The Iridescent Podcast

In this latest episode, we sat down with licensed psychotherapist Dr. Novia Reid to talk about the common challenges we face in marriage and relationships. Novia is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy, specializing in couple therapy. Novia has counseled adults, couples, and families on a wide range of diagnoses and challenges including, but not limited to depression, relationship issues, conflict, trauma, and self-worth. Novia has a niche for helping women who have lost themselves from relationships regain their identities and helping couples heal from infidelity. Her work with women led her to develop the 90-day coaching program, Regain Your Core. In this episode, Novia discusses what to look for in a serious relationship, and her answer may surprise you! She also shares tips on how to approach communication, boundaries, and conflict in marriage. With grace and wisdom, Novia unpacks the heartbreak of infidelity and how to pursue healing and moving forward. Plus, she opens up about her personal practices for prioritizing her health in relationships and life.  *Please note that content provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. This interview is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, assessment, medical or mental health treatment. Please seek the advice and professional consultation of your doctor, mental health professional, or other qualified health provider regarding your health or condition.  

In this bonus episode, we sit down with special guest and dear friend Kaylee Morgan to discuss what honoring Black History means to her. Kaylee is a writer, speaker, youth pastor, and racial justice educator who is passionate about Jesus, the next generation, and Biblical justice.  In this interview, she not only educates us on tangible ways to pursue racial justice in our daily lives but also how to leverage our influence to best serve and love those around us. She gets real about the pitfalls of performance activism, especially on social media, and how to set healthy boundaries while working in the justice sector. Kaylee also provides helpful insight on how to have honest and authentic conversations about race and racism with children and youth. We absolutely loved this conversation! We know it will give you the tools you need to grow in your love for others and ideas on how to make an impact in your community.

In our first episode of the new year, we had the great joy of sitting down with returning guest and friend Chanel Dokun. Chanel is a certified Life Planner, Relationship Expert, and author of the newly released Life Starts Now: How to Create the Life You've Been Waiting For. As the founder of Women of Consequence, she helps women get clarity on their life purpose so they can unlock their full potential and build a life they love. Prior to running her own business and launching a therapy practice in Manhattan, she worked in publishing at Hearst Magazines. In this interview, Chanel gets real about what it takes to find the courage to be like no one else, as well how to identify and transform the common hidden beliefs that hold women back. She gives insight into how to start your day off right, and how to discover your own unique genius. Plus, she speaks candidly about failure and why it's an essential part of discovering and living the life we want.  We absolutely loved this interview! We know it will give you the tools you need to take some big steps forward in your hopes and dreams for this new year and beyond.

In this last episode of 2022, we sat down with Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate Rebecca Werts to talk about investing in our mental health during the holidays and beyond. Rebecca is a dear friend and trusted professional. Her insights on the intersection of mental health and faith are powerful, and throughout this interview she gives us practical tools to navigate everything from grief to depression to anxiety. This is a must-listen to tend to your own health and wellness and also to be better equipped to support your friends and family in their mental health challenges. BONUS! WE HAVE A FREE GIFT FOR YOU THIS HOLIDAY SEASON  We have partnered with Rebecca to offer a special bonus resource for our listeners. This month only, we are offering a free download of Rebecca's workbook Tending to Your Mental Health to help you identify your own mental health needs and to provide you with tools to invest in your mental health. Simply subscribe to IridescentWomen.com to receive this free and incredibly helpful resource. The holiday season can get very busy, and it can be hard to find the time to tend to your mental health needs.This resource is YOUR way to do that. Don't miss out on this! Subscribe to our site now.

In this bonus episode, our co-hosts and co-founders Nicole Smithee and Alex Brown sit down for an up-close and unfiltered look at motherhood. Nicole opens up about the challenges, surprises and joys of becoming a mother. Alex shares how the latest milestones in her daughters' lives are impacting and shaping her as a mom. From postpartum recovery to potty-training and everything in-between, Nicole and Alex share some laughs and insights around faith, motherhood, career, body-image and marriage. The conversation is honest, helpful and jam-packed with wisdom and encouragement for mothers, women who plan on motherhood in the future, and women who don't plan on motherhood but have some mama friends they love.

In this latest episode, we had the honor of chatting with Jingyun Fan, the CEO & Co-founder of Shuni. In early 2020, Jingyun started Shuni to help people suffering from insomnia develop the skills for better sleep through cognitive behavioral therapy. Before Shuni, she was an AI research scientist at Accenture and a data scientist at Hello, the company behind the bedside sleep tracker Sense. She graduated from MIT with a degree in Biology.  In this interview, Jingyun provides us with eye-opening sleep education! Jingyun explains what thoughts and behaviors lead to insomnia and how to gain healthy sleep naturally and without medication. She also helps us understand how our ability to rest and relax when we are awake influences the quality of sleep we have at night. 

We know that as a woman, a leader, and/or a mother, the juggle is real! In this bonus episode, your co-hosts Nicole Smithee and Alex Brown provide practical tips and resources to make your limited time work for you and not against you!  Topics in this bonus episode include: Practicing the art of keeping the main the main thing Working smarter and not harder with time you have Ditching the guilt of saying “no” and living with healthy boundaries Prioritizing your own wellness while leading and caring for others The Iridescent Podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. Want to join us in helping to end extreme poverty for the village of Khassim through World Concern's One Village Transformed Program? Click here to learn more.

In this new episode, we had a blast sitting down with Small Business Strategist Melissa Koehler. Melissa is passionate about helping women build a business they can be proud of! What started as a career as a professional photographer has blossomed into the creation of several brands and businesses and a passion to teach others how to get started without feeling alone and overwhelmed. She has found the "easy button" for building a business with the creation of The Blush Pages, where entrepreneurs can join in community, find joy in running their business, and access the help they need to build an unstoppable brand.

In this special interview, we were able to sit down with Katie Toop, the Senior Director of Transformational Development for World Concern. In this interview, Katie unpacks how she discovered her calling, what working overseas has taught her, and how working in the non-profit sector has personally changed her life. We'll also discuss the truly transformational work of World Concern, and how we can each help end the cycle of poverty for those living in some of the most rural and remote places in the world today. 

In this first interview of our new season, we had the great honor of chatting with our dear friend and returning guest Nicole Zasowski. Nicole is a licensed marriage and family therapist, writer, and speaker. She lives in a small town just outside New York City with her husband, Jimmy and their children. In 2020, Nicole authored From Lost to Found: Giving Up What You Think You Want for What Will Set You Free. And this year, she has just recently released her highly anticipated book: What If It's Wonderful? Release Your Fears, Choose Joy, & Find the Courage to Celebrate. With the vulnerability of your closest friend and the wisdom of your most trusted resource, Nicole chats with us about how to move past our fears, embrace hope in the face of disappointments, and cultivate the art of celebration in our everyday life.

Welcome to Season 5 of the Iridescent Podcast! In this bonus episode, your co-hosts Nicole Smithee and Alex Brown sit down to discuss all the exciting things to expect in season five. From interviews with powerhouse women to bonus episodes designed to call out your greatness to opportunities to help those in need… get ready for a season like no other!

As we record this bonus episode, I (Nicole) am 9 months pregnant with my first child. I am very ready to not be pregnant anymore, and can't wait to hold and kiss my baby girl, but there are a lot of other emotions, too. For expecting parents and new moms there's a lot to learn, a lot to process, and a lot of change. So today, we wanted to have a discussion about stepping into motherhood. In this latest bonus episode, co-hosts Nicole Smithee and Alexandra Brown explore: The common fears women have when becoming moms How life changes when stepping into motherhood Ways to adapt to new seasons of child development and growth How to prioritize your marriage  How to support your friend moms when you aren't a parent yourself

For most people, the last two years and counting, have brought a lot of change. New jobs, new neighborhoods, new seasons of life, new work and social rhythms. New isn't always bad, but even good change can leave us a bit disoriented. It can leave us struggling to find a clear path forward towards our hopes and dreams and unsure what habits and disciplines to develop to gain a sense of momentum.  Whether you want to progress in your career, broaden and deepen your friendship circle, reach some health health goals, or strengthen certain areas of personal development, we've dedicated today's episode and conversation to taking a closer look at what choices and habits do in fact cause us to gain momentum and how to implement them in your life. In this latest bonus episode, co-hosts Nicole Smithee and Alexandra Brown explore: How to identify the areas of your life where you feel stuck How to regain vision and hope How to create an action plan for success What key relationships to develop How celebration fuels confidence What to do when significant loss disrupts your momentum

In this episode of The Iridescent Podcast, we have special guest Juli Boit, whose work and story is heartbreaking, inspiring and empowering. Juli Boit is the Founder and International Director of Living Room International, a non-profit providing hospice care services to adults and children in Kenya. She is a nurse practitioner who is challenged daily to learn more, listen better, and love deeper. She is also the author of From Beyond the Skies, which tells the true story of healing, hope and becoming a family. Juli lives in Kenya with her husband, Titus, and their children: Sharon, Alice, Ella, Geoffrey, and Ryan.  Juli's wisdom and grace throughout this interview are extraordinary, and will leave you with a sense of comfort and hope for whatever dark night of the soul you or someone you love may be facing. In this interview Juli shares why she moved to Kenya when she was 25 years old, what inspired her to start Living Room International, her children's unexpected health diagnosis, and the power of faith and community when facing life's difficulties.

Get ready because this is hands-down one of our favorite interviews on The Iridescent Podcast. We had the great honor of chatting with the legendary Jo Saxton. Jo Saxton is an author, speaker, podcaster, and entrepreneurial coach. Born to Nigerian parents and raised in London, Jo brings a multicultural and international perspective to her leadership training for women. A sought-after speaker, Jo has a diverse calendar addressing universities, churches, national conferences, nonprofits, and corporations, including Q, Catalyst, Evereve, NoonDay Collection, LakeShore Media, and internationally in the U.K. and Australia. She is also co-host of the podcast Lead Stories and also equips women in leadership through her Leadership Coaching.  Jo is the author of four books, including her most recent, Ready To Rise. This conversation is so rich with wisdom, encouragement, and practical application for each of us! In this interview, Jo addresses the barriers we as women face to truly thriving in leadership, how to identify and cultivate environments where women can flourish in their calling, and how to take care of ourselves when managing the stresses of leadership and life.

In honor of Black History Month, we are celebrating with a special series called Black-Her-Story: Blackness from the Female Perspective. All month long, we will feature spoken word pieces, articles, interviews and poems from Black women in our online community. Make sure to subscribe to IridescentWomen.com so you don't miss out on this phenomenal series. And the genius behind Black-Her-Story, as well as our bi-monthly Advocacy in Action resources is Kaylee Morgan. Kaylee is a dear friend of ours, teammate and the director of our Advocacy in Action. In this episode, we wanted to give you the opportunity to hear more from Kaylee. In this interview, Kaylee shares how her passion for advocacy started, what advocacy in action means, and how she has navigated the last couple of years with faith and hope. Kaylee Morgan is a small-town gal from Missouri that now calls the city of Atlanta her home. She is a writer who loves to laugh, listen to music, and has a heart that burns for the next generation. Kaylee is extremely passionate about championing racial justice and gospel-centered unity through education and information. She serves as the Youth and University Program Manager at Be the Bridge, an organization empowering people toward racial healing, equity, and reconciliation. Last but not least, let it be known that Kaylee is the Spice Girls #1 fan. This episode will inform you, inspire and equip you to pursue racial reconciliation and justice in your sphere of influence!

We are ringing in the new year with brand new episodes of Season 4 of The Iridescent Podcast! Kicking off our 2022 lineup is this honest and inspiring interview with special guest Deborah Rhodes. Deborah is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church and Co-Lead Pastor of Parkside Church in Greenville, South Carolina, along with her husband Matt. They have a 10 year old daughter, Annabeth, and a very spoiled miniature Schnauzer named Scout. Deborah is also the host of The Little Space Podcast. She is passionately about helping couples flourish in their marriages, and in this interview we discussed the challenges couples face today. We also discuss how to improve communication in relationships, and practical ways to cultivate connection and intimacy. Deborah also unpacks what she has learned working and leading with her husband. Bonus: Deborah talks candidly about the grit and grace she's developed working and leading in an often male-dominated space.  Whatever your relationship status, this episode will encourage you, while providing you with insights to strengthen your relationships!

We are so thrilled to bring you this in-person interview with author, speaker, and brilliant mind Andi Andrew. With the release of her latest book, Friendship: It's Complicated, we dive into a conversation about all the ups and downs of friendship. Andi is also the author of She Is Free and Fake or Follower and is the founding pastor, with her husband, Paul, of the multisite Liberty Church, established in 2010. In 2015, she launched She Is Free, a movement that exists to equip and activate women to walk in freedom, spirit, soul, and body and see others set free in their sphere of influence. Currently Andi's life is focused on raising her four kids in Brooklyn, writing, podcasting, building Liberty Church, and traveling to invest in churches and lives all around the world.  During this interview we discuss how to address the “woman wounds” we experience, and how to ditch self-preservation in our friendships with wisdom and vulnerability. Andi also unpacks the crucial role recovery plays in the health of our relationships, plus how to express healthy expectations in friendships and avoid needless drama along the way. 

We are so thrilled to bring you this in-person interview with returning guest Andrea Montalvo. Prepare yourself for a major dose of wisdom, encouragement, and laughter! Andrea is an entrepreneur, athlete, fitness expert, and mother. She's the founder of Embrace Mvmnt, a faith-integrated online fitness program that helps you prioritize both health for your body and health for your soul daily in under an hour. Andrea resides in Astoria, Queens with her husband Pete, her baby boy James, and their big red Goldendoodle named Denver.  During this interview we discuss the realities of women's bodies postpartum, lessons in motherhood, the connection between fitness and faith, and what it really takes to build a business from the ground up. This episode will give you tools to prioritize your wellness, navigate transitions with grace and maturity, and pursue your calling with resilience and joy.

We are just a couple weeks away from Thanksgiving here in the U.S., and then, of course, the Christmas season and Hanukkah, and lots of festivities, traditions, family gatherings, shopping and all the things, right? There's something magical about this time of year, but often receiving and giving love, hope, joy, peace during the holidays is easier said than done. Quickly this time of year can feel like ‘tis the season to feel stressed out, anxious, lonely, depressed, frustrated by family, disappointed and broke or in debt. In our latest bonus episode, co-hosts Nicole Smithee and Alexandra Brown explore: How to address grief, loss and depression this time of year How to manage stress What to do when family dynamics are less than ideal How to draw near to God this season Ways to care for yourself during this often time Whether you are thrilled for the holidays to come, feeling lots of mixed emotions, or already stressed out by your holiday to-do list, this episode will provide practical ways to make the most of this season while prioritizing your mental health.

We are so excited to bring you this fun, inspiring and encouraging interview with guest Randi Smith. Randi is a business owner, wedding cake designer, confectionery artist, and a mama of three. She is the founder and lead designer at Sugar Euphoria - a boutique wedding cake and confectionery studio in North Carolina. Randi creates desserts that are magazine-worthy but taste like your grandmother made them. She is an island girl who is passionate about celebrating life's big moments. 

In the year of the "Great Resignation" more and more people are quitting their jobs, applying for new positions, and reevaluating what they want out of their careers. In our latest bonus episode, co-hosts Nicole Smithee and Alexandra Brown explore: Why so many people are leaving their jobs How the pandemic is shifting our expectations in the workplace How Gen Z is influencing our relationship with our work What are healthy expectations to have when it comes to our experiences and opportunities at work Whether you are currently on the hunt for a better job, contemplating quitting, or an employer or boss wanting to create a healthy and rewarding work environment, this episode will inform and provide helpful practices for thriving in the workplace.

We are so excited to continue Season 4 with a rich, honest, and inspiring conversation with guest Kelsey Chapman. Kelsey is an author, podcaster, and personal cheerleader to women building their dream life and business. Earlier this year, Kelsey released her first book What They Taught Me: Recognizing the Mentors Who Will Take You From Dream to Done (on shelves Feb 9th, Harvest House Publishers). During this interview we discuss how Kelsey was able to discern and discover her career path, find great mentorship along the way, face burnout, and create healthy expectations for herself and those around her. Get ready to gain insights for your own unique sense of calling, and receive some ‘aha' moments when it comes to creating healthy rhythms and relationships in your life. Read more here. 

Chari Orozco, author, teacher, podcaster, and showrunner, joins us as our first guest for season four... and it is a doozy of a kick-off! During this episode we tackle topics like, influence, leadership, motherhood, infertility, legacy, and of course, coffee! Chari doesn't shy away from the real talk and her authenticity shines through as she shares vulnerably, deeply, and intentionally. You can read more about Chari here. 

Welcome back to season 4 of The Iridescent Podcast! Things are going to be a little different this time around. We have a new look and feel online with our website and are also adding bonus episodes to our podcast! Here at Iridescent not only do we want to provide you with quality conversations with extraordinary women, we want to make sure we are resourcing you as well. That's where the bonus episodes come into play. We will be using these to talk about current events and the felt need of women in real time.  In this bonus episode, we will be looking back and celebrating 3 years as a company, while also giving you a preview of what's to come in Season 4 of the Iridescent Podcast. We are so excited to share all these beautiful life giving conversations with you. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss them!

In our final episode of season three, we chat with Whitney Mestelle, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Inclusive Idaho. Inclusive Idaho exists to elevate inclusion and belonging in Idaho with an intentional focus on advocacy, support and coalition with and for the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and all underrepresented, underserved, and minority communities.⁠ ⁠ Whitney is so full of grace and it is interwoven throughout her story of adoption, belonging, and fighting for inclusion. Be prepared to be inspired, moved, and challenged during this episode. ⁠ ⁠ TW // sexual abuse: We do advise listeners that throughout this episode Whitney speaks to past sexual abuse as part of her story. ⁠

We are in season 3 and in this episode we are having a conversation with Cathy Fischer. Cathy is a speaker, executive, and Ohio native who embodies the Midwestern values of hard work and authenticity. Most recently she was a SVP of Marketing at Signet Jewelers, the largest diamond jewelry retailer in the world whose brands include Kay, Jared, and Zales. Read more about Cathy here. 

In this episode of season 3, we are chatting with Kristen Knowles, the founder of the Brave Leader Group, a consulting firm that exists to empower organizations to create brave cultures and develop courageous leaders, through transformational programs, coaching, and organizational development. Kristen is the leader we all want. She is a courageous, authentic, and vulnerable leader and she empowers others to not only be the same, but to leave a lasting legacy as well.  Read the show notes here. 

On this episode of season 3 we have educator, podcaster, and author Kat Harris. Her first book Sexless in the City will be in print April 20, 2021. She has also been a full-time photographer for the last decade with her work featured in:  Vanity Fair, GQ, Forbes, People, Who What Wear, US Weekly, Glamour UK, and more. Kat Harris = Powerful Woman.  Kat truly believes in the power of story and in this episode you'll be privileged in hearing her own. She speaks on being a woman in male dominated spaces, entrepreneurship, and diversifying your income, and much more! This episode really has it all and we can't wait for you to get to know Kat.  Click here to read more including this episodes show notes. 

In this episode of season 3, we sat down with Meredith Boggs, the writer and speaker of 'The Other Half' blog and podcast - and it was truly like spending time drinking coffee with a friend! Meredith is such a genuine and real woman. She's known for sharing transparently the real half of life that doesn't always make the social media highlight reel and addresses topics including body image, personal and spiritual growth, the Enneagram, and marriage. Meredith is a critical care nurse and sexual assault forensic nurse examiner by trade. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her high school sweetheart (now husband), Justin, and their newborn son. Find out more, including show notes, here. 

It's our final episode of our special four-part mini-series exploring current and controversial topics that are shaping culture at the moment. In this final episode, we will be diving into the world of higher education and helping you decide whether attending college or university is actually worth it. Is there an age limit on acquiring a degree? Is it okay to go into debt for an education? Are gap years beneficial and/or acceptable? Listen today and find out more here. 

It's time for part three of our special four-part mini-series exploring current and controversial topics that are shaping culture at the moment. In episode three, we will be discussing Performative Activism. What stops us from actively fighting for justice? How do we begin the activism journey and make it a lifestyle rather than a trend for the moment? Are there repercussions of performative activism?  Find out more and check out the show notes here.  

In this episode of season 3, we interview Diana Mao, President of Nomi Network, an abolitionist whose mission is to completely eradicate human trafficking in her lifetime.  A leader in the global movement to abolish slavery, she co-founded Nomi Network, a non-profit organization that raises awareness about human-trafficking and creates economic opportunities for survivors and women at risk.  Find out more about this episode here. 

Ready to tackle another heavy hitter as part of our special four-part mini-series exploring current and controversial topics that are shaping culture at the moment? In this episode, we are exploring what is shaping our political identity at the moment. What led us to our current landscape of political polarization in both the United States and globally? Is it possible for people from different political parties and viewpoints to find common ground and work together? How can we make educated decisions when engaging in politics? How do we make sense of a growing number of people who feel “politically orphaned” without one political party to comfortably align with? Yep, we are going there because we need to! Our world needs more respectful, empathetic, and honest conversations about the growing political divide, and we have the perfect guest to explore this topic more closely! Natalia Petrzela is a historian of contemporary American politics and culture and is currently writing a book on American fitness culture, FIT NATION: How America Embraced Exercise As The Government Abandoned It (under contract with University of Chicago Press).  She is also the author of Classroom Wars: Language, Sex, and the Making of Modern Political Culture (Oxford 2015), co-host of Past Present Podcast, a frequent media guest expert, speaker at universities and conferences, and contributor to international and domestic news outlets from the BBC to the New York Times to the Atlantic. Natalia is Associate Professor of History at The New School and a co-producer and the host of WELCOME TO YOUR FANTASY, a forthcoming podcast from Pineapple Street Studios. She is a co-founder of wellness education program Healthclass 2.0 and a Premiere Leader of intenSati. She holds a B.A. from Columbia and a master's and Ph.D. from Stanford and is based in New York City. More about our guest Natalia Petrzela: For more info, visit www.nataliapetrzela.com Follow Natalia on instagram @nataliapetrzela Follow Natalia on Twitter @nataliapetrzela Listen to Natalia's current podcast Past Present on iTunes or Spotify here Listen to Natalia's soon-to-be released podcast Welcome to Your Fantasy on Spotify here Purchase your copy of Classroom Wars: Language, Sex, and the Making of Modern Political Culture here This podcast episode is sponsored by Women of Consequence: What if you had total clarity on who you are and what you're meant to do in the world? If you're ready to step into your unique life purpose, Chanel Dokun, Founder of the Women of Consequence community, is here to help you unlock your potential. Women of Consequence is an online membership community where ambitious women gather to explore their life purpose. Guided by certified life planner and relationship expert Chanel Dokun, you will identify your talents, cultivate your passions, and create an action plan to move into your version of the good life. Each month, your membership in the community gives you live access to transformational virtual workshops, an online program to walk you through writing your life purpose statement, and connection to an authentic community of like-hearted women. Whether you want to launch a purpose-driven business, start a new relationship or just live with more intention, Women of Consequence is for you. Chanel has helped hundreds of women find their purpose. What untapped potential will you discover in the community? Join today. To learn more, visit womenofconsequence.co now.

It's a new year! And we're celebrating with a special four-part mini-series exploring current and controversial topics that are shaping culture at the moment. In this first episode, we are tackling the hot topic of cancel culture. Is cancel culture an effective way to affect change? Is this trend going too far? Should celebrities, companies, and public figures be held accountable for their private actions? And is cancel culture having a deeper impact on our personal relationships than we may realize?    Yep, we are going there and we have the perfect guest to explore this topic more closely! Alissa Wilkinson a staff critic at Vox, where she mostly writes about film, TV, culture, and the arts, often where they intersect with media, religion, and rhetoric. She is also an associate professor of English and humanities at The King's College in New York City. Alissa is a member of the New York Film Critics Circle, the National Society of Film Critics, and the WGA East, and was an inaugural writing fellow with the Sundance Institute's Art of Nonfiction Initiative. She served on juries at the Sundance Film Festival, DOC NYC, Sheffield Doc/Fest, the Hamptons International Film Festival, and others, and selection committees for groups including the Gotham Awards and the Sundance Documentary Film Program. She is also the co-author of How to Survive the Apocalypse: Zombies, Cyclones, and Politics at the End of the World. More about our guest Alissa Wilkinson: For more info, visit www.alissawilkinson.com Follow Alissa on instagram @alissawilkinson Read the latest from Alissa Wilkinson at www.vox.com This podcast episode is sponsored by Women of Consequence: What if you had total clarity on who you are and what you're meant to do in the world? If you're ready to step into your unique life purpose, Chanel Dokun, Founder of the Women of Consequence community, is here to help you unlock your potential. Women of Consequence is an online membership community where ambitious women gather to explore their life purpose. Guided by certified life planner and relationship expert Chanel Dokun, you will identify your talents, cultivate your passions, and create an action plan to move into your version of the good life. Each month, your membership in the community gives you live access to transformational virtual workshops, an online program to walk you through writing your life purpose statement, and connection to an authentic community of like-hearted women. Whether you want to launch a purpose-driven business, start a new relationship or just live with more intention, Women of Consequence is for you. Chanel has helped hundreds of women find their purpose. What untapped potential will you discover in the community? Join today. To learn more, visit womenofconsequence.co now.

In this last episode of the year, we interview Caitlin Bartley, the Founder and CEO of a boutique PR agency, cred. Prior to cred, Caitlin worked in brand strategy and planning working at an advertising agency in Australia. Prior to moving abroad, Caitlin ran all marketing and communication efforts at LiveRamp, a leading company in data connectivity, that was acquired by Acxiom in 2013 for $310 million. Caitlin has over 10 years of Event Marketing and Branding experience. Focusing solely on building thought leadership through events, cred has worked 200+ speakers and brands, like Pinterest, Ripple, Warner Media, Flexport, and others, across 1000's of events in every industry, worldwide.  What challenges did Caitlin face when starting her own agency? How has her leadership evolved since becoming a founder? What unique opportunities do leaders have in this current cultural climate? How can we all grow in our boldness and take calculated risks to build our careers and develop further in our own leadership?  These questions and more will be explored in this latest thought-provoking and empowering episode.  The Iridescent Podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. More about our guest Caitlin Bartley: For more info, visit http://www.credpr.com/ Follow Caitlin on instagram @caitlinbartley Follow Cred on instagram @cred_sf Bonus! Click here for the latest articles, podcast episodes and videos for helpful, encouraging and empowering career advice! This podcast episode is sponsored by Women of Consequence: What if you had total clarity on who you are and what you're meant to do in the world? If you're ready to step into your unique life purpose, Chanel Dokun, Founder of the Women of Consequence community, is here to help you unlock your potential. Women of Consequence is an online membership community where ambitious women gather to explore their life purpose. Guided by certified life planner and relationship expert Chanel Dokun, you will identify your talents, cultivate your passions, and create an action plan to move into your version of the good life. Each month, your membership in the community gives you live access to transformational virtual workshops, an online program to walk you through writing your life purpose statement, and connection to an authentic community of like-hearted women. Whether you want to launch a purpose-driven business, start a new relationship or just live with more intention, Women of Consequence is for you. Chanel has helped hundreds of women find their purpose. What untapped potential will you discover in the community? Join today. To learn more, visit womenofconsequence.co now.

In this episode of season 3, we interview Heather Hansen, a trained mediator with a psychology degree, the author of “The Elegant Warrior–How to Win Life's Trials Without Losing Yourself,” and the host of The Elegant Warrior Podcast. She's appeared on CNN, Fox News Channel, NBC, CBS and Sirius Radio, and is currently working on her second book, titled “Advocate to Win”.  After over 20 years as an award-winning trial attorney, Heather is passionate about helping others become a credible advocate – for yourself, your ideas, your colleagues, your clients, and your customers.  Why is it more important than ever for women to advocate for themselves in their careers? How can we pivot careers successfully? How do we stay true to ourselves while facing setbacks and difficulties? How can women continually invest in their own success in all areas of their lives?  These questions and more will be explored in this latest inspiring and empowering episode.  The Iridescent Podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. More about our guest Heather Hansen: For more info, visit https://advocatetowin.com/ Follow Heather on instagram @imheatherhansen Purchase your copy of The Elegant Warrior–How to Win Life's Trials Without Losing Yourself here. Bonus! Click here for the latest articles, podcast episodes and videos for helpful, encouraging and empowering career advice!

In this episode of season 3, we interview Tasnim Sulaiman, the owner of Taz Talk Therapy, a private practice specialized in relationships, couples and sex therapy with over 15 years of experience. Tasnim is a Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. She is also the Founder/Executive Director of Black Men Heal, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide mental health treatment, psychoeducation, and community resources to men of color. Black Men Heal is one of the first organizations that offers free quality psychotherapy sessions to men of color by clinicians of color. Taz has a mission to help educate/advocate, prioritize, and heal mental, emotional and relational issues for all. What does it take to build healthy intimacy in a marriage? What keeps couples from having great sex lives? How can we develop better communication in our relationships? Why is it important to normalize the discussion of female sexuality and engage in helpful conversations about intimacy?  These questions and more will be explored in this latest encouraging and  empowering episode.  The Iridescent Podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. More about our guest Tasnim Sulaiman: For more info, visit https://taztalktherapy.com/ Follow Taz on instagram @_taztalktherapy_/ To learn more about the non-profit Black Men Heal, visit https://blackmenheal.org/ Bonus! Click here for the latest articles, podcast episodes and videos for helpful, encouraging and empowering relationship advice! Iridescent Women is current crowdfunding to expand our reach as a company! We have great offerings including coaching courses, resources, partnership opportunities for female led businesses, and new merch.  CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

In this episode of season 3, we interview Annie Pace Scranton founder of Pace PR. Prior to forming Pace Public Relations, Annie worked for eight years as a seasoned television producer, booking for major networks such as CNN, Fox News, CNBC, MSNBC & ABC. Now, Pace PR has multiple clients on national + local TV every single day, including CNBC, Fox News, HLN, MSNBC, Fox Business Network, Bloomberg TV, and many others. Annie also spends time speaking on the topics of PR, women in business and the importance of personal branding. She is a member of the New York Women in Communications, The Step Up Network and Ladies who Launch. Annie has written for various outlets, including the Asbury Park Press, Huffington Post, Law360, PR News and many others.  How can women advocate for themselves in the workplace? What leadership lessons helped Annie build a meaningful career in media and PR? How can we navigate career pivots successfully? Has news become more biased and how can we stay well informed in a politically polarized society? These questions and more will be explored in this latest eye-opening and  empowering episode.  The Iridescent Podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. More about our guest Annie Scranton: For more info, visit www.pacepublicrelations.com Follow Annie on instagram @annimal123 Bonus! Click here for the latest articles, podcast episodes and videos for helpful, encouraging and empowering career advice! Iridescent Women is current crowdfunding to expand our reach as a company! We have great offerings including coaching courses, resources, partnership opportunities for female led businesses, and new merch.  CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

In this episode of season 3, we interview Sara Lind, a candidate for City Council on the Upper Westside of Manhattan and the Interim Executive Director of 21 in '21, an organization dedicated to electing at least 21 women to the City Council in 2021. Sara has worked on several campaigns in her career- always for women candidates - and has managed organizing work around Ranked Choice Voting. She is an active member of her local community, serving on the Community Board, the School Leadership Team at PS166, and a neighborhood liaison to the police department. Sara lives with her husband, two kids, and more pets than is reasonable for a Manhattan apartment! What unique challenges do female political candidates face today? Why do we need more women in politics? What impact do local elections make in furthering social change? How can we be best informed leading up to election day? Will the U.S. ever have a female president? These questions and more will be explored in this latest encouraging and empowering episode.  *Please note, Iridescent Women does not endorse political candidates or political parties, but we do advocate for you to educate yourself and get out there and vote! More about our guest Sara Lind: For more info, visit https://www.saralind.nyc Follow Sara on instagram @saraklind Learn more about 21 in ‘21 at https://www.21in21.org/ Bonus! Check out this Iridescent video breaking down the importance of voting and having a voting plan leading up to election day! Iridescent Women is current crowdfunding to expand our reach as a company! We have great offerings including coaching courses, resources, partnership opportunities for female led businesses, and new merch.  CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

In honor of #BFRBAwarenessWeek, in this episode of season 3, we interview Aneela Idnani, Co-founder & Marketing/Design Lead at HabitAware. For more than 20 years, Aneela hid her battle with compulsive hair pulling disorder (trichotillomania), a mental health condition. After sharing this secret, she began HabitAware and created Keen, a patented smart bracelet that uses gesture detection technology to bring awareness to body-focused-repetitive-behavior like hair pulling, skin picking and nail biting, issues that negatively impact more than 20 million Americans alone. Aneela is a mental health advocate, raising awareness of these very common yet unknown conditions. She's also a native New Yorker who now proudly calls Minneapolis, MN home and spends her free time making art and playing with her two young kids. How can awareness help us discover healthier coping mechanisms? How can we overcome the shame and stigma that exist around mental health conditions? How do we cultivate a greater self-compassion? How can we grow in empathy and support the mental health of those around us? These questions and more will be explored in this latest encouraging and empowering episode. More about our guest Aneela Idnani: For more info, visit https://habitaware.com/ Follow HabitAware on instagram @habitaware Watch her TedTalk about the Power of Awareness Bonus! Check out honest, encouraging, and helpful articles featured during our Mental Health Awareness series.

In this episode of season 3, we interview Melissa Lin, businesswoman, sales & content expert. Melissa left her $86k Chemical Engineering career to go all in on her business and now runs her own multiple 6 figure company! And now through The Fierce Business Academy, she helps other women find success with their online businesses! In fact, over the past few years, Melissa has  helped hundreds of women start their online businesses, leave their 9-5's, increase their monthly business income 2-3 times over, and make more while working less. How can you turn your passion into profit? What are the pitfalls to avoid when starting your own business? What mindsets keep women from succeeding in their careers? How can women take control of their careers during a pandemic? These questions and more will be explored in this latest encouraging and empowering episode.  The Iridescent Podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. More about our guest Melissa Lin: For more info, visit www.themelissalin.com Subscribe to Melissa's podcast The Fierce Business Babe here. Follow Leissa on instagram @themelissalin Check out these Iridescent articles for more career advice:  How I Launched a Business During a Pandemic by Annabelle Evangeline Building the Career You've Been Dreaming About: An Interview with Founder & CEO of Thr3efold, Jessica Kelly by Nicole Smithee How to Combat Zoom Fatigue by Savannah Lee Bring Your Team Closer Together During the Pandemic by Courtney Monasch Navigating a Toxic Work Culture Like a Boss by Arabhis Nicholson Check out these bonus Iridescent podcast episodes interviewing other #BossBabes: Freedom & Flexibility in Your Career with Afton Negrea Planning for Success with Tamara Ellison Unlocking Your Potential with Chanel Dokun

In this episode of season 3, we interview Lori Beth Auldridge, M.A., M.F.A. a work from home mom who manages multiple businesses and homeschools her three children on the island of Maui. She holds her Bachelor's Degree in Communication for the Child and Masters Degrees in both Children's Literature and Creative Writing for Children. She is the host of the international podcast Elevating Motherhood and creator of the blog yayamamas--both the blog and podcast focus on bringing sisterhood, perspective, and support to mamas all over the world.  How can we build a community of supportive women around us? How can mothers create time for connecting with other moms? How can we ditch mommy-shaming as a culture? What ways can women invest in their personal development and self-care when they've got a lot on their plates? What practical ways can mothers help their children navigate online learning? These questions and more will be explored in this latest honest and hopeful episode.  The Iridescent Podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. More about our guest Lori Beth: For more info, visit http://www.yayamamas.com/ Subscribe to Lori Beth's podcast Elevating Motherhood available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. Follow Lori Beth on instagram @loribethauldridge Check out these Iridescent articles exploring parenting and motherhood:  7 Tips for Homeschooling in a Pandemic from 3 Seasoned Homeschooling-Moms by Elissa Esher Parenting: The Stuff No One Told Me by Brianne Brown You Can't Do It All (and That's Okay) by Crystal Marie Changing the Parenting Stereotype by Elizabeth Oates To the Working Dads… by Alexandra Brown Mental Health and Motherhood by Nikki Newbauer Navigating Modern Motherhood by Annie Willmot

In this timely bonus episode of season 3, we interview Zahra Hankir, a Lebanese-British journalist who writes about the intersection of politics, culture, and society in the Middle East and Muslim communities around the world. Her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Vice, BBC News, Al Jazeera English, Businessweek, Roads & Kingdoms, and Literary Hub, among other publications. She was awarded a Jack R. Howard Fellowship in International Journalism to attend the Columbia Journalism School and holds degrees in politics and Middle Eastern studies from the American University of Beirut and the University of Manchester, respectively. She is the editor of the best-selling anthology Our Women on the Ground: Essays by Arab Women Reporting from the Arab World, which was published by Penguin Books in August 2019. How is Beirut rebuilding after the recent devastating explosion? What unique challenges are female journalists experiencing in the Arab World? How are they able to bravely tell local stories that need to be heard? What myths about life in the Middle East need debunking? Can the media be trusted? These questions and more will be explored in this latest powerful and eye-opening episode.  The Iridescent Podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. More about our guest Zahra Hankir: For more info, visit https://www.zahrahankir.com/ Follow Zahra on twitter @zahrahankir Follow Zahra on instagram @zahrahankir  Purchase your copy of Our Women on the Ground: Essays by Arab Women Reporting from the Arab World wherever books are sold.  Zahra is currently documenting first-person testimonies from survivors of the blast in Beirut. Read the 12 testimonies at https://medium.com/@ZahraHankir.

In this episode of season 3, we interview Heidi Nel, the Head of Raben Impact Entertainment, a division of The Raben Group. Heidi is a storyteller and impact strategist using art, film, and media to change the world. She works with leaders across media, entertainment, tech, and philanthropy, including the American Film Institute, MACRO, One Community, PBS, Sony Pictures, and YouTube, as well as independent filmmakers, artists, and change makers. With nearly two decades working in entertainment, advocacy, strategic communications, and public engagement, Heidi is a leader in the social impact field, with unique insight and expertise in advancing cultural and policy change through stories and film. In addition to her work on Just Mercy through the Represent Justice public campaign, she has led impact strategy and successful engagement campaigns tied to award-winning films, such as Batkid Begins, The Best of Enemies, Food Chains, Happening, The Human Experiment, The Hunting Ground, The Invisible War, and more. Her issue-area expertise includes criminal justice reform, immigration, sexual assault, and gender and racial equity. What's it really like building a career in the entertainment industry as a woman? What leadership and life lessons has Heidi learned along the way? How does story-telling through film impact social change? How can we actively advocate for cultural and policy change? These questions and more will be explored in this latest episode.  More about our guest Heidi Nel: For more info, visit heidinel.media  Follow Heidi on instagram @heidinel  Iridescent Bonuses:  For more Iridescent articles about making a social impact and advocating for change, check out Iridescent's Advocate for Change. To receive the Iridescent's weekly Advocacy in Action email dedicated to educating ourselves on different issues of injustice and how we can make a difference, subscribe here. Check out our Iridescent movie review of Just Mercy by Joy Attmore. 

In this episode of season 3, we interview 2x CrossFit Games competitor and a life-long committed athlete Andrea Montalvo. Andrea excelled in many sports and spent the last 10+ years as a fitness trainer and seminar instructor. She resides in Astoria Queens as a Certified Personal Trainer and an entrepreneur who started her own movement workshops called AgerBomb Seminars and has taught 120 events all over the world. This past July, Andrea launched Embrace MVMNT, an Instagram-based business providing daily workouts, tutorial videos and faith encouragement to help women grow together both physically and spiritually. How do we take control of our health and wellness? What do we do when depression and other mental health struggles impact our motivation? What does it take to create a fitness routine we actually enjoy? How does simple movement impact our overall wellness? How can cultivating the mentality of a competitive athlete help us overcome obstacles? These questions and more will be explored in this latest episode.    More about our guest Andrea Montalvo: For more info, visit www.embracemvmnt.com Follow Andrea on instagram @ager_bomb and Embrace MVMNT @embracemvmnt   BONUS Special: Need help checking off two important priorities - health for your body and health for your soul in under an hour? Join Embrace MVMNT for dynamic workouts guaranteed to make you sweat, increase your strength, and are scalable for every fitness level. The goal is to get people moving five days per week, helping you move safely and boosting your confidence. Plus, the faith sessions will give you a refreshing perspective that leaves you feeling grateful for the simple joys of life.  Start your 2-week free trial, by clicking here.  For more Iridescent conversations about health and wellness, check out these recent articles: How I Got My Health Back on Track by Perla Cantu-Arroyo  Finding Comfort in a Time of Chaos by Sally Kuhlman 6 Ways Your Breathing Habits Affect Your Mental and Physical Health by Jessica Peters Little Changes That Make a Big Difference to Your Health by Victoria Bardega Sheppard

In this episode of season 3, we interview digital freelancer and founder of Free Birds, Afton Negrea. Afton is on a mission to help women from around the world discover freedom and flexibility in their lives by becoming successful digital freelancers through the Free Birds community and online mentorship. From the stay-at-home mom to the burned-out professional, Afton is helping women everywhere wake up to the true potential of building thriving freelance businesses and creating a life by their own design. How do we take control of our careers? With more and more businesses impacted by the pandemic, how can freelancing bring financial security and opportunity? How can we do more and more of the work we love? And how can we actively design work and life rhythms that work for us? These questions and more will be explored in this latest episode. The Iridescent Podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. More about our guest Afton Negrea: For more info, visit https://www.thefreebirds.co/ Follow Afton on instagram @thefreebirdsco BONUS Special: Join the Freebird's 6-Month Business Mentorship for women who want to start a freelance lifestyle and business. The Free Birds Business Mentorship is an incubator program designed to create and transform your digital freelancing into a thriving legitimate business that you can run from anywhere. Throughout the mentorship, you'll learn proven strategies to massively grow your business, find the perfect clients, make more money, create more freedom in your life, and truly love what you do - all by your own design. Learn more, here. And Read This Iridescent Article by Afton: Starting Your Own Freelance Business: What is Obvious to You is Amazing to Others by Afton Negrea

We are kicking this new season off with a timely and compelling interview exploring the effects of grief and loss with Shelby Forsythia, the author of Permission to Grieve and podcast host of Coming Back: Conversations on Life After Loss.  How do we process grief? How do we navigate the loss of loved ones, relationships, jobs, health, opportunities, and seasons? How do we love and support those close to us who are experiencing deep grief in their lives? How do we make sense of a pandemic that has left everyone experiencing loss in different ways? These questions and more will be explored in this first episode of Season 3! More about our guest Shelby Forsythia: After the unexpected death of her mother in 2013, Shelby became a “student of grief” and set out on a lifetime mission to explore the oft-misunderstood human experience of loss. Through her book, weekly podcasts, and one-on-one grief guidance, she helps grieving people find direction, get support, and cultivate radical self-compassion after devastating loss. Shelby is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®, and Intuitive Grief Guide. Her work has been featured on Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Oprah Magazine.  For more info, visit http://www.shelbyforsythia.com/. Follow Shelby on instagram @shelbyforsythia Listen to Shelby's podcast Coming Back, here. BONUS Special: Sign up for Shelby's latest online course, Life After Loss Academy, here! Feel safe in the world again, say goodbye to "the perfect griever," and love the person loss has forced you to become in this 12-week online course. And For More on the Topic of Grief: Download your copy of the video recording and interactive workbook Navigating Loss: How to Process Grief & Disappointment in Healthy Ways here. Check out these articles: “The Grief of Change” by Alexandra Brown “Being a Mother with Empty Arms: My Journey with Grief and Loss” by Michaela Taylor “Learning How to FLY: An Interview with Dr. Alisha Reed” by Serena Tuomi “It's Okay to Grieve Loss at This Time” by Michaela Taylor “How to Cope with Sudden and Unexpected Loss” by Victoria Bardega Sheppard “How to Support a Grieving Friend” by Alexa Mamoulides “Why I Let Myself Grieve” by Bridgett Blood “How I Learned to Grieve with Hope After My Boyfriend's Death” by Meg Capone Watch this video: “How Do We Deal with Unexpected Loss?”

In this final episode of Season 2, you'll meet Renée Watson, a New York Times bestselling author, educator, and activist. Her young adult novel, 'Piecing Me Together' received a Coretta Scott King Award and Newbery Honor. Her children's picture books and novels for teens have received several awards and international recognition. She has given readings and lectures at many renowned places including the United Nations, the Library of Congress, and the U.S. Embassy in Japan.  We'll hear more about the creative process for her poetry and fiction that often centers around the experiences of Black girls and women, and explores themes of home, identity, and the intersections of race, class, and gender. Renée also shares her personal journey as an educator and author, and the self-discoveries she made along the way. Renee shares the crucial role the arts play in social justice work, and how we can leverage creativity to help youth heal from trauma.  You can learn more about Rene Watson and her inspiring work by visiting reneewatson.net and make sure to follow @harlemportland on Instagram.

In this latest episode of Season 2, you'll meet Nickey Andree, founder of The Nannyhood, which creates community and fosters friendships for nannies in their cities. It advocates for, resources, and places value on nannyhood. Nickey is also a professional career nanny with 15+ years experience working with children from all over the globe! She is passionate about helping nannies find their squad and assisting them in eliminating burnout. We'll hear more about Nickey's career as a nanny, her experience with burnout, and how she bounced back to found The Nannyhood. Nickey also shares leadership lessons she's learned as a founder, the need to find community in your profession, and how to set healthy boundaries in your career. Bonus: Nickey offers some practical ways families can make the most of online schooling during stay-at-home orders due to the coronavirus pandemic!

In this inspiring episode of Season 2, you'll meet Nas Campanella, journalist and newsreader with the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) and Triple J.. Nas became the first blind newsreader in the world to read and operate the studio for herself live to air. She also travels the world to speak at events, helping to motivate students, teachers, parents and industry on issues ranging from inclusive education, adaptive technology, accessible travel and the importance of empowerment and leadership for women.   Dedicated to disability advocacy, Nas was part of a Disability Empowerment Skills Exchange in Fiji in 2016 where she worked in a media communications and advocacy role with the Spinal Injury Association in Suva. Nas devised a social media strategy for the organization, assisted in the design and launch of a disability awareness training program for the United Nations and ran workshops in public speaking, press release writing, and interview skills. She's also an ambassador for Motivation Australia and the Royal Institute For Deaf and Blind Children and sits on the board of Directors at disability NGO Fighting Chance.   We'll hear more about how Nas' journey from growing up with a disability to pursuing journalism to finding love and becoming a passionate disability advocate. Nas also shares the challenges she has overcome, the myths and misconceptions around blindness, and the importance of shattering glass ceilings for those with disabilities.