Woman Overboard

In our final episode, Joy Grdnic reveals her artistic talents, describes what she loves about St. Louis and gives advice for young professionals who are starting their own business.

In the second episode, Joy Grdnic jumps from working with famous St. Louis comedian, Phyllis Diller, to the difficulty of operating a restaurant to the intricacies of making a lampshade.

In our first episode, Joy Grdnic introduces us to her award-winning restaurant, The Fountain on Locust, and she elaborates on her early stages as a radio host and comedian.

In our second episode, Christine Buck dives into her personal life including life with her famous father, Jack Buck, her parents’ divorce and raising her children.

In our first episode, we learn how Christine Buck was able to transform from her beginning as a novice broadcaster on KPLR TV to becoming highly-respected and admired in the broadcasting business.

In our second episode, Hollyce Hammond describes how her unique family inspired her to develop her website, Holding Moonbeams, a blog and lifestyle support for families with children who have Down Syndrome.

In our first episode, Hollyce Hammond shares her personal story about being a mother of a child with Down Syndrome.

In our second episode, Chancellor Beth Stroble discusses how she strives to make Webster University a warm and inclusive environment, while researching women leadership roles in higher education.

In our first episode, we learn about Chancellor Beth Stroble's personal and professional journey towards becoming a global leader in academia, and the various opportunities that Webster University provides to its students around the world.

Susan Block is a legend in the St. Louis community. As an advocate for others, Susan's served on numerous boards and has invested much of her time towards philanthropic endeavors. With an eye for color and creativity, Susan has flourished through her love of interior design, fashion and fun! Despite obstacles that she faced as a young student, Susan's story proves that "where there's a will, there's a way."

In our second episode, Theresa Carrington shares the challenges and triumphs of working with various cultures while lifting the organization's artisans out of poverty.

In our first episode, Theresa Carrington shares how she was able to transform her own personal struggles into her globally successful nonprofit, Ten By Three.

In Part Two of our discussion on Transcendental Meditation, Michael Blitz gives some startling statistics on how this simple daily practice has changed the lives of at-risk children and teens.

Michael Blitz, our first male guest on Woman Overboard, has been teaching people how to reduce stress and live a happier life for over forty years. He is an instructor in Transcendental Meditation (TM)in St. Louis, Missouri. Here he shares his personal experiences, and the positive benefits of this simple, calming technique.

In our second episode, Maxine elaborates on Build-A-Bear’s business model, and shares her vision for creating positive changes in our communities.

Maxine Clark, Founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop, discusses how an idea of building a teddy bear morphed into a worldwide phenomenon... warming the hearts of children and adults alike!

As a model, makeup artist, stylist and producer, Kathy Ferrara fuses her passion for others and fashion forward mindset in K.FerraraColor, an innovative and elegant nail polish line that truly outshines her competition. Having experienced hardships in both her personal and professional lives, Kathy’s success would not be possible without the love and support of her village.

Gina Galati and Nancy Pillsbury Shirley have a passion for Opera that has not only transformed their lives, but also the lives of St. Louis’ community members. Known throughout the world for her powerful voice and dynamic range, Gina has captivated audiences with a voice that could literally move mountains. As the founder of Winter Opera St. Louis, Gina has brought world-class singers and phenomenal performances, captivating adults and children alike. One such individual, Nancy Pillsbury Shirley, became so enamored with the operatic performances that she is now President of the organization. Like Gina, Nancy has dedicated her time towards giving St. Louis elegant productions that are sure to be remembered.

Although she’s a senior, Sharolyn McCoy recently enrolled as a Freshman at Maryville University. She is an inspiration to others in her fervor to earn her undergraduate degree following a near-death experience. Sharolyn’s optimism and positivity shine, as she encourages others to pursue their passions.

In the second part of our conversation together, Laura bares her soul by sharing her two near-brushes with death, and how this has brought into focus what is really important in her life.

Nancy's friend, Laura Herring, is a dynamic business woman who begins each day with a dedication to make a difference. Her biography, "No Fear Allowed: A Story of Guts, Perseverance, and Making An Impact," is "an honest book, a rare insight into the truth of what entrepreneurs face every day." - Maxine Clark, Founder, Build-A-Bear Workshop