Woman are powerful. They can do anything and everything. But not all at once. Courtney Platt is a huge role model of mine - and she first captured our hearts on SYTYCD S4 where she pushed her limits and lived every day in the moment. During the Season 7 tour as an All-Star, she began to feel things weren't right with her body. Diagnosed with receptive and remitting Multiple Sclerosis - she immediately took action. BEAT MS foundation was born, The BEAT Dance Tour swept the nation with inspiration and love and she continued her illustrious career in film & TV. Now, expecting her second child - she is in a different phase of life but she's the same 'ol girl.
Finding a love for books became even more important when Mackenzie was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome - an incurable disorder that specifically targets an area of the body but can radiate outwards. Even something as simple as rain and wind can knock one with CRPS out the rest of the day. Discovering that reading took the mind off the unimaginable level of pain - Mackenzie began to form an idea. Why not help others in need? Sheltering Books was born. To date, they have donated over 850,000 books. Mackenzie is one of the youngest CNN heroes to ever be featured. We talk about living with chronic pain, her family and the magic of books. For more information & to donate, please visit: https://www.shelteringbooks.com/https://www.instagram.com/shelteringbooksinc/
Ever since she was little, Shannon had energy she had to get out. We discuss her background and the transition from dance & theater to stunts. A spark was lit. (Literally) Not having the experience, she was eager to learn on the spot if given the opportunity. From there, she learned what makes her valuable and continued to push her limits. We go into the training involved for stunts in TV and film - including the CW's Stargirl and one of the biggest shows on Netflix - Stranger Things. The Upijata Arts Company is something she started to empower the youth. Through her own experiences, Shannon has been able to express and heal her past traumas through dance and other arts. Through experiencing sexual assault and suicidal thoughts, Shannon knows how important the arts can be to those who need it the most. For more information, please visit: https://www.upijataartscompany.org/ https://www.instagram.com/upijata_arts_company/
Haley reflects back on her life flipping upside down in the height of the pandemic. A healthy 29 year old who contracted COVID - it was not long after that she found herself hospitalized and then in a coma. For nearly a month, everyone thought that there was a good chance this was it. But she survived. And she's here to tell you the story. We get into the shared interests that brought us together, the glory days, moving away from home with no regrets, plans changing, toxic positivity and finding peace. A wonderful human I am glad to know. Listen to this one, I beg you. For more information - please visit https://kendraweaver12.wixsite.com/findinghercourage
This is Lauren's story. One filled with bravery, strength, thorns and roses. Cystic Fibrosis may be a character in her arc - but she is much more than that. Finding an outlet in dance, Lauren has worked tirelessly towards her craft and fulfilled her goal of SYTYCD (S16). One look at her doing what she loves and it is undeniable. We discuss her journey growing up as a CF'er, writing her memoir, meeting Five Feet Apart's star & director, what Trikafta has done for her and her advocacy for the CF and Make a Wish Foundation. See below for links to donate and support the cause! To donate to Lauren's CFF Team: https://fightcf.cff.org/site/TR/GreatStrides/32_Florida_Orlando?team_id=104209&pg=team&fr_id=9009 For more information: www.cff.org Make a Wish Foundation: https://wish.org/ Breathe Easy merchandise: https://breathe-easy-2.creator-spring.com/ - Breathing Easy Through 65 Roses memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Breathing-Easy-Through-Roses-adversity/dp/B09MCJZGTG - Blooming Roses podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blooming-roses/id1530425806
Growing up, Yarelis didn't know how to say no. She oxerextended herself to be everywhere and involved in multiple things with a hustle mentality that simply was not serving her anymore. Looking inward and asking herself the hard questions, she began to re-evaluate how she shows up in this world as well as how she shows love in all of its forms. We examine the shifts that took place, her love for writing & film and living a life that is uniquely hers. For more information - please visit https://kendraweaver12.wixsite.com/findinghercourage
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of her own suffering - Danielle is without a doubt an inspiration to so many. In the way she carries herself, the way her mind works and her genuine energy. Many people know of her through hair and her ability to rock any curly cut for her client. (She's literally the best) We look at how influential her mom has been, her mindset, her newest annoucement (spoiler: you heard it here first!), what she would tell herself at 40 & more. Check out her instagram @officialabsolutealchemy & website: www.absolutealchemy.us For more information - please visit https://kendraweaver12.wixsite.com/findinghercourage
It may not be easy, but it's worth it. Kalina is a fighter and she is led by a spiritual feeling with everything she does. Whether it is painting, dancing or sharing some other part of her soul - she is not alone in her creating. From working multiple jobs to quitting and now a full time small business owner - she has said yes to the courageous tug at her heart strings. We talk about her process, what hands embody to her and so much more in this new episode! Getting over her fear of speaking, she was able to knock another obstacle off her list. For more information - please visit https://kendraweaver12.wixsite.com/findinghercourage
You'll want a pad of paper and a pen for this one. Cierra Lauren is a lot of things. Big Leo energy, a leader, a peacemaker, a protector, an advocate, a voice. In 2020 - if you were on social media - you most likely heard about/saw the shocking IG lives where dancers came forward with their truth about abuse from leaders in the industry. Cierra saw a need for something much greater than her and Speak Your Truth Worldwide was born. Now, two years later - she has been through even more social circle deaths, asking herself the hard questions, releasing the need to control everything and fighting for what's right. The result? Soulstice. A lifestyle brand with a vision that gives me chills just thinking about it. In this episode we dig into her 15 year professional dance career, pivotal moments that altered her path, a camp that will connect us back to ourselves and much more. For more information - please visit https://kendraweaver12.wixsite.com/findinghercourage
Growing up in Peru, Denisse attended private school and was kept in a 'bubble.' At seventeen, she moved to New York for school, followed by finishing up her undergraduate in Florida. Feeling lost, depressed and back with her parents after eight years...she got a job where she met her now husband. Fighting the 'what am I doing sitting in front of a computer?" for a while, she quit corporate America in 2017 to pursue Antlers & Leathers full time. Realizing it was more of a hobby than a business (delegating to a team meant no longer doing it) her heart changed after giving birth to her beautiful baby boy Matti. Since then, she has felt the pull to search for signs of what's next...and right now that answer is interior design. For more information - please visit https://kendraweaver12.wixsite.com/findinghercourage
At 22 years old, Melissa moved to Orlando. Actively pursuing the performance side of dance - she also continued to teach and choreograph...which she has always felt called to do. Watching her "kids" grow up before her eyes, there is nothing like the mentorship she has with each student. In 2018 she opened Underground Dance Movement - an adult drop in dance studio in the Central Florida area. Her goal has ALWAYS been about the community - NEVER the clout. We dive into her beginnings, where she gets her entrepreneur mind from, operating a business during COVID and the clarity that comes in your 30s. For more information - please visit https://kendraweaver12.wixsite.com/findinghercourage
West Side Story graced our screens on December 10, 2021. If you have been able to see it - you know the cast did an exceptional job of bringing this story to life. Every movement, every lyric, every nuance - was perfectly executed. Charita - one of the main Shark girls - is played by Tanairi Sade Vazquez. This remarkable woman is proudly representing her island of Puerto Rico with every role she does. No stranger to the stage and musicals - you may have seen her on Broadway in shows like Hamilton or Come Fly Away. We discuss her move to NYC, pursuing a professional dance career while juggling school, her West Side Story arc (it finds its way to her), her dive into the acting world and investing in yourself...because at the end of the day - you are your instrument. We hope you enjoy! For more information - please visit https://kendraweaver12.wixsite.com/findinghercourage
Akashic records reader and yoga instructor Kaitlynn Newton has had several rock bottoms. Learning by trial and error - these rock bottoms really created turning points in her life. We dive into a couple of these as well as some of the things that needed extra attention prior to her spiritual awakening: Learning to absorb allll the truths of yourself. Creating intimacy in a relationship while recognizing the polarity of masculine and feminine energies. Living a life filled with both peace and boldness simultaneously. Avoidant attachment disguised as freedom. To reach Kaitlynn: https://www.kaitlynnnewton.com/ and for more information - please visit https://kendraweaver12.wixsite.com/findinghercourage
Florida native Yoe Apolinario set off to LA after high school and since then has grown into the movement artist you see today. With credits so impressive - So You Think You Can Dance, Usher, Taylor Swift, Chris Brown, Meg thee Stallion, Cardi B, Encanto, Cheaper By the Dozen (2022), American Song Contest and more - this only scratches the surface. When you take the time to speak with Yoe, you'll find her desire to dance and express at the core of everything she does. During the 2020 pandemic, Yoe reconnected with one of her first passions, writing. Her life experiences transformed her thoughts to words and gave birth to her first book Café Con Leche. The story walks readers through Yoe's upbringing, unaware that she was half Black. She discusses African heritage in Latino culture and coming into her own skin. Café Con Leche is now available for pre-order and offically releases Wednesday, May 18th! https://yoeapolinario.com/ For more information - please visit https://kendraweaver12.wixsite.com/findinghercourage
TW: Suicide is briefly mentioned, but "trigger warning" is said just before it. If you feel inclined to skip over this part, please skip from 32:55 to 34:18. We've got Mona Ray in the house. Covering topics from ego death and her love for books to navigating trauma and the importance of your relationship with yourself. Speaking from a more healed space, Mona has written a New Adult fiction titled "Norah Wolfe Has Gone Insane". We dive into the concepts covered and there's even some detail to give you a glimpse before you make your purchase! Stay tuned for details on the publication date. (I will update it here) Marcell Rév, if you are listening to this - Mona would loveeeee to speak with you. For more information - please visit https://kendraweaver12.wixsite.com/findinghercourage
Hi friends...I know it's been a long while since I've graced your screen. How are we? First up we have the incredible Bianca. A career clarity coach, technical recruiter, dancer and overall badass. We talk about taking the leap with a career change, processing grief and the lessons to come out of pain and the ridiculousness of waiting - when all we have is now. Bianca opened my eyes to a lot, and I hope she has the same effect on you, too. For more information - please visit https://kendraweaver12.wixsite.com/findinghercourage
Andrea Owen has gone from rock bottom to transforming her life and she guides women to do the same as a life coach and author. In a world where we have been conditioned to play small, not take up too much space and stay quiet – she says to disrupt the status quo and take full control of your life – in her newest book - “Make Some Noise: Speak Your Mind and Own Your Strength”. We talk about her story, power, courage and the unlearning of it all. For more information, please visit findinghercourage.com
As the season comes to a close, Kendra reflects back on the journey so far and all the wonderful guests that gave their time. Making a big move herself across the country just days ago, leading with courage (although scary) is the way. Until next season... For more information, please visit findinghercourage.com
Disappointment is inevitable - especially when you really put your heart and hope into certain things. How one pivots and deals with the disappointment however, is the key to your next steps. Madison Gunst, Amara Corpus and I sit down to discuss the different areas in which disappointment can appear - and how these disappointments have changed our perception or how we've shifted our perception ourselves. For more information, please visit findinghercourage.com
Bestselling author, life coach, and sociologist Martha Beck explains why “integrity”—being in harmony with ourselves—is the key to a meaningful and joyful life. As Martha Beck says in her book, “Integrity is the cure for psychological suffering. Period.” In The Way of Integrity, Martha presents a four-stage process that anyone can use to find integrity, and with it, a sense of purpose, emotional healing, and a life free of mental suffering. Much of what plagues us—people pleasing, worry and anxiety, negative habits—all point to what happens when we are out of touch with what truly makes us feel whole. Martha takes us on a spiritual adventure that will change the direction of our lives, and bring us to a place of genuine happiness. To purchase: marthabeck.com For more information, please visit: findinghercourage.com
It’s time to get your financial life together. It doesn’t need to be terrifying. It just needs to get done. Meet Erin Lowry, author of the Broke Millennial series. In her latest book - she breaks down the exact dialogue you can use to navigate conversations surrounding money whether it be asking for a raise, telling your friend you don't want to spend the money because you difer in circumstances or tackling debt with your significant other. She lays the groundwork to make the task less intimidating. In this episode we discuss unconscious beliefs, big life changes and the power of silence when negotiating. Visit https://brokemillennial.com for more! For more information, please visit findinghercourage.com
Claire Sedovic is a children's book illustrator, graphic designer, adjunct professor, yoga/barre instructor AND freelancer. She is one of the friendliest people I've ever had the pleasure of speaking to. Her first full phrase as a toddler was - "I do it my own self." Mic drop. Any questions?! That independent spirit has led her thus far. We discuss leaving a corporate position and what that decision led to, her passion for design and illustrating on multiple fronts, losing two jobs at the start of COVID and tapping in to her inner child. Her two mottos are: "Do the work" and "Good Things Take Time". Tap into the mind of Claire! For more information, please visit findinghercourage.com
EMILY's LIST is the largest national resource for women in politics; its mission to elect Democratic pro-choice women into office. Over the past thirty-five years, they have shaped the campaigns of thousands of women around the country. "RUN TO WIN: Lessons in Leadership for Women Changing the World" by EMILY's LIST (former) President Stephanie Schriock, together with Vice President of Communications Christina Reynolds, shares exactly how they've done it and provides an essential playbook for any woman trying to succeed in a male dominated field. Stephanie has run EMILY'S LIST over the past 11 years and is a huge part of the numbers we've seen the organization expand to. In this discussion in a time right before Biden took office in Jan 2021, we talk about her desire to help people, stepping into positions with huge shoes to fill and how we as women are just getting started. Everyone deserves to be at the starting line. To learn more - https://www.emilyslist.org/ For more information, please visit findinghercourage.com
This episode explores heavy topics such as the hate crimes against Asian Americans, what women have to do in anticipation of a threat on a daily basis (Sarah Everard story), and not being defined by your race. We also discuss discovering yourself as a working independent artist, setting intentions and bringing joy to others. Meet Katie Soo - owner of KSoo Pottery. She is a clay enthusiast - bringing to life the everyday mugs and bowls that start your morning - but there is nothing ordinary about them. Crafted carefully, beautifully and with love - Katie has found her way going against the grain of society's standards. By speaking up and out - she hopes to inspire others to stand tall. For more information - please visit findinghercourage.com
Tayler Buono is an artist of incredible talent & sensitivity, capable of turningher most intimate confessions into deeply inspiring pop songs. An Orlando raised singer/songwriter who first shot to fame in 2016 with her single - "Technically Single" - she has dealt with the loss of a record deal, navigated a toxic relationship on and off for 10 years and become a powerhouse independent artist. Her music is our anthem - and it's about to get better. Tayler tells us about her newest project and what's to come. For more information, please visit findinghercourage.com
Cherise Nicole created the first ever inclusive hip hop team (Rukus Entertainment) affiliated with the University of Central Florida and its legacy has gone on to change hundreds of lives since 2003. Not knowing the impact it would have but led by a vision placed on her heart - this is the way for Cherise. God places things that seem impossible to the practical mind - but He would never give us something we couldn't handle. She goes on to Los Angeles to study hosting and even made an impulse move to Paris, France. This is an inspiring story filled with tangible advice we must keep at the forefront of our minds. For more information, please visit findinghercourage.com
"Caith do shaol go maith" - "Live your life well". Chelsea's story of finding her place has numerous ups and downs, but her heart was always in it. She explains how a year in Ireland transformed her life and impacted her to follow a career path as a guidance counsellor. Her spunk, courage and determination is unmatched, which makes her such a great role model as my older sister. She traveled around the world for four months with just a backpack, she's the first and only international student in her program at Trinity College Dublin and she fought for her occupation to be taken off the ineligibility list (which it since has!). For more information on FHC, please visit findinghercourage.com
Shoshanna Babitt is a powerhouse of ambition, talent and drive which made her attraction to New York City a natural. "Sho" and I met in 2012 at a dance team audition. Little did we know that nine years later we would be in each others lives and pursuing similar paths. We Orlando girls were on our way. *This was also recorded in late 2020. For more information on FHC, please visit findinghercourage.com.
Leann is one of those people that makes you feel safe and the space she occupies is always with intention. There was no doubt in my mind about bringing her on to the podcast to speak her truth (and shake you! wake up!...in the most kind way possible). She is mindful, purpose driven and kind to herself - but it wasn't always this way. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom multiple times to alter the direction of your life and make real change. Lean(n) into love. :) *This was also recorded in late 2020. For more information on FHC, please visit findinghercourage.com.
A daughter of God, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a mentor, a hype woman...these are just a few ways to describe the woman that is Casey Field! *This was also recorded in 2020. For more information on FHC, please visit findinghercourage.com.
Although they've only known each other for just over one year - Amara and Kendra are kindred spirits. In this open and honest roundtable discussion, the pair talk about society's standards, figuring yourself out and they eventually land on a HUGE takeaway that takes them both by surprise. This was recorded in October 2020, so when I refer to January I am not talking about last month. P.S. Amara was the FIRST person I reached out to - to finally kick this podcast journey into high gear. What's special about this episode is not only it being a "first" but the genuine love we have for articulating the hard stuff and not letting the other go through it alone. Thank you Amara, for your friendship. For more information on FHC, please visit findinghercourage.com.
From gymnast, to cheerleader, to dancer... to now stunt woman. Kellina has learned a lot along the way about herself and what she wants. She's danced for Paula Abdul and Nicki Minaj...and she's the most humble soul I've ever met! I sat down with Kellina and we discuss the industry once you're in the thick of it, taking leaps and not being ready to announce a permanent move (there's nothing wrong with that) and how her drive to keep moving and learning has never left. For more information on FHC, please visit findinghercourage.com.
Episode One features author of "You Are A Badass" - Miss Jen Sincero. 2021 is in full swing, and she has just the book for you. "Badass Habits: Cultivate the Awareness, Boundaries, and Daily Upgrades You Need to Make Them Stick" is the kick in the butt you need to make real change and be your BEST self! I sat down with Jen to talk about the book and topics like IDENTITY, BELIEF, COURAGE and more. For more information on FHC, please visit findinghercourage.com.
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