Real Women. Real Stories.

Thanks for your support of Season 3: Real Women, Real Stories. We hope you feel as inspired have been by these amazing women. Stay tuned for Season  4, coming soon.

Bethany experienced two huge losses at once when she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer during her first pregnancy: a complete hysterectomy and the death of her unborn daughter, Hallie. Here's how she channeled her inner power to help her grieve, and created something positive in Hallie's memory, The Hallie Strong Foundation. 

When 3-time cancer survivor Sonia Su received an anonymous care package during her chemo treatment, it completely changed her life. Learn what was in that inspiring package and how she's paying it forward with her non-profit, Kits to Heart.

When Dianne couldn't find a natural wig during her chemo treatment, she decided to take matters into her own hands and start a company to help other women like her. That's how Coils to Locs was founded. Listen to her inspiring story, and how her cancer journey turned her into an entrepreneur. 

Christine had a unique perspective when she was diagnosed with cancer: she had been working as an oncology nurse since she got her license. On this episode, Christine shares how becoming a cancer patient informs her nursing practice, and how she hopes her book, Both Sides of the Bedside, will help doctors and other health care professionals have more empathy in their treatment. 

From Stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis to remission for 8 years, Elise shares her amazing journey in honor of Pancreatic Cancer Month. Listen to how she learned of her diagnosis and why she believes it's so important for women to advocate for themselves and their health. 

When Asha was diagnosed with breast cancer, she found solace through fitness. Here's her inspiring story, and how she became a spokesperson for the Target mastectomy swimwear line. 

Just two months after winning Olympic gold in cross country skiing, Kikkan Randall was diagnosed with breast cancer. How did she use what she learned from training for five Olympic games to help her on her cancer journey? Listen to her inspiring story and see how being a part of a team was the catalyst for healing. 

When AnnMarie was diagnosed with breast cancer, she started a blog so that her family could stay attuned to her treatment and healing journey. But when people from all over the world started reading it, she realized she could do more with her platform. That's how Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer was born. Listen to AnnMarie's inspiring story, and learn how a pretty pair of pink stilettos helped her get through her treatment. 

When Sonya starting losing her hair during cancer treatment, she found herself experiencing pain when wearing wigs. So she decided to make her own head wraps that were comfortable and stylish, which is now her thriving business, StyleEsteem. On this episode, she shares her inspiring story of how her entrepreneurial spirit was nourished during her cancer healing process.

Jenna was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer at a very young age, which led her to start a blog so she could share her experiences with her friends and family. As it grew in popularity, Jenna felt drawn to do more, which is how her foundation Twist Out Cancer was born.

Remember the I Love Boobies saying that became popular a few years ago? That all started thanks to Shaney Jo, founder of Keep a Breast Foundation, which is dedicated to helping spread breast cancer awareness among young women. Listen to her inspiring story! 

When Bianca Muñiz was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer at the age of 11, her life was turned upside down. Then, at 22, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Music has always played an important part of Bianca's life, but now, as a performer, her music has gone beyond supporting her own healing process and touches others too. You can listen to some of Bianca's music on this episode of Real Women Real Stories. 

When Pamela's sister Louisa was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, they both became instant advocates, which led them to found T. E. A. L. What started as one walk has become a non-profit serving women with ovarian cancer and their families, while helping to spread the word about the signs and symptoms and advocating for an effective screening.

When Shannon couldn't find an ovarian cancer community to connect with after her diagnosis at a young age, she decided to start her own. That's how Teal Diva was born. All month, we'll be sharing the stories of amazing ovarian cancer survivors (and their allies). Shannon's story is the first in this inspiring series. 

Diagnosed with breast cancer at just 27, Dana's life in the fast lane of the fashion world came to a screeching halt. But her experience inspired her to use her talent and passion to help other survivors, which is how her lingerie company AnaOno was born. She has dedicated her life to inspiring other women, and reminding them to "feel the beauty, feel like you."

When Sylvia's idol, and then, Aunt died of breast cancer, she decided to dedicate her life as an ally to the underserved Black breast cancer community, from writing a book to showcasing amazing images of breast cancer survivors at museums, even starting her own publishing company. See how being touched by cancer as a family member can inspire someone to support the community. 

What started as just another visit to an aesthetician turned into 2nd degree burns and an idea for a product for Suzanna Sinatra. But when she was diagnosed with cancer, Suzanne realized her invention, Private Packs, could help a whole lot more women.

Marquina was a busy mom when she got devastating news: a breast cancer diagnosis. But what she did next, tapping into her background in competitive air guitaring, helped her (and many other women) get through treatment. Now, she is sharing stories of other survivors in her new book, Tough.

Get ready for Season 3 of Real Women, Real Stories, featuring all new women, with all new inspiring stories! Here's a little taste of what to expect from this new season. Make sure to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. New episodes launch next week. 

With parents who were substance abusers, Geri Lynn found inspiration in their journey and her own healing, propelling her into a career as a mental health professional. Today, she provides services for underserved populations, and has written her first book Mainlining Philly: Survival, Hope, and Resisting Drug Addiction.

LaTanya’s mother wasn’t able to take her many places when she was a child. That’s part of what motivated her to start her non-profit LaTanya & TheYouth of Englewood, a safe haven for many children in her community. She provides after-school and summer camp services to low-income youth, working tireless daily to give them what she did not have as a child. Her story will inspire you.

When she finally got health insurance coverage at her new job, Tamika had no idea how it would spiral into a cancer diagnosis. But thanks to a doctor who encouraged her to see her OB-GYN and get a Pap-smear, Tamika was able to quickly get treatment for this often deadly disease. On this episode, she shares her journey from TV producer to a sought-after speaker, advocate, and mentor. And why she founded her non-profit, Cervivor.

Even though Raven Magwood is in her early 20s, she has accomplished so many amazing things in her life. From gymnastics champion to book author to non-profit founder, Raven is determined to inspire others to reach their full potential. On this episode, Raven shares how her hard work has helped her attain success, with a message that inspires others.

After her breast cancer diagnosis, Dee Burrell’s career focus took a huge shift. From motivational speaking and life coaching, to book author and breast cancer advocate, she spends her time spreading a positive message we can all benefit from. Follow her amazing journey, and learn more about what she’s doing now in today’s episode.

Scharmaine went from living in the projects with her grandmother, to earning a doctorate in nursing. Her hard work, dedication, and ingenuity helped Hurricane Katrina victims during their time of need. On this episode, Scharmaine shares how she rallied in her darkest times to keep going, and how she's using her platform to help inspire young girls to become advanced nurse practitioners through her Nola the Nurse children's book series.

When the pandemic hit, Barbara had to close her restaurant, Barbara's on the Bay, a small restaurant in a little town on the Chesapeake Bay. As she waits for the re-opening, she and a few other local chefs have been cooking donated food and delivering it to seniors in her community.

For our 50th episode, we're celebrating Mother's Day! We're joined by previous guests Crissy, Terra, Jessica, Mika, and Jen as they share the challenges they've faced and the silver linings they've found while parenting through a pandemic

When the pandemic hit, Kelly transitioned her Movement Source Pilates business online to continue to support her community. But she wanted to do more, which is how she started two special classes that are free to health care and frontline workers.  

When the pandemic hit, Alison's portrait photography business game to a halt. But when she discovered the #FrontStepsProject, she decided to join the movement and take photos of families in her neighborhood safely on their front steps, with donations accepted to her charity of choice, Covenant House.

After a tragedy struck her at a young age, Crissy made it her mission to live for today. Her own journey with coaching led her to become one herself, and now, with her coaching business and podcast Suburban Warrior, she works with women like her, to help them reignite a passion for their careers and their lives. 

When the pandemic hit, Barbara's business closed, but soon after, she was asked by her brother to make masks. Since then, she's transformed her business, Barb's Custom Alterations, and now makes masks for frontline works and friends and family who need them most, all for donations only. 

When Dayna was laid off during the Coronavirus pandemic, she decided she wanted to do something to help the frontline workers like her mother, a hospital worker, and her husband, a police officer. What started as a simple request for donations to help send pizzas became a Facebook Group  that's raised over $7,000 to provide meals and support small businesses

Loren and the team at Local Smoke BBQ have seen their business drop 40% since the Coronavirus pandemic, and the next few months look even more grim. But even so, she decided to give back to her community, and support the hard work her local hospital workers are doing with a give-back and match initiative.

Carlee is an expert helping professionals who feel overworked or overwhelmed, but her journey started when she experienced childhood trauma, which led to her own journey of overworking and then, burnout. Now she runs The Stress Less Company, which is dedicated to helping professionals around the country reduce stress through coaching. 

Grace’s love of animals turned into activism. She founded Finding Shelter Animal Rescue to help save and place animals from puppy mills. Listen to how she started her journey into saving animals and educating others to do the same. 

Connect with other women through free online classes and workshops, and support women who have lost their jobs due to the Coronavirus outbreak. From yoga to kitchen organization, and a whole lot more, take a free class daily with one of our instructors, then support them through their Venmo "virtual tip jar" account. You'll enjoy the camaraderie of our sisterhood, and support the tribe of women who need it most right now. All proceeds go directly to these women.   Visit GNIOnline.com to sign up. 

After her experience with post partum depression and OCD, Terra decided to try the mindfulness techniques she had used with her clients on herself. Now, she runs Mindful Mamas , a website and new app, that helps make mindfulness practice more accessible to all. 

Amanda's journey to self-care was not an easy one. Working too many long hours and putting others first gravely affected her health, her finances, and her family. Now, on her podcast and on stage, she speaks about the importance of radical self care.

Scharmaine went from living in the projects with her grandmother, to earning a doctorate in nursing. Her hard work, dedication, and ingenuity helped Hurricane Katrina victims during their time of need. On this episode, Scharmaine shares how she rallied in her darkest times to keep going, and how she's using her platform to help inspire young girls to become advanced nurse practitioners through her Nola the Nurse  children's book series. 

After her breast cancer diagnosis, Dee Burrell's career focus took a huge shift. From motivational speaking and life coaching, to book author and breast cancer advocate, she spends her time spreading a positive message we can all benefit from. Follow her amazing journey, and learn more about what she's doing now in today's episode. 

Beth worked for years as an editor and director of independent films, commercials, and music videos. But then in 2017, she was diagnosed with stage IV Ovarian Cancer. In this episode, she shares how her life took a turn after her diagnosis, and how it influenced her newly published memoir, Why Didn't I Notice Her Before. 

After experiencing the stillbirth of her son, Jesse, in November of 2000, Sarah Slack decided to reach out to other grieving families who experience the loss of a child. On this episode, she shares how she processed the grief, and what she hopes to accomplish with her non-profit, The TEARS Foundation.

A life of tragedy did not stop Carol Jean Wilson. She has turned her grief into power, and is spreading the word on how others can Prove Them Wrong, the title of her new book. She shares her incredible story of survival on this week's episode. 

Even though Raven Magwood is in her early 20s, she has accomplished so many amazing things in her life. From gymnastics champion to book author to non-profit founder, Raven is determined to inspire others to reach their full potential. On this episode, Raven shares how her hard work has helped her attain success, with a message that inspires others.  

A simple shopping trip to get new bras changed Dana's life forever. When she learned that women experiencing homelessness desperately needed bras and sanitary products, she made a call to her Facebook friends which has turned into the global NGO I Support The Girls. On this episode, Dana talks about how it all began, and how you can get involved in helping this important cause.

When Liz's father passed away, she dealt with her grief through running. Since then, Liz has been inspired to run 30 marathons in 30 countries before she turns 30, and in doing so, raise $100,000 for charities around the world. On this episode, she shares her inspiring story, and how she's hoping her Run to Reach project impacts women all around the world. 

Lydia was living a fast-paced life as an attorney in Chicago when she got the news: Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. What she discovered through her treatment and recovery surprised her. On this episode, she talks about surviving survivorship, what it means to truly thrive in your life, and the message in her new book, Wait, It Gets Worse.

When she finally got health insurance coverage at her new job, Tamika had no idea how it would spiral into a cancer diagnosis. But thanks to a doctor who encouraged her to see her OB-GYN and get a Pap-smear, Tamika was able to quickly get treatment for this often deadly disease. On this episode, she shares her journey from TV producer to a sought-after speaker, advocate, and mentor. And why she founded her non-profit, Cervivor.

Evelyn and Cathy were busy leaders in their fields of finance and journalism, respectively. So how did they end up founding Ratatouille and Company, a catering company that trains and employs female immigrants and refugees? On this episode, you'll hear their inspiring story, and learn how they are empowering this community of women, and helping them thrive. 

As a survivor and thriver of human trafficking, Jessa now spends her time helping prevent this from happening to others. Through her education as a mental health counselor, and her non-profit BridgeHope, Jessa works tirelessly to battle this crime that is rampant in the United States. On this episode, she shares her incredible story, as well as what we all need to know (and how we can help).