InPowher

Christie Valdiserri is the first bald woman to be in sports illustrated. In addition to modeling, she is a dancer, fitness instructor, and hair loss advocate.She was my first guest on the InPowHER podcast and a lot has changed within a year. We discuss what she’s working on, how to deal with losing a competition that you put your heart into, and dating as a bald woman...actually just dating in this day and age period. It’s interesting thanks to Covid.Her Instagram and TikTok are linked below.IG: https://instagram.com/christie.valdiserri?igshid=1xvfncy3k7tniTikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMepAUFym/

I recently was going through my camera roll at old photos and videos and became overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude is something that has been a large part of my happiness and appreciation for the small things. This is a short episode about what gratitude means, the importance of being appreciative, and how you can start to be more grateful to achieve bliss.

This week's episode is a little different. I am the interviewee with Tori Kruse.  We dive in to a lot of different topics!

 This episode is a conversation about the struggle of overcoming something that is so rarely discussed yet so common; eating disorders. 1/10 people in the world are effected by them. Eating disorders are among the deadliest mental illnesses, second only to opioid overdose.With constant comparison from social media and the idolization of the skinny model many people including myself have felt like their body isn't what they desire. I shared this conversation with Emily Demure (IG: @Emilyrosedemure) who is a model, coach, previous D1 volleyball player, and the current Miss Colorado USA.  She recently shared on her social media about being diagnosed with anorexia several years ago and on this episode we talk about how she overcame it and how you can support a friend who might be going through something similar. IG: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrosedemure/?hl=en Website: https://www.emilyrosedemure.com/about 

Emily Deahl (@Emilydeahl) is a Nashville-based independent singer-songwriter currently releasing her latest project, “Bad Apples”.  She has gained a following of 333,000+ on TikTok from using gorilla marketing to promote her music.She has done things like write on sidewalks at 6am, project her album covers on skyscrapers, and recently gave a live concert on the back of a truck while driving through the busiest street in Nashville. Emily has gotten a lot of love for her ambitions, but with love comes hatters.  She found that most hate she gets on social media is not actually about her talent, but rather misogynistic comments.   So, for her Bad Apples cover she got inspiration from  Brittany Spears' 17 year old Rolling Stones magazine cover and used hate comments for the headliners and "article titles" that went around her. Emily is continuing to push the boundaries to make her dreams come true. Her goal is to go on tour and open for someone once things are opened back up. Until you can see her live you can follow her on socials and check out her music below.  Emily IG: https://instagram.com/emilydeahl?igshid=u52mk12n9y2hEmily TT: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeahuLC5/Emily Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2b7M4r7m1XYATaQKmtNU6m?si=ClGJGXM7RESqDSvqO7PE4w Site: https://emilydeahl.com 

Buckle up because this episode is a ride! You are going to feel like you're at a slumber party with your best friend. We talk about everything from the crazy things we have done while chasing our dreams to why it's hard to find a man as a tall woman.Tori Kruse (IG: @misstorikruse) is a speaker, coach, a leading expert in the field of mindset and confidence, and was crowned Miss Missouri USA 2018. She is a successful entrepreneur with her business Highlights ’n Heels, where she speaks to pageant girls about developing a winning mindset. She also has a powerful winning circle elite coaching program, where she helps them transform their mindset, and gain the confidence to achieve their dreams. Tori has been featured on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, E!, INSIDER, and Cosmopolitan Magazine. She’s also had a thriving career as a print and runway model, as well as a freelance sports reporter. When she’s not traveling to speaking engagements, Tori resides in Scottsdale, AZ.

Modeling is not always as glamours and easy as some make it look. It is filled with rejection and highlighting insecurities. I had a conversation with one of my model friends who I met during Art Hearts Fashion during New York Fashion Week.Kholood Breiche (IG: @kholood.breiche) is a 27 year old model who quit architecture to follow her dreams. She's had a lot of rejections because of her body type, age, and skin. Kholood says that will never stop her from reaching her goals. She posts modeling tips and truths on instagram and Tiktok to share the reality behind modeling and I try to help as many people as she can to embrace their beauty and power. She believes anyone can find success when they have faith in themselves and we are persistent enough. IG: https://www.instagram.com/kholood.breiche/?hl=en

This week I talk with the woman who got me into podcasting, Sara McInerney Hauck. She has her own podcast that revolves around facing fear so we address how to face our own and what might hold us back in this episode.Sara is a storyteller who hosts the Facing Fear podcast where she interviews individuals who have faced fear in pursuit of an unapologetically authentic life. (Fun fact: her podcast was the first podcast I was ever interviewed on and the link to her pod is below.) With more than 50 episodes, she desires to share realistic tools, vulnerable stories and how we can all conquer fear wherever you are in life. She's also a nonprofit manager, fitness instructor, sister, wife and friend.

Josie Bullard (IG: @josie.bullard) is an Indiana-living, content-creating, business-owning gal with a zest for helping others turn their creative passions into a reality. This episode we discuss creating in a place that isn't always conducive for creators and how to stay true to what you like and who you are!She also has a podcast that I was recently on called Behind the Feed podcast where you can learn her tips and tricks to creating amazing content.IG: https://www.instagram.com/josie.bullard/?hl=enBehind The Feed Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-feed/id1500685787

This episode I dive into a conversation about God with Megan Swanson(IG: @megan_swanson). Megan is a pageant coach, podcast host, pastor’s kid, and Miss Nebraska USA, but most importantly she is a God-fearing woman. She is someone I look up to when developing my faith with God and someone that is a sister in Christ. A few things we discuss is:Her faith journeyTithing Understanding God’ plans are different than yoursAnd so much more! I hope you enjoy this podcast and most importantly feel empowered!Powerhouse Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-powerhouse-podcast/id1448191693FB Sisterhood Group: type in - The Powerhouse Women Sisterhood - and request to join

Riley Compton (IG: ri.compton) is an Officer in the Marines who is training to become a bobsledder in the 2026 olympics. She played softball at The George Washington University and was involved in leadership programs such as SAAC (student athletic advisory council) and leadership academy with me. She is one her of an athlete and leader and we discuss the physical and biological makeup of being a female plays into the role of being a great athlete. We talked about childhood motivators and even things things we struggle with now on occasion.Riley was so much fun to talk with so I hope you enjoy this episode and most importantly feel empowered.

On this week's episode I talk about how I gained my success in volleyball and what lead to me being on a team that without my leadership and outgoing personality, I probably would not have made. I used this technique throughout volleyball. I used it to get recruited and get a D1 full ride scholarship and even play over seas. My agent said I'm a 5/10 player but an 11/10 person. (lol)What I learned and used in volleyball is applicable in everyday life to stand out in a place where you might not be the best yet. I had a blast talking about my athletic experience and tricks that have helped me be successful and I know if you take what I say to heart and apply it you will see mountains move in your life.I hope you enjoy this episode and most importantly feel empowered.

Kenzie Maloney (IG: @kenziemaloneyis a 2x Division 1 NCAA national volleyball champion who played for the Nebraska Huskers from 2015 - 2019. In high school she played on the national team and was predicted to go to the olympics after college. When it came time to train with Team USA Kenzie found that volleyball was something that she was no longer passionate about and had to start fresh and navigate what was next and figure out what gave her purpose. In this episode we discuss the stereotypes of athletes and navigating what is next after 4 successful years of college volleyball.

In this episode I talk about losing Miss USA and dealing with outcomes that don't go your way. Life doesn't always happen the way we want or expect, but we are resilient and have so many options for the future. I share 5 steps to get out of a rut and prepare for what is next!I hope you enjoy the episode and most importantly feel empowered.

I am wishing everyone a Happy New Year. This is the very first episode where there is no guest. It's just me Alexis Lete, Miss Indiana USA 2020. It has been a slight fear of mine to come on my own podcast alone because of feelings of not being good enough, doubt, not knowing what to talk about and many more inadequate excuses. This year all my fears I am hitting them straight on and tackling them because growth only happens outside the comfort zone.A girl from my club volleyball team passed on Christmas due to cancer and she told a friend, "If we can have fear and believe in something we don't see, then we can have faith too." That rocked me and made me realize that instead of looking at things with fear and negative "what ifs" I need to start looking at them with faith as optimistic "what ifs". Last year made me realize how resilient we are as humans. It is time to get uncomfortable in the pursuit of new goals and happiness. I hope you enjoy this episode and feel inspired to get uncomfortable and stay consistent.

Kellie Rene Hall (IG: @kellierenehall) is a multi passionate individual who is an active duty Navy Lieutenant, woman in uniform, model, entrepreneur, and runner up in Miss California USA.We talk about how her pageant journey started and how the Navy actually encouraged her to keep competing in pageants. In addition we talked about what you need to compete in a pageant and the midst required to do well.Once pageantry was over for Kellie she decided to keep pushing the stigmas around women in uniform and go for Sports Illustrated Swim. If you have listened to any of my other podcasts you have probably heard me rave about this process and talk about how it's a great platform for women empowerment. Kellie describes how this virtual year is different with the Sports Illustrated Swim process due to the pandemic.We also talk about what it takes to really push yourself as a person to get outside your comfort zone and accomplish big things! I hope you get inspired by this episode and decide to go for something new and maybe work on breaking another mole. Kellie also has a podcast called Missunderstood where she interviews and talks with title holders that are more than likely misunderstood.

Rachel Slawson (IG: @saltyrachel) is the current Miss Utah USA and was the first openly bisexual woman to compete in Miss USA — bringing much-needed representation to the pageant stage. She is an actress, public speaker, and mental health crisis counselor. In this episode we discussed the pressures of being a trailblazer and representing a group of people that have not been represented on the Miss USA stage before. Rachel talks about how she came out to her Mormon parents and how she is still in search for love.She also dives into dating with bipolar disorder and how it is important especially this year to treat everyone with grace. Follow Rachel at this link to keep up with how she is continuing to Break Molds and educate https://www.instagram.com/saltyrachel/?hl=en

I caught up with Sabrina Victor who is the current Miss Massachusetts USA to talk about the Miss USA pageant and how she is creating her own yes for the future that she wants.Sabrina is an art activist, empowering others to #SpeakYourTruth. Activating the principles of collaborative work and creativity, she strives to cultivate a passion for the arts amongst the youth. Honing her craft, she has accomplished the high standards of a triple threat performer: singing, acting and dancing. She has been featured in several independent and local stage productions. When not on the stage, Sabrina is based in Boston as a freelance model. To unwind from the day, she enjoys Netflix, trying new restaurants, and blasting Beyoncé. Sabrina is an honors graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst with two degrees in Theater and Journalism. Giving homage to her cultural heritage she is a bi-lingual Haitian-American. ​Her website and instagram are below.https://www.sabrinakvictor.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/sabrinakvictor/?hl=en

As the first episode back post Miss USA I caught up with Andreia Gibau, Miss New York USA, to talk about what it was like being on the Miss USA stage and what is next in store.Andreia is the reigning Miss New York USA 2020 and works as a public speaker, writer, and philanthropist. Gibau considers philanthropy being the core of who she is due to being an immigrant from Cape Verde and being born into poverty. Gibau immigrated to the United States at the age of 7 and faced many challenges living in an inner city and not speaking English.Through her initiative “More Than Enough," she serves as an advocate for inner city and underprivileged youth by instilling confidence and empowering them to live to their full potential despite their circumstances.Andreia is a graduate of St. John's University with a degree in public relations. She was named Phoenix magazine's 30 under 30 for philanthropy and speaks 4 languages which has been a great asset since she's an avid traveler. Gibau is a former Miss Teen United States 2015 and Miss Earth USA 2017 where she placed in the top 16 at Miss Earth in the Philippines.

Erin McGeoy is the founder and CEO of Last Call For Food. Last Call For Food is a platform that focuses on reducing food insecurity and food waste on college campuses, and recently, due to the pandemic, throughout communities.Despite receiving scholarships, financial aid, and working throughout college, Erin struggled to finance her basic needs.She developed many innovative ways to access more affordable food while in college; she lived a “freegan” lifestyle, subscribing to as many university listservs as possible and planning her week around events that offered free food. She was also a frequent shopper at her university’s food pantry and would double up on post-workout protein bars as meal replacements.After she created a Facebook group called Free Food in Foggy Bottom to share her strategies with others, Erin realized that her situation was not unique. The group rapidly grew to 500 users while reports on hunger among college students were starting to appear in the media. She saw the needed and created Last Call to give students the support and food security she wished she had.Check out more at https://lastcallforfood.com IG: Last Call For Food

Brittany, aka Pilot_Brit on Tiktok, is one of my childhood friends who is indeed now an airline pilot.She blew up on Tiktok sharing stories about what it is like to be a pilot while a lot of her audience is also intrigued that she is a female pilot. Brittany shares about her training, pilot schedule and her empowering position on Tiktok to show young girls that being a pilot isn't just for the guys!Instagram: @brittany_9275Tiktok: @pilot_brit

Kyra Green (IG: Kyra212green) is a singer in 212 Green and is known for being on the first season of Love Island in the USA. She shares what it was like behind the scenes and how life after the show was a whirlwind.Love Island wasn’t the first thing Kyra played a big roll in, in her preteen years she starred in Kidz Bop. I thought Kidz Bop was every kids dream but Kara shares her experience and struggles she faced while being in the spotlight.She went from this to be a signed model with IMG and walking the runway for top designers. The modeling industry is one that can be brutal and she shares how she overcame some of the unhealthy habits that the modeling industry inflicted on her. Kyra is now studying fitness and nutrition so she can empower people to live a healthy life. We talk about how everything she has done in the past is leading up to what she plans to do next. Kyra stays authentic to her self and inspires people to do the same. I hope you enjoy this episode and most importantly feel empowered.

Jenna Bandy (@jennabandy21) is a YouTuber and social media content creator with an audience of over 1.1 million across platforms. She is known for her athletic ability and basketball content. She blew up from using the hashtag #SheCanDoBoth and displaying her more dressed up girly side beside a picture of her balling out. From there she started to get recognition and started to meet other social media influencers, but Bandy didn’t always have her eyes set on social media. She originally set out to be a teacher and high school coach. As her following grew and students started recognizing her as Jennabandy21 she decided to be the assistant coach of a college team.In this episode we talk about how she became so competitive, what drives her passion for basketball, and how the underdog and authenticity bring success. I hope you enjoy the episode and find yourself relating to how you can break the mold and be that person that can do both too;)

This episode was super special as it was my first time having two amazing guests that are both ER doctors in the Indianapolis area. I'm afraid of blood so this episode was a huge eye opener to me about what ER doctors and doctors in general go through in order to attain their prestigious role in society. Both doctor's schooling and bios are below:Mauli Shah completed her undergraduate degree in molecular biology at Loyola University Chicago. She subsequently went to Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences for medical school and matched at one of my top residency choices in Emergency Medicine at Western Michigan University. Mauli now practices emergency medicine at IU serving the greater Indianapolis community. She says that the best part of her job is being able to care for a wide array of patients that present with unique medical pathologies in a fun, hardworking, and collaborative environment. It’s never a boring day in the ER! Kelly Halt attended undergrad at Purdue and then went to Medical school at Des Moines University. She then went on to do her Emergency Medicine residency at Western Michigan University School of Medicine and now works as an Emergency Medicine attending here in Indianapolis. She loves the diversity of patients she gets the opportunity to treat and working in a place where every day is different. Kelly talks about working with some incredible people and feels very fortunate to be serving the Indianapolis community.

Vicki Lete aka my mother has been in the education system in Southern Indiana and Louisville for over 35 years.She has never experienced something quit like what is going on right now. We talk about going back to school, safe precautions, and what is best for the kids.The answers are pretty pc, but there's definitely some interesting and informative stuff we discussed.

Madeline Delp (IG: @madleinedelp) is a powerhouse of a woman! At a young age she learned that sometimes almost losing your life can be the catalyst to truly finding it in a way you never had before. After miraculously surviving a car accident that left her crushed in the back of a car and comatose for several weeks, she woke up to find that she had been paralyzed from the waist down. Madeline soon realized that the physical bounds she faced were small in comparison to the emotional repercussions of paralyzing fear and doubt. After a multi-continental journey of fear-chasing, Madeline learned that she could refuse to be the victim of her circumstance – that by mastering the mind, one can profoundly reclaim control of their life. Her journey included being the first paraplegic girl to BASE jump in the US, rock climb the cliffs of Mt. Rushmore and drive cross country alone on a national tour. Madeline launched her career as a public figure after winning the national competition, Ms. Wheelchair USA. Spending the year traveling and speaking across the United States, she established her reputation as a deeply-moving and inspirational keynote speaker and has been hired for major events, such as conferences at the NC Governor’s mansion and the US Senate. Madeline has also partnered with LA production teams to create film series that complement her keynote message of overcoming and living bold adventures. Madeline’s ultimate goal is to give back to the world around her, not only by inspiring people to chase boundless dreams, but by also giving them the resources to do so. In 2017, she founded Live Boundless in order to give people hope that they could overcome their physical challenges. It is her passion to grow the organization to help millions of people around the world.

Tanaye White is a Sports Illustrated model who was discovered in the Sports Illustrated Swim Search 2020. She went the year prior, but did not make it to the top 6 where she would be featured in the magazine, so she tried again and made it! Participating in the search gave her the push to quit her corporate job and pursue modeling full time. Along with being in Sports Illustrated Swim, she has been featured on Victoria Secret's media.In this episode we talk about the SI Swim search, social media, and how to deal with negative people in your life, which is something Tanaye is very passionate about.You can follow Tanaye on instagram: @tanayedubz

Michelle Xuxu (@Xuxu) skipped college and went straight into working in social media at 18. She was one of the first employees for Arsenic and helped them scale their Instagram presence to over 1.2 million followers in addition to their other outlets of 25+M.The brand empowers women to pursue anything they want, by growing their followings and helping them into their career paths. We discuss the difference between their social media perception around it and the incredible vibe of an in person Arsenic event. Michelle is an influencer of influencers, acting as mother agent to rising stars in the social media world. She helps them develop, navigate the waters of Hollywood and the wild west of social media. She is constantly bringing unique opportunities and connections to her network.She talks about how this nurture came about, the courage it takes to become who you are, and the power to change at any given moment. Michelle formally opened up her own Xu Agency (@XuAgency) here to add value to your life. A place for brands, to connect with a genuine community of creators, artists, musicians, models,TikTokers, influencers. For Influencers, booking them paid opportunities in addition to each other for positive support while chasing their dreams.

Erica Jean is the first ever plus size woman to be featured on the cover of a fitness magazine. Yes, even before Ashley Graham! She talks about how it happened and the media coverage she received after landing the cover. A lot of the questions had to deal with her health. Erica discusses her personal struggles with haters and what she has done to live a healthy life while inspiring and empowering other plus size women. She even received a Teen Choice award for being a great role model!Erica talks about how her mom tricked her into modeling and how she advanced in her career so quickly. She has worked for several big names such as Target, Nike, and Fashion nova just to name a few. We talk about what you need to be a model and the confidence that comes from putting on a show and embracing who you are. Not everyone's version of healthy is the same and we discuss how to live a happy and healthy life according to you!I hope you take something away from this episode and most importantly, feel empowered!If you want to follow Erica on instagram her user name is @curve_model

Sara Parr is an English teacher and infertility advocate. She has been with her now husband for over 11 years and has been trying to have a baby for over 3 years now. A miscarriage and countless attempts has been isolating while keeping the struggles a secret.After attending a family gathering with an overwhelming amount of, “So where’s the baby” questions Sara decided to share her struggle.On February 5th Sara posted a photo holding a sign that said, “Stop asking women (and their spouses) when they’re getting pregnant” followed by a long description of the struggle that she had held in. The photo went viral and had reached over 100,000 people!Sara shares her current struggles and how she finds hope in building a network and connecting with others facing infertility. Everyone’s story is different, but if you or a loved one struggles I hope you learn how to be a good friend or learn something new from this powerful episode. You can follow Sara Parr on instagram @_saraparr

Ashley Askin is a professional volleyball player and previous student-athlete from George Tech. Many wouldn't realize that such a prestigious athlete also has Type 1 Diabetes, which is an invisible illness. Askin discusses being diagnosed at age 7, what Type 1 Diabetes does to the body, and how she was able to create discipline and structure in her life through what many would think of as a set back.The more vocal she became about Type 1 Diabetes the greater network and support system she gained. One message that she would have told her younger self is that she's going to be alright and have the ability to perform at the highest level. Askin is now a Type 1 Diabetes advocate and a positive influence to follow. Her instagram handel is @ashwey33

Athena Brensberger is also known as Astrophysicist Barbie. She does exactly what her nickname sounds like. She is a model along with being a NASA launch reporter and science physicist. She is a huge science advocate which is displayed all over her Instagram. In this episode we talked all things Spacex and what’s coming in the future for space exploration.Links: Athena’s IG: Instagram › astroathensWeb resultsAthena | Astrophysicist Barbie (@astroathens) • Instagram photos and videosBob Lazar interview with Joe Rogan in spaceships: https://youtu.be/BEWz4SXfyCQDocking simulator: https://iss-sim.spacex.com

This conversation is to set an example and encourage others around the racial injustices that happen within our country. Maya McClendon is a previous Division I athlete from Louisville Kentucky and Arizona State. She is now a mental health advocate and entrepreneur.I sat down with Maya and talked about the current events in our Country and ways to go about it through a lens of understanding and good intentions.The link below contains numerous resources and calls to action:https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/

Sarah Little is a world traveling journalist, poet, and author. She has interviewed girls across the world in various refugee camps. Her conversations motivated her to create a platform allowing girls to speak and express themselves freely called More to Her Story. You can find her platform at moretoherstory.orgYou can watch this interview at https://youtu.be/dV7jGF5pCqQ

Christie Valdiserri is an inspiring and uplifting professional dancer, fitness instructor, and model. She has used her personal struggles dealing with alopecia to empower people while also breaking the modeling industry mold, as she is now one of the top 6 Sports Illustrated Swim search finalists that will be featured in the next magazine. Listen to hear how she made her biggest insecurity become part of her biggest tool to empowerment.