Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Powerful Ladies® Podcast

I am so excited to talk with this week's guest, two-time bestselling author Brianna Madia. Plus, I’m joined by the incredible Shae LaPlace as my guest co-host. We explore so much with Brianna as she shares her journey as an author and content creator, her upcoming van life adventure, and how living simply helps her stay grounded. She also gives us an inside look at writing her third book, which explores the balance between being different and finding joy in simple pleasures. This conversation is all about empowering women, the power of self-assurance, and celebrating our unique identities. We laugh a lot and reflect on what it means to live a life that's genuinely ours.

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.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Erin Cain, the owner of Grace Reins, an equine therapy program in Telluride, Colorado. We discussed Erin's journey from New York to Colorado, her love for horses, and how she discovered the transformative power of equine therapy. Erin shared insights about the growing conversation around mental health and the stigma surrounding it. We explored how horses help in grounding, healing, and offering a non-judgmental space for everyone who interacts with them. Additionally, we delved into personal stories of overcoming trauma, the importance of vulnerability, and how different environments can influence our mental and emotional states. We also touched on the broader implications of mental health, societal pressures, and the power of community. It was a heartfelt and enlightening conversation that reinforced the incredible work Erin is doing at Grace Reins and the importance of finding spaces that allow for true emotional and psychological healing.

I had an incredible conversation with Priscila Martinez, the powerhouse CEO and founder of The Brand Agency, an award-winning PR and creative communications firm with offices in LA and New York. We kicked things off by diving into the chaos of the past week in LA, where wildfires have shaken the city, and how running a business during a crisis is anything but predictable. We talked about what it takes to keep moving forward when everything around you feels like it’s on pause. She shared her inspiring journey—launching her own agency at just 29 and going on to work with industry giants like Disney, Hulu, and Gucci. We got real about the role of values and company culture in building something truly lasting, the ever-changing world of PR, and her honest take on work-life balance. Priscila’s passion for what she does is infectious, and I can’t wait for you to hear her story.

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.

In this special episode, we celebrate the 300th episode of the Powerful Ladies Podcast. Joined by team members Jordan Duffy (my sister and senior audio engineer) and Amanda Kass (podcast producer), we share a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast's creation and evolution. We discuss the challenging yet rewarding production process, the importance of strategy and formatting, and memorable moments and guests that made our journey unique. We also reflect on our personal growth, the impact of our work, and the exciting future plans for the podcast and the Powerful Ladies community. Tune in to hear us talk about our experiences, the incredible people we've met, and what's next on our mission to empower women around the world.

I love the work I do because it allows me to find inspiring creative entrepreneurs like Taylor O’Sullivan. She’s a photographer, documentarian, filmmaker, world traveler, and most recently the founder of Culterra Fine Art Photography. In this episode, we discuss traveling the world, why your network is critical, being girls working in action sports, and why we both have our hearts set on Rome. 

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!

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.

Two things are no joke: running a business and taking care of our skin. Amber Johnson is tackling both as the founder of Facial Lounge spas and skincare line. We discuss skincare, the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship, building a culture that cares as much as you do, and ways to improve your confidence and self-talk.

Putting yourself on stage or sharing your voice on a podcast is scary. You have to be vulnerable and put yourself out there. Morgan Lorraine Gallo is doing that—courageously sharing her story, addressing her trauma, and stepping into the role of an eating disorder recovery advocate. She’s on the rise and is generously inviting others to join her journey. In this episode, we discuss her path as a comedian, her experience with an eating disorder, her new podcast, and the supportive community she’s passionate about creating.

Argaux is a Costa Mesa based business that celebrates wine, friendship, storytelling, community and travel. In this episode, I sit down with the founders, Arden Gilfillan and Margaux Reaume. We discuss the rich history and storytelling that is available through wine, what it means to run a business for 10 years with your best friend, the latest trends to vilify drinking, and why it matters to have a business that is in alignment with your values. 

When you look back on your life, it’s easy to identify the people who changed its trajectory. In the moment, though, it’s often impossible to recognize it. If you’ve met Olivia Ivey Bannock, chances are she’s already making an impact on your life. She’s one of my favorite people—a true unicorn of a human who is kind, compassionate, fun, beautiful, and always glamorous. In this episode, we talk about how she went from having teachers who didn’t believe in her to taking big chances on herself, leading to the businesses and life she has today. We also give you a sneak peek at the new brand we’re launching together, @shopolivet. Don’t miss this one!

As an entrepreneur, you have the ability to direct your time, resources, and energy into things you care about. Initially, it’s usually a hybrid of doing something you love and making money. Once you find success at that level, it quickly evolves into the question: How can I use this business and these skills to make a difference in the world? Roanne Adams, the founder and creative director of RoAndCo, is using as much of her time as possible to support two major passions—improving the wellbeing of female entrepreneurs and advancing regenerative business and agriculture. In this episode, we discuss how she built a creative agency now celebrating 18 years, why sustainability requires leadership, and what it means to be a modern entrepreneur who cares.

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.

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.

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!

When you’re sharing branding, marketing, and leadership gold while rocking bright green hair, I’m definitely going to want to talk to you. Goldie Chan is a writer, speaker, and founder of a branding agency, often referred to as the 'Oprah of LinkedIn,' and so much more. In this conversation, we dive into branding tips, the debate over being trendy vs. not trendy, and how being diagnosed with cancer changed her business trajectory.

Changing the world is impossible to do alone and often overwhelming for those of us who feel a pull to make a difference of magnitude. Especially when we have solutions that we know work. That’s why it is so joyful to find people who it seems are aligned with you in transforming your niche. When we found Staci Gray, founder of Organize to Scale, my heart kept growing in size as I saw key words and phrases she uses in her business. “Calendars”, “SOPs”, “Radical Honesty” were just a few words that jumped out. I knew I had to have her as a podcast guest to learn all about how she’s transforming business owners and growing their business and of course share her wisdom with all of you. 

When I stumbled upon Maddie Chapman’s Instagram, filled with pictures of beautiful blue water, surfing, scuba diving, and living the sea life, I was instantly inspired. I began daydreaming about living on a boat and island hopping. Then I learned she created her own skincare brand to have sunscreen that’s safe for her, the planet, and coral reefs. It’s amazing the ideas that come when you’re doing what you love. It’s even more amazing when you bring that idea to life and see how excited others are for it, too. Maddie is proof that following your passions can lead to your purpose. From surfing to horses to running a skincare brand, we talk about it all.

So many of us dream of selling everything and traveling the world while building our businesses, yet so few of us actually do it! That's why we've invited digital nomad expert Michelle Garabito to share how she manages three businesses while traveling the world with her partner and dog—and how you can do it too. From getting started to knowing what to expect, we cover everything. Are you ready to find the location that lights you up?

We often think of fashion as a form of self-expression. However, for people like Cat Pope, a NYC-based fashion stylist, fashion is a tool to reshape how her clients are perceived. Great styling can transform your career, open up new opportunities, and allow you to craft the narrative you want, all to your advantage. In our conversation, we not only discuss her styling tips but we also talk about the business side of fashion styling—the spreadsheets, the challenges, and what it takes to build a dream business.

If you’ve ever encountered wild horses in person, you know it’s an unforgettable and magical experience. These majestic creatures roam freely across America, but with no natural predators, their increasing numbers have sparked controversy. In response, three fearless female cowboys set out to create the film Women in the Wilderness. They document their journey, from riding alongside these wild horses to engaging with ranchers, revealing the complex challenges surrounding these animals. How can we cherish wild horses while responsibly managing the land? What’s it like to create a film with no prior experience? And what do wild horses symbolize for the U.S. and the people of the West? We cover all these questions and more in today’s episode. 

This year at the Mountain Film Festival, the first movie I saw, Between the Mountain & the Sky, profoundly shifted my perspective and left a lasting impact on my life. I knew immediately that I wanted to support anything Maggie Doyne, the subject of the film, was up to. I also knew right away that I wanted to have her as a guest on the Powerful Ladies Podcast. I am so excited to introduce this incredible woman to all of you and to share her remarkable story. Maggie is the co-founder of BlinkNow, an adoptive mom to 93 children (and counting) in Nepal, a wife, a biological mother, and a humanitarian who is truly moving mountains to ensure that children receive the love and opportunities they deserve. And yes, there’s nothing cooler than meeting and genuinely connecting with your heroes.

Loving fashion, your wallet, and the planet are often in conflict. Luckily for us, Mylea Hardy has created Forager’s Goods, where she and her team custom-find and curate vintage styling bundles just for you. This is yet another example of how we can have it all. She’s our latest guest on the Powerful Ladies Podcast. Mylea shares how the business started, why it’s no surprise to her that this is what she’s created, and how she’s balancing life, the entrepreneurial roller coaster, and being an intentional human doing great work.

In the past couple of decades, food has become complicated. What is okay to eat and what is bad to eat seems to change every day. Chef Whitney Aronoff is on a mission to bring our relationship with food back to its origin as a source of energy and healing. She’s a personal chef, the founder of Starseed Kitchen, and the creator of the High Vibration Living Podcast. She understands that food is our fuel and impacts everything. I also love that she’s incorporating other modalities, such as astrology and blood type, to create menus that are truly customized for each individual.

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!

Welcome to a special Powerful Ladies Podcast. This episode was recorded live with the incredible women from the nonprofit organization Waymakers: Heather Benjamin, Lita Mercado, and Ronnetta Johnson. They discuss the mission and impact of Waymakers, which provides essential services to support youth development, crisis intervention, and victim assistance, particularly in Orange County, California. This episode highlights the organization's history, beginning as a pilot project from UCI, and its innovative efforts to address issues such as mental health, human trafficking, and domestic violence. The guests emphasize the importance of support services, the challenges of funding, the significant positive impacts made on the community, and ways the public can help through donations and volunteering.

So many women I have invited to be a part of Powerful Ladies have declined, saying “I’m not powerful” or “I’m not powerful yet,” which is why it’s so rewarding when a young woman just about to graduate college says YES. Being powerful is not about age but a way of being. Tobey Lynn is a musician, writer, and filmmaker who possesses wisdom beyond her years. We dive into being limited in the TV and film world, the importance of therapy, and why her parents' support of her artistic endeavors is a breath of fresh air in the context of Asian-American stereotypes.

When I think of cool jobs, I think of international correspondents. That’s why I was so excited to sit down with Tara Joseph. She has traveled the world, sharing important stories and giving a voice to others. After leaving Hong Kong due to the shift in freedom of speech there, she settled in California, where she now shares her expertise as a communications consultant. Today, she helps others find their voice and step into their authentic, powerful selves.

When you follow your heart and talents, roads lead to success and soon thereafter to supporting your community. June Reese is an NAACP Image Award nominee, author of Iconic Homes: Interiors, Advice, and Stories from 50 Amazing Black Designers, and an interior designer herself. In this episode, we talk about the honor of celebrating your community, the importance of representation in interior design spaces, and what’s possible when everyone comes together to celebrate each other.

I love power couples, and when I saw Sarah and her husband Chris, the duo behind We Are the Rhoads, featured in Santa Barbara Magazine, I instantly knew I wanted to meet them. Successful commercial photographers, married, and raising three boys, Sarah has had to choose her own path to make it all work, and she’s never been happier. I loved this conversation about her journey, what brings her joy, and how to make it in Los Angeles. I’m sure you will, too!

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!

Often, we think that once we go freelance or become business owners, we can’t go back to corporate life. That’s simply not true, and it doesn’t allow you to have the freedom to chase your dreams or say yes to incredible opportunities when they come your way. Jacqueline Lavitt Michaelsen confidently flows between corporate and freelance work by keeping herself aligned with her north star: working on amazing creative projects to elevate brands and tell their stories.

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?

There are many creative ways to combine your passions with your activism. After finding her own power in a pair of roller skates, Melissa Skeet, Diné from the Navajo Nation, is now roller skating across America from Washington State to Washington D.C. to raise awareness about Missing & Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) and to collect donations to support Native youth. The statistics on MMIP are startling. Native American rates of murder, rape, and violent crime are all higher than the national averages—some quoting rates as much as ten times higher. It’s truly an epidemic that very few are paying attention to. In this episode, we discuss her experience, the realities of trauma and crime for Indigenous peoples, and what we can all do to change this for our Indigenous communities.

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.

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.

Reinvention is a founding marker of a Powerful Lady. There are so many seasons of our lives, most of which we cannot predict, and while we know this, we put so much pressure on ourselves to make our lives perfect and perfect soon. Kristin Middleton, founder of Bougie Gougies, has had to reinvent herself multiple times.  Now in her sixth decade, she’s taken her secret appetizer recipe that made her a master hostess and turned it into her dream business. Bougie Gougies, a french cheese puff, has hit the market and now Kris is on a mission to get these divine appetizers into every home. 

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.

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.

Being a leader is hard. That's why we all need experts in organizational culture to guide us in stepping into leadership roles effectively. Maggie Larkin Hicok is 👏 that 👏coach 👏. She's smart, compassionate, and a goofball, qualities that make her excellent at her job and enable her to provide valuable perspective to the leaders and teams she works with. We cover a wide range of topics, from how to connect with people virtually, to exercising influence without formal authority, and why embracing your authentic self is the key to answering life's most important questions.

We have the power to create our own worlds. The books we read and the art we see allow us to create an entire world within our imaginations. Sometimes, those worlds inspire us; sometimes, they protect us; sometimes, they remind us there is so much more out there, and sometimes, they embolden us. Shubnum Khan has used her writing and her art to create new worlds and to shed light on the happenings of our own world. In this episode, we discuss how reading, travel, and art go hand in hand, and how it’s perfectly okay to be the black sheep as long as you are following your heart and honoring your soul.

Meditation has gone mainstream and yet so many of us aren’t using this tool to our advantage. Kelli Heald found meditation after tragedy and credits meditation for healing her and supporting her through finding her new life. Now she’s on a mission to make sure meditation is accessible and simplified for everyone. 

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.

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.

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! 

Living in alignment with yourself starts with listening and having trust. Then, you're freed up to follow your passions, responding to what calls to you and allowing the universe to guide you. Leia Viat Marasovich has worked as an advocate, storyteller, photographer, and videographer, bringing all her passions together. You've witnessed her contributions in supporting well-known thought leaders such as Dr. Zach Bush, Rich Roll, and Julia Piatt. We cover everything from self trust to international adventures and even how your dream career can surprise you. This is one of my favorite conversations and episodes. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. 

Everyone wants to do good, make a positive impact, and help people; it's core to our DNA as humans. Often, as entrepreneurs, we start down one path to fulfill this purpose only to realize that we can make that same impact in so many ways. Shennice Cleckley knew she wanted to feed people. She started as a baker and dessert entrepreneur; now, she's feeding people with words, inspiration, and teaching them how to find self-worth and abundance.

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.