The Uplifters

Episode 117 Episode DescriptionHost Aransas Savas sits down with multihyphenate artist Karisma Jay to explore how to build an abundance mindset even when resources feel scarce. Karisma, a Broadway performer, filmmaker, educator, and founder of Abundance Academy, shares her powerful reframe from asking "What don't I have?" to "What's in my luggage right now?"This conversation is packed with practical wisdom about overcoming self-doubt, navigating financial struggles as an artist, and choosing wholesome work over controversy. Whether you're a creative professional, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to shift from scarcity to abundance thinking, this episode offers actionable strategies for building courage capital and finding resources you didn't know you had.About Karisma JayKarisma Jay is an award-winning performing artist, dancer, actress, filmmaker, director, wellness coach, teacher, entrepreneur, and founder of the 12-year-old nonprofit Abundance Academy. She has:Performed on BroadwayBeen featured in The New York TimesTaught at JuilliardWon awards for her short films at film festivalsMentored countless artists through her educational workDespite her success, Karisma openly discusses navigating the same challenges we all face – from self-doubt to financial struggles – while maintaining an abundance mindset that fuels her multifaceted career.Key Topics DiscussedBuilding Abundance MindsetHow to shift from scarcity thinking to abundance thinkingThe power of asking "What's in my luggage?" when resources feel limitedStrategic memory management: playing miracles on repeat instead of traumaBuilding emotional and spiritual reserves before you need themArtistic Career & EntrepreneurshipNavigating multiple creative paths as a multihyphenate artistDealing with financial uncertainty in creative careersThe importance of choosing wholesome work over controversial contentBuilding sustainable artistic practicesPersonal Development & Self-CareFacing "courage corners" and dealing with avoided emotional workThe Artist's Way practice and creative developmentShowing up for yourself with the same integrity you show othersCreating supportive communities that "give you back to yourself"Education & MentorshipTeaching and mentoring for over two decadesThe connection between learning and inspirationBuilding programs that nurture conscious artistsThe difference between being controversial vs. courageousFeatured Quote"I have been committed to playing the miracles over and over again. The moments that reassured my faith when I couldn't see. I play that so often... What's in my luggage that I can go back to?"Resources Mentioned"The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron - Karisma's "artist bible" for creative developmentAbundance Academy - Karisma's nonprofit organization supporting artistsErykah Badu quote: "I'm an artist and I'm sensitive about my sh*t"Connect with Karisma JayFollow Karisma on social media and support her work:Learn more about Abundance Academy and their educational programmingShare her content with your networks to amplify her messageConnect her with speaking opportunities and collaborationsSupport her upcoming film projects and artistic endeavorsKey TakeawaysReframe scarcity questions: Ask "What do I have in my luggage?" instead of focusing... Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Meet Emily Levin, who made a stunning career pivot from trauma therapist to tech co-founder, creating AI solutions for the affordable housing crisis. In this powerful conversation, Emily shares how she went from helping individuals heal to transforming entire systems, co-founding Access—an AI platform that's already raising capital and getting families into homes faster.🏠 What You'll Learn:How Emily transitioned from 15 years as a psychoanalyst to co-founding a tech startupThe "slow enrollment of possibility" that prepared her for this major leapWhy storytelling skills matter more than technical expertise in early-stage startupsHer "future casting" practice for building confidence in unfamiliar territoryHow she's navigating the male-dominated startup world as a female founderThe shocking statistics about affordable housing and why this problem matters💡 Key Takeaways:Only 1 in 5 Americans who qualify for affordable housing actually receive itIt takes property managers 80 hours to lease up one affordable housing unitFemale-run startups receive only 1.4% of venture fundingYour existing expertise is more transferable than you thinkCommunity and mentorship are essential for courage-building🎯 Perfect for:Women considering major career pivotsAnyone interested in social impact entrepreneurshipTherapists or helping professionals wanting to scale their impactPeople curious about the affordable housing crisisAnyone building courage to start something newTimestamps00:00 - Introduction to Emily Levin01:48 - The kitchen table moment that changed everything04:46 - The "slow enrollment of possibility"07:00 - Leading a tech company without tech background10:19 - Navigating the male-dominated startup world11:47 - The power of play and "future casting"13:00 - Finding community in the Robin Hood accelerator15:02 - Getting support from her 82-year-old father17:19 - Bringing her daughters into the business21:04 - The affordable housing crisis explained26:25 - Future plans: scaling nationally and writing a book27:45 - Advice for "words and feelings" people entering business28:41 - How to support Emily's missionAbout Emily LevinEmily Levin co-founded Axccess, the first AI platform that streamlines affordable housing processes. After 15 years as a psychoanalyst and trauma therapist working with chronically mentally ill New Yorkers transitioning from the streets into stable housing, Emily recognized that individual healing wasn't enough—the system itself needed to change. Axccess is already raising capital, signing customers, and generating revenue while getting families into safe, affordable homes faster.If You Loved This Episode, Listen to TheseStart with Emily's Nominator:Susannah Ludwig - The woman who saw Emily's courage and nominated her for this showFellow Founders Breaking New Ground:Susie Jaramillo - First Latina CEO of a media company in the USJenny Jing Zhu - From village maid to $100M company founder Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Guest: Mahogany L. Browne - Award-winning writer, playwright, organizer, educator, Lincoln Center's inaugural poet in residence, and founder of the Woke Baby Book FairEpisode Summary:In this powerful conversation, Mahogany L. Browne shares her journey from a young mother who almost dropped out of college to becoming Lincoln Center's inaugural poet in residence. We explore how she learned to bet on herself when no one else would, the difference between naming problems and solving them, and why service doesn't have to be selfless to be meaningful. Mahogany discusses her acclaimed novel Chlorine Sky, the importance of creating spaces where marginalized voices can thrive, and how to turn opposition into rocket fuel for your dreams.Key Topics Discussed:The universal experience of playing both victim and perpetrator in our relationships How poetry serves as a mirror but isn't therapy - and why both are neededThe importance of choosing critics who want you to succeedBuilding sustainable service models that feed the giver tooCreating spaces for voices that haven't been heardTurning rejection into motivation and opposition into opportunityThe difference between naming injustice and taking action to change itGuest Bio:Mahogany L. Browne is an award-winning writer, playwright, organizer, and educator whose work spans poetry, young adult literature, and community building. She is the inaugural poet in residence at Lincoln Center and founder of the Woke Baby Book Fair, where she creates spaces for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated. Her books include the award-winning Chrome Valley, the frequently banned Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice, and her novel Chlorine Sky. She has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to lifting up other voices while refusing to play small in a world that often asks artists and activists to diminish themselves.References mentioned in the interview:Mahogany's books Chlorine Sky, Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice, Chrome ValleyThe Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison - the book that changed everything for young Mahogany Mahogany’s SubstackLift Mahogany Up:Follow her on Substack for her latest thoughts and workBuy two copies of her books (gift one!) and start a book club discussionAttend or support the Woke Baby Book FairInvite her for conversations and speaking engagements that matterShare her work with the truth-tellers in your lifeCreate spaces in your own community where marginalized voices can be heard – be part of the ripple effect that says everyone deserves to play bigNominated by: Desha Philyaw, who said: "She is one of one. She is genre bending,... Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Episode DescriptionIn 2006, Terry Grahl received a simple phone call asking if she'd volunteer to paint one wall at a women's shelter. What she discovered in that dormitory—30 women sleeping on prison-donated bunk beds held together with duct tape—changed the trajectory of her life forever. Today, Terry is the founder and CEO of Enchanted Makeovers, a national nonprofit that has transformed shelter spaces across the country for women and children escaping domestic violence and human trafficking.In this powerful conversation, Terry shares how her own experience with childhood homelessness became the compass for serving "the girl within" every woman she meets. From cold-emailing mattress companies to getting doors slammed in her face at paint stores, Terry demonstrates exactly how to build something meaningful from nothing—using what she calls "putting the cart before the horse" and trusting that each next step will reveal itself.You'll discover Terry's revolutionary "feeling-first" approach to creating change, why she calls the women she serves "warriors" instead of victims, and how a polka-dotted pillow became the divine signal that launched a movement. This is a masterclass in turning personal pain into purpose and proof that you don't need credentials, resources, or even a plan—you just need to say yes to what calls to your heart.Key Topics DiscussedHow childhood homelessness shaped Terry's calling to serve othersThe moment a polka-dotted pillow changed everythingBuilding a national nonprofit without money, volunteers, or experienceWhy focusing on feelings rather than logistics creates breakthrough resultsThe power of "putting the cart before the horse" when starting something newHow to turn rejection into motivation and keep moving forwardWhy authentic vulnerability opens more doors than perfect presentationsThe difference between helping victims vs. empowering warriorsCreating sustainable impact through community and collaborationThe importance of protecting your mission from partnerships that don't alignGuest BioTerry Grahl is the founder and CEO of Enchanted Makeovers, a national nonprofit dedicated to transforming shelter spaces for women and children who have escaped domestic violence and human trafficking. What began as a simple request to paint one wall has grown into a movement that has renovated shelters across the country and created innovative programs like the Cape Program for children and Pillowcase Dreams initiative.Terry's approach combines practical transformation with emotional healing, focusing on creating spaces where women can envision hope and children can remember their inner superpowers. Her work has been featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show and continues to expand nationally through a network of volunteers and donors who share her vision of serving "the girl within" every person who needs support.How to Support Enchanted MakeoversVisit enchantedmakeovers.org to learn more about their programs and impact. Email Terry directly to share what you love to do—as she says, "You now have become a messenger for the mission." Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @enchantedmakeovers.Whether you're a podcaster, writer, or simply someone who wants to serve from your unique talents, Terry invites you to join the "enchanted train" that's moving forward to create change.Connect with TerryWebsite: enchantedmakeovers.orgFacebook: @enchantedmakeoversInstagram: @enchantedmakeoversAbout The Uplifters PodcastThe Uplifters Podcast is the 2023 Gold Signal Award Winner for Most Inspiring Podcast. Hosted by Aransas Savas, this show is dedicated to... Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Guest: Jennifer AllebachFormer Chief Girl Experience Executive at Girl Scouts USA and MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association)Episode SummaryJennifer Allebach's life changed forever when her husband Brian was diagnosed with ALS in 2019. After 32 years of marriage and five children together, she became his primary caregiver while continuing to work full-time—first at Girl Scouts USA, then in a remarkable coincidence, at the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which serves ALS families.For four years, Jennifer navigated the devastating progression of ALS while managing Brian's care, from installing Hoyer lifts to redesigning garden paths for wheelchair accessibility. She shares the emotional weight of caregiving, the financial challenges not covered by insurance, and the difficult decisions families face when confronting terminal illness.Now in what she calls "the toddlerhood of grief," Jennifer is channeling her hard-won wisdom into purpose—planning to create resources for other ALS families based on the practical insights she gathered throughout their journey.Key Topics DiscussedThe reality of being a primary caregiver for someone with ALSHow ALS differs from other terminal illnesses (taking the body but not the mind)The financial burden of caregiving not covered by insuranceMaking end-of-life decisions as a coupleMaintaining family relationships during long-distance caregivingThe coincidence of working at MDA while becoming an ALS familyFinding purpose in grief through helping othersThe practical challenges of home accessibility and daily careResources MentionedMuscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) - Provides research funding, clinics, and support for families affected by ALS and other neuromuscular diseasesGirl Scouts USA - Where Jennifer served as Chief Girl Experience ExecutiveConnect with JenniferJennifer is currently developing resources for ALS caregivers based on her experience. While she doesn't have public social media for this mission yet, her story demonstrates the power of turning personal experience into support for others facing similar challenges.About ALSALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It typically takes about a year to diagnose and is always terminal. Unlike other conditions, ALS affects voluntary muscles while leaving involuntary muscles (like the heart) and cognitive function intact, meaning patients remain fully aware throughout the disease's progression.Support ALS Research and FamiliesALS Association - alsa.orgMuscular Dystrophy Association - mda.orgALS Therapy Development Institute - als.netThis episode touches on themes of terminal illness, grief, and caregiving. If you're facing similar challenges, please reach out to appropriate medical professionals and support organizations.Next Episode:Terry Grahl is the Founder and CEO of the national non profit, Enchanted Makeovers. The mission serves women and children living in shelters who have escaped domestic violence and human trafficking. Terry is also a children’s book author, speaker, and WARRIOR!Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Episode DescriptionIn this powerful conversation, Aransas speaks with Deesha Philyaw, whose debut short story collection "The Secret Lives of Church Ladies" swept every major literary award, winning the PEN/Faulkner Award, The Story Prize, the LA Times Book Prize, and earning a National Book Award nomination.Deesha shares her journey from rule-following church girl to award-winning author, revealing how losing her mother at 34 became a catalyst for refusing to spend her one precious life doing anything she didn't want to do. She opens up about navigating the complex relationship with her mother, who felt "intimidated" by her, and how writing fiction became her secret way of processing dissatisfaction with evangelical expectations.This conversation dives deep into practical strategies for creative sustainability, including how to manage multiple projects without burnout, the power of "working alone together," and why Deesha believes writer's block and imposter syndrome are just surface layers hiding deeper truths. You'll also hear about her commitment to literary citizenship and breaking down barriers for BIPOC writers through mentorship and community building.Chapters00:00Introduction and Connection01:41The Journey of Writing 'Church Ladies'04:28Mother-Daughter Dynamics and Personal Reflections06:47Expectations and Breaking Free06:47Navigating Personal and Societal Expectations07:26The Impact of Loss and Finding Purpose09:14The Writer's Path and Overcoming Challenges11:27Creating Community and Support in Writing13:03The Importance of Collaboration and Connection15:48Final Thoughts and Reflections16:35New Chapter21:20Balancing Life and Creativity22:34The Art of Multitasking24:14Navigating the Publishing Journey25:04Embracing the Uncontrollable27:00Managing Multiple Projects28:43Setting Realistic Expectations29:50The Power of Saying No32:34Finding What Truly Matters35:15Building Community and Supporting Others44:06Uplifters-YouTube-End-Off-White-v4.mp4Notable Quotes"I just don't have time to not do the things I wanna do.""When we stop at writer's block or imposter syndrome, we're not interrogating it... There's always something. But when you interrogate it and it's an actual thing that you can address either in therapy or in some other way, then it's a movable object.""I don't want to spend the one life I get doing something I don't wanna do... And then why spend that time writing something that makes other people happy or is playing scared or is playing safe."About Deesha PhilyawDeesha Philyaw is the author of "The Secret Lives of Church Ladies," winner of the 2021 PEN/Faulkner Award, The Story Prize, and the 2020/2021 LA Times Book Prize in Fiction, and finalist for the 2020 National Book Award for Fiction. She's also the co-author of "Co-Parenting 101: Helping Your Kids Thrive in Two Households After Divorce." Her writing on race, parenting, gender, and culture has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, McSweeney's, and elsewhere. She's a regular contributor to The Rumpus and has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.Resources MentionedReferenced Resources:Deesha Philyaw’s Substack newsletter, which includes pre-orders for debut writers and indie bookstore support through Bookshop.org Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

summaryFormer marketing executive Sarah Gomley shares how she transformed her life after discovering that all her achievements – the prestigious job titles, beautiful apartments, and impressive salaries – weren't bringing her joy. When she was laid off from Adobe just as her mother was dying, Sarah returned to Ohio and took a year off to reassess everything. Through therapy (which had started years earlier), caring for her mother, and confronting her perfectionism, she ultimately found genuine happiness running an art gallery in Columbus and falling in love with a kind man – a life she never would have imagined for herself. Sarah discusses how she learned to silence her inner critic (which she named after a childhood bully), the difference between happiness and joy, and why we should never dismiss our pain just because our lives look good on paper.takeawaysLetting go of societal expectations can lead to true happiness.Joy is a deeper, more fulfilling experience than mere satisfaction.The journey of transformation often begins with loss.Therapy can be a catalyst for understanding oneself better.Self-love is crucial for emotional well-being.Life's challenges can be easier to navigate with self-acceptance.It's okay to miss the financial security of a corporate job.Finding joy can be a lifelong pursuit.Change is possible at any stage of life.Chapters00:00Introduction and Book Appreciation02:19Courage Capital and the Writing Process04:59The Journey to Joy and Self-Discovery07:08The Complexity of Joy vs. Satisfaction09:07Navigating Corporate Life and Personal Growth11:42The Impact of Loss and Transformation13:43Financial Realities and Career Choices15:50Mentorship and Community Connections18:17The Role of Therapy in Personal Change20:56Reflections on Life Changes and Identity24:23The Journey to Emotional Health25:54Managing Negative Self-Talk28:24Finding Joy Amidst Struggles29:16The Importance of Self-Compassion31:29Courage and Change33:56The Self-Publishing Experience34:51Uplifters-YouTube-End-Off-White-v4.mp4 Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

summaryIn this episode of the Uplifters podcast, host Aransas Savas interviews her husband, Andy Savas, about his recent experience covering the papal conclave in Rome. Andy shares insights into the preparation, the excitement of the event, and the emotional moments of witnessing history as a new pope was elected. The conversation highlights the challenges of live reporting, the atmosphere in St. Peter's Square, and the personal reflections on being part of such a significant occasion.takeawaysAndy had no prior knowledge of the conclave process.The duration of the conclave is unpredictable.The atmosphere in St. Peter's Square was reverent and hushed.The first round of voting typically results in black smoke.The excitement peaked with the appearance of white smoke.Witnessing the election of a new pope is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.The cardinals had to build consensus quickly during the conclave.Andy felt a rush while reporting live from the event.The crowd's reaction was mixed when the new pope was revealed.Food experiences in Rome added to the adventure.Chapters00:00Introduction to the Conclave Adventure01:50The Call to Rome: Preparing for the Conclave03:39The Journey Begins: Travel to Rome05:40Meeting Cardinal Dolan: Insights Before the Conclave07:29The Voting Process: Understanding the Conclave Mechanics10:27The Anticipation Builds: Smoke Signals and Public Reaction12:43The First Night: Black Smoke and Its Implications15:14The Second Day: Quick Turnaround and New Developments16:49The Moment of Truth: White Smoke and the New Pope17:29The Electric Atmosphere of St. Peter's Square18:24Capturing the Moment: The Rush of Excitement19:52The Anticipation Builds: Who Will Be the New Pope?21:13The Revelation: An American Pope22:24Mixed Reactions: Joy and Disappointment23:32The Aftermath: Coverage and Reactions25:35Inside the Conclave: The Process of Election28:02Reflections on Tradition and Experience29:41Culinary Delights: A Taste of Italy31:28Uplifters-YouTube-End-Off-White-v4.mp4 Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

summaryIn this conversation, Aransas Savas and Shannon Russell explore the transformative journey of women reinventing themselves, focusing on Shannon's transition from a successful television executive to an entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of mindset shifts, defining non-negotiables, and the role of research in building confidence. Shannon shares her insights on overcoming mental barriers, the significance of feeling good in one's career, and actionable steps for personal growth. The conversation emphasizes that change is possible and encourages listeners to take small steps towards their goals.takeawaysShannon transitioned from a successful TV career to entrepreneurship.Hitting rock bottom can lead to transformative change.Defining non-negotiables is crucial for career satisfaction.Researching new opportunities builds confidence.Women often feel guilty for wanting more in life.Mindset shifts are essential for embracing change.Small steps can lead to significant career transitions.It's important to celebrate past achievements.Listening to inspiring stories can motivate change.You can always pivot and redefine your career path.keywordscareer transition, entrepreneurship, mindset shifts, women empowerment, personal growth, coaching, non-negotiables, overcoming barriers, self-reflection, actionable stepsChapters00:00The Courage to Change: A Personal Journey03:03Finding Purpose in Transition06:00Defining Non-Negotiables for Success08:53Evolving Definitions of Purpose and Success12:11Overcoming Mental Barriers to Change14:54The Power of Research and Connection18:12Embracing the Unknown: Building Confidence in Change23:19Embracing Worthiness and Internal Conversations25:02Building Confidence Through Self-Discovery26:56Strategic Planning for Career Transitions28:54Balancing Personal Growth and Family Responsibilities30:14Maximizing Time for Personal Development32:39Creating Actionable Steps for Change34:05Reflecting on the Journey of Change36:30Facing Fears and Embracing New Opportunities Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this special tribute episode, host Aransas Savas honors her grandmother, Rosemary Baker, who recently passed away at age 95. Aransas shares the inspiring story of her grandmother's remarkable life and the valuable lessons she embodied about living fully at every age.Key MomentsChapters00:00 Inspiration and Influences02:54 Family Values and Homelife06:25 Adventures and Aspirations09:17 Facing Challenges with Resilience19:24 Uplifters-YouTube-End-Off-White-v4.mp420:00 Uplifters-YouTube-End-Off-White-v4-Audio (1).mp3Life Lessons from Rosemary BakerThe power of continuous creativity - never stop creating things you feel proud ofCommitment to movement - "If you never sit down, you never have to get up"The importance of clear vision - be honest about what you want and work hard to achieve itEmbracing playfulness throughout life - becoming more childlike with age, not lessThe restorative power of nurturing othersBeing authentic - it's okay to have strong opinions and preferencesNotable Quote"Growing older isn't about letting go... it's about pushing boundaries and constantly looking for new adventures."Closing ThoughtsAransas emphasizes that living and aging well is a community journey, encouraging listeners to show each other what's possible with a spirit of openness, possibility, curiosity, and play.MusicThe episode concludes with an original song featuring lyrics about lifting others up written by Rosemary's Great-Granddaughter. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

summaryIn this heartfelt conversation, Angela shares her journey of navigating profound loss, leaving a high-demand religion, and embracing her creativity. Through her experiences, she discusses the importance of self-discovery, the complexities of grief, and the power of community. Angela emphasizes the significance of being present, allowing oneself to feel emotions, and the beauty of imperfection in art and life. The dialogue highlights the transformative nature of personal growth and the impact of authenticity in connecting with others.takeawaysCreativity can be a healing process.Loss can lead to new perspectives and purpose.Leaving a high-demand religion is a complex journey.Grief is a personal experience that can be shared.Selfishness in pursuing passion can be a positive force.Unlearning societal conditioning is essential for self-discovery.Exploration and curiosity can lead to personal growth.Imperfection in art reflects the beauty of life.Community can be built through shared experiences and creativity.Every small act of kindness can create a ripple effect.Chapters00:00Stepping Outside Comfort Zones00:51New Chapter 201:11Navigating Loss and Grief01:25New Chapter02:08Finding New Purpose and Joy05:01The Journey of Self-Discovery07:43Embracing Change and Connection10:17The Impact of Self-Validation12:05Understanding High-Demand Religions13:35Unlearning and Rebuilding Identity17:02Navigating Relational Needs and Self-Exploration19:02Embracing Curiosity and Overcoming Fear21:34The Power of Action Over Perfection24:12Lessons in Imperfection and Self-Compassion25:09Teaching Resilience and Self-Belief to the Next Generation26:42Creating Community Through Art and Kindness32:56Uplifters-YouTube-End-Off-White-v4.mp4 Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

keywordsmenopause, women's health, empowerment, community, self-discovery, education, entrepreneurship, resilience, awareness, supportsummaryIn this enlightening conversation, Aransas Savas and Julie Gordon White delve into the often-taboo subject of menopause, exploring its challenges and opportunities. They discuss the importance of breaking the silence surrounding menopause, the need for education and awareness, and the empowering aspects of this life stage. Julie shares her personal journey through menopause, the creation of her Menowell bar, and her passion for supporting women during this transition. The conversation emphasizes resilience, community support, and the potential for personal growth during this transformative time in women's lives.takeawaysMenopause is a powerful time for self-discovery and empowerment.Breaking the silence around menopause is crucial for future generations.Community support plays a vital role in navigating menopause.Understanding the symptoms of menopause can alleviate fear and shame.Women are often left without adequate education about menopause.The Menowell bar was created to address specific menopause-related needs.Entrepreneurship can stem from personal experiences and challenges.Courage is essential in both business and personal transitions.The conversation around menopause is evolving and becoming more mainstream.Leaving room for possibility can lead to unexpected opportunities.Chapters00:00Introduction to Menopause and Empowerment02:44Building Connections and Community04:19Breaking the Silence on Menopause05:45Understanding Symptoms and Experiences08:03Researching Menopause: A Journey of Discovery09:33Finding Positivity in Challenges11:24Embracing Change and Resilience13:03The Role of Intuition and Support15:52Leaving Room for the Unexpected16:32The Power of Possibility17:58Creating the Menowell Bar20:54Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges22:17Understanding Menopause25:05Generational Perspectives on Menopause27:28Future of Menopause Conversations30:05Courage in Entrepreneurship31:41Embracing the UnknownKeep discovering:Menowell Bars: MenoWell menobars are protein powered, high-fiber, low sugar, gluten-free, dairy-free, Vegan, Low Carb, Keto/Paleo friendly - and a perfect first food if you're intermittent fasting. They are also just really tasty! Check them outThe M Factor film: A groundbreaking documentary released in 2024 that addresses the marginalized health crisis faced by millions of women during menopause. This first-of-its-kind film features experts like Dr. Sharon Malone and Dr. Lisa Mosconi, and is available on PBS and various streaming platforms. Watch on PBSHarvard research on midlife brain rewiring: Research indicates that the brain undergoes significant rewiring in midlife, particularly around the fifth decade of life, which can enhance creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. This "rewiring" results in neural networks becoming more integrated and connected, potentially explaining the shift from detail-oriented thinking to more big-picture wisdom. Read more at Big... Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

I found myself smiling at Sandra Bookman's refreshing candor throughout this conversation. There's something deeply reassuring about hearing an accomplished broadcast journalist—who has guided New Yorkers through 27 years of collective triumphs and tragedies—reject the "icon" label and instead emphasize her fundamental humanity.What struck me most was Sandra's self-awareness about her goal-oriented nature, tracing it back to her childhood in that small Texas town with dirt roads. From setting her sights on a fifth-grade academic award to visualizing her future in New York broadcasting, she consistently transformed dreams into concrete steps. This wasn't about magical thinking but rather persistent action, supported by parents who instilled both work ethic and the belief that she could achieve whatever she set her mind to.Her perspective on resilience feels particularly valuable—acknowledging that most people demonstrate remarkable resilience daily, especially women juggling multiple responsibilities that often go unseen. There's wisdom in her recognition that her on-camera resilience isn't inherently more impressive than the behind-the-scenes strength of colleagues managing work, children, households, and countless invisible labors.Her Courage Practice: Neighborhood ImmersionRather than reporting from a comfortable distance, Sandra intentionally places herself in unfamiliar settings across the city's mosaic of communities. This isn't just professional diligence—it's a personal practice of breaking through the comfortable barriers of assumption."It's important for me to go there to see who people are, how they live, how the housing is different, find the best sandwich shop," she explained, highlighting how these experiences connect her to the communities she serves. By physically moving through different realities, she cultivates both knowledge and empathy that inform her reporting with authenticity.This practice ripples outward, creating trust between herself and viewers who recognize that she's taken the time to understand their neighborhoods from within rather than characterizing them from without. In an age of increasing social division, her approach models how stepping into unfamiliar spaces—with genuine curiosity rather than preconceived notions—builds the foundation for more truthful storytelling.Listen to this if...You struggle with balancing responsibility to others with care for yourselfYou want inspiration for building a goal-oriented mindset without perfectionismYou're navigating a significant life transition and need reassurance that "you'll be fine"You're seeking models for breaking out of your own echo chamber and connecting with diverse perspectivesListen to more Movement Makers hereMovement Makers StoriesLet’s keep rising higher together. 💓 AransasUplift With Us!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.💡 Need clarity on your next chapter? Explore private coaching to illuminate your path HERE.🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Today’s Featured Uplifter: Jessica Varian CarrollShe started her business with a box of Hefty garbage bags and zero experience. As a single mom of four with spotty child support, Jessica Varian Carroll's motto was stark and simple: "Work or be homeless. Those were the only choices I had."There was a time when Jessica collected the loose change from her dryer just to feed her children. The water company had shut off service to her small ranch house, forcing her to send her kids to their father's just to shower. Yet even at her lowest moments, something in Jessica resisted accepting help. When friends encouraged her to visit St. Vincent de Paul for assistance, her first reaction was, "I don't deserve this help. This help is needed by others."It's a paradox many of us recognize - our willingness to help others coupled with our reluctance to ask for it ourselves. Research shows we consistently underestimate others' willingness to help by nearly 50%. We're literally walking around assuming people will say no to our requests at double the rate they actually do.Today, Jessica's organizing company has rehomed over a million items to charity. She's the author of She Had No Business, co-founder of the SOAR symposium for women, and a community activator who can raise $1,000 in a single day for families in need. Her journey from the shy girl in the corner to someone who confidently extends hundreds of invitations is a testament to what becomes possible when we transform our relationship with asking.Listen to this episode if:You find yourself hesitating to ask for help, even when you really need itYou've ever felt like an outsider waiting for an invitationYou want to make bigger impact with limited resourcesYou're seeking practical ways to build community around your missionYou need permission to be braver about inviting others into your life or workHer Courage Practice: The Radical Art of InvitationWhere most of us wait for permission or suffer silently, Jessica boldly extends invitations that create ripples of positive change.It started when she was in the corner at a networking event, desperately wanting to belong but too shy to insert herself. A simple "Hey, we're going for drinks at Watermark for my birthday. Do you want to come?" changed everything for her. That moment became a template for Jessica's approach to community building. For every event, she now invites hundreds – not because she expects everyone to come, but because she remembers how it felt to need that explicit invitation. "I over-invite everything," she explains. "I sent out 750 messages for our first S.O.A.R. event because you don't know who needs that personal invitation. And then guess what? They show up and become your biggest fan."Jessica continues this invitation practice even when resources are scarce. When she couldn't afford to host a birthday party, she found a public place where people could gather without cost to her. When families needed Christmas gifts, she leveraged her network to raise $1,000 in a day. Her invitations have rehomed over a million items to charity, creating a community-powered pipeline of generosity.Listen to more Movement Makers hereLet’s keep rising higher together. 💓 Aransas Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Today’s Featured Uplifter: Melissa PetroI was standing in my kitchen the other day, staring at a pile of produce I'd optimistically purchased, thinking about all the healthy meals I wasn't going to make. That familiar feeling crept in—the one that whispers I'm falling short, not measuring up, failing at yet another standard that seems so effortless for others.We all have these moments, don't we? Times when we feel the weight of expectations press down on us, making it hard to breathe. These moments aren't just about wilting spinach—they're about the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and whether we're enough.That's why my conversation with Melissa Petro, author of Shame On You: How to Be a Woman in the Age of Mortification, feels like such a gift, especially as we celebrate Women's History Month and reflect on the silencing forces that have shaped women's stories throughout history. After reading her extraordinary book, I found myself noticing all the places where shame shapes our choices—not just in dramatic life moments, but in the quiet, everyday decisions where we make ourselves smaller to avoid the discomfort of being seen.Melissa knows something profound about shame. After being publicly shamed and losing her teaching career for writing about her past experiences in sex work, she could have disappeared. Instead, she did something radical—she leaned into authenticity, refused to be silenced, and transformed her experience into insight that helps others find their voice.Her Courage Practice: Turning Toward VulnerabilityWhat strikes me most about Melissa's approach is her dedication to staying open in moments when most of us would armor up. When someone shares something vulnerable, she doesn't gloss over it with platitudes or change the subject. Instead, she leans in, makes direct eye contact, and creates sacred space for that person's truth to be fully witnessed."It's so powerful to be vulnerable in that moment and to invite someone else to be vulnerable enough to receive that is just sacred," she says. Listen to this if:You've ever felt the need to hide parts of your storyYou're curious about how shame influences your decisionsYou want to create deeper connections with othersYou're ready to consider what might be possible if you weren't afraid of judgmentListen to more Movement Makers hereUplift With Us!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.💡 Need clarity on your next chapter? Explore private coaching to illuminate your path HERE.🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Join us next Thursday, March 13th live in NYC for a day of connection, celebration, and boosting our collective courage to do big, bold things, because goodness knows we are gonna need to be brave this year!Proceeds are going to Emma's Torch (empowering refugees through culinary education + catering our amazing lunch), 826NY (uplifting the voices of diverse young authors), and Lonely Worm Farm (an arts and ecology organization for people of all abilities).Check out the agenda, our amazing lineup of speakers, including past Uplifters Podcast guests Eliza Factor, Gisela Sanders Alcántara, Heather Hester, Helen Arteaga, Julie Hartigan, Kara Cutruzzula, Laura Kavanagh, Lia Buffa De Feo, Maysoon Zayid, Melanie Cohen, Rachel Everson Fink, Rachel Lipson, Rahti Gorfien, Taylor Ratliff, and many more, including a very special surprise guest!! Get Your TicketToday’s Featured Uplifter: Catherine McKenzieAs we kick off Women's History Month, I can think of no better leader to spotlight than Cat McKenzie, who makes everyone she meets feel like the most important person in the world. That's her superpower – making space for every voice in the room, whether she's at a social gathering or running a high-pressure television production meeting.While most executives in the cutthroat world of television measure success by ratings, Cat has built her remarkable career, and ratings records, on a radical premise: you can be both successful and kind. As the first Black woman to executive produce a primetime special for ABC News and the first to hold an EP title at the network, she could easily rest on her impressive credentials. Instead, she measures her wins by how well her team treats each other.Walking into our conversation, I expected to talk about her groundbreaking achievements and television experience. What emerged instead was a masterclass in courage – specifically how to find our footing when disappointment knocks us sideways (which it inevitably will). "The most courage comes when I'm disappointed," Cat shared, describing those moments when colleagues or organizations fall short of our hopes. "How do you get up and go the next day? How do you chart the next path forward?"In an industry known for its intensity, Cat has created a different kind of leadership model entirely. One where the best idea always wins (no matter who suggests it), where quiet voices are actively sought out, and where no one has to answer emails immediately. It's a refreshing antidote to our reaction-driven world, and a powerful reminder that sometimes the bravest (and ironically the fastest) thing we can do is simply slow down.Her Courage Practice: The 24-Hour Gratitude ShiftIn a world where gratitude journals often become rote exercises listing the same general blessings, Cat has made an adjustment based on the suggestion of a recent Good Morning America guest: her daily gratitude must focus specifically on something that happened in the past 24 hours."That really changed my mindset," she explained. "When you get up in the morning, it's easy to be like, 'I'm grateful for my friends' and then move on with the day. But if you have to think... Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Join us on March 13th live in NYC for a day of connection, celebration, and boosting our collective courage to do big, bold things, because goodness knows we are gonna need to be brave this year!Proceeds are going to Emma's Torch (empowering refugees through culinary education + catering our amazing lunch), 826NY (uplifting the voices of diverse young authors), and Lonely Worm Farm (an arts and ecology organization for people of all abilities).We'll have an incredible Feng Shui master helping us optimize our energy for the year ahead, guided meditations, creative workshops, and intimate conversations over lunch. It's going to be an amazing day, and I so hope you can join us. Get Your TicketToday’s Featured Uplifter: Alexis ShepardAs I sat down with Alexis Shepherd, even through the digital divide, her energy felt authentic and unfiltered. As a former educator turned higher education HR professional, Alexis has built a life around what she calls "going my own way, even when everyone else isn't."She navigated our conversation with the same thoughtful confidence she brings to her career and personal choices. When describing her decision to leave teaching mid-year — a move many would consider taboo — she didn't shy away from acknowledging both the difficulty and the necessity of the choice. "I had this deep internal knowing that there was just something else that I needed to do," she explained, her voice carrying both certainty and vulnerability.What struck me most was Alexis' profound understanding of what makes choices truly difficult. It's not just the decision itself but the absence of precedent. "When you are truly going against the grain and standing on your own," she reflected, "you don't necessarily have someone to look to and say, 'this person that I know, that I'm connected to, they did it, and they made it out okay.'" This absence of proof points makes the unknown infinitely scarier — whether it's choosing to be child-free by choice (as she and her husband have), leaving a teaching career mid-year, or showing up as her full, unfiltered self in professional spaces.This wisdom wasn't theoretical — it was earned through repeated acts of courage, choosing integrity over conformity, and discovering that the path to impact doesn't always follow the well-worn road.Her Courage Practice: The Full DisclosureAlexis practices what I'd call "radical transparency" — a deliberate choice to reveal her whole self upfront, quirks and all, rather than gradually unveiling herself over time. When she met her now-husband twelve years ago, she felt an immediate impulse to tell him everything: "I have this disorder, I have this weird quirk. Here's my relationship history, here's where I struggle, here are my insecurities."Friends questioned this approach, wondering if she was revealing too much too soon. But Alexis understood something vital to deep connection: real love requires real truth. "If he's going to fall in love with me," she explained, "he needs to fall in love with me for all of the things." This wasn't just about being known — it was about creating space for the other person to reveal themselves fully too, establishing a... Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Join us on March 13th at Brooklyn Brewery for a one-day retreat to raise funds for some amazing organizations while connecting, celebrating, and filling our cups. Proceeds are going to Emma's Torch (empowering refugees through culinary education + catering our amazing lunch), 826NY (uplifting the voices of diverse young authors), and Lonely Worm Farm (an arts and ecology organization for people of all abilities).We'll have an incredible Feng Shui master helping us optimize our energy for the year ahead, guided meditations, creative workshops, and intimate conversations over lunch. Early birds get amazing Tarte Cosmetics gift bags, and we're ending with a happy hour because, well, we're in a brewery!It's going to be an amazing day, and I so hope you can join us. Get Your TicketToday’s Featured Uplifter: YOUI remember that crisp morning in 2016, riding the subway to a march with my young daughters holding their "Girls Rule the World" signs, and my mother beside them, her sign reading "I can't believe I'm still protesting this sh*t." We were surrounded by women who were fired up and ready to make change. I felt certain we were investing in a brighter future.But the years since have brought sobering reminders that progress isn't linear. We've watched rights we thought were secured get rolled back, battles we thought were won require fighting again. Some days, I catch myself echoing my mother's weary words, feeling that bone-deep exhaustion of "really, this fight... again?"Yet in analyzing 99 stories for The Uplifters, I've discovered something more valuable than inspiration – I've found a blueprint for building what one guest, Cher Hale, brilliantly called "courage capital." Just as entrepreneurs think about raising financial capital, these women show us how to invest in and grow the courage required to create change, especially when facing seemingly insurmountable odds.Their stories aren't just testimonials of triumph – they're detailed case studies of how change happens, even when it feels impossible.After studying these 99 women's journeys – from Kathrine Switzer breaking through the Boston Marathon's gender barrier, to Jenny Jing Zhu building a $100 million company while learning English alongside the toddler she nannied, to Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Join us on March 13th at Brooklyn Brewery for a day of transformation, connection, and celebration. To celebrate our 1st 100 episodes of the podcast, my dream is to assemble as many inspiring women in one room as possible for a one-day retreat to connect, celebrate, and boost our collective courage to do big, bold things, because goodness knows we are gonna need to be brave this year!Proceeds are going to Emma's Torch (empowering refugees through culinary education + catering our amazing lunch), 826NY (uplifting the voices of diverse young authors), and Lonely Worm Farm (arts and ecology organization for people of all abilities).We'll have an incredible Feng Shui master helping us optimize our energy for the year ahead, guided meditations, creative workshops, and intimate conversations over lunch. Early birds get amazing Tarte Cosmetics gift bags, and we're ending with a happy hour because, well, we're in a brewery!It's going to be an amazing day, and I so hope you can join us. Get Your TicketToday’s Featured Uplifter: Dr. Shayna KaufmannSometimes wisdom arrives at the most uncomfortable moments. For Dr. Shayna Kaufman, it came during a silent retreat – in sticky San Diego heat, without even the comfort of a ponytail or a fan. A hot flash. And it brought with it an awakening to how our stories about midlife transitions often cause more suffering than the transitions themselves.Sitting there on her meditation cushion, forced to simply be present with the experience, she discovered something surprising: when she stopped fighting against the sensations and simply observed them, the hot flash transformed from a dreaded enemy into a fascinating dance of sensations. Heat rising, sweat trickling, waves of intensity flowing and ebbing. Without the narrative of "this is terrible," it was just... interesting.This moment became a metaphor for her entire approach to midlife transitions. What if, instead of bracing against change, we could lean into it with curiosity? What if, rather than viewing midlife as a series of losses, we could see it as an invitation to discover what this moment is perfect for?Her Courage Practice:Presence Over Escape - When facing any transition or challenge, Dr. Shayna practices what she describes as "embracing" rather than merely accepting. Instead of seeking immediate comfort or trying to push away difficult experiences, she creates space to be present with whatever arises. This practice transformed her approach to everything from career transitions to grief, teaching... Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Join us on March 13th at Brooklyn Brewery for a day of transformation, connection, and celebration. Like Lauren, who you’ll meet in today’s episode, every woman in our community has a story that can light the way for others. Whether you're navigating your own reinvention, seeking deeper purpose, or ready to create meaningful change, you'll find your people here.This isn't your typical networking event. It's an intimate gathering of purpose-driven women who understand that real magic happens when we drop the masks and share our authentic journeys. Through interactive workshops, a live podcast recording, and facilitated connections, we'll explore what it means to break through barriers and lift others as we climb.Get Your TicketToday’s Featured Uplifter: Lauren Young DurbinSometimes the most powerful shifts in our lives start with a simple question: "What if?" For Lauren Young Durbin, that question came from a friend who saw her entrepreneurial spirit long before she did. "I see you as an entrepreneur," the friend said. Lauren's response? "No, you're crazy." It wasn't that she lacked the capability – she simply had never seen that path as possible.That moment of resistance would later become a cornerstone of Lauren's work as a career coach, helping other women recognize and push past their own limiting beliefs. After years of working in traditional roles, including a stint in the U.S. Senate, Lauren found herself drawn to career coaching through an unexpected route: a disappointing experience with her own career coach."She didn't really listen to me," Lauren recalls of that first coaching experience. "She took what I said and just ran with it." That interaction sparked a realization: "I can do better. I'm going to be the person that I needed for others."Her Courage Practice: The Power of Strategic No'sLauren's signature strength emerged early in life – the ability to say "no" with clarity and conviction. While many of us struggle with setting boundaries, Lauren developed this muscle naturally, even when it meant saying no to her own mother. Today, she helps clients develop their own versions of "no," teaching them that it doesn't always need an explanation. Sometimes, "That's not really a priority for me right now" is enough.Her approach isn't about being dismissive – it's about being intentional. She might offer alternatives or connections when declining opportunities, but the core message remains: it's okay to protect your time and energy for what matters most to you.Listen to this episode if:You're contemplating a career transition but feeling stuckYou struggle with setting boundaries in your professional lifeYou're curious about building a business while maintaining stabilityYou want to learn how to turn your expertise into serviceYou're ready to challenge your own limiting beliefs about what's possible5 Ways She Shows Us How to Build Our Courage Capital:1. Start With What Scares You (but make it specific)Instead of letting vague fears hold you back, Lauren teaches us to name them specifically. Turn "I'm afraid of failing" into concrete concerns you can address, like "I need X dollars in savings before making this leap."2. Build Your Foundation While Keeping Your Safety NetLauren demonstrates that going "all in" doesn't mean being reckless. She maintained stability through a day job while building her coaching practice, showing us that courage sometimes... Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Join us on March 13th at Brooklyn Brewery for a day of transformation, connection, and celebration. Like Laura Kavanagh, who you’ll meet in today’s episode, every woman in our community has a story that can light the way for others. Whether you're navigating your own reinvention, seeking deeper purpose, or ready to create meaningful change, you'll find your people here.This isn't your typical networking event. It's an intimate gathering of purpose-driven women who understand that real magic happens when we drop the masks and share our authentic journeys. Through interactive workshops, a live podcast recording, and facilitated connections, we'll explore what it means to break through barriers and lift others as we climb.Get Your TicketToday’s Featured Uplifter: Laura KavanaghWhen we first dreamed up The Uplifters podcast, I made a shortlist of ten women I was most eager to talk to. At the very top of that list was Laura Kavanagh, the first woman to serve as Fire Commissioner of the FDNY in its 157-year history. Then Reverend Ann Kansfield from episode 26 nominated Laura - not for breaking that glass ceiling, but for being her emergency contact, her trusted advisor, the person she'd call if her kids were in trouble. In that moment, I realized this conversation would be even more meaningful than I'd imagined. Laura's story isn't just about being first, it's about being human in a role where humanity is often hidden behind titles and expectations."It's one thing to hike a trail that's already been carved. It's still hard. You're still marching uphill and you're still hot and sweaty and exhausted. But it's another thing if there is no trail. It takes you 10 times as long. You often have to turn around. You have often gone the wrong way and there's a river in the way and you have to turn back. And you're often more bloody and tired by the time you get to the top. You've been scratched and bruised and it’s taken you twice as long."What unfolded in our conversation was an honest exploration of what it really takes to support women in leadership - not just getting them into positions of power, but helping them thrive and create lasting change once they're there. Her story arrives at a crucial moment when conversations about women in power feel both more urgent and more fragile than ever. I really, really hope you’ll listen to this episode and share it with others. Laura’s Courage Practice: Curiosity in the Face of ResistanceWhen facing opposition at the FDNY, Laura chose curiosity over defensiveness. Rather than viewing resistance as a battle to be won, she approached it with genuine interest in understanding the underlying concerns driving pushback against change."Curiosity is counter to fear," she reflects, explaining how this mindset helped her uncover that many concerns about diversity initiatives stemmed from fears about job security rather than outright prejudice. By taking the time to truly listen and understand, she found ways to address these deeper worries while still moving forward with necessary changes.Listen to This Episode If:- You're navigating uncharted territory as a leader- You want honest talk about the real challenges women face in leadership- You're looking for ways to support women leaders more effectively5 Ways Laura Shows Us How to Build Our Courage Capital:1. Ask the Questions Others Are Afraid to Ask: Genuine curiosity about resistance often reveals shared concerns Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Join us on March 13th at Brooklyn Brewery for a day of transformation, connection, and celebration. Like Karen Robinovitz, who you’ll meet in today’s episode, every woman in our community has a story that can light the way for others. Whether you're navigating your own reinvention, seeking deeper purpose, or ready to create meaningful change, you'll find your people here.This isn't your typical networking event. It's an intimate gathering of purpose-driven women who understand that real magic happens when we drop the masks and share our authentic journeys. Through interactive workshops, live podcast recordings, and facilitated connections, we'll explore what it means to break through barriers and lift others as we climb.Get Your TicketToday’s Featured Uplifter: Karen RobinovitzPicture this: A successful tech entrepreneur sits cross-legged on her floor, fingers deep in a container of sparkly slime, completely lost in the moment. For the first time in over a year, she's not thinking about her grief or her pain – she's just... playing. Four hours have passed without her noticing. In this simple moment with her friend's daughter and a childhood toy, Karen Rabinovitz rediscovered something she'd lost long ago: pure, unadulterated joy.It wasn't supposed to be this way. Karen had co-founded Digital Brand Architects, pioneering the influencer management industry. She was listed as one of Variety's 80 Women of Power. Forbes called her one of the best-branded women in social media. From the outside, she had it all. But behind the scenes, her 14-year marriage was crumbling as her husband battled untreated mental health challenges. After their separation, he passed away unexpectedly, sending Karen into what she describes as "a real hardcore nervous breakdown."What followed was a year of profound grief, complicated by the devastating murder of her cousin in the Parkland school shooting. Karen sought every form of help available – therapy, medication, support groups, shamans, and healers. But it was an unexpected afternoon playing with slime that would ultimately chart her path forward.Her Courage Practice: Purposeless PlayKaren's healing journey centered around permitting herself to play without purpose. After that first transformative afternoon with slime, she began ordering artisanal slimes from young creators online, finding joy in everything from the anticipation of packages arriving to the sensory experience of each unique creation. The simple act of playing helped her reconnect with her seven-year-old self, a part of her she thought was lost forever.This practice expanded when she shared it with her friend Sarah, whose family faced their own profound challenges with disability and caregiving. Together, they discovered how slime could create moments of pure connection and joy across neurological differences. This revelation led them to create the Sloomoo Institute, bringing the healing power of play to others through immersive experiences.Listen to This Episode If:You're wrestling with grief or trauma and seeking unconventional paths to healingYou've lost touch with your playful side and want to reclaim itYou're interested in how sensory experiences can aid in emotional healingYou want to understand how purpose can emerge from painYou're curious about the science behind play and mental wellness"The world is so hard. Nobody can read the news. Every minute Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

In today's episode, you'll meet Katie Horwitch, who reminds us how the right community can make all the difference. On March 13, please join me for Uplifters Live, where we'll come together as a community of brave, beautiful Uplifters for a day of deep connection, courage-building workshops, celebration (including my own 50th birthday!), and an amazing lunch created by Emma’s Torch. I hope to see you there! Get Your TicketToday’s Featured Uplifter: Katie HorwitchKatie radiates the kind of warmth that makes you forget to care about being "cool." As the founder of WANT (Women Against Negative Talk) and a nationally recognized mindset coach, Katie has built her life's work around helping women shift their self-talk patterns. But her journey to becoming a self-talk activist began with her own struggle to feel at home in herself."I am someone who has had such a heightened self-awareness her entire life. I could feel when I was shutting parts of myself away and shutting down different personality traits and pretending." This awareness became both Katie’s challenge and her salvation – allowing her to recognize when she was living out of alignment with her true self, while simultaneously pointing the way back home.For Katie, the path to authenticity wasn't linear. It involved navigating OCD (which she describes as "a disorder of extreme catastrophization"), eating disorders, and the constant pressure to dampen her natural enthusiasm. But through it all, she kept integrity as her center line. Her Courage Practice: "No Talky Time"At the heart of Katie's self-care practice is what she calls "no talky time" – periods of complete silence that allow her to recharge and reconnect with herself. As a self-described “textbook introvert”, she's learned that these moments of stillness are non-negotiable. Whether it's 10 minutes or several hours, this practice helps her maintain the energy she needs to show up fully for both her work and her relationships.This seemingly simple practice ripples out into every aspect of her life, influencing how she coaches clients, maintains boundaries, and preserves her capacity to help others. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is honor our own needs, even when they don't match our expectations of what a "helper" should look like."Life is short, but it is also wide, and you have that to use all of the parts of yourselves and bring all of those parts to the table. That is what I suspect will lead you to saying as you look back, 'Oh yeah, that was a life well lived.'"5 Ways Katie Shows Us How to Build Our Courage Capital:1. Embrace Your Natural EnthusiasmLet your genuine excitement shine as a beacon that attracts authentic connections and opportunities.2. Make Friends with Your Inner CriticTransform your inner critic into an inner ally by understanding its misguided attempts to protect you.3. Practice Radical Self-Awareness Times ActionTurn insights into impact by asking yourself what specific actions you'll take with your newfound awareness.4. Honor Your Non-NegotiablesProtect the daily practices that keep you functioning at your best, from sleep to silence to boundaries.5. Choose Warmth Over CoolIf we let go of the pressure to be "cool" we just might Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

In today's episode, you'll meet Chef Sheri, who found her true calling at 50 in the most delicious way possible. This March, I hope you'll join me at Uplifters Live, where we'll explore our own moments of reinvention together. We'll gather at Brooklyn Brewery for a day of deep connection, courage-building workshops, celebration (including my own 50th birthday!), and an amazing lunch created by Emma’s Torch. Whether you're considering your next chapter or simply craving authentic conversation with purpose-driven women, this is your invitation to be part of something special. Tickets are available now, and we never let cost stand in the way of participation – just email me about comp tickets if needed.Get Your TicketToday’s Featured Uplifter: Sheri JeffersonWhen I think of Chef Sheri Jefferson, I picture her surrounded by simmering industrial-sized pots and joyful chaos in a West Harlem kitchen as she orchestrates another day of feeding hundreds. But what's cooking here goes far beyond mere sustenance. At 60, with unwavering energy, I suspect she moves through the kitchen with the spry determination of someone half her age, transforming simple donated provisions into dignified meals that carry the weight of her own story in every bite."I know what it means to suffer in silence," she shares in this episode, her voice softening as she recalls darker days of single motherhood when putting food on the table for her two daughters felt like scaling a mountain. Those struggles now infuse her work at the Food Bank for New York City, where she serves over 500 people daily. She can spot the ones having "dark days" because she's walked in their shoes – trying to keep a brave face while wondering where the next meal will come from.What began as a culinary school externship at age 50 has blossomed into a nine-year journey of purpose that energizes her more with each passing day. After walking away from nursing school following her sister's death from lupus, Chef Sheri found her way back to service – not in hospital corridors, but in a community kitchen where healing happens over hot meals and warm smiles.Her Courage Practice: Creating Sacred Space in SolitudeFor someone who spends her days nourishing others, Chef Sheri has learned that her own sustenance comes through embracing spiritual solitude. What others might label as "being alone," she has transformed into precious moments of self-discovery and creative inspiration. By the water's edge or among blooming flowers, she sits for hours, letting her mind wander toward new possibilities for growth and service.This practice of intentional solitude – once something she avoided – has become her wellspring of creativity and resilience. It's where she dreams up new ways to elevate simple ingredients into memorable meals, where she processes her journey from past struggles to present purpose, and where she gathers the strength to keep showing up with love for her community.5 Ways She Shows Us How to Build Our Courage Capital1. Transform Past Pain into Present Purpose: Let your struggles become your strength rather than your shame.2. Embrace Late-Blooming... Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Today’s Featured Uplifter: Heather HesterStanding in the darkness of a hotel room across the country from her children, Heather Hester received the call that would transform her life. Her missing teenage son was alive – and he had something to tell her. In that moment of raw relief, as her son's voice crackled through the phone line with his truth, Heather felt her world shift. "I'm gay," he said. Her immediate response? "Thank God, because I thought you were dead." The journey that followed would crack open everything Heather thought she knew about faith, family, and love. As an evangelical Christian raised in a deeply conservative home, she had inherited a set of beliefs that seemed to leave no room for her son's identity. Yet in that crucial moment, maternal love swept away decades of dogma. (The heart, it turns out, has its own wisdom.)What emerged from this chrysalis moment was not just a transformed mother, but a fierce advocate who would go on to touch countless lives through her podcast, coaching, and newly published book. Like the butterfly emerging from its cocoon, Heather's metamorphosis required breaking down old structures to build something new – something more beautiful and free than she could have imagined.Her Courage Practice: Heather's signature practice is what she calls "intentional vulnerability" – deliberately placing herself in spaces where she might face pushback or criticism about LGBTQ+ advocacy. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, she leans into them, using her own journey from fear to acceptance as a bridge for others. This practice isn't about winning arguments, but about bearing witness to the daily reality many LGBTQ+ individuals face, while creating space for others to examine their own beliefs.What makes this practice particularly powerful is how it transforms defensive reactions into opportunities for connection. By sharing her own story of evolution – including the fears, doubts, and revelations along the way – Heather creates a template for others to explore their own journey without shame. It's a practice that ripples outward, touching not just parents of LGBTQ+ children, but anyone grappling with the gap between inherited beliefs and lived experience."This is not a judgment saying that you need to unlearn bias. You're a human being. We all have them. So we're taking a look at what those biases might be and pulling them apart and working through them and healing from them."5 Ways She Shows Us How to Build Our Courage Capital:1. Transform Fear into Fierce LoveLead with your heart when your head is still catching up. (Sometimes the wisest part of us already knows what to do.) Heather's immediate acceptance of her son came from a place deeper than conscious thought.2. Choose Growth Over ComfortAllow yourself to question inherited beliefs when they conflict with love. Break free from the need to please others (even family) when it means compromising your truth or someone else's wellbeing.3. Create Brave Spaces for OthersUse your own vulnerability as a bridge to understanding. (Your messy, beautiful journey might be exactly what someone else needs to see.) Share your evolution openly to give others permission to change.4. Practice Intentional DiscomfortPut yourself in challenging spaces not to argue, but to understand. Let the discomfort remind you of others' daily experiences and fuel your commitment to create change.5. Love Radically and SimplyWhen overwhelmed by complexity, return to the simplest truth: love them. See them. Hold space for them. (Sometimes the most powerful actions are the most straightforward.)The Uplifters’ Web Today’s opening is by Rachel Lipson. Heather was... Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Today’s Featured Uplifter: Candy MotzekYou know those rare conversations that feel like sinking into a comfortable chair? That's what it felt like talking with Candy Motzek. There's an immediate ease that settles over you – a superpower she didn't even recognize she had until people kept telling her how calm they felt in her presence. (Though she'll be the first to tell you that doesn't mean she's always calm inside.)At 64, Candy embodies what it means to live life on your own terms. She's the engineer-turned-business-coach who takes ballet classes alongside teenagers, collects white feathers that fall from the sky, and chooses depth over small talk every single time. As the only person of color in her school growing up, she learned early that not fitting in could become its own kind of freedom.What strikes me most about Candy is how she's transformed that early pain of not belonging into a profound sense of belonging to herself. It's a journey that's led her from corporate boardrooms to ballet bars, from engineering problems to solving the deeper equation of what makes a life feel meaningful.Her Courage PracticeEvery morning, Candy meets herself on the blank pages of her journal, creating a sacred space for reflection and possibility. But here's the twist – she saves the last pages of every journal for "great ideas that aren't ready yet," honoring the whispers of inspiration even when they can't be acted upon immediately. It's a practice that both grounds her in the present and keeps her connected to future possibilities, creating a bridge between who she is and who she's becoming."The relationship we have with ourselves is the only one that lasts for our entire life. Why wouldn't you give as much care and attention to the friendship with yourself as you would to your partner or to another person that you love?"5 Ways She Shows Us How to Build Our Courage Capital:1. Turn Your Differences into Your Superpowers: Instead of trying to fit in, use your unique perspective as a lens through which to see and serve the world2. Listen to Your Body's Wisdom: Drop from your head into your heart (and gut) to access the intelligence that lives in every cell3. Save Space for Future Dreams: Create a special place to capture inspiration, even (and especially) when you're not ready to act on it yet4. Choose Depth Over Performance: Rather than trying to please everyone, focus on creating meaningful connections – starting with yourself5. Let Your Weird Light Shine: When you fully embrace your authentic self, you give others permission to do the sameThe Uplifters’ Web Today’s opening is by Melanie Cohen. Uplift With Us!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Today’s Featured Uplifter: Tania KinsellaWhen I sat down with Tania Kinsella, the first woman of color to serve as Deputy Chief of the NYPD, I expected the usual leadership conversation – strategies, milestones, carefully crafted responses. Instead, I found myself swept up in a current of pure, unbridled love.Yes, love. In the world of law enforcement. (Stay with me here.)There's something almost rebellious about the way Tania infuses this four-letter word into every aspect of her leadership. Her voice fills with warmth as she describes her officers, her eyes light up talking about New York's diverse communities, and she beams with a mother’s pride when speaking of her officers. "If you love and respect your cops, your cops will run through a burning building for you. They will love to come to work. They will love to serve the communities. They will love doing what they're doing if they know that they're valued."But here's what really got me: underneath the groundbreaking achievements and badassery, Tania is refreshingly, beautifully human. She admits to being scared of the unknown (aren't we all?). She talks about the messy juggle of motherhood and career (those 7-day workweeks with a 13 and 9-year-old at home). And she's not afraid to say she's still figuring it out, still growing, still learning from every misstep.Her Courage Practice: Dawn Patrol LeadershipIn the quiet hours after dropping her kids at school, Tania laces up her running shoes. The rhythmic pounding of feet on pavement becomes her meditation, her reset button. But true to her nature, she's turned this personal ritual into something bigger – creating a city-wide program where NYPD officers run alongside middle school students. (And maybe, just maybe, shapes future Olympians – because that's the kind of big dreamer Tania is.)5 Ways she Shows us how to Build our Courage Capital:1. Speak Your Dreams Out Loud: Tania didn't wait for permission to voice her ambitions. She claimed them, then built the foundation to support them.2. Let Love Be Your Leadership Language: In a world that often equates toughness with strength, dare to lead with open-hearted care and genuine connection.3. Turn Your Self-Care into Community Care: Your personal practices can ripple out to create unexpected waves of positive change. 4. Embrace the Beautiful Chaos: Those dropped plates and imperfect moments? They're not failures – they're your best teachers in disguise.5. Root Deep in Your Now: Stop stressing about tomorrow. Focus your energy on making magic where you're planted today.The Uplifters’ Web Today’s opening is by Meg Wolfe.Let’s keep rising higher together. 💓 AransasUplift With Us!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Today’s Featured Uplifter: Aditi Sethi, MDAditi Sethi, MD is a hospice and palliative care physician, end-of-life doula, and Executive Director of the Center for Conscious Living and Dying. Featured in the forthcoming film The Last Ecstatic Days, Aditi is an emerging and important voice for shifting our culture’s understanding and approach to dying, death, and bereavement care. She recently did a TEDx talk in Asheville, NC entitled "The Art of Dying Before You Die."In a culture that often turns away from death, Dr. Aditi Sethi stands as a gentle revolutionary, inviting us to look directly at what we fear most – and find unexpected gifts of presence, connection, and love. Aditi's work challenges our modern tendency to medicalize and institutionalize death, offering instead a path of conscious preparation and community care.Her journey began as a child visiting India, where she witnessed "the full range of human experience" in plain sight – from poverty to vitality, aging to death – in stark contrast to the manicured existence she knew in Augusta, Georgia. This early exposure to life's raw realities sparked a lifelong calling that led her to become a hospice volunteer at 17 and eventually a physician specializing in end-of-life care.But it wasn't until caring for Ethan Sisser (featured in the forthcoming film "The Last Ecstatic Days") that Aditi fully realized her mission: helping people prepare for death while they're still vibrantly alive. This preparation goes far beyond advance directives and practical arrangements – though those matter too. It's about the spiritual and emotional readiness to face our mortality, and in doing so, to live more fully in each precious moment.Through her own recent experiences of profound loss – including the unexpected death of her beloved father and a dear friend – Aditi demonstrates how conscious grieving can transform our relationship with death. The story of her young son Avi's raw, honest grieving at the community fire after his grandfather's passing stands as a powerful testament to what's possible when we create space for authentic emotion instead of hiding it away.5 Key Uplifting Lessons:1. Presence Over Perfection: Instead of trying to fix or change difficult emotions around death and grief, we can choose to be fully present with whatever arises – whether it's wailing, raging, or quiet tears. This presence itself becomes a powerful healing force.2. Community as Medicine: Death and grief don't have to be solitary experiences. When we allow our communities to hold us in our most vulnerable moments, we discover a depth of support and connection that transforms the experience of loss.3. Small Deaths as Teachers: Every time we face a significant letting go – whether it's moving homes, ending relationships, or shifting careers – we practice for the ultimate transition. These "small d deaths" can teach us how to surrender with grace.4. Self-Care isn't Selfish: As Uplifters, we must learn to receive care as well as we give it. Sometimes the most powerful way to serve others is to honor our own needs for rest, renewal, and authenticity.5. Living Fully Means Dying Consciously: When we acknowledge that our time is limited, we gain clarity about what truly matters. This awareness can guide us to live more intentionally, express our love more freely, and pursue what brings us alive while we're here.The Uplifters’ Web Today’s opening is by Mary Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Today’s Featured Uplifter: Claude SilverThis excerpt from Claude’s website is the best introduction I could possibly give you for the story you’re about to hear.Everyday you are leaving a heart print with everyone you meet.At 5 I knew I could feel and pick up on people's emotionsBy 14 I knew I could instinctually/intuitively know/sense/see what would happen in the near futureBy 17 I began to lose faith in myself and was hell-bent on taking a fast walk on the wild & dark sideAt 19 I did Outward Bound which changed my life and I pocketed that experience for my future (thank God!)By 21 I had given a lot of myself away in an attempt to feel wanted, desired and wholeAt 22 I said no to what was becoming a downward addictionBy 25 I had left a highly abusive relationshipAt 25 I began to go on a journey. A journey of self-awareness. A journey that I am still on and will be walking forever.At 40 I really got it. And knew how to embody all of my parts.At 45 I began working with Gary Vaynerchuk and took on the role of Chief Heart OfficerAt 49 I became a mother and started learning all over again!!And at 53....It's an endless journey!It's a marathon of spirit, glimmers, learning, joys, perseverance and being present.Wherever you are, it's OK. Dig in when you can. Use your voice. Swim to the surface when you need to.Remember to find someone to laugh with when the going gets tough. And when you get it.. reach out your hand and help someone else up!5 Key Uplifting Lessons:Embrace Being a Late Bloomer: True growth often happens on its own timeline. It's never too late to reinvent yourself and find your purpose.Choose Growth Over Ease: The most meaningful transformations often come from embracing discomfort and choosing the harder path.Practice Emotional Efficiency: Building trust and connection in the workplace isn't just about being nice – it's about creating an environment where people can work through challenges quickly and authentically, without getting stuck in politics or fear.Find Freedom in Control Awareness: Focus energy on your own actions and responses rather than trying to control others' behaviors or outcomes.Lead with Joyful Service: Service doesn't have to be serious to be meaningful. Bringing joy and energy to how we help others creates deeper connections and more lasting impact, while keeping us energized for the journey.The Uplifters’ Web Today’s opening is by Martie Betts, a true Uplifter and a generous paid sponsor of this podcast.Claude was nominated by her BFF, the extraordinary Gail Tifford. Check out her story in episode 77.Let’s keep rising higher together. 💓 AransasUplift With Us!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Featured Uplifter: GiselaA 13-time Emmy award-winning TV producer turned disability advocate, Gisela's journey of self-discovery began when her neurodivergent children helped her recognize and embrace her own identity as a disabled person. With 25 years of experience telling others' stories through film and television, she's now using her voice to expand society's understanding of disability and champion the power of authentic self-expression.Key Uplifting Lessons:1. Embrace Your Truth Without Fear: The path to self-acceptance begins with acknowledging our whole selves, including the parts we've been conditioned to hide. Our challenges often become our greatest teachers when we stop resisting them.2. Reframe "Normal" as a Construct: Understanding that "normal" is a relatively new concept tied to capitalism helps us break free from harmful expectations and embrace our unique ways of being.3. Community Heals: Archaeological evidence shows it's not the strongest who survive, but the most connected. Our growth and healing happen through finding others who give us space to be honest and authentic.4. Name It to Claim It: Identifying and naming our needs isn't a sign of weakness—it's a powerful act of self-advocacy that allows us to seek appropriate support and connect with others who share similar experiences.5. Find Your Medicine: Whether it's chanting, walking in nature, or creating art, discovering personal practices that help us process emotions and connect with something larger than ourselves is essential for wellbeing.Listen to Gisela’s full story on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.The Uplifters’ Web Gisela was nominated by Lovisa Brown from Episode 82.Uplift With Us!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Ever notice that the faces of founders of billion-dollar tech companies all look pretty much the same? Regina Gwynn has – and she's doing something about it. As co-founder of Black Women Talk Tech, Regina is flipping the script on what a tech founder looks like, helping Black women build the next generation of billion-dollar businesses. "When you think about a tech founder, you think of Mark Zuckerberg, Peter Thiel, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates," she notes. "They have a lot in common, don't you think?"Named one of the 100 most powerful women by Entrepreneur Magazine and featured in Essence Magazine's top 10 women in tech, Regina's journey from self-described "mall rat" to tech mogul is reshaping what's possible. Through the groundbreaking Roadmap to Billions conference, the largest technology conference for Black women in the country, Regina and her team are educating, amplifying, and funding the next generation of tech leaders. But what truly sets Regina apart is her insistence that women think bigger. "Guys aren't thinking about making just $10 million," she points out. "We need to be thinking about how to build $500 million, billion-dollar companies."Regina's approach to scaling impact while maintaining wellbeing offers valuable lessons for any woman building something meaningful. Her secret? Working smarter, not harder. "Your ability to produce output is directly correlated to your ability to scale," she shares. "Millions of people cannot be reached with one person working all the time. There have to be tools, systems, processes, and automation.""Founder self-care is just as necessary as the pitch deck or the customer service strategy... If you aren't whole, if you don't have the mental, emotional, spiritual capacity to govern yourself, then where can your business go?"5 Key Uplifting Lessons1. Think Bigger Than You're Comfortable With: The path to real impact requires stretching beyond conventional goals. Don't settle for $10 million when you could build a billion-dollar company.2. Choose Your Hard: Every path has its challenges. Whether it's building a business or going back to corporate life, consciously choose which "hard" aligns with your vision.3. Delegation is Freedom: Learning to delegate – whether to people or to different time periods – is crucial for scaling and preventing burnout.4. Small Tests, Big Learning: Start with small investments ($500-$1000) to test ideas and approaches. Learning what doesn't work is just as valuable as finding what does.5. Community Creates Momentum: The power of network and relationships translates into lifting entire communities and changing the trajectory of what's possible for future generations.Uplift With Us!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

At just 22, Alli Schroeder has already blazed trails most wouldn't dare to walk. As the first woman to play in the Canadian Collegiate Baseball Conference and a 2X bronze medalist with Team Canada's national baseball team, she's no stranger to being the only woman on the field. But perhaps even more impressively, when she's not commanding the pitcher's mound, she's battling wildfires in British Columbia's challenging terrain.Growing up in the small town of Fruitvale, BC (population: roughly 1,000), Alli learned early that resilience isn't just about individual strength – it's about creating positive change for others. Inspired by her mother, who also works in the male-dominated wildfire industry, Alli developed a unique approach to handling adversity: stay emotionless in the face of challenge but let your passion fuel your purpose.Today, Alli's impact reaches far beyond the baseball diamond. When she returns to her hometown, she sees young girls playing baseball without hesitation – a stark contrast to her early days as the only female player. Her story is now featured in See Her, Be Her, a documentary chronicling seven remarkable women in baseball worldwide, which premiered on MLB Network last week.5 Key Uplifting Lessons from Alli's Journey:1. Turn Criticism into Purpose: Instead of letting negative voices derail you, use them as motivation to create better opportunities for those who follow. Alli transformed the challenges she faced into a determination to make baseball more accessible for future female players.2. Redefine Work Ethic: True work ethic isn't about going hard 100% of the time – it's about strategic thinking, knowing when to rest, and understanding what you need in each moment to perform at your best long-term.3. Lead with Resilience: Sometimes, showing no emotion is a form of strength. As Alli learned on the pitcher's mound, maintaining composure under pressure isn't about suppressing feelings – it's about channeling them productively.4. Find Your Team: Whether on a baseball field or fighting fires, success comes from working within your strengths while supporting others. Recognize that some days, you'll operate at 30%, and that's when your team lifts you up.5. Prioritize Recovery: The highest performers understand that rest isn't weakness – it's strategic. Taking time to recover, whether through cold water therapy, family time, or simply sleeping well, is crucial for sustained excellence.What do you think?Please click here to complete our listener survey. It’ll take less than 2 minutes. I read every response and use your feedback to continuously improve our show for you. The Uplifters’ Web Alli was nominated by Tammie Meaks, a wonderful member of our production partners at Produce Your Podcast.This week’s opening is by the wonderful Lisa Crozier whose story was featured in episode 13. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

In a week where election results have left many Americans feeling the depths of our divisions, Susan McPherson's wisdom about authentic connection feels more vital than ever. As communities across the country grapple with political polarization and social isolation, her message about breaking out of our "hermetically sealed bubbles" and connecting across differences offers a path forward - not just for our personal relationships, but for our collective healing.Growing up in the late 60s and 70s, Susan would watch her parents at the breakfast table, methodically clipping newspaper articles that made them think of friends, colleagues, and former students. With their manual typewriters, they'd craft personal notes to accompany each clipping before sending them off through the mail. This weekly ritual of thoughtful connection would shape Susan's understanding of what it means to truly connect with others - and eventually inspire her to write The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Business Relationships to help others rediscover the power of meaningful relationships in our digital age.As a self-described "serial connector" and someone who admits that connecting is "really the only thing I'm good at," Susan has developed a framework that flips traditional networking on its head. Instead of focusing on what we can get from others, she advocates for leading with how we can help - an approach that feels especially relevant in our post-pandemic world where many are craving deeper, more intentional connections.5 Key Uplifting Lessons:Start With Service: Instead of approaching connections thinking "what can I get?", lead with "how can I help?" This shift in mindset transforms transactional networking into meaningful relationship building.Create Connection Rituals: Establish simple daily practices, like reaching out to 3-5 people each morning, to maintain and nurture your relationships. Even small gestures of connection can have profound impacts.Know Your Superpowers: Before you can offer help to others, understand your own strengths and what you uniquely bring to relationships. This self-awareness builds confidence in social situations.Break Your Bubble: Actively seek connections with people who don't look, sound, or think like you. In today's polarized world, this courage to reach across divides is more important than ever.Practice Intentional Curiosity: Ask questions that elicit joy and show genuine interest in others' stories. The simple act of listening - truly listening - can bridge even the widest gaps between us.What do you think?Please click here to complete our listener survey. It’ll take less than 2 minutes. I read every response and use your feedback to continuously improve our show for you. The Uplifters’ Web This week’s opening is by the wonderful Kym DakinSusan was nominated by Daisy Auger-Dominguez.Let’s keep rising higher together. 💓 Aransas Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

From a tiny Chinese village without electricity to launching a $100 million home décor empire, Jenny Jing Zhu's story is a masterclass in turning limited resources into limitless possibilities. As the founder and chairwoman of Lush Decor Home, Jenny transformed herself from a hotel maid in Beijing to a powerhouse entrepreneur in America, while learning english alongside the toddler she was caring for as a nanny. Jenny's path came with plenty of dramatic setbacks. After launching Lush Decor, she was betrayed by a business partner who tried to force her out of her company. But rather than letting this experience destroy her courage, Jenny used it to create an exceptionally diverse and empathetic company culture. Today, Lush Decor operates like a "United Nations," with team members speaking 11 different languages and representing multiple generations of immigrants.Now, Jenny's story has inspired both a memoir, Dream Weaver, and a short film that recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival. In this powerful conversation on The Uplifters Podcast, you’ll learn the mindset strategies she uses to overcome challenges and grow in the face of obstacles.When I first arrived in the United States, I was overwhelmed. I was a young woman from a small village in China, suddenly thrust into a world that felt completely foreign. I didn’t speak the language, I didn’t understand the culture, and I felt utterly alone. But even in those moments of doubt, I held tightly onto my dreams. My dreams became my guiding light, the driving force that pushed me to face every challenge head-on. There were countless moments when I questioned if I had what it took to build a life here. I took on jobs I had no experience in, navigated a new country with nothing but a dream, and faced uncertainty with no guarantee of success. But I refused to let go of the vision I had for my future. With every step, I reminded myself that each obstacle was a lesson, an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. I began to see every challenge as a thread I could weave into the tapestry of my life—threads of passion, grit, and determination. Together, they created a safety net that caught me every time I stumbled. What I want you to know is this: Hold onto your dreams. Let them be your anchor and your motivation. Use them to propel you forward, even when the path seems unclear or daunting. If you can keep your dreams in sight, they will give you the strength to face any challenge and the courage to turn obstacles into opportunities. If I can make it through those difficult times—feeling lost in a new city, struggling to find my footing, and building my dream from the ground up—so can you. Your dreams are the fuel that will keep you moving forward. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to discover your strength and turn your dreams into reality. You have the power within you to shape your future, no matter how insurmountable the obstacles might seem. Believe in your dreams, believe in your ability to overcome, and know that you’re not alone on this journey. If I could find my way and make my dreams a reality, I know you can too. Keep dreaming, keep striving, and never lose sight of the beautiful life you are capable of creating.5 Key Uplifting Lessons:1. Don't wait for perfect conditions – sometimes you just have to leap and trust you'll figure things out along the way2.... Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

In the 1970s, Melanie Cohen's dad had a PhD in chemical engineering and applied physics, doing innovative work in clean fuels. He was also dealing drugs to fund his addictions and lavish lifestyle.His addiction to drugs and money was a continuation of his father's addiction to gambling. This inherited tendency toward an insatiable desire for "more" led to Melanie's food addiction, which we joked was a generational journey from Craps, to Crack, to Crackers.After learning to rebuild her relationship with food, Melanie became interested in how the constant chatter and clutter of "more" in other domains, like finances, was impacting her life. By learning to apply the same tools, mental models, and practices she used to create a healthy relationship with food, she learned to clear her own clutter, live in alignment with her values, and find her greatest satisfaction in helping others do the same.Today, as a transformative coach, Melanie teaches people how to identify and clear four types of clutter holding them back: physical, digital, mental, and financial. In this episode, she shares practical strategies like her 30-day decluttering challenge (start with one item on day one, two items on day two, and so on until you've cleared over 450 items in a month) and offers wisdom about why we hold onto things that no longer serve us. Whether you're drowning in physical stuff, digital overwhelm, or limiting beliefs about money and worth, Melanie's insights will help you create space for what truly matters.Join the ChallengeReady to create more space in your life? Join Melanie and me in the 30-Day Declutter Challenge, starting November 1! Join our private Facebook group to learn more.5 Key Uplifting Lessons:Start ridiculously small - Whether decluttering your space or your mind, begin with manageable goals that build confidence over timeYour worth isn't tied to your productivity - Success doesn't require working yourself to exhaustionBreaking generational patterns requires examining inherited beliefs about money, success, and worthPerfectionism can paradoxically lead to paralysis - sometimes good enough is perfectLiving your values means having the courage to do business your wayDiscover More about Melanie and her workhttps://melaniecohen.podia.com https://www.facebook.com/MelanieThoughtFullyCoachingLissCohen https://www.instagram.com/thoughtfully_coaching/ https://www.youtube.com/@MelanieCohen-TFCoach2023 https://www.tiktok.com/@thoughtfullycoaching?lang=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-cohen-bb56107/What do you think?Please click here to complete our listener survey. It’ll take less than 2 minutes and it will make a big difference! The Uplifters’ Web This week’s opening is by the wonderful Kate Tellers, from episode 59 of this podcast. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

It’s pretty scary to put yourself out there in a world that can feel really divided, but Lovisa Brown, the Executive Director of Extreme Kids and Crew, is proving that we find our way back to one another not through layering on our protective masks, but by taking them off. A nod or smile acknowledges our shared humanity, moments of honesty when we admit that we don’t know all the answers help others feel braver doing the same, and creating spaces for differences to take the lead ensures that we break through the limits of our own experience. Lovisa and her team spend their days looking for ways to create these connections for neurodivergent children and their families, but it’s also the way Lovisa lives and leads in every area of her life.In this inspiring episode, Lovisa shares her journey of creating environments where vulnerability is celebrated, differences are embraced, and every individual is seen for their unique superpowers. From fostering inclusivity in public spaces to championing transparency in leadership, Lovisa's approach reminds us of the power of human connection and the importance of acknowledging our shared humanity.5 Key Uplifting Lessons:Create brave spaces, not just safe ones: Encourage vulnerability and open communication to foster genuine connections.Embrace transparency in leadership: Being honest about fears and uncertainties can create a more authentic and supportive work environment.Recognize diverse superpowers: Look beyond traditional notions of strength to appreciate the unique abilities in everyone.Seek commonalities across differences: Focus on shared interests and experiences to build bridges between diverse groups.Practice simple acts of acknowledgment: A simple "hello" can be a powerful tool in breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity.Discover More about Extreme Kids and Crewhttps://www.extremekidsandcrew.org/ https://www.facebook.com/extremekidsandcrew/ https://www.instagram.com/extreme_kids_and_crewWhat do you think?Please click here to complete our listener survey. It’ll take less than 2 minutes and it will make a big difference!This week’s opening is by my dear friend, Karen Poel.Let’s keep rising higher together.💓 AransasUplift With Us!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Every episode of this podcast is special, but this one is extra, extra special. Today I'm thrilled to introduce you to the wizard behind my own dreams coming true. As we close on our dream house (today!), I'm acutely aware this wouldn't be possible without our guest's expertise. While I understand human behavior, the stock market was Greek to me (the non-Greek in my marriage). Enter Veronica Karas: financial planner extraordinaire, who bridges the gap between mindsets and markets. Veronica has guided us from goal-setting to dream-achieving. Now she's here to empower you and change how you think about money.As a refugee immigrant from Belarus, she arrived in America at a young age with her family, each carrying just two suitcases and $40. Witnessing her grandfather fall victim to predatory financial practices ignited a passion in Veronica to help others navigate the complex world of finance.With a unique blend of financial expertise and coaching skills, Veronica has made it her mission to demystify money matters and help people create abundance in their lives. She believes that money is not evil but rather a tool that creates options and freedom. Through her work as a certified financial planner and her books on financial literacy, Veronica is changing lives one budget at a time.Veronica takes a holistic approach to financial wellbeing. She understands that money is deeply intertwined with our psychology, our relationships, and our overall life satisfaction. Her advice goes beyond numbers, encouraging people to align their finances with their values and create a life that makes their hearts smile.Money just creates options. If you're in a perpetual debt cycle, your only option is to pay it off or go bankrupt. If you start saving, you open additional windows of opportunity for yourself. 5 Uplifting Lessons from Veronica1. It's never too late to start taking control of your finances. Better late than never!2. Money is a tool that can create more choices in your life. Use it wisely to open doors of opportunity.3. Self-care and financial wellbeing are interconnected. Take care of both for a more balanced life.4. Align your spending with your values and priorities. Your budget is a reflection of what matters most to you.5. Financial literacy is empowering. The more you understand about money, the more freedom you'll have to create the life you want.About VeronicaVeronica Karas is a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional and Principal for CAPTRUST, a leading independent investment research and fee-based advisory firm. With over a decade of experience, Veronica is known for her holistic approach to financial planning, which includes investment management, retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, and risk management.Veronica's financial planning services are personalized to each client's unique goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their financial goals and create a lasting legacy. Veronica is the author of the ‘Money Matters’ series of books and a regular speaker on financial planning topics. She has been featured in Forbes, CNBC, Bloomberg, and recognized as one of the top financial planners in the United States.In addition to her financial planning designation she has also obtained the following additional specialized certifications:1) Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA)2) Elder Planning Specialist3) Certified Financial Counselor4) Master of Business Administration (MBA)5) Level 1 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)6) Certified Charitable Giving Specialist7) Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA)In progress: Master’s of Science in Taxation... Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

What were you doing at 26? I was just barely figuring out how to adult. But, Taylor Scott is revolutionizing food access in Richmond, Virginia. What started as a simple desire to share excess tomatoes from her hydroponic garden has blossomed into RVA Community Fridges, a network of 14 community fridges serving food apartheid communities. Taylor's infectious enthusiasm and "delusionally optimistic" outlook have transformed the way her community thinks about food security, proving that sometimes the biggest changes start with the smallest seeds.In this episode, Taylor shares the whirlwind journey of RVA Community Fridges, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a vital community resource, as well as practical insights for turning the spark of an idea into a movement. Taylor’s story is a powerful reminder that with creativity, determination, and a little bit of "delusional optimism," we all have the power to make a significant impact in our communities.5 key uplifting lessons:1. Small acts of generosity can spark significant change in communities.2. Success can be measured in small, daily victories rather than grand end results.3. Addressing systemic issues like food apartheid requires creative, community-driven solutions.4. Embracing "delusional optimism" can help overcome initial doubts and fears.5. Community involvement and feedback are crucial for sustainable, impactful projects.Please Lift Up The UpliftersPlease click here to complete our listener survey. It’ll take less than 2 minutes and it will make a big difference! The Uplifters’ Web Taylor was nominated by Caroline Scruggs.This week’s opening is by the amazing Julie B. HughesUplift With Us!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Kerry Brodie is impatient. When she saw a problem and realized the existing solutions could take years or decades to create change, she created a whole new system: one that would have immediate and lasting impact for generations. As the founder of Emma's Torch, she's created a launchpad for refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking. Through culinary education, ESL classes, and job placement assistance, Emma’s Torch is helping America's newest arrivals chart their own course to success. In this episode, Kerry shares how she went from from DC politics to nonprofit founder. She dishes on the challenges of balancing work and family life, and serves up some food for thought on what it truly means to lead authentically. Kerry's story is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful question we can ask ourselves is "whose permission are you waiting for?"Instead of “Why me?” I ask, “Why not me? What barrier is in front of me that's making this impossible? Who is the gatekeeper whose opinion matters more than my conviction? Whose opinion or rules matter more than the needs of this moment?”5 Key Uplifting Lessons:Don't wait for permission - ask yourself "why not me?"Break big problems down into smaller, manageable steps.Approach challenges with curiosity rather than fear.Success is about empowering others to pursue their own goals.Being a leader means empowering others, not martyring yourself.Please Lift Up The UpliftersPlease click here to complete our listener survey. It’ll take less than 2 minutes and it will make a big difference! Now, let’s get on to this week’s inspiring story!We’ve been nominated for a Women in Podcasting Award! It would mean so much if you’d vote for The Uplifters in the motivation and inspiration category. It takes just a few seconds. Voting closes in just one week, so if you’ve been waiting to vote, now’s the time.VoteThe Uplifters’ Web Kerry was nominated by Sandy Samberg. Check out her wonderful story on The Uplifters episode 60.This week’s opening is by the amazing Janelle Hill. Here her story on The Uplifters episode 56.Let’s keep rising higher together. 💓 Aransas Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

It can seem almost impossible to escape homelessness, but with the support of her community, LaKeshia Hodge broke a generational cycle. Now, she’s dedicating her life to helping others do the same. Her journey is a testament to the power of community and the ripple effect of love. As co-founder of the Struggle of Love Foundation, Lucky LaKeshia has spent over two decades uplifting her Denver community. In this conversation, LaKeshia shares how she went from surviving to thriving and how she's teaching at-risk youth to do the same through goal-setting, self-love, and community support.Get ready to be inspired as LaKeshia takes us on a journey from her humble beginnings to leading an organization that touches countless lives. You'll learn about her innovative approach to youth mentoring, her struggles with self-care (we can all relate!), and simple shifts you can make to boost your sense of hope. LaKeshia's infectious energy and unwavering commitment to her community will leave you feeling uplifted and ready to make a difference in your own corner of the world.5 Key Uplifting Lessons:Start with self-love: What’s your Affirmation Name?Set a vision: It’s impossible to break a cycle when we don’t know where we are going. Acknowledging where you want to be in 5 years can change literally everything. Embrace your struggles: They can become your strength and purpose.Create a supportive community: A rising tide lifts all boats.Practice self-care: The smallest daily habits can make a big difference, especially if they mean you get a break.“Surround yourself with positivity, lean on your community for support, and always believe in your own resilience.”Please Lift Up The UpliftersPlease click here to complete our listener survey. It’ll take less than 2 minutes and it will make a big difference! Now, let’s get on to this week’s inspiring story!We’ve been nominated for a Women in Podcasting Award! It would mean so much if you’d vote for The Uplifters in the motivation and inspiration category. It takes just a second and you only need to vote once, so I promise it won’t become one of those “stop what you’re doing and vote 1,000 times” things.VoteThe Uplifters’ Web LaKeshia was nominated by Caring Cydni Richardson who makes The Uplifters possible through her brilliant administrative support.This week’s opening is by Hopeful Hilary WeissmanLet’s keep rising higher together. And pleaseeeee tell me your affirmation names, friends!💓Authentic AransasUplift With Us!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

When you think of powerhouse executives in the marketing world, you might imagine sharp suits and even sharper elbows. But Gail Tifford shatters those stereotypes, proving that true leadership comes from authenticity, vulnerability, and a deep sense of purpose.In this episode, Gail takes us on a journey from her early days at Unilever to her transformative roles at Weight Watchers and beyond. She shares how personal tragedy shaped her approach to life and leadership and why she believes that honesty is the ultimate superpower in the boardroom and beyond.Gail's story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to lifting others as she climbs. From creating Unilever's first female business resource group to co-founding the #SeeHer initiative with Patty Kerr and Uplifters Podcast guest Shelley Zalis, she's been a tireless advocate for women in the workplace and media representation.But what truly sets Gail apart is her willingness to be human first and executive second. Her candid reflections on work-life balance, facing loss, and the power of gratitude will inspire you to approach your own challenges with renewed courage and compassion."It's okay to choose your family over your career."5 Key Uplifting Lessons:1. Embrace vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness.2. Let your personal purpose guide your professional decisions.3. When you see a problem, Gail-vanize a solution.4. You can choose gratitude over victimhood, even in the face of loss.5. Use your position of influence to create positive change for others.Get to Know GailGlobal marketing executive Gail Tifford is a partner in True Search’s Consumer practice. As chief brand officer of WW International (formerly Weight Watchers) from 2018 through October 2021, Gail led a strategic brand shift and platform evolution from weight loss to holistic wellness. At WW, she oversaw global strategy for marketing, content, creative, eCommerce, customer intelligence and consumer products. Prior to joining WW, Gail was vice president of media North America and global digital innovation for Unilever and a member of the Unilever global media leadership team. Before joining Unilever, she was vice president of strategic partnerships at Viacom, where she developed multi-platform media and marketing programs for the MTV and VH1 brands. Prior to joining WW, Gail was vice president of media North America and global digital innovation for Unilever and a member of the Unilever global media leadership team. Before joining Unilever, she was vice president of strategic partnerships at Viacom, where she developed multi-platform media and marketing programs for the MTV and VH1 brands. Gail is co-founder of #SeeHer, an advertising advocacy group for women, and is currently the co-chair of AdWeek’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion council (DEI). She is a board member of Fossil Group, Open Farm and Daily Harvest, and an advisor to the Child Mind Institute.The Uplifters’ Web Gail was nominated by Julie Fleischer This week’s opening is by Heather GarciaLet’s keep rising higher together.The Uplifters website Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

As a mother of four, including a child with a disability, Alma Schneider has experienced her fair share of challenges. Yet, rather than letting those trials weigh her down, she's learned to lean into her passions, set healthy boundaries, and uplift those around her. Alma describes herself as a "recovering 'I'm supposed to do everything' person". Ummmm…. I can relate. How about you? Through therapy and self-reflection, she's come to realize that the resentment she once felt stemmed from crossing her own boundaries and trying to live up to societal expectations of what a "good" mother, wife, and friend should be. Now, Alma embraces her authentic, enthusiastic self, whether that means connecting people who can help each other, indulging in an ice cream cone in the middle of the day, or traveling to Paisley Park on a whim. As she says, "This is who I am. And there's nothing wrong with that.""Resentment comes from crossing your own boundaries. Nobody's forcing me to do anything. But when I put myself in a position to do things just because I think I‘m supposed to do them, it causes resentment. Taking that out of the equation really makes a difference and allows me to engage better with my family."5 Uplifting Lessons from Alma Schneider:1. Honor your boundaries and say "no" without apology. Your time and energy are precious.2. Embrace your multifaceted interests and passions - they all contribute to your wholeness.3. Find joy in the in-between moments, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.4. Authenticity is energizing. Don't be afraid to show up as your enthusiastic, quirky self.5. Build a supportive community that lifts you up, not one that makes you question your intentions.Keep up with AlmaNonprofit: http://www.1in6support.orgPodcast: http://www.2momsnofluff.comConsulting: http:///www.1in6consulting.comThe Uplifters’ WebAlma was nominated by Jackie WolfThis week’s opening is by Gina Hamadey from episode 10www.theuplifterspodcast.com Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode, you’ll meet Alison Mariella Désir. Author, TV host, community organizer, activist, and running enthusiast - Alison wears many hats, all in service of creating more inclusive spaces in the world of athletics and beyond. From founding Harlem Run to championing diversity in the running industry, Alison's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and going the distance to make meaningful change.Alison gives us a rundown on some of the key moments of her journey from discovering running as an antidote to depression to starting Harlem Run Club to organizing a 250-mile relay to Washington D.C. for women's rights. She shares her insights on building intentional communities, the importance of representation in sports, and how running can be a powerful tool for social change. 5 uplifting lessons from Alison:1. Embrace your multifaceted self - your diverse interests and skills can come together to create something unique and impactful.2. Show up consistently for your dreams, even when it feels like no one else is watching.3. Be open to feedback and believe in others' lived experiences, even if you don't fully understand them.4. Surround yourself with diverse perspectives to challenge your own thinking and create more inclusive spaces.5. Use your accomplishments as proof that you're capable of more than you think!Keep up with Alison on instagram @alisonmdesir The Uplifters website Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

When Susan R. Pryde was diagnosed with stage 4 cirrhosis of the liver, she could have been forgiven for retreating in fear. Instead, she dove headfirst into reclaiming her health and her joy - and the results have been nothing short of extraordinary. Sue's story is one of triumph over adversity, of finding purpose and possibility in the midst of crisis. Facing down a dire prognosis, she embarked on a radical transformation, shedding extra weight, overhauling her diet, and reconnecting with the hobbies and passions that nourished her soul. But the real magic happened when Sue began to peel back the layers, to uncover the deeper emotional wounds that had driven her unhealthy coping mechanisms for decades.Through vulnerability, self-discovery, and an unwavering commitment to her own healing, Sue not only reversed the course of her liver disease, but she emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her book, "Reversing Cirrhosis: How Liver Disease Helped Me Restore My Health, Find My Voice and Learn to Live My Very Best Life," has become a manual for others navigating liver challenges, while her work as a mentor and advocate is changing lives.On the day I met Sue, I learned that our beloved uncle, John Marinake, a consummate Uplifter, who spent his last years dedicated to his own radical self-care and healing and in service to others, was diagnosed with advanced liver disease. Unlike Sue, he didn't recover, and recently died as a result of this terrible disease. He was one of the first and most ardent supporters of this podcast, and so it is an honor to dedicate this episode to him with gratitude not just for his loving support of this mission, but for all of his good work in the world. To honor his legacy, please join me in donating to this cause which he held dear. John was a beloved and dedicated volunteer with the HERO team at Metro Nashville Public Schools. His efforts helped to ensure that students in unstable housing had access to school supplies, basic necessities, and - the work closest to his heart - new school shoes! John brought joy to all who were lucky enough to work alongside him and helped more than 6,000 students find the perfect pair of shoes. He will be missed deeply. The news story linked here put a beautiful spotlight on John and his motivation to serve students. The family has recieved $4,100 so far in his honor and is hoping to reach their $5000 goal today to help these students start the school year feeling their best. Any amount helps!Sue and John’s journeys are testaments to the power of the human spirit - to face our fears and to find the courage to become the truest versions of ourselves. In Sue’s words, "I didn't expect all of this, never in a million years." But, here she is now, living her best life and teaching others how to live theirs.Five Uplifting Lessons from Sue Pryde:1. Embrace your fears - facing them head-on can lead to profound transformation.2. Listen to the wisdom of your body and let it guide you on your healing journey. 3. Nourish your whole self - body, mind, and spirit - for lasting... Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Meet Cher Hale, an inspiring force of nature who's rewriting the rules of public relations and her own life story. As the founder of Ginkgo PR, Cher is on a mission to create a more equitable media landscape by amplifying the voices of underrepresented authors and entrepreneurs. But her journey to this purpose wasn't a straight line - it was a winding path of self-discovery, loss, and ultimately, courage.In this intimate conversation, Cher opens up about the transformative power of grief, the importance of reclaiming our narratives, and the unexpected ways our dreams can evolve. Apologies in advance if you find yourself wanting to turn your life upside down and go all-in on your dreams after you listen to Cher’s insights on raising "courage capital," creating boundaries that serve our highest good, and redefining pleasure in pursuit of our true wellbeing. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, an aspiring writer, or simply someone seeking to live a more authentic life, Cher's wisdom will leave you feeling uplifted and ready to take on your own journey of self-discovery.5 Key Uplifting Lessons:1. Embrace the messy first draft - in your work and in life.2. Invest in your dreams, literally and figuratively.3. Redefine pleasure to align with your true purpose.4. Use the inevitability of death as a compass for living fully.5. Cultivate a support network that believes in your dreams.Ready to invest in your dreams? Join us for our first-ever Uplifters Retreat where we will go all-in together on designing and creating your next chapter!The Uplifters website Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Hey Uplifters,Dr. Marcia Morgan is a force of nature who has dedicated her life to giving women a voice in some of the toughest environments imaginable. From pioneering as one of the first female law enforcement officers in the 1970s to advocating for incarcerated women, Marcia has faced down challenges with grace, grit, and an unshakeable commitment to justice.In this episode, Marcia takes us on a journey through her remarkable career, sharing stories of breaking barriers in male-dominated fields and the vital importance of maintaining your sense of self while blazing trails. She opens up about her current chapter of life, exploring new passions and rediscovering the joy of curiosity and play.Marcia’s book, "GO: How to Get Going and Achieve Your Goals and Dreams at Any Age," distills her wisdom into practical advice for women of all ages. She emphasizes the power of mindfulness, self-reflection, and surrounding yourself with supportive people who uplift your dreams.This conversation is a reminder that it's never too late to go after what you want – and that the journey itself can be just as rewarding as the destination.5 Uplifting Lessons:1. Embrace mindfulness and regular self-reflection to stay connected to your goals and values.2. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your dreams and growth.3. It's never too late to pursue new passions or revisit childhood aspirations.4. Use visual reminders or "goal objects" to keep your dreams at the forefront of your mind.5. Maintain your authentic self even when pioneering in challenging environments.Listen to this and all of the inspiring Uplifter stories on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Need a break to battle your own burnout and reset? Join us for our first-ever Uplifters Retreat.Let’s keep rising higher together.💓AransasUplift!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Today you’ll meet Daisy Auger-Dominguez. Born in New York City but raised in the Dominican Republic, Daisy's journey took her from feeling like an outsider in American high school to becoming a trailblazer in workplace diversity and inclusion. With stints at powerhouse companies like Moody's, Google, and Disney under her belt, Daisy now shares her hard-won wisdom on creating more inclusive workplaces and finding balance in our work lives. "Reshaping systems is relentless, complex, and often fraught with setbacks, skepticism and resistance to change. In these moments, we must carve out for ourselves spaces to pause, reflect, recharge, and reset. To sustain the revolutionary work of building workplaces that work for everyone, you must stay strong and inspired yourself!" In this episode, Daisy opens up about the challenges of straddling multiple cultures, the weight of being a spokesperson for diversity initiatives, and the importance of self-care in the face of burnout. With warmth, humor, and refreshing candor, Daisy offers insights into everything from the art of using mantras to the value of asking for help. Her journey reminds us that even as we work to uplift others, we must also take care of ourselves.How Daisy Takes Care of Her WellbeingI've learned to listen to where I feel flow and joy, my highest and best use, rather than contorting myself into versions other people want of me. I also prioritize restorative practices like sleep, rest, breathwork, exercise and nurturing relationships with my family, friends and community.5 Key Uplifting Lessons:1. Embrace your unique perspective - your diverse experiences are your superpower.2. Don't be afraid to ask for help - even CEOs have coaches!3. Lead with integrity - it's the foundation of trust and respect.4. Practice self-forgiveness - we're all imperfect humans doing our best.5. Remember your purpose - it will guide you through the toughest challenges.Thanks to Susie Jaramillo for nominating Daisy and to Dara Astmann for our opening message this week! Listen to this and all of the inspiring Uplifter stories on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Need a break to battle your own burnout and reset? Join us for our first-ever Uplifters Retreat.Let’s keep rising higher together.💓AransasUplift!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Hey Uplifters,May I ask for your help with something, right quick? I super love The Uplifters Podcast and all of the amazing stories we’ve featured. I want to make it even better for you, though - so I need your help! I've created a quick survey to understand what you love and what you'd like to hear more about. Please click here to help shape the future of The Uplifters Podcast.In this week's episode, you’ll meet Lauren Roerick, a trailblazing adventurer who's redefining what it means to take a walk in the woods. As the first North American woman to hike the 3,000-kilometer Hexatrek across France, Lauren has spent months at a time immersed in nature, pushing her limits, and learning profound life lessons along the way.Lauren takes us on a journey through her unexpected transition from casual day hiker to a trailblazing long-distance backpacker. With warmth and humor, she shares how she tackled the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) as her first major hike, only to have her plans derailed by the pandemic… and then again by wildfires. But true to her adventurous spirit, Lauren didn't let that stop her - she pivoted to new trails and new challenges, always finding a way to keep moving forward.Lauren's stories of perseverance, adaptability, and self-discovery will inspire you to push your own boundaries and embrace the unexpected twists in your path. She offers invaluable insights on listening to your intuition, finding joy in difficult moments, and the importance of rest in any endurance pursuit - whether you're hiking across a continent or tackling a big life goal.5 Key Uplifting Lessons:1. Embrace the journey, not just the destination - sometimes the unexpected detours lead to the most beautiful experiences.2. Listen to your intuition and don't be afraid to change course when something no longer serves you.3. Find joy in the moment, even during challenging times - it's a choice that can transform your experience.4. Rest and self-care are crucial parts of any endurance pursuit, whether in nature or in life.5. Solitude can be a powerful tool for connecting with yourself and strengthening your inner voice.Keep up with Lauren on Instagram: @laurenroerick and YouTube: @laurenroerick Thanks to Jill Greenwood for nominating Lauren and to Christina Testut for our opening message this week. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

In this week's episode, you’ll meet Eliza Factor, an artist and author whose life took an unexpected turn when her first child, Felix, was born with significant disabilities. What began as a challenging and often isolating experience blossomed into a beautiful journey of discovery, innovation, and community-building.Eliza's story begins in 2003 when she contracted chicken pox during pregnancy. While she recovered, the illness profoundly affected her unborn son. Felix entered the world unable to move independently or communicate through traditional language. Rather than seeing limitations, Eliza saw an opportunity to reimagine how we connect, communicate, and create inclusive spaces.Driven by a desire to build community for families like hers, Eliza founded Extreme Kids and Crew, a program for children with disabilities that welcomed entire families. This initiative grew from her realization that parents of children with disabilities often neglect their own needs while focusing intensely on their children's care.As Felix approached adulthood, Eliza confronted a new challenge: the lack of meaningful work opportunities for adults with disabilities. Her solution? Lonely Worm Farm, an innovative agricultural project designed with inclusion at its core. Picture wheelchair-accessible paths lined with berry bushes and waist-high planters, allowing individuals of all abilities to participate in the joys of farming and harvesting.Through her journey, Eliza discovered a new language of connection beyond words, learning to communicate with Felix through body language, energy, and presence. This profound shift in perspective not only deepened her bond with her son but also influenced her art, allowing her to capture the essence of human experience in richer, more nuanced ways.5 Uplifting Lessons from Eliza's Story:1. Embrace the unexpected: Life's challenges can lead to beautiful innovations and personal growth.2. Create what's missing: If you can't find the community or resources you need, take the initiative to build them yourself.3. Redefine communication: There are many ways to connect beyond words; presence and energy speak volumes.4. Trust your instincts: Sometimes the best ideas come from following your intuition and personal experiences.5. Share your vision: Don't be afraid to involve others in your dreams; collaboration can turn small ideas into powerful movements.Eliza's story reminds us that uplifting happens not just from overcoming obstacles, but from rebuilding our spaces to be more inclusive and connective. What do you wish existed in the world? Maybe it’s just waiting for you to create it. Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

When I was 46 years old, my young husband died suddenly from a heart attack. He died in my arms, and I couldn't save him. This tragedy put my life on a different trajectory...one that could've spelled disaster for my own life for years to come. I wanted to cry in a corner, being catatonic and not interacting with the world. Actually, I did for several months after his passing. I had a business to run - being self-employed, with two teenagers to raise, a home to take care of, and, ultimately, I realized, a life of my own to live. I chose not to die along with my late spouse...but rather to live life passionately and with purpose to honor him, and to model for my children how to live. Sometimes, in the early grief, the only thing I had to be grateful for was the day itself - just waking up. But, with courage and support from friends and family, I kept going, not gracefully at first - with many mistakes along the way. When Holly St. John Peck lost her husband suddenly, her world shattered. She chose to honor her late husband by living life to the fullest - and boy, has she ever! Now 60 years old, Holly is a kite-surfing, mountain-biking, scuba-diving force of nature who inspires others to find joy through play and adventure.In this energizing episode, Holly shares her journey from devastating loss to rediscovering love, passion, and purpose. She opens up about the challenges of dating as a widow, finding a new partner who encourages her playful side, and taking up extreme sports in her 50s. Holly's infectious enthusiasm for life and down-to-earth wisdom will leave you ready to tackle your own challenges and pursue new adventures.5 Uplifting Lessons from HollyHelp others to heal yourself - channeling grief into service can be transformative.Rediscover play - try new things and approach life like a fun game to boost your mood. Show up authentically - vulnerability and being yourself attracts genuine connections.Take things in "teeny tiny doable chunks" - small steps lead to big changes.Schedule self-care and play time - prioritize filling your own cup to have more to give others.Whether you're facing loss, seeking more joy, or just need a dose of inspiration, Holly's story will lift you up and remind you that it's never too late to live life to the fullest!www.theuplifterspodcast.com Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe