKO9

Andrea Nakayama is a Functional Medicine Nutritionist and educator, who has led thousands of clients, and now teaches even more coaches and clinicians around the world in a revolution reclaiming ownership of both their own and their clients' health.  As the host of the 15-Minute Matrix Podcast and the founder and former CEO of Functional Nutrition Alliance, Andrea draws on systems biology, mental models, root cause methodology and the therapeutic partnership to offer long-awaited solutions for the rapidly growing chronic illness epidemic. After losing her young husband to a brain tumor in 2002, she discovered a passion for using food as personalized medicine and is now regularly consulted as the nutrition expert for the toughest clinical cases in the practices of many world-renowned doctors. She trains nearly four thousand practitioners each year in her methodologies so that they too can become the last stop for their clients and patients as well as a trusted referral partner for doctors in their area. Learn more: https://www.andreanakayama.com/ Functional Nutrition Alliance Website: https://www.fxnutrition.com/ Podcast: 15-Minute Matrix Instagram: @andreanakayama YouTube: Functional Nutrition Alliance Pinterest Facebook LinkedIn Substack

Jessica Baladad, six-year cancer survivor, is the creator of Feel For Your Life, a free mobile application that provides resources on how to perform self breast exams and when to get screenings, while allowing users to track and monitor their changes and set reminders. An unexpected breast cancer diagnosis at 33 years old empowered Jessica to channel her experience into a mission that is changing the way women advocate for their medical care. It's the first of its kind created by a breast cancer patient and has been downloaded tens of thousands of times all over the world. In 2024, Jessica implemented an AI feature into the app to help patients interpret and better understand pathology reports from their breast cancer screenings. Jessica's history with breast cancer catalyzed her dedication to building Feel For Your Life. She's the fourth generation on her paternal side of the family to be diagnosed with the disease, and yet, no known gene mutation has been found in her lineage. She first learned how to do a self breast exam after having a benign tumor removed at 18, and nearly 15 years later, Jessica was diagnosed with Stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma after performing a routine self exam in the shower. She underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, 24 rounds of radiation, a hysterectomy and 10-hour flap reconstruction. Since launching the app, Jessica has expanded her advocacy into healthcare reform. She has helped write legislation in the State of Tennessee to promote risk reducing measures against cancer and disease. Billed as the Feel For Your Life Act, it requires high school students to learn about self breast exams, testicular exams and skin exams. Additionally, Jessica has spoken out against insurance companies before members of Congress. She is working to eliminate quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) scores, Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) and co-pay accumulators. Jessica plans to grow her efforts further by working with medical providers, patients and vendors to bridge the gaps that keep individuals from getting access to the care they deserve. Jessica has been featured on Good Morning America, Tank's Good News, USA Today, The Dave Ramsey Show, UpWorthy and several national and international media outlets. She's worked with the NFL on their Crucial Catch Campaign to promote cancer screenings, received the Hometown Hero Award from Ponce Law on Nashville's Fox 17, has been recognized by the National Breast Cancer Foundation for her leadership initiatives and was the recipient of the Mona Lisa Foundation Grant in 2023. In 2020, the NFL's Crucial Catch Campaign partnered with Jessica to spread awareness about the importance of screenings being missed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. She serves as an active committee member of the Tennessee Advocate for Breast Cancer (TA4BC) group. Learn more:https://www.feelforyourlife.com/meet-jessicahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicabaladadhttps://www.instagram.com/jessica.baladad/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/jessica.baladad/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/JessicaBaladad01/ Email: jessica@feellforyourlife.com

Renee Rodriguez helps protective mothers in a custody battle against a narcissistic co-parent to go into family court and get the custody arrangement that's best for their kids. Like Renee, these women have suffered psychological abuse at the hands of their former partners and are working to ensure their children are protected from further cruelty.Her company, Best Foot Forward, is an example of a number of things: changing careers mid-life, pulling herself up after trauma, doing it all as a single mom, and bringing a sense of adventure and a sense of humor to it all…even with a heavy subject in which she immerses herself every day! Renee empowers parents to help themselves and find a shining bright light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.Her turning point was during her custody battle for her son, after leaving a relationship rife with mental abuse. As a daughter of a Puerto Rican father whose family sought a better life on the mainland when he was 12 and a mother who only later pursued her GED, education and hard work was impressed upon her. She was the first in her family to graduate from college, the perfect Catholic student, who ended up having a child with a cruel, covert narcissist (diagnosed). She had been a performance coach for a couple decades, and switched her career to help other women succeed in dealing with their narcissistic nightmares.Now she is focused on creating reverberating change in the new field of “divorce coaching,” as a custody consultant, Violence Against Women (VAW) Advocate, and a certified instructional designer, melding it together to allow abused parents to find self-empowerment again.The Custody Blueprint® (TCB) exists to prepare protective parents for court through Strategy, Mindset and Evidence and using truth and virtue even in the face of lies and manipulation. Renee finds that moms are dependent on their lawyers to save them, and they have no real sense of how best to present their evidence in court. What really sets her blueprint apart is focusing on the mindset of dealing with a high-conflict co-parent--both in a custody battle AND as a mom trying to co-parent with a damaged individual. She addresses the shame, the guilt and the helplessness through her TCB program.Learn more:thecustodyblueprint.comhttps://www.facebook.com/thecustodyblueprinthttps://www.instagram.com/thecustodyblueprint/https://www.youtube.com/@TheCustodyBlueprint

Lana Sheppard is a business coach, author and champion for entrepreneurs ready to embrace what many fear—letting go. Her latest book, the 2nd in the Give Up Series, is Give-Up: Lift Off, guiding business owners and leaders in challenging outdated beliefs, habits and narratives that stand in the way of real success. Lana's passion lies in showing entrepreneurs how financial literacy and strategic decision-making can unlock sustainable growth in a way that's practical, engaging and unlike anything you've encountered before. Having built her success from the ground up—moving to Toronto at 17, securing a sales job with pure grit and climbing the ranks by teaching herself accounting and business strategy—Lana knows firsthand the feeling of hitting walls, feeling stuck and even becoming your own biggest obstacle. Embracing these lessons has led to her success in the last 20 years dominating the payroll and bookkeeping industry and growing and selling several businesses. Lana understands the keys of success that many pass by: why mindset matters. Through her book, workshops and coaching, she empowers entrepreneurs to release what no longer serves them and ignite what does. Her approach isn't about giving up on dreams; it's about letting go of the things standing in their way. Lana believes success truly begins when entrepreneurs stop trying to do it all and start doing the right things well. She likens it to a hot air balloon: without shedding the extra weight, there's no way to soar. Lana provides some tips for entrepreneurs and talks about the difference between coaches and mentors. While she lives in Canada, she joined us from Malaysia. Website: www.giveupbook.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/giveupbook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/giveup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557930963745

Marissa McKool, MPH, The Public Health Burnout Coach, is a renowned coach, speaker and advocate with a mission to help female leaders and mid-career professionals alleviate their persistent work-stress and double their free time to achieve work-life balance. With more than 15 years of public health leadership experience and a personal journey overcoming burnout, Marissa empowers women to thrive while prioritizing self-care. Marissa's coaching approach blends evidence-based strategies with feminist coaching principles and personal insights, aiming to eliminate the epidemic of burnout in public health. She teaches women how to set boundaries, reclaim control over their schedule, navigate work-life dynamics and prioritize rest and self-care—without compromising career aspirations. Her clients experience profound transformations, achieving professional milestones like promotions, significant salary increases, and improved well-being. Learn more: WEBSITE: https://www.mckoolcoaching.com/ CONTACT INFO:  info@mckoolcoaching.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-mckool-a9701892/

Jennifer Henczel is a podcaster, author and founder of the Inspiring Innovators Club and the Women Podcasters Network, Show and Awards. Jennifer's mission is to lift women's voices and stories globally. Jennifer is known for her ability to build thriving, supportive and collaborative communities, and she teaches others how to do the same. She loves creating opportunities for women to connect and collaborate in meaningful ways. Using her proprietary “Rise Reach Results Roadmap” Jennifer provides tools, templates and trainings to help her members generate more impact and influence. Jennifer speaks about her mindset, messaging and monetization strategies for building communities, leveraging content and turning expertise into multiple streams of income. Jennifer is an award-winning leader and has won or been nominated for a number of awards. Most recently, she won the Business Podcast of the Year Award from Podcast Awards for her Women in Podcasting Show, and the Innovator of the Year Award at the Quill Podcast Awards. Learn how to "drop the hustle and join the huddle": WEBSITE: Women in Podcasting Network www.womenpodcasters.com PODCASTS: Women in Podcasting Show www.womeninpodcasting.net/podcast Inspiring Influencers Show https://www.inspiringshow.com/podcast SOCIALS: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InspiringShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/womeninpodcasting Facebook Groups: https://www.inspiringshow.com/groups Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.henczel/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferhenczel

Dr. Beth Kaplan is a visionary thought leader, researcher, and keynote speaker who has redefined the intersection of belonging and leadership development. She empowers companies to enhance employee engagement and retention while significantly lowering turnover costs. Beth is a sought-after consultant and advisor for Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, government, and educational institutions. She is currently pioneering a groundbreaking belonging tool with the University of Pennsylvania designed to measure belonging and predict the propensity to thrive. Drawing from more than two decades of experience as a workplace executive and extensive research on belonging and workplace trauma, Beth distilled her expertise into her debut book Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point. Named one of the world's leading experts in belonging, Dr. Beth Kaplan is sharing her insights on navigating the rapidly changing, modern workplace landscape. Her nonfiction book, Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point, combines groundbreaking research with engaging storytelling to offer a comprehensive guide for both employees and senior leaders to transform their work environments. Dr. Kaplan provides a clear, actionable framework to help individuals and organizations cultivate a sense of belonging at work while promoting mental health. Belonging is fundamental to our humanity, and the profound consequences of failing to foster it are clear. Gallup reports that more than 80% of Americans are dissatisfied with the way things are going across the board – at work and beyond. Braving the Workplace offers a valuable roadmap for many, from individuals grappling with personal belonging issues to senior leaders tackling leadership challenges and driving inclusivity. In this heartfelt and helpful book, Dr. Kaplan shares her personal journey of discovery, guiding readers through the importance of belonging in workplaces, while offering compassionate insights and practical wisdom. Braving the Workplace serves as both a mirror and a guide, helping readers recognize unhealthy work environments and providing them with the tools to make informed decisions about their professional and personal lives. Inside Braving the Workplace, readers will find:  Strategies for personal growth in finding a sense of belonging in the workplace  Practical tools to help people cultivate a strong sense of personal belonging in any environment  A step-by-step guide on how to understand the modern-day worker and lead with belonging, taking action to increase well-being and bottom-line results  Quizzes and writing prompts for self-reflection to help each reader make informed decisions about their professional and personal lives Dr. Kaplan has spent 15 years helping companies unlock success through a culture of belonging. As a trailblazer in her field, she integrates cutting-edge neuroscience with behavioral development, ushering in a new era of human connection. Her extensive expertise in learning, leadership development, and post-traumatic growth makes her a standout in her field well-positioned to write a book on the subject. “We are in a loneliness epidemic, and I don't think people know where to go or who to turn to. I wrote Braving the Workplace to help people feel less alone. My hope is that this book transforms isolation into a powerful sense of belonging for my readers,” Beth explains. For her work and insights, many call her your workplace best friend. Dr. Kaplan holds an M.S.Ed and Ed.D in learning and leadership strategy from The University of Pennsylvania. She currently lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. To learn more: https://drbethkaplan.com/ https://www.facebook.com/drbethkaplan https://www.instagram.com/drbethkaplan/ https://x.com/drbethkaplan

Alison Weihe is a founder and award-winning entrepreneur in the construction industry in South Africa over the past 25 years. The Creative Stone Company has built a reputation as an ethical design-driven company of excellence and service. In the past six years she transitioned into the coaching, speaking and writing space where she won further awards – Speaker Factor Winner 2021 of the Professional Speakers Association of South Africa (PSASA) and a Global Coaching award from the Coach Foundation and is a nominee in Women of Stature Awards in South Africa 2025 in the Coaching and Mentoring Category. As a serial entrepreneur passionate about making a difference, Alison became an Executive Partner in the Mindset Development Institute, alongside her business partner, Jabu Zwane and their growing team, recently winning a further award as one of the top empowerment companies in South Africa. Both Alison and Jabu have a deep commitment to do legacy work, build entrepreneurship education and tell the untold stories of hope and healing in South Africa. Alison has an interesting background as an entrepreneur. She was a political activist for almost 20 years in different shapes and forms, as a journalist and a trade unionist under COSATU. Alison was part of COSATU's launching Congress in 1985 and worked directly under President Cyril Ramaphosa and many other remarkable leaders of that time. What sets Alison apart is her vulnerable tone as a profound storyteller. She is known as a Soul Speaker. She believes it is her mission to use her voice as one of reconciliation, hope and healing at a seminal time in our country's history. Alison's message: Own your story, live with grace, step into the power of who you were truly meant to be. That is how we heal some of the anguish in the world, one conversation at a time. Alison joins us from Johannesburg, South Africa. Learn more: Website:  https://alisonweihe.com/ Book: Belonging – Finding Tribes of Meaning, by Alison Jessica Weihe Purchase from Amazon: https://a.co/d/6Xezlll Facebook: www.facebook.com/alison.weihe Instagram: www.instagram.com/alison_weihe/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alison-weihe/

Rebe Huntman is a memoirist, essayist, dancer, teacher and poet who writes at the intersections of feminism, world religion and spirituality. For over a decade she directed Chicago's award-winning Danza Viva Center for World Dance, Art & Music and its dance company, One World Dance Theater. Huntman collaborates with native artists in Cuba and South America, has been featured in Latina Magazine, Chicago Magazine and the Chicago Tribune, and has appeared on Fox and ABC. A Macondo fellow and recipient of an Ohio Individual Excellence award, Rebe has received support for her debut memoir, My Mother in Havana: A Memoir of Magic & Miracle  (Monkfish Book Publishing Company, February 18, 2025), from The Ohio State University, Virginia Center for Creative Arts, Ragdale Foundation, PLAYA Residency, Hambidge Center and Brush Creek Foundation. "Writing with a physicality of language that moves like the body in dance, Rebe Huntman, a poet, choreographer, and dancer, embarks on a pilgrimage into the mysteries of the gods and saints of Cuba and their larger spiritual view of 'the Mother.' Huntman offers a window into the extraordinary yet seldom-seen world of Afro-Cuban gods and ghosts and the dances and rhythms that call them forth. As she explores the memory of her own mother, interlacing it with her search for the sacred feminine, Huntman leads us into a world of séance and sacrifice, pilgrimage and sacred dance, which resurrect her mother and bring Huntman face to face with a larger version of herself." Rebe also helps other writers. With over thirty years of experience as a writer and a coach, she shows writers the ropes, helps them build a powerful, personalized writing practice, and teaches writers step by step strategies to find their voices, become the best writers they can be, and deliver their work to the world. Rebe's essays, poems and short stories appear in The Missouri Review, The Southern Review, Parabola, CRAFT LIterary, The Cincinnati Review, Ninth Letter, South Loop Review, Sonora Review, Tampa Review, The Pinch & elsewhere. She lives in Delaware, Ohio and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Learn more: www.rebehuntman.com https://www.instagram.com/rebehuntman/ https://www.facebook.com/rebehuntmanauthor/

Marcia Dawood is an early-stage investor who serves on the Securities and Exchange Commission's Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee. She is a venture partner with Mindshift Capital, a member of Golden Seeds, and the chair emeritus of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), a global professional society for angel investors. She is the author of Do Good While Doing Well, Invest for Change, Reap Financial Rewards, and Increase Your Happiness. She is also an associate producer on the award-winning documentary Show Her the Money. A TEDx speaker and the host of The Angel Next Door podcast, Marcia walks the talk and holds investments in over fifty early-stage companies and funds. She is committed to expanding support for diverse companies that overcome the world's biggest problems and accelerate positive change. She is passionate about bridging the gap from early-stage inception to building thriving, profitable companies. Previously, Marcia worked in sales, marketing, and operations for Kaplan Education for over sixteen years. She received an MBA from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School. Marcia currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, Izzy, and she feels lucky to be the stepmom to three amazing sons. Learn more and follow Marcia: www.marciadawood.com Link to buy her book https://bit.ly/3yxekKD https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciadawood/ https://www.facebook.com/marcia.dawood https://www.instagram.com/marciadawood

Rhonda Nelson, renowned patient advocate, author, speaker and philanthropist is a beacon of resilience and strength. Her charitable work spans championing equitable access to affordable healthcare, supporting those diagnosed with AERD (Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease), serving as a voice in the foster care system and encouraging women to reinvent themselves in their different stages of life. Rhonda serves on the Executive Board of Directors with the Asthma & Allergy Network, impacts legislation and speaks nationally, raising awareness for AERD. Having dealt with AERD (Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease) herself for more than twenty years, she has experienced many misdiagnoses, a near fatal struggle to find relief, a desperate search for answers and a constant journey to access proper support. Rhonda and her husband Wayne, of the Little River Band (most popular during the 1970s and still touring) tirelessly devote their time and resources to helping others to navigate this challenging medical journey frequently associated with severe respiratory disease. Rhonda is a firm believer in empowering women to pursue the dreams they have for their lives, regardless of age, while finding strength in overcoming challenges. In her book, A Different Life, Rhonda not only pulls back the curtain on celebrity life, but also offers readers the chance to hear never-before-told stories, enjoy treasured family recipes and photos all while getting a taste of all things pertaining to life on the road. In this episode, Rhonda talks about her survival story, becoming your best self during your midlife years and being your best self while facing a chronic illness. She joins us from her home in Tennessee. Learn more and follow Rhonda: https://www.instagram.com/rhondabnelson/ https://rhondabnelson.com/ https://www.facebook.com/rhondabassnelson/

Award-winning author, speaker, Gestalt Practitioner (a form of holistic, non-traditional coaching/guiding), and Patient Advocate, Risa August has been living with a pituitary tumor and rare disease for more than a decade. Risa shares her insights and perspectives on stage, offering words of inspiration to audiences. Additionally, Risa works one-on-one with clients, guiding them through the many roadblocks of life and toward living more fully inspired. Risa's book, The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike, describes her soul-healing journey riding her bike from Canada to Mexico. She currently is working on the screenplay adaptation of the book. A girl with sparkles in her hair and once an Ironman athlete, Risa still has a passion for her bike and barbells. With her genuine curiosity and love for trying new (and old) things, you may find Risa taking Bollywood or Hip-Hop dance lessons, trying a silks aerialist or boxing class, going indoor skydiving, and guiding inspirational workshops in creativity. Through her personal transformation, following brain surgery and radiation, Risa has learned and practiced removing limiting beliefs, shifting her perspective, and embracing an expansive life…a life unleashed. Having survived brain surgery, Risa says: "I believe anything is possible. I believe in miracles. I believe we each hold the power to heal." Learn more: www.risaaugust.com www.instagram.com/risaunleashed/  www.facebook.com/risaunleashed www.facebook.com/featherandsagecoaching/  www.facebook.com/risa.august.unleashed/ www.linkedin.com/in/risa-august-9b130524a https://linktr.ee/risaaugust https://substack.com/@risaunleashed

Anne Alexander-Sieder is an actor, coach and podcaster, with a story as colorful as the characters she has portrayed. Eleven years ago, she relaunched her career as a 47-year-old American woman living in Germany. Today, she has racked up 48 credits on IMDb and another 98 on Crew United, Europe's answer to IMDb, appearing on screens big and small across two continents. Now, she is on a mission to shatter the disempowering myths that have been holding you back. "I was a professional actor back in the US, and nearly 30 years ago, I moved to Germany for love—not my career," Anne says. "Life took me in a few different directions, but I always felt the pull to return to acting. So, at 47, after a 16-year break (and with less-than-perfect German!), I successfully relaunched my acting career from Munich and have worked with some of the biggest production companies like Netflix, Hallmark, A24, and Occupant Film, just to name a few. When I first decided to return to acting, I didn't know where to start, so I began with training—just taking those first small steps. That foundational training became the launchpad for my career comeback. As I began booking more roles, other actors started coming to me for career guidance, which eventually led me to create Get Better Roles, a program to empower actors to get into the rooms that matter so they can land the roles they deserve. But this journey also taught me something big: so many people put their dreams on hold because they're frozen in the 'how,' waiting to feel like an 'expert' before they even begin. This realization inspired Passion Project to Pro, my program to help people turn what they love into what they do—without needing to be an expert, influencer, coach. I'm living proof that dreams don't have expiration dates." Anne offers free resources on her website, including a masterclass and workbook. Learn more: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Act_Bold   Passion Project to Pro FREE WORKBOOK: https://www.actboldtraining.com/p2  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrs.alexandersieder/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ActBold   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/act_bold/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annealexandersieder/ Websites: http://www.act-bold.com   https://www.actboldtraining.com 

Molly McNamee is a Los Angeles-based online fitness coach and the founder of MFit Workouts who believes that the secret to looking your best lies in managing your stress. She has developed a unique approach that combines sustainable exercise with lifestyle coaching, helping clients balance their hormones and manage their stress to reach their weight loss goals. Having personally struggled with anxiety, Molly understands the powerful connection between the mind and body. After hitting a low point in her own health, she created a new exercise method that not only alleviated her anxiety but also transformed her body. Now, she shares this life-changing approach through private and group coaching programs, helping people around the world find balance, feel less anxious, and finally see the results they've been working toward. Her mission is to help people use exercise to calm stress so their body can actually feel safe letting go of excess fat.  Molly helps clients rebalance their hormones and feel better about themselves. And she shows us that even small changes can bring impactful results. Learn more: https://mollymcnamee.com/Free Cortisol Training: https://mollymcnamee.com/webinar/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfit.workouts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsmollyrae- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-mcnamee-%E2%9C%A8-81718699/

Victress Hitchcock has been an explorer all her life as a child of diplomats, a filmmaker, meditator, mother and poet. This past October, she published her memoir, A Tree with My Name On It--Finding a Way Home. It is a powerful story of healing, resilience and finding inner freedom. As the 20th century careened towards the finishing line, author Victress Hitchcock moved with her husband of 25 years from their familiar urban world to 160 acre historic ranch in the Wet Mountains, a range in the Colorado Rockies so remote no one they knew had ever heard of it. Within months, their lives unraveled, and out of the wreckage a path opened to a radically new way to be in the world fully alive with joy and sorrow. Guided by a rich concoction of Buddhist insight and horse sense, a deep friendship with a woman born on the ranch and the unlikely support of a prison meditation group, Victress began a journey that broke open her heart, shattered old concepts and defenses, and loosened the grip of lifelong fears that bound her. This is a story told with humor and grace that will resonate with anyone who has reached that moment in their lives when they are ready to tear off the bandage, and take a deep look at the old wounds, assumptions and fears that have been holding them hostage for too long.  Victress Hitchcock grew up in London, Paris and Madrid as the daughter of a diplomat. She graduated from the London Film School and spent 45 years making documentary and educational films. A long-time meditator, a poet, a mother and a grandmother, she lives in Boulder, Colorado. You can learn more about her at ⁠victresshitchcock.com⁠. Follow Victress: https://www.instagram.com/victresshitchcock/ https://www.facebook.com/victresshitchcock/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563898306552

Nicole Meline creates transformative experiences that connect you to your heart. As a mentor, leadership coach, speaker, and spirited fitness and meditation teacher, she holds space for your becoming. Nicole especially loves to work with women navigating transitions in mid-life, reinventing themselves, and celebrating the gifts of aging. Her cathartic Alter workout and meditation practices build your strength and ignite your spirit. Her digital courses are potent frameworks for growth. Nicole is also the host of the beloved Alter Podcast and Alter Journeys soulful adventure retreats. "It's my joy to mentor leaders in body and spirit to amplify your creative genius and lead with heartward vision," Nicole says. "I believe in reinvention, second and seventieth acts, late bloomers, and the underdog. In the power of spirited movement and revelatory stillness. That we are made to move and be moved in ways that astonish us, lifelong. That physical movement can be spiritually seismic. That breath and sweat are doorways to the heart— our noise-canceling headphones for the symphony of our DNA. And ultimately, the metric that truly matters is joy." She is a four time Ironman triathlete and eternal student with four master's degrees, and spent a decade in New York City as a writing professor at Columbia and Rutgers. She also is a Peloton founding master instructor. Nicole makes a home in the mountains of Boulder, Colorado with her wolf mutt Everest. She welcomes you to her offerings at nicolemeline.com and on Instagram @nicolemeline

As a distinguished beauty, lifestyle and fashion creator over 55, Lori Altermann is not just a voice in the crowd—she is a one-of-a-kind force in the social media landscape. Her devoted audience of more than 100,000 is deeply engaged and eagerly anticipates her handpicked recommendations, knowing that a product endorsed by Lori is worth every moment of their attention! With an authentic and comedic perspective that stands out from the rest, she brings a refreshing blend of insight and charisma to her daily content. Elsewhere, followers tune into the Lori Altermann podcast, to stay abreast of her top picks and strong opinions that are shared with the same zest and passion devoted to Lori's perfectly crafted martini. From the luxuries that enhance her lifestyle to the essentials that simplify it (such as her cherished tequila and coffee!), she celebrates the finer things in life with flair and sophistication. Her audience knows that endorsements from Lori are not just recommendations—they're a testament to quality and style. She's a mom of two, a proud cancer survivor, a lover of pop culture, reality tv, music and jewelry.The Lori Altermann Show: "From current events and pop culture to life in your 50s and our most unpopular opinions, we cover it all with sass, charm and a martini or two. Sip along as we interview interesting guests, commiserate on life's ups and downs and – most importantly – make you laugh." Learn more and follow Lori: https://www.lorialterman.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lori-altermann-show/id1753144361 https://open.spotify.com/show/4q2cTy4cAXmQhtvTgKVK9v?si=b6e87d047a424b97 https://www.instagram.com/lorialtermann https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCekDQ6UBrfI_BZvS2OgqCJg https://www.tiktok.com/@lorialtermann https://x.com/lorialtermann --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Amy Kemp is the owner and CEO of Amy Kemp, Inc. In her work within this growing company, Amy helps leaders and business professionals understand how deeply thought habits impact every part of their work and lives. As a certified Habit Finder coach, Amy has led more than 400 female business leaders through a four-month small group engagement called Encounter. This experience is designed to help clients replace subconscious thought habits that are no longer serving them with more healthy ones. She has worked through the Habit Finder curriculum with hundreds of leaders in one-on-one settings and with leadership teams at small and large companies. In addition, Amy teaches two engaging online courses each year in the fall and spring that are designed to challenge and expand her clients' understanding of themselves and to welcome new, curious people into the scope of her work. Some of the most popular topics in her library of offerings are “Money Is a Mirror” and “A Boundary Is Not a Wall.” Finally, with the launch of her first book, I See You: A Guide for Women to Make More, Have More, and Be More – Without More Work, on February 29, 2024, Amy has created an opportunity for everyone to learn and engage with her and the principles that guide her coaching. You can learn more about Amy and her body of work at www.amykemp.com. While her business and professional accomplishments are many, Amy counts all of it a loss if she doesn't invest her best time and energy in leading and loving those closest to her in #kempnation. She has been married to Ryan for over twenty years and they have three children – Avery, Anthony and Andrew. Follow Amy: https://www.instagram.com/amykempinc/ https://www.facebook.com/amykempinc linkedin.com/in/amykempinc --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Grace Redman is a charismatic entrepreneur, success coach and speaker with a passion for guiding entrepreneurs and high performers to shatter their self-imposed glass ceilings and elevate their success. Blending practical and holistic principles, Grace empowers her clients to harness their talents, unlock their optimal potential, and transform both their professional and personal lives. As the best-selling author of Can I Live?! Dare To Go From F*cked up to Fabulous and host of the Real Talk with Grace Redman podcast, Grace's influence extends far beyond one-on-one coaching. With more than 25 years as a successful entrepreneur in the competitive San Francisco Bay Area, she has coached and mentored thousands of professionals through her staffing firm. Her authenticity and vulnerability foster genuine connections, establishing her as a trusted leader and go-to expert in her field. Grace's resilience is legendary. She not only survived but thrived through four economic downturns and a global pandemic when many competitors closed their doors. In 2024, her perseverance paid off when her firm was named one of the top five women-owned businesses in the area. While Grace holds a Master's Degree and several coaching certifications, her most profound teacher has been life itself. Her journey is a testament to human resilience: building businesses while raising a family, navigating addiction within her household, caring for parents at the end of their lives, and overcoming a cancer diagnosis that threatened to derail her. These experiences honed Grace's extraordinary ability to guide others through their own transformational journeys. Although Grace feels fortunate for her many accomplishments, she considers raising her family her greatest achievement. In this exciting phase of her career, Grace's mission is clear: to educate and empower as many individuals as possible to break through their self-imposed limitations, step out of mediocrity, and create a fabulous life they love. Grace Redman's story isn't just inspirational—it's a roadmap for those seeking to turn adversity into triumph. Her insights on resilience, personal growth, and unlocking human potential make her a compelling voice for those seeking authentic, transformative guidance. Learn more: https://www.daretoachieve.com/ https://www.facebook.com/grace.s.redman https://www.instagram.com/gracesredman/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-redman-701a30/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-g8w_iEQbdhU-9J5sZuQSA https://www.tiktok.com/@graceredman3 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Anne Abel is an author and storyteller. Her first memoir, Mattie, Milo, and Me, about unwittingly rescuing an aggressive dog, was inspired by her Moth StorySLAM win in New York City. It was published in 2024. Her second memoir, High Hopes Bruce Springsteen and Me, about fighting depression by following Bruce Springsteen's Australia tour, at the age of 60, even though she hates to travel and hates to be alone, won a Moth StorySLAM in Chicago. It will be published September 23, 2025, Bruce Springsteen's 76th birthday. Her credentials include an MFA from The New School for Social Research, an MBA from the University of Chicago, and a BS in chemical engineering from Tufts University. She has published on topics ranging from dogs lovable and difficult, to coping with depression, family dysfunction, generational trauma, overcoming writer's block and being a FaceTime grandmother. She has freelanced for Lilith; Philadelphia Daily News; The Jewish Exponent; Philadelphia Weekly, Main Line Life and Main Line Today, and formerly wrote a weekly column, “The Homefront,” for Main Line Welcomat. She taught English and creative writing at the Community College of Philadelphia. Anne lives in New York City with her husband, Andy, their 15-year-old rescue bischon, Chase, and Wendell, a three-month old cavapoo.  website: https://anneabelauthor.com/ tiktok: @annesimaabel Facebook: @anne.abel --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Detroit-area author Lynne Golodner's newest novel, Cave of Secrets arrived this August. Lynne made multiple midlife pivots in her life, moving from journalism to a complete commitment to her own writing-focused businesses. She actively chose to chase the things she most wanted — and found them. While dedicated to her own craft – 10 books and counting — she lifts up other writers in other ways, including running her own coaching, publishing and marketing businesses. She speaks with great expertise on balancing life as a writer and entrepreneur, and the culture of women writers supporting each other.  Her other books include Women of Valor, two poetry collections, and six nonfiction books, including Hide and Seek: Jewish Women and Hair Covering and The Flavors of Faith: Holy Breads. She has written thousands of articles and is a marketing entrepreneur, writing coach and host of the ⁠Make Meaning Podcast⁠. After working as a journalist in New York and Washington, D.C., Lynne returned to her native Detroit to pursue a freelance writing career and teach writing. In 2007, she created ⁠Your People⁠, a marketing and public relations company with a focus on storytelling, relationships and higher purpose. Over the years, Your People has worked with the yoga industry, nonprofits and in K-12 and Higher Education, with a specialty in Waldorf/Steiner schools. Today, the company focuses solely on guiding authors in building brands and marketing their writing. Lynne's journalistic and creative nonfiction writing has appeared in Saveur, the Chicago Tribune, Better Homes and Gardens, Midwest Living, the Detroit Free Press, ⁠Porridge Magazine⁠, the ⁠Jewish Literary Journal⁠, ⁠The Good Life Review⁠, ⁠Hadassah Magazine⁠, ⁠The Forward⁠, ⁠Valiant Scribe⁠, ⁠Story Unlikely⁠, ⁠bioStories,⁠ ⁠The Dillydoun Review,⁠ Adelaide Magazine, QuibbleLit and ⁠YourTango⁠, among many more publications. Plus, one of Lynne's creative nonfiction essays was a finalist in the Annie Dillard Creative Nonfiction contest at Bellingham Review. As a Writing Coach and Literary Instructor, Lynne teaches writing around the world, leads writers' retreats and facilitates The Writers Community. She provides 1:1 Writing Coaching and Developmental Editing services as well. Lynne fuses her Marketing expertise with her Writing background in webinars and masterminds focused on arming writers with the tools to market their work and build consistent, compelling author brands. In 2023, Lynne founded ⁠Scotia Road Books⁠, a hybrid publisher for women over 40 to bring strong stories and stronger voices to a market that often overlooks this powerful population. Lynne's novel, Woman of Valor, was the first publication produced by ⁠Scotia Road Books⁠ in September 2023. Lynne chose the name, Scotia Road Books, because of the symbolic path an author takes toward publication. Plus, Scotia – the ancient word for Scotland – represents independence, rebellion, culture and identity, knowing who you are and dedication to being your truest self. While she happens to live on Scotia Road, Lynne built the press in the image of this symbolism and layered meaning. Lynne graduated from the University of Michigan (BA, Communications/English) and Goddard College (MFA, Writing) and earned a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program through Wayne State University in 2018. She is the mother of four young adults and lives in Huntington Woods, Michigan. Lynne is at work on her next novel. Learn more: ⁠lynnegolodner.com⁠ ⁠https://makemeaning.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://yourppl.com⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠Rebel Author Newsletter⁠ https://www.facebook.com/LynneGolo https://www.instagram.com/lynnegolodner/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

In the new book, Inflamed: Theory, Kathryn Walker, an accomplished nurse anesthetist and psychiatric nurse practitioner, delves into the intricate relationship between mental health and the neurological and inflammatory processes within the brain. This insightful book challenges traditional mental health theories and introduces innovative approaches to understanding and treating mental health conditions. The book covers a wide range of topics, including: The disruptive force of psychedelics in mental health The Newtonian framework of mental health and understanding conflict The cognitive dynamics of ketamine therapy Advanced mental health interventions and their implications Inflamed: Theory serves as both a chronicle and a guide, offering readers a profound exploration of the evolving landscape of mental health care. Drawing from her extensive experience as a practitioner and subject matter expert, Kathryn provides a unique perspective on how cutting-edge therapies can revolutionize the field. Kathryn is the CEO of Revitalist Lifestyle and Wellness, which serves as a leading mental health and wellness company led by a comprehensive team of specialty providers. Kathryn worked at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Tennessee for nine years before attending anesthesia school at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. She practiced anesthesia of all specialties for eight years before opening the first Revitalist location in Knoxville, TN in 2018. Today Kathryn operates as a leading advocate for psychedelic medicine as she continues to advance her comprehensive skill set recently graduating with her second Master's degree in Psychiatric Nursing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Recognizing the need for community access, Kathryn founded the national mental health 501c3 nonprofit, Community Change Foundation (CommunityChangeFoundation.org). This nonprofit foundation focuses on providing financial assistance to veterans, frontline workers, and the financially disadvantaged seeking help with psychedelic therapies. Kathryn incorporated the Community Change Foundation in 2019. Recognizing the need for education and training advancements, Kathryn founded the American Association of Psychedelics (AAPsychedelics.org). This education non-profit 501c3 aims to continually bring high quality education and training to all disciplines of providers. Kathryn incorporated the American Association of Psychedelics in 2021. Kathryn is the Academic Detailer for the MetroDrug Coalition, she sits on the board for American Association of Psychedelics, Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, Herzig University, and Women in Psychedelics. Learn more: https://kathrynawalker.com/ https://www.instagram.com/revitalist  https://www.instagram.com/katwalk1217/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-walker-33a868115/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/revitalist/ Kathryn's book "Inflamed: Theory," is now available for presale through the weblink: https://www.revitalistclinic.com/inflamed  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

International Speaker and Violinist Diane Allen is a TEDx/TED Speaker, and Thought Leader who speaks on increasing the meaning, joy and fulfillment in one's work and life by accessing the flow state. As the author of Flow: Unlock Your Genius, Love What You Do, Diane shares her insights on how to harness the power of flow. Years before neuroscientists discovered the positive impact of the flow state, Diane had already experienced its transformative power in her own career as a violinist. Diane was the concertmaster of the Central Oregon Symphony for 15 years, a beloved violin teacher for 28 years, and author of the Fingerboard Workbook series for violin, viola, cello, and bass. It was her unique approach to getting into flow, on demand, that earned her a spot on the TEDxNaperville stage and features on TED, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, Associated Press, Boston Herald, Authority Magazine and Thrive Global. Today, Diane is known for her experiential Keynotes, Training, and Coaching programs that go Beyond Engagement™, featuring her three-step Flow Strategy™ system, which empowers people to get into their flow state, be in their genius and love what they do. Diane asks: "When it comes to work and life, are you spending your time doing or being? Of course, we all have to do things. But how are you being when you are doing? Do you power through your day, doing the best with what you have, only to find yourself physically drained, emotionally empty, and out of flow? Are you fully in flow, deeply engaged, exceeding your potential, feeling whole, happy, and fulfilled? Or, are you somewhere in between?" "As a violinist, playing a high-precision instrument under high pressure, I've learned that when I'm deeply engaged with the music all the 'doingness' seems to disappear and my 'beingness' takes me on an amazing ride of self-actualization," Diane says. "Getting into the music is a musician's version of getting into the flow state and while the lessons of getting into flow didn't come easily, in the end, not only have I gained flow, I've gained flow mastery. Now, as a global authority on flow, I empower people in all aspects of their lives to get into their flow on purpose, and with purpose." "It's commonly known that stress narrows cognitive focus and ideation," Diane maintains. "It can also drain overall energy, and it negatively impacts mental health. What's not commonly known is that when in flow, focus broadens, thoughts expand, and learning speed increases. Work becomes rewarding to the point where it refuels you, and flow positively impacts mental health." "Flow education is like one-stop shopping to resolve many of today's issues by reconnecting people with the humanity that already exists within them so they can be engaged, unlock their genius, and love what they do," suggests Diane. "Whether you are leading yourself, or leading others, you just have to tap into your flow." Diane can show you how. Diane joined us from Bend, Oregon, where she focuses on her public speaking career and is continuing to work on her book launch. Learn more: https://dianeallen.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianeallenspeaker/ https://www.instagram.com/dianeallenspeaker/ https://www.facebook.com/dianeallenspeaker/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZOk_r1n2X2FmbRcoiUhIHQ Free Gift: Flow Essentials: Tools to Unlock Your Best Self (Guide + Videos) https://tinyurl.com/flowstategift --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Vicki Larson is a longtime award-winning Bay Area journalist and the former lifestyles editor, writer and columnist at the Marin Independent Journal whose writing can be found in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post and Newsweek among numerous other publications. She specializes in writing about living and loving outside conventional models of coupling and the nuclear family, as well as busting ageist and sexist narratives about aging as a woman and women's sexuality and desire. She is the author of LATitude: How You Can Make a Live Apart Together Relationship Work, Not Too Old for That: How Women are Changing the Story of Aging, named a Best Book of 2022 by Take the Lead, and co-author of The New I Do: Reshaping Marriage for Skeptics, Realists and Rebels, named a Best Book of 2014 by PopSugar. https://www.vicki-larson.comhttps://twitter.com/OMGchronicleshttps://www.threads.net/@omgchronicles?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/vlarsonhttps://www.facebook.com/VickiLarsonJournalisthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vickilarsonhttps://www.instagram.com/omgchronicleshttps://omgchronicles.medium.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@vlarson7 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Stacy Blemaster defied odds when she was told that she would never live a normal life outside of a mental health facility. After a number of incorrect diagnoses, Stacy finally found a doctor who listened to her and allowed her to open up and feel validated. Detailing her childhood, college life and mental health challenges in To Be Or Not To Be: Shedding An As-If Personality, Stacy details what it's like to have manic episodes, be in and out of treatment, deal with toxic family members who fear the stigma of mental illness and to the other side of finally healing and living a life of fulfillment and happiness as her true authentic self. Stacy is sharing her story to help others find happiness, create true relationships with others, shed as-if images and to feel their feelings. In this episode, we discuss: Defying Limits - How Stacy Overcame the Challenge of Being Told She'd Never Live Outside of a Mental Health Facility & The Stigma of Mental Illness Stop Acting - Finding Your Authentic Self on the Stage of Real Life The Power of One: Finding Acceptance from Just One Person Can Save You Stacy grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio. She received a BA from Brown University, where she majored in theater, and then went on to be licensed in counseling and human services, earning an MA from John Carroll University. She has two autistic sons and a daughter -- all now adults. She resides in Placida, Florida, with her husband, Robert and their two Golden Retrievers, Libby and Lacey. Learn more: https://stacyblemaster.com/ https://instagram.com/stacyblemasterauthor --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Laura Venecia Rodriguez is dedicated to helping individuals over 50 regain their mojo and “shine” with renewed purpose and passion after reaching an impasse or experiencing a major upheaval in their lives—empty nest, death of a loved one, divorce/breakup, job change, retirement, or health crisis. Her YouTube channel, Shine After 50: In Your Body, Mind, Spirit and corresponding blog and newsletter offer weekly advice and inspiration for women over 50 who want to make conscious, wise lifestyle choices so they can enjoy their entire life to the fullest. As a presenter and public speaker for decades in her federal and private sector career, Laura's speeches and seminars were consistently praised for their “superb delivery” and “fascinating, well-designed, insightful, educational and engaging” content. Laura has also delivered well-received educational, inspirational, and spiritual talks including:  “Tap the Power of Your Intuition”  “The Power of Hypnosis”  “Travel Journal Writing: Create your Ultimate Souvenir—A Masterpiece of Memories”  “Living in Love: The Greatest Romance of All” for organizations such as Unity Church of Silver Spring (Maryland), Royal Caribbean cruise line and service clubs. Laura attributes her feeling fantastic virtually all the time and maintaining her college physique and weight in her late 60s to a healthful lifestyle of which yoga, meditation, walking, strength training and rebounding on a trampoline are major pillars. Laura's recently published book (February 2023), Gentle Yoga After 50: Get Fit, Flexible, and Feel Fantastic! shares information and insights about yoga that Laura has learned since starting yoga at age 15. Reviews for the book applaud its:  Loving, mindful, and inspirational approach  Clear, concise, and easy-to-understand explanations  Step-by-step instructions  Detailed guidance and hints for yoga newbies over age 50 Laura earned her MBA (George Washington University), MA (American University), and BA (Wellesley College) and worked as a writer/researcher/speaker for the private sector and Federal government and lived in metropolitan Washington, DC for 44 years. After completing her federal career in December 2020, Laura relocated to Charleston, SC in 2021 and launched Intuitive Advising and Writing, LLC. Laura loves sharing information about ancient and contemporary practices, techniques, and wisdom to enhance the body, mind and spirit. She has trained in hypnotherapy, meditation, intuitive coaching and tarot card interpretation as a creativity tool. Despite being the consummate klutz, Laura taught herself gentle yoga at age 15 to avoid becoming a couch potato. Contact Laura at: Laura@ShineAfter50.com https://www.ShineAfter50.com Follow her: www.linkedin.com/in/laura-venecia-rodriguez-mba-ma-author-speaker-coach-intuitive-advisor-ba27a0255 https://www.instagram.com/laura_venecia_rodriguez/ https://x.com/Intuition1215 https://www.facebook.com/LauraVRodriguez https://www.tiktok.com/@laurashineafter50 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Kamini Wood, who grew up in a small Connecticut town as a first-generation American with immigrant parents. Early in her life, she navigated the complexities of identity and belonging. Feeling the pressure to blend in and seek external validation, she excelled academically and in helping others, driven by the belief that hard work equaled acceptance. Becoming a mother of five while pursuing a career as a certified project manager, she realized her identity was externally defined. Raising high-performing young adults, she recognized people-pleasing behaviors in her children and felt a deep calling to reclaim her authenticity and self-leadership. Seeking to realign with her true self, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and self-validation. Becoming a certified life coach, she dove into her own self-work, learning to honor her feelings and emotions without judgment. Through self-compassion and self-love, she evolved into her own self-leader. Today, as CEO and Founder of Live Joy Your Way and AuthenticMe®Life Coaching, she empowers high-performing adults and young adults struggling with self-doubt and the need for external validation. Her mission is to help others recognize their true value and stop outsourcing their self-worth Kamini is a certified life coach, helps health care workers who are always under pressure manage their work and personal lives.  She is the creator of AuthenticMe® and CEO of Live Joy Your Way - a coaching company helping high performers and overachievers who have seen success through old-rooted, traditional metrics, reestablish their relational self-awareness.  Trained in internal family systems and cognitive behavioral-based coaching, Kamini utilizes her skill set to help healthcare workers, doctors, and lawyers find the balance between work and their personal lives. Kamini is a best-selling author of Om--Life's Gentle Reminders, who holds certifications in various modalities, including life, wellness, high-performance coaching, teen life, conscious uncoupling, breath work, meditation and diversity, equity inclusion, and belonging. She is also trained in conscious parenting and coaching for children. Kamini conducts one on one coaching and has courses and eBooks available on her website. She also hosts the Rise Up -- Live Joy Your Way Podcast. Learn more and follow Kamini at the links below: Website: https://www.kaminiwood.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaminiwood/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsauthenticme/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsauthenticme/?hl=en --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

In a world where aging is often feared, award-nominated author, poet and psychotherapist Jane Seskin, who is 80 years of age, takes readers on an emotional road trip where they can celebrate the joys and challenges of aging. In Older, Wiser, Shorter: The Truth and Humor of Life After 65 (Tallfellow Press, 2024), Jane reflects on how resilience and self-discovery helped her combat life's trials and tribulations, especially as she grew older. Through a collection of 89 poems, Jane redefines the narrative of aging and offers readers a positive take on what is often perceived as a negative. Older, Wiser, Shorter is an insightful collection of poetry; authentic, funny, quirky and heartfelt, acknowledging the physical vulnerabilities, emotional losses, and surprises people encounter in their senior years. Jane also pays tribute to the sense of power, resilience and new-found joys people discover as they acknowledge and accept their aging. Jane's talent for finding the universal connecting tissue of even our most intimate moments will resonate with readers seeking to discover new ways to honor the past, celebrate the present and welcome the future. Jane says that growing old is a gift. Believe in it. Respect it. Embrace it. From varicose veins to doctors' appointments to forgetting why you walked into the kitchen, Older Wiser Shorter illuminates the ups and downs of growing older, one poem at a time. Not to be feared but welcomed, aging is natural, exciting, and it's better than the alternative! Said Mary Pipher, author of Women Rowing North and My Life in Light, “I sat down to read one poem last night and I ended up reading half the book. I feel as though I know you. You have definitely captured the experience of aging.” Jane is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the author of 13 books, most recently the poetry collection Older, Wiser, Shorter: The Truth and Humor of Life After 65. Sometimes laughably simple, other times simply profound, Jane's collection is a non-saccharine and delightful account of what getting older is really like. And she actually lost two inches of her height by her 8th decade! In this episode, Jane talks about: stereotypically negative view of aging into a humorous and intimate poetry collection How writing has allowed her to explore self-discovery and resulted in resilience  The process of writing poetry versus her other works Her mindset that aging is natural, can be exciting, and something to look forward to How creating each poem is an experience in navigating aging Jane also has written nonfiction articles and poetry online and for national magazines and journals. Twenty of her poems were published in Cosmopolitan Magazine, five poems in Woman's Day. Eighteen of her posts have been published in the Metropolitan Diary column in the New York Times. Jane has been a writer-in-residence at the Vermont Studio Center and Noepe Center for Literary Arts in Martha's Vineyard. She has also been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Jane is a practicing psychotherapist, who counseled survivors in individual and group treatment at the Crime Victims Treatment Center in New York for 20 years. In her free time, she enjoys the theater, walking by the Hudson River, visiting with friends, reading poetry and mysteries (Louise Penny, David Baldacci, Donna Leon) and listening to jazz (Keith Jarrett, Houston Person, Chris Botti). Jane wrote therapeutic soundbites on Twitter under the title: “Emotional Band-Aid. Small Steps for Change.” Find out more at: https://www.olderwisershorter.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Terry Repak shares the lessons she learned in her expat life in a beautiful way. When Terry and her husband moved to West Africa with two small children at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s, she seized the opportunity to connect with people of other cultures and bear witness to the ravages of the horrible disease, the finding of a cure and education about prevention methods. Circling Home: What I Learned from Living Elsewhere (She Writes Press, 2023) chronicles the adventures and challenges of raising children to be global citizens and trying to find home in countries as diverse as Ivory Coast, Tanzania and Switzerland. Her memoir spotlights the complexity, struggles and profound lessons at the heart of the expat journey. In this episode, Terry describes her rich relationships with local people in Ivory Coast and Tanzania, and how her deep connections abroad changed her. Her favorite quote by essayist, Pico Iyer, captures the tenor of her book and her experience abroad: "Home is not just the place where you happen to be born; It is the place where you become yourself." Dr. Helene Gayle, President of Spelman College and former Director of the Centers for Disease Control's National Center says: “Terry Repak writes about her family's experiences as American expats in very personal ways, without being afraid of sharing some of the unvarnished realities. With candor and humility, she demonstrates how living overseas can be a rich and fulfilling experience. For Americans, she shows the value of opening ourselves to global perspectives and viewing the rest of the world differently while being more analytical of our own actions. Thank you for this warm, insightful contribution to global understanding and particularly to a more textured understanding of the beauty and the complexities of Africa.” Says New York Times bestselling author, Melissa Fay Greene: "Her honest book captures not only the beautiful people and landscapes and wildlife they encountered at every turn, but the moments of stark loneliness and confusion. She quickly learned to make friends and seek out local women and expats who became mentors and confidantes. This is how she found 'home' wherever she landed.” Kirkus provided the following review: “[Circling Home is] a fascinating true story that evinces the value of family and the beauty of the world.… The Maryland-reared author left her home country for West Africa's Ivory Coast in the early 1990s. Adjusting to their new life was a challenge as heightened political tensions in their city of Abidjan made even excursions to the marketplace nerve-racking experiences. Repak and her family proved resilient, persistently adapting as [her husband's AIDS work] moved the clan back to the United States and to such places as Tanzania and Geneva. …The author excels at showcasing the places where she's lived… and consistently transforms simple observations into lyrical images.” Terry worked as a reporter for several years before going to graduate school at the London School of Economics and earning a PhD at Emory University. She and her partner lived in East and West Africa and in Europe, where he directed AIDS projects and she wrote and raised their children. She has published two other non-fiction books, numerous travel articles for newspapers and magazines, and her research in academic journals. She lives in Seattle where she continues to write and to teach English to foreign language learners and to garden, hike and swim. To learn more: TerryRepak.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-repak-ba47041b/ https://www.instagram.com/repakterry/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063607771451 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Sarah Dale's love of nature and experiences in the wilds of Montana are what started her wish to get other corporate women to build their own badassery and confidence by learning outdoor skills. She moved from New York City to Montana after a solo vacation to Big Sky. Sarah started Project 1490 to provide the opportunity not only for women to have a unique, outdoor experience that helps them go beyond who they think they are, but they can also build their corporate networks and confidence and have a ton of fun in the process. Project 1490 is "an experience-based women's leadership community designed to accelerate the rise of female leaders--with grace and grit." Project 1490 is a membership community for high-performance women from manager to C-level that nurtures all sides of women and accelerates their rise to the top. It is a community of ambitious, open-minded, kick-ass women who support and encourage badassery in themselves and each other "and become the renaissance women they wish to be." She calls her work bringing city women to Montana a combination of "Outward Bound" meets "Oprah" type retreats. Women who attend "go beyond themselves, reconnect with nature and return to their lives with a new sense of who they were and what they were capable of." Project 1490 has an upcoming retreat in the Berkshires that will include leadership content, and expert negotiation skill speaker, wilderness survival skill training and, of course, a party. Project 1490 also hosts "Days of Badassery," some of which are open to nonmembers. You can learn more about their offerings at Project1490.com. Sarah has had an impressive career. After a 30-year career in advertising, Sarah created Project 1490 by combining her years in leadership with her experiences living in Montana. She's been fortunate to work at great brands like The Wall Street Journal, Fortune and Nativo where she led big teams and drove hundreds of millions in revenue. She's been awarded a Cannes Lions, two D&AD Pencils, Folio's Top Women in Media and the Stevies' Gold Maverick Award. She also has a company that does mobile glamping, called thecanvasexperience.com! As Sarah says, "We ride at dawn!" Learn more: Website: ⁠https://www.project1490.com/⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-dale/⁠ Instagram: @Project_1490 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Glenda "GG" Goodrich, 72, has been questing in the Lakota tradition for 25 years. Questing, a form of going out on the land for self-discovery, has been used for eons. It involves separating from one's regular life, spending time alone and incorporating what the lessons learned can mean in your life. "Nature becomes a mirror that reflects what is going on inside you," Glenda says. "Over a number of years, I undertook a series of wilderness quests in Oregon, Washington and California in a search to discover what I can learn about life, death, happiness, spirituality and forgiveness through the healing and restorative powers of the natural world," says Glenda. "From a grandmother to my grandkids, from one nature lover to another, I aim to leave readers empowered, at peace with the past, accepting of themselves, and, most importantly, convinced in the indispensability of nature and all the gifts it has to offer." Her book, Solo Passage: 13 Quests, 13 Questions, Glenda chronicles the sacred ceremonies that connected her to the land, wove her into nature's web, and transformed her from a woman who worked to please others into a woman who forged her own path. The book is a brilliant collection of adventures—the touch of coyote fur, a snake's kiss, a ceremonial blood offering—and a profound reflection on the healing and restorative power of nature. Among the questions she explores in the book are: "How can I become my own spiritual authority?" and "How can I reignite the wildness in me?" Glenda's book was released last September and was a BookLife Editor's Pick -- “As Goodrich finds solace in her quests, she successfully depicts a symbiotic relationship between nature, solitude and artistic expression. This contemplative journey provides a powerful metaphor for the multifaceted nature of the human experience, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and reconnecting with nature in finding our truest selves, no matter what age or stage in life. Readers who are curious about the inner workings of the spirit, lovers of nature, or seekers of self-discovery will be enthralled—and likely inspired to embark on their own quests.” Says Rebecca Jamieson, the author of The Body of All Things: "[Solo Passage: 13 Quests, 13 Questions is a] book for everyone who loves wild places and longs to live an examined life, Solo Passage is a wise, stunningly beautiful page-turner that will leave you moved, inspired and ready to connect more deeply with nature—and yourself."  In this episode, Glenda shares her experience as a "nature nymph" in Death Valley and learning from her life's teachers how to speak her truth without blame or judgment, among other pearls. She guides others to learn how they can be their truest and most honest selves in this life. As an artist, art doula, SoulCollage® facilitator, writer and convener of ceremony, Glenda brings together earth-based rituals, community gatherings and creative workshops in a search for new ways to explore creative potential and love for the Earth. She feels most alive exploring wild places and spending time with her two children, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. GG lives in a cottage in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. She humbly acknowledges that she lives on the land of the Kalapuya. Learn more:  Facebook: @glenda.goodrich.1 Instagram: @glendagoodrich Website: glendagoodrich.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Christine Fruehwirth almost died twice from stress-related health crises. She shares her hard-fought experience in her new book, Surviving Life's Storms and Thriving in the Aftermath, as well as in her life coaching and career counseling business to help people reach their full potential. Surviving Life's Storms and Thriving in the Aftermath discusses the four stages of living that she developed and identifies as Surviving, Stabilizing, Emerging and Thriving. She explores the distinct stages of the "survive to thrive" journey and how to apply this framework to careers, marriage, relationships and parenting. She includes what it takes to be able to move through these stages by addressing what is holding people back and the need to heal inner wounds. Christine was inspired to write Surviving Life's Storms and Thriving in the Aftermath because of her youngest son's incredible life journey the last five years, as well as wanting to share her own story in facing one challenge after another during the past decade, including losing her grandparents during the pandemic, family estrangement, significant health issues and divorce. This book includes stories and insights from individuals she has been blessed to know who can not only relate to but, in many cases, have moved through the four stages of living. "Stagnation is a risk and a choice," Christine says. Christine has had more than 20 years of career counseling and life coaching experience through her successful business, FlexCareers Consulting. Her passion has been helping stay-at-home parents return to the workplace and working parents who are looking for more balance in their lives, though she helps clients of all ages start or reinvent their careers. From 2009 to 2019, Christine worked as a Career Consultant and Instructor of a Career Management Strategy course at George Washington University, and most recently at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. During her years working in higher education, she developed an expertise in helping undergraduates of all majors recruit for and successfully obtain internships and full-time positions in the Financial Services industry. She spent a decade in that industry focused on consumer and later investment banking, working for major financial institutions including Bank of America, Capital One and Wells Fargo. Her last few years in the industry were spent at Lending Tree on the senior leadership team.​ Her perspective is unique because of her 23 years of parenting, 20 years of career and life coaching experience, and 10 years of teaching college students. Her hope for her book is to help readers achieve their full potential no matter what stage of life they are in, be in a sustainable thriving state going forward, and then directly help or motivate others on their "survive to thrive" journeys. Christine earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Villanova University in 1991 and an MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia in 1996. Christine has earned her life and career coaching certification through the Life Purpose Institute and has taken life coaching classes through the Coaches Training Institute.​ Christine understands the joys and challenges of all types of work/family balance issues, as well as what employers are looking for both those starting their career and those re-entering the workforce. Christine resides in Potomac, Maryland and enjoys spending time with her three adult children. Those who visit her website can schedule a free consultation! Learn more and follow Christine: flexcareersconsulting.com www.linkedin.com/in/christine-fruehwirth-0307092/www.facebook.com/christine.fruehwirth.92 Instagram: @christine.fruehwirth --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Deb Johnstone helps people discover who they are now to determine what they want to do next. She is a professional speaker, transformational life, business and career coach, personal stylist, midlife transition mentor, neurolinguistic practitioner, EDISC profiler (profiles energetic types) and yoga teacher. She is the founder of Transformational Pathways Australia and Women Reinventing MidLife. She also is the creator of her signature program, HER Rediscovery (another group is forming this month) and her signature product, Your Success Planner. Deb is the creator and host of the Women Reinventing MidLife Summit Series and has a global vision to build a connected community for women in middle life and beyond to transition their lives feeling confident, visible, vibrant and free to be their true selves. She does this by providing them with support, tools and resources to access their own wisdom, rediscover who they are and create the purposeful life they want and deserve. After initiating the summits in 2020 she saw a great need to develop even more resources for women in midlife. This prompted the launch of The Women Reinventing MidLife Club that meets monthly and, more recently, the YouTube channel Women Reinventing MidLife TV. Deb is mum to two adult sons and grandmother to five gorgeous baby grandchildren. She is a lover of spirituality and nature and lives at the beach in the far northern tropics of Australia, where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Learn more (and take advantage of some of her free offerings): https://womenreinventingmidlife.com/ Follow her at these links: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheEmpoweredMidLifeWoman https://www.youtube.com/c/debjohnstonewomenreinventingmidlife https://www.linkedin.com/in/deb-johnstone/ https://www.instagram.com/johnstone.deb/ https://twitter.com/johnstone_deb Contact: info@womenreinventingmidlife.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

La'Vista Jones was raised with messaging that her voice did not matter. She grew to realize that simply was not true. She became an award-winning podcaster and systems strategist who has helped some of the world's top thought leaders amplify their impact through podcasting. She is a certified coach, six-time author, host of the BOSS Talk podcast and professional speaker with a message that challenges others to shift the way they engage with their work and care for themselves in the process. Her latest book, The BOSS Shift: Doing What You Love Without Sacrificing Yourself To Do It, is a literary blueprint for implementing her signature framework that fuses systemization and self-care into practical self-preserving strategies to balance success and wellbeing. She helps others cease from glorifying busy-ness. BOSS, for La'Vista's work, is an acronym for Battling Overwhelm through Systems and Self-Care. As a corporate dropout and burnout survivor turned entrepreneur La'Vista is the founder and CEO of 31 Marketplace, an agency passionate about providing solutions for ambitious visionaries to amplify their impact, without sacrificing themselves to do it. Her team provides a holistic, done-for-you approach, freeing their clients' time to focus on being the talent behind the microphone. Through her company's initiative, The Amplify Effect, La'Vista and her team are on a mission to help change agents bridge the gap between innovation and influence through sustainable podcasting. 31 Marketplace helps its clients create assets and build infrastructure to ensure the success of their podcasts and provide ongoing support for podcasters. She is a student of podcasting who assists coaches, consultants, speakers, authors and founders amplify their voices and offers free periodic "ask me anything" sessions for those interested in launching a podcast. La'Vista says, "Your voice has the power to change the world. Give yourself permission to use it." According to her research, an average of 47% of podcast listeners do so to learn something, "so your audience is waiting for you." Although she is a proud native of Ohio, La'Vista currently resides in Arizona with her husband Stewart, their son publicly known as "The Cub," and bull mastiff puppy, Atlas. Learn more at https://www.thirtyonemarketplace.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Fran Bailey had a near death experience at age 12 that served as the impetus for her spiritual awareness. She became a renowned energy healer and founded the transformative SHEVA Method. Her energy work also helped her beat stage four cervical cancer that she believes was connected to the death of her father. "We all have cancer cells," Fran says. "I learned how to run energy into the cells and clear it." Fran's journey began with a passion for dance, which seamlessly melded with her innate understanding of energy healing. Her dance training helped her understand anatomy and move into healing work. "It is always the body that responds," says Fran. Fran's unique approach, the SHEVA Method, stands for Seeking Harmony in Energy, Voice and Action. This powerful system offers a holistic path to spiritual growth, emotional well-being, and a deeper connection to your true self. Since 2002, Fran has dedicated herself to sharing the SHEVA Method with the world. Through her years of client consultations, she has witnessed countless individuals experience profound transformation, achieving greater clarity, emotional balance, and a sense of inner peace. Fran's expertise extends beyond her practice. She is also the author of the acclaimed book, EMERGENCE: Reveal Your Essence, which provides readers with a roadmap for uncovering their full potential and embracing their authentic selves. In 2024, Fran is excited to launch her official training program for the SHEVA Method, empowering others to become practitioners and share this life-changing work with the world. Fran typically offers her remote clients three intense Zoom sessions, followed up by tune ups. In this episode, we receive guidance from an expert in the field of energy healing and discuss: --Practical techniques from the SHEVA Method to enhance emotional well-being and spiritual growth. --How to unlock inner potential and live more authentically. --How to reduce chaos in our lives and work with our own personal energy. Fran believes that in our 40s and 50s we begin to open up after years of giving and giving. We can learn how to clear our energy and be present, to become whatever we want to create at this stage of our lives. Learn more at: https://franbaileyhealer.com/ Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @theshevamethod and on LinkedIn @fran-bailey-23aab110 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Divorce lawyer Pat Barbarito, the co-managing partner of Einhorn Barbarito in New Jersey, thought she knew all about complex relationships and the laws that govern them – until her own marriage of 17 years ended and she determined to get to the heart of love, marriage, and human connection. Her journey spanned the entire scope of relationships – from the science of attraction to the financial impact of separation, to old myths that society still touts as true to new laws that outline how to navigate both uniting and uncoupling. Pat believes that you cannot help others unless you go through the journey yourself. She discusses in this episode how she had no role models for healthy relationships during her childhood, so she was attracted to chaos. On the surface, her husband seemed to come from a nice family and her own marriage seemed good. She quickly learned, however, that although she had superficially good things, below the surface, there was dysfunction that eventually caused the demise of her marriage. She created a podcast, Heartbreak & Hope with Pat Barbarito, which offers insights, anecdotes, and guidance from a variety of experts and includes her own perspective on how best to thrive through any stage of relationship building. Pat believes that every healthy person can find their person if they really want to, if they stop making excuses for people, are honest, and practice self-respect. Pat found her partner at age 64. Happy, fulfilled and confident at age 67, Pat embraces change, humility and vulnerability, and encourages others also to seek a partner who practices kindness and respect, and honors shared core values. Learn more: Website: https://www.einhornlawyers.com/podcasts/welcome-to-heartbreak-and-hope-with-pat-barbarito/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/einhorn-barbarito/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EinhornBarbarito --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Marina DelVecchio, PhD, launched her memoir, Unsexed: Memoirs of a Prostitute's Daughter after ten years of being unsexed in her marriage and getting divorced, because of trauma and mixed messages she received about sex for women. In this episode, Marina talks about writing her book to understand why she was so touch-averse, patriarchal effects on sexuality, and how trauma trickles into how we parent our children. "I clear tables when I talk about women's issues," Marina says, of her frankness on such subjects. Unsexed examines the role that sex plays in the life of one woman with two mothers who introduce her to polarized frameworks of female sexuality. Born in Greece to a violent prostitute and then adopted at age 8 by a cold and unloving virgin from New York, Marina inherits a sexual identity steeped in fear and shame—one that, as she grows older and becomes a wife and mother, trickles into her marriage and the parenting of her children. Without the tools needed to understand her complex mothers or to unpack the lessons they taught her, Marina relies on self-erasure to survive relationships that silence and define her—until she finally becomes fed up with those old patterns and begins to stand in her own power. A memoir that unearths the layered emotional and sexual lives of women and exemplifies the satisfaction that comes when they assert their voices and power, Unsexed speaks to millions of women who have different narratives but face similar struggles in reclaiming their voices, bodies and sexuality. Marina is a former high school English teacher with 20 years' teaching experience in literature, creative and academic writing and research. She has acquired an MS in English and Secondary Education from Queens College in New York, thirty credits towards her Doctorate at St. John's University in New York, specializing in Gender Studies, 19th and 20th Century American Literature, and Feminist Criticism, and an MFA in Creative Writing from the Queens University in Charlotte. She has also completed a Certificate in Women's Studies from the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth and teaches writing, women's studies, and literature as a full-time Professor at a community college in North Carolina. She has received several awards for her writing from The Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition (2011-2015), and her work has been published by The Huffington Post, The New Agenda, WE Magazine for Women and BlogHer. She has worked as a contributing book reviewer of women's literature for Her Circle Ezine and as Assistant Editor of Poetry and Non-Fiction for QU Literary Magazine (2014-15). In print, her work has been published by Cengage Learning's anthology on Media and Violence Against Women (2013) and She Writes' collection of essays titled Three Minus One (2014). She was a finalist in the 2015 Tiferet Writing Contest, and her craft essay on writing immersion memoirs was published by The Tishman Review in June 2016. Her other book publications include Dear Jane (2019), The Professor's Wife (2021) and The Virgin Chronicles (2022). Currently represented by the Keller Media Literary Agency for a nonfiction project related to music and female sexuality, Marina has established a strong online presence via her writing on empowering girls and women through education, positive female role models and writing as an act of resistance. Marina teaches college students women's studies and literature through the lens of bibliotherapy, guiding her students to connect with literary heroes who write for power and self-assertion. She lives in North Carolina with her children and three feral cats.  Learn more about Marina and follow her: https://marinadelvecchio.com https://www.facebook.com/marinadelvecchio727 https://www.instagram.com/marina.delvecchio/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Christine Fallert Kessides became a first-time novelist at age 70, when her young adult book, Magda, Standing, was published and received significant acclaim. Christine was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was interested in the fact that all her ancestors (those she could identify) were from Germany. After reviewing her family genealogy and reflecting on some of her relatives' experiences, she was inspired to write Magda's story.  About the novel Magda, Standing: When her father pulls her out of high school to care for her invalid mother and little brother, sixteen-year-old Magda is devastated—but the greater challenge is saving her family in the face of a war and pandemic.  Magda, Standing -- a YA (Young Adult) historical novel released June 2023 from Bold Story Press -- concerns a girl in a German immigrant family in Pittsburgh in 1916-19, confronting the impacts on her family of World War One and the Spanish flu.     The novel speaks to many themes that young people confront today: Balancing the demands of family and tradition with their own ambitions; seeking education despite financial obstacles; dealing with mental illness in a family member; feeling public resentment of immigrants; facing first-time independence from home; and confronting violence and death. Awards include: Gold medalist - 2024 Ben Franklin Award from Independent Book Publishers Association, IBPA - for Young Adult Audiobook Silver medalist - 2023 Story Circle Sarton's Book Award - Young Adult category Bronze medalist - 2023 MOONBEAM Children's Book Award - Young Adult Fiction: Historical/Cultural  Finalist for the 2023 international Eyelands Book Award for published Historical Fiction/Memoir  In this episode, we discuss themes in her book that touch on immigration to the U.S., the effect of pandemics and how the devastation of the Spanish Flu outsized the Covid-19 pandemic in fatalities, the critical importance of nurses, World War I, family and the challenges attendant to coming of age. Takeaways from Magda, Standing, include driving hard to pursue one's dreams and how we can survive almost anything with support, particularly from family. Christine attended college and graduate school at Northwestern University and Princeton University, respectively. She had a career writing policy reports for the World Bank on international development. In her spare time, she volunteers with nonprofits that support women and families and especially enjoys reading, travel, yoga and sharing books with friends. She lives outside Washington DC, in suburban Maryland with her husband, and sees their four children, two grandchildren, and four grand-dogs as often as possible. Christine currently is writing the sequel to Magda, Standing, as well as working on a children's picture book. She spoke about Magda, Standng at the historic Chautauqua Institution (live and on Zoom) in August. Learn more and follow Christine: ⁠www.magda-standing.com⁠             Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091383818477   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magdastandingnovel/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

At age 60, Amy Goober wanted to bring something new into her life. She started her own Boston area-based business and became a successful Action Coach for women. Amy is the founder of Drive Your Life®, a dynamic group coaching program that supports women to get into the driver's seat of their own lives using a unique five-step process to achieve their most sought-after goals. Amy's signature program Drive Your Life ™ helps women put themselves back on their own To Do List and get into action. Drive Your Life ™ is an engaging talk, small group coaching program, vibrant Facebook group and soon to be published book, all of which are results driven. Amy often gives talks and brings in speakers on such topics as how to make friends later in life. Women who participate in Amy's offerings are finding success in so many areas: career, health and wellness, love relationships, parenting, time management, friendships and activities. She organizes trips for women, many of whom are solo, to make new connections and who simply want company on their travels and for someone else to make all the travel plans, which Amy is adept at organizing. Amy received her B.S. in psychology from Cornell University. She opened The Icing on the Cake, a Boston cake bakery, at age 26 in 1986. She has since sold it to two of her employees, and it continues to be one of the top bakeries in the Boston area. As a Certified Health Coach, Amy has helped more than 600 clients in her eight years of health and wellness coaching, with an emphasis on better physical health and weight loss. She reached the level of Global Director, being one of only 2% of all 35,000 Health Coaches at the company to achieve this rank. She led, supervised and mentored a team of 70 coaches. Amy has moved from bakery founder to at home Mom, seasoned health coach, and now founder of Drive Your Life ™.  As an Accountability & Action Coach, Amy speaks on personal motivation, women's empowerment, entrepreneurship, and health and wellness. Amy is a multi-prenuer connecting and supporting women via her brands Better Together® Events, Wandering Women Trips and Get Connected Community. She works with women 1:1, in group coaching programs, leading in-person retreats and travel groups, as well as via online communities. Many of her offerings are provided online. Her next Drive Your Life program will be offered virtually in September. She seeks to help women connect and feel supported and uplifted, which she does every single day! Learn more and follow Amy at the links below: https://amygoober.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.goober/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amygoober.driveyourlife/rive LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-goober-21a36253/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Linda C. Butler is midlife reinvention coach. She is a former executive in the telecom industry, who turned her considerable talents to empowering midlife professional women to become the CEOs of their own lives. Following her own midlife transformation after being laid off at age 50, Linda leverages her MBA, corporate leadership background and neuroscience-based coaching expertise to guide women to redefine personal success, dispel limiting beliefs, and embrace their authentic leadership, to create a fulfilling second chapter.  Her layoff served as a wakeup call to her to re-evaluate what she really wanted in her life and to clarify her purpose in moving forward. Her mission is to encourage midlife women to stop settling and to be the creators of the future they deserve. Linda founded Linden Lotus Consulting, in which she developed a transformative coaching program that guides women through a journey of inner strength cultivation, authenticity, purpose, and continuous evolution. Her approach is deeply personalized, incorporating neuro-coaching techniques, which is the science of identifying our limiting beliefs and how one can create a new belief system. She helps clients uncover and overcome their own limiting beliefs, establish healthy boundaries, and achieve a harmonious blend of career, family, personal well-being, and community involvement. She is passionate about challenging societal expectations and nurturing women who serve as inspirational models for future generations. Her vision is a world where women are free to shine their light and redefine success on their terms, without being stuck on autopilot, as we are sometimes conditioned to do. She calls her approach customizing one's life into a "couture life" that works for each individual, just as she did for herself. Beyond coaching, Linda, who is based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a travel and beach enthusiast, a passionate advocate for animals (with two rescue dogs and a cat), and a recent Pickleball convert. Linda is dedicated to rewriting the script on what the future of work and life can be for women over 50. You can schedule a free Second Chapter Assessment Call with Linda by going to her website. Linda's master classes teach women how to question their belief systems and make shifts to elevate their lives. Linda also offers a free workbook called the “Top 5 Questions to Ask Yourself to Help Jumpstart Your Midlife Reinvention” to listeners: https://bit.ly/49CmBcC Check out Linda's website and follow Linda at the links below: www.LindenLotusConsulting.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindacbutlermba/ https://www.facebook.com/LindenLotusConsulting --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Should you forgive? How and under what circumstances? A deeply moving memoir by Susan Shapiro, a gifted, award-winning writer and professor, explores the nuanced topic of forgiveness in her book, The Forgiveness Tour: How to Find the Perfect Apology, which comes out in paperback on July 23. "[W]hat if the person who hurt you most refuses to apologize or express any regret? That's the question haunting Manhattan journalist Susan Shapiro when her trusted advisor of fifteen years repeatedly lies to her. Stunned by the betrayal, she can barely eat or sleep. She's always seen herself as big-hearted and benevolent, someone who will forgive anyone anything --as long as they're remorseful.... In her entrancing, heartfelt new memoir The Forgiveness Tour: How to Find the Perfect Apology, Shapiro wrestles with how to exonerate someone who can't cough up a measly "my bad" or mumble "mea culpa." Seeking wisdom, she explores the billion-dollar forgiveness industry touting the personal benefits of absolution, where the only choice on every channel is: radical forgiveness. She fears it's all bullshit. Desperate for enlightenment, she surveys her old rabbis, as well as religious leaders from every denomination. Unable to reconcile all the confusing abstractions, she embarks on a cross-country journey where she interviews people who suffered unforgivable wrongs that were never atoned: victims of genocides, sexual assault, infidelity, cruelty and racism. A Holocaust survivor in D.C. admits he's thrived from spite. A Michigan man meets with the drunk driver who killed his wife and children. A daughter in Seattle grapples with her mother--who stayed married to the father who raped her. Knowing their estrangement isn't her fault, a Florida mom spends eight years apologizing to her son anyway--with surprising results. Does love mean forever having to say you're sorry? Critics praised Shapiro's previous memoir Lighting Up: How I Stopped Smoking, Drinking and Everything Else I Loved in Life Except Sex as fiercely honest, fascinating, funny and "a mind-bendingly good read." Now the bestselling author and popular writing professor returns with a darker, wiser follow-up, addressing the universal enigma of blind forgiving. Shapiro's brilliant new gurus sooth her broken psyche and answer her burning mystery: How can you forgive someone without an apology? Does she? Should you?" In this episode, Susan talks about what she learned about forgiveness, some of her previous provocative books, tips for people who want to get published, and a few life lessons that have helped her along the way. A few reviews of her latest book: "Enlightening and universally relevant, the book shows us how to forgive even when it might be impossible to forget."-Kirkus "Susan Shapiro mixes memoir, religion, psychology and journalism to tell amazing stories of forgiveness. The tales, ranging from uplifting to unsettling, are always riveting."-A.J. Jacobs, bestselling author of The Year of Living Biblically and It's All Relative Susan freelances for The New York Times, The Washington Post, WSJ, LA Times, NY Magazine, Salon, Elle, Oprah, Wired & New Yorker online. She's the bestselling author/coauthor of 18 books her family hates, like Five Men Who Broke My Heart, Lighting Up, Unhooked, The Bosnia List and her recent memoir The Forgiveness Tour. She lives with her scriptwriter husband in Manhattan and uses her writing/publishing guides The Book Bible and Byline Bible to teach her wildly popular "instant gratification takes too long" courses. She taught for 25 years at The New School, NYU, and Columbia University and now teaches primarily online in private classes & seminars, as well as in the MFA programs in the schools mentioned. For more information and to follow Susan: https://susanshapiro.net/index.html  https://www.facebook.com/susanshapironet https://www.instagram.com/profsue123/ https://twitter.com/Susanshapironet https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-shapiro-9171755/   --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Sue Camaione is the author of a new sexually charged memoir, The Practical Seductress: How I Learned to Take My Hat and Run. Sue's memoir, exposes the dangerous path to sexual equality. Filled with humor and learned wisdom as a woman in midlife, Sue exposes the double standard of desire and turns it into a “practical” how-to approach while navigating treacherous and unpredictable paths. It's an inspiring tale of resilience that defies social norms in a world where men seek adventure, and women find shame—all in the pursuit of pleasure.  In this book, Sue sets off on a rebellious course to make her way as a young woman determined to live on her own terms despite societal mores. Both a coming-of-age memoir and a depiction of an era, The Practical Seductress exposes the dangerous and passionate path to sexual equality. Full of a precocious curiosity about sexuality, Sue questions her religious education, challenges her school dress code, sets herself on a quest to lose her virginity, and, as she grows older, encounters challenges that at times leave her broke, sick, and homeless. She flees upstate New York, embarking on romantic adventures across the country. She discovers orgasmic joy in the Rocky Mountains, falls in love in Tucson, struggles with open marriage in San Diego, and explores forbidden intimacy in the arms of a Chilean graduate student in Boston. These experiences, men, places, and friendships transform her. Both a coming-of-age story and a depiction of an era, The Practical Seductress exposes the gender double standard and the dangers and joys of sexual freedom that defined the 1970s and '80s. Filled with humor and learned wisdom, this is a story of desire and survival, navigating treacherous and unpredictable paths, defying social norms, and finding redemption. Sue spent her professional life working as an education reporter, publications creative manager, and business development professional focused on health research. Two of the chapters from The Practical Seductress were originally presented to Washington DC–area audiences at the Story Fest Short Slam storytelling contests. Sue is a member of The Writers Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where she resides. In addition to performing in area storytelling competitions, she is penning the second book of her trilogy of memoirs and learning to play drums. She is also a literacy mentor to area students, hoping to foster a new generation of writers. Sue's sharp-tongued suffragette grandmother was her inspiration for writing The Practical Seductress. Says Cyn Meyer, founder of Second Wind Movement: “A story fueled by intricate and entertaining storytelling; Sue bravely puts herself out there—sharing raw, honest tales of a girl's quest to overcome the sexual double standard. While she unravels and re-ravels her coming of age in a captivating, quick read, her journey toward womanhood and becoming a resilient, empowered feminist will leave a lasting impression. Her witty writing confronts difficult topics head-on and evokes the whole spectrum—from shock and outrage to hilarity and tears of joy.” Follow Sue and learn more at the links below: www.suecamaione.com www.facebook.com/sue.camaione www.linkedin.com/in/scamaione X/twitter: @SuzyC19584106 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support