The She Said Project Podcast

"Raising the Frequency," the story shared by Rosalind-Denise Rogers at the inaugural That's What She Said St. Clair County in 2023 makes for a perfect centerpiece to this 100th episode of The She Said Project Podcast! Hear how Rosalind-Denise overcame adversity and personal struggles finding strength through music and advocacy.

Adonica Coleman, a local community leader in Columbia, Missouri, shared her journey from a young single mother to a successful business owner and community advocate on stage in the 2nd That's What She Said Columbia. Today she visited with Jenette and Kerry in The She Said Project Podcast studio to reflect on her She Said experience and discuss resilience and the importance of sharing personal struggles to inspire others.

Our guest today on The She Said Project Podcast has had a lifelong exploration of identity and perception. She Said Danville 2024 speaker Rachel Long drops by to chat with Jenette and Kerry about her story, "The Stiletto Secret" while encouraging listeners to embrace their unique qualities and challenge assumptions about others.

Ronda Guyton, a stage four breast cancer survivor, shares her inspiring journey and the story she shared onstage in Peoria on The She Said Project Podcast, as she continues to live life to the fullest, pursuing her goal of visiting all seven continents.

With us this week in The She Said Project Podcast studio, Heather Schmidt of the inaugural That's What She Said Naperville recounts the story she shared of her struggle with self-expression, balancing her professional life as a realtor with her personal identity, ultimately embracing her authentic self.

LaShondria Hunt shared a story she'd kept inside for over twenty years on stage at the third That's What She Said St. Louis and stopped by the podcast to discuss her experience. LaShondria chooses to use humor to look back at a traumatic experience and the resulting conversation is underscored by the value of storytelling in healing and community building.

Co-hosts Jenette Jurczyk and Kerry Rossow are joined by Linda Huck, who shared her story, "There's No Just About It," at the very first That's What She Said Macon County in April 2024. Linda's story will resonate with many women who feel undervalued in their roles and despite her initial self-doubt, her journey of self-discovery and empowerment will serve as an inspiration to all.

Mila Thomas Fuller shared her story, "I Delivered", on stage in That's What She Said Champaign in 2024. Jenette and Kerry welcome her into the She Said Project Podcast studio to discuss the importance of finding joy and community support, embracing life's challenges while finding humor in difficult situations.

Mila Thomas Fuller shared her story, "I Delivered", on stage in That's What She Said Champaign in 2024. Jenette and Kerry welcome her into the She Said Project Podcast studio to discuss the importance of finding joy and community support, embracing life's challenges while finding humor in difficult situations.

Becca Goldsberry of That's What She Said Indianapolis shares her story of childhood bullying and how it helped shape her on her journey to become a  professional business coach.

Co-hosts Jenette Jurczyk and Kerry Rossow welcome Ellen Cleary, who co-produced and performed in the inaugural  2024 Naperville That's What She Said show, to the first episode of Season 10 of the podcast. Ellen shares her deeply personal story about  her only sister and the profound impact her sister had on her.

The final episode of Season 9 welcomes Champaign-Urbana 2024 speaker SoeYun Song to The She Said Project Podcast studio to discuss her story and emphasize the significance of embracing the absurdity of life and finding humor in difficult situations.

Jackie "JP" Phillips appeared in the inaugural production of "That's What She Said" in St. Clair County in October, 2023. In this first ever take over collaboration between The She Said Project Podcast and Podcast PUSH, JP discusses the vulnerability and empowerment experienced by sharing elements of her personal life on stage for the first time.

Nicole Morgan of Champaign-Urbana shared the story of her personal journey towards accepting and advocating for her child's needs, and her visit with Jenette and Kerry on this week's podcast further emphasizes the importance of perseverance, advocacy and support in navigating motherhood.

Author Myra Levine of the inaugural That's What She Said Indianapolis cast visits with Jenette and Kerry to discuss the story she shared on stage and her unique, long, winding, non-traditional path to parenthood. The She Said Project Podcast is recorded in partnership with Illinois Public Media. All materials contained in this podcast are the exclusive property of The She Said Project and That's What She Said, LLC. Learn more at shesaidproject.com.

Luisa Gomez of Bloomington-Normal joins Kerry and Jenette this week on the podcast to share their personal experiences with grief and trauma, highlighting the power of storytelling and the need for vulnerability and authenticity. A tragic, sudden shift during the rehearsal process caused Luisa to focus on their struggles with loss and mental health, emphasizing the importance of self-care, therapy, and community support.

This week's guest, Jennifer Johnson, comes to us from the inaugural That's What She Said Indianapolis cast! Hosts Jenette and Kerry explore with Jennifer how a music class helped her find her voice and confidence to stand up despite school bullies, ultimately revealing music as her superpower.

Unexpected turns lead this week's guest, Connie Blick of Bloomington-Normal, to valuable lessons and a deeper appreciation for the present moment. While sharing the story behind the story with Jenette and Kerry, Connie recounts the transformative power of gratitude and self-discovery. The She Said Project Podcast is recorded in partnership with Illinois Public Media. All materials contained in this podcast are the exclusive property of The She Said Project and That's What She Said, LLC. Learn more at shesaidproject.com.

We have a very special visit this week with Chanpaign-Urbana She Said speaker Sandra Ahten, who shared a very powerful story about her mom's experience with frontotemporal dementia and her own genetic predisposition to the disease. The She Said Project Podcast is recorded in partnership with Illinois Public Media. All materials contained in this podcast are the exclusive property of The She Said Project and That's What She Said, LLC. Learn more at shesaidproject.com.

Danielle Hendricks visits with Jenette and Kerry and reflect on the story she shared onstage in Champaign-Urbana in 2024 highlighting the joy and love that can be found in even the most difficult moments. The She Said Project Podcast is recorded in partnership with Illinois Public Media. All materials contained in this podcast are the exclusive property of The She Said Project and That's What She Said, LLC. Learn more at shesaidproject.com.

Hosts Jenette Jurczyk and Kerry Rossow return to the studio to visit with Kristy DeWall from Bloomington-Normal. Kristy discusses her experiences in foster care, emotional struggles and a straight up connection to the performer Paula Abdul.

In our final episode of season eight, Jenette and Kerry visit with Susan Toalson McGinty and chat about how "Growing Up Poland" was an unexpected, but significant era in Susan's youth.

Taylor Freeman appeared in the inaugural production of "That's What She Said" in Columbia, MO in 2023. She discusses with our hosts how she discovered that "A Woman's Worth" is more than she was raised to believe.

Adi Puckett had to learn how to heal her own trauma, so she could raise her daughter with unconditional love. In this episode, we revisit her story, "Into the Sun," a powerful performance at the 2023 production of "That's What She Said" in Champaign, IL.

Monica Bullington of Bloomington-Normal is in the podcast studio with Jenette and Kerry to discuss her story, "Nacho Love" where she takes the audience on her journey of growth, relationship and forgiveness.

This special episode features Peoria Mayor, Rita Ali, who appeared on stage in the inaugural That's What She Said in Peoria, IL. Reflecting on her story, "Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in High School," Jenette and Kerry learn more about the successes and failures that got Mayor Ali to where she is today. 

Nicole Frydman reconnects with Jenette and Kerry after appearing in the 10 year anniversary show of That's What She Said in Champaign-Urbana in February 2023. The friends share lots of memories and laughter as they learn more about Nicole's discovery that she is worth standing up for.   

Hosts Kerry and Jenette could not be any more excited to welcome Bonnie Newberry into the studio to discuss her story "By My Bootstraps," from the Danville's inaugural show one particularly stormy night in 2023. 

Debbie Char appeared on stage in the second year of "That's What She Said" in St. Louis, MO with her story "Conversations with Nana."   

Jenette and Kerry visit with Patty Prann Young, who shared her story on stage in Bloomington in 2022, about Patty's move to America at a young age and her journey to self-acceptance.   

In our first episode of season eight, hosts Jenette Jurczyk and Kerry Rossow return to the the studio to speak with Amanda Crose, producer of the inaugural That's What She Said Danville show, about producing her first She Said show and standing on the stage, speaking to her hometown community about the power of bringing powerful ideas to life.

Season Seven wraps with Kerry and Jenette fan-girling over Mary Catherine Roberson and her story, "Believing the Hype." We can all relate to Mary Catherine's journey to overcoming imposter syndrome and stepping into her confidence.   

Danielle recounts her story "I Am' from her performance onstage in Bloomington-Normal in the fall of 2022 and shares her deep connection with the empowering work that Kerry and Jenette bring to life on the She Said Stage.

Heidi Esther joins our hosts Kerry and Jenette for some laughter, some reflection, and some serious joy. In her story, "Sleepless in Champaign" Heidi told the audience in Champaign, IL about the fears and doubts she faced on her wedding night.

Kerry and Jenette check in with Jacquelyn Monroe, who shared her story on our virtual Story Sharing Showcase series in 2020. Jacquelyn described how her journey to motherhood helped her face her life choices and set her on a path to healing.

In "The Big Fail," Hannah Landis shared her experiences on stage in Danville, IL in March 2023. In the studio, Hannah, Jenette and Kerry get into a riveting discussion about the history of women's health and motherhood.   

Elizabeth MacPhail has to come to terms with her life choices and find her own truth in her funny, but poignant story, "According to the Shoulds." She chats with Jenette and Kerry about the experience of sharing her story on stage in Bloomington in the fall of 2022.

Shandra Summerville joins hosts Kerry and Jenette live in the studio to share more details about her story "Amusement Parks with Broke Best Friends," from the 2023 show in Champaign. As the daughter of two well-known local educators, Shandra reflects on her relationship with her mother through tough times and happy times.

Ja'Naea Modest appeared on stage in the inaugural performance of "That's What She Said" in Danville, IL. In her story "Live Your Life," she shares with our hosts how her mother's words continue to resonate in her life.

Jenette and Kerry visit with Ray Hatch, who coined her title of "W.I.M.A.W.W." during her performance onstage in Bloomington in 2022. Laughter abounds as the three ladies share "well-intentioned" stories.

In our first episode of season seven, hosts Jenette Jurczyk and Kerry Rossow return to the the studio to speak with Jaya Kolisetty, from the That's What She Said Champaign cast of 2022. Jaya reflects on her life as an Indian American in her story "What Are You?" and shares updates on her professional work with local nonprofit organization RACES and advocacy for sexual violence awareness.

Season six wraps up with our guest Holly Melby, who appeared on stage in Champaign in 2022. Holly tells Jenette and Kerry about the biggest decision she ever made in her life in her story, "The Other Side of the Door." 

Our hosts, Kerry and Jenette, welcome back Jennifer Hays Schottland to learn why she came back to tell her story "Level Up" in Bloomington 2022, after first appearing on stage in Champaign in 2014.

Our guest today is Angela Baio, another woman who braved the microphone at the inaugural That's What She Said presented by the Junior League of the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania in March 2022, with a wonderful story of her three-year-old self taking a position on ballet class that set the stage for the rest of her life.  

Some special guests joined our hosts to share a sneak peek into the women behind the titles. Mayor Deb Frank Feinen and State's Attorney Julia Rietz share some career highlights and struggles, as well as how they find solace and support in friendship, as evidenced by the story they shared onstage in "That's What She Said" 2019 in Champaign, IL.  

In today's episode Sheri Smith from the Bloomington, IL 2021 show joins Kerry and Jenette in the studio to discuss her story, "Code Red". The ladies talk about how Sheri's life has changed since the show, and how she continues to embrace life and loss with love and laughter.   The She Said Project Podcast is recorded in partnership with Illinois Public Media. All materials contained in this podcast are the exclusive property of The She Said Project and That's What She Said, LLC. Learn more at shesaidproject.com.

Arnitria Karen Shaw shared her story "Who Do You Think You Are?" in the first That's What She Said Show in Peoria IL in March of 2022. Jenette and Kerry talk to Dr. Arnitria about her choice to share her story as an open letter about family to her father.  

Taylor Clay visited with hosts Kerry and Jenette to chat about her story, "Penguin Crossing," from the 2022 show in Champaign, IL. She shares how disability impacts her daily life and how she has embraced the taunt that haunted her in elementary school. The She Said Project Podcast is recorded in partnership with Illinois Public Media. All materials contained in this podcast are the exclusive property of The She Said Project and That's What She Said, LLC. Learn more at shesaidproject.com.

This episode's guest shared her story onstage at Cedar Crest College in March of 2022 at the first That's What She Said at Lehigh Valley. Lauren Wellbank shared candidly and openly about her personal experience with domestic violence, using statistics to convey how widespread and terrifying unsuspecting life as a victim can become. Some of the things discussed in this episode could be difficult to hear or even triggering for some listeners. If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence, you can find help by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-806-799-7233 or by visiting their website at thehotline.org.

Jenette and Kerry welcome Meta Mickens-Baker to chat about her story "TRI-umph," from the 2021 show in Bloomington-Normal, IL. Meta's journey to becoming an athlete is funny, heart-warming and inspirational.  The She Said Project Podcast is recorded in partnership with Illinois Public Media. All materials contained in this podcast are the exclusive property of The She Said Project and That's What She Said, LLC. Learn more at shesaidproject.com.

In our first episode of season six, hosts Jenette Jurczyk and Kerry Rossow are back in the studio with their inspirational guest, Nashla Vega Zamora, from the Champaign She Said cast of 2022. They discuss the challenges involved in immigrating to the United States and how they shaped who she is today.