What’s the secret to lasting friendships? How does queer community show up through the ebbs and flows of life? And what’s the REAL story behind the “YMCA” song? In the first episode of Silver Linings, The Old Gays dive into an essential part of queer life: chosen family. They discuss the vital love, support, and sense of belonging that community provides, especially during life's toughest moments. They open up about what “queer” means to them, how chosen family has impacted their lives, and how to maintain close bonds over time–including their love for each other! “We’ve come a long way, baby.” Family isn’t just what you’re born with; it’s the people who show up, shape you, and stick around. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
I point out my student’s strengths so that they can start believing in themselves. Every child has a craving to learn. They are just like little sponges. -Jen Dugan Agne When you think back to your education, was there one teacher who saw your talents before you did? Meet my longtime friend Jen Dugan Agne. A 5th-grade teacher at the Marie Hastings School in Lexington, Massachusetts, she LOVES what she does. In fact, she’s been the kind of teacher students never forget for 38 years. Says Jen: “My heart is full every day. I tell them all the time, who else would I want to hang out with but these honest little souls?” The youngest of three girls, Jen was raised in the town where she teaches and recalls being very shy as a child. It was her 4th-grade physical education teacher who saw something in her that she didn’t see in herself. The result was a lifelong love of sports and a commitment to be a school teacher someday. A graduate of Boston University with a BS and a Masters degree in Elementary Education, Jen set out for San Bernadino, California, where she taught 35 first graders for a year in a community where migrant workers and their families come and go throughout the school year, creating gaps in learning, making education very difficult for students. Back in Boston, she noticed an ad for a company called On Location Education and was hired as the tutor on the set of the movie Mermaids, starring Cher, Winona Ryder, and Christina Ritchie. From there, she joined the national tour of Les Miserables, where she ran her classroom like a one-room schoolhouse for the four children in the cast. All of these experiences have nurtured Jen’s goal of being the best teacher a child could ever ask for. When the school year begins, she explains: “We are a family, and we have each other’s backs, both in the classroom and outside of the classroom. We respect each other.” The proud mother of two, Jen is a two-time heart attack survivor who believes that life is short and “time is of the essence. If you have something to say, say it because you might not have that chance again.” For 23 minutes of pure teacher magic, just hit that download button! #teacher #gratitude #heartattack #inspiration #thanksgiving
I point out my student’s strengths so that they can start believing in themselves. Every child has a craving to learn. They are just like little sponges. -Jen Dugan Agne When you think back to your education, was there one teacher who saw your talents before you did? Meet my longtime friend Jen Dugan Agne. A 5th-grade teacher at the Marie Hastings School in Lexington, Massachusetts, she LOVES what she does. In fact, she’s been the kind of teacher students never forget for 38 years. Says Jen: “My heart is full every day. I tell them all the time, who else would I want to hang out with but these honest little souls?” The youngest of three girls, Jen was raised in the town where she teaches and recalls being very shy as a child. It was her 4th-grade physical education teacher who saw something in her that she didn’t see in herself. The result was a lifelong love of sports and a commitment to be a school teacher someday. A graduate of Boston University with a BS and a Masters degree in Elementary Education, Jen set out for San Bernadino, California, where she taught 35 first graders for a year in a community where migrant workers and their families come and go throughout the school year, creating gaps in learning, making education very difficult for students. Back in Boston, she noticed an ad for a company called On Location Education and was hired as the tutor on the set of the movie Mermaids, starring Cher, Winona Ryder, and Christina Ritchie. From there, she joined the national tour of Les Miserables, where she ran her classroom like a one-room schoolhouse for the four children in the cast. All of these experiences have nurtured Jen’s goal of being the best teacher a child could ever ask for. When the school year begins, she explains: “We are a family, and we have each other’s backs, both in the classroom and outside of the classroom. We respect each other.” The proud mother of two, Jen is a two-time heart attack survivor who believes that life is short and “time is of the essence. If you have something to say, say it because you might not have that chance again.” For 23 minutes of pure teacher magic, just hit that download button! #teacher #gratitude #heartattack #inspiration #thanksgiving
We all have “favorite places”, and for this week’s guest, it is the island of Nantucket. Julie Gerstenblatt has been spending her summers there since she was just a child. Accessible by air or by ferry, Nantucket is located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. Steeped in history, Nantucket was once the whaling capital of the world, and even today, it seems frozen in time. Rooted in the story of the Great Fire of 1846, Julie’s historical novel required years of research. Focused on three complex, strong, and determined female characters, Daughters of Nantucket explores the lonely lives of whaling wives, the secrecy of sexuality, and race relations on an island influenced by Quaker values. A lifelong writer and the proud mother of two grown children, Julie holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Teachers College, Columbia University. In this interview, she shares the struggles writers often experience. Says Julie: “You write in silence and in secrecy, but you have to share it at some point with people, and you hope it does well, but there is so much rejection.” Always inspired to write books that teach AND entertain, Julie has another historical novel scheduled for release in 2026. She’s also ready to share her wisdom about what success really means. “Success is balance and fulfillment on a deeper level. It’s not about the material things and the “having,” it’s about being content in the “being.” Ready for a little inspiration? Go ahead and hit that download button. #nantucket #writer #historicalnovel…
Success isn’t grades, money, or status. It’s fulfillment, joy, and kindness that come together to allow you to live your best life . – Colleen Esposito Welcome back to part 2 of my interview with my daughter, Colleen Esposito, co-author of Nelson’s Garden and our follow-up children’s book, Nelson’s Garden & the Free Little Flower Stand. It’s been a joy to ask my daughter the same kinds of questions I ask every woman who is a guest on the show and to hear her wise, thoughtful, and sometimes sassy answers. After all, Colleen is the “Queen of Sass”, a nickname given to her decades ago by her Godmother, who recognized her chutzpah early on. Colleen is the kind of person who figures out how to make the best of any situation, evidenced by her determination to become the family cook at 10 when she made her first Thanksgiving meal. In this interview, we extend our gratitude to the village that raised Colleen and her brother, Christopher, as well as her grandfather, fondly known as “Bapa,” who stepped in to take care of them every day after school. In this interview, Colleen shares what happened to her at 20 when she fell asleep at the wheel and almost died. “I had a moment of being unsure if I was dead or alive, or in this weird in-between place where I could see myself, I could see the car, but I was away from it, watching it all.” From stories about what it was like to sleep on the newsroom floor when I started my career in major market radio, to finding true love and becoming the mother of two precious daughters herself, this interview is a tribute to the enduring power of the mother-daughter connection. #daughter #family #childrensbookauthor #gardening…
Getting a book published is not for the faint of heart. It’s kind of heartbreaking because you have this book you’ve poured your heart and soul into, and you’re hoping readers will love it, too. -Colleen Esposito I’ve wanted to introduce my daughter, Colleen, to you for the longest time, and here she is! Recorded from the window seat in her home just outside of Boston, part 1 of this interview focuses on the process of writing our illustrated children’s book series, Nelson’s Garden www.nelsonsgarden.com . Colleen and I met Nelson McNutt when she was growing up. He lived in a falling-down farmhouse in Weston, Massachusetts, and we’d see him working in his garden every morning on our way to summer camp. One morning, Colleen asked if we could pull over and say hello. Nelson tipped his hat and said, “Top of the morning to you.” Colleen recalls, “You and I had this telepathy idea swap and said to ourselves: That sounds like a storybook character!” Years passed, and we filed this experience away, only to recall it decades later. Co-authoring a series about a garden has inspired Colleen to become a gardener herself. This year, she and her husband Ben have expanded their backyard garden to include 10 raised beds, a fence to keep the critters out, and veggies and flowers in every color of the rainbow. Quite an accomplishment for a girl who had no interest in this kind of “get your hands dirty” work when she was growing up! These days, she’s surrounding herself with research that shows flowers make you feel good, and the microbes in the soil keep your body healthy. Fascinating, right? The journey toward motherhood was not without its challenges, and in this interview, Colleen speaks candidly about the two-year road toward conceiving her first child, Elizabeth Ray, whose nickname is Belle. A PR pro at a top 5 advertising agency in Boston, Colleen is a lifelong reader with a unique writing style of her own. “I write how I talk, says Colleen, and I didn’t realize until I was in college that my style was okay. One of my college professors told me it’s very honest, refreshing, and easy to understand. When you are given permission from someone you respect, it’s very freeing.” In this interview, she shares the joy the series brings to Belle and Rosie, who join Nelson as the stars of our series. “Lastsummer, we were drowning in flowers, and the girls and I started snipping them and putting them in jars by the side of the road.” This act of kindness inspired book two in our series: Nelson’s Garden & the Free Little Flower Stand, scheduled for release in September 2025. Says Colleen: “This idea of giving away something that makes people happy is a real cool gift.” #writer #childrensbooks #kindness #flowers #veggies…
They always say, you can’t choose your sister, but I would choose mine . – Linda Wong Chu If you are ever visiting the Boston area and you need a hot tip for the best Chinese food around, the family-owned Kowloon is the place to go! We’re on the road to Saugus, Massachusetts, for this episode, and you better believe there will be a takeout bag of Kowloon delishiousness beside me in the passenger seat! Purchased by William & Madeline Wong in 1958, the Kowloon was first named the Mandarin and was owned by Madeline’s parents. The restaurant was small with seating for about 40 customers, but the Wongs had big ideas and their vision would catapult the Kowloon to legendary status with 1200 seats, five themed rooms, and the distinction of being one of the premier multi-concept dining establishments in the United States. What’s it like to grow up in the hard-working Wong family? Former school teacher Linda Wong is the eldest of the six children, and in this interview, she and her little sister Lisa who manages the Maui Restaurant in Brockton, Massachusetts sit down in the restaurant that shaped them to share not only the success story of their grandparents and parents, but the ingredients that make up the perfect formula for achievement: Says Lisa: “I used to believe that success meant work, work, work, work, work. Now, I know that you have to have a really happy family life to be successful.“ #chineserestaurant #entrepreneur #sisters #asianculture #family…
A good outfit can make you feel confident. Uncommon Threads is a non-profit that boosts the self-esteem of low-income women through the power of clothes. We focus on dignity and respect. -Susan Kanoff Meet Susan Kanoff, style blogger, influencer, and Founder of uncommonthreads.org . A life-long fashionista with a heart of gold, she has spent her career helping women feel better about themselves with an innovative “outside-in, inside-out” approach. For 25 years, Susan ran a self-sufficiency program funded by HUD and designed to move people out of poverty. Along the way, she started blogging about her passion for clothes and became the style editor for a magazine, gathering high-profile women in media who sought her styling advice. Many of her clients had high-end clothes to donate, and it wasn’t long before Susan’s office started looking like a boutique. In 2016, Uncommon Threads was born, and low-income, single moms became the grateful beneficiaries of beautiful clothing that, in turn, boosted their self-esteem. The mission of Uncommon Threads is simple: to boost women’s self-esteem through the power of clothes. Originally housed in a 400-square-foot room at an old mill in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the non-profit has spread its wings in the same mill, helping 15,000 women so far. Women ages 18- 65+ receive an appointment and are treated to their own personal wardrobe stylist. Susan has also created Uncommon Closet, a social enterprise where donated designer clothing is sold to benefit Uncommon Threads. It’s a “shop to give” philosophy that’s win-win for everyone. Says Susan: “There’s something very special about women helping women. We have a sisterhood, a connection. Watching a client transform, right there in the mirror, is magical!” For 23 minutes of shop ‘til you drop inspiration, just hit that download button! @TheMidlifeFashionista…
My daughter Dalia taught me about courage, sweetness, patience, and love. I am who I am because of her. We were meant to be together. -Jessica Fein Welcome to part two of my interview with Jessica Fein, author of Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams and Broken Genes. Jess and her husband, Rob, adopted three children from Guatemala. When their daughter, Dalia, began exhibiting balance issues and speech delays, genetic testing revealed a devastating diagnosis of MERRF Syndrome, a degenerative disease that affects the mitochondria and has no cure. In this interview, Jess shares what life was like for her family, and the story is equal parts love and fear of the future. From age 9 to her death at 17, Dalia was an “eyes on patient,” which meant that either a parent or a specially trained medical professional had to have eyes on her 24/7. Dalia couldn’t swallow and required a tracheotomy, which meant she was also on a ventilator. She could not speak and was fed through a tube. Dalia couldn’t walk and required a wheelchair. As she got older and was completely bedridden, she lost her ability to move and couldn’t communicate at all, including pointing, nodding, or even mouthing words. At the core of this interview is Jessica’s powerful life philosophy that “joy and sorrow can hold hands.” Says Jess: “Dalia showed me that we can be going through what feels like a horror movie and laugh and create meaning and joy. We tried to have fun in any way we could, and she was leading that charge. She wanted to be a kid, and we were going to give that to her. We all learned that it’s okay to laugh, to smile, and to be happy. The joy we created became even more powerful because of the sorrow we had.” Hit that download button as fast as you can. Jessica’s story is overflowing with the power of love. www.jessicafeinstories.com #motherhood #rarediseases #resiliency #family.…
We spent five years trying to have a baby and then decided to make the switch from baby making to family making – Jessica Fein We’re back in my cozy living room for this episode of The Story Behind Her Success. I’m learning that when you’re sitting on a comfy couch with the fire going, the time you spend together feels more like a chat between friends and less like a formal interview. An author, marketing executive, and former opinion columnist for the Boston Globe, Jessica Fein’s book, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams and Broken Genes, will give you new reasons to believe in the resiliency of the human spirit. In Part One of this interview, Jessica tells the story of how she and her husband, Rob, spent five years trying to have a baby. When nothing worked, they turned to adoption, and were so overjoyed with their decision, they wondered why they hadn’t made it sooner. Over the next few years, the couple welcomed three beautiful babies into their home, all of whom were from Guatemala. It was baby heaven with Jonah, Dalia, and Theo for a while, until the little voice inside Jessica’s head got louder and louder. Call it a hunch, or mother’s intuition, but Jessica knew that something just wasn’t right with Dalia. As a toddler, she fell down a lot, and her speech was delayed. Repeated tests by early intervention experts showed that Dalia was on the lower end of normal, but as time went by, Jessica persisted. Finally, Dalia’s hearing was tested and showed moderate hearing loss. Now in kindergarten, Dalia had hearing aids, but continued falling down. Since she was adopted, doctors suggested that Dalia undergo genetic testing, and the result was devastating. Five-year-old Dalia was diagnosed with a degenerative, rare disease with no cure called MERFF, which impacts the ability of the body’s organs to function. MERFF is degenerative and has no cure. 2 children in 1 million will get this disease, and Dalia had yet another layer of the disease, making her 1 of only six known cases in the world. With this news, Jessica and her family began a journey filled with overwhelming fear, sorrow, and a belief that in life, we must find reasons to laugh in order to capture joy wherever we can. For a 21-minute story that will leave you breathless, just hit that download button. #rarediseases #motherhood #storytelling #adoption…
There were two flashes of white light at my feet, like quick fireworks, and then everything went black. My brain knew that my right leg was beyond repair. -Roseann Sdoia Materia April 15, 2013: That’s the day the bombs went off at the Boston Marathon finish line. This is the story of an innocent bystander who lost her right leg when the second bomb went off in front of the Forum Restaurant. Roseann Sdoia Materia’s life would be saved that day by three people who stepped into the smoke and mayhem to save her life: college student Shores Salter, Boston police officer Shana Cottone, and Boston firefighter Mike Matteria risked their lives to help her, and their story is told in Roseann’s memoir: Perfect Strangers: Friendship, Strength and Recovery After Boston’s Worst Day. Originally released as part of this series in 2018, the interview brings the listener into the events of that day, when brothers Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev unleashed a terror attack using homemade pressure cooker bombs planted near the Boston Marathon finish line, killing three people and injuring 264. Days later, the brothers would also kill MIT police officer Sean Collier. Treated by trauma surgeon Daniel King, MD at Mass General, Roseann explains how fortunate she was to have a doctor who had experienced treating soldiers wounded by IEDs during his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Beyond the details of what happened on that fateful day, Roseann’s story is a profile in courage as she struggled to accept the loss of her leg and a new reality as an amputee. Says Roseann, “Courage is getting up every day and facing the world. Some days you have it and some days, you don’t. “ The founder of robostrong.com, she is an in-demand public speaker, an advocate for amputees everywhere, and a supporter of the many charities that have been born out of the bombings. The friendships Roseann forged with those who rescued her remain strong. In fact, Roseann married firefighter Mike Materia! For 23 minutes of strength, courage, community, and the resiliency of the human spirit, just hit that download button. #bostonmarathonbombings #bostonmarathon #bostonstrong #massgeneralhospital#spauldingrehab…
We are on a mission to inspire and empower children and families to discover, imagine, and grow together. -ErinGallagher The living room edition of the series continues with an interview with Erin Gallagher, a young mother of three who teamed up with a friend and neighbor to create the Children’s Museum of Franklin. www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org . What started as a dream in the summer of 2023 has become a reality, with the grand opening scheduled for the summer of 2025. Consider this proof positive that if you want to get something done, give it to two busy moms! Housed in a former AGWAY home and garden space, the state-of-the-art children’s museum will be overflowing with exhibits to engage and inspire children of all ages. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Erin says she found her confidence and purpose rowing crew on the river near her childhood home and later as a member of the crew team at Boston College. A dedicated community leader, marketing and communications professional, and passionate advocate for children and families, Erin has combined her desire to create an inspiring space for children with her experiences in multiple industries, with the hope of connecting families throughout the region. In this interview, Erin shares her belief that having a vision is everything: “Your creativity and your ability to envision what something could be like can be so powerful, and it can take you so far.” For 23 minutes of empowerment, just hit that download button. #childrensmuseum #education #community…
Being a scientist is a way of looking at the world, and asking the question ‘why’ without your own pre-conceived notions. I’ve learned that it’s also a great way of doing business . -Julia Wrin Piper How do you go from scientist to CEO? Meet Julia Wrin Piper. She’s got degrees in Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, and Evolutionary Biology from UC/Berkeley, the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences, and Harvard University, and she’s using years of scientific training to forward the mission of Clover, a Boston-area fast casual chain specializing in local, seasonal sandwiches and bowls. www.cloverfoodlab.com . Clover’s mission is to significantly reduce carbon emissions through the creation of delicious, sustainably-sourced, plant-based fast food. Says Julia: “We take beautiful food that people are familiar with, and reinvent it with 100% locally sourced vegetarian ingredients. We want you to love your veggies so much, you dream about them.” Clover’s Cambridge-based culinary experts work directly with farmers in the region. Born and raised in California’s Bay Area, Julia’s mom is a virologist who was at the forefront of HIV research and continued to offer her scientific expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her father was a stay-at-home dad for many years before taking a job as an educator. Now a mother herself, Julia deeply appreciates the home she grew up in: “It was like no other. My mom was my role model, and having my father at home gave us a wonderful and very different perspective. What does the future look like for Clover under Julia’s leadership? Chances are, there will be a Clover near you as the company eyes expansion beyond Massachusetts. “Being a scientist is a way of looking at the world, asking the question ‘why’ without your own pre-conceived notions. I’ve learned that it’s also a great way of doing business. For 23 minutes with a woman who makes science yummy and fun, just hit that download button. #scientist #veggies #climatechange #STEM #local #carbonfootprint…
The Amalfi Coast is a dream place, and when I saw it for the first time, something shifted in me. I knew I had to live there. -Lauren Birmingham Born into an Italian-American family of great chefs, Lauren Birmingham has an innate love of food and family. As a child growing up in Cranston, Rhode Island, she spent hours swinging in a hammock under a cherry tree, reading the classics. This fascination with reading, combined with her passion for travel, inspired Lauren to explore Europe as an adult. On a trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, she came around a corner in her Fiat 500 and couldn’t believe her eyes. “Thecolor of the houses built into the mountains was like confetti. They were the prettiest pink, blue, and yellow, and the color of the Tyrrhenian Sea was an unmatchable shade of blue. It’s a magical place, unlike any I’d ever seen in my life.” From that moment, Lauren came back to Positano as often as she could, running her PR business from a rented studio while developing her Cooking Vacations Italy culinary tour company. cooking-vacations.com. Along the way, she met and married an Italian race car driver named Rino Piscitelli. At the top of her career, she decided to write a cookbook that would include the recipes of 5-star Michelin Chef Andrea Migliaccio and become a 360-page labor of love. Says Lauren: “ It took years to travel around the Amalfi Coast and Capri, interviewing in Italian and then translating into English, plus the recipes had to be translated from metric to imperial.” Aptly named It’s A Dream Place: Stories & Recipes of Food, Love & the Amalfi Coast, this interview with Lauren will set your compass toward the next flight to Italy! #amalficoast #italy #food #michelinchef…
Family comes first & chocolate comes second! - Cheryl Salto We’re back in my cozy living room with the fireplace roaring for another edition of The Story Behind Her Success. In the spotlight, a registered nurse and mother of two who makes chocolate treats all day long in her home kitchen, for special occasions. Check out Cheryl Salto’s yummy chocolate delights here: www.candyundercover2.com/shop. Her entrepreneur story started back in 1998 with her original company, Candy Under Cover. The small, home-based business took off like a rocket and Cheryl was able to sell it for a nice profit. These days, she’s renamed the business Candy Under Cover 2 and word about her creations continues to spread far and wide. In 2024 she took home the gold medal in the Best of the West contest and even placed holiday orders from the Boston Celtics! Although her husband kiddingly calls her Willy Wonka, Cheryl is determined to find a healthy balance between making chocolates, and savoring life. Says Cheryl: “Family comes first, and chocolate comes second.” Admittedly frugal, she explains in this interview that her initial investment in the business was small. “Some people want to go big. I wanted to stay small. It’s always been me, using my own pots and pans. If anything costs me an arm and a leg, I’m not doing it.” For down to earth advice about what matters most in this life, success as an entrepreneur and the sustaining power of faith, just hit that download button. #chocolate #smallbusiness #homebusiness #entrepreneur #RN #faith…
This is a book about empowerment. It’s about finding yourself within the rubble. -Sarah Elizabeth Sarah grew up on a dirt road in rural Maine in a farmhouse built in 1770…an idyllic childhood until it completely disappeared when her parents divorced when she was in high school and her family as she knew it, fell apart. “ As a young woman, the image of the white picket fence became a mission for me. I was convinced that I could build a life of control and stability.” Sarah and her husband were both products of divorce, and were determined not to allow what happened to them happen to their children: “ Our marriage didn’t work, but our family very much does.” Sarah found herself saying yes to everything and only feeling valuable when she said yes to others. It’s one thing to write a book, it’s another thing to put it out there for the world to read. The biggest source of joy is hearing from women who have read the book. Women and men have said that they felt like they are no longer alone on their own journeys. A divorce is the death of a family. Originally, Sarah wanted to be an “author, an architect and a world traveler” but after her parent’s divorce, when her world was upside down, she decided to become an accountant. A safe step, a solid future. Once she started writing this book, “the words poured out of me” I think motherhood broke me…in the most beautiful way. When you have children, you realize how NOT in control of your life you are. Sarah would tell her younger self “just slow down. It will be okay. “…
What’s my definition of fear? False Evidence Appearing Real. -Anna Sabatino aka “Anna Sab” Meet Anna Sabatino, wife, mother, life coach, driving instructor, entrepreneur, and all-around super-woman. It was Anna’s husband who nominated her as a guest on the show and she did not disappoint! In this interview, we learn all about the long and winding road of life. For Anna, the twists and turns are there to help us find our purpose. The daughter of Italian immigrants, Anna grew up in a strict but faith-filled, loving home in Brighton, Massachusetts. At only 20, she began working on the administrative side of a hugely successful sporting goods agency that represented New Balance Athletic shoes. Thirty years later, her boss retired and closed the business, leaving Anna at a crossroads, so she put on her running shoes and started training for the New York and Boston marathons. She also signed up for an Empowerment Workshop that ignited a new passion: helping teenagers find their way. Armed with her certification as an Empowerment Life Coach, she launched a coaching practice aimed at teens…and sadly, no one came. Frustrated and feeling a little bit lost, she went for a run…and ran into an old friend who said: “Get certified as a driving instructor. Most of your clients will be teenagers anyway.” Today, Anna is the owner of her own driving school, www.csdriving.com, and the CS stands for common sense. Whether she’s in the car or the classroom with her students, whom she proudly calls her “lovelies,”Anna is a guiding light when they need it the most. Says Anna: “ Most teens are terrified to drive. I shift the way they think from negative to positive and give them confidence. I tell them fear is really false evidence appearing real.” What’s next for Anna? A new book called Just Drive: Life Lessons from Behind the Wheel. For 22 minutes, bound to keep your foot on the gas, and your eye on the horizon, just hit that download button. #teens #lifecoach #drivinglessons #drive…
I found myself at the top of the ladder, took a deep breath, and realized that this wasn’t where I wanted to be anymore. -Jennifer Gulbrand In the spotlight, Jenn Gulbrand, a multi-talented woman who spent years following the path she thought she should be taking until, one day, she realized that her paycheck was feeding her family and not her soul. She flipped that script and is now a visionary leader who is dedicated to building heart-centered communities. Using her extensive knowledge of somatic healing, Jenn releases pent-up pain and trauma in the many women she works with, providing hope, connection, and, very often, a new lease on life. This new chapter started with a bold move: revealing her own painful truth in the pages of her first book, Embody Your Essence. Inspired by the many responses she received to her traumatic personal story, Jenn released She Breathes Soul Stories, featuring 22 stories bravely told by women in her community. Says Jenn: “Our stories do not define us. But they are what shaped us. We all carry shame, and it makes us feel broken. Shame affects how we feel about ourselves and how we show up in life. In my work, I help women take trauma and shame up and out of their bodies.” Jenn’s offerings include Reiki, chakra therapy, vibrational healing, EMDR, and more, which open up new pathways toward healing and hope. “I’m home now, says Jenn, doing the work I was meant to do. “ What’s next? A healing retreat to the Azores! Find out more: www.jenngulbrand.com. If you have trauma buried deep inside of you, step one toward your own healing starts with hitting that download button. #trauma #healing #thestorybehindhersuccess…
Rise and reset your mind. Today is a new day to start over. -Lisa Ponte Meet Lisa Ponte. She’s on a mission to spread self-love and positive thinking through affirmation cards, positive vibe products, and her beautiful new line of Stacked with Love jewelry. www.lpvibes.com. The devoted mother of two, her career path has been one of reinvention, beginning with a 20-year career in finance and marketing and now as an entrepreneur. But it was a childhood trauma that left a mark on this exceptional woman, leaving her in need of positive vibes and a lot of love to help her heal. In this interview, Lisa shares the story of how she was bullied throughout middle school and was involved in a sexual relationship with an older boy at only 13. Overwhelmed by shame, she attempted suicide. Included in the book She Breathes Soul Stories by Jennifer Gulbrand www.jenngulbrand.com, you’ll hear her truth about halfway through this interview. The proud mother of two daughters, Lisa’s advice to parents of teens is focused on open communication and awareness. Says Lisa: “I give my girls 20-second hugs every day. The length of the hug is key because that’s how long it takes for our bodies to release the stress hormone known as cortisol. “ Now a compelling and memorable public speaker, Lisa shares her story with audiences large and small. “ Once you open up to other people and are authentic and vulnerable, there is a ripple effect, and they open up to you in return.” Lisa practices what she preaches: positive vibes. “I embrace obstacles because I know they are there for a reason and something better is waiting on the other end“ For 23 minutes of inspiration, just hit that download button. #affirmation #positivevibes #jewelry #truth #storytelling #thestorybehindhersuccess…
I’m a boots-on-the-ground leader. I think of St. Ignatius, who said, “It’s deeds, not words,” and Bill Belichick who said: “Do your job!” -Grace Cotter Regan You’ve heard of Boston College, right? Well, there’s a high school not too far away that bears the same name. Founded in 1863, the schools were initially created as a 7-year educational experience for the children of Irish Catholic immigrants. Separated into (2) distinct schools in 1927, Boston College High School had never had a female president until 2017. bchigh.edu. In the spotlight, Grace Cotter Regan. Appointed as the first female president of the 1400 student boy’s school, she has spent the last five years as a change agent on a mission to advance Jesuit education. In this interview, the proud mother of two says she felt called to the role. Her father had been at BC High for 50 years as a beloved student, teacher, coach, athletic director, and guidance counselor. In fact, Grace was born on the day her dad started working at Boston College High School. Situated at Columbia Point, BC High is an urban campus located beside UMASS/Boston and the JFK Library. “It feels like a university campus,” says Grace. Our motto is: “We find God in all things. Our gospel values drive everything we do.” She’s responsible for enrollment, advancement, finance, and external relations, including fundraising with an alumni network that is 16 thousand strong. BC High’s former students are a constant source of inspiration to the student population, with graduates who have gone on to become athletes in the NFL, NHL, NBA, Major League Baseball, 4-star generals, politicians, visual artists, stage and screen actors, and Olympic Gold Medalists. For a 23-minute glimpse into the life of a trailblazer in her field, just hit that download button. #jesuit #education #leadership @bchigheagles…
Journaling opens the mind, taking you to places you don’t normally go. - Lisa Tener Is there a book inside of you? In the spotlight, an award-winning author, book coach, and creative catalyst on a mission to help others bring their stories to life. lisatener.com Once sick, exhausted, and uninspired, Lisa discovered the power of holistic healing years ago and now shares it with others. Using powerful, ancient practices to release her energy, Lisa Tener is the Founder of the Tener Method for Creative Flow, a 5-step process that includes: tuning in, acknowledging sacred space, creating a one-word intention, enjoying the writing, and gratitude. Lisa also practices the ancient art of Qigong, which connects you to your cosmic self. She believes that there are actually people in our lives who shut down our ability to flourish and create at the highest levels. Her latest book is called Breathe. Write. Breathe: 18 Energizing Practices to Spark Your Writing and Free Your Voice. What does breathing have to do with writing? Lisa says breathing frees the voice and unleashes creative juices that get stuck inside the body, allowing the writer to get to the heart of the matter. Once released, our writing faucets turn on, and ideas flow freely. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Lisa grew up in a multi-generational household with her Austrian grandmother, who had survived the Holocaust. In this up-close and personal interview, Lisa shares her grandmother’s harrowing stories of survival, saying: “she taught me that the Nazis did bad things, but she didn't blame the Austrian people. This was a testament to her loving heart.” For 23 minutes on tapping into your creative side, just hit that download button. #creativity #writing…
I can look at a pile of rocks and instantly find that one heart rock. It’s a thing! I guess I am the heart rock whisperer! -Ellen Thayer When she was about 12 years old, Ellen Thayer climbed atop a rock in her backyard to marvel at the clouds. Little did she know that later in life, her professional life would involve both weather AND rocks. Armed with a degree in meteorology from St. Louis University in Missouri, Ellen made her way back to Boston for an internship with legendary meteorologist Bruce Schwoegler. She wanted to be a TV meteorologist but quickly discovered that she lacked the hands-on skills she needed to perform her craft in front of a camera, so Ellen enrolled in graduate courses at Emerson College. She would spend the next 23 years as a meteorologist in TV markets, both small and large. At WCVB TV, channel 5 in Boston, she was mentored by Dick Albert, who taught her to “just be you,” and her popularity among viewers grew exponentially. Always a lover of the Maine seacoast, Ellen cherished the time she spent walking the beaches with her Westie and began collecting heart-shaped rocks. She purchased a home in Maine and commuted daily into Massachusetts to be on the air. The commute drained her, but Ellen’s heart rock collection grew, and she made the decision to leave meteorology behind, reinventing herself as an artist entrepreneur. Her new business, loverocksme.com was born. These days, she’s winning awards for the success of her home-based business, which centers around flat-lay photography featuring countless heart-shaped rocks printed on note cards and 7 product lines, all made in the USA. How do rocks become shaped like hearts? Ellen explains: “It’s a weakness in the rock that makes the heart form over time. These rocks are bashed and bashed along the coast of Maine. People tell me they’ve spent their lives trying to find one heart-shaped rock. But in my case, they find me. One day, I found 79 heart rocks in 45 minutes. I know that each one was kissed by an angel.” For 23 minutes focused on the power of reinvention, just hit that download button. Follow Ellen Thayer @loverocksme. #entrepreneur #reinvention #photography #artist…
I’d been telling myself: “Someday, I will do this,” but now, I’m putting my foot down to say, DO IT RIGHT NOW. This is your life. Who knows about tomorrow? -Parker Jamison aka Ox Devere While excavators are restoring Notre Dame after the 2019 fire that nearly destroyed the medieval church, they make a stunning discovery beneath the cathedral floor. It’s an unmarked sarcophagus, and what follows is a pulse-pounding, globe-trotting adventure called Rage of the Jinn. The author’s pen name is Ox Devere, one of the most famous pseudonyms of them all, and in this interview, Parker Jamison, explains why she chose it. A well-disciplined writer and screenwriter, Parker is a stickler for research. She poured hundreds of hours of discovery into topics like the history of Notre Dame, the Knights Templar, the CIA, anthropology, geography, and a tutorial on the streets of Paris in order to create a realistic page-turner of a story. Says Parker: “I‘m obsessive. I research everything, and I will do what it takes to get every sentence correct. “ Her next thriller, The Devil’s Eye, debuts this month and is a sequel to Rage of the Jinn. One of five children, Parker’s mother is a former actress, producer, co-founder of Punctuate Four Productions and former guest on this series (check out episode #56), and her father was born in Egypt. The lure and enchantment of that culture, combined with growing up in a house where reading books and using your imagination was the family mantra, sparked Parker’s creative side. Her first word was “book,” and this up close and personal interview with the author paints an inspiring picture of what happened next. oxdevere.com #thriller #notredame #author…
I was a teenager when I picked up the guitar, and suddenly, I had the one thing I’d been looking for to craft the songs I’d been waiting to write. -Sarah Blacker This up-close and personal interview was recorded in my living room with a singer/songwriter who grew up down the street. We met when she was a teenager…and a friend of my daughter Colleen’s. Years later, Sarah Blacker continues doing what she loves best: bringing comfort and joy to audiences large and small as a dynamic live performer. Heralded by the Huffington Post for her “infectious, well-written songs,” Sarah was named the 2024 Female Performer of the Year by the New England Music Awards. But there’s so much more to Sarah’s story because she harnesses the healing power of music as a Board-Certified Music Therapist and LMHC or Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Explains Sarah: “Listening to music can open up neuro-pathways. Music is magic. It gets us high. Sometimes, when I’m sitting there with Alzheimer's patients, my mind is blown, and my heart is exposed because I know that music is what unlocked a patient’s memory.” A graduate of the Berklee College of Music, Sarah discovered music therapy during a tour of the school and realized that this academic path encompassed everything she had always loved about music. A survivor of life on the road as a musician, Sarah misses the audience but not the grueling schedule of an independent musician. “I lived on Dunkin Donuts for days, all for the love of music and those glorious moments when I got to be on stage, pouring my heart out, trying to connect with an audience.” The daughter of two music lovers, Sarah says that music was always playing at her house. “My dad had the greatest music collection of all time, everything from Paul Simon and Pink Floyd to Tubular Bells, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Seals & Crofts. My mom would make up her own silly songs. It was a creative household.” As a teen, Sarah’s musical role models were all- female, including Tori Amos, Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple and Paula Cole. Learning to play the guitar is what completed Sarah Blacker as an artist. Says Sarah: “It was like opening the gates to everywhere I ever wanted to go.” For an inspiring 24-minute musical journey, just hit that download button. #music #musictherapy #songwriter #singer…
I want older women to know: if you want to do something, get out there and do it, sister! Don’t sit around and think: I’m too old. No, you’re not! -Tracey Wheeler Noonan It’s been about 10 years since I’ve interviewed Tracey Wheeler Noonan and let me tell you, this girl is on fire. She and her daughter, Dani took a unique way of making cupcakes in jars and turned it into a Shark Tank phenomenon. Wicked Good Cupcakes may have started out small in Tracey’s home kitchen, but it ended up going worldwide during the Pandemic and was sold to Hickory Farms for a nice profit. In this interview, Tracey takes us on a wild ride through her 6 Shark Tank appearances, sharing the lessons she learned along the way about entrepreneurship and how to run a company with her daughter. These days, Tracey is focused on public speaking and her lifelong love of writing with her first book titled A Wicked Good Idea. She’s also written two screenplays, a TV pilot, and a no-holds-barred memoir called Past, Present, Paris, based on her heartbreaking divorce. Denied a college education by her father because she was a girl, Tracey spent much of her adulthood trying to find her way and prove herself to her parents. In this very personal interview, it is Tracey Wheeler Noonan’s gigantic heart that really shines through. From priceless advice for entrepreneurs to words of wisdom for women of all ages, this episode is loaded with 23 minutes of inspiration. Says Tracey: “If I can do this, you can do this. Success is not something we hoard. It is something we must share. As women, we are NOT in competition with one another. We’ve got to lift each other up.” #sharktank #entrepreneur #women #empowerment #cupcakes…
The biggest skill I use is listening. Grievers don’t need to be fixed. They need to be heard. - Louise Strasenburgh The holidays are supposed to be joyful, but if you’ve lost someone you love, they can be tough. This week’s guest is here to help. Louise Strasenburgh is a grief recovery specialist and the author of the book The Space In My Heart. In 2011, her 26-year-old son Oliver’s body was found wrapped in a carpet in Puerto Rico. In the middle of this horrific loss, her mother died, and then her daughter got married. Needless to say, Louise experienced a roller coaster of emotions in a short period of time. Desperate to find a community of people who understood her loss, she discovered The Compassionate Friends, compassionatefriends.org, a non-profit that provides friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents. It wasn’t long before Louise became certified as a grief recovery specialist and became a leader within her local TCF chapter. Says Louise: “Imagine grieving parents, sitting in a circle, going around the room, saying their name and how their child died. By the time you get to the end of the circle, your heart is flooded with compassion. Here we all are, and we have to find a way to integrate this loss into our lives and still go forward. Born in England and raised in Portugal, Louise has moved 32 times and in this interview, declares that she’s not done yet. A former flight attendant for Pan Am, she was born to travel and loves the excitement of learning about new places and meeting people from around the world. Her book The Space In My Heart was written during the Pandemic as a coping tool for loss. Using the story of her two Westies, Digger and Daisy, as the protagonists, the book explains grief and loss to children but applies to people of all ages. The daughter of a squadron leader in the UK’s Royal Air Force who fought during World War II, Louise credits her father and Queen Elizabeth as her role models. “She was my queen from the day I was born, says Louise, and my father was a person of great integrity who taught me: When things go right, hold tight. When things go wrong, be strong.” For 23 minutes of hope and healing, just hit that download button. #grief #loss#mourning #hope #healing…
We must all be compassionate. You never know what someone else is going through. - Keely Krantz Keely Krantz got her start in PR, eventually leading the launch of high-profile, global brands. A proud Boston College graduate, she was fortunate to have a mentor who had broken through glass ceilings and believed in passing it on. Says Keely “Janet Diederichs at Edelman Public Relations in Chicago challenged me to be someone I would never have aspired to if it hadn’t been for her guidance. I learned to be bold and aggressive.” At the height of Keely’s career, she became a mom and decided to stay at home with her kids, choosing parenthood and volunteerism over a career. It was this devotion to community and the greater good that inspired Keely and her husband Jason to make the largest gift in the history of Mass General Hospital cancer research history last year. Says Keely: “We don’t want to see small, incremental changes. We want to see fundamental, monumental, landscape-changing breakthroughs in the treatment of cancer, and we are willing to take big risks at the Krantz Family Research Center on physician-scientists who have big, aggressive ideas. We want to swing for the fences.” A few months later, Keely launched her next big chapter as the founder of the O’Dell Women’s Center www.odellwomenscenter.com in Springfield, Massachusetts. Named after her 98-year-old grandmother, who was a maternity nurse in the community for 40 years, the O’Dell Center is a first-of-its-kind in Springfield with 10,000 square feet of collaborative space that houses Dress for Success/Western Mass and other non-profits that advance educational and career opportunities for low-income women. In just one year, $250,000 in grants have been awarded. For Keely, this new chapter is the culmination of a story rooted in faith and the lessons of her parents. “Anything is possible” are three words I heard all the time when I was growing up. Says Keely. “I want to be a connector, surrounded by the mantra that respect and kindness go hand in hand. I want to do good.” For 23 minutes of inspiration, just hit that download button. #women #community #cancer @massgeneralcancercenter…
I point out my student’s strengths so that they can start believing in themselves. Every child has a craving to learn. They are just like little sponges. -Jen Dugan Agne When you think back to your education, was there one teacher who saw your talents before you did? Meet my longtime friend Jen Dugan Agne. A 5th-grade teacher at the Marie Hastings School in Lexington, Massachusetts, she LOVES what she does. In fact, she’s been the kind of teacher students never forget for 38 years. Says Jen: “My heart is full every day. I tell them all the time, who else would I want to hang out with but these honest little souls?” The youngest of three girls, Jen was raised in the town where she teaches and recalls being very shy as a child. It was her 4th-grade physical education teacher who saw something in her that she didn’t see in herself. The result was a lifelong love of sports and a commitment to be a school teacher someday. A graduate of Boston University with a BS and a Masters degree in Elementary Education, Jen set out for San Bernadino, California, where she taught 35 first graders for a year in a community where migrant workers and their families come and go throughout the school year, creating gaps in learning, making education very difficult for students. Back in Boston, she noticed an ad for a company called On Location Education and was hired as the tutor on the set of the movie Mermaids, starring Cher, Winona Ryder, and Christina Ritchie. From there, she joined the national tour of Les Miserables, where she ran her classroom like a one-room schoolhouse for the four children in the cast. All of these experiences have nurtured Jen’s goal of being the best teacher a child could ever ask for. When the school year begins, she explains: “We are a family, and we have each other’s backs, both in the classroom and outside of the classroom. We respect each other.” The proud mother of two, Jen is a two-time heart attack survivor who believes that life is short and “time is of the essence. If you have something to say, say it because you might not have that chance again.” For 23 minutes of pure teacher magic, just hit that download button! #teacher #gratitude #heartattack #inspiration #thanksgiving…
History grounds you in who you are. -Noelle Trent, PhD Have you ever wished that you could sit down with a historian of United States history? Meet Noelle Trent. She’s spent her entire career studying the history of our country with a focus on the African American experience. A “publichistorian,” Noelle has worked at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African History & Culture in Washington, DC, and the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, where she spearheaded MLK50 to commemorate the life, mission, and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. These days, you will find her at the Museum of African American History/Boston & Nantucket, where she proudly serves as the President & CEO. www.maah.org. The daughter of a minister and a teacher, Noelle and her sisters were raised in the Baptist Church in Westchester, Pennsylvania, where her mother started an afterschool program rooted in teaching children about black history. Noelle credits her parents with planting the seed that would become her passion and her profession as a historian. Says Noelle: “When you grow up in a community with a lot of history around you, you need to have people around you to point it out.” From what it meant to be an abolitionist in the 1800s to the founding of the nation’s first school for black children in 1835, to the story behind “Watch Night” services and the Jim Crow era, this episode is a tutorial in African American history. #blackhistory #MLK #CivilWar #emancipationproclamation#thestorybehindhersuccess…
My diagnosis could be a death sentence, but you know what? I just keep moving forward every day because I want to give others hope. -Theresa Keresztes There’s something about the strength of a woman. Somehow, someway, she persists…overcoming obstacles, finding new paths toward success, and doing good in the world. One of the scariest things we ever encounter in this life is a cancer diagnosis, and over the last few weeks, we’ve been saluting breast cancer survivors. Theresa Keresztes was just 40 years old when she felt a lump on her breast. The new mom went to the doctor and was told to come back in 6 months. She never did. Years later, a mammogram detected breast cancer. Since then, her cancer has recurred and spread to other parts of her body, but her story does not focus on her breast cancer…it focuses on what she has done for other women with the creation of My Girl’s Skin Care, mygirlscream.com. Inspired by a visit to Eastern Europe, where she noticed that women’s skin was flawless, this all-natural skincare brand is dedicated to providing chemical-free comfort to cancer patients during chemo, radiation, and when taking post-breast cancer drugs, which can cause debilitating muscle cramps. Cancer centers across the country are catching on, suggesting that their patients use My Girl’s Skin Care products. From researching ingredients found in Hungary at local apothecaries (rose hips and rose peddles) to locating manufacturers and developing a distribution plan, Theresa is an entrepreneur on a mission to help women heal. Her new app “Copeful” is Theresa’s latest invention, providing a forum that encourages hope and positivity. For a 22-minute tutorial on strength and courage during cancer, just hit that download button. #breastcancer #survivor #entrepreneur #skincare…
I don’t just count days passing by. I make each day count. -Leslie Lawrence October is breast cancer awareness month, so we’re featuring the inspiring stories of breast cancer survivors. Early detection has been a game changer in the fight against breast cancer, and I’m pretty sure that never missing my yearly mammogram saved my life. Promise me that you’ll NEVER miss your mammogram! Today’s episode was recorded at Book Love in the Pine Hills before a live audience. www.book-love.com. A first-time author, Leslie Lawrence is a 7-year breast cancer survivor www.leslielawrenceauthor.com. Written as a photographic memoir, I’m A Lucky Woman is filled with wisdom and deeply personal pictures that tell the story of one woman’s journey from diagnosis to survivorship. As the daughter of a woman who died of breast cancer, Leslie spent her adult life dreading every mammogram and hoping against hope that she would never hear the words “You have breast cancer.” Those four words were spoken when Leslie was 66, and her late mother, Isabel, remained her role model throughout her treatment for aggressive triple negative breast cancer. Blessed with a rock-solid marriage, a devoted son, a niece, and many friends who love her, Leslie’s tribe lifted her up, making it possible for her to endure every challenge. Says Leslie: “It was a old, framed cross-stitch on my wall that kept me hopeful, it reads: “Today is the tomorrow that worries you yesterday and all is well.” If you are newly diagnosed, I’m A Lucky Woman is an easy read, filled with the kind of wisdom only a survivor can impart. For a 22-minute dose of courage, a few laughs, and a fun little tune you can sing along to called The Mammogram Song by singer/songwriter Krisanthi Pappas, www.krisanthi.com, just hit that download button. #breastcancer #survivor #author #grateful…
You are going to have some bad days, and that’s okay, but the good days have to outweigh the bad ones. You have to put your mind into beating breast cancer. -Theresa Jay In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we’re profiling inspiring survivors with incredible stories to tell. My friendship with today’s guest began in 2006 when I donated my wedding dress to her charity. Theresa Jay is the Founder of the Pink Rose Foundation www.pinkrose.org which provides scholarships to college-bound students who have lost a parent to breast cancer. To date, the charity has awarded over 100,000 dollars in scholarships. Diagnosed at only 41 with stage 3B metastatic breast cancer, there was a time when she thought she might not live to see her son and daughter grow up and go off to college, but here she is today, a 25-year survivor. Determined to play an active role in her treatment and recovery, Theresa became her own best advocate. Her mastectomy was performed after four grueling rounds of chemotherapy and when her pathology revealed 17 active lymph nodes, she asked her care team for stem cell therapy and enrollment in a clinical trial for a drug called Herceptin. Says Theresa: Even if the clinical trial and all the other treatments didn’t work , I felt that it was my responsibility to be a part of breast cancer research for the next generation of women.” 18 months of treatments exhausted her in mind, body and soul, but during that time in her life, Theresa refused to give up or give in. “My love for my children propelled me through the toughest days. I just couldn't see anyone else raising my children. I got dressed every day, regardless of how badly I felt, and I put my makeup on. You look good, you feel better”. When her treatments were finally over, Theresa went right back to work as an engineer and launched the Pink Rose Foundation. In this interview, she’s got a lot of wisdom to share including advice for someone who is just getting started on her breast cancer journey: Take a day and cry. Process it. And then, the next day, wake up and decide you are going to WIN.” For 22 minutes with a survivor who beat the odds, just hit that download button. #breastcancer #metastaticbreastcancer #breastcancerawarenessmonth #courage #hope #grateful.…
It’s okay to be scared when you are diagnosed with breast cancer. Gather your friends and family. Educate yourself and stay strong. You CAN get through this.- Claudia Mintz October is breast cancer awareness month, so we’re shining the spotlight on the stories of survivors. Meet Claudia Mintz. The devoted mother of three, her children were only 5,4 and 2 when she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in the middle of a contentious divorce. Says Claudia “I decided I was going to do whatever I could to stay alive. What scared me the most was the idea of leaving my children. Falling apart was not an option for me. “ Now the Executive Director of the One Wish Project, www.onewishproject.us, Claudia shares the story of how the non-profit was created 7 years ago by her daughter Hannah, who launched the charity with her babysitting money. Recently featured on Good Morning America, One Wish Project provides customized birthday celebrations for children and teens experiencing homelessness with the belief that every child’s birthday should be honored. What started with one birthday party for a 9-year-old child at a nearby shelter in 2017 has now turned into birthday celebrations for 1200 kids a year in shelters and foster care. Now a 20-year survivor, Claudia shares what kept her strong throughout her breast cancer battle. “There have been some dark times when I didn’t know if I would make it, but I learned that you have to live your life every single day as if you never received that diagnosis.” For 22 minutes of inspiration, just hit that download button. #breastcancer #birthday #survivor #charity…
Jane Does Well organically became a group of women talking about divorce and supporting each other. -Christina Pavlina This week’s guest was nominated by listeners twice, thanks to the support and community she has created for women going through divorce. Meet Christina Pavlina, co-founder & Executive Director of Jane Does Well, www.janedoeswell.org. Whether it is your choice or not, divorce is a heartache. If you’ve got children, the impact is even greater. Christina has walked this walk, and now she talks the talk. Through hands-on, practical programming, this unique non-profit helps women get through the trauma of divorce. Says Christina: “I didn’t know how to navigate my own sense of loss, and at the same time, I didn’t know how to help my children.” After I got through my own divorce, I realized I could help others.” The lessons she learned have been passed on to hundreds of women who have benefitted greatly from the services Jane Does Well provides. The organization has grown organically year after year and today, includes an ordained minister who experienced divorce herself, came to Jane Does Well for help, and is now the Director of Wellness and Trauma Programs. Jane Anderson oversees 10-week support groups for everyone from young moms to senior citizens. Christina explains: “The best way to overcome the loneliness of divorce is to talk to women who get it. Your family loves you. Your friends love you, but they will not understand what you are dealing with during and after divorce. Jane Does Well fills that gap.” #divorce #community #empowerment…
Don’t worry about filling someone else’s shoes. Bring your own. -Monica Roberts Meet Monica Roberts, Senior Vice President & Executive Director of City Year Greater Boston www.cityyear.org. A lifelong resident of Boston, Monica was raised in a home full of faith, rules, and love. She credits her mother for advocating for her and her siblings, reminding them about the value of a strong education. In this interview, Monica shares the story of her father, the son of a sharecropper from Mississippi who quit school at 12 to work in the fields and later completed his education. Monica’s father was a man of service who worked as a truck driver through the night, often distributing food to the needy and plowing his neighbor’s driveways during snow storms. As a preacher in their local church, her dad did not allow his daughters to wear makeup or go to the movie theater. A first-generation college graduate with degrees from Brandeis and Boston College, Monica comes to her position at City Year with extensive experience in public education, having served seven superintendents over a fifteen-year period. Before taking the reins at City Year Greater Boston, she worked at Peace First, a national non-profit, where she honed her leadership skills. For Monica, City Year is a life-changing opportunity for young men and women between the ages 18-25 who support the education of children enrolled in their partner schools. Originally founded in 1988 as a community-based service organization, the mission has expanded and City Year members are changing the lives of kids from kindergarten through high school every day. Grounded in the belief that young people can shape our world, City Year members are role models. Says Monica: “They connect with kids and cheer them on. The City Year red jacket symbolizes the deep investment we have made in the communities we serve.” @cityyear @cityyearboston #community…
Poppies with Purpose is more than a shoe line. It is something that is going to bring courage, joy, and connection whether you have cancer or not. -Lisa Carlin When bad things happen, you have two choices: you can give up or give it all you’ve got. Lisa Carlin decided to use her breast cancer diagnosis as a catalyst for comfort through the creation of her shoe line, Poppies with Purpose www.poppieswithpurpose.com. At only 38, with two daughters, ages 3 and 5, at home, she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. Lisa’s road to survivorship included a double mastectomy, breast reconstruction, eight rounds of chemotherapy, and 6 weeks of daily radiation treatments. During this dark time in her life, she discovered a worn pair of pink ballet flats in the back of her closet. Slipping them on one morning before her treatment, Lisa discovered that these simple pink shoes gave her a dose of bravery. Today, Poppies with Purpose is thriving with three shoe colors: pink for breast cancer, blue for colorectal cancer, and tangerine for kidney cancer and leukemia, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting researcHERS, a group that supports grants to female cancer scientists. Lisa also handpicks local charities to support including Runway for Recovery. Every detail of Lisa’s brand is inspired by love. The duster bag that holds each pair of shoes was inspired by her beloved grandmother’s poppy-patterned house coat, and inside every pair of shoes is a reminder to “live each day with a pop of color.” When I asked Lisa how she got through her diagnosis, she said, “It was baby steps. Just a little bit every day is gonna get you to where you want to go. The key is to surround yourself with people who lift you up.” The next time you need a gift for a newly diagnosed friend, think of Lisa and Poppies with Purpose. For 24 minutes of inspiration, hit that download button. #breastcancer #colorectalcancer #kidneycancer #leukemia #survivorship #entrepreneurship…
A lot of children believe that perfection is a goal. I help them understand that mistakes are part of the learning process. -Noel Foy In the spotlight, Noel Foy. Known as Neuro Noel, she got her start as a teacher and learning specialist before blazing a trail as a neuroeducator and anxiety coach. www.neuronoel.com. A graduate of Boston College with a B.A. in Education/Special Education and a Masters in American Studies, Noel began noticing that her own sons didn’t like school, but they loved learning. She started attending conferences focused on how the brain works and discovered that she could transform key neuroscience findings into practical ways to reduce the impact of stress on children. The result was transformative. Noel started creating her neuroeducator tool kit by recognizing that if a child’s brain is in a state of anxiety, anger, frustration, or boredom, they disengage from learning. This choice hijacks the brain causing stress, which in turn, hijacks executive function. In her practice, Noel teaches kids that the human brain grows and changes. This neuroplasticity enables the brain to be re-wired. Children are relieved when she explains: “Do you know that your brain gets smarter and stronger when you correct mistakes?” In this interview, Neuro Noel provides clues for parents who believe their children might need help with anxiety. Avoidance, rigidity, catastrophic thinking, and a sense of hopeless permanence are four red flags to look for. The author of two award-winning books called ABC Worry Free and Are You A Bird Like Me? Noel admits she was an anxious child herself and that she finds healing by helping kids who are just like she was. On a mission to spread awareness about anxiety, executive function, and how to use neuroscience in school and beyond, Noel is due to release a third book this year entitled 15 Minute Focus, geared toward teachers, parents, and counselors. For a tutorial on how you can begin to understand and help your anxious child, just hit that download button. #neuroscience #neuroeducator #teacher #parenting #socialandemotionallearning #executivefunction #anxietyawareness…
It’s fun to be a part of the best day of someone’s life. -Lindsey Leichthammer Meet event producer extraordinaire, Lindsey Leichthammer. www.lindseyleichthammer.com. She’s done everything from fluffing the bride’s dress to keeping the bridal party calm as Nana is being placed in an ambulance minutes before the wedding ceremony begins. She also knows what it’s like to be responsible for feeding hundreds of people in the middle of a field in Vermont, with no cell service. By the time you finish listening, you will know for sure that an event producer needs nerves of steel AND a sense of humor. Fortunately, Lindsey has both in spades. Born and raised in the seaside town of Marshfield, Massachusetts, Lindsey enjoyed the love and support of her parents, and the devotion of her older brother, Taylor. Ten years her senior, he instilled confidence in his little sister early on. At 16, Lindsey became a banquet server, offering up bacon-wrapped scallops and dirty martinis at a high-end steakhouse on the beach. In this interview, she recalls loving the excitement of a wedding reception and knew that her career would somehow involve the wedding industry. A graduate of Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, Lindsey majored in Business and minored in Event Management and Marketing. From curating 12-person dinner parties for fussy VIPs to lavish farm-to-table weddings in fields to 3000+ festivals, this young woman has done it all! Now at the helm of her own company called Lindsey Leichthammer Events, she is passionate about delivering unique experiences for her clients. A true believer in tackling any of life’s obstacle head-on, Lindsey says: “The only way out is through. There’s nowhere else to go but on the other side.” For a quick-witted, yet fact-filled look into the wedding industry, just hit that download button. @lindslovesevents @candyoterry #weddings #Vermont #events…
We don’t tell anybody what to do. Every Wiley Scholar is an expert on their own life. -Judi Alperin King, Ph.D. What happens when a high school student has the desire, the motivation, and the grades to go to college, but lacks the support and the resources to make their life-changing goal a reality? Enter thewilynetwork.org. With a BA from Hamilton College, a Masters degree from Boston College and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, Judi Alperin King is the Founder and Executive Director of the Massachusetts-based non-profit. Her vast skillset includes work as a psychologist for 30 years where she focused on children facing serious emotional and behavioral problems. Judi climbed the ladder in her field, developing a keen understanding of what it means to create a sense of community for those in need. This experience helped her shape the Wiley Network which re-trains clinicians as coaches, providing wrap-around support services that nurture Wiley Scholars from matriculation to graduation, with weekly meetings, advice, guidance, and a listening ear. In this interview, Judi explains that colleges are not set up to support the needs of students who don’t have “family privilege“. Says Judi: ” Our scholars are on their own, living below the poverty level. Of course, someone loves them, but that parent or guardian, for whatever reason, cannot help them make their college dream come true.” At its core, the organization honors the scholar as the heart of the mission. To date, 62 students have graduated from college and there are now 78 scholars on 15 different campuses in the Boston area. Raised by parents who valued contributing to the greater good, Judi likes to ask the question: “Who did you help today?” Her advice to a teenage girl in foster care who wants to go to college but has no one to guide her? In the words of Mr. Rogers: “Look for the helpers” and reach out to the Wiley Network. We’ll be there for you.” #college #education #thewileynetwork #thestorybehindhersuccess.…
I do love a good rush of adrenalin. I’m not gonna lie. -Sandy Lish For most of us, the word “crisis” is a negative, but not for Sandy Lish. She loves a good crisis because she knows how to solve it. Together with longtime colleague Wendy Spivak, Sandy co-founded The Castle Group thecastlegrp.com 27 years ago. Armed with a yin/yang skillset, the two started small, in a shared office space, with their desks facing each other and 3 initial clients: the Nellie Mae Foundation, Bank of Boston (precursor to Bank of America), and The Street, an online financial services publication. With steady growth year after year, the company is thriving with specialties in PR, events, marketing, public affairs, social/digital, and crisis management and was named a Forbes Best PR Agency. Based in Boston with offices in Atlanta and Maui, Sandy and Wendy have built a company culture rooted in trust, authenticity, and a deep commitment to civic engagement. It’s no wonder then, that this PR Maven is the recipient of many awards, including the Boston Business Journal Power 50. Born and raised in Brookline, MA, Sandy’s family struggled to keep their home in the upscale enclave known as Chestnut Hill when her father declared bankruptcy. Determined to keep the family solvent, Sandy and her mother both worked three jobs. In this interview, Sandy reveals her natural born competitive edge and her lifelong ability to be resilient during adversity. At only 14 she found herself unsupervised and instead of doing her homework, she became an income earner, scooping ice cream, working in a supermarket, at a local pharmacy, and as a waitress. After failing to graduate with her high school class, she opted to get her GED instead. A first-generation college graduate of UMASS Amherst, Sandy is the proud mother of two who firmly believes “it’s a good thing for a son and a daughter to watch their mother run a business.” For a tutorial on chutspah, resourcefulness, overcoming obstacles, and thriving under pressure, just hit that download button. #thecastlegrp #PR #marketing…
The more inflammation you have in your body, the quicker you will age and the lower your quality of life will be. -Ann Doggett, DC This week’s guest is a trailblazer in the field of holistic healthcare. Meet Dr. Ann Doggett, founder of Whole Body Solutions in Braintree, Massachusetts www.wholebodysolutions.com. When Ann founded her practice back in 1989, her focus was chiropractic care, but as the years went by, she came to understand the power of alternative medicine. The mission of her wellness practice is to heal the body from the inside out, using natural remedies including nutrition counseling, acupuncture, chiropractic services, brain integration for learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, concussion, and PTSD as well as body sculpting, treatments for long COVID, incontinence and sexual health. Her mantra? To help sick people get well, and healthy people stay healthy. The mother of two, Ann holds a doctorate of chiropractic from the New York Chiropractic College and a master’s degree in human nutrition from the University of Bridgeport as well as certifications in nutrition response testing, practical herbal therapy, and bioenergetic medicine. The youngest of 8 children with 6 older brothers, Ann was raised in Dorchester, MA. The daughter of a Boston police officer, she credits her very strong mother as her role model as well as her older brothers who always protected her and had her best interests at heart. In this interview, Dr. Ann shares a wealth of knowledge including warnings about sugar intake and processed foods, plus her strong belief that inflammation is at the root of most illnesses. Says Ann: “Health is a mosaic, a reflection of our genetics coupled with stress factors. My goal is to address the entire individual. Emotional losses can also affect our energy. If you are out of balance in your life, your body will tell you. “ For a deep dive into whole body solutions for the new year, just hit that download button. #health #wellness #chiropractic #nutrition #longcovid #acupuncture #alternativemedicine #learningdisabilities #brainintegration…
My wish, for you this Christmas? Time for gratitude, for love, for hope, and for planting seeds that bloom in 2024. -Candy O’Terry I’ve been looking forward to spending some time with you! Welcome to a very special holiday edition of The Story Behind Her Success. candyoterry.com/podcast. Gratitude is a powerful emotion and I’m always grateful to you for listening. This episode includes exclusive content including my answers to your email questions about the creation of the show, favorite interviews, on-air stories, and songs I’ve recorded throughout my career. Ask anyone with a podcast or a radio show and they’ll tell you: the listener is always #1. Thank you for listening every week. I’ll keep bringing you the stories if you promise to keep on listening. #podcast #radio #womensupportingwomen…
Every child deserves to have a friend and our books create conversations and kindness. -Sherry Cerino Meet a lifelong nurse turned children’s author and publisher. Sherry Cerino is on a mission to educate young children about differences. Newly retired after 45 years of nursing at Boston's top hospitals, Sherry went back to school to learn how to run a non-profit and created Ellasway, www.ellasway.com an acronym for Early Learning Leads to Acceptance. A collaboration of 35 authors from around the world whose messages are centered around themes of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion, Sherry mentors these authors, offering support and advice. Ellasway uses donations to buy the books from these authors and sends them to areas of need including hospitals and shelters. The proud author of many books including Ella & the All-Stars, Sherry has been bringing her books into schools to read to children for the last 10 years, partnering with teachers on curriculum, and inspiring children wherever she goes. Her target audience is kindergarten where friendships often begin. Says Sherry: “When choosing a friend, children often pick a child who looks like them. Our curriculum celebrates differences and creates conversations about inclusion and kindness.” Born and raised in snowy, cold Watertown, New York, Sherry grew up in a household where she was expected to pull her weight and be a problem solver. Her determination to do good and accomplish big goals shines through in this up-close and personal interview. Says Sherry: “I’m like a dog with a bone. If I have an idea and I want to make it happen, I do whatever I need to do to get it done.” For a tutorial on passion and the power of bringing a noble idea to life, just hit that download button. #education #inclusion #differences #childrensbooks…
When you get rid of the things that are physically in the way, you have more time and more clarity, you can see what is next for you and it is life-changing. -Eileen Reed Years ago Eileen Reed was killing it in sales. Sure, there were plenty of financial benefits but she just wasn’t happy. Eileen wasn’t healthy, either. For the first time in her life, she was overweight, she was plagued by migraines and high blood pressure. At one point, she even thought she was having a heart attack. It was a family loss that served as a wake-up call for Eileen, compelling her to rethink her career and launch a whole new business. Today, Simplify with Eileen www.simplifywitheileen.com is thriving and so is she, offering coaching, hands-on reorganization of home and work spaces, online auctions and so much more. Says Eileen: “All too often, we attach too much value to things. When we declutter, we unburden ourselves. We are finally able to get out from under it all.” Raised in the little town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, Eileen is one of five children who was taught at an early age to be a contributing member of her family and society. In this interview, we learn that Eileen has combined her old-school values with a new philosophy: “I’m an essentialist. I believe in the disciplined pursuit of less.” If you could use an organization coach, 20 minutes of wisdom is just a download away. #declutter #reorganization #essentialist #onlineauctions…
School is the only normal thing for a child experiencing homelessness. - Cheryl Opper Great ideas are hatched in lots of places. For Cheryl Opper, the idea of founding School on Wheels, Massachusetts www.sowma.org happened back in 2004 at her kitchen table while reading an article about Agnes Stevens of Los Angeles who was the founder of the charity. Cheryl was looking for a pumpkin cheesecake recipe and what she found was a calling to make a difference in the lives of homeless children. The statistics are staggering: there are over 27,000 homeless students in Massachusetts between kindergarten and high school. The average age of a homeless person in the state is just 8 years old and chances are, that child will move 3-5 times a year, leaving giant gaps in their ability to learn. Together with her army of volunteer tutors, Cheryl goes into homeless shelters to provide consistent one-on-one educational support to homeless kids. The relationship begins with the gift of a backpack, stuffed with school essentials and a handwritten note that reads: “I believe in you. You can climb this mountain. Anything is possible.” In this interview, Cheryl looks back on the progress of School on Wheels, MA over the last 20 years. A lifelong school teacher, she is also a person of great faith who believes that “it is such a blessing that God has used my hands, my voice, and my feet to help others.” Her passion for what she does shines through in this interview and you can hear her heartbreak when she describes the children School on Wheels, MA serves. Says Cheryl: “There are homeless students in every school across our state and they are just like your child and my child. They just want to be loved. They just want somebody to show up for them and tell them that they matter. “ #homelessness #education #shelters…
I said to him: This is not going to be Nana’s Kindness Project. This is going to be Connor’s Kindness Project. -Sharon Marrama If you are looking for an uplifting story this holiday season, look no further. We talk a lot about “mother love” on this show, but what about the love a grandmother has for her grandchild? Meet Sharon Marrama, grandmother of 14-year-old Connor Wright, co-founders of Connor’s Kindness Project www.connorskindnessproject.com. Hatched during the pandemic, the original goal was to deliver COVID Care Packages to children. Within a year, the organization began delivering Kindness Kits to children in hospitals and shelters and today, nearly 5000 Kindness Kits have been delivered to over 20 hospitals and shelters throughout Massachusetts and into New England. Armed with Teen Ambassadors and volunteers, the charity has also created the Kids Kindness Club, where Connor speaks to students about the power of a simple act of kindness. Recently featured in People Magazine and on The Sherri Show, www.sherrishowtv.com Sharon Marrama and her grandson have high hopes of taking their charity national. Running CKP is a family affair with Sharon’s daughter Erica (Connor’s mom) as a part of the leadership team. Raised in a humble home outside of Boston, Sharon was imbued with a strong work ethic from a very young age. As a high school student, she got up every morning at 4:30 AM to make the donuts at one of the original Dunkin Donuts locations. Employed at a dentist’s office for over 30 years, Sharon went back to college at age 50, earning a bachelor's degree with high honors. In addition to her role as Executive Director of Connor’s Kindness Projects, she is a Radiologic Technologist who also teaches radiology at Middlesex Community College. With a heart full of kindness Sharon says: “Life is about taking a tough or vulnerable situation and making it into a positive moment, one act of kindness at a time.” For 20 minutes of inspiration this Thanksgiving or any day of the week, just hit that download button. #kindness #thanksgiving #connorskindnessproject…
Success for me is determination. As long as you are alive, you don’t give up. You don’t quit. -Bracha Horovitz Born in 1952, just 6 years after the establishment of the Jewish state of Israel, Bracha’s name means “a blessing” in Hebrew. The daughter of a holocaust survivor whose entire family was killed at Auschwitz, Bracha grew up believing that in order to succeed, you must never look back. Raised in the idyllic town of Ein Kerem, just south of Jerusalem, she recalls a simple life, steeped in family traditions and a deep devotion to Israel. One of the first settlers to come to Israel when the death camps were liberated, Bracha’s father was the founder of agricultural settlements and would travel throughout the country, teaching people how to grow things in an unforgiving climate with rocky soil. As a first-generation Israeli, Bracha is called a “Sabra” after the cactus that grows in the region. Tough on the outside, but sweet on the inside, she was raised to be resilient. At 18, she proudly entered the Israeli Defense Force or IDF, fulfilling the requirement for all men and women to serve their country for two years. Says Bracha: “ It is the whole idea of giving something to your country. You are part of contributing to society and in doing so, you become a mature, strong adult.” At 20, Bracha married a man named Zvi, attended college to get a degree in textile engineering, and gave birth to two daughters. The family landed in Boston when Zvi was offered a job at Malden Mills in Lawrence, MA. Tasked with leading the famous mill’s research and development team, Zvi was at the helm during the creation of the fabric known as polar fleece. In this interview, Bracha shares the story of their severely disabled son who taught the family powerful life lessons: Says Bracha: “Ronnie taught us all how to love, how to be compassionate, how to feel, and how to see a light in someone, without voice. “ As an Israeli, Bracha shares her insights into the war between Israel and its aggressors declaring “I am far away physically, but very close emotionally with my mind and my soul always in Israel.” #israel #resilience #holocaustsurvivor #IDF #polarfleece @maldenmills @templeemanuelandover…
I don’t want my patients to leave my office feeling different. I want them to feel refreshed, an even better version of themselves. - Melissa Michelon, MD. They say “time is a thief” but is it possible to turn back the hands of time just enough to give yourself a boost of confidence? Dr. Melissa Michelson says: “Yes, you can!” A board-certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, Melissa is a proud member of the elite team at the Boston Center for Facial Rejuvenation. www.bcffr.com. With an eye for symmetry, balance, and proportion, her specialties include non-invasive procedures such as laser rejuvenation and resurfacing, treatment of scars, melasma, rosacea, neurotoxins and filler injections, micro-needling, and more. Born and raised in a small, blue-collar town about an hour north of Detroit, Melissa was the first person in her family to attend college. It was her parents who instilled a deep need in her to do well in school, and this propelled her through Worcester Polytechnic Institute and on to medical school. Now the mother of four, Melissa gave birth to her first child in medical school, her second child during her residency, and her third child during her dermatology residency. Says Melissa: “I have learned so much about myself by being a mom. Mostly, I know that I can handle anything. “ She’s had many role models along the way, but in this interview, Dr. Michelon shares the story of a woman who worked at her father’s automotive repair shop. “The shop was all men and watching her taught me to stick up for myself, always.” And if you’re wondering if Dr. Melissa Michelon can change the oil in her car, the answer is “yes,” For a 20-minute tutorial on an inspiring female physician, just hit that download button. #dermatology #womeninmedicine #skinrejuvenation #workingmoms #motherhood…
Time. I just want more time, and I am going to fight for that. -Luisa Vargas This episode kicks off our annual 4-part series devoted to the inspiring stories of breast cancer survivors. In the spotlight, Luisa Vargas. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, she grew up so poor she didn’t own a pair of shoes until she was 8 years old. As a single mom, Luisa made her way to the United States seeking medical care for her daughter, who had a heart condition. Speaking no English at all, she got the care her daughter needed, learned the language, and started a new life in Southboro, a small town outside of Boston. Trained as a psycho-muscular massage therapist, Luisa is one of the best in the world at her craft, and she has used that knowledge in her own recovery following surgery and chemotherapy for an aggressive form of breast cancer. “Chemo is hard”, says Luisa. “I have never felt anything so bad in my whole life. You need mental health support, spiritual support, family support, and community support. If you don’t have that support, it doesn’t matter how strong you are. Your body is not going to respond because we are connected through mind and body. We are one piece. “ What shines through in this interview is Luisa’s energy. A dynamo and a life lover, she will do whatever it takes to help others. Says Luisa: “I see an obstacle like a big fence. If it is too tall and I cannot reach the top, I dig a hole underground.” If you are undergoing breast cancer treatment, this episode is bound to give you the dose of hope and positivity you need to make it through. @elliefund #breastcancer…
There is something very magical about being an innkeeper, to welcome people in, to take care of them, to feed them. It is the best part of my job. -Trisha Perez Kennealy We talk a lot about living our lives in chapters, and Trisha Perez Kennealy is living proof that there is so much to learn in every chapter. She’s a former investment banker with an MBA from Harvard who decided to ditch it all and study at the Cordon Bleu Culinary School in London, earning her Diplome de Cuisine and Diplome de Patisserie while taking care of her newborn baby. Years later, she and her husband purchased the historic Inn at Hastings Park in Lexington, Massachusetts, where she is both an innkeeper and a culinary educator, dazzling her guests with her delicious culinary creations. Born and raised in Puerto Rico in a neighborhood that was both flavorful and loud, Trisha remembers that “everyone was running in and out of everyone’s houses and wherever you landed at mealtime, that was where you got fed.” The devoted mother of three, Trisha has passed on the traditions of her Puerto Rican culture. “Gathering around the table for a meal is a sacred time” says Trisha. “It’s where conversations happen. Plus, research shows that children who eat with their parents have greater academic success.” In this interview, we follow Trisha through her life and the bold decisions she has made, culminating in the exquisite restoration of the Inn at Hastings Park, which boasts 22 rooms, each decorated in a unique way for guests who become like family. Opened in 2014, the property includes 3 buildings, all built in the mid-1800s and just a stone’s throw from historic Lexington Green. With grounds that boast landscaping that evolves through the seasons, Trisha’s Inn is an oasis for the soul and a huge accomplishment for a woman who has explored her many talents with gusto. For 23 minutes of a chef’s delicious story, just hit that download button. #innkeeper #chef #cordonbleu #lexington #culinaryarts…
Why isn’t there a better vodka out there so that people aren’t train wrecks the next day? VELO Vodka is the solution for a new generation of vodka drinkers. -Colleen & Riley Eyges We’ve had many entrepreneurs on the show, but never a mother/daughter duo! Meet Colleen and Riley Eyges, founders of VELO Vodka www.velovodka.com. A single mom for decades, Colleen raised her daughter to be strong and independent. Their chemistry in this interview reflects what makes their partnership work: “The secret to my success is grit and determination, says Colleen. For Riley, it is being relentless.” Finally launched in August of 2021 after being forced to wait out the pandemic, the idea for creating a new kind of vodka was planted when the two met a waitress who was clearly hungover from partying the night before. Colleen started researching existing brands and found a hole that a new vodka could thrive in. Concocted at a local distillery in South Boston after 17 iterations, VELO Vodka is specially made to provide a super smooth and refreshing taste; plus, it’s corn-based, which makes it Gluten-free. Targeted toward women 21-55, it took six months to find a distributor, and today, the brand can be found in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. With over 600 accounts, including Total Wines, Whole Foods, and several Marriott and Hilton properties, VELO Vodka is growing by leaps and bounds, thanks to the belief that women love to support women-owned businesses. Says Colleen, “When I get up at 6:30 in the morning, the first thing I do is look at our sales reports from the night before, and very often, that news determines my mood for the day.” Yes, there have been obstacles for this mother/daughter duo, but they believe that there are lessons to be learned in both failure and success. Colleen and Riley will not stop until VELO Vodka is a household name. For 23 minutes of the kind of entrepreneurial advice you need to succeed, just hit that download button! @velovodka #entrepreneur #mother #daughter #thestorybehindhersuccess…
You can be the best leader EVER, but who can do anything on their own? You need a village. -Vanessa Calderon-Rosado, PhD Welcome to the story of Vanessa Calderon-Rosado, a trailblazing Latina with a passion for social justice and for creating community. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she’s got a PhD in public policy and has proudly served as CEO of Inquilinos Boricuas en Accion (IBA) www.ibaboston.org for the past 20+ years. One of the largest and most successful Latina-led non-profits in our country, IBA is a national model of economic development with a mission to change lives by providing high-quality, affordable housing, educational programs, and exposure to the arts. In this interview, Vanessa shares the pride she feels when she sees people’s lives transformed by the services IBA provides. Shelter is more than a roof over someone’s head, says Vanessa. “It’s about building vibrant, safe, healthy communities where people can thrive.” Raised in San Juan in a loving but strict household, Vanessa and her older brother were surrounded by a huge extended family that included grandparents, aunts, uncles, and lots of cousins. Her mother was a nurse, and her dad owned car dealerships. The values her parents instilled revolved around the importance of hard work and the morale obligation to give back. Vanessa came stateside to receive her graduate degree from UMASS and her doctorate from Cambridge College thirty-two years ago and never left. The mother of two sons, Vanessa says that her greatest work has been as a parent. “Motherhood is not for everyone, but it is for me. A good life is leaving behind seeds that will continue to grow.” As a trailblazer and social justice champion, Vanessa stands on the shoulders of the many women who have come before her. “I need to do this work,” says Vanessa, “it keeps me going.” For 23 minutes of non-stop inspiration, just hit that download button. #socialjustice #trailblazer #shelter #puertorico #latina…
Success is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration. I was never the most talented. I was never the smartest, but I was always willing to do the work. -Alison Quandt Westgate We’re on the road this week! This interview with Alison Quandt Westgate was recorded at the Costello Athletic Center at UMASS Lowell www.goriverhawks.com soon after the school’s student-athletes arrived back on campus. Known to her friends and colleagues as “Q” Alison is a former women’s ice hockey champion and goalie coach. Off the ice, she’s made a career for herself working in college athletics, first at her alma mater #bostoncollege and now at UMASS/Lowell as the Associate Athletic Director for Student Athlete Excellence. A champion for women’s sports, she’s a true believer in the transforming power sports can have on a person. Born and raised just outside of Boston, Alison grew up in a household full of sports lovers. Pond hockey was the game of choice in her neighborhood full of boys, so they put her in goal. Scrappy by nature, Alison says the key ingredient to her early success as an athlete was fearlessness: “I wasn’t afraid to get down and dirty, to muck it up.” A stand-out player in high school, she was recruited by Boston College and skated with the women’s hockey team throughout her college experience, winning countless awards and being named the 2006 Beanpot Tournament’s outstanding goaltender. Her rich experience as an athlete has been a beacon for her philosophy as she guides student-athletes: “I lead by example,” says Alison. “I will never ask anyone to do something I would not do myself. I may not be very vocal about it, but you will see me walking the walk every day.” In her role at At UMASS/Lowell Alison oversees everything that touches a student athlete’s daily life. 37% of the school’s population are first-generation college students. “They grind,” says Alison. “They work for every single win and there is no replacement for hard work.” For 23 minutes of athletic inspiration, just hit that download button. #sports #womensicehockey #perseverence #studentathlete…
As a 6-year-old, I remember deciding I’m not going to be fearful; I’m going to be furious. -Jodi Tolman When your childhood is fractured by emotional abuse and the threat of violence, it’s easy to lack confidence and lose your way as an adult. For Jodi Tolman, there have been plenty of mistakes and regrets, but there have also been incredible triumphs in her life. Her secret weapon? resiliency! Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jodi adored her mother and feared her father, who she describes as “an angry man who would reach for his belt.” The youngest of three children, she recalls making herself small and invisible so that she could hide beneath the dining room buffet cabinet when things got loud and scary at her house. Says Jodi: “I thought my mother could save me. My safety was in her arms. “ An unstoppable force of nature, Jodi has experienced 27 different career iterations. Looking back, she regrets her decision to drop out of college one month before graduation at the University of Ohio, but Jodi wanted to be a singer, just like her mother. In this interview, she shares her experiences as a singing waitress at the Improv in Los Angeles and New York, where she worked alongside Jay Leno and Robin Williams. A seasoned voice-over talent, business-to-business pro, and sales consultant, Jodi also spent 15 years working with senior citizens as they transitioned from their homes to senior living communities. Married three times, Jodi is the proud mother of three children: one born naturally, one by adoption, and one by a donor egg. These days, she talks to parents in the throws of infertility, answering their questions and sharing her story. Say Jodi: “Parenting comes from the doing, not from the pregnancy” Her memoir One from Each Column is planned for release in 2025. A sought-after public speaker, Jodi’s keynote address, “Triumph Over Trauma: Inspiring Belief That Life-Long Dreams Can Still Come True, “ includes her radical theory about childhood abuse. #childhoodtrauma #resilience #fertility #adoption…
A concussion is a broken brain. And it doesn’t have to be just a hit to the head. It is an impact on your body that moves up to your brain. -Lynne Becker Welcome to part 2 of a concussion story every mom, dad, coach, caregiver, and healthcare professional needs to hear. The single mother of two, Lynne Becker’s daughters were both athletes, but when her daughter Natalie was hit at point-blank range with a soccer ball, she got the phone call no parent wants to receive. Natalie was knocked unconscious. The athletic trainer reported that she couldn’t speak or remember her name. This jarring hit to the 17-year-old’s head would unfold in a journey that lasted over 4 years and included 26 brain bleeds, changes to her personality, and the need for homeschooling. In this interview, Lynne shares that her expertise as a biostatistician and an epidemiologist was a secret weapon that would lead to unlocking the many mysteries of how traumatic brain injuries or TBIs are reported and observed. While caring for Natalie full-time, Lynne lost her job but was soon recruited by the Department of Defense and tasked with building a real-world, brain injury database for Special Operations teams. As she began compiling data on Seals and Green Berets, she asked herself: “What is the common denominator? What makes the injury of a 30-year-old Green Beret in a bomb blast similar to a 17-year-old girl injured by a hit to the side of the head with a soccer ball?” Thanks to Lynne’s work with the DOD, she learned about the use of bio-neuro-feedback for the treatment of TBI, and in just 5 sessions, Natalie stopped napping every day and was even able to complete her college degree. Born and raised in a little “whistle-stop” town in upstate New York, Lynne is the founder of powerofpatients.com, where she is devoted to helping those with brain injuries actively engage in their health and well-being. #concussion #TBI #thestorybehindhersuccess…
Listen to me. My daughter walks into walls. She sleeps 20 hours a day. -Lynne Becker Back in the day, if 2 athletes smashed into one another, coaches would keep them in the game. Not anymore. Traumatic brain injuries, known as TBI, are serious business, and if you doubt this fact, just listen to this interview with Lynne Becker. A biostatistician and epidemiologist with an MS in public health, Lynne has spent her entire career analyzing charts and graphs, looking for clues that lead to better medical outcomes for patients. The single mother of two girls, she got a phone call from her younger daughter’s boarding school hours after Natalie was hit in the head intentionally with a soccer ball by a male student at point-blank range. The force of the blow knocked the 17-year-old unconscious. The athletic trainer told Lynne: “Your daughter can’t talk. She doesn’t know her name or what day it is.” It was at this moment that Lynne’s momma bear instincts, combined with a lifetime of amassing medical information, came into play. Lynne takes us through her constant frustration with her daughter’s school administrators, the school nurse, multiple hospitals, interns, doctors, and neurologists who missed 28 brain bleeds. “Concussion is a broken brain says Lynne, and the patient is never the same.” In fact, it took nearly 4+ years for her daughter to reclaim any normalcy in her young life. Fueled by the power of mother love, Lynne began gathering vital research so that patients and doctors could understand more about concussions. As the creator of powerofpatients.com, this unstoppable mother is a champion for patients, caregivers, and providers with the first patient-led brain injury data warehouse. For a dose of powerful storytelling and vital information on #concussion, just hit that download button.…
Be true to yourself. Know who you are as a person because people will try to break you. If you have a strong sense of self-esteem, you will be successful. -Megan McShane In the spotlight: Megan McShane. She spent 13 years working for global coaching sensation Tony Robbins and years later, developed the concept for Your Best Life Now www.yblnow.com with two business partners. Designed to bring together four key parts of a person’s life, Your Best Life Now is a results-driven, membership-based mastermind community focused on what Megan calls “the wheel of life”: faith, family, fitness, and finance for entrepreneurs. While most coaching models are based on the individual, Your Best Life Now is focused on inclusivity. Says Megan: “You want to grow with the people around you, and if you are not growing together, it causes strain in a relationship. With our coaching, it’s all about the whole.” Members of Your Best Life Now receive a year’s worth of business coaching and personal coaching, plus 3 empowering live events per year. Born and raised near the Canadian border in the small town of Ogdensburg, New York, Megan is the daughter of a legendary NCAA hockey coach and a labor & delivery nurse. When her Dad’s coaching gig took the family from St. Lawrence University to Providence College, the family moved to Providence, Rhode Island, with Megan playing sports year-round, including girl’s ice hockey. Also a certified yoga instructor, Megan is a true believer in the power of positive thinking. “It’s really easy to see the negative, but it is just as easy to see the good. Mindset is everything. We live in a world that’s go, go, go, but it is in the quiet moments that creativity comes to life.” For a 20 minute glimpse into living your best life now, just hit that download button. #mindset #empowerment #coaching #thestorybehindhersuccess…
As a child, I tried to sign up for Little League, and they said, “No” you’re a girl. And I remember thinking: That’s not right. It hurt me in my heart. -Digit Murphy Margaret Pearl “Digit” Degidio Murphy admits that as a child, she cried when she couldn’t play baseball or ice hockey just because she was a girl. As she skated alone around local ponds in her hometown of Cranston, Rhode Island, Digit knew she could be a champion. A scrappy kid from the wrong side of the tracks, she decided to never give up trying and, in the wake of crucial changes thanks to #title9, continued to break down barriers for women and girls in sports. A student athlete at Cornell, Digit was named Ivy League Player of the Year, finishing her college career with 123 goals and 90 assists. Digit loved the sport so much, she coached at Brown University for 23 seasons and holds the record as the winningest ice hockey coach in NCAA Division 1 history. But as she climbed the ladder in sports, Digit experienced pay inequality herself and fought for Olympic ice hockey athletes to be paid for the very first time. She would go on to coach on the pro level in the US, Canada, and China, with a philosophy focused on leading, guiding, and directing athletes. Says Digit: “You are like a conductor creating energy. You give your athletes a roadmap and the keys to the car, and then you let them drive.” In this interview, Digit takes us for a wild ride through a career in ice hockey that stands alone when it comes to creating opportunities for females: “Half a loaf is not enough. We cannot lose what we fought so hard to have. You have to have gritty, intestinal fortitude in order to continue to push boundaries, and I’d like to see all women doing that in all areas of sport.” For 25 minutes of true grit, just hit that download button. digitmurphy.com. @digitmurphy @usahockey…
The doctor said, “You are going blind, and there is no cure.” My mom burst into tears, and I remember thinking, “This can’t be happening to me.” -Eavan O’Neill When she was only 13 years old, Eavan O’Neill started having trouble seeing the blackboard at school. A gifted athlete, she began missing the ball while playing lacrosse and soccer. One of her coaches suggested that she have her eyes checked. Unfortunately, glasses didn’t do much to solve the problem. Throughout her teens, Eavan’s eyesight continued to deteriorate, and in this interview, she admits that wishful thinking set in until one day, she mistook the moon for a street light and it was obvious something was very wrong. Diagnosed at 20 by Rachel Huckfeldt, MD, PhD, an opthalmologist in the Inherited Retinal Disorders Service at Mass Eye And Ear, with a rare and incurable condition called Stargardt disease, Eavan is now legally blind. In this interview, she recalls returning to St. Lawrence University after her diagnosis in January 2020, only to go home two months later to her family in Yarmouth, Maine, due to the pandemic. Distraught and uncertain about her future, she accepted an invitation from her neighbor to go for a run and discovered that running flipped a switch inside of her. Says Eavan: “Running has made me feel strong, happy, and capable again.” An experienced marathoner who can only see 4 feet in front of her, Eavan runs to raise awareness and funds for a cure for Stargardt disease. Now a Development Officer at Mass General Brigham, Eavan is determined to be a voice for anyone struggling with this rare disease: “I felt so isolated when I was first diagnosed. It was like diving off of a cliff into no-man’s land. It’s hard to find hope. That’s what I want to be for people. Hope.” Although she still has “bad blind girl days,” Eavan looks on the bright side with her Instagram handle @bright.side_group. For 22 minutes of inspiration, just hit that download button. #blindness #stargardtdisease…
I love what I do, and it’s a privilege and an honor to do it. I feel such a duty to report on things that happen in my community, in my backyard, in your backyard. -Maria Stephanos Maria Stephanos is a household name in Boston and beyond. This interview was taped in between newscasts at WCVB, Channel 5, www.wcvb.com where she anchors the 4:30, 6:00, 7:00, and 11:00 PM newscasts. And for good measure, Maria also anchors the 10:00 PM news on sister station MeTVBoston. A devoted mother, this high-energy, high-empathy woman has been honing her craft for 30 years and says that going to bed at midnight is simply routine. Born and raised in the little town of Groveland, MA, Maria recalls an idyllic childhood where she would climb trees and skate in the woods in a town with no traffic light. Her heritage is Greek (think My Big Fat Greek Wedding), and laughter, passion, loyalty, and hard work were hard-wired into the family dynamic. A graduate of Emerson College with bachelor's and master's degrees in Mass Communications, Maria got her start on the radio as a statehouse reporter and credits that experience with teaching her how to tell compelling stories. In this interview, she reveals that a scratch ticket and a conversation with a colleague propelled her toward television, and she’s been there ever since. On the air for massive news events like 9/11 and the Boston Marathon bombings, Maria takes us behind the scenes, painting a picture of what it is really like to be a responsible, compassionate journalist in the middle of a tragedy. When asked about role models, she quickly names her mother, offering one of her parent’s golden rules: “Don’t judge people. You never know what they are going through.” In this interview, we come to know WCVB’s Maria Stephanos not only as a beloved news anchor but also as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, mentor, and running enthusiast. She’s the real deal. Go ahead and hit that download button. #journalist #television #news #mothersday…
School of Rock is the place for everyone who feels like they don’t have a place. All we care about is making great music together. -Stacey Ryan Meet Stacey Ryan, Chief Operating Officer of the School of Rock www.schoolofrock.com. With 65,000 students learning in 364 locations in 19 countries worldwide, she’s got her hands full of music lovers, and she likes it that way. Says Stacey: “Our teachers are all gigging musicians. We bring kids together in a room where they get to play instruments and sing loudly.” The success story of the School of Rock could have been destroyed by the pandemic, but instead, it was lifted to a whole new level under her guidance with a pivot to virtual learning through a robust online platform that managed to create a sense of community for kids when they needed it the most. In this interview, Stacey shares her firm belief that music heals. The School of Rock is a place where differences are celebrated, and confidence grows. Born in Queens, New York, and raised in Monmouth County, New Jersey, Stacey is the middle child in a music-loving family. She credits her father with introducing her to boxes of his rock albums. Alone on a desert island, she’d listen to the entire Beatles collection and never be lonely. A graduate of Rutgers University, she was inspired by her mother’s lifelong love of education and, at first, wanted to be a kindergarten teacher until the smell of the school cafeteria did her in. “I listened to my gut,” says Stacey, and I switched paths.“ As a leader, Stacey leans on transparency and is advancing women leaders through an organization she calls “Front Women”. Having a place at the table has not come easy for Stacey, and she knows it: “ When I became COO I was aware of the battle it took to get here, and the responsibility to pay it forward. I want to make the path smoother for those coming up behind me. “ For 24 minutes you can really tap your toe to, just hit that download button. #music #education #musicians #singers…
I’m missing the freak-out gene. It’s hard to rattle me. -Shannon Mulaire This week’s episode features the fascinating story of award-winning TV journalist Shannon Mulaire. She parlayed decades of experience in front of and behind cameras into the role of Director of PR and Media Relations at female-owned Nickerson, www.nickersoncos.com, a full-service branding, marketing, PR, and communications agency with offices in Boston and Miami. Born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut, Shannon started playing soccer at only 5, and was a self-described “scrappy tomboy who was toughened up by her two older brothers.” A determined student and athlete, Shannon attended the prestigious Philips Exeter Academy at only 13, followed by Wellesley College and Emerson College where she earned her Masters in Journalism. Her career path began with an off-camera job in Fort Myers, Florida, where Shannon managed to sneak herself into a weekend show without permission. This bold move was followed by an on-camera stint at a heritage news station in Tampa. She finally landed in Boston thanks to being given an opportunity to shine by fellow Emerson graduate and mentor Maria Stephanos. Says Shannon: “Every step of the way, I have been lifted up by other women. “ In this interview, Shannon brings the listener into the not-so-glamourous world of television news where 2 AM wake-up calls are a way of life. After spending a few years doing morning news at Fox 25, Shannon found herself at a crossroads and decided to make the kind of change that enabled her to be a more present mother to her three young children while still using her vast communications skillset. When asked about her work ethic, Shannon says: “Soccer raised me because it taught me life skills. I work hard, and I believe that if you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. You can’t control what other people are going to do, but you can control how you are going to react to it.” For 24 minutes of wisdom you can use, just hit that download button. #media #news #PR #television #thestorybehindhersuccess…
Lessons learned early last a lifetime. -Julie Beckham aka “Ms. Money” Not everyone thinks personal finance is a topic to sing about, but Julie Beckham has made a career out of it. Since April is Financial Literacy Month, we thought we’d invite her on to the show. Now the AVP/Financial Education Development & Strategy Officer at Rockland Trust Bank, Julie was tasked by the previous owner, Blue Hills Bank, with expanding its commitment to the community by finding a way to educate children about money. Always up for a challenge, Julie tapped into her wealth of experience as an actress and singer to create her persona “Ms. Money” and her musical, “Ms. Money & the Coins.” For the last 13 years, she’s been sharing this entertaining curriculum with children in the United States and around the world www.rocklandtrust.com. What started out as an idea to teach children about money turned into a multilingual video-based program, complete with interactive learning modules. Says Julie: “If I can make something fun for children and easy for teachers, that’s a win-win.” Born and raised in Canton, Massachusetts, Julie’s love for the theatre was born when she landed the role of Dorothy in her elementary school’s production of The Wizard of Oz. A graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Julie was a working actor for years before returning home to be a hands-on aunt to her newborn niece, Lucy, who was born with Downs Syndrome. Says Julie: “The world stopped, and we needed each other. You discover what the epicenter of YOU is and for me, that’s family.” The mother of two children, Julie shares her belief that “it is crucial for parents to share their mistakes. How we handle mistakes is important for our children to see, including mistakes about money.” And just in case you’re feeling left out, Julie has a podcast series for adults, too, called “No Shame in this Money Game.” For 23 minutes of financial fun, just hit that download button. #financialliteracy #education #money #banking…
I have always wanted to try something new, to put myself in situations where I was a little breathless, where there’s an itch to scratch, and where I ask myself: can I really succeed at this? -Connie Johnson Hambley After struggling with how to describe this week’s guest, I’ve landed on “Renaissance woman” not only because she is an expert in so many fields, but because she is prolific at everything she does. Born and raised on a dairy farm in upstate New York, Connie recalls a childhood where she could step out her back door and roam 400 acres of idyllic farmland. The farm was a family business. Connie’s family grew their own hay and corn for their cows, processing the milk at their own dairy, and delivering it to customers far and wide. But it was also at this dairy farm where Connie’s internal compass was rattled when a disgruntled employee struck a match setting the barn on fire at feeding time. This singular event sparked a lifelong interest in discovering why people do what they do. Says Connie: “ A new mantra came into my life after the fire: bad things happen to good people. And bad people can look wonderful and still do reprehensible things. “ A prolific writer and author, Connie has a law degree, she’s been a fashion model, worked at an ad agency, been the vice president of a bank, and an adjunct professor of finance. But in this interview, we learn that along the way, this two-time winner of the Best English Fiction Literary Award for her crime stories not only has a love affair with words, but a deep desire to hear what isn’t said, mining for gold between the lines. And Connie sets daily goals for herself as an author: “When I’m really into my writing, I park my butt in that chair and I don’t get up until I’ve put down 1000 fresh new words.” The mother of three, Connie is also a world traveler whose love for adventure has been passed on to her grown children. In this latest chapter of her ever-evolving story, Connie is focused on the financial exploitation of elders and is determined to use everything she knows to shine a bright light on the systemic mistreatment of our senior citizens. #author #writer #crime #elderabuse…
Once you have cancer, it becomes a part of your history, part of the fabric of your journey, part of your story. -Sue Tabb Welcome back to the story of award-winning broadcaster, columnist, PR & marketing pro, wife, mother, and 2-time breast cancer survivor, Sue Tabb. Recorded on a sunny day in my living room just a few hours after Sue got off the air at Magic 106.7, this interview was so inspiring, we just had to make it available to you in two parts. Raised in Westfield, Massachusetts, Sue was the Valedictorian of her class in a largely Irish Catholic middle-class town. At Smith College, she quickly recognized that she was surrounded by girls who were smarter and more worldly than she was. Believing she had made a big mistake in choosing Smith, Sue called her mother and begged her to come and get her. It was this life-changing conversation with her mother that caused a shift in Sue’s perspective. Says Sue: “My mother said, I’m not coming. You are smart enough. You are good enough and you can do this. You are just gonna have to work a little harder than the other girls. But don’t ever say you’re not good enough.” 25 years into her radio career, Sue Tabb is a much-loved broadcaster who devotes her time to many non-profits including breast cancer charities, as well as the One Wish Project. onewishproject.org. Always ready for the next big challenge, Sue shares her bucket list of hopes and dreams in this interview, her deep love for her own daughters, and her sage advice about what success really means. #breastcancer #radio #broadcasting #smithcollege…
Breast cancer is a club nobody wants to be in, but it’s not a bad club. It’s an empowering club. And when you get through it, you realize you are much more resilient than you think you are. -Sue Tabb According to the American Cancer Society: 1 in every 8 women will hear the words: you have breast cancer. The woman you are about to meet has heard those words two times in her life. Sue Tabb’s daughters were just little girls when she was first diagnosed with the disease and then, 12 years later she learned the news that the cancer was back. In this interview, the 6-time Gracie Allen award-winning broadcaster shares her story, including the fact that she underwent a double mastectomy alone, at the height of the pandemic, when COVID restrictions forced her husband to drop her off in front of the hospital. Facing this life-changing moment alone set off a sea change in this strong, funny, kindhearted, and uber-talented woman which she shares graciously in this interview. The co-host of Morning Magic on Magic 106.7, www.magic1067.com Sue got back on the air just 3 weeks after her surgery, craving normalcy and sharing her breast cancer story with listeners. Says Sue “If I can get one person who has been putting off that mammogram to get one, then I’ve done something wonderful. “ A 25-year veteran of Boston radio, Sue got her start on the legendary Kiss 108 working with Marconi Award-winning radio personality Matt Siegel. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Smith College, she is a gifted journalist, former columnist, magazine editor, newspaper reporter and PR/Marketing pro. Recorded in my living room, this chat with a former colleague and forever friend comes to you in two parts. #breastcancer #radio #broadcasting.…
The doctor said: This is breast cancer. Buckle-up. - Melissa Dupuis October is breast cancer awareness month and although great strides have been made, the statistics remain the same. According to the American Cancer Society: 1 in every 8 women will hear the words “you have breast cancer”. This month, we’re supporting a local charity called The Ellie Fund, which focuses on making the day-to-day lives of breast cancer patients a little bit easier. elliefund.org. In the spotlight, Melissa Dupuis. A former professional ballet dancer with a degree in dance, Melissa is a well-being enthusiast whose long list of credentials includes a master's degree in Public Health. She’s a certified pilates instructor, health education specialist, health coach, personal trainer, and barre instructor on a mission to spread the importance of health in mind, body, and soul. You can imagine her surprise when what Melissa thought was a clogged milk duct turned out to be breast cancer. In this interview, Melissa shares her breast cancer journey as a new, young mom in a powerful way, describing her positive mindset during treatment: “Of course, I was a mess when I first got diagnosed, but then I said to myself, I’m gonna beat this. I put my boxing gloves on and said: Let’s do this.” And like so many women who weather the storm of this disease, Melissa emerged a changed a woman: “Everything around me seems brighter. I pay attention. I am more present. I appreciate the little things because the little things ARE the big things.” Her advice to a woman who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer? “Take a deep breath. Know that this is temporary. You are a fighter and when you come out of this, it will change you for the better. Feel your feelings. Get angry. Be sad. But most of all, love yourself. Your body and your mind are a fortress. “ #breastcancer #elliefund @PLABosto.…
Focus on what you can control. You can’t control the outcome, but you can control the process. -Kelly Cantley How many women are leaders in commercial construction? The answer is: not enough! Meet Kelly Cantley, Senior Vice President of Bozzuto Construction Company www.bozzuto.com. Born and raised in the town of Bluff City, Tennessee, population 1500 by a trailblazing school teacher and a 36-year Army veteran, Kelly is blazing her own trail in a field where less than 10% of women are finding their footing. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Kelly was nominated by former Vice President & Nobel Peace Prize winner, Al Gore, Kelly got her Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the Academy and served as an Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps. Her transition from the military to construction was smoother than you might think, aided by Kelly’s Masters in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University and a belief in the theory that success in these fields is rooted in “process and procedure.” Kelly’s big job at Bozzuto carries big weight. She’s responsible for new business, acquisition, planning, and implementation of new work. A family-owned business, founded in 1988, Bozzuto maintains a rich culture, steeped in the firm belief that “everyone deserves safe shelter and sanctuary.” Kelly puts these beliefs into practice as an advocate for philanthropic organizations like Urban Land Institute, Women’s Housing Coalition, ACE Mentoring Program and Jubilee Housing. Her best advice for women on the rise in construction? “Find your voice and speak up, especially in difficult situations. Take your blinders off and don’t be afraid to try new things.” For an inspiring look into the life of a trailblazer, just hit that download button. #womeninconstruction #USNavalAcademy #construction #trailblazer…
There are so many parts to us and writing this book is a big part of me. But there’s a lot more to do and it makes me excited about life and getting out of bed every morning. -Christy Cashman Christy Cashman is an actress who has appeared in more than twenty movies including American Hustle, Joy, Ted 2, and Kettle of Fish. She’s written two children’s books, has her own production company, and is the founder of a teenage writing mentorship program called YouthINK www.christycashman.com. The wife of Boston developer Jay Cashman, Christy is the mother of two sons. The family splits their time between three homes including a castle in Ireland. Fresh from her book tour with galpal Jane Seymour, Christy arrived ready to share the inspiration for The Truth About Horses including her complex characters, the creative process, and the stories of her life. Written in a gazebo at her home on Cape Cod, The Truth About Horses is a brilliantly crafted tale about a 14-year-old girl obsessed with horses and emotionally crushed by the death of her mother. Published by SPARKPRESS, the book is being celebrated worldwide for its unique relatability, whether you are a horse enthusiast or not. The 9th of 10 children, Christy spent the first seven years of her life on a poultry farm in Novelty, Ohio, and then moved to the mountains of North Carolina where horses became the focus of her life. In this interview, Christy describes her own mother and older sisters as her role models, sharing through tears “Ever since my Mom died, I have always felt like I was meeting special people she was sending my way.” Her mother’s wisdom about accomplishment is reflected in one of the most poignant moments of the book. “Oncedrams are reached, they are meant to turn to dust giving you a chance to dream again.” For a deep dive into the soul of an exceptional woman who can write, act, produce, and mentor the next generation, just hit that download button. #actress#novelist #thetruthabouthorses…
Sometimes the door you’re trying to push or kick open isn’t the door that’s designed for you. -Maureen Weisner If your career needs an adjustment, I’ve got just the woman for you! Meet Maureen Weisner, co-founder and managing partner of KICKSTART Your Transition www.kickstartyourtransition.com. A wife and mother of grown children, Maureen has been flexing her teaching muscles for a lifetime, helping women and men understand that “sometimes, the job you want is not available, so you pivot and what you learn from that experience is that what you thought was your singular goal in that environment just isn’t. Raised in a gigantic coop in Queens, New York with 700+ families and 1700+ children, Maureen was an only child whose mother died when she was only 11. Raised by her father who worked long hours at the post office, Maureen was self-guided and learned resiliency early in life. In this interview, she recalls being watched over by the other moms in her complex, with a profound sense that she would excel in school and accomplish great things. Recognized as a Top 10 Executive Coach by Women’s Business Boston, Maureen is an in-demand seminar leader, speaker, and author who practices what she preaches. “You are a product of the 5 people you spend the most time with. Make sure they are all achievers who also support your goals.” Citing research from the University of London that shows it takes 66 days to create change, Coach Maureen suggests you take that first big step today: “Get up. Get dressed. Get out.” For 21 minutes that will leave you firing on all cylinders, just hit that download button. #executivecoach #womeninbusiness #careerchange…
I thought I was broken. I thought there was something wrong with me. -Kimberly Plante This episode is going to make you angry and it might just make you cry. As the abused child of a young, single mother, Kimberly Plante grew up in constant fear. She lived in squalor in a home where cockroaches climbed the walls. She wore filthy clothes, had no friends, and was left alone at night to care for her little brother. She was beaten, burned on her scalp and arms with cigarette butts, and every day she was told: You are unworthy of love. In her powerful memoir, Kimberly Plante walks us through a life that at times, seems so unbelievably terrifying, you wonder how on earth she managed to survive it. But, survive is exactly what she did, often inspired by the iconic lyrics of Gloria Gaynor’s anthemic song “I Will Survive” which played on repeat in her head. Kim’s memoir WORTHY worthymemoir.com is a testimony to the strength of the human spirit. Armed with a handwritten 3-point action plan, Kim vowed to turn her adult life around not just for herself, but for her young children. Today, she is thriving as an associate director of respiratory therapy at Franciscan Children’s Hospital in Boston. During the pandemic and throughout her career, she has saved countless lives. Kim is happily married to the love of her life and has been deeply changed by a startling discovery on Ancestry.com that has transformed her life. You’ll have to read the book if you want to find out more! This episode serves as a reminder to anyone working with children: if you see something, say something because as Kim says: “Kids don’t tell. When you are being abused you think it is your fault. You are embarrassed. It is shameful. Abused children are just too terrified to talk.” www.childhelphotline.org, call or text: 800-422-4453 #childabuse…
Being a connector is my calling. This is the work that lights me up. -Valerie McSorley Valerie McSorley could claim the title of “super-connector” any day of the week. She’s been building her vast professional network for decades by producing live, major market industry events, developing businesses and creating strategic partnerships that endure the test of time. She’s currently the Senior Vice President for Partner Success at livepro, a knowledge management system designed specifically for contact centers. For over 20 years, Val has been bringing people together for better results by developing the acronym C.O.A.R: communicate, offer, ask receive. But at the root of her success is the fact that people in just about every field know and trust her. She may be “an army of one” but you can count on Val and the caliber of the company she keeps. A seasoned corporate event planner and emcee, she has always had the gift of foresight: “I see the whole picture. I understand how the pieces come together and I am unafraid to have difficult conversations. Plus, I never ask anyone to do anything I would not do myself.” Born and raised in New York’s Hudson Valley, Val’s lifelong role model was and still is her nearly 100-year-old maternal grandmother. Says Val: “Every single day when I was growing up, she drilled it into me that I was going to go to college. I was going to be successful, make my own money, and most of all, I was going to stand on my own two feet.” The proud mother of two sons, Val is not only a super-connector but a passionate entrepreneur who credits her husband as her biggest fan. For a 23-minute tutorial on how to take become a connector, just hit that download button. #connector #entrepreneur #mentor…
There is a massive under-investment in non-profits serving women and girls in this country. -Christina Gordon Meet Christina Gordon, Co-Founder & CEO of WFBoston. www.wfboston.org. She holds an undergraduate degree from Boston University and four master's degrees: two from the prestigious Sloan School of Management at MIT and two more from Brandeis University. Raised by a single mom not far from New York City, Christina is the daughter and grandchild of educators who was taught early in life that education is the foundation upon which future success grows. She believes (and research shows) that a woman’s education and financial health are the keys to her success and the success of her family. Now the mother of four grown children, Christina is a champion for women and girls through WFBoston. In this interview, she shares her own rise in the financial world, beginning with a very lucky chance to intern at Standard & Poors when she was only 20 years old, and a wise decision to begin her career at Fidelity Investments. As a young mother, she found herself drawn to share her business acumen and interest in women and financial independence only to discover that most non-profits had “ tons of passion but weren’t able to get the impact they wanted because they weren’t managing their organization like a business.“ Together with three other exceptional women, she began searching for a non-profit focused on educating underserved women and girls in finance. To their surprise, the team discovered that there were no organizations with this focus, particularly in Massachusetts. Says Christina: “We didn’t do this because we thought it would be fun or exciting or that we could make a difference. We founded WFBoston because we were filling a gap.” A marathon runner, hiker, and skier in her downtime, Christina says she is a problem solver by nature. Loaded with advice and guidance for the next generation of women, she applauds the fact that glass ceilings have been shattered, but there is more work to be done. Filled with wisdom and a willingness to share it, Christina says: Surround yourself with optimists. True success is being really good at something that you really love…and also having an impact. That’s the trifecta.” #women #finance #WFBoston…
I have always wanted to do something that has a lasting impact on the youth of this nation. Today I am doing what I am meant to do, using my gifts and talents. -Stacy A. Padula Young Adult and children’s book author Stacy A. Padula has written 13 books and every one of them has risen to #1 either as a New Release or Best Seller on Amazon since 2010. One of the most fascinating parts of this story is that even though Stacy started planting the seeds of her series Montgomery Lake High in middle school, she also had her sights set on being an architect and an interior designer. In fact, she was a Presidential Scholar at the world-renowned Wentworth Institute of Technology. Armed with a degree and a job in her chosen field, Stacy worked for 2 years at an architecture firm but found herself restless and unfulfilled. Deep down inside, a little voice kept calling her toward something else…a lifelong love of writing and working with youth. In this interview, Stacy shares her devotion to her Christian faith as the conduit for all of her life choices, explaining that the best advice she ever received was to read the Bible and she has done that, cover to cover. Says Stacy: “Learning how to see God at work in my life strengthened my faith, gave me courage, and guided my path. I would not be where I am today if it were not for my personal relationship with God.” Today, this exceptional woman is an award-winning author, educator, and founder of a publishing company named after her beloved dachshunds, Briley & Baxter www.brileybaxterbooks.com. Her acclaimed young adult book series Montgomery Lake High and Gripped focus on realistic stories about high school and college including substance abuse, peer pressure and bullying. Stacy’s characters explore getting past the hard times with faith and redemption. She has partnered with NBA basketball coach Brett Gunning on an empowering children’s book series called On The Right Path and her acclaimed Gripped series is being adapted for TV by an Emmy award-winning producer. For 24 minutes of sheer inspiration, just hit that download button. #stacypadula #grippedseries #montgomerylakehigh #brileyandbaxterpublications…
Yes, it was like entering a man cave when I first got started, but now, I am a voice for women in finance and trading and I am empowered to bring women along with me. -Samantha LaDuc Samantha LaDuc describes herself as a macro-to-micro analyst, educator, and trader of stocks, options, futures, crypto, commodities, currencies, and bonds. www.laductrading.com. Born and raised on a farm in upstate New York by a single mom, this chapter in Sam’s career could not be further from her humble roots. The divorced mother of three grown children, Sam’s clients come to her for her expertise as a market timer, crowning her the Mother of Market Timing. Says Sam: “I have one job and that is to time the markets. To identify when the market is going to move and in which direction it will go, and to seize those gains.” She’s so good at what she does that media outlets like Bloomberg, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Market Watch, and Sirius XM have all called upon her as a contributor. Often the only woman featured in these discussions, Sam loves every single minute of it. “Restriction is not my jam. I don’t care if there are “DoubtingThomases out there. I am curious and I am determined. This is my passion and my purpose.” Her advice in life and in finance? Don’t risk more than you are willing to lose.” For a 20-minute dive into the life of a woman who is not afraid to make tough calls and blaze new paths, just hit that download button. #wallstreet #macro #micro #trader #stocks#options #futures #crypto #commodities #currencies #bonds #tradingroom…
Don’t tapdance too loudly. Under promise and over-deliver. That’s my advice. -Andrea Hall Andrea Hall is living proof that our lives really do unfold like chapters in a book. Her latest chapter finds her at the helm of a non-profit called Grateful Friends www.gratefulfriends.org where the mission is to provide financial support to adults undergoing cancer treatment. But just how did she get here? Andi was raised by a single mom in a great big Greek family in Brookline, MA. Armed with a degree in Communications from Boston University, she landed in radio sales at the iconic WXKS AM where she shared office space with legendary broadcasters Arnie Woo Woo Ginsburg and Sunny Joe White. Always curious about where her father was, Andi discovered him in her 30s and experienced the joy of not only meeting him but learning that he was a well-known music executive. Her natural ability to work with artists led her to a career at Universal Music Group where she promoted superstars like Smokey Robinson, Aerosmith, Mary J Blige, Guns N’ Roses, and more. As a single mom, she felt a deep need to be a hands-on mom to her son Ty, so she founded New Leaf Marketing, working from home to create a thriving business as an entrepreneur for over 20 years. In this interview, Andrea shares her deep understanding that everything she has done in her life has led her to where she is today. She taps into her well-honed skills and talents, along with a belief that relationships are everything. Her mantra? “Sunnyside up. Never complain. Be resilient and keep on pluggin'!” #cancer #resilience #gratitude…
As an autistic parent, there is intense isolation and no matter how supportive your friends with typical children want to be, you need to have someone who understands your life. -Candice Hartford Candice Hartford is a NICU nurse with a heart of gold. She’s spent her career caring for critically ill newborns and their families, first in her native California and now in Boston at Mass General Brigham Hospital. She’s also the mother of twin boys who were born prematurely and later diagnosed with autism. It is this life-changing experience that led Candice to found Raising Harts, www.raisingharts.org, a 501c3 charity that is creating community, connection, education, and support for families with autistic and neuro-diverse children and their siblings. Says Candice: “While there were support groups in a clinical setting for families with autistic children, I really wanted someone to come over with their coffee (or a bowl of wine) and cry with me today.” Her sons Grady and Keaton are now 7 and the community their mother has created has nurtured them and hundreds of autistic and neurodiverse children and families. In this interview, Candice shares her non-traditional upbringing outside of Pasadena as well as her lifelong mantra:“Anything that scared me, I felt like I had to do. I learned early on to be strong and resilient.” #autism #neurodiversity#NICU…
I’ve spent my adulthood working with the Greatest Generation. My average client is 89 years old and they’ve taught me that even if you live 100 years, it is the blink of an eye. -Erin DiCarlo Erin DiCarlo‘s career path has been inspired not only by her lifelong devotion to her grandparents Nanny and Da, but by the joy she gets from working with the elderly. A wife and mother of four, Erin is the Founder & President of Dovetail Companies which she created to address the vast needs of families dealing with dementia and the overwhelming landscape of elder care. Nominated as a guest on the show by one of her employees, Erin’s long-term goal is to “change the way we view and support aging in America.” In this interview, she explains that the final stage of aging is called “Legacy Leaving”. Our elders need to be able to share their stories so that their experiences and accomplishments are not forgotten. The women’s liberation movement brought women out of the home and into the workforce, and while this societal shift opened doors for women, it closed doors for their parents who were no longer able to be cared for at home and ended up in nursing homes instead. For an insightful look into ageism and a quick tutorial on how we can understand the deepest needs of our aging loved ones, just hit that download button. #ageism #dementia #eldercare…
If you tell me I can’t do something, I’m gonna do it 10 times better than you ever thought I could. -Judy Briggs We’re on the road for this episode of The Story Behind Her Success, featuring the story of Judy Briggs, mother of 4 and franchise owner of 3 thriving synergistic businesses: 1-800-GOT-JUNK, Men in Kilts/Boston and MaidPro Metrowest. Recorded in Judy’s offices in the little town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts which is famous for being the location of the starting line of the Boston Marathon, this interview is full of wisdom for entrepreneurs, both future and present! After pursuing a career in the insurance business, Judy purchased her first franchise in 2003 and has never looked back. She loves what she does, often appearing at the town dump in a skirt and heels for a 1-800-GOT-JUNK drop-off. Her four sons have played a role in the development of her businesses, and Judy speaks candidly about the joys and challenges of a family business while always maintaining the belief that no success in business can trump her loyalty to her family. Judy’s tireless work ethic comes from watching her mother, a single mom who earned her living in a hospital cafeteria work endless hours just to make ends meet. Judy became a mother at 21 to twin boys and in this interview, she shares how she taught her boys the value of an education by doing her homework around the kitchen table with them, completing her undergraduate degree, and achieving her master's degree in business. As an employer, Judy vowed to never treat an employee the way she was treated and prides herself on creating a family environment where relationships are everything, especially when it comes to growing her businesses. A supporter of the Genesis Fund www.genesisfund.org Judy was the first woman to rise to board chair for the organization. Her best advice? “Don’tsweat the small stuff. Do what you love and most of all, don’t ever allow anyone to tell you that you can’t do something. If you are passionate about it, do it!” For 20 minutes of plain talk from a fearless entrepreneur, hit that download button. #entrepreneur #franchise…
Once upon a time, it was a grand event to go to the local movie theatre. -Katherine Tallman In this interview, we meet Katherine Tallman, a lifelong lover of cinema. She’s the Executive Director & CEO of the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, Massachusetts, one of America’s most iconic movie theatres. coolidge.org. Originally built as a church in 1906, it was re-designed as an art deco movie palace in 1933 and after suffering hard times throughout the 1980s was purchased by a real estate magnate with a love for theatre who leased the building to the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation. Today, the Coolidge Corner Theatre is a non-profit, independent cinema and cultural center and Katherine’s mission has been to not only steward this much-loved landmark through the pandemic but to also assure a bright future for the theatre with a 12.5 million dollar expansion. Born and raised in Detroit, Katherine was one of 4 children in a blue-collar family where she was taught to be both responsible and hard-working. In this interview, she recalls going to the movies every weekend with her friends, often choosing foreign films and independent films over more mainstream offerings. As the first person in her family to go to college, she accepted her first job in Boston at a real estate investment firm and as she climbed the ladder in business, she discovered that she was often the only woman at the table. After serving on the board of the Coolidge Theatre, she was tapped to become the executive director. A true believer in doing what you love, Katherine says: “I bring my A-game to everything I’ve ever done. I work with really smart people who have the same passion. Most of all, I lead by example. Having this job is like a fairy tale movie story.”…
When I was a teenager, I had one of those diaries with a little lock. I kept it under my bed and I would pull it out and just start writing. -Maggie Van Galen Do you love to write? Meet Maggie Van Galen. Inspired by her father’s incredible ability to tell a story, this award-winning children’s book author and wordsmith has been writing since she could hold a pen. Maggie grew up in a tiny town in Northern Michigan where “everyone knew your business before you even did it.” She went to Michigan State wanting nothing more than to be a number and majored in Journalism until someone told her she would never make any money at it, so she pivoted to advertising with an aim to be a copywriter and ended up in corporate sales. It was when Maggie became a mom that her father’s story of Keeno & Ernest resurfaced in her memory as she re-told it to her sons. Teachers who heard the story urged her to put pen to paper and the series came to life, as The Adventures of Keeno & Ernest won the coveted Mom’s Choice Award. Her latest series is a collaboration with a doctor of pediatric occupational therapy called King’s Day Outwhich empowers children as they navigate life’s adventures. When she is not writing, Maggie shares her talents by offering her services as a ghostwriter, editor, proofreader, and content creator for social media, marketing, and websites. www.maggievangalen.com. Says Maggie: “Words are my gig. When I sign my books, I write: always follow your dreams. Sometimes, dreams are not right in front of you and that’s because life takes you in different directions.” #writer#author #childrensbooks…
I don’t just make pretty dresses. If I design a dress that doesn’t excite the woman who is wearing it, this is not good enough. Every piece of art should excite you. -Anna Nieman Born in Belarus in the former USSR, Anna Nieman learned all about perseverance and hard work from her parents. Her father was a messanger for the resistance during World War II. Captured by Stalin’s army at only 17, he was sent to the gulag for 5 years. Always an artist with a deep love for nature, Anna spent her days as a child, painting pictures on the banks of the Nieman River, eventually immigrating to the United States in 1991 in search of her dreams. When the plane touched down in New York City, she knew only one word of English: “taxi” which came in very handy. Her rise in the fashion industry is a testimony to her strong belief in freedom, entrepreneurship, female empowerment, and the American Dream. Once a nanny, she learned how to speak English by taking ESL classes, talking to people, and reading books. While the children took naps, Anna combed through the Boston Globe and saw an ad for a fit model. Not knowing what a fit model was, she noticed that her measurements matched the job description, so Anna applied and got the job. She would spend years honing her craft working with J-Jill, Talbots, Appleseeds, and Chadwicks of Boston, soaking up every piece of knowledge she could from fashion industry pros who looked at her early designs and encouraged her to go out on her own. In 2010 she launched Anna Nieman Couture www.annaniemancouture.com. Recently voted Best in the City as a designer of women’s formal wear by Boston Common Magazine, Anna describes her design style as “classic, beautiful, feminine and flattering.” Her devotion to her customers is what motivates her. Says Anna: “I give myself a grade and if I see a smile on a woman’s face, and I make her happy, goal achieved!” For a tutorial on making your dreams come true, just hit that download button. #americandream #fashion #formalwear…
I’m a businesswoman with old-fashioned values: loyalty, tenacity, and a burning desire to be successful. - Cindy Stumpo Cindy Stumpo has been paving the way for women in construction for decades. At only 23 and just days away from giving birth to her daughter Samantha, Cindy was the only woman in the room when she sat for hours to take her general contractor’s exam and would sell her first million-dollar home at 24. In an industry dominated by men, Cindy is a role model for women in the trades and has built a multi-million-dollar luxury home construction business based on her “grindit out” motto. www.cstumpodevelopment.com Her opulent floor plans coupled with attention to detail caught the attention of executives at HGTV and Cindy quickly became the star of the popular series Tough As Nails. In this interview, her unstoppable personality is on full display with tough love for anyone listening. Say’s Cindy: “You’re not a loser as long as you keep picking yourself up. You’re a loser the day you don’t pick yourself up. That’s the day you quit on you.” Born and raised on the Northshore of Boston as a child and then as a teenager in upscale Newton in a loving Italian-Jewish family, Cindy looked to her father for guidance when she wasn’t sure what to do with her life. His response guides her to this day: “Everybody’s got their talents and you’ve got yours. When you find something you love to do, there’s not going to be anybody who is better at it than you.” An advocate for speaking openly about mental illness, Cindy has dealt with anxiety and panic attacks for 26 years, sharing her story in the hopes of inspiring others. The host of the radio show Tough as Nails with Sam, Cindy is proud of her son Chad and delighted to see her daughter follow in her footsteps as a second-generation general contractor and founder of Newbrook Realty Group. Cindy Stumpo is a trailblazer with her boots on the ground every day. “Obstacles? I’m an excavator, says Cindy. I just keep on pushing that rock up the mountain. “ #construction #luxuryhomes #determination #perseverance…
Mental Illness affects everyone across all domains. It doesn’t matter what your cultural background is, or your socio-economic background. It’s really an equal-opportunity illness that affects everyone. -Gemima St. Louis, Ph.D. A recent survey shows that 90% of Americans believe our country is experiencing a mental health crisis. Fortunately, Gemima St. Louis is leading the way toward solving this problem by creating groundbreaking programs that will train a diverse generation of mental health professionals at William James College in Newton, Massachusetts. www.williamjamescollege.edu. Born and raised in Port au Prince Haiti, Gemima and her family immigrated to the United States, landing in Boston on a cold day in January without winter clothing! At only 14, Gemima did not speak the language and found herself in a high school classroom surrounded by teenagers from other countries who were also learning how to speak the language and understand American culture. Her parents raised 5 children with a sense of social responsibility, Gemima was told that she could become anything she set her mind to and that education would be the key to success. All she had to do was remember where she came from and “reach back to bring those you left behind along with you. Armed with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Gemima is now the mother of three children and the Vice President of Workforce Initiatives & Speciality Training, and an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology. Determined to be a change-maker when it comes to disparities in access to mental healthcare, Gemima says: You really have to rely on your networks of support to move systemic barriers. One person can try and it is exhausting, but when you are surrounded by others with a shared passion, you can move mountains. “ #mentalhealth #stigma…
When we talk about people, it’s very easy to talk about the things we don’t do well. We easily go to our weaknesses. My job is to encourage people to think about their strengths and what makes them a leading product. -Joanna Dutra Today’s story is all about using our gifts, talents, and collective experience to create a new chapter in our lives. Joanna Dutra plays the piano and the violin. She sings and she’s even a stand-up comedian. After spending 20 years developing brand identities for Fortune 500 companies, she decided it was time to use her skills to help people instead of products. As the founder of The Creative Confidant. www.thecreativeconfidant.com Joanna is sharing what she knows with clients who come to her in search of a personal brand that reflects “who they are and where they stand.” In this interview, Joanna credits her grandfather with inspiring her work ethic. Born in Italy, he came to the United States at 9, unable to speak English. His compelling personality and zest for life propelled his personal and financial success story despite many obstacles. The way he lived his life became a roadmap for Joanna. A graduate of Georgetown University, it was Joanna’s love of sports that brought her to Boston where she has remained for decades, raising two daughters who inspire her every day. A big believer in taking chances, Joanna says: “We don’t grow when we are comfortable. We only grow when we are uncomfortable.” For 24 minutes of passion, purpose, and high-spirited wisdom just hit that download button. #passion #confidence #coaching…
It’s hard to Innovate because It’s not a linear process, it's often circuitous. So if you fail, pick yourself up and learn from it. You might go in a new direction. -Carrie Allen Having a great idea and acting on it, nurturing it into reality, and believing in its merit is a lot like finding buried treasure at the bottom of the ocean. If your idea works, the rewards are huge. Carrie Allen has spent her career focused on innovation: helping people steward new ideas, methods, and products. Her clients are trailblazers who have taken great ideas and turned them into dreams come true to form thriving businesses. As Managing Partner of CIC Captains of Innovation in Cambridge, MA. she and her team provide bespoke white glove innovation consulting from new idea generation to commercialization, and in the process, www.captains.cic.com is creating a global network of doers and dreamers in a city that is home to both MIT and Harvard. Says Carrie: “the companies that succeed are those that can navigate ambiguity.” Raised in Kentucky by her father, after her parent’s divorce divided the family in two, Carrie admits to learning how to be resilient as a child and names her beloved grandmother as her role model. Her passion and determination are evident in everything she does, including taking on work-life balance in a blended family with love and grace, while scratching her own creative itch with handcrafted linens she markets through her website: www.augusttable.com. For a brief encounter with a creative guru, hit that download button. #innovation #entrepreneur…
I don’t need to be a big star. I don’t have to be defined by how much money I’m making. If I’m performing, that is success to me. - Francesca Amari Welcome to part 2 of my conversation with uber-talented cabaret singer Francesca Amari. Recorded in my rental car, in the parking lot of a hotel beside a highway in Thousand Palms, California, this interview is full of wisdom for anyone with a dream. Francesca has been singing for decades and through it all, she has maintained a career as an entertainer on her own terms: “Your dream might need to include options and you might need to do other things that fuel your passion.” A lifelong fan of the music of Linda Ronstadt and the genius of Gilda Radner, Francesca has created tributes to both women that are instant sellouts. Her award-winning weekly live stream performance called Cocktails & Cabaret was launched in 2020 as a way to stay connected to her fans and is thriving 150 weeks later! www.francescaamari.com. In this interview, you’ll hear Francesca singing stunning harmonies with the Boogie Woogie Babie as well as clips from her favorite theatre performances, plus, she’ll explain her philosophy about sharing the stage with others and the key to her success which works no matter what you do for a living. Says Francesca: “Be authentic and real. Don’t try to make your life seem like what it’s not. Tell the truth.“ #cabaretsinger #lindaronstadt #gildaradner #palmsprings #carkaroke…
I am an honest singer. I screw up on stage, I own it. I laugh at myself. I look at people when I sing, I don’t sing over them. I’m just really human. -Francesca Amari Our west coast swing continues with an interview that ended up taking place IN MY RENTAL CAR! Francesca Amari is a fabulously talented cabaret singer, so when she agreed to be on the show, we made a plan to do the interview at a television station in Thousand Palms, California where she just happened to be filming that day. At the last minute, the studio we were supposed to record in became unavailable, so we punted and ended up driving to a hotel parking lot, right beside “the 10” which is California’s mega highway. As I set up my microphones and recording equipment, Francesca and I bonded over our love for 12-time Grammy winner Linda Ronstadt. Bonus: you’ll hear us sing one of Linda’s signature songs, LIVE from the front seat. This interview is a deep dive into the heart and mind of someone who has been singing since she was about 2 years old, first with her siblings as The Amari Sisters and later on iconic stages and legendary venues from New York City to Hollywood, California. Francesca is a master at the craft of cabaret singing and is willing to tackle just about every kind of vocal from pop tunes to Broadway, to Jazz to Big Band. Her tributes to Linda Ronstadt and Gilda Radner are instant sellouts and her fans follow her wherever she goes. During the pandemic, she missed performing so much, she created a weekly live-stream event called Cocktails & Cabaret which earned her the 2021 BroadwayWorld Palm Springs Award for “Best Streaming Concert/Cabaret. www.francescaamari.com. Part One of our time together includes Francesca’s firm belief that she doesn’t pick the songs she sings, they pick her. She also offers plenty of wisdom about harmonizing and sharing the stage with others. Says Francesca: “Your talent shines more when you are with other people who are also talented. “ No matter what you do for a living, Francesca’s interview is full of the kind of wisdom you need to put your goals and dreams in motion. #cabaretsinger #lindaronstadt #gildaradner#palmsprings #carkaroke…
Style is your aura. It’s your energy. -Rosa Hu In the spotlight, creator & designer Rosa Hu. Born in New York City and raised in Southern California, Rosa’s parents escaped communist China and settled in Taiwan. When it was time to go to college, the two came to the United States and never left. As a child, Rosa was obsessed with style and never wanted to do anything but fashion. Armed with a degree from the Fashion Institute of Design & Marketing, she started a career at 19, working her way up the ladder as an assistant to designers at big clothing manufacturers. By the time she was in her mid-twenties, Rosa was burned out and her dream of being in fashion was fading fast. Enter the legendary Trina Turk www.trinaturk.com who mentored Rosa and suggested she work for her evolving brand on a freelance basis. Says Rosa: “I learned early in my career that it is not how much money you have in the bank, it is how happy you are, doing what you love.” Now the designer of her own line called House of Who, (follow her on IG @House_of_Who) Rosa creates mystical adornments for the body, soul, and space. Her success story includes the lessons she has learned as a Chinese-American woman who was determined to forge her own path in a culture that is often driven to the point of exhaustion. The owner of two mid-century modern units at the legendary Ocotillo Lodge in Palm Springs, Rosa is proud to open the doors of her brilliantly bohemian bungalows during Mid-Century Modern Week. In this interview, she passes on lots of wisdom including: “Don’t ever think you can’t do anything for any reason. Not for being a minority. Not for being a woman. Never let anything stop you. Ever. “ #fashion #trinaturk #palmsprings #midcenturymodernweek #ocotillolodge…
I knew in the depths of my soul that all of this had a reason. I knew I was going to get to the other side. -Dawn Kohler Last week’s episode was incredibly powerful and so is part 2 of the story of Dawn Kohler, author of the memoir The Messages. www.dawnkohler.com. Now an in-demand executive coach who helps her clients re-awaken their purpose and their passion, Dawn is an incest survivor who has spent decades working through her deep sense of loss and shame. Her testimony in this interview is not graphic, but it is brutally honest, so if you have children nearby who might hear this interview, I suggest that you wait for a time when you are alone or with other adults. In this interview, Dawn explains that the inaudible messages she was receiving right around her own daughter’s 5th birthday were triggered by the fact that her father raped her at that very same age. She also discovers that he shared her with other men who were part of a molestation group. Throughout her deep depression and psychotherapy, Dawn’s first husband supported her and somehow, she was able to care for her three children. Says Dawn: “The kids kept me alive. There is no doubt about it. I’m sure I dropped the ball on several occasions, but I wanted to be there for them, no matter what.” Enrolled in the same Tai Chi class as the mother and sister of murder victim Nicole Brown Simpson, Dawn explains how Tai Chi relieves muscle tension and releases feelings of loss and grief. Her experience over a 3 day period when the messages culminated in a profound, divine encounter will remind you of our universal responsibility to love one another or perish. For a life-changing story that simply must be heard, hit that download button. If you or someone you love is experiencing sexual abuse, text HOME to 741741 or go to: www.crisistextline.org to speak immediately to a volunteer crisis counselor.…
I raised myself. From a very early age, I knew in my heart I was on my own. Nobody was helping me. -Dawn Kohler What you are about to hear is Part 1 in a series about Dawn Kohler, author of the memoir The Messages. This story needs to be told, but it is also very difficult to hear. If you have children nearby, my strong suggestion is that this episode is not for their ears. Born and raised in San Diego, California, Dawn was the oldest of three children. Her mother was a coal miner’s daughter, originally from West Virginia and her father was from a strict German Catholic family in Ohio. In part 1 of this interview, we learn what life was like in Dawn’s house. She was very independent, didn’t like to be touched, and started working at only 14. Dawn married her high school sweetheart and together they had 3 beautiful children. During the personal computer boom in the 1980s, she and Jeff discovered their niche and founded a computer service company before their 30th birthdays, employing over 50 people. Dawn was the CEO of the business, with plaques on the wall naming her Entrepreneur of the Year when suddenly, she started receiving what she calls internal, inaudible “messages” that told her “this is no longer your way.” She tried to block out these messages by running and swimming, but they just got more intense. One day, she literally could not get out of her car and walk into her office. What happens next will break your heart and then it will lift you up, reminding you of the power of the human spirit. www.dawnkohler.com #sexualabuse #incest…
If I’m passionate about doing something, I’m not gonna let anybody roadblock me. -Christina Knight In the spotlight, a woman who doesn’t understand the word “no” and probably never will. Meet Christina Knight, Nurse Practitioner and co-founder of Dynamic Evolutions in Health & Beauty at www.dynamicevolutions.com. Together with business partner Dr. Edgar Ballenas, Christina is introducing patients to personalized medicine and the benefits of eastern and western wellness practices with outstanding results. The daughter of hard-working Greek immigrants, Christina and her siblings came to this country seeking The American Dream. Her father established a little Greek restaurant in Wellesley, just outside of Boston where everything was homemade and his children learned the value of a hard day’s work. In this interview, Christina recalls knowing she would end up in medicine because she wanted to help and heal others. The single mother of three small children, she worked full time while pursuing her undergraduate, nursing, and nurse practitioner degrees. A big believer in alternative medicine, Christina keeps an open mind about new innovations in healthcare from around the world, striving to help her patients understand what their bodies need in order to thrive. “If our body is not in balance and our immune system is low and weak, we will get sick.“ At the height of the pandemic, Christina and Dr. Ballinas entered the homes of seriously ill COVID patients offering lifesaving medical care. Many of their patients are children with ADHD and Christina finds herself explaining to frustrated parents that there is a direct link between gut health and brain health and that medication for ADHD may not be the best answer. For a tutorial on innovative ways to stay healthy and strong from a woman who is the definition of determination, just hit that download button. #wellness #ADHD #personalizedmedicine #alternativemedicine #easternmedicine…
Fashion never ends. Fashion never sleeps. -Daniela Corte Fueled by a passion for fashion and a love of espresso, Argentinian-born women’s clothing designer Daniela Corte wakes up at the crack of dawn ready to create her signature pieces. Voted Best Women’s Clothing Designer by Boston Magazine in 2021, Daniela has been making women feel elegant and beautiful in her clothes since 2000. In this interview, she shares stories of her elegant mother who was always put together, and her father who was a clothier in Argentina. He taught her the importance of treating employees like family and with a deep respect for hard work. Daniela’s inspiration comes from beautiful textiles. She remembers fondly how a delivery of a bolt of fabric to her father’s shop was her greatest joy. Known for creating clothes “made to measure”, Daniela is the queen of the perfect fit. She believes that there are 5-10 must-haves in a woman’s closet. “The perfect blazer, the perfect little black dress, the perfect fitting jeans and black pants, and some silk tops and then, you’re golden!” A big believer in making a strong first impression, Daniela says: “Style is confidence. Style is power. Style is courage. Style is strength.” For a look inside the creative mind of a fashionista who never sleeps, just hit that download button. #fashion #womensfashion…
I used to think that success meant a degree, living on your own, having a car, and your bills paid. My heart feels successful when I am teaching lifeguards how to save a human, when I’m teaching kids how to swim, or when I’m having dinner with the love of my life. That’s success to me. -Chelo Lundquist-Krag Chelo Lundquist-Kragg is an Aquatics Director, an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, and a Lifeguard Trainer. We got to talking about our mutual love of swimming one day at the Longfellow Club in Natick, Massachusetts where she runs the swimming program. As a lifeguard trainer, Chelo turns teenagers into lifesavers with her unique “tree of lifeguarding” curriculum. When I mentioned that I host this podcast and radio series featuring women’s stories, she said: “I’ve got a story about my childhood, but I don’t really talk about it much.” That statement got my attention and just the other day, we sat down to record this very personal, very painful story which thankfully, has a happy ending. Born and raised in Lake County, California, Chelo’s birth mother was a drug dealer who gave birth to her brother in prison. Her father was a raging alcoholic and a child abuser. In this interview, Chelo recalls the first 6 years of her life in flashes, sharing the fact that her father beat her brother and sexually abused her repeatedly. It was a babysitter who stepped forward to report this abuse and both children were removed from the home by ambulance. Chelo and her brother ended up being adopted by a wonderful couple whose unconditional love healed their broken hearts. For a firsthand look inside the mind of a girl who rose like a phoenix to become a strong, kind, and capable young woman who is “right where she wants to be” just hit that download button. #adoption #americanredcross #childabuse #sexualabuse…
My jaw dropped when I learned what was happening to the manufacturing industry. I didn’t realize that everything had been off-shored. So in 2015, I made the commitment to buy only products made in the USA. -Dianna Huff Born and raised in California, Dianna Huff had the kind of childhood that remains difficult to talk about to this day. She was fortunate to have an English teacher who told her she could write and a guidance counselor who insisted she apply to college. Fortunately, Dianna was admitted to a California state college under the EOP: Educational Opportunity Program based on her financial need. Now the President of Huff Industries, www.huffindustrialmarketing she is blazing a trail for women in the manufacturing industry and her focus is helping businesses that make their products in the United States www.keepitmadeusa.com. The pandemic launched a worldwide shipping crisis making Americans acutely aware that much of what we use every day is not made here. In fact, only 3% of clothing is made in the USA and what Dianna calls the “paying field” is not level. Manufacturers in the USA have a very hard time competing with products coming in from other countries for pennies on the dollar. Filled with inspiring stories of her life, this interview includes stories from Dianna about how her local library card and books saved her, giving her a window into a whole new world where she could imagine accomplishing great things. Says Dianna “Never, ever doubt yourself. If you can survive a terrible childhood or any kind of adversity, you can survive anything.” For more wisdom you can use, just hit that download button. #keepitmadeUSA #madeintheUSA #manufacturing #entreprenuer #womeninbusiness…
I’m sort of like the Oprah Winfrey of banking. I like to ask a thousand questions and figure out where everyone is going and how I can help. -Lisa Murray Lisa Murray knows banking. She’s been involved in the industry since she graduated from the University of Connecticut and has been climbing the ladder to the top ever since. As the President of Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, she represents the bank in an official capacity with civic, business, and community leaders across the state. You would think that job alone would monopolize all of her time, but wait, there’s more. Lisa is also the Director of Not for Profit & Professionals Banking, leads an initiative called Citizens Helping Citizens, and is a member of the Massachusetts Business Coalition for Early Education. Her personal commitment to charities large and small throughout the commonwealth is a reflection of her leadership style as a team player “I want to roll up my sleeves and dig in” says Lisa. “I want to be an advocate for others and always do the right thing.” This interview is full of wisdom from Lisa Murray, including this life lesson: “Don’t take yourself too seriously. I laugh at myself all the time and that helps to keep things in perspective. If you get too far in front of yourself, you miss the details. For a tutorial in the art of achieving AND giving back, just hit that download button. #citizensbank #banking #womeninfinance…
Music is my first language. It’s the way I learned to express and process my feelings. -Kala Farnham Kala Farnham is a gifted musician, singer, and songwriter who grew up in a house full of music. Her parents were a successful folk duo who encouraged musical exploration and weren’t at all surprised when Kala started playing the piano at three. As she grew up, Kala added guitar, banjo, dulcimer, harp, and more. In this interview, she reveals being very shy and says that her early songwriting was “a messy, outpouring of emotion.” As the Connecticut State Troubadour, Kala’s vision is to inspire her audiences through the transformative power of musical storytelling. She has garnered many awards including the 2020 Falcon Ridge Festival Emerging Artist Award and is the 2019 Rose Garden Performing Songwriter Contest winner. Her advice to songwriters? “Write what you are afraid to write about and tune into your gifts to find a way to transform and serve the lives around you.” For an up-close and personal interview with an emerging folk artist with a voice and a heart of gold, just hit that download button. #folkmusic #singer #songwriter #connecticut…
As long as love infuses everything I do, I’m in the place I want to be. -Anita Silvey Armed with a firm belief that children’s books change lives, Anita Silvey has spent her entire career in children’s literature as an editor, a literary critic, and as an author. Raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Anita recalls being one of those kids whose idea of heaven involved a cozy chair and a pile of books from the local library. The daughter of a college-educated teacher and the former head of communications during the World War II battle of Iwo Jima, Anita graduated from the University of Indiana with a degree in education and soon made her way to Boston in an old VW bug with her boyfriend and her cat. It wasn’t long before she landed a job in the children’s department at Houghton Mifflin where she would launch her legendary career as the fairy godmother of children’s literature. In this interview, Anita shares many stories about famous authors she has worked with as well as the mindset a great children’s book author or editor must have: “We have a very high memory of our childhood. We remember the feelings of our childhood, and inside us are all the layers of our lives. “ The author of many books including Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Children’s Book, The Essential Guide to Children’s Books and Their Creators, 100 Best Books for Children, 500 Great Books for Teens and Let Your Voice Be Heard: The Life and Times of Pete Seeger, Anita Silvey is a national treasure. For a tutorial on how to make it in the world of children’s literature, just hit that download button. #childrensbooks #publishing #hougtonmifflin #library…
At the moment that it happened, when I could see into the eyes of that shark, and then it veered away, my first emotion was not fear. It was fascination and wonder. -Laura DeSisto I’m always on the lookout for stories that will inspire and motivate you, and the story of Laura DeSisto checks all the boxes! Raised around the water every summer on Martha’s Vineyard, Laura begged her parents to let her see the movie Jaws and that experience instilled a lifelong fear of sharks in her. Flash forward to mid-life, when Laura fell into a depression. It was her girlfriends who encouraged her to go outside of her comfort zone and take scuba diving lessons. On her very first dive in the Bahamas, Laura came within two feet of an 8-foot-long shark, and that encounter created a seismic shift in her mindset, inspiring her to write the memoir Resurfacing: sisterhood, sharks & storms. A lifelong professional writer who got her start writing ad copy and then feature articles for magazines, Laura openly shares how becoming an empty-nester left her without a sense of purpose. She credits her mighty sisterhood of friends for picking her up and pushing her toward a brave and daring new chapter. Says Laura: “I think our best years are our later years and I want to keep doing things that scare me. Find what you love and it will make you come alive.” For 22 minutes of shark encounters and plenty of inspiration, just hit that download button! #sharks #scuba…
My books are like Nancy Drew for grownups. -PK Norton Meet PK (Paula) Norton, murder mystery author extraordinaire. She spent most of her career in the insurance business, first as an agent and then as an insurance investigator, sniffing out fraud and looking for clues. Paula and her late husband loved to travel and over dinner, would concoct unique ways to kill people. Jack died of Parkinsons' disease but before he passed, he urged Paula to finally press START on a writing career that flourishes to this day. The Amy Lynch Investigation series includes (6) books with the latest Avenging Madonna just published and available worldwide on Amazon. If you’ve got a secret talent, or a wish to do something you just haven’t had the time or the courage to explore, PK Norton’s story might just inspire you to throw caution to the wind, and give it a try. www.pknortonauthor.com. #murdermystery #author…
Pursue your dreams, even if someone says “you’re crazy”. Do it anyway! -Yolanda Cellucci We’re on location for this episode in the penthouse of Yolanda Cellucci: a fashion icon with a passion for Swarovski crystals, feathers, fur, sequins, and every shade of white. Known as the Goddess of Glitz, she is the author of the book Beyond the Glitz & Glamour which chronicles the story of a girl who grew up at the end of an alleyway, across the street from a junkyard, in a humble home full of love where she was told she could accomplish anything. Married to Dan Cellucci for 65 years, Yolanda talks about how her late husband helped her make her dreams of bringing bridal, couture, a beauty salon, fitness, and events all under one roof by building her legendary destination: Yolanda’s of Waltham “where beautiful lifestyles begin” with his own hands, from the ground up. The mother of two and grandmother and great-grandmother of many, Miss Yolanda is an 88-year-old powerhouse with a heart of gold, who got her start in the 1970’s and 80’s, long before the glass ceiling had been broken. In this interview, she shares details of her personal life, including her pride in the successes of her daughters Sondra and Linda, and the tragic loss of Linda to esophageal cancer in 2018. If you are an entrepreneur, you’ll want to write down Yolanda’s pearls of wisdom about the importance of relationships: “be open-minded, be happy for other people and don’t be selfish” and that true success is measured “not by how long you have lived, but how you live.” Inspiring? You better believe it. #yolandacellucci #fashionista…
I’ve gone from creating something that millions of people around the world will want, to creating something that is individual to the woman who wears it. -Betsy Ferg Wood In the spotlight, Betsy Ferg Wood. She spent much of her career focused on brand identity and product design where job #1 was to communicate the essence of major brands to consumers worldwide. She was living large…from New York, City to L.A, from London to Paris, working for Liz Claiborne, and was even a part of the legendary Barbie Team at Mattel. But at some point, Betsy felt like she needed to make a change and flex her artistic muscles a bit more independently. The daughter and grandchild of artists, she had that gene in spades and started creating story necklaces out of mementos, trinkets, treasures, buttons, and charms. It wasn’t long before Jewelry Bee Social www.jewelrybeesocial.com was born by taking recycled pieces and making them new again. To Betsy’s surprise, the connections her story necklaces have made bring a whole new shine to each unique creation. #jewelryBee #mementostrinketsandtreasures #storyjewelry #madeintn #storynecklaces #charmbraceletsonsteroids #tellyourstoryinjewelry…
Turning my pain into my passion. That’s what is most important to me. - Morgan Dzicek Morgan Dzicek is a beautiful young woman who is loaded with talent. A singer, songwriter, violinist and former New England Patriots Cheerleader, Morgan has had the experience of singing the National Anthem and cheering for the Patriots as they won their 5th Super Bowl. But life has not been all sunshine and super bowls for this week’s guest. Raised on a farm in Northbridge, Massachusetts where her mother raised Morgan horses, she was diagnosed at 13 with a rare form of cancer in her eye. Hospitalized for long periods of time with multiple surgeries and 40 rounds of chemotherapy, she was granted a wish through the Make A Wish Foundation and was flown to Nashville to co-write and record an original song with Lari White called Every Step of the Way. Now cancer free, Morgan shares her story about leaning on God for strength, dancing her way through pain, and her passion for bringing the gift of music whenever and wherever she can.…
I thank God that He has allowed me to be strong enough to endure this and to show my family and friends that I am a “she cancer warrior”. -Tona Hines October is breast cancer awareness month and sadly, the statistics have not improved. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and this is a disease that affects the woman and her whole family. In this episode, we’re shining a spotlight on two-time breast cancer survivor Tona Hines. Diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer at 40, this devoted mother of two didn’t require any treatment beyond surgery the first time around. Ten years later, everything changed. Tona was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Her story would not be complete without the support she has received from The Ellie Fund, www.elliefund.org, a non-profit devoted to supporting patients, funding care and providing hope. Meredith Mendelson, Executive Director of the non-profit shares the story of Ellie Popkin for whom the charity is named, and it’s mission to serve 1200 patients per year by 2023. #mbc #breastcancer #elliefund…
I have MS. MS does not have me. I prefer to be Bridget the mother, the wife, the career driven woman. -Bridget Snell In this episode, we meet Bridget Snell, co-founder of Waiting Room Media and Chief Editor of the company’s flagship print magazine, Living Crue. Diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in 2015, Bridget made a choice not to allow the disease to rule her life. When traditional medications failed to work, she dove into every medical journal and discovered HSCT, a stem cell transplant that is currently used to fight cancer in the United States, but is not approved for use on MS patients. Determined to receive the treatment, the mother of two daughters then 2 and 4 traveled to Mexico where she stayed for 30 days, emerging with a new lease on life. Four years later, Bridget is using 20+ years of print publishing experience to breathe life into a magazine that is a platform for women’s stories, raw and authentic. Co-Founded with Marci Bracken whom she met in the waiting room of a karate dojo, Living Crue is a reminder of the power of friendship and living proof that even in the toughest of times, you just can’t keep a good woman down. #livingcrue #publishing #empowerment…
What means the most to me is building community, finding safe spaces for the lonely and the elderly. -Nikki Shults Nikki Shults grew up on a family compound in rural Connecticut. At the center of this compound, in the humble, makeshift home lived her grandmother whom she called “Meme”. This wise, matriarch of the family lived to be 95, surrounded by generations of the people she loved. It was on this compound where Nikki learned some of her first lessons about the elderly, community and companionship. She would go on to pursue a BA in Gerontology and an MBA in Healthcare Management from Quinnipiac University. With only a wish to learn more about the world, she entered the Peace Corps, working in Ethiopia. It was there that she observed “you don’t need a lot to make you happy” and that what she had learned on her family compound about caring for the elderly was true in Ethiopia as well. Nikki could see that Ethiopians kept their elderly close, protecting them inside multigenerational family homes until the day they died. These days, you’ll find Nikki doing what she loves as the Executive Director of a charity called LBFE or Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly www.lbfeboston.org. She is devoted to intergenerational programming and the organization’s mission to build communities and friendships between the old and the young. In this interview, Nikki shares some startling statistics about loneliness, the long-term effects of the pandemic on our oldest populations, and the priceless gifts of wisdom she has learned along the way from the elderly. Says Nikki: they’ve taught me that the sooner you learn to be your most authentic self, the sooner you stop caring what everyone else thinks, that is when your life begins.” #elderly #companionship #lbfeboston #peacecorps…
If I can push my body to the limit physically, what can I do mentally in other parts of my life? -Kathleen Ralls, PhD We’re back with another season of stories about women doing great things with their lives. If you need a dose of get up and go, this episode is for you. Kathleen Ralls is a lifelong athlete who is also an award-winning educator, a high school sports coach and a Fullbright Scholar whose doctoral research on gender equity sports and voice empowerment brought her to 20 countries and 4 continents to gather crucial data from female athletes. In this interview, Kathleen shares her experiences working with and learning from girls in Ethiopia through the Girls Gotta Run Foundation. www.girlsgottarun.org. I asked here: what are the attributes at the heart of a champion female athlete? Why are athletes such great leaders? Where do they find their strength to bounce back after a loss? And what role does consistency play when it comes to performance both on the athletic field and in the workplace? Kathleen’s research into what makes female athletes tick is captured in her book: Take Her Word For It: Sports Cultivates World-Class Leaders. These days, you’ll find this exceptional woman sharing what she has learned in her own coaching practice centered on female empowerment and leadership training. www.kathleenralls.com. If you are an athlete, or the parent of a girl who is just starting her athletic journey, hit that download button. You’ll be glad you did. #title9 #leadership #empowerment…
I’ve innately had this willingness, a fearlessness to challenge the people in charge and to not be afraid of power. -Jenn Abelson Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be an investigative reporter? In the spotlight, Jenn Abelson, reporter for The Washington Post and co-host of the new series, Broken Doors. www.washingtonpost/brokendoors. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Jenn went to Cornell University and spent time abroad, working in Israel during violent times when her family worried about her safety. In this interview, we get a bird’s eye view into the psyche of an investigative reporter who is not afraid to look into the darkest corners to find the truth. A former member of the Boston Globe’s elite Spotlight team, Jenn is also the co-author of a memoir by Chessy Prout called I Have A Right To: A High School Survivor’s Story of Sexual Assault, Justice and Hope. These days, you’ll find Jenn headfirst into the art of storytelling with her podcast series Broken Doors which examines no-knock warrants. Her decision to be a part of the show is no surprise: “I like to do things that make me feel a little bit uncomfortable and not always take the path everyone else is taking.” For a look inside the world of a gifted writer and major market investigative reporter, take the risk and hit that download button. #washingtonpost #investigativereporter #noknockwarrant…
If they didn’t let me in the front door, I was going to climb up the cellar stairs. -Sandra Goroff Sandy Goroff has spent 40 years shouting about her clients from the rooftops. In this interview, we turn the tables to talk about her incredible career as a publicist and photographer and the result is a tutorial on how to do it right. Sandy specializes in authors and their books, art, lifestyles, design and architecture, movies and museums. With plenty of chutzpah and little experience, she landed her first job as a publicist telling the story of Boston’s sidewalk artist known as “Sidewalk Sam”. Says Sandy: “The fact that I had no experience in the beginning of my career made me work and try that much harder.” Her next stop was the big time at Houghton Mifflin where she worked with A-listers like President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalyn Carter, world-renowned anthropologist Jane Goodall, Hollywood celebrities and children’s book authors Maurice Sendak and Margret Rey of Curious George fame. Born with an eye and an ear for a great story, Sandy worked with unknowns whose stories were so compelling, she took them on against all odds, selling millions of books along the way. A true believer in the power of relationships, Sandy created connections with every major network show and producer so that her clients got the best exposure. Her favorite connection was formed in 1986 when she worked on a book by Steven Callahan called Adrift: 76 Days Lost At Sea. Today, the book is about to be launched as a documentary, with Sandy credited as Unit Publicist and Associate Producer of the movie. www.76days.net. On a mission to bring the stories of others into the spotlight, in this interview, we learn that Sandra Goroff has a powerful story of her own to tell. www.sandragoroff.com. #storybehindhersuccess #pubicity #PR…
I don’t really believe in obstacles. If there’s a wall, you get on top of it and start dancing -Elin Schran Meet Elin Schran, Founder of Joy Skate Productions: joyskateproductions.com. She’s passionate about making ice skating accessible to all and spends her days bringing specially designed camps and clinics to rinks that accommodate skaters of every age and every ability, including adaptive/therapeutic skating clinics. For this exceptional woman, ice skating= joy. You see, Elin is the daughter of Olympic Figure Skating Champion Tenley Albright who was the five-time National Champion, two-time World Champion, Silver Medalist at the 1952 Olympics in Oslo, Norway and the Gold Medalist at the Olympics in Cortina, Italy in 1956. In this interview, we hear Tenley’s inspiring story through her daughter’s loving eyes and learn that Elin was never pressured into figure skating. It’s just a sport she couldn’t resist. She loves the twirling, the precision, the feeling of freedom and act of flying through the air and it is this joy that she hopes to bring to others through Joy Skate Productions. Now a mother herself, Elin shares her experiences on the ice as a member of Dorothy Hamill’s Ice Capades, as the Founder of Boston Ice Theatre and co-founder of Frozen Frog Productions. She believes in manifesting your dreams and goals, which is something her mother taught her when she was growing up: “Put it out into the ether. Let it be, visualize it, and it’s going to happen.” In this episode, we come to know Elin as a woman who has spent her life on the ice, while shining her own light, crafting her own unique skating story. For 23 minutes of joy and inspiration on ice, just hit that download button! #joyskateproductions #storybehindhersuccess #figureskating…
When you have a child with a heart defect, you live with fear every day. And yet, you have to live your life and you have to lean into hope. -Diane Pickles Diane Pickles admits that a little voice inside her head thought something might be wrong with the unborn child she was carrying. The year was 1994 and she and her husband William had a healthy three year old son at home when an ultrasound revealed that their baby had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, meaning that he had half a heart. Doctors suggested a late term abortion, but that was not an option for the couple. Instead: they picked option 2: a series of experimental surgeries which up until then, had shown little success. Today, their son Jake is 27, making him one of the oldest patients with this heart defect in the world. Diane has made it her life’s mission to assist and educate heart families and to forward research that maps genomes which cause congenital heart defects. The Program Director of Project Singular at Additional Ventures, she has also worked tirelessly for the American Heart Association, was appointed to the board of the Directors of the American Board of Pediatrics, and was a key player in successfully passing legislation to end smoking in restaurants. In this interview, Diane opens her heart to talk about what it’s like to lovingly raise a child with only half a heart. Born and raised in faith, Diane follows her father’s 10 Guidelines for Life which he wrote on his 70th birthday. Her favorite is #10: Share your gifts, be heard, give back. Says Diane: I have always believed that if I can make this path easier for someone else, I’m gonna do it. For 23 minutes of inspiration, just hit that download button. #heartdefects #specialneedschildren #humangenomes…
I look at everyone on my team as a colleague. We’re all women, we’re all tough and we care. -Christine Buckley If you’ve ever had a really bad headache, the worst kind of headache that keeps you up at night and just won’t quit, keep listening because this episode just might save your life. All too often, severe headaches for women between the ages of 35-60 are all too often explained away as stress or misdiagnosed as migraines when they could be a sign of a brain aneurysm. Meet Christine Buckley, Executive Director of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation: www.bafound.org. Originally a volunteer for the organization, Christine has been running the charity for 16 years with humility, purpose and passion. In this interview, she shares the Brain Aneurysm Foundation’s “Scan to Save” Campaign including the 5 warning signs of a brain aneurysm: severe localized headache, nausea/vomiting, stiff neck, drooping eyelid, sensitivity to light and confusion. For a tutorial on how to recognize and act quickly on these symptoms, along with the inspiring career of an exceptional woman who is devoted to the health and service of others, just hit that download button. #brainaneurysmfoundation #womeninhealthcare #storybehindhersuccess…
Work hard, play hard, enjoy every day and THINK BIG. -Candy Costas Get ready for a personal and career story that plays out like a roller coaster ride! In the spotlight, Candy Costas, RN. She’s the President & Co-Owner of Privatus, a private, upscale nursing company with 500 employees that spans five states and counting www.privatuscare.com. What we will learn in this story is that running a nursing company was never part of Candy’s plan. The decision was the result of a personal crisis that took her completely by surprise, rearranging her life in ways she never could have imagined. Like so many of the women who have shared their stories on this show, Candy got brave. Instead of wallowing in her grief, she stood on her own two feet and used her talents as a nurse and a skilled salesperson to create her next big chapter. Today, her personal life brings her great joy and so does her career, which is on fire. Check out her website: www.candycostas.com for a taste of Candy’s personal style. Follow Candy on Instagram: @candy_costas_style and find out what makes this outgoing 64 year old sparkle and shine 24/7. For any woman facing the loss of a marriage due to betrayal, this episode is the shot of confidence you need to step into your power and reclaim your life on your terms. #womanpower #nursing #fashion #style…
What makes us different is that we lead with kindness. We lead with relationships first, and the business comes organically and naturally. -Melissa Gilbo & Amy Pocsik In the spotlight, two moms who were invited by a colleague to meet for coffee. That meeting would change Melissa Gilbo and Amy Pocsik’s lives because as they spoke and compared notes about their business careers, they realized what they lacked: a place at the table, a network of support, a community that would lift them up, and which they in turn could nurture and grow as well. It wasn’t long before they started meeting regularly and in 2018 Co-Founded the Women’s Business League www.womensbusinessleague.com which started out with 5 local chapters and and in just a few years has grown to 45 chapters nationwide. In this interview, the two discuss how they structured the organization based on kindness and connection, managed to inspire their members and grow during the pandemic, and that serving other women sets their hearts on fire. For a dose of keen business smarts and woman-power, hit that download button and please leave us a review.…
Every day is a chance to make the world a more beautiful place. -Tanya Holton The Arnold Arboretum is a treasure to Boston. Established in 1872 it encompasses 281 acres of land owned by Harvard University in an area of Boston called Jamaica Plain. The Arnold Arboretum is filled with 15,500 individual plants and is a benchmark for similar institutions all across North America. In this interview, we meet Tanya Holton, Director of Institutional Advancement. It is her mission to keep this urban paradise top of min, so that donors will fund it and the public can continue to enjoy the Arboretum in all its glory, free of charge. Tanya is also a champion for women in horticulture and has spent most of her career in the non-profit space. She’s also the treasurer of the National MALS Foundation (we’ll find out why she is connected to this disease that affects women more than men in this interview) and in her spare time, does research on women and education in the 19th century. Sound interesting? Hit that download button. #arnoldarboretum #womeninhorticulture #storybehindhersuccess…
Our children are borrowed. They are not ours. It is our duty, our role, our most important thing to empower them and raise them right. -Katie Wood The woman you are about to meet was a guest on The Story Behind Her Success in the summer of 2019. When we recorded her story, she was expecting her 4th child and that episode continues to be one of our most downloaded shows. The community of women who admire Katie Wood and consider her a wise coach and role model is quite stunning. A former school teacher, Katie has devoted her career to helping women reach their full potential through her vibrant social media presence, robust website: www.katielwood.com and inspiring public speaking platform. When Covid-19 caused families to go into lockdown in March of 2020, Katie joined millions of parents struggling to home school their children. The proud wife of a local firefighter and paramedic, Katie also endured the extra worry for her husband’s safety while he was on the front lines, providing treatment to patients on their way to emergency rooms. When Kate’s daughter saw her meditating one morning, she said “can you teach me how to have great mornings, too?” and in that moment, Kate’s next big project was hatched. She created A Simple Seed of Growth, Gratitude & Giggles. www.simpleseedjournal.com. Filled with 100 life lessons, the book is a 5 minute morning journal for kids. Recorded in Katie’s kitchen as her two year old son, Andrew played outside with his Dad, this breakthrough book might be exactly what you child needs to find peace, confidence and a new understanding that adversity can be a great teacher. Says Katie: “The goal of this journal is to bring families together, to connect them through beautiful conversations.” #podcast #thestorybehindhersuccess #asimpleseedjournal #gratitude…
I have created for other women what I know I needed, which is a platform to be seen and to be heard and to be celebrated for being just who you are. -Kristie Dean We all know what it means to receive healing from medicine, but how do you mend a broken heart? How do you heal your soul? Enter Kristie Dean. The mother of three young girls and a gifted photographer, it wasn’t that long ago when she was sitting in a parking lot in tears, feeling like she had lost her way. Now the Founder & Director of The Soul Project in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, she is thriving in a community she created that inspires her and so many women, every single day. What started as a safe place where women could come together to tell their stories of struggle, triumph and hope has now expanded to include adolescent workshops and partnerships with survivor led organizations, all working in symphony to heal and empower women once caught up in prostitution and sex trafficking. The Soul Project also extends its heart and hands to widows, widowers and children who have lost a parent. Says Kristie: “Souls hang on to pain. We’re giving women a safe platform so that they can release that shame and pain and move on into their most empowered selves.”…
Bad things can happen. Good things can happen. But how do you conduct yourself and I don’t mean putting on a facade. How do you take care of you? -Tara West Childhood trauma can linger for a lifetime. It can kill your self-confidence, leaving you to wonder if you are worth it. Or, it can ignite a fire, deep down inside and propel you to break free. Welcome to the life of Tara West www.tarawestfashion.com. Today, she is one of the nation’s most successful stylists and fashion bloggers, but it wasn’t so long ago that she was cleaning up broken, bloodly glass off the floor, calling 911, and trying to rescue her alcoholic mother from her self-destructive behavior. In truth, things got so bad that Tara ran for her life one night and never looked back. Buoyed by the love of her grandmother, her uncle and her 3rd grade teacher, she knew that she was an innocent child and that both her mother and her father had failed miserably as parents. In this interview, Tara speaks openly about a childhood that could have scared her forever. She chronicles how she broke free from her mother, how she made her way in life despite the odds, how she loves being the mother of three, and is enjoying her career as an in-demand stylist, fashionista and podcaster. Says Tara: “Don’t wait for opportunity. Create opportunity. “ #fashion #stylist #fashionblogger…
It’s our duty as humans to help humans. Beyond anything, we as people owe it to these innocent lives to help them in their time of need. - Ilana Pavlotsky It’s been hard to watch the news lately. The war in Ukraine gets worse by the hour, with thousands dead, including innocent children. I’ve been looking for a woman to profile who knows first-hand what is happening on the ground in Ukraine, someone who will share what she knows, openly, and from the heart so that we as women, can come together to help in any way we can. And as if by magic, an email from a listener pointed me toward Ilana Pavlotsky. Born and raised in a suburb outside of Boston, she is a proud first generation Ukrainian American Jew. Her father is from Odessa and her mother is from a town outside of Kiev. When Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Ilana watched her parents weep with despair, knowing that it was her duty to do what she could to make a difference. Together with her brother Daniel and her sister-in-law Brianna, Ilana is the co-founder of Boston Aide For Ukraine. www.bostonaideforukraine.com and the small but mighty non-profit raised 50,000 dollars in it’s first week on social media, sending 1,000 pounds of life saving supplies into Ukraine itself, plus Poland and Romania where thousands and thousands of Ukrainians are seeking safety. A registered nurse by profession, Ilana is putting her medical knowledge to work while never forgetting her heritage as a Ukrainian Jew and the grandchild of Holocaust survivors. For a dose of inspiration and faith in the power of the human spirit, hit that download button. #ukraine.…
Did I change somebody’s life or change somebody’s day or help somebody to survive cancer because of this song that was just a joy to write? That’s everything. -Lindy Robbins Have you ever wondered what it would be like to write hit songs for a living? For this interview, I’m on the road, just outside of Los Angeles for an interview with multi-platinum selling and award-winning songwriter, Lindy Robbins. She started singing at three and later got her start as a singer in a vocal group, touring the country, selling out shows and even singing at Carnegie Hall. When Lindy realized that writing songs for the group was more satisfying than singing them, she shifted her focus to songwriting and has been a success story ever since. With mega hits for the Backstreet Boys, Demi Lovato, Jason Derulo, and dozens more, Lindy is at the top of her game. Recorded in her backyard garden, this interview reveals not only what it takes to write a hit song, but how to achieve longevity in a business that few survive. As she begins writing her first musical, Lindy is in high gear to write the next great songs. For a glimpse into the career of a high energy, gifted hit songwriter, you know what to do: hit that download button!…
I tell the parents of special needs children: your child can do more than you think. Unleash all of their possibilities and find people who also believe in what they can do. -Debby Sabin It’s been 7 years since I’ve interviewed Debby Sabin. She is a licensed Occupational Therapist and the Founder of Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program. A not for profit therapeutic riding program serving disabled children from 3 years old to young adults, Lovelane is a place where children with disabilities find freedom, joy and renewed confidence while learning to ride horses. Founded in 1988 at a little stable in Weston, Massachusetts called Love Lane, Debby got her start with a skeleton staff, a couple of horses, and about 5 students per week. Today, Lovelane is a state of the art riding facility in Lincoln, Massachusetts designed specifically for children with special needs. The program serves 130 students per week with 19 staff members, 197 volunteers and 12 horses. www.lovelane.org. After 31 years as the Executive Director & Program Director of Lovelane, Debby now serves on the board of directors, but continues to teach the children who she says have taught her more about possibility, courage and life than we can ever imagine. Says Debby: “Make sure you are honest to your true north. Your passion, your purpose, what you love. Always count your blessings. “ For a look at the miracles that happen every day at Lovelane, check out their YouTube channel: Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding. #lovelane #occupationaltherapy #horses…
We are tenants for a lifetime and this castle is a wonderful lesson for us, because we are just here for a short lifetime, far shorter than the cedar trees or the oak trees. We’re just trying not to muck it up! -Lady Fiona Carnarvon This week’s story is steeped in history, including a certain castle named Highclere which you may have seen on the famous series, Downton Abbey. It is also a rare glimpse into the life of British royalty. Lady Fiona Carnarvon is the 8th Countess of Carnarvon and the accomplished author of many books including her latest: Seasons at Highclere. Originally built on this site 1200 years ago, the 5000 acre English estate includes ancient trees, an orangery, a working farm, horses and 7 dogs. Living here and preserving the history of the place is a passion and a calling for Lady Carnarvon and her husband, the Earl of Carnarvon who see themselves as stewards of the land. In this interview, she takes us through her early life, which was shaped for she and her sisters by the loss of their mother and father. Educated at St. Andrew’s University, Lady Fiona Carnarvon has a degree in accounting. She takes us through meeting her husband, becoming a Countess and a stepmother, the birth of her son, Edward, and her philosophy around how to handle obstacles in life. In this episode Lady Fiona Carnarvon also tells the story about how she discovered a secret, handwritten recipe for gin which would become the award-winning Highclere Castle Gin, made from botanicals grown on the estate and distilled in England’s oldest gin distillery. For a rare glimpse into the life of a British Countess, hit that download button as quick as you can. #downtonabbey #highclerecastle #highclerecastlegin…
Hippies sat around on the oval all day, throwing frisbees and sniffing flowers. Radicals put their asses on the line. -Nancy Newman In this episode, we meet a woman who entered Ohio State in 1967 with a goal of becoming a sorority sister and within one year, became a radical, fiercely protesting the Vietnam War and supporting the Black Panthers. Nancy Newman was a senior, majoring in journalism when college campuses erupted on May 4, 1970 following the Kent State Massacre which left 4 students dead and many injured. Soon after, she was hit in the head with a brick during a demonstration that got out of control. A picture of her being carried out of the angry crowd was all over the news, including the famous CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. In this interview, Nancy tells us what happened next and in her candid story, we hear the words of a woman who felt things so deeply, she put her life and her freedom on the line. Her life’s path led her toward a 40 year career in social work, where she specialized in family therapy and then taught at the college level in Canada. Now retired and living in California, Nancy has a Masters Degree in Fine Arts and is writing her memoir. If you lived through it, or if you’ve ever wondered what college life was like in the late 60’s and early 1970’s when bell bottom jeans, love beads, peace signs, psychedelic drugs, and the Vietnam War defined an entire generation, just hit that download button because this episode is for you. #OhioState #KentStateMassacre #VietnamWar…
I may have created this, but I wouldn’t be here 10 years later if it wasn’t for the support of hundreds of thousands of families from around the country who sit down with their kids and take a few minutes to explain gratitude and giving something to someone you will never meet. -Emily Spencer This week’s story takes us to Florida where we meet Emily Spencer, the Founder & President of Heartillery Group, heartillerygroup.org, a non-profit with a simple mission: to spread love and gratitude for those who serve through cards, letters and gift boxes. A graduate of Manhattan College with a master degree from Harvard in Operation Management, Emily has spent her career as an advocate for soldiers, veterans, and their families. The proud wife of a former United States Army captain who served two tours in Afghanistan and one in Kuwait, she knows only too well the toll a deployment takes not just on troops but on their families. And then, there are our veterans who we must never forget…and to whom we owe so much. For over 10 years, Emily has been growing her non-profit by creating community based strategic partnerships in order to enhance fundraising efforts and to build robust services for our nation’s troops, veterans, and families. In this interview, Emily shares how far Heartillery Group has come and what this noble work means to her. #military #veterans #heartillerygroup #valentinesforveterans…
I don’t know anything else except loving what I do. -Marcie Mills For this interview, we’re in Palm Springs, California, at the Ocotillo Lodge. Built by Gene Autry, “the singing cowboy” in 1948, this legendary location was once a playground for movie stars like Lucille Ball, Doris Day, and Marilyn Monroe. And it’s here that we are talking to Marcie Mills, a radio sales pro from Boston who took her career to a whole new level when she made the move to Los Angeles 20 years ago to run radio sales departments for CBS and Clear Channel. When we met back in 1993, Marcie was the Director of National Sales for Greater Media’s Magic 106.7/WMJX and there was just something about her. She had a contagious energy then and she still does now. A senior sales executive for Pandora since 2009, Marcie has taken her love for terrestrial radio into the digital space where she sees endless opportunities, not just for advertisers, and listeners, but for those who create the music. Born and raised in a blue collar family with 6 children and 1 bathroom, this exceptional woman shares the values her parents taught her, including a tireless work ethic rooted in a love for what you do, a responsibility to vote, and a moral compass that has pointed her toward the issue of homelessness in Los Angeles.…
If you want to be successful, start by making your bed and getting up in the morning. Keep showing up. If you just keep showing up, good things will happen. -Pam Lewis Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be a publicist to the stars? This week, I’m taking you to Music Row in Nashville to meet Pam Lewis, one of the PR queens of country music. Born and raised in upstate New York, she attended Wells College and studied abroad to attend a program associated with The Sorbonne University. One of her very first jobs out of college took her to New York City where she was part of the original publicity and marketing team for MTV and sister channels Nickelodeon, the Movie Channel and A&E. In this interview, you’ll hear about her decision to accept a job that meant moving to Nashville, where she knew nothing about country music. She would transition to RCA records where she helped to shape the careers of stars like Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, The Judds & Alabama. Her partnership with Bob Doyle in 1987 formed Doyle/Lewis Management and their first client was an unknown artist from Oklahoma named Garth Brooks. In addition to her work with Garth, Pam helped Trisha Yearwood land her first record deal. The dissolution of her business relationship with Garth Brooks is well documented, and so is her determination and tenacity to get back on her feet through PLAMedia, Pam’s thriving PR and marketing agency. For a birds-eye view into the life of a trailblazing female powerhouse, just hit that download button. #PR #countrymusic #trailblazers #entrepreneurs…
There absolutely still exists the “maternal wall bias” in the medical culture. It’s implicit, not overt, but it happens, every single day. -Tamara Chang, MD. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, female doctors are 40% more likely to leave medicine completely or go to part-time practice within 6 years of completing their residencies. In this episode, we’re zooming with Pediatric Hematology & Oncology physician Tamara Chang who explains why this is happening and what she is doing about it. The co-founder of www.pinkcoatmd.com and co-author of How to Thrive As a Woman Physician, Tammie attended Brown University for her undergraduate and medical degrees. Now practicing in Tacoma, Washington, she is a tireless advocate for the needs of female physicians who often stretch themselves very thin as they try to juggle their responsibilities to their families, along with the needs of their patients. A first generation American, Tammie’s parents came to the United States from Taiwan, filling her up with the importance of education. As the daughter of an opera singer and a physician, Tammie admits she can’t remember a time when she hasn’t been driven to achieve. Her advice to young docs, including the importance of putting your oxygen mask on first before caring for others, combined with stories of her early life as a concert pianist make this an episode worthy of your download! www.tammiechangmd.com…
The first time I went up in the air, people said: “when you come down, you’re going to get bitten by this bug” and I completely understood. It’s such an incredible feeling seeing the world from a different perspective, so I knew I had to pursue this. -Emma Anderson She’s 20 years old now, but five years ago, Emma Anderson shared her passion for aviation and for learning how to fly an airplane someday with her mother, Tina. Instead of discouraging her daughter, Tina helped her fulfill this dream. In this episode, Emma tells the story about her first time “up in the air” at 15 and the fear/joy of getting her pilot’s license, along with her first solo flight. When the opportunity presented itself to purchase their town’s local flight center this mother and daughter joined forces and are now co-owners of the Beverly Flight Center in Beverly, MA. This is a story about the connection between a mother and her daughter, and it is proof that the best thing we can do for our children is to support their dreams, and in this case, give them wings to fly. Says mom Tina, “we’re trying to get more women in aviation. Right now, only 4% of all pilots are female and we’re trying to grow that number. “ Amen, sisters. Hit that download button for some mother/daughter magic.…
Doing something that you look forward to, that beautiful thing that you wake up and dream about. That is what I call success. -Jenn Uche Welcome to the inspiring story of Jenn Uche, a 17 year old high school senior who has been chosen as a 2021 Global Rise Winner. This 1 billion dollar philanthropic venture was created and funded by Google co-founder, Eric Schmidt and his wife Wendy and is a collaboration between Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust. To find out more, just go to: www.risefortheworld.com. Talented young people from around the world, between the ages of 15-17 are chosen through a series of essays, submissions and virtual interviews. What is unique about this scholarship is that it is for life and is valued at about $500,000 per student winner. An investment is made early on in the intelligence of these kids to become innovators, leaders, points of light for the next generation. 50,000 teens from 170 countries competed for this award, each one addressing how they would work to solve a particular problem. Jenn was 1 of 100 brilliant students to receive this honor. A student at the Montrose School in Medfield, MA where the mantra is: “where girls are called to greatness”, Jenn she is no stranger to struggle and adversity. She remains hopeful and determined “coming out the other side, like a diamond” and describing herself as a story lover, smile connoisseur, a writer and a visionary. I couldn’t wait to bring my recording equipment to Jenn’s school to capture the story of a 17 year old woman who is wise beyond her years and destined for greatness. #risefortheworld #empoweringwomen #womensupportingwomen…
During Covid, I just knew that this is an industry that is never going to die. People are always going to want to get married. I knew we were going to have to adapt, but a bride will always want a beautiful dress on her wedding day. -Colleen Ferry For this interview, we’re taking a road trip to a little town near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border called Chelmsford for a conversation with Colleen Ferry, a young woman who is the queen of the pivot. A gifted singer, she spent her teen years and early adulthood as part of a hugely successful girl group called “Angels Among Us” and has performed nationwide on iconic stages, including Madison Square Garden. When overuse of her voice caused thickening of the vocal chords, Colleen had to reimagine next chapter and at the suggestion her grandfather, applied for a job at a local bridal store. 17 years later, Colleen is the owner of Chantilly Place www.chantillyplace.net where she makes sure every one of her brides feels like the most beautiful version of themselves on their wedding day. If you are kicking off 2022 by imaging what your next big chapter might be, this episode will light your fire, and inspire you to make it happen. #entrepreneur #passion #NewYearsResolutions…
I hope our reader’s breath is taken away as they read the stories in Living Crue. It’s a magazine, but it’s also a movement. -Marci Bracken Waiting rooms can be boring and they can be magical, because you just never know who you might meet! In the spotlight, a woman who joined forces with woman she met in the waiting room of a karate studio, only to realize that the two had so much synergy, they had to do something about it. Meet the powerhouse co-founder of Waiting Room Media, LLC and the new magazine, Living Crue. www.livingcrue.com. Devoted to women’s stories, raw and bold, Living Crue is the kind of magazine you’ll look forward to reading from cover to cover (or in digital format if you prefer). With a firm belief that when we tell our stories, we pass along our wisdom, Marci and co-founder Bridget Snell hope to create a movement with the magazine, envisioning a vibrant community of support for their readers. Subscribe today: www.livingcrue.com and use promo code CANDYO for 20% off your first year subscription. For a conversation about the power of friendship and the gift of creativity, just hit that download button. #livingcruemagazine…
When I heard that the fastest growing segment of the homeless population are young moms with one or two children, I said: women would be up in arms to know about this. -Suzanne Picher Meet a woman who is doing what she can to make a real difference in the lives of homeless women and children in Boston. Suzanne Picher is the Chief Development Officer at a non-profit called Heading Home, Inc. www.headinghomeinc.org. This small but mighty organization meets each client at the door with compassion and hope, providing shelter, and all the support a homeless person needs including programs that lead to the ultimate goal of permanent housing. In this interview, Suzanne says “ Our clients come to us pretty broken, they feel very down about where they are in their lives and on top of that, they have the trauma of not feeling safe and worrying about the safety of their children.” For the story of a woman whose career path has lead her to exactly where she needs to be, just hit that download button. #homelessness…
I’m very much a leap before you look kind of a gal. I encourage others to do the same as well because you are never going to know unless you try. -Kim Miles Being brave, venturing outside your comfort zone is the only way we learn new things. It’s also how we experience what we are capable of. This is how we grow, and Kim Miles is proof of that because she’s literally a one woman show. Kim has been taking chances and accomplishing great things for decades, despite the ups and downs of life, including a cancer diagnosis. A graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University, she is a media pro, a financial planner, a former technology sales superstar, a Ted Talker, a singer, an emcee, a content creator, a fearless entrepreneur, and the Founder & CEO of Miles In Heels. If you need a kick in the butt and a dose of inspiration to start something you’ve been putting off, this episode will point you in the right direction! #entreprenuer #milesinheels…
Jewelry is a symbol-an expression of our love for each other. Throughout my career as a jeweler, I have been blessed to witness this love every single day. -Donna DePrisco Known as “Donna Diamonds” and “Boston’s Jeweler to the Stars” Donna DePrisco was born into the sparkling world of diamonds and gems. Her parents, Frank and Marie DePrisco opened the doors to their first showroom in Boston just after World War II and expanded to locations in Wellesley and Osterville as their reputation for treating customers like family continued to grow. Donna’s career path may surprise you and she tells her story in this up-close and personal interview, recorded in their Boston location inside the prestigious Jeweler’s Building with candor and humility. A classically trained pianist, Donna spent her early life in music and entertainment until it became “more jewelry and less show biz.” She’s a certified gemologist who has shared her knowledge as a diamond expert on radio and television and has been featured in magazines. Donna is also an expert witness in court cases involving diamonds and gems, and is an appraiser for the FBI. After decades of dedication as a member of the boards of Catholic Charities, the Boston Public Library and the Museum of Fine Arts, Donna was appointed by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker to the elite Board of Humanities and Preservation of the Arts.…
Success to me is my significance. How many people can I positively impact? -Jean Kanokogi When you are the daughter of a trailblazer, the bar is set pretty high. For Jean Kanokogi, PhD, accomplishing great things while doing good in the world has been her mission. Jean is the daughter of Rusty Kanokogi, the Mother of Women’s Judo whose life is chronicled is a memoir written by mother and daughter called Get Up & Fight. In this inspiring interview, Jean tells her mother’s incredible story from scrappy street fighter to judo champion to fearless advocate for equal sports for women and girls. Jean watched her mother team up with Billy Jean King to help pass Title 1X legislation in 1972, and to ensure that women’s judo was included in the 1988 Olympic Games for the first time ever. A 5th degree black belt and judo champion herself, Jean holds a doctorate in psychology and is a Senior Special Agent for the U.S. Government . Her many assignments over the last 23 years have included being one of the lead investigators in the attacks on 9/11 and as the volunteer director of Mental Health and Peer Support Services for the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. For a story about the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter, and the life lessons we learn from each another, hit that download button.…
Freedom means the ability to be who you are, to say what you want to say, and to live the life you want to live without anybody telling you: you can’t, you can’t you can’t. - Edra Toth Imagine what it must be like to live under the control of an oppressive Communist government. Now imagine that you are only 4 years old and your parents decide it’s time to escape, knowing that if you are caught, you may be killed. You travel by night and hide by day with very little to eat until you reach the safety of a neighboring country and then, receive asylum in the United States. Meet Edra Toth. She lived this story when she and her parents escaped Hungary in 1956. This interview is all about what happened next and the lessons she learned along the way. Oh, and by the way, Edra became a world renowned prima ballerina. Go ahead and hit that download button. www.northeasternballet.org #ballet…
Our main goal, in everything we do, is to bring hope to a hopeless world. -Lily Isaacs We’re on the road this week, just outside of Nashville, Tennessee for an interview with Lily Isaacs, co-founder & matriarch of The Isaacs, a multi-award-winning family group whose music is described as Southern Gospel, Country, and Americana. Born in Germany after World War II, Lily is the child of holocaust survivors. Her parents were Polish Jews and in this interview, she describes in detail how they were forced from their homes and into the streets at gunpoint by the Nazis. After spending time in the Warsaw ghetto, Lily’s parents were jammed with other terrified Jews into train cars and delivered to concentration camps where most were gassed and those who survived nearly starved to death. A proud immigrant to the United States, Lily grew up in the Bronx, New York where she loved to sing and was a bit of a hippy. She and her singing partner Marie were only 19 when they landed a recording contract with Columbia Records. After spending a summer performing in little clubs in Greenwich Village, she met a musician from Kentucky named Joe Isaacs and married him. Inspired by an experience in a little country church in Ohio, Lily converted to Christianity and was temporarily disowned by her heartbroken parents. Joe and Lily had 3 children and in this interview, Lily describes the incredible musical talents of Ben, Sonya & Becky. Formed 35 years ago and still going strong, The Isaacs family band continues to pack audiences worldwide with their own brand of deeply moving, faith-based music. For an inspiring story of faith, perseverance and success in the music business, hit that download button!…
Success is when you help somebody on a path to a better tomorrow. - Catherine Pisacane There is no shortage of women doing great things with their lives and Catherine Pisacane is proof of that. For her, success is not measured by fame or fortune, but rather, by the impact she makes on her community. After hearing a news story about 4 brothers who had been removed from their home by the police after it was discovered that they were being starved by their parents, Catherine noticed that each child had been given a stuffed animal by the police officer, as a way of comforting them. Catherine was inspired to do her own stuffed animal drive and after receiving thousands of stuffed animals, she donated them to fire and police departments, as well as social services. In 2003, Project Smile was born with a broad mission: dedicated to helping people in need. In 2020, she launched another initiative called Suites & Smiles which provides work attire for men of all ages and ethnic backgrounds who face barriers to getting a job because they don’t have the clothing they need to show up at a job interview. In this episode, Catherine gives advice to anyone who wants to create a non-profit. She also reflects on why doing what she does brings her so much joy, and what success really means.…
There are paths of life that aren’t easy and the music industry is certainly a difficult one. If you don’t love it, don’t do it. But if you love it, you have to do it. -Krisanthi Pappas Massachusetts native Krisanthi Pappas has been using her gifts and talents as a singer, songwriter, musician, arranger, recording artist, and live performer since she was about eight years old! A classically trained pianist, she would sing for the traffic stopped outside her house at the red light, singing songs like ABC by the Jackson Five. Throughout the course of Krisanthi’s career, her wide range of singing styles have gotten the attention of national publications like Jazz Times Magazine and All Music Guide whose writers have compared her to Norah Jones and Diana Krall, Karen Carpenter, Carole King and Bonnie Raitt. She’s a full-time entertainer who has opened for Sheryl Crow, Steely Dan, Heart, Queen with Adam Lambert, The Doobie Brothers, Chicago, Chuck Mangione, Branford Marsalis, and the list goes on and on. Krisanthi’s success as a songwriter has earned her many awards and her songs have found homes on popular TV shows and in films, surpassing 3 million spins on Pandora, with her single “One Slow Dance A Day” at the top of that list. In this interview, she takes us along for a ride through her career, including the stories behind her songs, what it takes to sustain a career in music, her devotion to her fans, and charity work on behalf of the fight against breast cancer. Her latest song “Hug A Million Times” is an anthem for anyone who has yearned to see friends and family during the pandemic. www.krisanthi.com. https://smarturl.it/HugAMillionTimes…
In my practice, we really peel it back. We get pretty naked with it and we architect a life where you can have greater impact, service to others, and beautiful relationships. - Hilary Porta Hilary Porta is a success coach, a life architect, a business alchemist and a mindset ninja who lives her life on all cylinders. Whether you listen to this episode on your smartphone, your laptop or on your favorite radio station, today’s guest brings the power of positivity to everything she does and you are going to feel it. She is a bright and shining example of a success story on steroids. Raised in Tennessee, Hilary shares the experience of a childhood trauma that shaped her life for quite some time, leaving her feeling dirty and unworthy saying: “sometimes you have to be broken in order to be used as an instrument.” The work she does for others as a success coach is the result of her own self-discovery about how to tap into her strength through faith and to see life through a different lens. Hilary says: “we get so disconnected sometimes, and that’s when we have to pull back and remember who we really are.” The Founder of R3 International & Principal/CEO of H Porta, Hilary works with high energy, high potential people in just about every field. www.hilaryporta.com. She’s also a contributing writer for more than 35 publications including Forbes and is considered one of the world’s top Success Coaches. a life architect, a Business Alchemist…and a mindset ninja. #thelifearchitect #success…
The geneticist said: you are negative for the mutation and my husband and I just collapsed into each other’s arms. -Heidi Edwards Imagine what it would be like if your family genetics harbored a deadly disease that began with symptoms like slowed movements, poor balance, memory impairment, speech changes, personality changes and then, dementia. Now imagine that 50% of your relative’s genetic pool might contain this rare mutation for which there is no cure. That is exactly what happened to Heidi Edward’s family. Hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids or HDLS, now known as Adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia or ALSP was not an easy disease to research because it is so rare. It took medical scientists 13 years to properly identify the genetic mutation that existed in her family and by then, 4 of her closest relatives had. Says Heidi “we were walking on egg shells because we have such a large family and we wondered who would get the disease next. Heidi decided to be tested to see if she had the mutation and was relieved when geneticists told her she was negative. Today, her twin sister is in the end stages of the disease. As President and Founder of Sisters’ Hope Foundation www.sistershopefoundation.com, Heidi is more determined than ever to raise awareness, education and support, not just for her family but for other families who have suffered quietly for so long. “I’ve been chosen to carry on this mission says Heidi. I’m the only sibling without the disease and I have to keep pushing forward.”…
I always felt like I was running a race. Like I was keepin’ score. I had to do more, I had to do better. My husband would always say: who is keeping score? You’re enough. -Lau Lapides Lau (short for Laurie) Lapides has always known what she wanted to do. Raised in Randolph, MA she remembers vividly that as a child, all she wanted to do was dance. As a teenager, she discovered acting and that passion for the stage continues to this day. The Founder of Lau Lapides Company, Lau holds an MFA from the University of California at Irvine and she has honed her skills as an actor, director, teacher, consultant, executive coach and speech coach. All of these specialities have come full circle to bring her where she is today as the leader of a dynamic team of talented coaches and production pros at laulapidescompany.com. The recipient of many awards, Lau takes great pride in nurturing the talents of others: “I look for people who come from a place of authenticity. I call that bringing the real. The real is you and your history, your personality. As a coach, it’s always about layering the cake, not tearing it down and baking it all over again.” For a bird’s eye view into the heart of a true talent, hit that download button. #acting…
I do wake up happy. If you stay focused, and positive, nothing can get you down. -Lyn Burke In the spotlight, a woman who is devoting her career to lighting up the night, and inspiring us all. She is the co-founder and executive director of a local non-profit called LuminArtz which is one of the Northeast’s most influential producers of large scale, light-based art works www.luminartz.org. There is something magical about light installations because they require us to use our own imagination, to open up our hearts and our senses, and experience their beauty as a community. What inspires Lyn to do this work and why does it matter so much to her? The daughter of a politician, she got her start as a lobbyist and also worked in the gaming and lottery industries, but in the middle of her career, a life long love of art lead her back to where her heart belongs: public art. A resident of Gloucester, Massachusetts, which is a historic fishing village and artist colony, Lyn is right where she belongs, b…
I look back at all my hurdles and I’ve learned so much from them. I know I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. -Suzanne Crociati Suzanne Crociati was in college when her parents divorced. This kind of thing happens all the time, but for Suzanne, it was a rude awakening about how vulnerable a woman can be when her marriage ends and she doesn’t have a handle on her finances. Suzanne never forgot how hard her mother’s life became. Today she is the founder of the Women’s Initiative Team, an all-female group of experts including Suzanne as the financial advisor with team members in the fields of real estate, accounting, healthcare, law, plus a licensed marriage and family therapist. The goal is simple: to offer guidance and support to women when they need it the most. To find out more, just go do www.womensinitiativeteam.com and for a dose of empowerment, hit that download button!…
We have to speak what we want. If you want success in life, you’ve gotta walk the walk and talk the talk until you get there. -Raven Blair Glover It’s always my goal to introduce you to a woman who will inspire you, and in this episode, we hit the jackpot. Why? Because Raven Blair Glover’s success story didn’t ignite until she was 55 years old, and everyday since then, she’s been on fire! Raven is the founder of the Raven International Broadcast Empire which includes podcasts, radio shows, TV, consulting services, a development deal with Roku, and an agency where podcasters can learn how to monetize their content. It’s hard to believe that the same woman who created this empire used to make ten dollars an hour, working part time. Back then, she thought she wasn’t good enough, that she had no voice and wasn’t deserving of success. But like so many other success stories, Raven’s life got turned upside down when a crisis rocked her family and instead of throwing her hands up in surrender, she decided to “step, show up and grow up” to make her dreams come true while taking care of those she loved. If you are over 50 and you think that your days of dreaming are over, hit that download button, because Raven has a few things to tell you! #storybehindhersuccess #tvshowhost…
Sometimes the long way around is the short way around. I’m not somebody who takes short cuts. -Francesca Federico If you could use a strong, smart, savvy and young role model in the financial world, this episode is for you. Meet Francesca Federico, co-founder of Twelve Points Wealth Management www.twelvepointswealth.com where she helps families, individuals and especially women make smart financial decisions. “Money is emotional” says Francesca, and in this interview, she offers her thoughts and advice about how to empower yourself by protecting your financial future. But that’s not all this story is about. Francesca has an unstoppable work ethic, instilled in her by her half Irish, half Italian family heritage. She cherishes the powerful life lessons she learned from her immigrant grandparents and credits them for teaching her what it takes to be a true success story. In the words of her paternal grandfather, Palmiero Federico: “It doesn’t really matter what people think of you. You have to make them feel something about you. #thestorybehindhersuccess #money #inspiringstories…
Success for me is to make a positive impact on someone. If I’ve gotten someone to think about race, or racism, or oppression in a different way, and to come back to me and say “you were right” that’s success. -Christina Horner Meet a woman who has spent her entire career in education dedicated to equity and social justice. Christina Horner is the Senior Associate for the Great Schools Partnership, a non-profit school support organization with a goal of redesigning public education and improving learning for all students. Also an educational consultant and an appointed member of the Racial Imbalance Advisory Council, Christina believes firmly: “It is a favor to society to give all kids what they are entitled to in terms of education.” A Boston College graduate with a Masters degree in Education from Lesley, Christina grew up in Roxbury and was bussed as part of the METCO program to the little town of Weston beginning in fifth grade. Her stories about what it was like to be educated in one of the most affluent towns in Massachusetts are equal parts good and bad, as she came of age in a school system where she was among a very small minority of African American students. Her decision to return to Weston early in her career as the school system’s METCO liaison is a reflection of her deep commitment to not only give back, but to make better. Christina and her husband decided that living in a town with an exceptional school system was their #1 priority, so they have raised their children in Wellesley, an equally homogenous, predominantly white community. Despite the obstacles they have faced, Christina credits her mother’s words of wisdom for keeping her positive and hopeful: “despite the messages you might hear from around you, they’re not true, and this is what you want to aspire to be.” #socialjustice #anti-racism #diversity…
There is a Congolese saying that a single bracelet does not jingle. Everyone in your family are the bracelets that help you jingle. When you have that jingle, you are able to lead more fully because you have all of the people you love and care about, right there, on your arm. -Joan Wallace-Benjamin Welcome to the story of a woman whose awards and accomplishments are simply too vast to list here. A self-described “mission girl” Joan Wallace-Benjamin has spent 37 years focused on creating better outcomes for underserved children and families. A graduate of Wellesley College, she received her Ph.D from the Heller School of Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. A native of New York City, Joan learned a lot about love of community and social responsibility from her loving parents. With leadership roles at ABCD Head Start, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, as temporary Chief of Staff for former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, and as the President and CEO of the Home For Little Wanderers, Joan is a role model for anyone who aspires to lead with purpose and passion. Her new book is called Leading A Life In Balance and includes her sage advice as a working mom. Says Joan: I think leaders lead more fully when they take as their first priority their own children and families. For the inspiring story of a stellar human being whose life has been well lived, just hit that download button. #leadership #workingmom…
Women, at some point along the way, forget or need to be reminded, that they are in control of their own lives. The philosophy is: put yourself on your to-do list. -Amy Goober This is a story about reinvention. Amy Goober is living proof that we all have chapters in our lives and the treasure lies in what we learn from them. In her first job, straight out of college, Amy worked for a major advertising agency in Boston where she got her foot in the door as a secretary, spending four years working her way up to Account Executive. It was there that she shared her love of making cakes and was soon asked to make elaborate cakes for the agency’s high end clients. Before you know it, Amy had a plan to own her own bakery called The Icing On The Cake in nearby Newton, MA. With no business experience, she launched her tiny hole in the wall shop and grew the bakery to legendary status with two parts grit and one part chutzpah. Her decision to sell the bakery and stay home to raise her three children for the next twenty years is an ode to mother-love and her new chapters as a certified health coach, speaker, author and founder of Drive Your Life are proof that Amy is living her life to the fullest. In this chapter of her ever-evolving life, Amy’s goal is to reach as many women as she can with the message that: “the things we regret are the things we don’t do. Perfect is the enemy of done. Just get out there, and do it.” #storybehindhersuccess #reinvention #driveyourlife…
I have a vision of what I want my life to look like and I’m gonna keep working towards it til I get where I want to go. -Stephanie Moniuk Imagine living in chronic back pain for 20 years and then, hearing your doctor tell you that surgery is not an option for your degenerative disc disease, herniations, spinal stenosis and arthritis. Welcome to the life of Stephanie Moniuk. In this interview, the founder of Knockout Wellness describes how hearing that news forced her to do her own research into the science of pain and the power of the mind-body connection. Turns out, the childhood trauma she had buried deep in her psyche was connected to her back pain and that in many cases, physical pain is a response to our unconscious emotions. A lifelong fan of boxing, she took a leap of faith and stepped into a training gym. Stephanie’s journey from pain and misery to winning the Master’s Boxing Division World Championship at 48 are chronicled in this interview. Her decision to found Knockout Wellness was based on one desire: “to be the person I wish I had when I was stuck in chronic pain.” If you are stuck in pain, hit that download button because this episode is designed to give you hope and a giant dose of kickass inspiration. #chronicpain #boxing #inspiration…
In 30+ years of writing songs, I’ve never had writer’s block. God gives me something every time. -Karen Staley We’re on the road in Nashville, Tennessee for this edition of The Story Behind Her Success. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be a hit songwriter in Guitar Town, hit that download button because Karen Staley’s story is filled with wisdom. Born in Weirton, West Virginia and raised in rural Pennsylvania, Karen was focused on athletics when she was growing up until she injured her back in her senior year of high school. It was a music teacher who gave her a guitar and taught Karen the chords to Annie’s Song by John Denver and Karen just couldn’t put that guitar down. Her steady rise in Nashville has included being a featured singer/songwriter at the famous Bluebird Cafe, touring and singing backup with Reba, Dolly and Faith Hill as well as writing about 1,000 songs, including mega-hits Take Me As I Am and Let’s Go To Vegas for Faith Hill and Keeper of the Stars for Tracy Byrd. In this interview, Karen shares both the joys and frustrations of making a living as a songwriter, adding that her greatest hope is that in this life, she has used all of her God-given talents. #nashville #singersongwriters #bluebirdcafe #reba #faithhill…
When you live in fear, you’re dying. You are not living. You have to find a way to life your best life, every single day. -Steph Palermo If you’ve been depressed about what’s going on in the world, or if you’ve ever felt alone and needed some encouragement, Steph Palermo is here to help. www.juststeph.com. The proud mother of four sons, “Just Steph” is an intuitive coach, a healer, and the author of three books. www.juststeph.com. Born with a rare disorder that left the right side of her body impaired, Steph struggled for decades with self-loathing. But not anymore. Her workshops and retreats have one purpose: to help and to heal. This is a woman who understands the value of community and relationships. Says Steph: “you are not taking anything with you. Not the cars. Not the money. Just the love. “ For a shot of inspiration, perseverance, and humor, hit that download button.…
We need to come together, in community. This is the time. -Michelle Palladini Meet police officer Michelle Palladini. The daughter of a state police officer, she remembers asking her father what he did when he went to work. When he replied: “I help people” she knew what she wanted to do with her life. Now a sergeant with the Norfolk, MA. police department, Michelle is breaking new ground with a community based, heart-centered program called L.E.A.P which stands for leadership, empowerment, awareness and protection. Asked to pilot her program in her town’s middle school, the goal was to create trust and pathways toward success between children and the local police…and it’s working all across the country. A graduate of Stonehill College with a degree in Criminal Justice, Michelle believes in finding the root cause of risky and criminal behavior. This, she says is the only way a police officer can truly “protect & serve”. #communitypolicing…
This is all about heart, it’s about passion, it’s about giving back. -Beth Veneto “Ginger Betty” Beth Veneto calls her bakery Ginger Betty’s www.gingerbettys.com and the cookies she bakes are filled with love. One of 8 children raised in Quincy, Massachusetts, Beth’s cookie story began when she was about 10 years old, while baking gingerbread under the watchful eye of her big sister, Karen. For Beth, baking gingerbread cookies became a passion, not just at Christmas time, but all year long. In 1995, she decided to make her dream of opening her own bakery at delicious reality and Ginger Betty’s was opened on a little side street in North Quincy, MA. It wasn’t long before the smell of her soft, gingersnap cookies filled the air and loyal customers lined up for her yummy macaroons covered in M&M’s, brownies to die for and personalized gingerbread boys, girls, brides and grooms. A new, 5,000 square foot location was found and today, Ginger Betty and her team ship their products far and wide. A true patriotic, Beth created the Ginger Betty Foundation to support U.S. troops. She is the author of two children’s books: “Ginger Betty, the Gingerbread Girl” & “Ginger Betty’s Christmas.” In this interview, Beth shares her sweet philosophy about the importance of living your dreams, sharing cookies, and making friends.…
If I won the lottery, I would still come back and do this. To me, that’s success. - Dallas Reed, MD. Dr. Dallas Reed loves what she’s doing with her life and it shows. In this interview, she reveals that a tragic loss early in her life shaped her decision to focus on women’s reproductive health and perinatal genetics. Raised in Plano, Texas in a bi-racial home, Dallas was always at the top of her class. She attended Dillard University as an undergrad and won a prestigious scholarship that enabled her to travel to London to attend King’s College. Dallas joined the Boston University School of Medicine Early School Selection Program and would go on to graduate from Boston University Medical School. These days, Dr. Reed is using all of her talents as the division Chief of Genetics in the pediatric department at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA where she is also the Director of Perinatal Genetics, an attending physician in the OB/GYN department, chair of several leadership positions within the hospital, and Assistant Professor of OB/GYN at Tufts Medical School. But what makes this interview very special, is Dr. Reed’s recent experience as the mother of baby boy born 13 weeks early and her devotion to the work being done by the March of Dimes around healthcare inequities for brown and black mothers and babies. For a look into the life a woman driven to do what she loves for the greater good, hit that download button.…
Success is the opportunity to elevate what other people are doing. -Catharine Smith This week’s story is about a woman who has been leading others since she was in her 20’s. From her humble roots in the midwest to traveling to Argentina, Brazil and Uraguay on a Fulbright scholarship, Catharine Smith has always been focused on social action. The time she spent in these countries shaped her views about how economic cooperation can lead to better outcomes for all, especially women and families. The stories women in these countries shared with her are etched in her mind and have followed her on a career path that includes The Harvard Center for Primary Care and the Clinton Foundation, where Catharine was part of a team that worked with faith leaders in the south to create a deeper understanding of our nation’s opioid epidemic. These days, you’ll find Catharine leading the way as the Executive Director of The Termeer Foundation, one of the most influential foundations in the world. The Termeer Foundation is named after biotech genius, Henri Termeer, the Dutch biotechnology genius and CEO of Genzyme. Created in honor of Henri after his sudden death in 2017 by friends, colleagues and mentees, The Termeer Foundation continues Henri’s lifelong work around finding cures for rare diseases, patient centered care and continued mentoring of the next generation of biotech leaders.…
Success means doing something every day with purpose, that you love. The money is good, but that is such a small piece of it. If you love what you do, and you do it with purpose and you give it everything you have, that’s success. -Nancy Parshley In this inspiring interview, we meet another woman who was nominated by a friend to be featured on the show. Nancy Parshley is the co-founder of Infinite Media. She and her husband have been running the very successful marketing and advertising company for 27 years. She’s a go-getter and she’s really good at what she does. But when her own hairline started to recede, she became self-conscious about it. Wigs came into her life and started taking up a lot of space in her head. Women started asking her about her very cool hairstyles and she soon became known as the Wig Whisperer. Today, she is the owner of Mane Attraction Wigs in the little town of Peabody, Massachusetts where she works one-on-one with women who have hair loss from alopecia, genetic dispositions like thinning hair and female pattern baldness, and as a result of chemotherapy. What she treasures most is the bond she forms with every person who comes into her store and the gratifying moments when she sees her customer’s self-esteem transformed when they try on the perfect wig. In this interview, Nancy shares her devotion to the LGBTQ community, explaining that her door is open wide to people in transition. Building her business during the pandemic has been difficult, but like so many entrepreneurs, Nancy has figured out a way to succeed in her mission to help her customers see themselves in a whole new way.…
I hope to be successful in music and that doesn’t necessarily mean becoming famous. I just want to be able to be happy in what I’m doing, to make a living and to touch other people’s souls. -Lainey Dionne Talent is all around us, but only the very few achieve stardom. Meet singer/songwriter Lainey Dionne of Rhode Island. She’s a proud Berklee College grad with an interesting story about how she graduated from one of the most prestigious music schools in the world…in record time. To meet her is to be in the company of someone who lights up the room. But make no mistake about, her journey has not been sunshine and roses. She has known illness and adversity, too. What sets Lainey apart is her positive mindset. No matter what happens, she is driven to achieve. Lainey is the 2020 recipient of the Unsigned Only Competition in the Adult Contemporary category and has won 2nd place twice in the New England Songwriting competition. She has been nominated for Best Solo/Acoustic Act, Best Americana Act and Best College Act at the Worcester Music Awards and Best Breakthrough Act at the famous Rhode Island Motif Awards and has been a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition. Her latest album was recorded in Nashville and is called Self Titled. If you have a dream, Lainey’s story will ignite your passion to make it happen.…
The world is not soft and you will fail. You need to have the internal resources to pick yourself up and move on. -Betsey Sethares The email from Betsey’s daughter, Lily said: “I’ve been feeling immensely grateful for the wonderful women who impact my life, especially during the pandemic and one of those people is my mom, Betsey Sethares.” With an endorsement like that, I knew that Betsey would be an inspiration to anyone listening to The Story Behind Her Success. The Executive Director of the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund for over twenty years, Betsey oversees the non-profit’s long standing mission to provide urgent financial assistance for basic human needs to residents of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Because these communities rely on seasonal employment, many residents experience financial insecurity. Beyond the noble work Betsey does for her community, she is also a mother and a breast cancer survivor in a family where many women have died of the disease. In this interview, Betsey shares her wisdom about love, the importance of listening, and the idea that obstacles just might be opportunities. For a dose of inspiration from a humble woman who would never ask for applause, hit that download button. www.needyfund.org.…
This is truly a matter of life or death. -”Molly” Anonymous Army Wife No matter what your politics are, there is a gigantic humanitarian crisis going on right now in Afghanistan. When the last plane left Kabul on August 31, 2021, thousands of people including Americans and Afghan interpreters and their families were left behind. Many news outlets are ignoring this story, but the truth is that acts of violence are being perpetrated by the Taliban as you are reading these show notes. Enter, “Molly”… that’s not her real name. She is an Army wife who needs to remain anonymous. Molly is working together with other military spouses to create an underground, long-distance life line for our allies in Afghanistan. The Taliban will show no mercy toward Afghans who served as interpreters during the 20 year war, and service members who worked alongside these men are determined to honor their code of honor to leave no one behind. In this interview, Molly describes what she has experienced trying to save lives behind enemy lines, including stories about what is happening to women and girls under Taliban rule. www.evacuateourallies.org and www.nooneleft.org. #AfghanEvac…
I hate the word “no”. I hate the words “you can’t do it” and I hate “its been done before.” -Hildy Grossman When she was just a little girl growing up in Cincinnati, Hildy Grossman knew that singing on a stage would be part of her life. Her father was the owner of a famous night club called The Beverly Hills Country Club and among the many A-list performers who appeared there, Lena Horne was her favorite. Years later, the jazz singer with an impressive repertoire would become one of the founding members of the Follen Angels, singing timeless jazz tunes, songs from the American songbook, and even Cabaret songs in German, French and Russian. The mother of two and a clinical psychologist by day, Hildy developed her talents as a director and producer with the creation of the Devotion Follies for 10 years. When a surprise lung cancer diagnosis shook her to her core, she harnessed more of her boundless energy to create a non-profit called Upstage Lung Cancer which has raised over 3 million dollars earmarked for cutting edge, early detection and research. In this inspiring interview, you will meet a woman who has spent her life developing her talents, and using them every day. For this passionate singer, producer, director, playwright, novelist, podcaster, fundraiser and clinical psychologist, the sky is the limit. #upstagelungcancer…
There’s a new Candy O in town. She’s a little less driven about what’s ahead and lot more grateful for what is right in front of her. - Candy O’Terry By the time I release this podcast, it will be 49 days since I seriously injured my lower back. Some people call it “blowing out your back”, and that’s actually a pretty good way to describe it. I have a herniated disc at L4 and L5 and S1 where all the nerve roots are covered with the material that ruptured from the disc. When that happens, the pain is unbearable because those nerves get all fired up. I can’t even begin to tell you how much agony this injury has caused me, and how much I have learned from it. In this episode, I’ll introduce you to a 98 year old woman named Eloise who was my roommate in the hospital for three days. They say that people come into our lives for a reason, and I’m so glad Eloise came into mine. We may only have known one another for 72 hours, but the lessons she taught me changed my life forever. I may have taught her how to be a little more patient, but she taught me to be grateful for exactly where I am in my life.…
Every once in a while, we have to get thrown down on the floor to see the world from a new perspective. That’s where we come to understand what really matters. That’s where we press the re-set button and learn some of life’s greatest lessons. -Candy O’Terry I’m recording this episode in bed, flat on my back with a ruptured disc. After a 5 day stay in the hospital, I’m still in a lot of pain, but I didn’t want to miss this time with you. I’ve been thinking long and hard about the life lessons I’ve learned this week, so I came up with 4 life lessons from the floor…and my hope is that they might just help you if you are ever faced with an injury or an illness and you need some guidance, or a virtual hand to hold….maybe even a laugh…or a smile. And please forgive how I sound. One of the many things I’ve learned down here is that you become smaller. Your voice loses its power, you feel diminished, weak, a burden and kind of like a loser. It’s humbling down here, and that is lesson #1 from the floor.…
In the spotlight, a dynamic healthcare leader who is a champion for women’s health. Emily Tamilio is a registered nurse who is a member of the Beth Israel Lahey Health Women’s Leadership Council and Emerson Hospital Auxiliary. She has worked in leadership roles in health systems, start-ups and as a consultant, and is proud of her work for the the 131 year old Deaconess Abundant Life Committee’s leadership team. And there is so much more to this story. Raised outside of Boston in a strong Armenian family, bound together by the Armenian genocide, Emily often heard the stories both grandmothers told her about escaping their country to come to America. She learned at a very early age that life requires giant doses of courage. She is a mother and a breast cancer thriver who always sees the glass as hall full, choosing a heart full of gratitude that in turn feeds her persistence. No stranger to obstacles in her path, she tunes out negative talk, believing that fear is what stops us in our tracks. According to this exceptional woman, “fear is false evidence appearing real.” In this interview, Emily shares news about co-hosting her first podcast called “Bridgin” which will focus on fostering equity through connection. For a dose of positive energy you can use, just hit that download button.…
A wise person once told me: show up, speak your truth and don’t be attached to the outcome. -Caroline C. Werner Make no mistake about it, Caroline C. Werner is a superstar in the field of HR. She’s the Senior Vice President, Global Talent for Korn Ferry with over 8,000 employees in 50 countries. In this role, she responsible for talent acquisition, operations, learning and development, administration, human relations business strategies and more. How can there possibly be enough hours in the day for this dynamic, successful, young woman? And if she does find one minute of spare time, what does she do with it? In this interview, we learn that Caroline was raised to rise and shine. Her tireless work-ethic and can-do attitude have served the young executive well, and the sky is the limit. #thestorybehindhersuccess #youngprofessionals…
Success to me is being in alignment with what is important to you and following through on that in your actions and in your behavior, in your words. -Chris Vasiliadis Meet Chris Vasiliadis, founder of Priority Wellness www.prioritywellness.com and author of the book Ignition: A Professional Woman’s Guide to Energized, Burnout-Proof Living. She has reinvented herself many times. In fact, she’s worked in high-tech with roles in systems engineering, computer security, cryptography, software project management, and as Director of Performance Improvement…and then she started down her entrepreneurial path flexing her artistic muscle as a make-up artist and then as a marketing consultant. But it was a health crisis in 2005 that rocked her world and inspired her to shift her mindset and adjust her compass. In this interview, Chris shares her wisdom about how managing your energy has far greater results than trying to manage your time. A self-described “recovering Type-A personality, Chris shares how she deliberately created a more healthy, active life for herself and you can, too. The secret is: you have to make it a priority. #storybehindhersuccess #prioritywellness…
Look around and find people who you want to be like or who you want to learn from. Make sure they see who you are, and what you can do. -Karla MacDonald With so much attention on the rollout of the vaccine, delivered to the world in record time, I wanted to find a woman in a leadership role in the pharmaceutical world who could give us a bird’s eye view on the industry. Enter Karla MacDonald, Vice President, Communications & Patient Advocacy at Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals. With 20 years of experience working in life sciences, Karla has the knowledge and the insight about how clinical trials work, why patient advocacy matters, and how the scientific community has responded to the pandemic. I also wondered how much progress has been made by women and minorities in “big pharma”, and how much more work is yet to be done. Born and raised in Canada where her heroes were scientists, Karla shares the story of her childhood and the many gifts her parents passed on to her, including her father’s words of wisdom: “always sit in the front of the class and make sure the professor knows your name.” For a tutorial on what it’s like to climb the ladder and succeed in the pharmaceutical industry, just hit that download button #lifesciences #pharmaceuticals…
Every child is unique and every child has a skill. It is up to us parents to guide them and be attentive to those skills. -Dr. Tamika Jacques Meet Dr. Tamika Jacques, mother of three and workforce specialist with a doctorate in Educational Leadership Science. She’s the author of two groundbreaking books: A Brown Girls Guide to Employment & Networking, and her latest: A Brown Parents Guide to Preparing Our Children for Employment in the 21st Century. Using the many challenges she faced over the course of her own career, Tamika’s goal in writing the book has been to open up the conversation between parents and their children around recognizing and tapping into passions and interests sooner than later. A third-generation Cape Verdean-American from Bridgewater, MA., Tamika was prepared by her parents to deal with a world that would judge her by the color of her skin. In this interview, she offers tools and techniques to shepherd the next generation of brown children toward actively creating opportunities for themselves. Says Tamika: “Never let anyone put you in a box because of their own racial bias. Dream big. Be who you are, because that is when you are going to shine.” For a dose of parenting advice that will put your child on a pathway toward success, hit that download button.…
This is what I’m here to do. Being spiritual, giving readings is the easiest thing I’ve ever done. And that’s how I know it’s right. Everything else has been hard. -Kim Gedney Most psychics will tell you that they always had a 6th sense. They just “knew” things. But that was not always the case for Kim Gedney. The daughter of a drug addict, she had no time to think about anything else but survival and at one point, decided she wanted to end her life. That’s when her phone began to ring and ring and ring. When Kim finally answered the phone, the person on the other end changed her life forever with his message and that is where this story begins. Now a wife and devoted mother of two sons, Kim is a medium, a psychic, a healer and a spiritual and intuitive life coach. Her ability to tap into exactly what her clients need is what sets this exceptional woman apart. We settled into our interview at a little bed & breakfast in Simsbury, CT called the 1820 House for an interview that focused on a three things Kim believes to her core: 1. Your gut is never wrong. 2. Your mind can mess you up every time. 3. Faith is the belief that there is something more. Curious? Hit that download button for some earthly and spiritual wisdom to kick off 2021. #psychic #medium #spirit #believe…
I learned to be a great storyteller on TV and when I’m selling a house, I’m telling you the story of that house. Buyers want that emotion, that’s what sells. -Teri Adler This is a story about reinvention. Meet Teri Adler, Principal of The Teri Adler Group and a Boston area residential real estate superstar. For the past twelve years, she has been a top broker for Pinnacle Residential Properties, including Broker of the Year, but her career path began with a very successful run as a reporter and news anchor on stations from the Cape to New Hampshire, to Hartford and finally, in Boston at WHDH and WBZ. Turns out, Teri has used her well-honed storytelling skills to sell houses and this interview reveals what it took to make the transition from one profession to the other. The mother of three daughters, including a special needs child, Teri speaks candidly about a decision she and her husband made regarding how they were going to raise their firstborn child: “Jeff and I decided we were not going to let Alexandra’s disability define her, our our family.” Her advice about multiple careers and what really matters in life are insightful and well worth your download. Says Teri: “Life is going to take you to places you never imagined and you have to bend and grow with it. There is no blueprint.” #reinvention #storybehindhersuccess #womeninmedia #realestate…
I felt like I had a higher calling. -Erica Horan Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a critical care nurse on a med-flight mission? Welcome to the story of Erica Horan: wife, mother of three, Air Force veteran and registered nurse for Boston MedFlight. Recorded in a hanger at Mansfield Airport, Erica explains that the mission of the non-profit is to take care of very sick people as quickly as possible. She comes to this work with a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. Her career path began at 18 when she earned her EMT certification, to a degree in nursing, to becoming a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force as a critical care nurse, to serving on the front lines in Afghanistan, to landing her dream job at Boston MedFlight. Twelve hour shifts are seldom slow for any Boston MedFlight’s 4 critical care teams and in this interview, Erica explains that every day is different and you just never know what you are going to get. A black belt karate champion with enough trophies to fill another hanger, this black belt credits her grandmother with teaching her to rely on the strength of her faith, and her karate instructor for teaching her about positive mindset, self-reliance and humility. “Get out of your comfort zone, says Erica. You only have one life, so go for it.” #BostonMedFlight #nursing…
Lord, you don’t have to move my mountains, just give me the strength to climb. -Carmen Fields She may have grown up in a segregated community outside Tulsa, Oklahoma, but Carmen Fields was surrounded by love and encouragement. The daughter of a teacher and a very well-known big band leader, she knew she wanted to write. That love of writing led to a 40 year career as a print and broadcast journalist, a media relations pro and a college professor. In this interview, Carmen and I settled in for a look back at a career that continues to inspire to this day. It was her mother who encouraged Carmen to come to Boston from Oklahoma saying: “You’ve never been East before, why don’t you go ahead to Boston, and just remember, you can always come home if it doesn’t work out.” Well, it did work out and Carmen has both passion and perseverance to thank for her success. As a black female reporter on the City Desk at the Boston Globe, there were neighborhoods she was afraid to go into during the Boston busing crisis. Yet, as Carmen says: “those old men in the newsroom with their cigars and off color jokes took me under their wing” and she continued to grow as a print journalist. Her career story includes her experience as a TV anchor, her stint as a press secretary to the Suffolk County District Attorney, her public relations roles at the United Way and National Grid her love of teaching at Boston University and her long running public affairs program on WHDH called Higher Ground. When it comes to the responsibilities of a journalist, Carmen Fields is clear: “I still look at journalism as the first draft of history. And I still look at journalist’s role as a responsibility to give the facts and some of the context and background and yes, even get both sides of the story.” For a look at a career worth emulating, hit that download button. #womeninmedia #storybehindhersuccess #journalism…
I’ve been through an alphabet of tragedies and trials and I’m still here. - Naomi Judd Recorded on Naomi Judd’s 500 acre farm in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, this interview takes you through Naomi’s life, including the birth of daughter Wynonna on her high school graduation night, a job as a receptionist for The Fifth Dimension in Los Angeles, and a mountaintop home in Kentucky where there was no heat, no phone and no TV. While she studied to be a nurse, the family lived on welfare and Naomi traded her prized buck knife to buy Wynonna her first guitar. After receiving her nursing degree, Naomi moved the family to Nashville where she was the head nurse in an ICU. When she learned that the father of one of her patients was in the record business, Naomi got up the courage to hand him a homemade cassette tape of she and Wynonna singing. Brent Mayer was blown away by what he heard an arranged for an audition at RCA records. The Judds were signed to a record deal that would catapult them into country music history as the most commercially successful duo of the 1980’s with 25 singles, 14 number 1 songs, 8 CMA’s, 5 Grammy Awards, and 20 million + records sold. From Naomi’s songwriting technique to her determination to beat Hepatitis C, this interview is an essay in perseverance. For a deep dive into the soul of a country music icon, hit that download button and please, leave a review!…
In those first few days of his life, I realized that I wasn’t going to change anything about Jonathan, but I was going to change the world for him. -Jo Ann Simons She remembers everything getting really quiet in the delivery room just moments after her son Jonathan was born. It was May, 1979 and Jo Ann Simons was 26 years old. Her pregnancy had been textbook…no surprises, until this moment. About 4 hours later, she and her husband heard the words: “your baby has Down syndrome.” At that time, services for families with disabled children were either minimal, or non-existent so Jo Ann Simons decided to change all that. Armed with a Masters in Social Work, she did not see a world that she wanted for her son, so she set out to build one for him and for others with developmental disabilities. If you ask her, she’ll tell you: “I didn’t choose this career, it chose me”. Now the President & CEO of Northeast Arc, Jo Ann is considered both a trailblazer and a champion to the 15,000 people in 190 communities her organization serves. Northeast Arc is leading the way in innovative ideas designed to help people with developmental disabilities become part of the communities where they live including the creation of a coffee shop called “Breaking Grounds” which serves as a training ground for people with disabilities who are interested in working in the food service industry. A few years ago, Jo Ann launched “Arc Tank” with a 1 million dollar donation and in 2020, she spearheaded her largest project to date: negotiating a lease for 26,000 square feet of highly visible space in the heart of the Liberty Tree Mall which will become the new home of The Linking Lives Center and Northeast Arc. A member of the Massachusetts Governor’s Commission on People with Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities and the Autism Commission, Jo Ann lives by the credo: “I want to leave this world a little better than I found it.” Download this inspiring story for a gigantic dose of grit, gratitude and wisdom. #storybehindhersuccess #northeastarc #disabilities…
Dating is like real estate; the longer you’re on the market, the more people are going to wonder what’s wrong with you! -Holly Parker Meet New York City real estate powerhouse Holly Parker. One of Manhattan’s most successful and experienced brokers, Holly is with Douglas Elliman, NYC’s premiere luxury residential brokerage. With nearly 8 billion in sales, this exceptional woman is a force to be reckoned with. Holly has been selling high-end properties for 20 years and along the way she has figured out that real estate is a lot like life, and life is a lot like real estate. In fact, there are a ton of similarities between an impulse buy of a house unseen and jumping into a marriage too quickly! After 7 years of marriage, Holly found herself “falling out of contract” and dreaded being a newly divorced woman who was “back on the market”. This experience inspired her to write her first book, aptly named: back on the market: A Realtor’s Guide to Love and Life. In this interview, Holly shares the pain of her divorce, the triumph of her second marriage, and the secrets to being a real estate superstar. Her story about welcoming twin sons into her life via surrogate is priceless, and her advice about how to overcome obstacles and what success means to her will inspire you. After all these years of selling real estate, Holly Parker has come to a simple realization: love is what makes a home. Get to know more about Holly and join me for an honest and entertaining 24 minutes by hitting that download button. #realtor #storybehindhersuccess #thehollyparkerteam…
Do you ever wonder if you’re too old to pursue your dreams? Today’s guest believes that age is just a number. Born and raised outside of Boston, Jodi had a real knack for acting as a child. She recalls joining hundreds of young girls and boys auditioning for a role in a traveling production of the Broadway smash “The King & I” starring Yul Brynner. Jodi was over the moon when she was offered a role and devastated when her parents told her that school must come first. Years went by and she nurtured her love of acting by playing the piano and appearing in community theatre. Jodi married and had three sons. As a young mom, she decided that having a business of her own would not only be exciting, but financially rewarding so she founded Nobscot Supply Company in 1998 and became certified as a Women Business Enterprise and a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. Now a well known and respected supplier of disposable safety and cleaning items, Nobscot Supply Company www.nobscotonline.com has taken on greater responsibility during the Covid-19 pandemic. But it was her decision to finally scratch that acting itch that brings new meaning to this interview. Jodi’s “ah-ha” moment came when she started filling in as a fitness instructor at Longfellow Health Club in Natick, MA. and the performer deep inside was on full display. Jodi started taking courses at Boston Casting www.bostoncasting.com and began building up her acting portfolio. Today, she has dozens of commercials and film credits to her name. And if you happen to see a woman in your social feed playing the piano as part of the Piano in a Flash worldwide promotion, that’s Jodi Hemmer! She’s loving every minute of this new and exciting chapter in her life and has plenty of advice for anyone who wants to take a similar leap of faith. For an “I can do it” attitude adjustment, just hit that download button! #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #covid19 #reinvention…
I knew nothing about children’s books, or children’s characters, or the entertainment industry, or anything. But I knew this was meant to be. -Sheila Duncan It all started one day in 2006 when Sheila was spending time with her twelve year old niece, Kendra who had experienced a series of losses. First, her father passed away, then her grandmother “Nonnie” died of cancer, and finally, the family dog, Irish died as well. Through her tears, Kendra looked up at the TV and saw a telethon about children with cancer. She drew a picture of a small grey puppy and said: “His name’s “Trouble” and he’s gonna help kids having trouble in their lives”. Sheila remembers believing very deeply that something “divinely inspired” happened that day. The story line and the concept for the popular “Trouble The Dog” children’s book series was hatched and Sheila became the force that carried her niece’s compassion forward to the world. And it hasn’t been easy! In this interview, Sheila talks about what it takes to breathe life into an idea. With experience in the restaurant and the travel industries, she tapped into her inner-entrepreneur, figuring out how to break into the children’s book market with the first two books in the Trouble The Dog series, and then, how to manufacture a huggable plush toy by the same name, made in the USA. www.troublethedog.net. Throughout this interview, Sheila talks about the value of persistence, even when no one believes in your idea: “I listened to my intuition and to what the kids were saying to me. It was like there was a big foot in my back, propelling me forward. I just kept on going.” Trouble The Dog has given comfort to children in foster care who receive him as part of their therapy. He has traveled to Haiti after the earthquake, and to Newtown, Connecticut where he comforted children directly affected by the shootings at Sandy Hook. And it’s not just children who feel his love. Trouble has even helped wounded soldiers at Walter Reed cope with their injuries. With the upcoming release of a third book in the Trouble The Dog series, Sheila and Kendra’s mission to bring Trouble’s message to the world keeps on going. Says Sheila: “There’s something enchanting about this pup called Trouble. He comforts kids. Our next step is to bring Trouble to life on your TV screen as a meaningful cartoon series!” #hope #troublethedog…
When I started out, I was very, very shy. I do not know how I even got on stage, because if I could have hidden behind the microphone stand, I would have. -Crystal Gayle In this episode, we’re on Music Row in Nashville to meet country music icon, Crystal Gayle. As one of the first female singers to crossover from country music to pop, she is considered a trailblazer by many. Born in Paintsville, Kentucky, Crystal is the youngest of 8 children and the sister of country legend Loretta Lynn. In this interview, she walks us through a career that is filled with equal parts luck and hard work. While it was fortunate that Crystal had a sister who could open doors for her, she had to walk through them on her own, proving that she had her own unique style. Signed to Decca Records at only 19, it wasn’t long before she scored her first hit in 1970 with a single called “I’ve Cried the Blues Right Out of My Eyes.” Six years later, she released “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” for United Artists and that song changed the trajectory of her career reaching #1 on the country charts and #2 on the pop charts. Later that year, the song would win Crystal the Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal and she would also become the first female country artist to go platinum. From that moment on, this shy singer with black hair that nearly touched the floor, was a superstar. A wife and mother of two grown children, Crystal opens up about what it was like to win the Grammy, the stories behind her songs “Talking In Your Sleep” and her duet with tour partner Eddie Rabbit called “You and I.” But what comes across in this very personal interview are Crystal’s combination of drive and humility. Determined to forge her own path, she admits she was scared to death. “If I could talk to my 19 year old self, I would tell her: Lighten up. Don’t worry so much. You don’t need to be perfect.“ For an honest look into the life of a country music legend, hit that download button. #countrymusic #inspiration #countrymusicsuccessstories…
When something lousy happens, like a breast cancer diagnosis, what are you going to do about it? You can wallow, and that’s okay, but then you need to fight like hell. -Kelly Tuthill Meet Kelley Tuthill, an award-winning, well-known and respected journalist and former TV anchor with a girl next door charm. Diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer at only 36, she admits that she did wallow for a few hours, maybe even days, but then she fought for herself, for her young family, and for others just like her. 14 years later, she’s thriving with three daughters and a new chapter in her ever-evolving life having segued from television news to academia as the VP of Marketing & Communications at Regis College, a small Catholic college in Weston, MA. One of four girls, Kelley was raised in the seaside town of Hingham and recalls her father encouraging her to go all in for any dream she had. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University, Kelley spent 20 years loving the news business. In this interview, she shares what it was like to be a young reporter in rural Pennsylvania, knowing no one, as well as what it was like to work her way home to Boston as a part of the award-winning, legendary line up at WCVB, News Center 5. A passionate advocate for women experiencing breast cancer, Kelley allowed cameras to follow her through her own diagnosis and treatment, co-authoring the book: You Can Do This! Surviving Breast Cancer Without Losing Your Sanity or Your Style. Eager to experience and savor all that life has to offer, she recently earned her PhD in Leadership from Regis College. As we kick off breast cancer awareness month, Kelley’s words of wisdom ring true: “Hope is everything.” #inspiringstories #breastcancer…
Everything in life is about mindset and outlook. If you shift your mindset and rise above, no matter what circumstances you are born into or what has happened to you, ultimately you will create your own path and future. -Sarah Ripoli Imagine that you are six years old, and an only child. You are sitting next to your sleeping grandfather on a couch in your basement while your mother is upstairs, packing up her things. Within minutes, she is dead, shot by your father and your whole world is changed forever. Welcome to the life of Sarah Ripoli. Now a New York City based fashion blogger, thescoopbysarahrip.com, Sarah is standing up and speaking her truth about domestic violence. Raised by her grandparents in her native New Jersey, she was surrounded by love and support. Sarah never wanted anyone to know what she had been through, so she kept her secret for 20 years. When she was 25, Sarah realized that she had to examine her past in order to create her future. She is the Co-Founder of Angel Energy, www.shopangelenergy.com, an e-commerce based fashion brand and a philanthropic movement to stop domestic violence. Sarah’s powerful message is filled with a belief that every person is put on earth for a purpose and her goal is to be a voice for children who have lost a parent to domestic violence. The coronavirus quarantine locked us all down, but for abusive relationships, the lockdown resulted in a drastic increase in incidences of domestic violence. The fact is: 1,000 women are killed every year by men they know. Angel Energy donates 25% of its proceeds to charities that serve as lifelines for women and families affected by domestic abuse. For a glimpse into a life path paved by resilience, hit that download button! #inspiringstories #resilience…
I would hope that the American people would look past my gender and just look at the ideas. I want to see freedom in my lifetime. I want to see people be able to make their own decisions. -Jo Jorgensen Meet Dr. Jo Jorgensen, Libertarian candidate for President of the United States. In Boston as part of her whirlwind tour across America, Jo agreed to an exclusive interview with me. Born in Libertyville, Illinois, and raised in a nearby town with only one stop light, Jo had a libertarian mindset before she knew anything about the Libertarian Party. A graduate of Baylor University, Jo went on to Southern Methodist University for her MBA and earned her PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Clemson University in 2002 where she is now a senior lecturer. The VP running mate for Harry Brown in the 1996 presidential campaign, Jo believes that “our government is too big, too bossy, too nosy and too intrusive. It’s time to put the decision making power back into the hands of the people.” In this interview, she explains what it means to be Libertarian, and answers my questions about key issues like: how to heal unrest in our country, what she would have done if she were president during the Coronavirus outbreak, her views on our criminal justice system, the police, her stance on decriminalizing drugs, healthcare, our military, prayer in schools, the IRS, the FDA, no-knock raids, and whether to send teachers and children back into the classroom. But it is Jo’s heartfelt answers about gender, motherhood, how she gets around obstacles, and her view on what success really means that give the listener a clear view of the contents of her character. With her supporters repurposing #imwithher Jo’s hope is that as a third party candidate, she will be able to debate President Trump and former Vice President Biden on a national stage so that voters can understand what she truly stands for. #letherspeak #letherdebate #JoJorgensen2020…
Any ailment, pain or challenge your loved one experienced in life is gone. They are at peace. They are happy. It’s that simple. - Cheryl Pillar In this episode, we connect with Cheryl Pillar: the dc medium. www.dcmedium.com. Her new book Here In Spirit is a quick and powerful read that answers the 7 most commonly asked questions about what happens to our loved ones after they die. Truth be told, I met Cheryl a few years ago at a meeting in Virginia and watched her in action. She is the real deal and that story is in this interview. Born and raised in Indiana, Cheryl started recognizing her openness to Spirit when she was in a yoga class and her beloved Nana appeared to her at the moment she died. A consultant by day, Cheryl’s unique ability to tap into someone has also helped her untangle complicated business relationships. The single mother of Collin and Emma, Cheryl completed her psychic mediumship training in 2014 after searching for someone who could be her mentor. SoulConX is her latest endeavor and the answer to that problem. Cheryl’s new company will be a place where those who have the gift of psychic mediumship can receive further training to perfect their natural skills and techniques. You learn a lot about life when you talk to the dead and Cheryl Pillar is proof of that. If you are worried about someone you have lost, this interview will answer your questions and reassure you that our loved ones never real leave us. Most importantly, says Cheryl: “all souls go to heaven. Even if a person has not lived a good life, we all get another shot; over and over again until we get it right.” #psychicmedium…
The emotional trauma that stopped us in childhood because we didn’t know how to process our feelings, is the same emotional trauma that stops us from being the most successful entrepreneur of our lives. -Mia Hewett Meet a woman who has co-owned and operated a seven-figure business, is an international speaker, a world-class business coach, and author of the new book “Meant For More.” Believe it or not, there was a time when despite all of her successes, Mia Hewett wasn’t happy. Most of all, she felt that she was not enough. After years of reading self-help books and spending tons of money on coaching, Mia discovered the root of her self-doubt: childhood emotional trauma. The truth is, no one gets through childhood without scars. Some of us suffer more than others, but emotional trauma, left unchecked, will handicap your success for the rest of your life. Along the way, Mia crafted her unique approach called “Aligned Intelligence” which is a methodology that removes all blind spots, fear, anxiety and self-doubt. In this episode, I admit my fear of failure, and Mia examines where that comes from. She shares her own emotional trauma at the age of 4 and discusses how she finally got past the “huge confusion pattern” that trauma created until she finally understood how to untangle it. Says Mia: “when we don’t heal the emotional side of ourselves, we limit our intellect because we can’t think greater than how we feel.” www.miahewett.com. For 24 minutes of discussion that will open your own mind to what’s been holding you back from your greatest success story, hit that download button.…
I’m a working class kid from a working class neighborhood who wasn’t expected to be anything in life and yet, I saw history being made and I was there. -Donna Halper Welcome to part 2 of the incredible life and career story of Donna Halper: author, media historian and trailblazer for women in radio. After years of being told that she would never be on the air, she did just that…first in college radio back in 1968 and then behind the scenes at the legendary WABC, in New York City. As the music director at WMMS in Cleveland, she received a homegrown album from an unknown rock trio from Canada called Rush and gave their song Working Man a shot in the air. She is credited with discovering the band and has remained friends with Rush for decades, joining them when they received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and cheering the band on when they were inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame. Her road to success has been anything but easy and she has relied upon her Jewish faith and her own code of ethics to get to where she is today. After having spent 28 years as a well respected radio broadcast consultant, she focused her attention on writing books and is widely known as a media historian. An associate professor at Lesley University, she is determined to put a name and a face to the stories of women who also broke through barriers to make it in media. Says Donna: “I love finding women who have been forgotten and then writing them back into history.”…
All I ever wanted was to be was a DJ. In my freshman year at Northeastern University, I arrived at the campus radio station and said: “I want to be on the radio.” The program director said: “We don’t put girls on the radio. They don’t sound good.” So I asked him: “How many women have you had on the air here?” And he said: “None.” -Donna Halper This is one of those episodes that serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come. When Donna Halper was growing up in the 1950’s, girls had only a few choices. They could marry and be a “housewife”, or they could be a teacher, a nurse or a bookkeeper. Donna had other ideas. From the time she was a little girl, she wanted to have a career and the announcers on the radio sounded like they were having fun all the time. Even though DJ’s couldn’t see their audience, they were somehow able to reach out and relate to the thousands of teens who listened to the radio. A Jewish girl who was often bullied for being different, Donna grew up loving rock ‘n roll, saying: “it was the music of rebellion. The culture was changing and the music was a way to say things that you weren’t allowed to say in society.” After being told for years that women don’t sound good on the radio, Donna finally got on the air in college and after graduation, was recruited by the legendary Frank Kingston Smith to write features for his show on the legendary WABC in New York City. But it was her stint as music director at WMMS in Cleveland, Ohio that put her name in the book of rock ‘n roll when she received an advance copy of a homegrown album by an unknown Canadian rock trio called RUSH. Says Donna: “I dropped the needle down on a song called “Working Man” and I knew immediately that this was a Cleveland record.” Since that day, RUSH has sold 40 million records, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. Donna’s career story continued to flourish, but never without adversity and roadblocks. Her message then and now is simple. “Never, ever give up.” For a birds eye view into the meaning of perseverance, hit that download button. #cantstopwontstop…
We always hoped that people would listen to the music, make it their own, take it into their lives and realize that our music is there for them to enjoy forever. -Sharon Hampson, of Sharon, Lois & Bram If you grew up in the 1980’s and 90’s, you probably sang along with a group called Sharon, Lois & Bram. Maybe you watched their hit TV series The Elephant Show or even begged your parents to take you to one of their sold out shows. In the spotlight, Sharon Hampson, founding member of Sharon, Lois & Bram. The recipients of countless awards, Gold and Platinum albums for worldwide record sales, and induction into The Order of Canada, the group is widely known as the most beloved children’s entertainers of all time. In this interview, Sharon walks us through her own childhood in Canada, where singing together was part of her upbringing. The daughter of immigrants, she lovingly recalls her mother saving 50 cent pieces to buy her a piano. Although very shy, she gathered her courage and sang on stage at a hootenanny. After that experience, Sharon quit high school and devoted her life to singing, getting her start as a folk singer in coffeehouses around Toronto. Throughout their illustrious career, Sharon, Lois & Bram maintained a core belief that “children deserve the best the world has to offer, whether it is food, education, accommodation or music.” A three time breast cancer survivor, Sharon believes that walking through fear is one of the most empowering things a person can do in this life. The mother of two, Sharon has been singing with her daughter Randi, an attorney and gifted singer/songwriter who also manages the group. With Lois’ passing five years ago and Bram’s decision to retire, the two are creating their own next chapter with weekly Facebook LIVE concerts. The book Skinnamarink echoes the lyrics and sentiment of Sharon, Lois & Bram’s signature song, along with new lyrics from Randi and has sold over 50,000 copies. During the pandemic, Sharon & Bram have reunited to breathe new life into a song Sharon’s late husband Joe composed 50 years ago. Joined by Randi and an all-star cast, “Talk About Peace” is a YouTube sensation proving once again that this music reaches inside the hearts of the young…and the not so young. For a deep dive into the life of an exceptional woman, hit that download button. #childrensmusic #inspiringstories…
A restaurant is like a farm. It requires attention 24 hours a day. -Chef Jody Adams When superstar chef Jody Adams was growing up in Providence, Rhode Island, she watched her working mom make dinner with natural ingredients and entertain with grace and true hospitality. The daughter of two librarians, she got the chance to travel to Europe and experience international cuisine. It wasn’t long before she knew she wanted to be a chef. In this interview, Jody takes us on a career journey defined by a powerful work ethic: “I burned myself and cut myself like nobody’s business, but I was determined to succeed. I just put my head down and worked harder than I knew I could.” Mentored by Julia Child, Lydia Shire and Gordon Hamersley, Jody put her stake in the ground in 1994 with Rialto in Harvard Square, spending 22 years nurturing her signature Mediterranean dishes and growing a stellar reputation. With the closure of Rialto in 2016, she ventured into the creation of TRADE, Saloniki and Porto, with partners Eric Papachristos, Sean Griffing and Jon Mendez. The winner of the prestigious James Beard Award, Chef Adams was inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America in 2018. The lessons she has learned along the way about entrepreneurship and persistence are inspiring for anyone with a dream: “It takes getting up off your butt no matter how hard you feel and no matter how impossible it looks. Try to figure out the next move forward. Believe in what you are doing and get back up again.” Jody Adams has put her own advice to good use throughout the pandemic by becoming an advocate for small, independently owned restaurants in Boston and beyond. A firm believer that mom & pop restaurants are not only the backbone of America, but the heartbeat of our communities, Jody is determined to do what she can to help. www.saverestaurants.com/take-action. “Generosity and giving are what will see us through”, says Jody. For a dose of wisdom you can use, hit that download button.…
When something goes wrong between people, that doesn’t have to be the end of the story. There are things you can do to make a repair. You can heal hurt between people. -Molly Howes For many years, I’ve been swimming in a lap lane with a really kind and wonderful woman named Molly. We’d talk about the temperature of the water, and how we really should be swimming longer and harder. And then one day, she told me that she was an author, and that her new book was being published. I asked what it was about, and instantly knew she’d be perfect for this show. For the last 35 years, Molly Howes, PhD has maintained an independent psychotherapy practice. She’s a Harvard-trained clinical psychologist who has witnessed the losses her patients feel when they have been unable to give or receive an apology. Her groundbreaking book is called A Good Apology and is now available world wide. In this interview, Molly gives us her “four steps to make things right” and explains why saying “I’m sorry” is so hard for many of us to do. At a time in our country when pent-up hurt and anger abound, this book gives us all a chance to reach across our differences and make amends. Always honest and thoughtful, Molly shares her own personal story which is woven in loss and a lifelong need to mend things and make them right. No one goes through life unscathed. We’ve all been hurt, and we all need to heal. It may be surprising, but the breaches themselves aren’t the real problem, our inability to fix them is what causes us the most trouble. Says Molly: “An apology is for the other person, but it’s also for you, because it’s the right thing to do.” If you’ve spent years trying to figure out how to apologize for something, or how to heal an old hurt that continues to break your heart, hit that download button. You’ll know exactly what to do in 20 minutes! #clinicalpsychology #Harvard #sorrynotsorry…
They walk 10 miles each day to get water, and sometimes, it’s dirty water. -Sara Gotschewski In this episode, we meet senior architect and Come Unity volunteer Sara Gotschewski, an American woman who was raised in Tokyo. Once a student at an international school, Sara remembers being surrounded by classmates from 70 different countries, relishing the chance to learn about different cultures and traditions. At 16, she and a handful of classmates made their first trip to Africa where they volunteered at a local school in Namibia. On that trip, Sara fell in love with Africa and no matter where her life takes her, Sara’s compass is always pointed there. Now a senior architect at a firm in Chicago, Sara is passionate about sharing her skills with Come Unity: “I have always known that I wanted to follow a career that allowed me the opportunity to provide positive impact in the world. It’s an honor to be part of creating something for others.” The mission of Come Unity is to partner with East African communities to develop sustainable solutions to poverty www.comeunitynow.org. Although chronic poverty is a way of life in Kenya, the culture is built on generosity: Sara says: “The big difference between the U.S and Kenyan culture is that we give when we have excess. In Kenyan culture they give when there is a need.” In this interview, she tells the story of a community where women walk 10 miles to get water that isn’t even clean. Thanks to donations and hard work on the ground, Sara and the team at Come Unity built a well that brings clean water, better health, and empowerment to the village. For a look inside the heart and mind of a woman who understands the true meaning of the word “community”, just hit that download button. #inspiringstories #cleanwater…
Whether you are young, or you are 80, 90, or even 100 years old, that moment when you make that connection and you have a partnership with an instrument…is a magic moment. -Deborah Henson-Conant When she was growing up, Deborah Henson-Conant refused to take music lessons. All she wanted to do was figure out for herself how to make music, writing her first musical at only 12. A prolific singer-songwriter in her teens, she agreed to play the harp for her college band and that pivotal decision has guided her entire career. You see, Deborah figured out a way to make a gigantic instrument smaller, easy to carry, and electric. She is known worldwide as the woman who liberated the concert harp by shrinking it down, strapping it on and plugging it in so that audiences large and small could hear every single gorgeous note. Her recent TEDx talk chronicles her collaboration with French harp company, CAMAC which resulted in the creation of the “DHC” harp, now played by harpists worldwide. In this interview, Deborah shares her passion for music and especially for the unbridled use of imagination. Never someone to color inside the lines, she is a trailblazer for musicians young and old who want to forge their own path. Nominated for a Grammy for a long-form symphonic concert of her original music performed in collaboration with the Grand Rapids Symphony, Deborah was delighted that PBS stations nationwide released the concert nationwide. Invention & Alchemy is now available to the world via streaming as a fundraiser during the Covid-19 pandemic, Deborah’s greatest hope is that the concert video inspires anyone who wants to make music. For a journey into the creative mind of a musical genius, hit that download button. #musician #harpist…
Success for me is a journey. -Amy Schmidt As women age, we wonder: am I doing what I was meant to do? Am I running on all cylinders? Is this all there is? Amy Schmidt has been asking these kinds of questions of herself and others through her podcast series: Fearlessly Facing 50 and her new book: Cannonball: Fearlessly Facing Midlife And Beyond www.fearlesslyfacingfifty.com. In an easy, conversational style Amy shares her personal stories and those of many other women in an effort to inspire us all to make the biggest splash possible in our lives. Married for 27 years and the mother of three, Amy openly shares her life story in this interview including her aspirations to be “the next Joan Lunden” when she first got her start in broadcast news. Born and raised outside of Milwaukee, she was her parent’s “oops child” with 18 years between herself and her oldest sibling. The message for Amy was always positive: “live your dreams. You can do anything.“ It was her father who urged her to someday write a book and Cannonball: Fearlessly Facing Midlife And Beyond is that book, full of wit and wisdom for anyone north of 40. In a world where the exuberance of youth is celebrated, this exceptional woman is asking us all to look at the highlight reel of our lives and to celebrate not only our accomplishments, but our glorious next chapters. Amy’s advice to women facing 50 and beyond? “We judge ourselves too much. We get filled with these feelings of self-doubt and fear. I want women to close their eyes and reflect on what they’ve accomplished. Take a look at your own highlight reel, because we’ve all got one.” #midlife…
My mother’s loss became my loss. The letters I found were like a roadmap through a grief she never meant to leave me. -Jessica Pearce Rotondi In the mood for a story you just can’t stop listening to? When she was growing up, Jessica heard stories of her Grandpa Ed’s heroism in World War II. Shot down in a B-17 bomber over Germany in 1943 on a day known as “Black Thursday”, he was captured after parachuting onto a farmer’s land and spent over two years in the infamous prison camp known as Stalag 17. Once liberated, he returned home to the United States where he became a Pennsylvania State Trooper, raising five children with his wife, Rosemary. Three of their boys went into the military including their eldest son, Jack. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam until the night of March 29, 1972 when his AC-130 bomber vanished over Laos. For the next 36 years, the Pearce family searched for answers, refusing to accept his death without proof. Jessica’s mother devotes much of her life to finding out what happened to her brother, while at the same time, raising her daughter’s in a loving home, sparing them the pain she felt so deeply. But when her mother dies of breast cancer in 2009, Jessica finds herself on the floor of her mother’s closet sitting beside an old file cabinet filled to the brim with handwritten letters, news clippings, military documents and 13 CIA reports about the disappearance of Jack Pearce. On this day, Jessica decides to take up her mother’s search and find some answers of her own. An accomplished writer and editor, Jessica’s work has been published by TIME, Reader’s Digest, HuffPost where she is a senior editor and The History Channel. Her book: What We Inherit is more than a great story, it is living proof of the unbreakable bond between a mother and a daughter. www.JessicaPearceRotondi.com…
Don't be afraid to embarrass yourself or try something new, and fail because the good part of it is: the experience. -Whitney Savignano This is a story that starts with an early loss and then, moves to finding love, the joy of being part of a family on two continents, adventure, entrepreneurship, fulfillment and the kind of hard won success that fills your heart with gratitude. In 2008, Whitney and her Italian-born husband teamed up with his brother Giuseppe to purchase an old property in Pienza, Tuscany that included a rundown structure originally built in the 13th century. Once a monastery, the property included a vineyard and an overgrown olive grove. When she first saw the place, Whitney admits it looked like the opening scene of the old TV show Sanford & Son, but she could see that this was a diamond in the rough, worthy of years of renovations that would bring it back to life. Today, Tenuta Santo Pietro is a gorgeous 14 bedroom luxury inn, with a working vineyard and an olive oil grove. tenutasantopietro.com. With the creation of PSP Imports, the family business imports and distributes 200 wines, many from little, boutique vineyards that the world had never heard of before. Using her well-honed writing and marketing skills, Whitney oversees all olive oil sales from their home in Beverly Farms, MA. while also raising the couple’s two children. For this exceptional woman, success means feeling fulfilled and living a life where she can also do good things for others. Reflecting on the loss of her mother to ovarian cancer at only 19, Whitney says: “Losing your mom at a young age is something that changes you for your whole life. I just feel very, very fortunate everyday that I am past 46 and that to me, is a gift. Everyday that I have with my kids and my husband, I’m grateful for.” This story takes a page out of the movie Under The Tuscan Sun and includes a fairy tale ending. #tuscany #wine #pienzaoliveoil #inspiringstories…
The strength and the passion I have aligns with my purpose. I want to help individuals, teams and organizations fulfill their potential. That’s my measure of success. -Jennifer McCollum No one is born a leader. The traits and characteristics of a great leader evolve over time as an individual “becomes” the best version of themselves. What’s more: the best leaders aren’t in it for themselves, they are in it for the greater good. Meet a woman whose career has been woven around building and managing businesses that focus on leadership. Her name is Jennifer McCollum and she is the CEO of Linkage, Inc. a global leadership development firm based in Boston. Using its signature “purposeful leadership” model, Linkage is leading the way when it comes to advancing women leaders and creating a culture of inclusion. When you are the CEO of a company whose main focus is leadership, the pressure to lead is pretty demanding, but Jennifer is up for the challenge. A wife and mother of three, Jennifer shares what she has learned on her career path from 20, to 30, to 40 and now to age 50, explaining the importance of “taking a step back and realizing that testing, learning, failing and being disappointed doesn’t mean you can’t start over!” The daughter of two teachers, Jennifer was raised in Germany where she credits her mother with giving her the perfect balance of independence and responsibility. Of the many pieces of advice her mother gave her, Jennifer says these words of wisdom are her favorite: “Set the intention for what you want and then let go of how you are going to get it.” She credits mentors, colleagues and friendships with other women as her greatest source of strength. In fact, when her own “inner critic” might be getting the best of her, it is her friends who set her straight. For a look inside the mindset of an insightful, compassionate female leader in the C-suite, grab a paper and pen and start taking notes! #leadership #womenleaders #inspiringstories…
The sand is in the hourglass and I am in the greatest race of my life. -Mikey Hoag, Founder of Part the Cloud The woman you are about to meet knows what it’s like to lose both of her parents to Alzheimer’s. She and her five brothers and sisters feel like ticking time bombs, just waiting for the disease to come after them. Recruited to spearhead a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association in 2012, Mikey Hoag (short for Michaela) originally said “no” to the task, fearing that no one would come. Although passionate about the cause, she wasn’t sure she wanted to talk about how it felt to lose her parents in such a slow, painful way. After some arm-twisting from a friend, she agreed. Mikey’s fundraising goal was $200,000, but to her amazement, the gala sold-out and raised two million dollars for the Alzheimer’s Association. That night, she realized that “behind the closed door, there are so many people who are suffering, who are dealing with their parents, or a relative, quietly. If we could pull the veil over and say it’s okay to talk about Alzheimer’s, we could do something about it.” Mikey founded Part the Cloud under the umbrella of the Alzheimer’s Association with a focus on funding grants for research into treatments and a cure. 30 million dollars in grants have gone to advanced research on drugs for human trials, and those projects have gone on to receive $290 million in additional funding. And that’s not all. Part the Cloud has found a friend and supporter in Bill Gates who committed a quick 10 million. “None of us want to just exist, we want to live fully” says Mikey. Add her experience as a lifelong equestrian on the short list for the Olympic team, the loss of her Boston College roommate in an accident that would have taken her life, too if she hadn’t decided at the last moment NOT to get into the car… and her lifelong work ethic and you have a success story with all the right ingredients. Mikey Hoag’s story is rooted in love, second chances, dedication, and a true belief in the power of the human spirit. #alzheimersassociation #inspringstories #siliconvalleywomen…
I want people to remember Greta Bajrami: the girl who was an immigrant, a teenage parent, the woman who made it in an industry that not many women are welcomed into. That’s what fuels me every day. -Greta Bajrami, CEO & Founder, Golden Group Roofing Welcome to the inspiring story of a girl from war torn Albania who came to the United States when she was only 9 years old. Greta and her parents settled in Worcester, Massachusetts where she enrolled in public school knowing only one word: pizza! Her mother had been a Chief ER surgeon in Albania and while Greta excelled in school, she set about re-training herself to meet rigorous U.S medical standards. The message in her home was clear: sacrifices have been made to get us here. Work hard and honor your family. At only 17, Greta and her steady boyfriend learned they were expecting a baby. They stayed in school, graduated and began their lives together. Disappointed in their daughter’s behavior, Greta’s proud parents let her know that she was on her own. In this episode, Greta doesn’t sugar coat the life of teenage parent. Determined to get their college degrees, Greta and her husband Freddie organized their classes at Worcester State College so that they could also care for their daughter. When there was no heat in the house, they covered their baby in blankets and wore extra clothes themselves. But deep down inside, Greta thought she was a loser who had let her parent’s down. At 21, she saw an ad on Craig’s List for a roofing foreman that paid $300.00 a day. She reasoned that her family desperately needed the money and that if she put her mind to it, she could learn to do the job. Greta was hired that day. After spending three years as a roofing foreman, Greta and her husband took a giant leap of faith and founded Golden Group Roofing where she has innovated the construction process, elevated the customer experience, and brought pride and dignity to her workers. Considered a trailblazer in her industry, Greta is a role model for any young woman who finds herself at a crossroads. Looking back on her life as a teen parent, Greta says “I don’t know how we did it. I think in life when we’re put in very tough circumstances, the best comes out of it. We become super-heroes. We have so much strength...we don’t even know where it came from!” #womeninconstruction #inspiringstories #storybehindhersuccess…
Imagine being in commercial real estate during a pandemic. Retail stores, restaurants, bars and businesses are closed. Pretty scary, don’t you think? Meet Ann Ehrhart. Her colleagues call her the “master distiller” because she is able to listen, process information, articulate goals, take action, and solve problems. These days, Ann is using her skills 24/7 as she and her business partner help their clients navigate an unprecedented health crisis. A recognized leader in Boston’s commercial real estate industry, Ann launched Boston Urban Partners in 2010 with Jonathan Dutch. Together they have grown the firm into one of the region’s most successful real estate companies, facilitating close to 2 billion dollars in transactions. In 2019, Ann and JD took another leap of faith when they joined forces with architect Deniz Ferendeci to open Boston Urban Places. In this interview, Ann recalls her childhood in St. Louis, and her tight knit family where the message was always “to whom much is given, much is expected.” An accomplished equestrian, Ann says her competitive spirit has helped her win business and stay confident in a male dominated field. “I think one of the biggest keys to success is wanting something…being willing to get your butt kicked and to get back up and show up everyday.” A devoted wife to husband Andrew and mother of one year old Harrison, Ann is no stranger to the balancing act women in the workplace experience every single day. Her climb to the top and her perspective about what really matters in life will inspire you. Suggestion: download this episode and play it whenever you feel like you need a push in the right direction from someone who believes in taking chances! #womenincommercialrealestate #womenleaders #wereallinthistogether…
The lesson to me is always: GET UP. Don’t be afraid to get back up on your feet and keep going. -Joyce Kulhawik Welcome back to part two of the story of a woman who has done so much with her life, we just couldn’t squeeze it all in one episode! Joyce Kulhawik is a force of nature. As a well-known arts & entertainment critic, she has interviewed just about every celebrity you can think of. But it is her intelligence, attention to detail, curiosity and spunk that make her the kind of interviewer Oprah, Meryl Streep, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Steven Tyler and more love to sit down and talk to. In this interview, Joyce shares some of her favorite interviews, as well as the experience of covering the death of Princess Diana, live from outside Kensington Palace, and the horror of landing at JFK just 15 minutes before the first plane hit the World Trade Center. Her live coverage at Ground Zero would go on to receive numerous broadcast industry awards. No stranger to adversity in her personal life, Joyce shares her journey as a 3 time cancer survivor, her determination to be an advocate for anyone struggling with a cancer diagnosis, her very personal decision to have a child through surrogacy, and her powerful definition of “mother love”. The host of the Simmons Leadership Conference, Joyce is an in-demand “hostess with the mostest”. Her website: www.joyceschoices is a destination for legions of fans who value her reviews on arts and entertainment in Boston and beyond. More than anything else, this is an interview with a woman who is never complacent and understands the value of reinvention. Says Joyce: “I’m still trying to raise myself to be exactly who I am. I want to be the best self I can be.” #inspiringstories #reinvention #theatre #arts…
I come from a long line of working women. It wasn’t a matter of learning to have confidence, it was a matter of learning to work hard to get what one wanted and I knew that I would work hard to get whatever I wanted. -Joyce Kulhawik Joyce Kulhawik is a trailblazer for women in the arts. As the first full-time arts reporter/critic in the United States, she broke down barriers for women in television and made it her mission to promote the importance of the arts in our lives. Raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut by loving, hard working parents, Joyce was the organist and soloist for her church, danced ballet, was the president of her senior class, and had no fear of public speaking. But Joyce says: “I just didn’t know what to do with all of that!” Always a “talker”, Joyce loved words, great writing, literature and critical points of view. When it came time to go to college, she double majored in Literature and Education and began a career as a high school english teacher that lasted about two years. She left her position with no other job to go to because she knew that teaching was not for her. The story of how Joyce ended up on television is two parts talent and one part old fashioned chutzpah. One of the original members of the Evening Magazine team in Boston, Joyce experienced “lightening in a bottle” on a show that would become the inspiration for copycat news magazine programs nationwide. As the longtime arts & entertainment reporter for WBZ, Joyce gave journalistic stature to arts reporting, winning numerous Emmys for the WBZ series “You Gotta Have Arts”, and her role in team coverage at Ground Zero. It wasn’t long before Joyce was tapped by Roger Ebert and Leonard Malton to co-host their nationally syndicated movie review shows. A three time cancer survivor, Joyce testified before Congress on the 20th anniversary of the National Cancer Act and has been a champion for the American Cancer Society, which honored her for her work with its National Bronze Medal. Her trailblazer legacy is reflected in her status as a member of the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame, The New England Emmys Governor’s Award, an Honorary Doctorate in Communications from her alma mater, Simmons University and an endowed scholarship in her name at the Berklee College of Music. For a master class in what it takes to create the kind of career that has a pulse, and a purpose, download part one of the story of Joyce Kulhawik. #theatre #arts #inspiringstories #womeninmedia…
I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and I had a little baby inside of me. I had to be strong. You do what you’ve gotta do to get through the hard things. -Annie Montgomery Clausen Just imagine it: you are 34 years old, happily married with a successful career as a sales rep for Stryker Instruments. You love being a mom to daughter Quinn and are overjoyed to learn that you are expecting a second child. And then suddenly, something is very wrong. Your OB-GYN notices that one of your ovaries is abnormal and before you know it, you are having surgery to figure out what is wrong. Biopsies are taken and at 14 weeks pregnant you are told that you have stage 4 colon cancer. The situation is dire and word goes out through family and friends that prayers are needed. A group of prayer sisters, all Boston College grads receive this request and begin praying for Annie and her unborn child in earnest. Welcome to the life of Annie Montgomery Clausen, a beautiful California girl raised in the Bay area by loving parents (both cancer survivors) who taught her that a positive mindset combined with equal parts of courage and determination will serve you well. Although there was a moment when doctors warned that treating the cancer and saving the baby might not be possible, Annie and her husband found an oncologist at UCLA who could effectively treat her cancer without harming their unborn child. Exhausted but determined to “keep her head down and beat this” she did 9 rounds of chemotherapy and delivered a perfectly healthy baby girl named Cody at 36 weeks. Say’s Annie: “Someday I’ll tell her that she’s a warrior. From day one, she fought and fought. She is our miracle baby. In this emotional interview, Annie shares a cancer journey that is still unfolding and a mindset that will inspire anyone who hears it. This story is what “mother love” is all about. #inspiringstories #motherhood #coloncancer…
My decision to pursue this career is because I feel that I learn from kids every single day. Sick children are amazing. They don’t act like they are sick. -Laurel Schnitman Meet Laurel Schnitman: wife, mother of two and certified child life specialist for Massachusetts General Hospital for Children. I didn’t have to go very far to find Laurel, because she lives right across the street! We settled into my living room for a conversation about her career and her passion for working with children while making sure we practiced social distancing! As part of a team of 15 child life specialists, Laurel provides psychosocial, medical play therapy and procedural support for children during hospital stays. Many of the children she helps are hospitalized for long periods of time and she has experienced the heartache of losing her young patients to the illnesses that brought them to the hospital in the first place. Laurel is that critical bridge between doctors, nurses, parents and children, offering sage advice and comfort when it is needed the most. In this interview, Laurel shares her experience of working with children and families at the most vulnerable times in their lives to shed some light on how our children are reacting to the stress and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Anxiety and fear come from the unknown. When you can give children a predictable environment at home, that can really help to reduce fear and anxiety.” For a tutorial on helping your child maneuver the rough seas of a worldwide pandemic, press that download button. #wereallinthistogether.…
The one thing that isn’t being talked about in the corona virus pandemic is that people are dying alone. And that’s not all: Covid-19 has changed the entire funeral service. -Debra Briss Wolfe The woman you are about to meet has spent nearly 30 years in the funeral business. In fact, it is fair to say that being of service to those who have died and those who are mourning is in her blood. Debra Briss Wolfe is the great-great granddaughter of Jacob H. Levine, the founding father of Levine Chapels and that iconic funeral home has been part of the fabric of the Boston Jewish community for generations. A graduate of Mount Ida College, Debra recalls going inside Levine’s as a child, and becoming very aware that “important work” was done there. Armed with a degree in funeral service, Debra has been devoted to her work in the funeral industry ever since, first as a Funeral Director and now as a Family Service Counselor. With the death toll climbing each day from Covid-19, I wanted to ask Debra if she could shed some light on how the extremely contagious virus has changed her industry, what families can expect when their loved one is taken to a funeral home and how the rules around funeral services and burials have changed due to new CDC guidelines. The mother of two daughters, Debra says she has never shielded her girls from the reality of her work. A big believer in the healing power of yoga, she is “sitting in a lot of silence these days because I feel that I’m going to be needed by my colleagues, my friends and my family. This pandemic is going to be rough for a lot of people.” No matter what your faith is, Debra’s knowledge of the funeral industry, along with her understanding of the importance of religious customs and rituals for the dead and those who mourn them will educate, inform and inspire you. #coronavirus #covid-19 #funeralservice…
If you walk on the sidewalk outside our school you might see blood. -Sima Aleahmad Frightening words from Ms. Sima, an elementary school teacher in South Central, Los Angeles, one of the most violent school districts in the United States. But it is here in this place that Sima has chosen to work, spending 20 years empowering hearts and expanding the minds of underserved children. Sima says it is not rare at all to see kindergarten students kicking doors and punching teachers. An advocate for school improvement from the inside out, she is a beloved teacher whose classroom strategies reach into the hearts of children who live in a world filled with toxic stress and fear. She calls her philosophy the SIMA method and that stands for: success is mindful awareness. www.thesimamethod.com. Says Sima: “One thing I know after 20 years of teaching is that all children really want is to love and be loved. Connecting with a child heart to heart is how we create fertile soil. It is how we plant the seeds for a child’s future.” Her third graders have learned how to be mindful of their actions, how to stop and “refresh” before reacting violently, and how to fill themselves and each other with compassion and love. And it’s not just the students Sima is transforming, it is her fellow teachers. Increased performance demands and complex student needs have made teaching more challenging the ever before. In this interview, Sima advocates that self-care for teachers is just as important as creating a daily lesson plan. Armed with a masters degree in Elementary Education, Sima is also National Board Certified in Teacher Leadership. In this up-close and personal interview, Sima speaks passionately about the violence she has experienced first hand, including the devastating loss of students who have been murdered. She also shares her success stories and the everlasting belief that what drives student success can’t be found in a textbook. For this exceptional woman, the meaning of success is simple: “I do whatever I can to make a child feel safe, secure and loved. I want to be that one teacher who changed a life.” #thesimamethod #storybehindhersuccess #inspiringteachers…
I learned that if you want to be in broadcasting, you’ve gotta be able to take tough criticism and not let it get you down. You’ve just got to take it, soak it up, cry at home and get to work and do your best. -Cassy Arsenault If you’ve ever wondered what would be like to work at Good Morning America and Nightline, this episode is for you. Born and raised in the little town of called Leominster, Massachusetts (also the home of Johnny Appleseeds), Cassy promised herself that someday, she’d fly away and live large in New York City. As luck would have it, she gained admission to New York University and before you know it, was interning for network TV. She got her start as a live producer for Lara Spencer on Good Morning America and then became an associate producer for Cynthia McFadden producing segments that ran the gamut from extreme bachelorette parties to an investigation into the case of poison leaching into the watersource used by military families at Camp Lejeune. Although she loved what she did, Cassy realized that if she was ever going to make the switch from working behind the camera to being the face in front of the camera, she’d better do it quick. After stints at small stations in Salinas/Monterey California and in Michigan where she was a member of the Problem Solvers Team at WXMI, Cassy made her way back home to Boston where she is now a freelance reporter for NBC 10 and the creator of an empowering video series called Bosstown which features boss ladies from every walk of life. The oldest of 4 children, Cassy credits her parents with instilling her unstoppable work ethic and sense of resiliency no matter what the obstacle may be: “When things are going bad, you just have to self talk and say: don’t quit. Keep going. You CAN do this.” At a time when members of the media are often accused of being vultures, Cassy subscribes to a more personal approach to her stories. “As a general assignment news reporter, I show up in people’s lives on their worst days. I’m inspired by their courage. I’m respectful of everyone I meet. I’m gonna give a good name to our industry. “ #womeninmedia #storybehindhersuccess #gma #nightline…
I’ve learned that you have to be persistent. You have to keep at it. You can’t let yourself down. You can’t let anybody else down, either. You just have to keep going no matter what. -Nancy Quill Words of wisdom from the most listened to woman in the city of Boston. Nancy Quill has been on the radio for 38 years. Hired at only 22 on a brand new station called Magic 106.7, WMJX, Nancy is still there, doing what she loves every single day. And she’s really good at it. With number one ratings in her 10A-3P time slot, Nancy says it wasn’t long before she realized that being #1 is great, but staying #1 is hard work: “I’ve got to be on my game every day. I’ve got to do the best that I can to relate to people…to be real. I want them to know that I care, that I’m there for them.” A graduate of the University of Lowell with a degree in music education, Nancy is an accomplished singer, songwriter and musician. Radio is in her blood: she is the daughter of the late Doris and Joe Quill, owner and general manager of WRLM in Taunton, Massachusetts. In this interview, she recalls voicing her first commercial at about 4 years old, sitting on her father’s lap. She names her Dad as her lifelong mentor…a gentle giant who always had the best advice in any situation. It was Joe Quill’s diagnosis and eventual death due to Alzheimers Disease that sparked Nancy’s devotion to the mission of the Alzheimer's Association. At the end of the day, Nancy’s marriage and motherhood are what matter most to her. For a look into a humble and kind Boston radio legend’s life, this candid interview checks all of the boxes. #womeninradio #storybehindhersuccess…
I had a lot of hopes and dreams, but I really didn’t have a voice growing up. I was shy. I was in the background. I had to figure out what I wanted to do in this world. -Natalie Martinez The Executive Director & Co-President of Strong Women Strong Girls has spent her entire career in the non-profit world. The youngest of three girls and the daughter of a military man and a nurturing mother who was “her rock”, Natalie Martinez grew up in Mattapan not really knowing what she wanted to do with her life. Her career path was full of forks in the road, but there was one thing knew for sure: “I wanted to give back to the community. I want to see us all thrive.” With 18 years of experience in nonprofit management, she accepted the opportunity to step into a leadership role at Strong Women Strong Girls with open arms. An award-winning nonprofit launched in 2000 by Harvard undergraduate student Lindsay Hyde, the organization blossomed in Boston as a way of mentoring girls in grades 3-5 with a goal of helping them to develop skills for lifelong success. There is a reason why girls between the ages of 8-11 are the target for this curriculum. Research shows that a girl’s self-esteem peaks at about age 11 and if she doesn’t have a positive role model, her confidence and sense of self go down and girls in underserved communities are at especially high risk. Female students from area colleges served as role models within the original program model. By 2004, Strong Women Strong Girls was incorporated as a nonprofit and the organization expanded its footprint across the country. Today, Strong Women Strong Girls is thriving in Boston with 550 elementary school girls from 45 different community centers across the city and mentors from 7 area colleges. With corporate support from forward thinking companies, www.swsg.org is able to provide mentorship for its college students by introducing their Strong Leaders Network. The mother of three daughters, Natalie says her message to her girls is the same message she brings to Strong Women Strong Girls every day: “Your path may not be like everyone else’s, but there is something unique in you that you have to contribute to the planet.” In other words: little girl: you can do anything! #swsgboston #storybehindhersuccess #mentoring…
I’ve learned that you have to be grateful for everything you have in life and that some people have so much less. You have to help people whenever and wherever you can. -Hannah Finn She may only be 17 years old, but Hannah Finn is an old soul who lives her life with compassion and purpose. Her mission to help those less fortunate began three years ago when her mother, Claudia told her she needed to devote at least some of her time to a cause that mattered to her. Shocked by how many homeless people she observed in the city of Lawrence, Massachusetts, Hannah decided to combine her love of baking with a commitment to help homeless families by making birthday cakes for homeless children in nearby shelters. What started out with a single birthday cake is now about 400 cakes, specially designed and made with love for each birthday boy or girl at 6 shelters in the Merrimack Valley. Her non-profit is called The One Wish Project www.onewishproject.us and her purpose is simple: Hannah Finn just wants to spread kindness. The awards for her community service are starting to add up, yet the humble, kindhearted teenager is quick to match the sentiment of American poet laureate Maya Angelou, explaining in this candid interview that she doesn’t do it for the recognition. “These children may not remember who I am, or the cake I made for them, but they are always going to remember how they felt on their birthday.” #kindness #birthdaycake #storybehindhersuccess…
Taking care of three dealerships was hard enough for someone who didn’t know anything about the car business! -Suzanne Iovanna October 19, 2014 is a day Suzanne Iovanna will never forget because it was the day her husband Michael died in a car accident. It was also the day she became a single mom to teenagers Michael Jr and Alexandra, and the owner of Pride Motor Group in Lynn, Massachusetts. A Periodontal Surgical Assistant and stay at home mom, Suzanne admits she knew nothing about how to run a large car dealership that includes Pride Hyundai, Pride Kia, and Pride Chevrolet www.pridemotorgroup. She spent a year settling her husband’s estate and then decided the best way to honor him was to dive into trying to run the family business. In this candid interview, Suzanne recalls attending meetings where she had no idea what people were talking about, so she’d go back to her office, close the door and start googling words. An invitation from Hyundai to begin training as a Dealer Principal in Korea was gratefully accepted, followed by joining a “NADA 20 Group” where dealers meet to learn from each other. Soon after, she enrolled at the National Automobile Dealers Association Academy in Tysons, Virginia for intensive instruction in automotive sales, service and finance, earning her NADA certification in 2017. The President of Pride Motor Group and a Dealer Principal for Hyundai, Kia and Chevrolet, Suzanne is among a very small group of women car dealership owners in the United States and she is on a mission to promote women in her industry. “At the end of the day, my goal is to learn every single thing I possibly can. It’s kinda like a boxing match. Every time someone thinks, oh, she’s out, I come bouncing right back up again. I just want to prove to myself that I can do this.” #storybehindhersuccess #womencardealers #pridemotorgroup #kia #hyundai #chevrolet…
I had a trader pour tequila on my head because I wouldn’t kiss him in the middle of the trading floor. To react to that would have been career suicide on Wall Street in the 1990’s, so I laughed it off and grew some pretty thick skin. -Jill Fopiano Making her way in the financial world has been quite a ride for Jill Fopiano. She never really got used to being the only female at the table, but she always did her best to be heard, even when she was mistaken for a secretary. As the years passed, she added designations and credentials to her name like CFA, CFP and an MBA from Yale. The goal was to demand the same level of respect given to her male counterparts. Armed with the wisdom that comes from real world experience, Jill made the move to O’Brien Wealth Partners LLC as a Principal. In 2016, she became the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and majority owner of the all-female owned firm. One of her missions is to break down the “Money Taboo” which is the idea that it is impolite or improper for women to talk about money. Jill’s aim is to create an environment where women are financially confident and empowered. Says Jill: “we don’t hide behind mahogany walls, leather briefcases and power suits. We sit on the same side of the table as our clients.” The single mom of two sons, there is no such thing as the work/family balance for this powerhouse. No stranger to long work days, there are times when she runs to her son’s baseball games in a black dress and red heels, just in time to stand-in as a third base coach. A member of the Women’s President’s Organization, Jill is committed to mentoring and advancing women owned businesses in the Boston area and beyond. Her top 5 secrets for balancing career, family and self include this pearl of wisdom: “On your worst or hardest days, wear your best tutu.” Right on, Jill. #womeninfinance #storybehindhersuccess #singlemoms…
I never listened to my intuition. I did what I was expected to do. I made other people proud. That was how I lived my life. -Meredith Atwood Meredith Atwood remembers working very hard to get into law school, knowing all the while that being a lawyer was not what she was meant to do with her life. She did it anyway. The years flew by, she married her college sweetheart, had babies, and was making lots of money as an attorney, but somewhere deep down inside, Meredith had lost her way. One morning, after drinking too much wine and binging on pizza and ice cream, the triathlete just couldn’t get out of bed. She didn’t even remember the promise she had made to her daughter to help with a project before school. Instead, she pulled the covers over her head and slept through the entire morning. When she woke up, she found a note from her husband with four powerful words on it: GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER. Says Meredith: “When you are in a state of emotional despair, you are not living your authentic life. You are sick.” And so began an open, painfully honest 365 day experiment which is now the title of her book: The Year of No Nonsense: How to get over yourself and on with your life.” Published by Hatchette Books, it reads like a journal and is both heartbreaking and hysterically funny, all at the same time. Determined to figure out what was working in her life and what wasn’t, Meredith gave up both her legal career and drinking wine, and set about the task of adjusting her compass. The result is a book that resonates for any woman who has also lost her way. In this candid interview, Meredith shares her belief that we all suffer losses throughout our lives, but “getting over the past requires seeing it, acknowledging it, and then saying to yourself: hey, I can do nothing about that. I only have today, so let’s get on with it.” For 23 minutes of truth and wisdom, just hit that download button. #yearofnononsense #storybehindhersuccess #triathletes…
Nobody in the dressing room at Shear Madness knew that I was the co-producer. I just wanted to be a part of the cast and the camaraderie! -Marilyn Abrams This is the story of a woman who has not only used her creative talents as a singer and an actress, but has gone outside her skillset and comfort zone to produce and market a theatre production. Meet Marilyn Abrams, the co-creator and co-producer of Shear Madness, the hilarious and endearing whodunit launched in Boston at the Charles Theatre way back in 1980. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest running play in the history of theatre in the United States, the play has launched 50 production companies, been translated into 27 languages and seen by 12.5 million people around the world. Not bad for a play that was originally 4 pages long! Raised in the Bronx, New York, Marilyn always loved to act and sing. A student at the Bronx School of Science, she held her own, but never excelled in math or chemistry. One day at an assembly, Marilyn’s teachers discovered her love of the stage and created moments for her to shine. They also wrote glowing recommendations for Marilyn to attend Cornell where she continued to thrive. Marilyn met fellow actor Bruce Jordan playing summer stock in Lake George, New York and the two actors would go on to co-create and co-produce Shear Madness. This effort took time and patience, and originally, Marilyn was committed only to an 8 week run playing the role of Barbara deMarco. She soon realized that someone had to figure out how to sell tickets and market the play in order for it to succeed. Marilyn figured out early on that word of mouth, and relationships within the Boston area would eventually grow the production, and she was right. “We were told to give up, that nothing plays in Boston in the summertime. A little light bulb went off and we said: great, we’ll be the only show in town.” At one point, Marilyn got on a bike and dropped off playbills herself to every hotel in the city. As Shear Madness celebrates 40 years on stages worldwide, we celebrate the accomplishments of Marilyn Abrams: wife, mother, singer, actress, producer and force of nature! #storybehindhersuccess #shearmadness40 #whodunit #womenintheatre…
Walking into a book store is like being surrounded by friends. -Nandini Bajpai Meet a woman who wrote her first story in the second grade and has been writing them ever since! Born in New Delhi to a mother and father who encouraged both written expression AND the fine art of conversation around the dinner table, Nandini Bajpai has written 5 books for children and tweens. www.nandinibajpai.com. Her latest book: A Match Made in Mehendi is about a young girl who has inherited the ancient gift of being a matchmaker. Published by Little Brown & Company, the book marks the author’s U.S. debut. In this interview, Nandini shares her determination to include the people and rich culture of her native India in all of her books, saying “when I was growing up, there were no stories for kids like me. I wanted to change that for my own kids.” Once a systems analyst and a bookseller, Nandini has also traveled the world and is a big believer in the lessons we learn from every job and every chapter in our lives. The journey a writer takes from idea to publication is also explored in this interview. She credits her mother’s sage advice when faced with life’s inevitable obstacles, roadblocks and disappointments: “Keep going. It’s almost like Dori in Finding Nemo. Keep Swimming. Never give up.” #tweenauthors #matchmaking @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
We packed up our remote equipment and flew from Boston to Palm Springs, California to cover the 31st annual Palm Springs Film Festival to talk to female directors about their craft. There was a time when there were virtually no women in director’s roles, but thankfully, times are changing and I was fortunate to meet and interview two female directors who are trailblazers in their field. First up, Sophie Deraspe, the Canadian director, screenwriter and cinematographer whose adaptation of the Greek tragedy, Antigone is giving audiences a new take on a very old story. Written by Sophocles 2500 years ago, Sophie’s adaptation centers around a modern-day immigrant family living in Montreal and a brave teenage daughter who stands up to the law out of love and loyalty for her family. The film explores the burden of responsibility, even when our actions demand incredible inner-strength and sacrifice. Antigone, starring Nahema Ricci is winning awards at festivals worldwide and was honored to be selected as Canada’s entry at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards. Sophie’s career journey toward finding her path as a director will inspire you. Says Sophie: “There is nothing that can stop me. I will never give up. I’ll find my way around any obstacle.” As luck would have it, I also had the opportunity to sit down with Australian director Shannon Murphy just a few hours after she was named to Variety’s Top 10 Director’s List. Her latest film is Babyteeth, the story of a cancer stricken 16 year old played by Eliza Scanlen who falls in love with a troubled drug addict. As a director, Shannon says she loves complicated love stories, and this is definitely one of them with the mother’s role brilliantly acted by Essie Davis. In this interview, Shannon shared what it was like early in her career when she was often the only female in the room. Heeding the advice of other women in film, she decided to be her authentic self. Says Shannon: “I knew when I was 17 that I wanted to be a director. It is all I have ever wanted. I’m incredibly ambitious. I’m obsessed. This is my passion!” #PSIFF @essiedavisdaily @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Our stores are named after our grandmother, Isabel Harvey. She gave us lessons in confidence, on how to be strong and to do what your heart is telling you. She taught us to dream big. -Alexis & Kimberly Kissam When Alexis and Kimberly were growing up, they were blessed to have two strong female role models: their grandmother and their mother. The sudden death of their father placed their mom in a situation where she had to learn how to do things she had never done before, and they watched her become the head of the household with strength and grace. Their grandmother played a major role in their upbringing, teaching the girls valuable lessons in life. After college, Alexis and Kim pursured careers in corporate America, until one fateful day, when Alexis announced: “ I think I want to quit my job and do something else.” Kim jumped in with both feet to join her sister and as they came together around their mother’s kitchen table, an idea was born: to create a store named after their grandmother, filled with beautiful things that sparkle and shine. Established online as www.isabelharvey.com in 2005 with a tiny storefront space on the idyllic island of Nantucket, and a few years later in their hometown of Wellesley, Massachusetts, Isabel Harvey stores have a beachy feel: “we want people to feel like they are walking into a ray of sunshine.” Named to the Boston Globe’s 25 Most Stylish Bostonians list, Alexis and Kim follow their grandmother’s style intuition, ie: “if it feels good, it looks good.” Together they have filled their boutiques with carefully chosen necklaces, earrings, handbags, totes, bracelets and rings, plus cashmere, scarves, ponchos, hats and mittens. As experienced stylists and skilled jewelry consultants, their goal is to guide women to find pieces that make them sparkle and shine in their own, unique way. As entrepreneurs, the sisters have tapped into their own strengths and weaknesses to create a true partnership. In this inspiring interview, Alexis and Kimberly shared: “We’ve had some hard lessons, but we’ve never wanted to throw in the towel. There’s no turning back now.” @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
When I see something I really want to do, I get obsessed. -Christie Lindor If you could use a role model in the business world, Christie Lindor may just be the woman to watch. www.christielindor.com. She’s been climbing the ladder as a consultant to blue chip companies like Deloitte, EY and IBM for nearly 20 years and her tireless work ethic is a direct result of her upbringing. Raised in Boston, Christie is a first generation American whose parents came to the United States from Haiti. The oldest of eight children, she says rule #1 in her house was: work hard for what you want. “There was a lot of pressure to succeed, says Christie: You don’t have space to fail. “ A regular Forbes contributor, Christie is also a TEDx speaker and the author of the award-winning book, The MECE Muse: 100+ selected practices, unwritten rules and habits of great consultants. Her latest book Release: Use the Power of Forgiveness to get Unstuck & Thrive in your Career is a nod to the many lessons she has learned along the way. “There’s a lot of baggage women of color carry around with them. I have a choice to lift this cloud and operate as a skill business consultant who just happens to be a black woman.” The proud mother of a brand new baby boy, Christie is a reformed perfectionist, recovering workaholic and political junkie who is excited about the changes Millennials are making in the workplace. She is determined to move the dial on pay equity for women of color and considers career and motherhood “a wait and see work in progress!” @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Don’t let anyone tell you to get over your grief, to move on. Everyone grieves differently. -Molly Hanna Glidden The life lessons we learn from the sad times in our lives are just as important as the lessons we learn from joyful moments. Why? Because adversity is a great teacher. Meet Molly Hanna Glidden, author of the new book Reminiscing La Vie en Rose and A Family Broken: Surviving Traumatic Loss & Overcoming Tragedy. Molly’s journey has been marked by tragedy and yet, she finds a way to put on a pair of rose colored glasses and see the brighter side of life. Five deaths, including two suicides, one murder, and the loss of her only child have marked Molly’s path, and yet, she survives and even thrives. Writing has become her vehicle for self-expression and in the process, she has become a role model for others who are grieving too. Faith and family have always sustained this exceptional woman. In this interview, she tells a poignant story that was also featured in Grief Digest Magazine about a beautiful Red Winged Visitor, sent to remind her that love never dies. Molly Hanna Glidden believes that strength and hope come from getting out of bed every morning, putting one foot in front of the other, and surviving another day with a deeper sense of purpose and gratitude. @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
A lot of my life didn’t start until I was over 40. If you say “I”m too old” you are looking for an excuse NOT to do what you want. -Terri Trespicio Meet a woman whose life and career trajectory are living proof that getting gutsy will help you get to where you want to go. Terri Trespicio is an award-winning writer, speaker coach, former Sirius radio host, stand-up comedian and a brand advisor. But wait, there’s more! She is also a Ted Talk superstar with over 5 million views for her unique take on passion, saying: “Passion is not a plan, it’s a feeling. You don’t follow your passion, your passion follows you.” Along the way Terri worked side by side with Martha Stewart as a senior editor for Whole Living Magazine and her TV show revealing: “she’s tough and I admired her for that.” In fact, she credits Martha with teaching her lessons about entrepreneurship that serve her to this day. To meet Terri and spend time with her is to be in the presence of true creative genius, but make no mistake about it: the road has been long, winding, and full of obstacles. A graduate of Boston College with an MFA from Emerson College, Terri spent a full year paralyzed by the fear that she had nothing to offer the world. A true believer in the power of words, Terri believes that “writing is a sacred tool for accessing our stories and our ideas. When you quiet everything else, you can actually hear what that voice has to say to you.” These days, you’ll find her traveling from coast to coast, helping businesses sound like humans and humans sound like people. www.territrespicio.com. Her mother’s words still ring true: “You create a life by living it.” @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
This work matters to the core of my being. -Melissa M. MacDonnell, Founder & President/ Liberty Mutual Foundation You’ve probably seen the commercial on television a million times for Liberty Mutual (liberty liberty, liberty). But did you know that this Boston based insurance company founded in 1912 also has a philanthropic arm called the Liberty Mutual Foundation? Created by the company’s Vice President, Melissa M. MacDonnell in 2003, the Liberty Mutual Foundation has committed approximately 200 million dollars to 1,150 organizations through direct grants, with a focus on accessibility, homelessness and education. And let’s not forget the countless contributions made by an employee population of 50,000 people in 900 locations worldwide through a giving and service program called “Liberty Torchbearers”. With a focus on accessibility, youth homelessness and education, the Liberty Mutual Foundation recently funded Liberty House, a 10-bedroom home for homeless youth which opened its doors in Boston just one year ago. What does it take to do this work? That’s just one of the many questions we asked Melissa in this up-close and personal interview. She’s one of 11 children, who was taught at an early age to always be “genuine, fair-minded and to do the right thing”. A graduate of UMASS Amherst with a Master’s in Business Administration from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College and in Public Administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School, Melissa is hard-wired to do the work she does. A constant mentor to young women, she is a passionate believer in giving a voice to those who have been silenced. On the wall in her office, Melissa keeps a poem written by her late mother whom she describes as her role model. “The essence of who we are is achieved in the manner in which we live, the lives we make stronger and our love for neighbor as ourselves.” #GivewithLiberty @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions @LibertyMutual…
There are some people who come out of the womb kicking and screaming and they are not gonna let anything stand in their way. I’m one of those people. -Dianne O’Connor Born a farmer’s daughter on a sheep ranch in Montana, Dianne lost both of her parents when she was young. She and her sister moved in with their grandmother and were raised on a poverty stricken Black Foot Indian reservation. Always a strong student, Dianne was encouraged to think about college and take the SAT exam. When she couldn’t come up with the $12.00 entry fee, her favorite teacher gave her the money and she landed a full scholarship. Now the owner of Weston Table, Dianne is a wife, mother of 5 and a fearless entrepreneur whose retail philosophy is based on the belief that “less is more.” What started as a website in 2014 www.westontable.com with curated pieces from artisans around the world, and an outstanding bridal registry, her flagship store in Weston, MA. is a place where beauty, function and life values align. Dianne believes that “giving thoughtfully matters” and her store is an inspiring collection of the past, present and future. Every item has a story and the hope is that you will be drawn to something special because your heart wants it! When asked what advice she would give to a young woman with a dream or a goal that seems insurmountable, Dianne says: “Take the risk. Listen to your heart.” #westontable @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Adoption is a lifelong journey. I don’t know if we are ever fully healed. There is always that missing puzzle piece. - Jennifer Eckert November is National Adoption Month, so we went searching for a woman who could teach us all about it. Meet Jennifer Eckert, adopted child and founder of Boston Post Adoption Services, a non-profit she created to support individuals and families touched by adoption. Once fully immersed in the field of fashion as a graduate of F.I.T and a marketer for The Limited, Jennifer decided to go back to school in her 40’s and received a graduate degree in social work from Simmons University. An adopted child herself, Jennifer learned through her studies that she had lots of healing to do. She was inspired and determined to know more about how other families handle this life-changing decision, as well as how attitudes have changed around adoption in general over time. Most of all, she wanted to create a non-profit that would support everyone touched by adoption. Her groundbreaking book is called: Adoption Is A Lifelong Journey and is co-written and illustrated by colleagues Kelly DiBenedetto and Katie Gorczyca. In this very personal interview, Jennifer and host Candy O’Terry share their adoption stories and discover startling similarities between the two. The common thread? Secrecy and shame. In her work all these years later, Jennifer seeks to change that. “Kids are super smart. It’s important for adoptive parents to show their children that there is no shame, no secret. There is nothing we are hiding from you. This is our family. This is how we came to be. This is us." #adoption @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
My music is a mixture of everything I listen to. It sits in my brain, it stews, and then it spits out GRACIFIED! –Grace Kelly Have you ever met a prodigy? I have…and you can, too. Her name is Grace Kelly. Inspired by the music of Stan Getz and Paul Desmond, Brookline, MA. native Grace Kelly picked up the alto sax at age 10 and never looked back. Her incredible musical gifts were nurtured by her parents who provided both stability and freedom for Grace to grow as a singer, songwriter and saxophonist. She wrote her first song at 7, recorded her first CD at 12, orchestrated and performed an original composition with the Boston Pops at 14, and performed at President Obama’s inauguration at 16. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Grace was featured in Glamour Magazine’s Top Ten College Women To Watch in 2011 and recently, Billboard Magazine declared “Grace Kelly is making jazz young again”. Now 26, Grace has played over 800 concerts as a bandleader in over 30 countries around the world and is the winner of countless awards including multiple ASCAP Composer Awards, Boston Music Awards, the Rising Star Award from Downbeat Magazine and most recently, the John Lennon Songwriters Award for her very personal love song Feels Like Home. We brought our equipment into Grace’s family home and spent some precious time with an incredibly humble and gifted young woman. @gracekellymusic @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
My short term memory was gone. I couldn’t multitask. I’d stumble over my words. I was anxious, depressed and exhausted. Chemo brain changed my whole life in a way that breast cancer should have, but didn’t. I had to raise the white flag. -Debra Doroni As October 2019 comes to a close, we’re wrapping up our series on breast cancer survivors with the story of Debra Doroni. When she was diagnosed with the disease, it was the last thing she expected because she had no family history and no risk factors. Says Deb: “I never thought of cancer as something that could take my life.” As it turns out, it wasn’t the diagnosis, the surgery, or the recovery that brought this successful career woman to her knees. Instead, it was the effects of chemotherapy on her brain, aka: chemo brain. Born and raised in the little seaside town of Hingham, MA. Debra was no stranger to adversity. Her father was murdered when she was twelve years old and her life was forever changed: “I’m 52 years old now, and I still think about it everyday. Losing a parent to violence changes the way you proceed in life.” But proceed she did. Debra was a devoted student, an accomplished ballet dancer, and eventually made her way to Holy Cross, a Jesuit college in Worcester, MA where she majored in biology and later received her MBA in finance from Boston College. Her career trajectory has been steady and impressive with high ranking positions at Boston Children’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital where she was the Project Manager for the operating room process and eventually was promoted to lead the Department of surgery. When chemo brain sidelined her, Debra created a new and exciting next chapter as an executive coach, earning her certification at the Gestalt International Study Center and now runs her own company: Debra Doroni Leadership Partners, LLC. Her focus is in guiding healthcare professionals including an exclusive coaching relationship with the Boston College Woods College of Advancing Studies Master of Healthcare Administration Program. Says Deb: “I would like to leave a legacy, some kind of impact on the world. Clinical burn out and chemo brain look a lot alike! @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Cancer will take your breath away, like any stressful life event will do. Trust and look inward to the deep well of strength we all have inside of us…and breathe. -Kate Martin Our salute to breast cancer survivors continues with Kate’s story. She was only 40 when an out of the blue, visible mass appeared on her left breast and she imagined it might be her pectoral muscle. The single mother of two year old Ronan, Kate recalls a mammogram that didn’t reveal the tumor, an ultrasound and then a biopsy. Within days, she had a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis and her #1 concern was for her young son. An interior designer on the sales side and a yoga instructor, Kate had searched long and hard for “Mr. Right” and when he didn’t show up, she opted for a sperm donor and spent months and lots of money trying to get pregnant. “I felt like a mom, but I didn’t have a baby in my house” said Kate in this poignant interview. It is clear that this deeply longed-for child is the center of her world. When Kate’s aggressive treatment plan left her exhausted and struggling to function, her son’s pre-school teacher suggested The Ellie Fund, a Massachusetts based non-profit that eases the burden for women and their families while they are going through breast cancer treatment and recovery by providing groceries, light housekeeping, transportation, childcare reimbursement, and more, all at no charge. Kate applied for childcare reimbursement and grocery gift cards, and within days, received what she had asked for. Says Kate: “The Ellie Fund was part of my village and when I received their help, I had to teach my son what happy tears meant.” With no family history of the disease, Kate began researching environmental toxins and their influence on the body. She is the force behind The Sangha Project, that curates safe, clean, toxin free product kits for women in recovery so they can focus on their well being. Now 42, Kate is feeling grateful and finds great joy as a yoga instructor. Ronan is 4 and has no memory of his mother’s breast cancer. “I have pictures I’ll show him someday, says Kate. I want him to know that he was what kept me going.” @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
It’s gonna be a journey, but you still have a lot of life to live. -Alexis Flanagan Alexis Flanagan was living large. At only 33 her personal life was filled with family and friends and her career in finance was thriving. On a business trip to Florida in 2017 with her mother tagging along for some warm sunshine by the hotel pool, Alexis noticed swelling in her left breast. Her mother insisted she get the lump checked as soon as they returned to Boston. When all of the tests were complete, Alexis remembers hearing the words: “you have stage 4 breast cancer” and then, she blacked out. “I thought my life was over. I thought that everything I had dreamed of was just crumbling away. The hardest part of a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis is that you just can’t see the path ahead of you because you are so scared. You don’t know if you are going to be around in a year.” Alexis applied for and received free assistance from a Massachusetts based charity called The Ellie Fund which provides essential support services to breast cancer patients, just to ease the stresses of their every day lives. Nearly three years have passed since her diagnosis and in this interview, Alexis candidly shares the details of her breast cancer journey. Thankful for the love of her family, she mourns the loss of a chunk of her life when she pressed “pause” and others moved on; getting married, having babies, and celebrating job promotions. A patient at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute under the care of Dr. Ann H. Patridge and her Young & Strong Program, Alexis receives infusions every 21 days and is not only back to work, but in the gym lifting weights. “I want to show women that no matter what stage you are, you CAN be physically strong again after a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.” @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
There is nothing more gratifying than saving a life, or lifting people up around you. The ripple effect cause miracles every day. -Carla Tardif Do you know someone with cancer? Chances are, the answer is “yes”. A cancer diagnosis is terrifying for the patient and the family, but it can also be financially devastating. That’s where Family Reach comes in, providing a financial lifeline for families fighting cancer. In addition to offering immediate financial relief, the organization also provides education and empowerment by giving families the tools they need to survive the most difficult time of their lives. At the helm of Family Reach is Carla Tardif, CEO and “team captain” leading the way with vision and compassion. Last year, Family Reach allocated more than 4.8 million dollars towards their programs, supporting more than 40,000 individuals across 50 states. This is Carla’s latest chapter in a career that has been devoted to work that matters. Driven to do what she does by a sense of purpose, Carla says: “being other people’s voices allowed me to find mine.” In this interview, she talks about her early work for Jerry Lewis and his famous Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, a deathbed promise to a NFL football player Pat Kelly who died of brain cancer, an unlikely collaboration with a very talented guitarist who just happened to be a billionaire car dealer and an invitation to share the good work of Family Reach at The White House. All of these alliances have led Carla to where she is today: on the battlefield fighting cancer-related financial toxicity. A wife, mother and two time breast cancer survivor, Carla says: When you have any kind of cancer, you are constantly being forced to make a decision: do I get afraid or do I get brave? You have to change your mindset. You have to fearless when you face cancer. @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
ALS is going to take my son away. I have grieved and my family has grieved every day for seven and a half years. We know what the outcome is, but you cannot speak about this journey without acknowledging the gifts we have also been given. -Nancy Frates You’ve heard of The Ice Bucket Challenge, right? This is the story of how it came about. On March 13, 2012 Nancy Frates accompanied her son Pete to a doctor’s appointment. Only 27 years old, he had been a superb, lifelong athlete. In fact, Pete had played professional baseball in Europe following his graduation from Boston College. Now living in Boston and making his way in the insurance industry, Pete had been hit in the wrist by a fastball in a summer league and thought he had a pinched nerve. When the doctor said tests confirmed he had ALS, Petes’ mother Nancy admits: “I didn’t know what ALS was. I just knew it was bad.” Also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, after the famous New York Yankees baseball player who died of the disease in 1941, ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. There is no treatment and no cure for ALS and the average patient lives 2-5 years after diagnosis. During that time, muscles are rendered useless and ALS is 100% fatal. No one would have blamed Nancy Frates if she shut herself in a dark room and cried for days, weeks, or even months, but that is not what Peter wanted. Instead, he gathered his family and his friends and formed team Frate Train. Using the power of social media, Pete showed the world what ALS was doing to him and was determined to raise awareness and money for research. Pete is the inspiration for The Ice Bucket Challenge, a worldwide fundraising phenomenon that raised 220 million dollars for the ALS Foundation and its global partners. Married and the father of a 5 year old daughter named Lucy, Pete Frates is still alive, experiencing daily moments of joy his daughter and loved ones bring him. His mother remains steadfast in her love for her son and her passion to find a cure she knows will not come in time for him. “My husband and I cry, but we also cry tears of joy because look at what this child of ours has done. Look at the people he has inspired. We are filled with immense pride.” Listen to Nancy’s story for a master class in the power of mother love. #icebucketchallenge @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
My father told me, “music is a waste of a good mind” and I’ve spent my entire life proving him wrong. -Linda Marks When she was about 3 years old, Linda Marks toddled over to the piano and started to play. She didn’t talk very much…it was the piano that set her free. Ever since that day, this exceptional woman has been singing and writing songs from her heart. What’s really interesting about her life story is that she is also a pioneer in heart centered psychotherapy. A graduate of Yale and the Sloan School at MIT, Linda developed EKP: Emotional-Kinesthetic Psychotherapy, she is the author of two landmark books: Living With Vision: Reclaiming the Power of the Heart and Healing the War Between the Genders: The Power of the Soul Centered Relationship. The heart is at the center of everything Linda Marks does, including her music. Now in a very exciting “next chapter” of her life, she is finally able to dive into her music with both feet. Linda’s latest album is titled In Grace and features songs of the heart, and social consciousness. In this interview, she reveals a tragic childhood where every talent, hope and dream was dashed, the demands of single parenthood, and the joy of reclaiming what brings her joy. If you have faced hardship and need a role model, this is the interview for you. @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
We all have chapters in our lives and Margaret Carr is the perfect example of that. Armed with a B.S. in Communications from Boston University, an MBA from Boston College and a doctorate in Education Leadership from Drexel University, she is the National VP/Development for a non-profit known as Read To A Child. With chapters in Greater Boston, Hartford, Los Angeles, Miami and Metro Detroit, Read To A Child is made up of nearly 2000 volunteers from 130 companies who travel to elementary schools on their lunch break to read to students. The results are life changing. Children in the Read To A Child program experience not only better reading, vocabulary and comprehension skills, they experience a new sense of confidence. The road that led Margaret to this latest adventure has been filled with twists and turns. A single mom for many years, Margaret has worked in healthcare at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and South Shore Mental Health, in higher education at Stonehill College, and as a partner in her family’s real estate business. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Lesley University where she teaches Business, Marketing and Public Relations. With a heart full of wisdom and gratitude for the lessons she has learned along the way, Margaret shares her passion for her latest mission: spreading literacy from coast to coast with Read To A Child Day on October 8, 2019. @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
I had a dream that I was going to be the Perry Mason of my day. -Susan Cohen, Immigration Attorney The topic of immigration is on the lips of millions of Americans, so we searched for a woman who could teach us all about it, based on her real-life experience. Meet Susan Cohen, founder & chair of the immigration practice at Mintz, one of the most prestigious law firms in the United States. Susan took on her first immigration case as a second year associate, back in 1986 and she’s been at it ever since. Raised by a single mother who was a social worker, her passion to speak out against injustice, to do what she can for others, was taught early on and then nurtured during her college experience at Brandeis University where Susan began marching and demonstrating for causes she believed in. Nationally recognized as an expert on immigration law, Susan’s mission is to get people to understand the human side of of the refugee crisis. An accomplished songwriter, Susan is the founder of White Dove Projects and in collaboration with students at Berklee College of Music she has created two music videos that tell the stories of refugees: Beyond The Borders and Looking for the Angels. Susan also serves as a volunteer for the PAIR Project where she helps refugees seek political asylum. “In countries like Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, young people are forced to enter gangs and if they resist, they are marked for death. Refugees are looking for someplace to be safe. Most people don’t want to flee their homeland. They have to flee for their lives.” @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions #worldrefugeeday…
Still to this day, when I wake up, I am grateful to be here in the United States. -Mojgan Anvari Brumby This episode comes to us from a woman raised in Tehran, Iran. The daughter of a 4-time world champion Greco-Roman wrestler who represented Iran in the 1968 and the 1972 Olympics, Mojgan told me her childhood was idyllic. Rolling hills, gigantic trees and orchards filled with fruit trees were all around her, and Mojgan’s favorite thing was to climb trees: “every time I saw a tree, I wondered what the view was like from the top.” As a national hero, her father enjoyed the favor of the Shah of Iran, so when the Islamic Revolution took place, her family was targeted by the new government . Her father was arrested, and most of their ancestral land was confiscated. Determined to provide their daughter with an education, Mojgan’s parents sent her to college and law school in Tehran where she ended up serving in the Islamic Family Court. Arrested for protesting in the streets for the rights of women, Mojgan’s parents urged her to leave the country, not just for her safety, but for their own. Arriving in the United States in 2001 with a 6 month Visa, Mojgan requested and received political asylum. Alone and only 23, she learned to speak English by listening to the radio. Now a proud American citizen, her latest chapter brings her back to her Persian roots. Mojgan is the founder of an all-natural skin care line called Blue Monarch www.bluemonarch.com. Made in the USA and never tested on animals, Blue Monarch products are based on remedies passed down to Mojgan from generations of women in her family. For a master class in how to overcome adversity, take a listen to this powerful interview. @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Success is not a dollar amount. It is being able to show my children what good feels like. Everything I’ve done over the last 6 years shows them that serving others is so much better than serving yourself. -Krista S. Anderson Sacrifice. Loneliness. Fear and pride. These are four words that come to mind when I think of what it must be like to be a military spouse. Now, let’s increase the stress and imagine what it must be like to be the wife of a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier. This is a woman who doesn’t even know where her husband is, what kind of danger he is in, or if he will live to see another day. In 2013, Krista S. Anderson’s greatest fear became a reality when her husband, Staff Sergeant Michael Simpson was killed in Afghanistan. The mother of two small children, Krista co-founded The Unquiet Professional, a non-profit that provides healthy and empowering opportunities to surviving families. She is the Gold Star Liaison for the Green Beret Foundation and a member of numerous boards. Now the wife of active duty Green Beret Master Sergeant Gus Anderson, Krista is the Military Spouse Ambassador for Army Emergency Relief and the 2018 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. Krista is the co-author of Her Ruck: Inside the Emotional Backpacks of Military Wives, due to be published in May 2020. In this interview, Krista shares what the last 6 years have been like for her, including the wisdom she has learned along the way. “I want military spouses to thrive, not just to survive. Every separation, every loss matters.“ @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
I’m terrified of heights. I’m terrified of falling. I was at a moment in my life when I needed a goal to focus on, so I decided to climb all 48 of New Hampshire’s tallest mountains. -Diane Pisciotta This episode is all about the mountains we have to climb to get to where we want to go. Meet Diana Pisciotta, President of Denterlein, a Boston-based PR & communications company. While Diana’s expertise crosses many industries, she is best known for her crisis communications experience. Together with founder Geri Denterlein, Diana has taken great pride in tripling the agency’s size and client base over the last 15 years, but it was her experience as a mountain climber that redefined her personal and professional life. Climbing all of New Hampshire’s 48 mountains took four years and along the way, Diana learned many life lessons. Mountain climbing became an exercise in maximizing strengths, managing weaknesses, recognizing when to ask for help, and finally, strategizing the best path to the top. And when it comes to work ethic, Diana has her parents to thank. Their mom & pop hardware store in New Jersey is where Diana started stocking the shelves at only six. The importance of customer service, value, risk, relationships and trust are just a few of the lessons her parents taught her. The mother of a little boy getting ready for his first day in kindergarten, Diana Pisciotta is a working mom with an open heart and plenty of wisdom to share. @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
You are the author of the story of your life. Who do you want to be? What’s the footprint you want to leave on this earth? -Katie Wood If you are in need of a push in the right direction, Katie Wood is just the woman to show you the way! Meet a woman who has devoted her career to helping women reach their fullest potential, to believe in themselves, and to not only dream, but DO! Determined to find a way to make money from home in order to put her family first, Katie joined Rodan + Fields, the popular skin care line. Along the way, she discovered that company founders Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields personified the kind of life she wanted to lead herself. Katie’s sense of entrepreneurship and her tireless work ethic are family values, inherited from her parents who risked it all to restore an old home by the ocean in Niantic, Connecticut. Now called The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina, the property is considered one of the nation’s most beautiful and successful bed and breakfast properties. Katie says: “my parents taught me that hard work will always pay off if you just keep going. Most people quit when they are just about to hit gold. I believe that if you can see it, you can do it.” Now expecting her fourth child, Katie and her husband experienced one of life’s most difficult challenges following the birth of their daughter Gabriella. Born with craniosynostosis, their daughter required 7 hours of emergency surgery and 150 stitches in her head at Boston Children’s Hospital. It was Gabriella’s brave journey that inspired a philosophy Katie lives by: “Gratitude is everything. Live your life like it is rigged in your favor.” Her website: www.katielwood.com is a treasure trove of inspiration including a 5 week online course called The Jourse and a monthly membership program called The Power of H.E.R. @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
When the red light goes on and I’m on the air, I don’t think about the thousands of people who are watching me. I just try to connect with one person. -Joy Lim Nakrin Words of wisdom from NBC 10 & NECN Boston news anchor Joy Lim Nakrin. She has spent much of her professional life in front of the camera, not just here in the United States, but on ESPN and MTV Asia and as the host of a reality show in Malaysia. Joy moved through television markets, most recently from Fox 25 in Hartford, Connecticut to Boston, and along the way, has been grateful for every opportunity she has had to learn her craft. The child of immigrants, Joy grew up in rural North Carolina and is of Chinese, Filipino and Jewish decent. When her relatives had a hard time understanding English, it was Joy who stepped in as their interpreter. Education was held in high regard in Joy’s home and she recalls getting punished if she didn’t get straight A’s in school. She began her college experience as a pre-med major, only to shift to philosophy when she realized she just couldn’t stand the sight of blood! Faced with what her next step in life would be, Joy applied to Duke University Law School and became one of college’s youngest graduates. That law degree has served Joy well, giving her an extra dose of confidence and legal knowledge when it comes to pointed questions. A passionate advocate for the Boston area’s Chinese and Filipino population, Joy volunteers her time on behalf of the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, is a spokesperson for the MSPCA’s Clear The Shelters Campaign and serves on the board of the Asian American Journalists Association of New England. @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Ten days after our son was born, the doctors sat us down and said that he was going to be a vegetable. -Lauren Pimpare Lauren’s story is both heartbreaking and uplifting, all at the same time. A successful executive in the healthcare field, Lauren is a big believer in the power of the word “we”, so she founded two organizations called Tomorrow’s Women Today and the Boston Women's Leadership Council. At that time in her life, the sky was the limit. It was June 15, 2011 and Lauren was in labor with her second child. The city of Boston was alive with excitement as the Bruins shut out Vancouver 4-0 in game 7 of the Stanley Cup. Always huge hockey fans, Lauren and her husband decided to name their son “Boston” in honor of the Bruin’s victory. And then, the unthinkable happened. Lauren’s baby experienced a traumatic brain injury during childbirth. On a day that started with bliss, Lauren’s world turned upside down. Eight years later, the lessons have been many. The same women Lauren rallied to form her supportive professional organizations have come running to her door to offer help with open hearts and hands. Her climb up the career ladder experienced a full stop, but her journey remains rich and meaningful. “When women come together, we’re unstoppable. You can’t quiet us. We’re loud and powerful and we have a lot to say”. If you have a child with special needs, this episode will fill you with hope and love. @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Nothing feels more incredible than saving someone’s life. -Shannon Silvestri Meet Shannon Silvestri: wife, mother, marathoner, coach, fitness instructor and organ donor. A longtime resident of the little seaside town of Beverly, Massachusetts, Shannon was a champion field hockey player who received a scholarship to Boston College where she was later inducted into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame. When her daughters were born, Shannon made the decision to be a stay at home mom, diving head first into volunteer work for their school and town as a coach and at the Beverly YMCA as a fitness instructor. A billboard in town showed the picture of a woman named Deb Debski and the question: “Could you be the one?” You see, Deb was in desperate need of a liver transplant. Shannon called the number on the billboard to see if she could be tested as a match. “I felt like God called me to do this, and if I didn’t do it, I knew Deb would die.” Many tests later, Shannon was told she was a perfect match for Deb. The lengthy surgery was performed and Deb’s life was saved. “It’s overwhelming to think there’s a part of me inside her, keeping her alive” says Shannon. “I call her my other half”. We call this story inspiring. If you have ever thought about organ donation, this episode is for you. #motherrunner #americanliverfoundation @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
In a room full of men, I have to be decisive, clear and succinct. I have to own whatever it is I believe in. -Jennifer Hanes I’ve been looking for women in powerful, senior leadership roles and I’ve found one. Meet Jennifer Hanes, Division Executive, Securities Finance & Processing for Capital Markets, FIS. The world’s largest global provider dedicated to banking and payment technologies, FIS is the acronym for Fidelity Information Services, Inc. The company serves more than 20,000 institutions in over 130 countries and Jennifer is in the thick of it all overseeing teams in the United States and around the world. Climbing the career ladder is something Jennifer has been doing for decades and her success story is a reflection of her tireless work ethic, her focus on the job at hand, her fearlessness, and her dedication to delivering tangible results. In this interview, she shares her views on being a mother and a career woman, as well as her leadership philosophy, the importance of mentorship, and her hopes for the next generation of women at the top. @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Joy. Inspiration. These are contagious emotions and I’m always on the lookout for women who embody them. In the spotlight, Cathy Poulin, an exceptional woman I first interviewed about 10 years ago. I remember thinking that meeting her had been just as exciting as watching her on TV. You see, Cathy was the sidekick to a guy named Bob, owner of Bob’s Discount Furniture. Together, they jumped on couches, reclined in chairs, and shared the kind of vibe that made viewers want to get in their cars and drive to Bob’s to buy their next piece of furniture. But what viewers didn’t know is what I have discovered in this interview: Cathy Poulin is a brilliant marketer and a clever businesswoman with a long history of doing great things for others. She is a wife, a mother, a daughter, a clown, a former TV show host and school teacher, a giver, a doer, a creator and a bright light wherever she goes. Now the owner of Pitch Perfect Consulting, Cathy is focused on representing businesses who believe in sharing their success with causes they believe in, as well as giving a voice to the many non-profits she works with. “I have always known that I had a gift for creating ideas and making them come to fruition” says Cathy, “I just go for the heart because there is always a story there.” Rising entrepreneurs will want to download this episode. Her advice about the power of relationships is powerful stuff. #cathypoulin #bobsdiscountfurniture @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
The more you reach out…the more you tell your story…the more you share…the more will come back to you. -Liz Ryan In this episode, we hear the story of a mom whose son has a rare, incurable and potentially deadly disease. Meet Liz Ryan, wife, mother of two, career woman and first generation American. What started as flu-like symptoms in January 2018 turned out to be Juvenile Myositis. For nearly 4 months, Liz and her husband watched their once laughing, curious, active 4 year old boy turn into a child who couldn’t walk, sit up, or even lift his head off the pillow. Liam’s diagnosis requires regular plasma transfusions, steroids and a low dose chemotherapy drug. Now 5, Liam is often tired, but always joyful. Born to Vietnam refugees who fled their country through Cambodia’s infamous “killing fields”, Liz shares her parent’s powerful work ethic as the impetus for her own determination to save her son’s life. She and her husband Luke have joined forces with a non-profit called The Cure JM Foundation whose mission is to spread awareness about the disease. Their website is www.CureJM4Liam.com. The chances of being hit by lightening are 1 in 500,000 and that is the same chance a child has of getting JM. By sharing their son Liam’s story, Liz and Luke are determined to support and offer encouragement to kids with JM and their families with love, hope and care. @Boston25 @bostonwomeninmediaandentertainment #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Throughout the course of my career, I’ve had the good fortune of working with incredible women who have overcome hurdles and are willing to talk about it. -Susan Brady And talk about it, she does. Meet Susan Brady, newly named Managing Director of the Simmons University Institute for Leadership and author of Mastering Your Inner Critic and 7 Other High Hurdles To Advancement. A wife, mother and role model for so many women in Boston and beyond, Susan is one of those people who lights up the room and is willing to share her story with arms wide open. Raised on the little island of Martha’s Vineyard, Susan has spent her career surrounded by great women leaders. Her mission is to share what she knows and to remind us all that “you are enough, you matter, and most of all, you have unique value”. For a master class in leading with purpose and compassion, this episode is for you. @bostonwomeninmediaandentertainment #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
One of her artists paints on canvas, using only the wheels of his wheelchair. Another just had one of his creations licensed to Starbucks. Meet Liz Powers, co-founder & Chief Happiness Spreader at ArtLifting, a socially conscious business that provides a marketplace for homeless and disabled artists to sell their artwork. Founded by Liz and her brother, Spencer in 2013, Art Lifting now has over 100 artists who provide incredible works of art. These artists are experiencing independence, receiving 55 % of the proceeds from the sale of their work. Seeing a person go from hopeless to hopeful is what Liz strives for each and everyday. A graduate of Harvard, Liz volunteered at local shelters throughout her college years and quickly realized that art therapy enabled this vulnerable population the chance to express their loss, their fears, their anger and their untapped talents. Says Liz: “I would just throw out art supplies on the table and if somebody was really stumped, I would just step back and say: paint hope.” And paint they did. What started out with a grant from Harvard is now a thriving business. The domino effect of empowering these artists is what brings this exceptional young woman her greatest joy. A picture on a wall purchased from www.artlifting.com is more than a nice thing to do. It is a validation of someone’s talent and a tangible way to create positive change. @bostonwomeninmediaandentertainment #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
You wake up, make your coffee, check your phone, and flip on the TV to catch the local news. You see gorgeous women and handsome men, telling you what’s happening in the world. But what is it REALLY like to be a news anchor? Meet Elizabeth Hopkins, news anchor for Boston 25 Morning News. The daughter of an educator and an NYPD police captain, Elizabeth thought she might like to follow in her father’s footsteps, imaging she might even become a police commissioner. But when she was presented with the opportunity to intern at a TV station, everything changed and she was bitten by the news bug. With stops in South Dakota, Rhode Island and Boston, Elizabeth has worked her way up the ladder from small to major market broadcaster. The life lessons she has learned along the way are what she values most, saying: “there is so much more of a powerful lesson to learn when things are NOT going your way.” Her parent’s wisdom and her husband’s devotion are what keep her going through a workday that begins with an alarm that goes off at midnight. For a dose of wisdom, faith, and good old- fashioned advice, download Elizabeth’s story today. We’re pretty sure you’ll be glad you did! @bostonwomeninmediaandentertainment #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
True success in business is when you can do what you want, when you want, and know that you are being paid equally. -Katie Donovan If you believe in equal pay for women and minorities, this episode is for you. Meet Katie Donovan, the founder of Equal Pay Negotiations. She’s a pay equity expert and a trailblazer in this field. In fact, it was Katie who started a movement to ban the use of salary history in hiring and compensation decisions and her efforts were central to the passage of the bill she drafted here in Massachusetts. Two years later, 11 other states and 10 local jurisdictions have banned or restricted the use of salary history through new laws or executive orders. Born and raised in Chelsea, Massachusetts AKA the poorest city in the state, Katie is the daughter of a former school teacher and a local politician who got his start as a bat boy for the Boston Red Sox. Her father continued working for the legendary franchise, rising up the ranks to Executive Vice President. His message to Katie was two-fold: Anything is possible and life isn’t fair. Grab your best friend for a listen to this episode and don’t forget to take notes! @bostonwomeninmediaandentertainment #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Meet a woman who has made it her life's work to give. Linda Driscoll has spent her career in leadership roles for organizations like the American Red Cross, Women's Sports Foundation, the Massachusetts Amateur Sports Foundation, and the Special Olympics. She has also served as Past President of the Board of Directors for the New England Women's Fund and on the NCAA Boston organizing committee for the Women's Final Four. And if you see a pattern here, you are correct. Playing sports shaped Linda's life and she wants to make sure that every girl gets the chance to play sports, too...even if her family can't afford it. She is the Founder, President & CEO of Dream BIG! a non-profit that provides equipment, athletic footwear, uniforms, program fees, training expenses, and leadership training to girls and young women in low-income situations who want to play sports. Since 2010, Dream BIG! has directly impacted 35,000 girls. Linda's idea for a non-profit, originally written on a napkin during a conversation in a restaurant is now an example to the world. @LindaDriscoll @Dreambigld #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Meet a woman who believes that during the toughest times in our lives, there is learning, there is growth and there is always hope. I have known Julie Freeman for nearly 20 years and although I heard bits and pieces of her story, I never really knew the extent of it until we sat down for this interview in Palm Springs, California: 3000 miles away from where we first met in Wellesley, Massachusetts. A gifted singer at St. John's Church, Julie sang like an angel, yet something told me that she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. And she did. Her book Sunflowers, Sapphires & Seraphim: A Story of Healing & Transformation chronicles a life that has been both devastating and triumphant. From an abusive first marriage to the tragic loss of her second husband to a brain injury to single motherhood, a cancer diagnosis and a nervous breakdown for one of her daughters, Julie Freeman is a survivor in the truest sense of the word. Her transformative work as a registered dietician with a focus on eating clean and organic, combined with an understanding of the mind/body connection has fueled another exciting new chapter in her life. Julie is blazing a new trail by blending her nutrition knowledge with the idea of reducing toxin exposure so that we can lower cancer rates and live healthier lives. For this exceptional woman, the road less traveled has led her to exactly where she knows she belongs. juliefreeman.net @feelgreatlookgreatnutrition #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
When I sing, I am in pure bliss and joy. These are the words of singer, songwriter, musician, and philanthropist Amanda Carr. Described by the Wall Street Journal as "a true jazz singer in a time of wannabes", Amanda's path from the little seaside town of Hingham, MA to stages around the world has not been easy. Her passion to create a life that has always been about and for the music is an inspiration to everyone who knows her. The daughter of a Big Band musician and singer, Amanda can't remember a time when music wasn't a part of her life. In this interview, she shares stories of her childhood, remembering a time when she carried her keyboard to the local restaurant and nailed her first gig at 14. As the founder of the American Big Band Preservation Society, Amanda's mission has been to preserve this art form. Shortly after the Boston Marathon Bombings in 2013, Amanda captured the unbreakable spirit of the city when she wrote The Boston Anthem, tapping Boston rocker Charlie Farren to perform the song. Now the Executive Director of WICN radio, the NPR affiliate in Worcester, MA, Amanda is using her love music and her unique brand of leadership to energize the legendary station. For this exceptional woman, it's the lessons we take with us that make us who we are. amandacarr.com @amandacarrlife @AmandaCarrMusic @AmandaCarrMusic FB #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Are you the mother of a child with a food allergy? If you are, this episode is for you. The statistics are astounding but true: 1 in 12 children in the United States has a severe food allergy. What was once rare is now commonplace, yet the constant worry food allergy parents endure can be overwhelming, because when their children are out of their sight, they are vulnerable to foods that can kill them. So, what's a mother to do? Meet Elise Bates, President & Co-Founder of Ending Allergies Together, aka EAT. Her non-profit has raised 1.7 million dollars to find out why food allergies are on the rise and what we can do to stop the epidemic. Hear Elise's story and be informed AND inspired. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions @endallergiestogether @EndAllergies @EndAllergiesTogether…
Do you like having your picture taken? If the answer is no, you are not alone. Enter award-winning portrait photographer Kerry Brett. When she takes your picture, her goal is simple: to make you feel so comfortable, you forget that there is a camera in your face! The daughter of legendary Boston Globe photographer Bill Brett, Kerry grew up watching her father tell stories with his camera. A single mom with a work ethic that mirrors her father's, Kerry has worked tirelessly to establish her own style and a client list that includes superstar athletes, A-listers and everyday people. Her keen eye, creative spark and open heart are what truly set her apart. A Master Photographer and staff photographer for The Improper Bostonian, Kerry's distinctive portraits have graced countless magazine covers. It is fair to say that Kerry Brett aims for your face and captures your soul. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions @candyoterry @kerrybrettlifestyleportraits @kerry_brett…
If you want to kick off 2019 with a dose of inspiration, take a listen to this episode, featuring marathoner and MS survivor Dawn Schottlandt. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1999 at only 23, the New Year marks this exceptional woman's 20th anniversary as a survivor. Dawn fell in love with running because it empowered her to keep on going, even though she was confused, angry and scared. Doctors warned her about all the things she shouldn't do, and Dawn made it her mission to do the things that brought her joy and running was at the top of her list. So far, she has run 15 marathons, including the World Majors, dozens of half marathons and lots of local 5ks. When her MS progressed in 2015, Dawn experienced something called "drop foot" and had to teach herself how to run all over again through the use of a carbon fiber AFO. This year, she will return to Ireland to run the Dublin Marathon again and her secret wish is to see another rainbow at the end of the finish line, just like she did in 2005. We all experience roadblocks in our lives, but it is how you deal with them that matters. Dawn's words of wisdom can be found on her popular blog: www.inmyrunningshoes.com where she says: Be active, fear nothing, and turn obstacles into opportunities. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions @candyoterry #ICanIWill #ICouldIDid #OutRunMS.…
When we share our stories, we pass along something that is so precious its value cannot be measured. Do you know what that is? Wisdom. When Alyssa Nelson-Kamalu heard the words "you have breast cancer" she was far from being wise. After all, she had only been on this earth for 28 years. Married to her college sweetheart, the mother of a toddler, a victim advocate for the state of Massachusetts, and a brand new homeowner, Alyssa's life came to a screeching halt. She was terrified. Alyssa wasn't thinking about herself, she was thinking about her baby girl growing up without a mother. One year later, Alyssa shares what her journey was like as well as what advice she might give to a young woman faced with a similar diagnosis. This is a story about fear and courage, dread and hope, perseverance and success. Alyssa has made it through surgery, chemo, and radiation. This wise young woman's views on life, love, parenting, and what really matters will inspire you. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions @candyoterry…
When Leslie Musser gave birth to her son, Colton, she thought about his soft, newborn skin, and decided she would do everything she could to keep that skin away from fabrics that had been treated with pesticides. That's when she discovered how hard affordable, organic children's clothing was to find. Once a PR and events pro, Leslie had an idea: to create her own children's clothing line, made from cotton grown in the United States, without the use of pesticides. Enter: KinderCapsule.com: a line of children's organic clothing that grows with your child. At the heart of KinderCapsule is a passion to put an end to child sex trafficking by donating a portion of the proceeds from every sale to Operation Underground Railroad which rescues innocent children sold into slavery worldwide. Because you are a loyal listener to this podcast series, take advantage of Leslie's special discount on her clothing line. Just use promo code CANDYO. @kindercapsule #kinderkids @OURrescue #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
The opioid crisis in the United States is shattering the lives of addicts and breaking the hearts of families every day. In this episode of The Story Behind Her Success, we meet Kate Genovese, the mother of a son she called her "golden boy" Christopher "Geno" Genovese. A gifted all-star athlete, Geno experienced 6 serious injuries on the ice as a hockey player and on the football field. These high school and college sports injuries lead to Geno's addiction to painkillers, fentanyl and finally, heroin. Geno died of an overdose at only 30 and Kate's journey, as his mother and a lifelong registered nurse, brings light and honesty to an epidemic that knows no bounds. Her book, Hat Tricks From Heaven follows the Genovese family through moments of hope to final heartache. Kate's loss is eased only by her need to educate other parents by telling her story and finally, to fund a half-way house with proceeds from the sale of this inspiring book. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
We all have stories to tell and that's what The Story Behind Her Success podcast series is all about. Life has not always been kind to this week's guest. In fact, she has known the deep grief of losing her baby girl Sophia when she was only 13 months old. This experience "broke her wide open" and that's where the story begins. Welcome to the reimagined life of Maria Salomão-Schmidt. She is a wife, mother of 5, a Reiki Master, an expert in NLP, EFT, Chakra Balancing and Full Spectrum Healing. A former guest on The Oprah Show, this exceptional woman is the author of the best selling book: Finally Full of Yourself: Unlocking Your Spiritual DNA. But here is my favorite part: for all the pain and loss she has experienced, Maria is a passionate tsunami of love. @coachmemaria #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
This story is perfect to post for Thanksgiving because it is about courage, hope, patriotism and the healing power of love. Boston Marathon Bombing survivor Roseann Sdoia is the author of the new book Perfect Strangers which chronicles four people whose lives intersected the moment the second bomb went off in front of the Forum Restaurant at the 2013 Boston Marathon finish line. Roseann would lose most of her leg that day. She recalls her experience in stunning detail including what it was like to lose a limb and her refusal to use a wheelchair. Make no mistake about it: Roseann's recovery was hard work. You'll hear about the college student who ran to her side to apply a tourniquet to her leg, the female police officer who hailed the ambulance, and the big, tall firefighter who lifted her into the ambulance and held her hand all the way to Mass General. The bond these perfect strangers created on that terrible day can never be broken. Spoiler Alert: Roseann marries one of them. Get a box of kleenex for this interview. You're gonna need it. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions #dracut…
Meet a woman who has experienced what every parent dreads the most: the death of a child. Christine Suau's son, Devin was only 6 years old when he was diagnosed with DIPG, a very rare form of brain cancer. Determined to do what she could to keep him alive, Christine conceived the hashtag: WhyNotDevin, hoping he would be the very first child to beat this fatal disease. It didn't take long for the news of Devin's cancer to travel around the world. He was visited by sports legends and famous actors and even blessed at a private audience with Pope Francis in Rome. But as prayers poured in for Devin, he left this world in his mother's arms, just 8 months after diagnosis. The youngest of Christine's 4 boys, Devin continues to be an inspiration for this exceptional woman who has created the Why Not Devin Foundation. #whynotdevin #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
This episode features two very wise women who share a theory. They believe that we all live in a state of sustainable abundance. We just don’t see it. Instead, our mindset is focused on scarcity: the story that tells us we don’t have enough. Gina LaRoche & Jen Cohen are long-time friends, skilled coaches and consultants and co-authors of the new book The 7 Laws of Enough, published by Parallax Press. Their hope is to help us all create a shift from thinking about what we don’t have, to rejoicing in what we do have. sevenstonesleadership.com #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
We’ve spent the month of October shining a light on the fight against breast cancer. While there are new drug therapies that enable women to live longer, breast cancer statistics remain the same: 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her life time. And every 65 seconds, someone hears the words: "you have breast cancer." I take the battle against breast cancer very seriously because I am a motherless daughter. My mother Marjorie was only 52 when she died. I was 18 and that loss defined me. Years later, as a broadcaster, I had the opportunity to create a show, and put these women in the spotlight. I did this for selfish reasons: I needed to learn the kind of lessons from them that my own mother couldn't teach me, because she was gone. I needed to soak up their wisdom, and I have. Their stories have filled my heart. And that quest for inspiring stories continues with this podcast series. In the spotlight: a woman who is a wife, mother, marathon runner, philanthropist and stage 4 cancer survivor. In fact, this exceptional woman is living with 2 stage 4 cancer diagnoses: breast and thyroid. Her success story is based on putting one foot in front of the other, always walking forward, always running toward the finish line and never, ever giving up hope. This is the story of Carol Chaoui of Wellesley, Massachusetts. #wellesley #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
The numbers are staggering. This year, 252,710 women will hear the words "you have breast cancer" and 40,500 will die of the disease. This week, we continue our focus on the fight against breast cancer by shining a light on Dr. Susan Pories, chief of Breast Surgery and the Medical Director of the Hoffman Breast Center at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA. An Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and co-author of the books The Soul of a Doctor and The Soul of a Patient, Dr. Pories believes in compassionate care and the power of creating bonds that last with her patients. Humble and soft-spoken, Dr. Pories is a role model and a trailblazer for women in her field. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions candyoterry.com @HoffmanBreastCenter…
Since October is breast cancer awareness month, we're profiling breast cancer survivors and women who are at the forefront of breast cancer treatment. In the spotlight, world-renowned author Alice Hoffman. There's a very good chance that one of her books is sitting on our bookshelf, or perhaps on the end table, next to your favorite cozy chair. Alice has written more than 30 books and 6 of them have been made into movies. She is pretty used to seeing her name on the New York Times Bestseller List. But what she wasn't prepared for 20 years ago was a breast cancer diagnosis. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions @HoffmanBreastCenter…
October is breast cancer awareness month, so we're profiling breast cancer survivors as well as women who are on the forefront in breast cancer research and treatment.Meet Donna Tefft. She's a wife, mother and the Vice President/Director of Marketing & Sales for The Pinehills, winner of the National Community of the Year Award. Designed like an authentic old New England village, The Pinehills is the largest new residential and commercial development in New England with a projected 3,065 homes and 2200 acres of open space. As Donna celebrates her second year as a breast cancer survivor, this exceptional woman shares her initial fears, strategies that worked for her in her darkest hour, and her advice to women who are hearing the words "you have breast cancer" for the first time. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
October is breast cancer awareness month, so we're shining the spotlight on breast cancer survivors as well as women who are on the forefront of providing medical care to women fighting the disease. There was a time when Dr. Julie Silver faced a health crisis of her own. Diagnosed with breast cancer in her 30's with 3 small children at home, she found herself on the other side of medicine, as patient, not physician. Her story from surgery through radiation, chemo, and recovery is not unlike any other woman's brave battle with the disease, except for one thing: this woman specializes in rehabilitation and when she heard the words: "you're okay now, go ahead and live your life" she was overwhelmed. Exhausted and depleted from fighting breast cancer, this exceptional woman recognized that she needed to use her knowledge as a respected authority in the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to blaze a trail that would improve care and outcomes not just for breast cancer survivors, but for people recovering from all kinds of cancers. Now the Associate Professor & Associate Chair in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Julie Silver is the author of multiple books, including Before & After Cancer Treatment. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions @MAHealthHosp #ThinkPink #WallsDoTalk #QuoteHer…
Meet a woman who has made a living making her clients look really good. No, she's not a stylist. She's a public relations genius and that's not all. Dayla Arabella Santurri is the whole marketing package: one part event architect, one part PR/media strategist and one part talent buyer. She especially loves helping non-profits build fundraising events so that they can spread the word about their missions. And when she's not doing what she does for a living, Dayla continues to mentor and guide others through Boston Women in Media & Entertainment, an organization she co-founded in 2012 to connect, educate and inspire women in these fields through wisdom workshops and powerful networking events. In this revealing interview, we sat down to talk about what makes her tick, including her work ethic, her faith, how she gets around obstacles and the next big chapter in her stellar career. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions @CandyOterry…
Jayme Washington has made a name for herself as the Founder & CEO of Washtone Media. A digital architect with 650 clients worldwide, Jayme's company specializes in SEO: search engine optimization, social media marketing and strategy, branding, small business start-ups, product launches and more. A business leader and a fearless entrepreneur, Jayme is also a devoted community leader, a mentor, a public speaker, a coach and a trailblazer. But if you were to ask Jayme what she is most proud of, this loving wife and mother of five will point to her family, the power of her faith, and the lessons she has learned as a breast cancer survivor. #mydoveproductions #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons @CandyOterry…
It wasn't that long ago when parents played an active role in teaching their children about the importance of respect and good manners. Sadly, those times have changed. Yet, the need for civility has never been greater. Enter Judith Bowman, Founder of Protocol Consultants International and the National Civility Foundation. A graduate of Boston College, she specializes in teaching people the kinds of interpersonal communications skills that help them stand out from the rest and succeed. In this interview, we dive into where her interest in teaching manners comes from, and her hopes for spreading the word about the need for civility throughout the United States. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #MyDoveProductions…
Kate Beeders is all about success. That's her focus. It is at the heart of her mission to help others succeed. And if you are an entrepreneur, listen up! This exceptional woman has created programs that support the mindset and the unique challenges every entrepreneur must face. She is the author of The Winning Way, winner of the Quillie Award from the National Association of Best Selling Authors. Her latest book is titled Go or Don't Go: The Complete Guide to Accelerate Your Success and Tap into your Brilliance. The Founder of Brilliance Builders, Kate refers to herself as The Breakthrough Expert. She maintains that it is actually easier than you think to make money fast. Do we have your attention? Download Kate Beeder's episode now. It just might change your life. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
The road toward success has not been straight for Anne-Marie Aigner, but then again, she believes that LIFE is not a straight line and the real key to success is simply to never give up. In this episode, we explore the career path of a woman who began as a broadcaster working for CBS in Paris, France and then in New York City and Washington, DC. She loved the excitement of breaking news and chasing stories, but when she became a single mom, Anne-Marie decided to use her writing skills and her connections to create her own PR agency. When it was clear she needed an extra set of hands, Anne-Marie invited her best friend, Janet Prensky to join the company, eventually creating Aigner/Prensky Marketing. Thirty-five years later, her business continues to thrive and now includes Food Truck Festivals of America. The proud daughter of international photojournalist Lucien Aigner, Anne-Marie has spent the last 20 years chronicling, organizing and finding a home at Yale for a body of work that includes over 100,000 photographs taken between 1920's and the 1950's including candid photos taken during World War II of Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Winston Churchill, as well as up-close and personal shots of Albert Einstein taken at Princeton University. This daughter, mother, grandmother, PR pro, friend, and philanthropist has lots of wisdom to share about the power of adversity and the value of finding a way around obstacles...even if it takes a while! #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions @LizBrunner @FTFofAmerica…
Once the Chief Marketing Officer for seven tech companies and the former CEO of an international marketing firm, Alyssa Dver started to ask herself why some people and certain brands have more confidence and therefore, more success than others. She decided to look to neuroscience for the answer and co-founded the American Confidence Institute. Alyssa has authored six books including her latest: Kickass Confidence: Own Your Brain & Up Your Game. What she has learned will astound you and might just help you harness your confidence and your success. #storybehindhersuccess #mydoveproductions #16LifeLessons…
She's the world's greatest cold water marathon swimmer and a medical science phenomenon because when this trailblazer swims through frigid water, her body temperature rises instead of falls. At only 15, Lynne Cox swam across the English Channel, breaking the women's and the men's records, returning at 16 to do it all again. And that was just the beginning of her journey as a world-class athlete. Lynne made marathon swimming her life, swimming through just about every body of water in the world, wearing only a bathing suit, cap, and goggles. She is the first woman to swim across Cook Strait and the first to swim one mile across Antarctica in 32-degree water without a wetsuit. She is the author of Swimming To Antarctica, Grayson, and Swimming in the Sink and has been inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. What makes this exceptional woman tick? Her complete love of swimming. Lynne says: "When I am swimming, I feel a complete connection to the ocean, to God and the universe. I am the instrument and the ocean is the symphony." #storybehindhersuccess #mydoveproductions #16LifeLessons.…
This week's success story is about a medical doctor who is specially trained as a breast imaging radiologist. After years of watching patients receive mistaken breast cancer diagnosis that could have been avoided IF the patient had a full, side by side medical record of her mammograms, Dr. Kathryn Pearson Peyton created Mammosphere: a cloud-based repository for breast scans. mammosphere.com. Once a concert violinist, Kathryn thrived in medical school and was determined to do what she could in the fight against breast cancer. Her great-grandmother, her grandmother, her mother, her aunts have all heard the words "you have breast cancer" and when Kathryn learned that she had an 85% lifetime risk of experiencing the disease herself, she had an elective bilateral mastectomy. In this compelling interview, Dr. Peyton shares how she felt at the moment she raised her hand to take the Hypocratic Oath, her devotion to her family, and her passion for providing every woman with the tools she needs to take control of her medical records. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons candyoterry.com…
Marie was only 8 years old when she had her first premonition. In her mind, she saw herself being hit by a car. As she walked to school one morning, a car coming toward her swerved to the right, so she went left and instead of being hit head-on, Marie's premonition saved her and she was merely grazed by the car. A few years later, she started seeing images and shadows. Soon, those images and shadows began communicating with her. Marie began to understand that she had a gift she never asked for: she was a psychic medium. In this episode, Marie Loconte shares her life story, including where she believes we go when we die, what our loved ones want us to know, her experience with past lives, the truth about tarot cards, her firm belief that we all have untapped psychic abilities and the power of her faith. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons candyoterry.com…
The woman you are about to meet wears lots of hats. She is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, cheerleading coach, a registered nurse, and a movie star. Yes, a movie star! Erica McDermott has acted in American Hustle, Black Mass, The Fighter, Joy, Manchester-By-The-Sea, Patriot's Day and more, sharing scenes with superstars like Amy Adams, Casey Affleck, Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Johnny Depp, Donnie & Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Williams. In this episode, we sat down to talk about her childhood, her strong working-class family roots, her determination to get her nursing degree, the family life she cherishes and the joy she has experienced as an actress. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons candyoterry.com…
In this week's episode, we're shining the spotlight on a passionate entrepreneur who has taken one of those "why didn't I think of that" ideas and turned it into reality. Meet Jen Maseda, creator of "She's Local", a multi-platform, global business that provides inspiration and support to women right in their own hometowns. If you ask this wife and mother of two what drives her, she'll tell you that she's on a quest to provide women with everything they need to dream big and accomplish their goals. With Masters Degrees from Harvard University and Florida Atlantic University in Public Health and Social Behavior, Jen used her energy, talents, connections, and business savvy to launch the sold-out MetroWest Conference for Women in 2017 and is also the host of a local award-winning cable access program called Woman2Woman Today. We sat down to discuss where her passion to empower women comes from, her definition of success and what matters most to her. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons @candyoterry…
The woman you are about to meet has been an entrepreneur since the day she was born. I'm serious. It's just the way she's wired. You can thank her parents for that.At only 23, she launched Beauty Parlr and RLR Studio: a unique business plan featuring beauty services and a state of the art photography business...all in one, hip, cool space. Located in an old mill in Framingham, MA. news of Beauty Parlir and RLR Studio spread like wildfire and now, she has turned the page in her playbook to launch The Parlr. The best way to describe it is as a total BEAUTY EXPERIENCE from the inside out. 11,000 square feet of gorgeousness. What inspires this exceptional woman to do what she does and dream these big dreams? Let's find out. Her name is Rachael Rubin and this is her story. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons @theparlr1 @rachaelrubin…
Science and music: it is rare to have a career in both of these fields, but for Sheilah Dorsey, they are a perfect match. She's been singing all of her life, but she also gets plenty of joy from working in biotech where the goal is to discover life-saving drugs and treatments. Her love of music goes way back to her childhood when her father rescued an old jukebox from a restaurant. On that day, Sheilah was introduced to just about every form of music and a lifelong love of singing, songwriting, and recording was born. But from 9-5, Monday through Friday, this talented singer cannot be found singing at all. For the past ten years, Sheilah has been earning a living in healthcare systems management and administration. Her life story is a rich tapestry of experience in two very different worlds. As it turns out, Sheilah is not the only biotech pro who loves music. She is fronting a band called Almost The Cure and will be singing for charity at the famous Battle of the Biotech Bands May 30, 2019, at Club Royale in Boston. In this interview, Sheilah shares her life philosophy: "Don't ever let fear stop your goals and dreams. Once you have life and breath, the possibilities are endless." Download this one today. You'll be glad you did! #biotechbattle @bostonwomeninmediaandentertainment #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Are you ready for a masterclass in entrepreneurship? Meet Sharon Kan. She has spent the last 20 years incubating and launching successful businesses in high potential markets. And we're not talking about the small stuff. Sharon has nurtured and developed ideas that have been acquired by giants like Barnes & Noble, Microsoft, SSA Global, and Oracle. Born and raised in Israel, Sharon's early life experience was shaped by five wars and countless terror attacks that left her feeling constantly on edge, but always resilient and hopeful for a brighter tomorrow. Educated in the UK and France, Sharon is also the co-founder of the WIN Lab at Babson College. Her latest project is a unique company called Pepperlane where she serves as CEO. The mission is to create a movement focused on 24 million stay-at-home moms in the United States alone. Sharon wants to build a thriving "mother economy" and her philosophy about entrepreneurship might surprise you because it is not about the money, it is always about the power of ideas. Get out your pen and paper for this episode because there is a lot of wisdom here! @bostonwomeninmediaandentertainment #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Are you a mentor? Have you ever been mentored by someone? Passing on what we know for the betterment of someone else is a gift and this week's guest is a big believer in the power of mentorship. Meet Shannon O'Mara, Vice President & Associate Director of credit research at Loomis Sayles and Founder of UWIN: the Undergraduate Women's Investment Network. Raised in Upstate New York, Shannon earned a BA in economics as well as her management certificates in finance and accounting from the University of Rochester. The single mom of two teenagers, Shannon shares many life lessons including: "show up fully, whether you are at work or with your family" as well as her mentoring mantra: "If you can see it, you can be it." For a quick shot of determination, drive and passion, this success story checks all the boxes. @bostonwomeninmediaandentertainment #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
This episode is for the dreamers and the doers. And most of all, it is a life lesson, because sometimes dreams come true in ways we never could have imagined. Meet Jacy Dawn Valeras, singer/songwriter and CEO & Founder of Platinum Circle Media in Nashville, Tennessee. Raised in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Jacy started making money by singing at funerals when she was 13 and by the time she hit high school, she was performing all over New England. In 2009, Jacy and her boyfriend packed up their car and moved to Nashville where she created a career in a niche she never expected or even dreamed of. "Make good out of obstacles, says Jacy, they just might take you someplace better." @jacydawnvaleras @bostonwomeninmediaandentertainment #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Meet a woman who's outstanding career has had three chapters: one in finance/banking, one in real estate development and one as an independent director, executive and business builder. In this candid interview, Roberta Sydney shares her belief that relationships in business and in our personal lives are everything. Now the CEO of Sydney Associates, Roberta's rise to the top has often included being the only woman in the room and at the negotiating table. She is guided by a tireless work ethic and a true passion for bringing out the best in every person she works with. A graduate of Wellesley College, Harvard Business School and MIT, Roberta is in a league of her own, and could easily sit on her laurels, yet this exceptional woman has made it a priority to help and guide the next generation of women executives. "I believe in finding the genius in others and allowing that to shine," says Roberta. And if you think her life has been easy, think again. This is a story rooted in love of family, responsibility, and determination. For an entre into excellence in business and in life, download Roberta's powerful life story. @robertasydney #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
In this episode, we traveled to ArtsEmerson's gorgeous Paramount Theatre in Boston to meet Kim Weild, director of American Moor written and performed by Keith Hamilton Cobb. Described as an "urgent solo work that examines the experience of black men in America" American Moor is the kind of play that asks the kinds of questions that jar the soul and make us think. Raised in Westchester County, New York, Kim spent the first part of her life as a ballerina, dancing with the New York City Ballet and attending a private high school for the performing arts. Her decision to leave the world of dance to pursue a career in theatre arts was a brave left-hand turn she remains grateful for to this day. In this interview, Kim shares the key to being a great actor, an inspiring director, a hard worker, and an effective college professor. Her views on success and what matters most in life are worth your download. "I think kindness is a super-power" says Kim. We couldn't agree more. @artsemerson @kimweild @keithhamiltoncobb #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Meet a woman who started showing the business community what she was made of in high school when she won her regional newspaper's Entrepreneur of the Year Award! Lisa Nickerson has been steadily climbing the ladder toward success ever since and is now the CEO and Founder of Nickerson PR and Nickerson Real Estate Partners. Recently recognized as one of Boston's most powerful women in real estate, Lisa is a big believer in philanthropy and serves on the boards of Boston Women in Media & Entertainment, Housing Families and the ULI Women's Leadership Initiative. Her incredible climb to the top has not been without obstacles and roadblocks. The mom of three teenagers, Lisa shares her devotion to not only mothering but mentoring her children. Her boundless energy and tireless work ethic have been both a blessing and a curse, and her wise advice to rising female entrepreneurs and executives is worth your download. @NickersonPR @NickersonRE #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Meet a woman who has taken her skills and talents in the healthcare field and married them to her lifetime love of the arts and the fight against cancer. Dana Siegal is a wife, a mother, an RN, the Director of Patient Safety for CRICO Strategies and the Artistic Director for a non-profit called Voices of Hope. Founded in 2009, Voices of Hope is made up of 200 cast members who have all been impacted by cancer. Together, they sing, and dance, and entertain, all to benefit cancer research. But, as Dana will tell you, Voices of Hope is more than a theatre group, it is a cancer community and her role is to bring out the very best in every person who wants to share their talent. In this inspiring interview, Dana reveals a life story that has included a life-altering MS diagnosis in her 20's and the decision to stay positive and resilient in the face of loss. A source of strength and hope to so many people, Dana Siegal believes that we can find reason and purpose in everything that happens to us. @danaewensiegal @voicesofhopeboston #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Senate Majority leader Cynthia Stone Creem has spent over 30 years in public service. The daughter of two attorneys, she grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts deciding early on that she wanted to follow in her parent's footsteps. The road to the seat she now occupies has been long and in this very candid interview, Cindy Creem recalls knocking on doors to raise money for her first campaign and being asked the question: "are you tough enough?" Well, the answer is YES. The Story Behind Her Success producer Dan Thibeault and I interviewed the state senator in her office, just steps from the Senate chambers in the iconic gold-domed Massachusetts statehouse. And as we went through security and down the marble hallways, past murals of the American Revolution and sculptures of some of the state’s earliest leaders, I couldn’t help but wonder what this nation's all-male founders would think of a female majority leader. She is strong, she is passionate, and she is on a mission to make a difference for the next generation of women. @senatorcindycreem #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Welcome to the success story of Denise Hajjar, one of Boston's most loved and respected fashion designers. The grandchild of a designer from Syria and a pattern maker from Lebanon, Denise started making clothes for her Barbie Dolls when she was a little girl. By the time she was ready to go to fashion design school, she had an entire wardrobe created for herself and for her mother. Known for her generosity toward non-profits, Denise has made giving back a cornerstone of her business with a focus on raising lifesaving funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In this very candid interview, she shares her lifelong love of ballet and ballroom dancing, along with stories of the good times and the bad, like her decision early in her career to buy fabric instead of paying her electric bill! "I'm driven, I'm stubborn and I'm tenacious," says Denise. "I will always do what it takes to make things happen." @denisehajjarboston #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Raised in the backwoods of Montana, completely off the grid, Heather Anne Cook learned the necessary skills to keep herself alive. In this interview, she shares the details of her adventurous life, including the many times she took 3 matches into the woods to see how long she could survive. Now a wife and the mother of twins, Heather is a pastor, a survivalist, a long distance runner, a bee-keeper, a chicken lady, a horsewoman, a gardener, a children's book author, an illustrator, an international traveler, and the force behind Three Match Creations. Her next adventure is to run the Pacific Northwest Trail which spans 1200 miles through the wilderness, high desert, and coastline. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Have you ever heard the expression: "love will find a way?" Meet Nancy Gaudet-Aittaniemi. A very successful senior vice president for a commercial real estate company, Nancy's success story is not just about climbing the ladder to take on a leadership role in a male-dominated industry. It is about the power of a mother's love for her child. You see, Nancy's only child was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at only 9, and his chronic condition led her down a path that has been both terrifying and inspiring. Faced with the decision to stay stuck in her grief and hover over him or to let her son experience life to the fullest, Nancy chose to show Ryan that he could do anything he put his mind to. Now a sophomore in college, Ryan is a seasoned bike enthusiast who has ridden in juvenile diabetes fundraising challenges in the United States and Europe. As the leader of a monthly support group for Type 1 Moms, Nancy has taken other parents by the hand and has been a passionate volunteer and supporter of the JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes. She is currently training to ride in her 4th bike race: the Amelia Island Ride To Cure Diabetes and her coach? You guessed it, Nancy's son Ryan. #JDRFRide #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Meet a woman with a fantastic second chapter. For decades Lauren Birmingham has been well known as a top-notch PR pro in the Boston area and beyond. But one day, on a whim, she had an idea. Lauren convinced a friend to fly to Italy with her, just for the weekend. What started as a one-time adventure turned into a love affair with the Amalfi Coast, a unique new business venture called Cooking Vacations Italy, a collaboration with American novelist Elizabeth Berg, a cookbook called It's A Dream Place- Recipes & Stories of Food, Love and the Amalfi Coast, and a chance meeting with an Italian race car driver named Rino. You'll have to listen to the podcast to find out what happened next! #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions @laurenBirminghamPiscitelli…
Welcome to Palm Springs, California...home of movie stars, snow-capped mountains, palm trees, and the Palm Springs International Film Festival. In this episode, we're focused on women in film including Ruth Caudeli, a young director from Valencia, Spain whose movie Eva & Candela is breaking down barriers about gender, and who we choose to love. A surprise visit from co-star Silvia Varón sheds some light on Ruth's innate ability to listen to her cast and to bring out the best in each actor's performance. Cristina Gallego of the movie Birds of Passage shares how it has felt to step into the role of co-director for a film that features strong women and was selected as the Colombian entry for Best Foreign Language film at the upcoming Academy Awards. Cristina's crime saga has received a score of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and has been compared to The Godfather and Scarface by movie critics. Finally, with recording equipment in hand, we settle into the offices of Liliana Rodriguez, Director of Programming at the Palm Springs International Film Festival to find out how she turned an early love of horror films into a career that sustains and inspires her every single day. #palmsprings @PSFilmFest #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
When we tell our stories, we pass along life lessons and wisdom. The two women you are about to meet believe that the arts provide a unique opportunity to tell stories that matter. Meet Myriam Cyr and Patricia Jamison, two of the four founders of Punctuate4Productions, Inc. on Boston's North Shore. With a mission to educate, entertain and promote the arts and culture in every form for all ages, not just in Massachusetts, but beyond, Myriam and Patricia are really enjoying this new chapter in their lives. An accomplished actress who has performed alongside A-listers like Al Pacino, Myriam is also a poet laureate and best selling author who has been developing 20 new plays over the last five years. Now a devoted mother whose family comes first, she has made the bold step from actress to director and is loving every single minute of it. Patricia has always loved live performance but is no stranger to acting for TV and film. She put her passion for acting on the back burner to raise her 5 children, and in 2011, returned to her craft with an even greater determination to explore being a producer. In this very personal interview, Myriam and Patricia share their career highlights, their devotion to their children, how they get around obstacles, and their definition of "star power". @PatriciaPetersonJamison @MyriamCyr @Larcomtheatre @punctuate4 @Punct4P #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Meet Lisa Simmons: arts philanthropist, filmmaker and producer. As the director of the Roxbury International Film Festival and the Color of Film Collaborative, she has spent the last 20 years shining a light on stories that must be told and often are not. Every June, she screens films that celebrate people of color across the world and in doing so, Lisa supports filmmakers who are creating media that matters. The quality of her work has been acknowledged with many awards including the Image Award from Women in Film New England and the Leadership Award from the Urban League Guild of Eastern Massachusetts. In this inspiring interview, we sat down to talk about where Lisa's passion for telling stories comes from and discovered...it's in her blood. @roxfilm @roxburyfilm #RoxFilm20 #16LifeLessons @CandyOterry #storybehindhersuccess…
The Dimock Center sits high on a hill in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Founded in 1862 as a place of hope, health and healing, the mission of Boston's second largest health center continues to this day. In fact, the Dimock Center is considered a national model of excellence, providing comprehensive health and human services to more than 17,000 men, women and children every year. In the spotlight, Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, the woman at the helm of The Dimock Center. A physician with a medical degree from Brown University and an MBA from Johns Hopkins, this President & CEO is a powerful and charismatic leader who was just named #17 on Boston Magazine's Top 100 Most Influential People list. For her daughters, and for women everywhere, Myechia is living proof that obstacles can be leaped over and that with hard work and dedication, dreams really do come true. #thestorybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons candyoterry.com…
Tenacity. That's the attribute Sara Campbell says an entrepreneur must have in order to be successful. In this episode, we interview Boston based women's clothing designer Sara Campbell. Born and raised in La Jolla, California, Sara came to Boston to attend graduate school at Lesley College and the Massachusetts College of Art. A person of great faith and conviction, she was mentored by Sr. Mary Corita Kent whose artwork became an inspiration for her vibrant, colorful clothing line. Incorporated in 1986 as Sara Campbell Designs, Sara grew her business to 23 stores through good times and bad. She is proud to manufacture everything she makes in the USA and says designing clothes makes her heart sing. "It's what I love to do. I want to make my customer feel good about herself and her life." #storybehindhersuccess #16lifelessons Candyoterry.com…
In the spotlight: Jodi-Tatiana Charles, a woman who has enjoyed tremendous success in multiple careers: as a school teacher, a radio and TV producer, deputy press secretary for Mitt Romney, public speaker, entrepreneur and most recently, as the author of a children's book. Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, Jodi is a proud first-generation Haitian American whose inspiring book It's Just A Rug teaches children to celebrate their heritage, traditions, and values through a lense of love and acceptance. Determined to open hearts and minds to the beauty of family, Jodi shares the lessons her parents and grandparents taught her along the way, inspiring a whole new generation. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons candyoterry.com SaveSave…
27 years ago, Ellie Anbinder heard the words "you have breast cancer". With no family history of the disease, she began asking her doctors how she got breast cancer in the first place and no one seemed to have an answer. So she decided to dig deep into the disease, only to find that 93% of all breast cancer funding goes to treatment and cure, not prevention. To Ellie, this made no sense. She is the founder of Find The Cause: www.findthecausebcf.org, a non-profit focused on discovering the why behind a disease 1 in 8 women will experience in their lifetime. Find The Cause funds scientists and researchers who work tirelessly in labs right here in Boston with a focus on toxic chemicals and their effect on our bodies and our environment. Her passion to find the cause of breast cancer is not just about protecting her family, but yours, too. In this way, Ellie Anbinder is a trailblazer and her story will inspire and inform you. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons SaveSave…
This week's success story has to do with climbing the ladder from receptionist to CEO. In the spotlight, Karen Kaplan, Chairman of Hill Holliday, one of the nation's top advertising agencies. She's got the corner office with a view of the Boston skyline, but her career did not happen swiftly. She's had just about every job there is at Hill Holliday and she just kept putting one foot in front of the other. Recognized as one of the most influential women in advertising, Karen oversees Hill Holliday, EP&CO and Trilia Media. Mentored by Jack Connors, one of the three founders of Hill Holliday, Karen values empathy and collaboration, kindness and humility above all else. Her rise to the top was epic and women in her field see her as a role model with a blueprint for success. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #Candyoterry SaveSave…
Meet an exceptional woman who believes that having the courage to try new things is the key to success. From Miss America pageant queen to high school music teacher, to TV reporter, to major market news anchor, to the CEO of Brunner Communications, Liz Brunner believes that we should always be looking out for the next big chapter in our lives. In this up close and personal interview, Liz shares how it was her mother, and her grandmothers who paved the way for her tenacity. She recalls what it was like to be on the air in Boston during 9/11, the four-year email writing effort that finally led to her interview with President Barrack Obama and the joy she gets from sharing her knowledge and expertise as an Executive Coach. Learn more at lizbrunner.com #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons -Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Tunein, Google Play Music, Spotify or on Candy's website candyoterry.com…
Every once in a while, a TV show has a message, or a character, who defines a generation. For girls growing up in the 1970's, that show was The Mary Tyler Moore Show. When Valerie Harper landed the role of Mary's wacky best friend, Rhoda Morgenstern, her career was catapulted to a whole new level. In this interview, taken from my interview archives, Valerie shares her life story, including her start as a ballet dancer, her audition with Mary Tyler Moore, the adoption of her daughter Cristina, and her philosophy on life. Now 78, this Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award-winning actress is living one grateful day at a time with a rare form of brain cancer. Don't miss this very special chance to be inspired. Catch all episodes of The Story Behind Her Success on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Tunein, Google Play Music and Spotify -or, just say "Alexa, play The Story Behind Her Success on MyCast". @valerieharperfans #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons, BWME, Tech Help Boston SaveSave…
What is it like to be the First Lady of Massachusetts? This week, we packed up our recording equipment and headed to the gold-domed Statehouse in Boston to interview First Lady, Lauren Baker. Her husband, Charlie Baker took the oath of office on January 8, 2015 and is widely heralded as the most popular governor in the United States. His wife is a woman who has largely kept to herself, supporting Charlie but forging her own path as an advertising executive on Madison Avenue and at Hill Holliday in Boston, and as a devoted mom to their three children. When Charlie decided to run for governor, Lauren was by his side, campaigning hard in every corner of the state. Today, she is championing a little-known non-profit called the Wonderfund, www.wonderfundma.org with a determination to help children at risk. What started out as an initiative for the First Lady has become an avocation as she discovers the impact of early childhood trauma on a child's well-being. Her life story and her vision for a better future for the state's most vulnerable children will inspire you. #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons @charliebakerMA @WonderfundMA…
Hear the story behind the creation of this inspiring podcast series including losing my mom to breast cancer when I was a teenager, my career in radio and the creation of the Exceptional Women show, the decision to leave Magic 106.7 after 25 years, and the day I decided I couldn't be without the stories anymore. Spoiler alert: I do cry a little at the end. #getmeakleenex #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions…
Once upon a time, not so long ago, Angela Peri was working as a parking clerk at the Cambridge courthouse. She wanted to be an actress, but her strict Italian family said: "no way." She did it anyway, learning the ins & outs of the entertainment business, eventually realizing she could earn a better living as a casting director so she launched Boston Casting. Thirty years later, Angela is so well respected, she has a direct line to Hollywood, working with A-list actors, discovering unknown local talent and casting Academy Award-winning films. Find out how this East Boston girl made it big despite every obstacle in her path. Her sense of humor, her crazy, but true showbiz stories and her life-changing experience as the single mother of a son with autism will inspire you. Subscribing is free and simple, found out how at candyoterry.com.…
Megan Driscoll was doing just fine as a pharmaceutical sales rep, but she wanted the challenge of starting her own business. So she did. Fifteen years later, Megan is overseeing a thriving, one of a kind global company called Pharmalogics Recruiting, headquartered just outside Boston. In this episode of The Story Behind Her Success, this young, energetic, positive and determined CEO shares her drive to create a work environment where her employees can't wait to come back to work every day. Hear her leadership philosophy and find out how she took the seed of an idea and turned it into a reality. As the 2015 winner of The Stevie Award, this wife, mother, and Entrepreneur of the Year is passionate about pay equality, transparency and #doit4yourdaughters. www.pharmalogicsrecruiting.com. Subscribing to The Story Behind Her Success is free. Have access to all the episodes and listen on your schedule!…
You've probably seen the Academy Award-winning movie starring Julia Roberts, but this is the story of the REAL Erin Brockovich. Here in Boston to speak to a charity called Find The Cause, Erin agreed to this exclusive interview with Candy O'Terry. Once a single mom without a job, Erin Brockovich began working as a law clerk at a small law firm in Hinkley, California. Although she had no legal experience, Erin knew something was very wrong when people and animals started getting very sick and dying. It was discovered that Pacific Gas & Electric had been polluting the water supply with hexavalent chromium for decades. Erin's intuition and perseverance helped to win the victims in this case 333 million dollars in 1996, making it the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in the United States. Erin has devoted her life to uncovering lies and deception as a fearless environmental activist. Her passion to do what she does is rooted in her Kansas upbringing, the challenges of dyslexia and the life lessons she learned from her parents. Please leave a review of this podcast and never miss an episode by subscribing today.…
"If you want to be successful, you have to imagine who you want to be and picture it in your mind." These are words of wisdom from Marilynn and Sheila Brass, aka: The Brass Sisters. As the stars of the PBS show The Food Flirts, these two sisters from Winthrop, MA. have collected thousands of recipes, some from their own family and others, written on notecards, found in old cookbooks at yard sales. The cookbook authors believe that recipes tell stories about love, tradition and family and that when you prepare a meal for someone, you give them a gift beyond compare. Find out how Marilynn (76) and Sheila (80) are making foodie headlines with their famous Crazy Shake. Reinvention is their middle name! Marilyn and Sheila are living proof that "you have to have a dream" in order to achieve it. http://www.thebrasssisters.com…
In this very emotional episode of The Story Behind Her Success, a young mom from Framingham, MA. named Jessica Leip gives us an up close and personal look into what it is like to live with terminal breast cancer. Diagnosed at only 37, Jessica had no symptoms of the disease and no family history. Terrified to leave her daughters without a mother, she endured powerful chemotherapy treatments that almost killed her twice. Five years have passed and although this exceptional woman knows her days are measured, Jess is determined not to let cancer rule her life. Her personal outlook and her message about what really matters will inspire you. Subscribe today for new weekly episodes and please tell us your thoughts with a rate and review in Apple Podcasts.…
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