VIRGIN.BEAUTY.B!TCH

In 2024, a contest was created to promote the most beautiful women the world has ever seen.  The competition is the brainchild of the World AI Creators Awards (WAICAS).  As the name suggests, real women need not apply, as all contestants are AI-generated personalities admired for their pixelated perfection.  We - Christopher & Heather - were curious, so we discussed where this idea would push already unrealistic standards and ideals set for beauty that women have been burdened to meet or at least keep up with in exchange for social status, attention, or affection.  To justify some of the skepticism about these AI-generated beauty contestants only being boy toy fantasies, contestants are being judged based on three criteria: aesthetic beauty, the technical skill that went into creating them, and their online and business clout. In some cases, that includes contestants with over 250,000 followers on Instagram and employment earnings in the neighbourhood of up to $10,840 a month, or on average $3,252 monthly, working as virtual models for clothing and jewelry companies.  Virtual or not, the impact of AI models is real, but will the standards these models set around "what is beauty and who is beautiful," which are already unrealistic and unattainable for most real women, become even more exhausting?    

Tori Jenae has lived through a personal hell that has included childhood trauma, family dysfunction, betrayal, abandonment, divorce, plus the kind of grief that can crack a person's soul wide open. Remarkably, she not only survived, she transformed. As a trauma-informed confidence and relationship coach with over 13 years of experience, Tori now helps women heal, starting at their emotional, psychological, and spiritual roots. Tori supports women in rebuilding their self-worth, breaking unconscious or sabotaging patterns, and creating healthy, aligned relationships. Her work effectively focuses on guiding women through debilitating life changes, including divorce, breakups, and personal loss, to a place where they can create a life of love, confidence, and the success they long for.

Bunny Ambrosia is a true modern-day Wonder Woman whose life story reads like a wild country song full of resilience, grit, and a rebellious spirit. From a deeply challenging upbringing in the conservative South, through motherhood and widowhood at sixteen and surviving homelessness as a single mother, Bunny has transformed every adversity into fuel for her growth. She shares how her daughter became her greatest motivator, and how, step by step, she fought her way to stability, entrepreneurship, and a deeply-rooted mission to help others thrive.

Laura Jane Layton's journey is a testament to resilience. Like everyone else, she's faced her share of difficult challenges that, in the moment, felt overwhelming. Looking back, though, she recognizes those tough times as the moments she grew the most—her strongest ones. Through self-reflection, Laura shares how adversity shaped her into a better person and inspired her to do remarkable things. Sharing lessons from her upbringing about fitting in and seeking love, Laura recalls how she learned to embrace her experiences and uses these lessons as her signature approach to coaching: becoming your own “best friend forever” (BFF). Instead of letting an inner critic run our minds, Laura encourages us to change our self-talk and befriend ourselves gently.

Dr. Kelly Barron is a powerhouse advocate for women's health and host of The KellFire Show, a podcast breaking taboos by empowering and supporting women through their menopausal journey. With her unique perspective as a doctor and a woman blazing through her own menopause, or as she calls it, her "wild woman phase." Dr. Barron is stripping away stereotypes and taboos about menopause as only a medical transition when it can be so much more — a true rebirth and an untapped chapter for women's self-discovery. Her conversation shatters outdated stereotypes, covers the emotional and physical shifts women experience during menopause, and highlights the importance of community, support, and unapologetic self-love. She shares practical advice for preparing for empty nest syndrome and how women can handle this difficult transition gracefully. Dr. Barron also introduces her online platform dedicated to helping women navigate menopause with fierce support and a personalized approach. She calls it Tempesta — aka, stormy.

Dr. Alessandra Wall - Challenging Fem Boss = Bitch Pretext!!  Dr. Alessandra Wall is an executive coach, speaker, author, psychologist, and business founder with over 20 years of experience specializing in guiding senior executive women in high-stakes, male-dominated industries to lead authentically and powerfully without sacrificing career fulfillment or their quality of life.  Dr. Wall combines science, strategy, and purpose to challenge the boss = bitch standards that often intimidate or cage strong, ambitious women leaders who's desire is to make a lasting impact and thrive in their professional and personal lives without guilt, or shame.

Walker Kimberly Brandt is not only a personable and engaging woman; she's also a remarkable actress who has shared Hollywood movie screens with legends like Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton in "Dante's Peak" and Billy Crystal in "City Slickers." Her TV appearances include a memorable role in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" alongside Patrick Stewart. Walker is also a model, an international Best-selling author, and a coach whose transformative journey is deeply inspiring. Walker's candidness and vulnerability are compelling as she shares her upbringing in a toxic household steeped in challenges that nearly led to her suicide.  She recalls her path to turning historic family trauma into a relationship with nature and with herself. Walker's proud that at age 16, she became an emancipated minor. Her story is a testament to harnessing inner strength and stepping into one's power, no matter the difficulties.

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" is an original German fairy tale published by The Brothers Grimm in 1812. Apparently, social values and gender roles had not changed much in 1937 when Walt Disney turned Snow White into an animated film that's become a beloved classic. Fast forward to 2025, when even the idea of gender is a hot-button topic, and Snow White could be the poster child for moribund gender stereotypes. She's the traditional feminine, a delicate princess who happens to be the fairest of them all; she's kind and submissive, a domesticated girl who cooks and cleans up for men and dreams of living happily ever with a handsome, rich prince. But do fairy tales also teach girls that physical beauty and passivity make them desirable? It's a message Rachel Zegler, the young actress reviving the Snow White role, openly disdains. Unlike a demure Snow White, Rachel demonstratively expressed her feelings to the world while derailing the movie's box office success. So, tradition or woke, what side of the dilemma are you on?

Dr. Kerry Kerr McAvoy was already 20 years into her career as a psychologist with an academic education in narcissistic behaviors and counseling sessions with countless couples trying to navigate relationships through toxic narcissism. Still, her true education in narcissism didn't happen until she married a man with a God complex — a narcissist. "I definitely saw narcissists in my practice, and I'm sure I saw narcissistically abusive relationships, but I just didn't know what I was seeing at the time because that's not something they talk about in graduate school. They don't talk about the consequences of living with a toxic individual."  In this conversation, Terry not only shares events from her nightmare marriage that resulted in her best-selling memoir,  Love You More, and her popular podcast, "Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse," she also shares red flags women can look for when dating to hopefully avoid the pain and misery she unfortunately learned the hard way.

Alisa Gracheva believes that human health is holistic. As a result, she has transformed her career in modern medicine into a mission as a life coach specializing in helping clients restore the connection between their emotional and physical bodies while enhancing awareness through the practice of mindfulness, the embodiment of inner power, and the release of traumas, old dysfunctional habits, and beliefs. Alisa helps develop personalized plans that incorporate Western and Eastern Wellness modalities.  Having studied and embraced alternative healing modalities for years and used them as healing support in her personal life struggles, which have included domestic abuse, violence, and addiction, Alisa recognizes the profound healing impact of sacred plant medicine, sound therapy, energy work, and spiritual guidance on the human psyche. She believes a multi-layered approach to healing can help individuals unlock their potential and tap into the magic of miracles hidden within the depths of our being. We invite you to embark with us on a transformative journey to discover your innate power to heal and thrive.

Felicity Nicole is a two-time international best-selling author, creator, speaker, intuitive mentor, and CEO of  She Is You — an online community and a brand designed to inspire midlife women seeking support on their healing journey. "She Is You" is a brand forged from Felicity's personal journey of transformation and healing and is 100% proof that we do not have to become what we were groomed to be. At age ten, Felicity witnessed her father attempting to kill her mother, one example of commonplace traumatic events in a wild and dysfunctional family. Instead of allowing her traumas to dictate her life choices, Felicity uses her experiences to educate and encourage others on how to forgive, create, and live a beautiful and meaningful life. 

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on 8 March, commemorating women's fight for equality and liberation. Women's History Month brings focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. But how many of us know the history behind these two calendar events, and have you heard about Laura X?  Join Christopher & Heather in conversation about why these dates matter to women and men.

Keri Looijen could be the poster child for women who nurture vibrant and colorful communities. She is co-founder and editor-in-chief of True North Pin Up Magazine, a publication created to celebrate vintage beauty, diversity, and the art of storytelling through retro-inspired photography. Behind the retro fashion and red lipstick, Keri is also a mother of two and a former victim of domestic abuse. However, when Keri needed a safe space for herself and her children, she discovered that the local shelters had a waiting list.  Not one to take a closed door as an answer, Keri co-founded a car show to help raise money to support women's centers.  The car shows also blended perfectly with her newfound passion for Pin Up culture. In December 2019, the first edition of True North Pin Up Magazine was published. Its goal is to revolutionize and empower an entire community of women through body positivity, connection, and authentic expression of self. We invite you to come and meet Keri Looijen.

Mary Crocker Cook, Ph.D, has over 40 years of experience as a therapist. Her latest book is Bad Taste, Self-Care, and Financial Planning for Women with Bad Taste in Men. In its own way, it's a love letter to people like her who, along the way, do not always choose wisely when it comes to men.  It's for women who are working through early life experiences to create a richer, more joyous life in the present. I know there is a community of women out there who are struggling to create "upgrades" in their selection process, and along the way, we still get derailed. This little book is an attempt to give women harm reduction strategies so that when they stumble, it's not off the cliff! As a therapist, I have watched countless smart, funny, responsible, loving women choose mates unwisely. I am glad my home girl encouraged me to write my thoughts down because I have had conversations over the years with so many women, and I know how hard they try to make what can seem insurmountable relationships work.

There was a time in human history when women were not allowed to participate in the arts - can you imagine? In 2024, Taylor Swift launched her record-breaking 149-date Eras Tour, Charli XCX produced the soundtrack to the summer with her culture-defining album Brat, and pop returned in a big way with artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan making waves in the industry. Not surprisingly, women were at the forefront of a record-breaking year in music sales as female artists claimed six of the top 10 spots on the bestselling albums chart. Women dominated the 2025 Grammy Awards, but today's female artists aren't just about sales and awards; women have something to say about the world they live in and the world they envision for the future, and they used the Grammy stage to speak up on topics ranging from trans rights, health care, immigration, to controversial DEI initiatives.  Join us as we celebrate these women and their will for change.

The "poop whisperer" commit. Her name is Melissa Hall Klepacki. Her formal title is Functional Gut Health Expert. She helps women and men relieve themselves of constipation by understanding eight root causes and how to heal from them. Melissa didn't grow up dreaming of becoming a poop specialist. It was only after she was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in her 40s and after seeing 12 different doctors with no answers that her path to healing began to take shape with her discovery of comprehensive detoxification. Melissa's personal journey back to health convinced her that gut health is the cornerstone of overall wellness. Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the "Father of Medicine," said, "All disease begins in the gut."  Modern science is only now discovering that gut health influences everything from digestion to dis-ease to mental health. It's why helping people resolve chronic constipation is a cornerstone of Melissa's research and continuing education, which she graciously shares with us in this episode.

In this episode, Christopher and Heather dive into a topic that's often a lightning rod for controversy: whether women deserve to be censored for what they wear and how women's fashion choices are subject to societal judgment and double standards. The discussion takes a close look at WNBA superstar Angel Reese, who recently made headlines with her bold New Year's Eve fashion choice and faced backlash for her provocative outfit. This lively dialogue peels back the layers of social double standards, societal expectations, and the broader implications for female agency and self-expression.  Join us as we explore how women can reclaim their narratives and shine unapologetically. 

Dr. Heather Brown is a seasoned psychotherapist of 27 years specializing in helping couples communicate through grief, loss, and spirituality while transforming their lives into expressions of beauty and joy. Dr. Brown is known in her circles as the “Reframe Queen.” She instructs clients on reframing sticky thought processes to see the other side of challenging situations. Her first book, Speaking With the Heart, is the recipient of the best selling International Impact Book Award for relationships. It addresses all facets of communication with a highly unique methodology that makes it a go-to resource for couples moving beyond confusion, chaos, and conflict. Dr. Browne is also a public speaker and has her own TedX performance. 

Lisa Van Ahn is a retired athlete who fought for the US National Kickboxing team internationally. She won a North American Kickboxing title and meddled at the PanAm games in Brazil. Lisa also competed on the popular NBC show American Ninja Warrior. Lisa found her way into combative sports at age 19 after being exploited as a child, believing she was unworthy, and living in fear as a victim.  She shares how she transformed her trauma of being abused and suicidal into a mission to empower young girls. Lisa founded the I AM Initiative, a dynamic and adventurous curriculum for young women that teaches self-love and self-protection. Her I AM courses emphasize self-acceptance and bodily confidence. Lisa shares her belief that every girl deserves to live free, unafraid, and with power.

It's that time of year when we all have one foot in the past and one foot stepping into the future, a time to glance in the rearview but with eyes fixed on the horizon.  This episode reflects on some global challenges that captured the world's attention over the past 12 months. At this time of year, it's always fascinating to compare notes on how we interpret and respond to events that we can't control the outcome. We reflect on events that have made the year memorable or one you might want to shred along with last year's calendar. We also honour a list of heroes lost over the past year. Join us in remembering the year that was and celebrating the year's beginning.

Bitch being used as an inspiration sounds counterintuitive, very contrary to how people have been conditioned to apply a word, which for centuries has been used as an insult keeping women in a subservient place in society. Jamie Louise Madigan became very familiar with the word Bitch after finding herself being used and abused in her intimate relationship. Jamie admits her good-girl, people-pleaser personality contributed to her being treated like a doormat by an abusive partner. Healing from her relationship introduced Jamie to poetry as a healing platform and Bitch as a healing companion. In our conversation, Jamie shares anecdotes on how she overcame the fear of asserting herself and the potential consequences of losing relationships or making others uncomfortable. She acknowledges the Bitch as a source that inspired her to operate with courage instead of fear and live authentically.  It's a fascinating conversation that underscores the necessity of self-expression and authenticity in personal growth and a journey toward becoming more centered and confident without needing external validation, which exemplifies the liberating power of self-acceptance.

This is episode #One of the VBB Bitch Series. It begins with our conversation with Teacher, Life Coach, Speaker, and International bestselling Author of W.O.M.A.N.: A New Definition For Reclaiming The Feminine, Gina Cloud. Whether you like the word or not, Bitch is ubiquitous, timeless, and female-centric. For centuries to the present day, Bitch has been used to dehumanize women on the one hand, while on the other, Bitch has been an idolized symbol of woman's emancipation.  Gina helps us unravel the contemporary and historical use of a word meant to marginalize women and how they can turn it into a tool for personal empowerment without giving in to rage or vengeance.  We explore how women can reclaim Bitch, embrace the essence of its power, use it to amplify their voice, and speak their truth with courage and integrity. We chose Gina to be on this journey because she walks her talk.

A Journey From Fear To Freedom. Lauren Wellbank is a courageous survivor who has successfully turned her harrowing near-death experience at the hands of a violent partner into a mission of hope and empowerment for others. After escaping her abusive relationship, Lauren realized the importance of sharing her story, knowing that 1 out of 4 women face similar situations, and many either don't survive or struggle to break free. Lauren openly discusses her frightening journey with the aim of inspiring and giving hope to women who haven't broken free and still feel trapped.  Her message illustrates that there is life beyond current circumstances. Lauren emphasizes empowerment through storytelling, the need to overcome fear and shame, and the importance of societal change to shift the blame onto abusers. She also highlights the significance of mental health support, raising awareness amongst children, and dispelling myths about women who find themselves in abusive relationships.

Sandy Phillips Kirkham shares her harrowing yet inspiring journey of overcoming abuse in a religious setting. Her book, "Let Me Prey Upon You: Breaking Free From A Minister's Sexual Abuse," sheds light on the devastating impact of clergy abuse and serves as a resource for education and support for others. Sandy's journey is a poignant testament to the often-downplayed reality that women and girls within the church can be easy prey for sexual predators disguised as priests. Her compelling story highlights the egregious abuse of power by church leaders and the victim-blaming that often follows. Sandy recounts her personal experience of being groomed, manipulated, and sexually exploited by her youth pastor and eventually being expelled from her church while her abuser moved on to another congregation. For years, Sandy grappled with the thought that the exploitation she endured was her fault. However, through tremendous personal growth and reflection, she came to recognize that she was deliberately targeted, groomed, and manipulated by her abuser, who sought only to use and control her. Sandy's experience underscores the critical need for awareness and support for all victims of abuse, challenging the stigmatization and silence that often surrounds clergy abuse.

Jamie Louise Madigan's book, "Lipstick Stains and Coffee Cups," is more than a collection of heart-wrenching poetry; it helped her exorcise painful memories of abuse and brings hope to women still lost or entangled in abusive relationships.  For Jamie, writing was the transformative process that allowed her to confront the stark realities of being abused, which, paradoxically, led to her nurturing a powerful sense of self-awareness and empowerment. Jamie's wish for her poems is they serve as both inspiration and a beacon of hope for women overwhelmed and trapped in abusive circumstances. Her journey illustrates how recognizing and articulating one's suffering can be an essential first step toward healing and liberation. Jamie's story is a testament to the resilience and strength of women worldwide who face similar challenges. We're grateful for Jamie's contribution to VBB's support of The United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.   

As part of our annual commitment in support of the UN's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, VBB continues to share personal stories that reveal the harsh realities of abuse but also the strength that comes from survivors. This week, we hear the inspiring and sobering narrative of special guest Sophia Diaz. Sophia is an indomitable spirit with a multifaceted global career, and also a woman who once faced a harrowing experience of betrayal, violence, and near death at the hands of the man sworn to love her and a judicial system that failed to protect her. Sophia's story is one of resilience, trust, and faith. We're thrilled to bring you the wisdom and insights from International Entrepreneur, Recording Star, Author, and Film Producer Sophia Dias. 

Lois Hollis is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist known for her work in the field of shame and guilt counseling. She specializes in helping individuals overcome the debilitating effects of shame and guilt, which often stem from childhood experiences, trauma, or societal expectations. Hollis's approach to counseling emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of shame and guilt, as well as developing strategies for emotional healing and self-acceptance. Lois believes shame and guilt are pervasive energies that impact every aspect of a person's life, from their relationships to their sense of self-worth. Through her counseling practice, workshops, and writings, Hollis offers up free tools and techniques for breaking free from the cycle of shame and guilt in a way that empowers individuals to live more fulfilling and authentic lives. 

Rissa Miller is a fearless advocate for the term 'witch' and the longstanding stigma and fear around the word. We get into what qualifies a woman as a witch, and even though perceptions of a witch have evolved from the days when the Church condemned women for communing with devils to present-day pop culture where witches like Melisandre from "Game of Thrones, Wanda Maximoff as Marvel's Scarlet Witch, and Netflix Teenage Witch Sabrina are beautiful and powerful women.  While some people still hold onto outdated beliefs, Rissa believes society is catching up and evolving its understanding of what it means when women are okay with being called witches.

Is Self-Care Just Women Being Selfish?  Christina Marlett, BKin, BMT, believes you have the power to change the world, but first, you must address the fact that you need to take charge of your own life, starting with self-care that goes beyond bubble baths, chocolate, and wine. Christina is an International Speaker who has shared the stage with Michael Beckwith, Marci Shimoff, Lynne Twist, Ocean Robbins, and Jean Houston. She is also a #1 International Best-Selling Author, a Master Facilitator, a Certified Embodiment Coach, and the Founder of Courageous Self-Care. Christina teaches high-achieving leaders that self-care is not simply about luxurious acts of pampering but that it's a real necessity if you truly want to step into your greatness. Through her coaching, workshops, and online programs, Christina helps you revitalize your energy from the inside out so that you can be productive and peaceful at the same time. We talked to Christina about the importance of self-care and her new book, Not Your Mama's Self-Care Guide (cause she probably had none, so you should read this). In it, you'll learn the top mistakes intelligent women make with self-care. You'll also discover why courage is a useful barometer for self-care. As the book title suggests, Christina makes self-care fun and accessible so that you can be productive and peaceful at the same time.

We learn very young about beauty as a commodity, how beauty has become women's gilded cage in society, how beauty is a weapon women use to compete with one another for economic or professional status, and how young women feel pushed to manipulate beauty to win love or affection. We learn how beauty is fleeting and cruel, especially to women, and the inevitability of aging only makes women more vulnerable and desperate to invest eternally in cosmetics, surgeries, weight programs, or anything that promises to preserve Beauty. In this episode, Christopher and Heather take a step back to ask the most important question to women: What is Beauty to You?

I Felt Like An Alien! Beth Hildbrand is a US Army veteran, cancer survivor, and founder of Resilient Stars Marketing. Beth's passion is to share her personal journey to help others. An important chapter in her journey includes recovering her identity as a woman after the loss of her hair to chemotherapy. Through her YouTube channel, "BethHildbrandTalks," Beth chronicles the event that made her question her own identity as a woman.  Making the decision to have her partner shave her head and the narrative of her emotional state is a testament to beauty and what makes a person beautiful. 

Barbara McBean knows, she once competed in the glamorous Miss Universe Pageant. She did not win that crown, but today, Barbara is the founder and president of Eternal Beauty Institutes Clinical Esthetics Colleges, which features multiple schools and beauty brands across North America. Barbara's passion for all things beauty, once combined with her first love of teaching, became the foundation on which Eternal Beauty is founded. Her brand is built on the principle that education should be accessible to everyone with the spirit to learn and grow. Barbara shares a personal journey that exemplifies resilience and highlights the unique obstacles women face in leadership and entrepreneurship while burdened by society's unrealistic expectations of beauty.  If you are navigating societal beauty expectations or seeking inner peace, this episode promises to inspire and empower. Tune in as we continue our quest to break down stereotypes and celebrate the eternal beauty that comes from within.

The Evolution of Beauty is Part One in a VBB Four-Part series on our podcast middle name: Beauty. The Evolution of Beauty is also a specialty of Richard Prum.  He's not a beautician, far from it; he's an expert on birds, a Professor of Ornithology, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology at Yale University, as well as head curator of vertebrate zoology at the University's Peabody Museum of Natural History. Richard also authored the book The Evolution of Beauty, where he revisits Charles Darwin's long-neglected theory of sexual selection; basically, females choosing a mate purely for aesthetic reasons — the mere pleasure of beauty —and how those rarely acknowledged choices are as critical as natural selection in determining the evolution of our species. So, is Beauty in his genes or in how he wears his jeans?

Who Do You Think You Are? Teresa Ford is a certified mental health and trauma recovery life coach who believes you shouldn't hire any coach who hasn't successfully done what you are trying to do. So, if you have any experience with anxiety, depression, grief, loss, ADHD, emotional abandonment, parentification, or debilitating people-pleasing, Teresa has been there and back. Teresa has long been fascinated by the human experience and the vast spectrum of emotions that come into play in our lives. She believes life is an exploration, a journey to understand the emotional elements that shape who we think we are now and also who we are capable of becoming. "My own mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical healing process is what has propelled me to follow my life calling as a certified mental health and trauma recovery life coach" — Teresa Ford. 

Ever find yourself thinking, "I'll be happy when"… [add job, money, relationship, or shiny object here.] Why do we struggle with our seemingly endless quest for happiness based on external things or circumstances?  Even when we reach our big happiness goal, why does the joy feel shallow or fleeting? Aura Martinez speaks candidly about obstacles she faced, including a lack of self-acceptance, which hindered her personal growth. Instead of fighting her despair, she leaned into her frustration with curiosity and created a unique coaching method — the A.U.R.A Blueprint.  As a successful Self-Discovery and Empowerment Coach, Aura's passion is helping women and men discover themselves more powerfully and attract everything they want, including happiness.

Beauty has been assigned, by man, the dominion of woman, but is Beauty her paradise or her prison? September 22, Christopher and Heather host 4 Conversations on VBB with female authors, researchers, and topic experts to answer questions about the Myth of Beauty. Questions women are shamed into not asking even themselves. 

From Betrayal To Abundance is Annie Izmirliyan's story. She's been heralded as a financial maverick who leverages over 20 years of education and hands-on experience in wealth management, financial planning, and sales leadership to guide individuals and organizations toward their financial goals and aspirations. However, what makes Annie unique and separates her are the life lessons she learned hard, including misplaced trust, life-partner betrayal, and a close encounter with a financial disaster.  Turning betrayal into success has helped Annie create a unique approach that focuses on guiding people through tough times while acknowledging their strengths. It's a philosophy that combines empathy, reassurance, and practical financial guidance. Annie's story speaks of hope and empowerment and shows that even life's harshest lessons, even betrayal, can lead to profound personal growth and overwhelming abundance.

Janice Selbie on Divorcing Religion! Janice Selbie lived 40 years of her life as a devout Christian. Living a reality reminiscent of a Margaret Atwood character in “The Handmaid's Tale,” Janice became the quintessential Renaissance woman, complete with Mennonite-inspired shapeless clothing and modest head-coverings. She rejected all the creature comforts of secular life — TV, radio, music, newspapers, and magazines, and committed to homeschooling her children. It wasn't until a series of personal upheavals challenged her obedience that Janice felt justified to question her lifelong devotion to blind faith. Janice is now a Registered Professional Counsellor and a Religious Trauma Recovery Coach hosting Divorcing Religion Workshops that help others experiencing the significant losses associated with religious de-conversion.

After 20+ years working in the beauty and fashion industries, Jen Auh, founder of Style Konsult & STYiLES, designed over 360 creative campaigns for major beauty and fashion retailers, including Bliss, Macy's, Too Faced Cosmetics, and Silver Jeans. As a beauty and fashion expert, she knows how looks influence people's confidence. That is where her journey in image consulting began. Jen now serves a community of over 10,000 people and has built a 7-figure consulting agency by empowering people's confidence with style. Her holistic approach integrates personal branding with a deep understanding of clients' strengths, blind spots, and unique qualities.  Jen stresses that building self-awareness is crucial for cultivating confidence and maximizing internal beauty. By being in tune with oneself, we can better manage how we are perceived and how we perceive ourselves.

Mariska Reinerink is a global Money Wellness and Business Coach, International Workshop Facilitator, Speaker, and Best-Selling Author with over 20 years of experience as a Holistic Financial Advisor. Her professional journey began as a physiotherapist, where she witnessed the profound impact of pain, stress, and money worries on people's overall well-being. Personally, Mariska faced her fair share of financial challenges while navigating single motherhood, self-employment, and financial uncertainty. These experiences were motivation to transition into Financial Services. What sets Mariska apart is her unique methodology that addresses the practical and human sides of money. It's about helping people develop a stress-free relationship with their finances. Mariska shares unique insights in her Best-Selling book, "Untangling Your Relationship with Money."

Who's at fault when male chivalry is interpreted as chauvinism or a sincere compliment is taken as a cheap come-on? True, some men's attitudes and actions have created these reservations in many women. So, what is an ideal man, or what do modern women really want from the men in their lives? Christopher and Heather share eleven qualities that women might consider deal breakers or ideals they wish from the good men in their lives.

Temi Ajibewa is a powerful and inspiring woman. She is a Personal Brand Strategist and Coach, Author of several Amazon-bestselling books, Mentor to women and men worldwide, and an electric Transformational Speaker, but beyond the titles lies a story of personal reinvention. Raised by a single mom in a dysfunctional social environment and as a young woman looking for love in all the wrong places, Temi's tragic first steps in life helped her develop personal resilience and business principles that revolve around two key elements – high impact and high income. She firmly believes that everyone possesses the necessary ingredients for success, and her role is to refine those innate talents by assisting individuals to monetize their skills, expertise, and passion. Temi is a powerhouse force of nature and a must-listen.

Debbie Peterson, former mayor of Grover Beach, California, remains passionate about women's representation in public office. She's a first-hand witness to the troubling trend of women being discouraged from running due to the increase in online and in-person attacks. It's also true that many women don't want to work in a culture of confrontation or have their private lives picked apart in public. The result is fewer women pursuing political careers. Understanding the importance of diverse voices in decision-making, Debbie offers experience and advice supporting women contemplating a run for office. She emphasizes resilience and preparation, aiming to empower more women to overcome challenges and take on leadership roles. 

Vicki Larson is an award-winning journalist, author, writer, columnist, editor, and freelancer who writes about lifestyles and human relations but with a modern twist. Vicki shares highlights of living and loving outside conventional models of marriage and the nuclear family. Strong evidence is in the title of her latest book — LATitude: How You Can Make a Live-Apart-Together Relationship Work. Vicki is the first to admit that LAT relationships aren't for everyone, but for many women, living apart together is the perfect lifestyle choice for undoing gender.

Kelly Etter is more than a Pilates teacher and trainer, more than a mom, and more than a former member of the famous Music City Rockettes dance troupe. Kelly is all that and a compassionate advocate for self-discovery and personal growth. Kelly empathizes with women who dutifully struggle to juggle the roles of motherhood, partnership, or career, and she understands the challenges that women face in seeking validation through their various roles, titles, and relationships. In this candid conversation, Kelly acknowledges that the journey of self-realization can be daunting, but encourages women to explore and embrace their identities beyond societal expectations and external roles. Kelly is proof that the transformation can be an enjoyable and fulfilling adventure that ultimately makes life more fulfilling. Her insights inspire us all to look within to not only find but to celebrate our true selves.

Darlene Lancer is a Marriage and Family Therapist and author with over 30 years of experience working with clients through the complex web of codependency. If relationships, self-worth, and personal growth are important to you, this is what you need to hear. Darlene is a renowned expert in codependency and the author of several books, including Codependency for Dummies and Conquering Shame and Codependency: 8 Steps to Freeing the True You. Darlene walks us through the intricate relationship between codependent and narcissistic partners. She reveals the childhood roots around each and the impact of shame central to both. Darlene shared valuable insights like how to recognize negative self-talk, which fuels codependent habits, and instead embrace self-worth and break free from unhealthy relationship patterns. Join us as we uncover the insidious complexities of codependency and learn how to become empowered to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

How many people, instead of trading time for money or feeling trapped in a seemingly endless cycle of reacting to life's responsibilities, would love to be living their life purpose? But what would you trade to live such a privilege? Tara Sheahan remembers when she was once a world-class Olympic athlete, mother of two, and wife of a CEO with global influence. Still, when a bite from a tick left her with Lyme disease, overnight, her life of comfort, convenience, wealth, and health came to an end, replaced by endless experiences of pain and suffering.  It was the beginning of her Dark Night of The Soul and the dismantling of her ego identity. What happened next is Tara's story of finding her life purpose. She is the founder and coach of Breathwork, a powerful healing modality. She's also a student of Indigenous wisdom traditions who lives an austere lifestyle on land being prepared as a habitat for the return of bison herds to the Great Plains. Tara's story is about what is sometimes required to live a life of purpose, which for her is helping restore Earth's ecosystem and raising human consciousness to a level you can hear in her voice — a sound of pure joy!

Rahti Gorfien is the Founder of Creative Calling Coaching, LLC, and has been recognized three times by Expertise.com as one of the 15 Best Life Coaches in NYC. However, in a former life, she graduated from a prestigious NYU Acting Program. "Acting broke my heart," she laments, but her career on stage still spanned thirty years.  During that time, she became a professional standup comic and a writer of several plays, including Backstage's Best Plays of 2004, and she once shared a stage with Meryl Streep as a dedicated corpse. In the mid-1990s, Rahti formed and facilitated peer groups to support her fellow theatre creatives. These groups became a gateway to becoming a trained and certified professional coach. Recently, she was recognized as one of the Top Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Coaches by Coach Foundation.com.  Even though she admits to having no interest in coaching people with ADHD, fate intervened when her son was diagnosed with ADHD. She married a man with ADHD, and her brother also has ADHD.  Rahti helps her clients focus so they can live fulfilling lives, maximize their talents, get seen, and make money doing what they love.  She recently wrote her first book, The Five Emotions That Stop Success in Coaches, Clients, and Creatives: Overcoming Personal Obstacles of the Mind. We're thrilled to bring you this enlightening and highly entertaining conversation with Rahti, and we would love to hear what you take away.  

Feminism, in any phase, era, or iteration, is a complex and sensitive conversation that much of society avoids as taboo. The latest iteration, known as “woke feminism,” is no different. What is ‘Woke Feminism” and how does it impact society or you as an individual woman or man is a compelling conversation we welcome with a YouTube content creator known by her pseudonym Baggage Claim. Our conversation touches on the rise of female empowerment in media, particularly on television and Hollywood. It's a transition that has evolved from a fight for female equality to stamping a mark on the world that women are superior to men.  Examples include Hollywood characters like Captain Marvel and the modern remake of Snow White. Films that exploit the current trend towards female dominance and are unafraid to demonstrate a vindictive attitude towards men. WARNING: This conversation will push buttons around deeply held beliefs and challenge values often taken for granted, including how we think and treat each other as individual women and men.  

Dr. Annmarie Waite is a nurse with a Ph.D; she is also a wellness coach with a unique approach to supporting her clients, most notably women, on their health and self-care journeys. For one, she has never adopted the theory that medication is what you need to get better. Her distinctive style comes from the foundational experiences in her life, where she grappled with common themes of neglect and shame that many women endure concerning their health. Annmarie's method is warm and genuine, akin to confiding in a trusted friend. Her approach accounts for the name of her business — "Girlfriends Health." Annmarie's coaching style involves listening deeply and guiding women through the intricacies of their wellness stories, which are often left unspoken and overlooked by standard medical practice. For Annmarie, health is a personal mission. Her aim is to help women break down barriers of discomfort that ultimately lead to her 'girlfriends' transformation and healing. In Annmarie's own words, "I'm here to embark on a profound journey of well-being and self-discovery with you."

Virgin and virginity have long been a source of taboo thoughts and moral fixation. How did the virgin come to mean so much and have so much power in our individual lives, especially the lives of women? How can one intimate heterosexual encounter change a woman forever? Why is losing it, giving it away, or having it taken against a woman's consent have the power to defile a her virtue or, in many cases, destroy her reputation? Why do we allow myths, philosophies, religious dogmas, and fairy tales to condition us to believe that a woman's value and self-worth is based on her denying nature's most potent force — female sexuality? These questions and many more come to the surface over our four-week journey in conversations that explore the Virgin as a physical entity — the body, the Virgin as a belief or a mindset, the Virgin as governor of intimacy and sexual desire of the heart and finally, the Virgin that is true to ancient definitions of virginity — a woman sovereign onto herself — a Virgin spirit. In this episode, Christopher and Heather rewind highlights and learning moments explored in four conversations with nine unique and remarkable women including, Laura M. Carpenter author of Virginity Lost: An Intimate Portrait of First Sexual Experiences, and Hanne Blank Boyd who authored the definitive book on the topic, Virgin: The Untouched History. Enjoy!