Powerful Ladies® Podcast (Kara Duffy : Powerful Ladies)

I sit down with Gayle Warfield and talk about her journey from UI/UX designer to creating the accessories brand Teal Teacup. She is the artist, the maker and the face of the enamel pin focused brand.  We discuss how she’s grown over the years, how the enamel pin community is so special, and how it’s possible for a complex, multi-layered, single mom to start her own business and thrive doing what she loves.

Isn’t life beautiful when we surprise ourselves with how brave we can be? It's not common for an incredibly shy person to end up on stage and then on TV, but that is exactly what today’s Powerful Ladies Podcast guest, Adeline Perez, has done. From being too shy to speak up in six-person meetings to now awaiting the launch of her book, Adeline has taken the traumas of corporate life and turned them into her own unique comedy that is captivating audiences across France on Instagram, TikTok, and television.

Tawny Newsome is an actor - you’ve seen her as the helicopter pilot on Space Force, as well as voicing Beckett Mariner on Star Trek Lower Decks; a musician with a new album, Material Flats, that just released; and a podcaster - co host of Yo, Is This Racist? and an all around badass woman. On this episode we discuss how to create the life you want with everything included, how to make things from the ground up and how to be confident along the way. 

In this episode I am sooo excited for you to hang out with Mark & Elizabeth McGarry.  Mark is the CEO of York Athletics and Elizabeth is the founder of McGarry & Son's Design Studio.  They are inspiring as individuals - both on my favorite humans list - and together it seems their powers are magnified.  From building their family, to designing their home, to creating businesses together and collaborating on designing a life on their terms, this Power Couple is setting the example for how to blend everything together and create something bigger and more beautiful. 

Running a business is hard. Running a business while raising four kids and nurturing a passion for hosting—and then losing your husband unexpectedly—would be impossible for most. But Anne Michalesen Yahn is the exception. In this episode, we explore how she found her resilience, built a family of entrepreneurs, and embraced everything she loves about interior design.

How do you have dyslexia and become both a teacher and an author?  How can you be 5’1” and become not only a Penn State Volleyball player but also an American Ninja Warrior?  Well on this episode you’re going to find out. We are honored to have the amazing Jennifer Burdis on today’s podcast.  We talk about how her obstacles created her destiny, her journey from coal country PA to teacher, trainer, speaker, author and two season American Ninja Warrior here in California, and how you too can find your path by using the things that appear to have been roadblocks and seeing them instead as turn signals. All that and so much more!

Ronda Brunson, Ms. B Credit Queen, is a force of nature.  She is a powerful lady.  She’s a multipreneur who by day help clients build their credit profile, is on the board of the National Association of Credit Counselors, and spends her night and weekends running her other businesses including a travel business.  This woman is on fire and I can’t wait for you to hear all the knowledge she drops on this episode. Get ready and get your pens out. You’re going to want to take notes. 

"You need to know when you're the producer and when you're the talent." So true. Monique Siaw, our latest Powerful Ladies Podcast guest, is 100% right. She is a master of event production, a musician, and a get-things-done human. At Soho Works, she's bringing all levels of amazing events to enrich the community. In this episode, we discuss why being the talent matters, how events can make such a big impact, and why handling business makes you irreplaceable.

It takes a special gift to help you refine the story within you that the world is waiting to read. Book Coach and Publishing Consultant Kim O’Hara uses her past experience turning books into movies to assist her clients in discovering the story within themselves that is destined to be a hit. Even more significant, her belief that everyone is powerful and has a story to tell means that there are plenty of golden nuggets of life advice in this episode! From coaching clients to tell a bigger and braver story to how writing a book can transform your business, to the importance of listening to yourself and finding your power, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

I am obsessed with documentaries about food, organic agriculture, poly farming, soil, etc.  Streaming services cannot make enough documentaries on those topic to keep up with how quickly I devour them.  That’s why for ages I’ve been following Soul Fire Farm on Instagram. Created by a fellow Clark University alumnus, Soul Fire Farm is a women owned, Afro-Indigenous Educational Farm that is feeding, educating, immersing and changing their community.  In this episode I am honored to have Cheryl Whilby, the Administrative Program Manager at Soul Fire Farm and the Market Manager for the Schenectady Farmers Market so we can talk all things food and farming and how fruit, veg and property ownership are critical to transforming equality in America.   

Welcome to a special edition of the Powerful Ladies Podcast. This episode was recorded live in Venice, California, on April 25th, 2024, at NeueHouse. It’s an amazing discussion about my Have It All Method™ featuring myself and three of my favorite entrepreneurs: Maurice Philogen, who flew in all the way from Lebanon; KJ Atlas, whose solo Powerful Ladies episode you may have heard (if not, go back and listen!); and Chris Grubisa, one of my favorite humans and the founder of the production company Chrilleks and his new venture, Let’s Cook, all about video editing and community. All the ways to follow and support this panel are in our show notes on the website. Enjoy the episode!

Growing up is hard. It’s especially hard as a tween and teen and even harder when you don’t have anyone to talk to, get advice from, or simply lack a community. Today’s guest, Naama Barnea-Goraly, is the founder of Girltelligence, a free app for girls where they can ask their questions, connect with each other, and give each other advice. It’s an app based sisterhood where girls support each other.  In this episode, we discuss why having a sisterhood matters even more today, how to avoid bullying and make apps safer for young girls, and how to even create your own app in the first place. Enjoy!

I am very happy to introduce you to the powerhouse that is Alicia Adamson. She and I met working at Reebok, what feels like a million years ago. Since then, we’ve followed similar paths into creating spaces to empower women and encourage others to step into their power.  She’s started a non-profit, she’s a mother, she’s an author, speaker, a consultant, and here to help guide you into your infinite possibilities.

When you hear the word hypnosis, what comes to mind? Is it creepy guys at county fairs making people squawk like a chicken? That’s where I went. Well today’s guest is going to radically transform what hypnosis is for you and how it can be the answer you’ve been looking for. Rebecca Wiener McGregor is a certified hypnotist, coach, educator, and all things break through to your best life. In the episode we get into what hypnosis really is, how it works, and how each of us can get to honoring our sacred life. 

I’m saying this now and I’ll say it again - you can change the world with your business. And if ‘change your world’ sounds too big and dramatic, then you can change your community with your business. Today’s guest, Amy Peterson, is proof that can happen. She is the founder of Rebel Nell, a jewelry company that provides employment and creative opportunities for women with barriers to employment - think living in a shelter, coming out of jail, working hard to get their life back on track.  Amy never expected to have a career in jewelry, as an entrepreneur or as a social entrepreneur. Get excited to listen to her story and be inspired. 

One of the most impactful podcasts I recorded in 2021 was episode #129 with Gemi Bertan. I was so impressed and inspired by Gemi as a human and my heart was so inspired by her powerful and thrilling story of her daughter’s adoption in Haiti during a coup that required a helicopter evacuation. Really, you have to go back and listen to this episode. I knew she was someone I would want to have  back on the podcast and today I’m honored to have Gemi and her daughter Ili. Ili joined us from Barcelona where she lives and at moments in this episode you’ll hear Gemi translating. It can be nerve wracking enough to be on a podcast, let alone on a podcast that is not in your mouth tongue, so extra cheers to Ili for being a yes to all of that. In this episode, we go back to the adoption story, what it was like transitioning to a new country and family for Ili, how they inspire each other and the challenges they face being pioneers in their own respects. 

Today’s guest, Karen Duffy, has had a diverse and impactful assortment of careers. She broke onto the world stage as the MTV VJ “Duff” in the early 1990’s, was on People’s 50 Most Beautiful People list in 1993, she is an actor, a model, a producer, an Oprah and NY Times best selling author, a speaker, a writer, and has also had a full assortment of social service roles including being a hospice chaplain in the Buddhist tradition.

In 1996 she was diagnosed with sarcoidosis - a currently incurable chronic pain illness and while it may have slowed her down in moments, it has not stopped her from working, creating or making a huge impact.

In this episode we dive into the wisdom of stoicism, the power of gratitude, how to be joyful through the pain, and why serving others is the answer to everything. We also discuss her latest projects, the Bill Murray documentary “New Worlds”, the upcoming movie “Greatest Beer Run Ever” starring Zac Efron, and her soon to be released newest book.

Not all of us are lucky enough to come from a great family or a lineage of Powerful Ladies. So when you encounter three generations of women who are all being powerful, taking up their space, and working hard to expand into new levels of living extraordinary lives, you take notice. Grandma Donna, Nancy Eaton, and Kendra Laine are such an example. They love their communities, and they put a lot of work and effort into areas of life that matter to them. They make a difference and run their own businesses. In this episode, we discuss the level of intentionality and awareness they bring to being powerful across generations, what they wish for each other, and how other families can make being powerful the norm.

I am so excited for you to meet Gemi Bertran. She is incredible, the stories she shares in this episode are incredible - honestly you’ll be hanging onto your seat -  and her business is changing the world in major ways. Her company Nourish The Brain Institute teaches clients how to change behaviors to nourish their brains for optimal health, wellness and longevity.  Best of all, she’s working with individuals and communities who upon learning these skills for themselves can be empowered to live their best lives and make an impact for others.

After an accident, Christina Spinazola went from being an athlete and scientist to struggling to redefine herself, before discovering the transformative power of coaching. It had such a profound impact on her that she felt compelled to become a coach herself.  She now helps her clients in building self-trust through deep integrity work, revealing new choices they can make, and being an example herself of living a life in alignment with her own principles. I loved this conversation, which was filled with advice, inspiration, and a reminder that many things are truly within our reach. 

Becky Olson is a 5 time cancer survivor, public speaker, founder of the Breast Friends non-profit and radio show, and bucket list champion. Additionally she’s an incredible mother, grandmother, friend and wife. Her cancer is back and has spread and she’s still focusing on Humour, Happiness and Hope.  She’s the mother of our first ever guest, Elizabeth McGarry, and like her daughter, this episode is full of truth bombs and ah-ha moments. In addition to how she can impact your life, listen for how you can help her check off a major item on her bucket list from the comfort of your couch.  All that and so much more!

This episode is a masterclass in marketing to drive revenue for businesses of any size. Shannon Murray-Doffo, a Chief Revenue Officer and marketing expert, shares insights that deeply resonate with my own perspective on how businesses should approach driving revenue.There’s a widespread misconception in modern business—especially among small businesses—that marketing cannot be held accountable for ROI. This is complete nonsense, and Shannon agrees! In this episode, we discuss how marketing can directly impact revenue, the critical elements to include in your sales channel, and numerous practical, effective strategies to grow your business. If you’re a business owner, don’t miss this episode!

Montserrat New York is a rising fashion brand built by two best friends, Carolina Cordon-Bouzan and Gayle Yelon. They are committed to style, sustainability, and giving women the opportunity to look and feel amazing - from corporate to cocktails, from gym to jetset. Jewelry always fits, it's always in season, and it always looks fabulous.

Together, they are proving that there is always room for a new brand when it leads with an authentic point of view, maintains close relationships with customers, and when you have each other to lean on.

Today's guest on the Powerful Ladies Podcast, Amanda Foust, is a certified coach and the founder of the Highest Potential Planner. She is on a mission to ensure that as many people as possible are awakened to their lives. I couldn't agree with this more! From starting two businesses to creating her own planner and establishing her family, Amanda's approach to life is an example of relentlessly going after everything you desire and nothing less.

Today’s episode is a special edition live recording of A Powerful Conversation About America: Conscious Entrepreneurship.  In celebration we invited three women who are setting the example for building sustainable, environmentally focused, conscious businesses to discuss the why, the how, and share their sage advice. My guests today are Kelly Murphy of Refiller LA, Jillian Clark of Roboro, and Annie Rouse of Think Hempy Thoughts.  Enjoy this episode and remember, everyday can be earth day.

Today’s guest Sara Seyed is an activist, actor, and prior human rights lawyer. The past few months she has been dedicating herself fulltime to sharing, discussing and talking about the revolution currently happening in Iran. In this episode, we cover the latest news on Iran, how her love for acting and activism have been woven through her life, and why it’s so important for those of us with the ability to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves. 

After returning from college, Mayly used her marketing skills to blow up her family's Santa Monica Donut Shop - DK Donuts - on social media and in donut trends. They were featured in the Hulu Documentary "The Donut King" and have since leveraged her marketing skills to benefit new brands as a content creator and consultant. She has a new podcast (Short n’ Sweet), is the author of “The American Dream, with Sprinkles”, and is now creating new opportunities for women like her to take on the world.

I’m excited for you all to meet and hear today’s special IWD conversation in our new Powerful Ladies Podcast episode. We are all always in need of new inspiration, of new ways at looking at things and new ways to choose ourselves, our dream life and unleash the power that we already have within us.  That’s why I asked three of the most powerful coaches I know to join me for a conversation about taking advantage of that power. There’s so much noise and so many actions we’re told we should take, I wanted to know what these legends recommended. Enjoy the many reminders of who we are, what we’re up to and what’s possible for us all. 

I had the pleasure of speaking with Evelyn Moon, an immigration attorney and founder of her own law firm, Evelyn Moon Law PC. Evelyn shares her journey from migrating to the U.S. as a teenager from Seoul, South Korea, to becoming an immigration attorney in California. She discusses her personal experiences that led her to pursue a legal career, the intricacies of immigration law, and the impact of recent political changes on her clients. We also discuss the emotional and practical aspects of her work, including her commitment to helping individuals and businesses navigate the immigration system, and her views on the need for immigration reform. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your rights, the challenges her clients face, and how she balances her professional responsibilities with her personal life. Tune in for an insightful conversation highlighting the human stories behind immigration law and the dedication of those who work in this critical field.

Lindsay White is a founder, executive coach, mom of four, and a proud canadian. If you’re looking to empower yourself and your team by moving mountains, this is the woman for you.  She is a high energy, straight-shooting, and transformative executive coach, consultant, and entrepreneur who can help you achieve your goals. This episode is for you if you struggle to step into your leadership, are looking for ways to give better and more inspiring feedback to your team, and want to build employees around you who can help take your business to the next level. This conversation is filled with golden nuggets of knowledge that you won’t want to miss. 

The world has gone beige. There is more homogeneity in human culture today than ever before. And yet, we all have a craving to be different, to express ourselves in unique ways, and a desire to have the freedom and bravery to express our unique style. Burning Man, Comic-Con, and similar events are currently among the few places where it's expected to look outrageous or however you feel like showing up. Enter Humanoid. Sandra Soskic created Humanoid to blend technology, self-expression, makeup, tattoos, and fashion to give us more options for self-expression. How do you create a new product segment? How do we step into knowing what our true self-expression is?

If you’re looking for a breakthrough in sales and want to transition from being afraid to sell to being excited to sell, this is the episode for you. Natasha Hemmingway is a master sales coach, teaching people how to sell from their heart and have a true connection with their product or service, their target audience, and the underlying significance of it all. In this episode, we cover a lot, so get your notebook and pen out because you’re going to want to take notes! 

Paula Camarena is a trailblazer.  She worked for years in tech and always had a calling for working for herself. Instead of creating a business from scratch, she explored franchise businesses to find her perfect fit.  Today she’s among 3% of women working in her field and she loves it. On this episode we discuss her path to entrepreneurship, the women who have inspired her, and what it’s like to be breaking barriers in a male dominated industry. All that and so much more.

Brands and businesses are not talking to their customers enough. We do not live in an "if you build it, they will come" reality. Success in business today is all about relationships with your dream customers AND also having a strong relationship with yourself as a business owner and leader. Today's guest is Sanaz Dizaj Parham, Brand Director at the footwear and streetwear phenomenon, Axel Arigato, and a modern marketing expert. She has been a part of the team pioneering community building in direct-to-consumer brands and is now stepping into her own space as a thought leader and expert. Part of that journey has led to her being awarded Forbes 30 Under 30 and featured as a writer in Vogue. In this episode, we discuss how to have authentic customer relationships, her upbringing as part of two worlds, and how she's discovering what's next for her and how to achieve it.

We live in a culture that tells people, women in particular, to doubt their instincts and intuition from a very early age. From our cultural response of "I'm fine" when we are not, to being told that adults or experts know best when they often do not, we're told to turn off and stop listening to our internal knowledge. However, when you ask successful and influential people about their journey, as we do on the Powerful Ladies Podcast, the overwhelming response is that there was a pivot point at which they started listening and trusting themselves.

We want to bridge the gap and share with you the tools to trust yourself now so that you can be in your full power. To do that we've brought together four amazing female panelists who have done brave things, trusted themselves and are actively building a powerful life on their terms.

Our guest panelist are:

• Cyann Ribeiro - Actress & Author, @mscyann
• Natalia Trejos - TV Producer, Actress & Author, @nataliatrejos_ 
• Shadi Sadeghi - Certified Jungian Coach & Emotion Code Practitioner, @thislifefulfilled
• Sierra Katow - Comedian & TV Writer, @sierrakatow 

This is a live recording hosted by Soho Works, Powerful Ladies & Kara Duffy in celebration of International Women's Month. Moderated by Powerful Ladies founder and podcast host Kara Duffy featuring four amazing female panelists.

You get to meet a human that makes me smile everytime we’re in each other’s company.  Alessandra is an apparel designer & a creative who diligently goes after making her dream life come true. From moving abroad, to taking career risks - including her own brand, to finally getting to live in the same city as her long-distance love, she is determined to make her dreams become her reality.

HR is not typically thought of as a sexy department. Many of us associate HR with paperwork, procedures, and policies. Khalilah Olokunola is radically redefining the perception of HR and its potential impact, not only within our companies but also in our communities and the world at large. In this new Powerful Ladies Podcast episode, we discuss how leading people share so many parallels to ministry, examine the evolving landscape of HR, and why it can be a powerful gift to empower people and transform their self-perception.

There are so many opportunities to change the world and make a positive impact and it all starts with being curious about the people and the world around you. Jean Oelwang is proof.  As the president of Virgin Unite she’s leading the charitable arm of the Virgin empire, while also co-founding Plus Wonder and author of the book Partnering. Jean knows the coolest people, studies those who are making an impact, and brings people together with shared purpose and commitment to leave the planet a better place. In this episode, we talk about the power of partnerships, the importance of curiosity, and how a meandering life is perhaps even more purposeful than a well planned life.

This episode is a live & unedited recording of A Powerful Conversation Series: The Rise & Empowerment of Women in Iran.  This recording took place on Saturday October 8th, 2022 in response to and support of the protests happening in Iran being led by brave young women asking for freedom for Women, Life and Liberty. 

Our amazing panelists include:  

• Dr. Marjan Koosha Johnson a physician and entrepreneur
• Dr. Marjon Vatanchi, board certified dermatologist 
• Parisa Frost, Marriage, Family & Clicinic Art Therapist & cultural researcher
• Pegah Ghamary, real estate advisor
• Dani Stevens, model, mother & motivator
• Sara Seyed, Human Rights Lawyer, Actor & Activist 

Enjoy this episode and please share it so that the efforts of the women and girls in Iran is being heard by as many people as possible. 

Get ready to meet the incredible X.Ari.  She’s a LGBTQIA+ Alt-Pop Singer, writer and mental health advocate originally from Toronto who’s now based in Los Angeles. She’s on a mission to turn her own Pain into Power and to give you the belief, the possibility and tools to do the same. She’s contagious, inspiring, wise, and bursting with hope and light that is only possible when you’re on your unique, curated path.  Enjoy this episode and I can’t wait to hear what part of this conversation makes the most impact for you. 

In the United States, 41% of first marriages end in divorce. For those who have experienced divorce, you know it can turn your whole world upside down. While your lawyer plays a critical role in the process, their support typically covers only about a third of what you truly need. That’s where a divorce coach becomes invaluable. Ksenia Muench founded Thrive Again Divorce Coaching after enduring a harrowing divorce herself. She understands that it takes a village, and as your divorce coach, she serves as the quarterback, ensuring you have the full team of support you need. In this episode, we discuss the many layers and complexities of ending a marriage and starting anew, as well as her fascinating journey from Russia to California. Along the way, she has worn many hats, including concert pianist, teacher, translator, insurance broker, and now entrepreneur dedicated to helping other women thrive.

Why is choosing ourselves so hard? Andrea Owen is a direct, encouraging, and compassionate author, speaker, podcaster, and coach who is here to help you rebuild your confidence, understand how to boldly choose what you know is right, and pursue your ideal life. Her books, such as 'How to Stop Feeling Like Shit' and 'Make Some Noise,' are bestsellers speaking to successful women who may appear to have it all on paper, but are struggling with their inner personal relationships - hello, boundaries! She's a guest I've been manifesting since the early days of this podcast, and I'm so excited to bring her episode to you today!

If you knew that you loved talking to people & you loved being social, chances are someone at one point in time told you that you’d be great at sales. That’s exactly what today’s guest Vicki Kotris was told. She built a great career in the sales space, but she also knew she didn’t want to be stuck in someone else’s plan, someone else’s dream. So four years ago, she and her husband decided to test one of her many million dollar ideas and it worked!  In this episode, learn how Vicki has built not one, but three businesses while still working full time, how she’s motivated to live intentionally and how her energy is not just changing Cleveland, but the world.

George and Wendy Duffy are very much the stereotypical suburban American parents.  They’ve been called ‘T.V. parents' referencing the parent examples you’d see from Leave it to Beaver,  the Brady Bunch or Family Ties. Married for 43 years, they’ve raised 4 kids, including Jordan and I, with George going to work each day and Wendy, an ex-teacher, managing the household.  They are the traditional nuclear do-good family that statistics says is going existent.  At the same time, they’re risk takers, adventurers, they’re silly and entrepreneurial. Like so many of us, how they look on paper is a fraction of who they really are.   We decided to sit down with them and hear what they have to say about being Powerful, how having kids doesn't mean your life stops, which social and political topics matter to them, and as they’re about to retire, what they’re doing to shape the world into a better place. 

As we look deeper into where modern society and our modern habits don’t serve us or align with what we’re committed to, a huge massive void is how we view, approach, appreciate, prepare, support and all the things regarding motherhood. Today’s guest, Molly Mitchell Hardt, has stepped in to repair the journey of motherhood, how it’s approached, and most importantly to support women in their motherhood experience. Whether you’re a mother or not, this episode will highlight how much of our life, society, policies, and simple way of being needs to be looked at again because motherhood touches everything. Molly knows being a mother herself and a therapist, she has daily exposure to the impact of the mother character on all of us. I look forward to hearing your ah-ha moments from this episode. Enjoy!

There is art that, when you see it, you instantaneously know that it's depicting a place you've seen before. Artist Claire Buckley's art evokes an immediate reaction. It's ethereal, enchanting, and connects viewers to a spiritual side of themselves they may not have recently explored. In this episode, we discuss how her expanding career has altered her perspectives, the impact her art has on others, and the crucial role of self-marketing in achieving success as an artist.

Revving up for an exhilarating episode! 🏎️ 💨🔥 In this week’s episode, I chat with Bet Heykoop, a trailblazing woman who traded her tech career for the driver's seat. Tune in to hear about her journey to becoming a stunt driver, the challenges she faced, and her passion for the industry. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation! 

I’m excited to introduce you to Jess Goldsmith, artist, illustrator, entrepreneur, graphic designer, art director, and owner of Chick of all Trades and Women of Type. She’s built her successful career and business as a contract designer based upon her tenacity, resourcefulness and commitment to her dream to be a career artist. In addition to killing it with her work, she’s also a force to be reckoned with, committed to supporting mental health advocacy, women’s empowerment, and making sure we’re all working towards a better tomorrow.

In this episode, you get to meet the powerhouse that is Belen Ramirez Bourdages.  She’s the co-founder of Project Bike Love, a non-profit that provides reliable independent transportation to women and girls around the world; and she’s a doctor who travels the world on missions with Doctors Without Borders.  She shares her journey from Paraguay to international citizen, why being a doctor and helping those most in need is what drives her and how her passion for sport and bikes has opened doors she never imagined.

When Stephanie Kauffman had two important people in her life get diagnosed with cancer in one year, she decided it was time to pivot from working in Hollywood to working in cancer research. In this episode, we discuss how Melanoma is affecting younger and younger people, why new research is important, and how Stephanie is using all of her skills to also bring a media voice to women & minorities. 

I’ve been lucky to have some amazing bosses, and Janet was one of them. We met at Reebok, and since then, she has consulted, opened her interior design studio, and had a major life pivot when the stress of hidden, avoided, and then unexpected life circumstances changed her path. Today, she is the author of “Stop the Break” and a mental health speaker sharing her personal journey and ways that we can all stop being emotional Sherpas for life longevity and vitality.

I loved this conversation because Kassia, not only an entrepreneur on a journey to build a portfolio of brands, is doing so in the footwear and apparel space that I love working in. She is the founder of KADA Apparel and the owner of PF Flyers, with a background in the family business, New Balance. We discuss what it means to build a brand, the risks one must take to be an entrepreneur, but most importantly to follow your dreams, and the important choices to make when leading product based businesses.

In this episode, I chat with Kari Morris, co-founder of Martie—an online discount grocery store revolutionizing the food industry. We dive into her journey from a background in food and art to launching Martie, driven by the challenge of moving seasonal and near-expired products during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kari shares how Martie is tackling food waste, increasing accessibility, and helping customers save big. We also explore the power of community, the importance of mission-driven business, and how she keeps her creativity alive. Plus, we discuss work-life balance, how motherhood reshaped her perspective on food, and the subtle ways she weaves art into daily life.

So often we are told that having a broad skill set means that we are a Master of None and that we should spend more time becoming an expert and finding our niche.  To me having a broad background means you’re more positioned to a) be an awesome asset to a team, and b) you’re able to learn and be resourceful. Your unique skill set and experience IS your niche.  More and more people today are looking for multi-preneurs - people who can do more than one thing and level up with you. Natasha is one such incredible person. She has a broad and varied skill set and as such she’s able to support her clients in more ways that a niched down person could do.  On this episode we talk about how to look at all your things and see the value to someone else, why PR is so important, and why if you’re thinking about starting a side hustle or business - DO IT!

Today you are in for a treat because today’s guest is my amazing business coach, Angie Wisdom. She’ll spill a few beans about me, we talk about her coaching journey, we get into things we wish everyone knew about themselves and their capabilities, and more. I hope you enjoy this peek into who is a key contributor to my business and my life.  May she inspire you, too! 

In this re-released episode, we dive into a critical conversation about the gap in our understanding of constitutional and legal rights. Many of us feel intimidated and frightened by the law, especially when it impacts our lives. That's where Reb Masel comes in! As a smart, savvy, and badass attorney, Reb uses her TikTok and Instagram channels to break down complex legal concepts with a blend of sass and humor, making them accessible to everyone. By day, she's a practicing attorney; by night, she's a social media sensation. In this episode, we explore how the law truly works, who really holds the power, and the surprising and often wild things that can happen in court. Reb Masel's insights make the legal world less daunting and more understandable for all. Tune in for an engaging and enlightening discussion!

Elana Carroll is a musician, artist, music educator and on stage is known as Party Nails.  You can find her indie pop music on Spotify - Solo is a favorite song of mine.  On this episode we discuss how being a musician means being an entrepreneur, when she realized music was her calling and how she got the name Party Nails. 

What lights you up? How much time do you spend a day or a week or even a month on the things that bring you joy?  This week’s new Powerful Ladies Podcast guest, Christina Minutillo, has pivoted her life to focus exclusively on what lights her and others up. After accidentally creating her first book, she realized how her life, community and mindset shifted simply by following her joy. Since then she’s created a podcast “What Lights Us Up” to share the stories of other’s choosing their joy and how that changes their lives. 

Whether we admit it or not, most people turn to astrology to make decisions or judgments - whether it's deciding who might be a better soul mate or justifying aspects of our personalities. It’s often viewed as somewhat hokey, with numerous faux astrologers out there. Then there’s KJ Atlas. She’s a professional astrologer specializing in business and locational astrology, and she’s also an incredible business owner and human being. After having a locational astrology reading with her a few years ago, I knew I wanted to share her and her wisdom with all of you! In this episode, we discuss how to discern real astrology, what locational and business astrology entail and how they could benefit you, why relocating might be the solution you’re seeking, and what to do during Mercury retrograde.

Jordan and I are digging into what it means to have BOUNDARIES. Boundaries in our personal lives. Boundaries at work and how boundaries lead to being able to live, find peace and liberation from the overwhelm and the exhaustion that so often consume our lives.

Social media and digital marketing are challenging for everyone. It becomes even more challenging when you're a creative or artist who has to bare their soul to share the stories of their emotionally crafted, time-consuming work. That's why it's important to have individuals like Alexandra Generales and her company, Little Social Co, to guide you through the process: where to be yourself, where to focus on the customer, where to let science lead, and where to be creative.

Why do we make it so difficult to excel as parents, particularly as great mothers, in the US? We possess an abundance of knowledge—modern, Eastern, and ancient—that could greatly facilitate the processes of conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum phase, not to mention the intricate task of raising children. Yet, we often fail to tap into, share, or embrace these resources throughout the US. Moreover, aside from guarding access to this knowledge, essential services that have the potential to revolutionize the lives of parents and families remain financially out of reach for many. Our special guest today, Sarah Croce, along with her non-profit organization, The Village for Mamas, is dedicated to altering this status quo, one mother at a time. A gentle reminder to also unite with us at the Miles for Mamas event in Santa Monica on September 24th.

It’s shocking how many children are in Foster Care in the United States. Even more shocking are the statistics of how many children in foster care graduate from high school, end up in jail, or worse. That’s why I am so thankful that organizations working to save children from those statistics such as CASA exist.  Today’s guests are Regan Phillips, CEO of CASA Orange County, and Nancy Eaton, a local CASA Advocate and Fundraiser.  Get ready to learn what’s really happening in foster care, how we can save these children, and how incredible the women who are doing the work truly are. 

I’m happy to introduce you to the sisters behind the delicious 7 Sisters Scones company based outside of Atlanta, Georgia. From moving around the world, surviving civil war, having multiple career journeys and more, these sisters never imagined working together or owning a bakery.  In this episode, we discuss all of that as well as what it means to be resilient, how to work with family and why long term business plans are not worth the effort. I hope you enjoy it and remind you that you can leave questions or comments for this episode at thepowerfulladies.com/podcast.

When you hear the word fierce, what comes to mind? Powerful? Aggressive? Inspiring? For today’s guest, Tara Wilson, fierce is her word and she’s built her second business Fierce Labs on the foundation that by being fierce you are creating your life your way. You and I know that fierce is a big word, so in this episode we break down what that means, where we’re stopped, and all the different ways you can access what you need for your greatness.  

I'm confident that there should be an entire category of human design dedicated to producers. We often hear the term in the context of events or Hollywood, but we rarely talk about what it truly means as a job or calling. That’s unfortunate because being a producer often means making everything happen. Producers are essential to bringing ideas to life. Carling French is one such producer, known for glowing recommendations and rave referrals. Carling and I talk about what it takes to make big ideas a reality, how cool jobs can also be enjoyable, and the power of referrals.

So many of us have dreamed of having a boutique shop. Today’s guest, Stephani Clymer, had that dream too and has proven that a classic brick-and-mortar independent retail shop can thrive in today’s digital shopping age. In this episode, we discuss pivoting to follow your dreams and staying in alignment with yourself, how to create a great team, and why communities and customer service go hand in hand.

Humans are living longer than ever. Our average lifespan has increased from 47 in the 1950s to 80 for women today. That’s a significant difference and predates the incorporation of many of the medical and technological advancements we are experiencing today. While we are indeed living longer, what isn't changing at the same pace is society’s perception of aging. The Red Hat Society, led by Debra Granich, is on a mission to redefine what it means to be over 50, 60, 70, 80, and beyond. Granich is altering how women over 50 perceive themselves and collaborating with Hollywood, major brands, and beyond to recognize the substantial potential that wise women offer.

Meet Alicia Appleton, founder of Amber Poitier a leather accessories brand.  Her work is beautiful, practical and inspiring, very much like her.  We discuss the power of choosing yourself, how to design your life, and how there’s room for everyone to thrive and follow their heart. 

Running can be fun and rewarding but we are often stopped from putting on our running shoes because we’re nervous and scared about even that first mile. Luckily, today’s guest, Beverly Asante Puschmann, is here to help us.  In addition to a successful career at IBM, she’s a running coach and the author of Ace The Half: Run Your Best Half Marathon, Get in Shape and Finally Tick "Finish the Race Off" Your Bucket List.  If you’ve never ran, are currently out of running shape, have run a few races or run regularly, you’re sure to get new pro tips about running, habit building, and remembering what we’re all capable of. 

In this episode, you get to meet the amazing Grizel Bien.  She’s a musician, a writer, a podcaster, and mental health advocate with her master in psychology. We discuss her personal journey with mental health, how to find your home, why she and I both want you to be more uniquely you and why exposure to the outdoors can be access to unlocking your own journey.

So much of our western life is focused on productivity and efficiency. What’s happened to the art of making every day and each moment beautiful? How does making spaces and moments beautiful and celebrated change how we see, live and experience our life? Rainey Lancaster Hoag is a marketeer, an entrepreneur, a lifestyle guru and content creator. Today she’s bringing her southern roots to sunny California to remind us all that you can find beauty anywhere and you can create the beauty you wish to see in the world. 

There are so many women out there who are burned out, have forgotten their dreams, and don’t even remember what brings them joy. I might even be describing you. That’s where today’s guest, (and one of my new best friends) Marie Garvey, has stepped in to change things. As a successful executive coach and communications specialist, she knew how to step into her own power. Her life was working and yet she too knew she was not in alignment or living with intention the way she could be. Taking her own experience, she started her Crazy Busy Women in Balance program to help women break free and step into their dream lives.  In this episode, we talk about how she created the program, why we both hate the silent quitting movement, and her journey to becoming a single mom. Enjoy! 

Swimwear is often the most challenging thing for women to buy. Our bodies are so different. We need different size tops to bottoms. Each brand fits so differently. Everyone has parts of our bodies we’d rather not share with the world and 99.9% of women are not shaped like a supermodel. This is where today’s guest, Hayley Segar, founder of onewith swim, is coming in to save us. She has created the first swimwear brand to fit like underwear, and women are responding by sharing how it is changing their lives and boosting their confidence in swimwear. We talk about creating a product based brand from the ground up, building teams, and the power of creating a business to change how people see themselves. 

Melissa D. Monts is a writer, director, podcastor, producer, screenwriter, and more - seriously, she can do pretty much anything needed in the world of film, tv, and podcasting. She hustled early taking on multiple internships at once and is still hustling today, as a producer on three podcasts, including one she co-hosts, plus writing and running team. On this episode we trace her journey from Arkansas to LA, why she loves Chelsea Handler, how she manages her time because she is on the extreme end of what she can get done in a day, and about the day she was blessed by Maya Angelou. All that and so much more!

This is the live, unedited recording from the first half of our roundtable, A Powerful Conversation About America: Racism Episode 3.  It’s been a month since Episode 1, so we’re asking our panelists “Has Anything Changed”.  This conversation took place on October 2nd, 2020 featuring Sharifah Hardie, Mikelle Drew, Chandra Gore, Kristen Fenrick and Lauren Wilson. We encourage and invite you to share this episode with everyone who needs to hear it. 

There is a gap in what we, as citizens, know about our constitutional and legal rights. It's a significant part of what makes the law intimidating and frightening when it impacts our lives. Reb Masel is here to rescue us! She's a smart, savvy, and badass attorney who breaks down legal concepts with sass and humor through TikTok and Instagram channels, making it accessible to all. She's a practicing attorney by day and a social media darling 24/7. We cover how the law truly works, who holds the real power, and the madness of what can actually happen in court.

Humans are complex & beautiful, and yet we like to pretend that we’re not. Today's guest, Parisa Frost is herself beautifully multi-layered as an Identity Affirming & Trauma Oriented Marital & Family Therapist, Creator of Hiking Healers, Yogi, and is also a voice for the women of Iran. She uses her talents to help clients break down their identities to empower themselves as well as to strengthen relationships, communication and communities. Skills we all need! 

Guys! The episode you’re about it here is awesome and it’s an example of what can happen when you play big.  After finishing & loving Sasha Sagan’s book, For Small Creatures Such as We, I immediately thought - she needs to be on the podcast! I wanted to talk more about the book, I wanted to have a conversation with this person to whom I saw similarities to myself, and I wanted to bring this important conversation about community, rituals, science and religion to all of you.  So I did just what I coach my clients to do. I went online, found her email and emailed her about why I loved the book, the impact it had on me, and would she be a guest. To my surprise and delight, she was a Yes! On this episode we talk about her story, why the book matters, the importance of curiosity, learning and having a strong friend squad no matter how far apart you may live today. All that and so much more!

People who have mastered freedom, ease and success, who are living their best and most ridiculous lives are often people you’ve never heard of, until now. Today’s guest, Jamilly Whitfield, is one of my new favorite humans. She is running full speed into transforming her passion into her own business. She’s a Clinical Social Worker, a Podcaster, an Author, a Speaker and a Coach to help you step out of your trauma and into your best life. You’re guaranteed to be inspired. 

Today you guys have the pleasure of meeting the first Powerful Gentleman we’ve interviewed for the Powerful Ladies Podcast.  Based in Newport Beach, CA, Derek D.B. Brown is a personal trainer, fitness expert, business owner, entrepreneur, new dad and an example of how you rise from anything life throws at you.  On this episode we talk about what it means to be confident and go after what you want in life, the great story of how he met his wife, why his mother is the biggest influence in his life, and how being wounded in combat changed his appreciation for what a body can do.  All that and so much more!

The joy of making new friends as an adult is something nobody tells you about when you’re a kid. Mutual friends insisted that Shaheen and I needed to meet. We trusted them, and I was amazed by what an incredible, smart, and fun woman she is. Of course, I was going to keep her! Since then, we’ve discovered so much alignment in how we think, do business, and what drives us. It’s been such a joy to have another powerful woman in my life who’s all about leveling up her life and helping other women make lots of money. This woman is the definition of a powerhouse. Don’t miss this episode!

Cottie Petrie-Norris is the California State Assemblywoman for the 74th district, my district.  Prior to her being reelected this past election, I invited her onto this podcast to discuss what’s actually happening in state and local politics, why she ran for office, and to ask her how we can all get more involved.

The bold lives that we are asked to step into are often not what we envisioned. Jeanne Carver, founder and president of Shaniko Wool Company, is a testament to this truth. From being a hardworking rancher, she courageously transformed herself into a business owner, organizer, and now a leader in setting the standards for land conservation, sustainable, and regenerative wool production in the US. Jeanne stepped into and up to a gap she identified in the market—an opportunity to celebrate US made goods, while honoring the land and animals through traditional work. Through her passion and dedication, she has collaborated with renowned brands such as Ralph Lauren and Patagonia, elevating her influence as a community builder and advocate for the American dream rooted in American land. Jeanne Carver is a vision of a strong woman determined to bring sexiness to the pursuit of a sustainable and responsible future.

Marina is a gentle powerhouse.  She’ll slip into an event, sitting silently, listening calm, present, interested, and smiling.  Without her saying a word, the space changes. It’s grounded. It’s more curious. You get the feeling something significant is happening. When she does finally speak, the room is all ears as she drops some profound & simple ah-ha knowledge. This episode is no exception as she brings her whole life to this episode - being a mom, a wife, her relationship, how much the women in her life matter, her businesses, being an entrepreneur, her struggles, what she’s excited about and more. Get ready to be inspired and to have a new bff crush on this Powerful Lady. 

There are people you meet and you instantly know they are someone you are drawn to meet, know and learn about. Anne Watson is one of those people for me. After meeting her briefly at a wine tasting event, I instantly knew I had to have her on the podcast and this episode is simply delightful. She’s a gentle force of energy with such a welcoming spirit. She’s been stepping into a new phase of her journey, sharing what she’s learned from losing her husband to cancer, being a single mom supporting her son’s passion for music, and running three businesses on top of all the feelings, changes and newness. I’m so excited for you to meet her and experience a bit of her wisdom. Enjoy!

In today's episode I get to nerd about two of my favorite topics - being a CEO and Tiny Houses that’s because our guest today is Arya Mazanek, CEO of Wilderwise Tiny Homes!  We chat all about what makes the tiny house movement a powerful and smart solution, what it’s really like to be a CEO, and how building something that aligns with your values allows you to apply yourself to each step in the process.

Kara Stevens is the founder of the Frugal Feminista, a financial wellness business. She’s a coach, consultant, speaker and author traveling the world speaking to women and businesses about financial literacy, the emotional relationship that we have with money and how to be powerful with your finances.  On this episode Kara shares her entrepreneur journey, how money became her niche and the legacy she’s creating for women with their money.

Every woman has a story deeper than you know. Today’s guest, Lida Mangal, is a fashion designer based in Sydney, Australia who is using her talents and business to preserve Afghan historical clothing, merge it with modern fashion, and empower women in her home country with jobs they enjoy and are proud of. Her resiliency and courage that developed in war torn Afghanistan complements her joy for color, self expression, and honoring each person and tradition. Get ready to be inspired and reminded what goodness is all about. 

Caitlin Conner is an adaptive athlete, model, brand ambassador, social media manager, mom, and founder of the non-profit “Be More Adaptive”.  We discuss where our confidence comes from, why it’s important to experience failure & perseverance, and how everyone can experience more amazing opportunities and happiness by choosing to be more adaptive. 

Have you ever been on a camping trip or snowboarding and thought, “I should change my underwear” but didn’t because then you’d have to take off your shoes, outer pants, base layer, etc, etc before you could even get to your underwear?  Great news. Today’s guest, Isabel Muller has solved this problem. Her brand SWTCH created underwear you can switch out at any time without taking off all your layers, so you’re always wearing a fresh pair.  On this episode we talk about where this idea came from, why it personally matters to her and how her business is changing the way we’ll think about underwear forever. All that and so much more!

Jenn Harper knows that three things are critical for life JOY, Community and Representation. As the founder of Cheekbone Beauty, the Indigenous-owned and founded, digitally-native, Canadian cosmetics company (currently available at @cheekbonebeauty and @sephoracanada), she’s made both a top priority in company values, marketing and simply how life is done. She knows that representation starts with her as an indigenous woman who is also successful and a founder and creating products that others in the indigenous community can see on billboards.  She’s bringing joy through her products and marketing. She’s constantly aware and in honor of all her communities - the Cheekbone Beauty community, her indigenous community, her entrepreneurial community and all the others who are creating the space for her to chase after her dreams.

I sit down with Jenna Haefelin, founder of SPIFF, an organizing and clean living empire based out of New York.  We talk about how this business was inevitable for her, how boundaries and building her team transformed her business, why sustainable solutions are a win for everyone including your style, and why, at the root of it all, having the freedom to use your time as you wish is everything. 

This is the live, unedited recording from our roundtable, A Powerful Conversation About America: Racism Episode 2.  It’s been a month since Episode 1, so we’re asking our panelists “Has Anything Changed”.  This conversation took place on July 24th, 2020 featuring Sharifah Hardie, Mikelle Drew, Chandra Gore, Kristen Fenrick and Lauren Wilson. We encourage and invite you to share this episode with everyone who needs to hear it. 

What if I told you that following your passions and interests could lead to a business that aligns perfectly with who you are? Gemma Totten, founder of the conscious jewelry company Chapter Six Jewelry and her own digital marketing agency, is proof of just that. She's passionate about making a difference in the world and saving the environment, and she's found a way to turn her passion into a successful business. By staying curious, creative, and true to herself, she's created a path that matches her perfectly. Let's all take a page out of Gemma's book and follow our hearts in pursuit of our dreams!  

Raize Licea is an improv comedian, actor, podcastor, creator, host, activist and BOSS at creating spaces for latinx voices to be heard in comedy. We recorded this episode during Covid19 quarantine via zoom, pre black lives matter protests, and at the time didn’t realize how foreshadowing this conversation would be. In this episode we talk about how she created Spanish Aqui Presents, her perspective of the world as a Cuban-American from Miami, and why it matters to her that she paves the way for people coming up behind her and voices that aren’t heard. Plus why she loves basketball and cats. All that and so much more!

Cameron Esposito is a stand up comedian, actor, host of the Queery Podcast, and is an even during a pandemic best selling author.  She’s hilarious, and smart, and awesome, and her passion has always been providing support and shining a light on disenfranchised communities, especially the LGBTQ+ community.  In this episode we talk about how her work and her art has changed and even saved lives, we discuss how she pivoted from wanting to be a priest to becoming a comedian, and why she is always putting her customers, fans and people first. All that and so much more!

Chandra Gore is a lifelong serial entrepreneur with businesses in a wide variety of industries.  She’s all real talk. She hustles. She’s equally committed to your businesses as a consultant, her own businesses,  her family and to being there for her community.  She’s on the ground being the change she wants to see - from helping people register to vote, to school board meetings, she knows that what happens in our neighborhoods is as important as what happens in the capital. On this episode get ready to hear some business truths, what business consultants really think and how you can step into your own magical power. 

Today my special guest is Sailor Guevara, cocktail & spirits master leading virtual immersive events, hosting her podcast, and running her cocktail club business.  While her journey hasn’t been smooth, it’s all led her to a place where she gets to use all her senses and love for origin stories to give people both an escape and educational experience.  I’m excited for you to meet this rockstar. 

Democracies and great societies work because citizens participate.  As John F Kennedy said, Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. Today’s guest, Karen Losi, understands the assignment. She’s pivoted from a successful career in retail to looking to where she can best be of service to her community, first as a foster parent and soon with her masters degree in social work. In this episode we discuss her choice to pivot, the realities of kids and families in need, and why we need more people to share their gifts to elevate and create the caring, connected communities we crave.