The She Said Project Podcast

Follow The She Said Project Podcast
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

That's What She Said is a live show, featuring real women sharing personal stories. Join our hosts, Co-Founder Kerry Rossow and National Director, Jenette Jurczyk, each week as they visit with some incredible women who braved the microphone to share their

Illinois Public Media - WILL


    • Dec 13, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 75 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from The She Said Project Podcast with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The She Said Project Podcast

    Episode 100: Visiting with Rosalind-Denise Rogers of St. Clair County, IL and her story, “Raising the Frequency”

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024


    "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.

    Episode 99: Visiting with Adonica Coleman of Columbia and her story, “The Me You See”

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024


    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.

    Episode 98: Visiting with Rachel Shore of Danville and her story, “The Stiletto Secret”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024


    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.

    Episode 97: Visiting with Ronda Guyton of Peoria and her story, “Living Out Loud”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024


    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.

    Episode 96: Visiting with Heather Schmidt of Naperville and her story, “Not For Everyone”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024


    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.

    Episode 95: Visiting with LaShondria Hunt of St. Louis and her story, “New to the Scene”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024


    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.

    Episode 94: Visiting with Linda Huck of Decatur, IL and her story, “There’s No Just About It”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024


    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.

    Episode 93: Visiting with Mila Thomas Fuller of Champaign and her story, “I Delivered”

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024


    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.

    Episode 93: Visiting with Mila Thomas Fuller of Champaign and her story, “I Delivered”

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024


    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.

    Episode 92: Visiting with Becca Goldsberry of Indianapolis and her story, “Gritty Grace”

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024


    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.

    Episode 91: Visiting with Ellen Cleary of Naperville, Il and her story “Connected at the Heart”

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024


    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.

    Episode 90: Visiting with SoeYun Song of Champaign-Urbana and her story, “The Long Trip Home”

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024


    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.

    Episode 89: Visiting with Jackie “JP” Phillips of St. Clair County, Illinois and her story, “Still Swagged Out”

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024


    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.

    Episode 88: Visiting with Nicole Morgan of Champaign-Urbana and her story, “The 1% Family”

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024


    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.

    Episode 87: Visiting with Myra Levine of Indianapolis and her story, “That Sounds Nice”

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024


    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.

    Episode 86: Visiting with Luisa Gomez of Bloomington-Normal and her story, “I Call BS”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024


    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.

    Episode 85: Visiting with Jennifer Johnson of Indianapolis and her story, “Make Your Own Kind of Music”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024


    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.

    Episode 84: Visiting with Connie Blick of Bloomington-Normal and her story, “This Play Called Life”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024


    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.

    Episode 83: Visiting with Sandra Ahten of Champaign-Urbana and her story “Never Say Never”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024


    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.

    Episode 82: Visiting with Danielle Hendricks of Champaign-Urbana and her story, “Half Truth”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024


    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.

    Episode 81: Visiting with Kristy DeWall of Bloomington-Normal and her story, “A Straight Up Reason to Stay”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024


    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.

    Episode 80: Visiting with Susan Toalson McGinty of Champaign-Urbana, IL and her story, “Growing Up Poland.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2024


    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.

    Episode 79: Visiting with Taylor Freeman of Columbia, MO and her story, “A Woman’s Worth.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2024


    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.

    Episode 78: Visiting with Adi Puckett of Champaign, IL and her story “Into the Sun.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023


    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.

    Episode 77: Visiting with Monica Bullington of Bloomington, IL and her story, “Nacho Love.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023


    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.

    Episode 76: Visiting with Mayor Rita Ali of Peoria, IL and her story, “Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in High School.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2023


    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. 

    Episode 75: Visiting with Nicole Frydman of Champaign-Urbana, IL and her story, “I Broke Up to Stand Up.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023


    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.   

    Episode 74: Visiting with Bonnie Newberry of Danville, IL and her story, “By My Bootstraps.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2023


    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. 

    Episode 73: Visiting with Debbie Char of St. Louis, MO and her story, “Conversations with Nana.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 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."   

    Episode 72: Visiting with Patty Prann Young of Bloomington, IL and her story, “This Could Be Heaven or This Could Be Hell”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2023


    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.   

    Episode 71: Visiting with Amanda Crose of Danville, IL and her story, “Look at You, Danville!”

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023


    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.

    Episode 70: Visiting with Mary Catherine Roberson of Danville, IL and her story, “Believing the Hype.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2023


    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.   

    Episode 69: Visiting with Danielle Martorana of Bloomington, IL and her story, “I Am.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023


    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.

    Episode 68: Visiting with Heidi Esther and her story “Sleepless in Champaign”

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2023


    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.

    Episode 67: Visiting with Jacquelyn Monroe of Champaign, IL and her story, “I Dream of Jacquelyn.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2023


    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.

    Episode 66: Visiting with Hannah Landis of Danville, IL and her story, “The Big Fail.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2023


    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.   

    Episode 65: Visiting with Elizabeth MacPhail of Bloomington, IL and her story, “According to the Shoulds.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2023


    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.

    Episode 64: Visiting with Shandra Summerville of Champaign, IL and her story, “Amusement Parks with Broke Best Friends.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2023


    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.

    Episode 63: Visiting with Ja’Naea Modest of Danville, IL and her story, “Live Your Life.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2023


    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.

    Episode 62: Visiting with Ray Hatch of Bloomington, IL and her story, “W.I.M.A.W.W.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023


    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.

    Episode 61: Visiting with Jaya Kolisetty of Urbana, IL and her story “What are you?”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2023


    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.

    Episode 60: Visiting with Holly Melby of Champaign, IL and her story, “The Other Side of the Door”

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2022


    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." 

    Episode 59: Visiting with Jennifer Hays Schottland of Bloomington-Normal, IL and her story, “Level Up”

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2022


    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.

    Episode 58: Visiting with Angela Baio of Lehigh Valley, PA and her story, “How One Ballet Class Changed My Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2022


    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.  

    Episode 57: Visiting with Deb Frank Feinen and Julia Rietz of Champaign, IL and their story, “A Mayor & A State’s Attorney Walk Onto a Stage”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2022


    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.  

    Episode 56: Visiting with Sheri Smith of Bloomington-Normal, IL and her story, “Code Red”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2022


    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.

    Episode 55: Arnitria Karen Shaw “Who Do You Think You Are?”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2022


    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.  

    Episode 54: Visiting with Taylor Clay and her story, “Penguin Crossing”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2022


    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.

    Episode 53: Visiting with Lauren Wellbank and her story, “By The Numbers”

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2022


    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.

    Episode 52: Visiting with Meta Mickens-Baker and her story, “TRI-umph”

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2022


    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.

    Episode 51: Visiting with Nashla Vega Zamora and her story, “Leave It Better Than You Found It”

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2022


    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.

    Claim The She Said Project Podcast

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel