The Ladies' Room: Recent Episodes
The Ladies' Room
Iris and Jennifer became best friends while working as news anchors at competing TV stations. They now live in different cities, but share the same mission - empowering women. The Ladies’ Room podcast highlights inspirational women who have overcome challenges and are making an impact in their community and beyond. The goal is to be a source of inspiration and information for people across the world.
Can we clone Christie Casciano and put her in every newsroom? Her mentorship, encouragement and intelligence are unmatched. She can easily teach a masterclass in balance - being a journalist, author, hockey mom, caregiver and more. We are happy we got to learn even more from her and about her in the episode. We hope you enjoy as much as we did!
The words “unapologetic force revolutionizing the world of television news” are synonymous with the name, Tahera Rahman. You’ll want to clear about 30 minutes of your schedule to listen to this woman’s story, TRUST US. Tahera’s journey is paving the way for so many women and men around the world. We are in awe of her transparency, vulnerability, grit and the beauty she possesses inside and out. So many gems in this episode.
When we say top notch boss babe, just know we are referring to Kristina Orido. This beautiful, sweet spirit is the founder and CEO of the premier vegan, luxury lash brand - Amara Lashes (oh and you’ve seen AMARA Lashes on your favorite celebrities and networks). After completing her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, Kristina took a giant leap of faith and said goodbye to her corporate career and launched her company. She walks us through her journey (highs and lows), gives us the 🔑 to successful entrepreneurship and tells us how she’s using her business to make EVERYONE feel fierce and confident every day of the week! Whew, we have this one on repeat!
EVERYONE needs a doctor like Cynthia Jones, MD, MPH. Her spirit is calming and the prayer she said for us after the interview, whew, it blessed our entire week. Her level of care for her patients and compassion for the community are unmatched. From starting a faith-based hospital in Chicago to being a Chief Medical Officer in Upstate NY, Dr. Jones has paved the way for so many in the medical field. In this episode, we talk being your own health advocate, taking a leap of faith and why representation is so important in the healthcare space!
We had to listen to this episode three times because there were SO MANY gems dropped! We both have at least two pages of notes - it was that good. It’s an honor to sit down with one of our mentors, THE Gwen Webber-McLeod, and learn about leadership, entrepreneurship and the power we hold within. If you want to start a transformational journey of change and walk into your purpose…this episode is for you!
Have you ever met someone and their joy immediately warms your soul? That’s how we feel about the PHENOMENAL Karen Swensen. She’s a former, award-winning news anchor from WWL-TV in #NOLA.
Now, she’s the owner of Life’s About Change, an organization so impactful it’s become part of a TODAY Show segment with her best friend Hoda. In this episode, she teaches us all the important lesson of change.
Inspired. Seen. Encouraged. These are just a few words that describe the emotions we felt during our final episode of this season with Tanja Babich. She is a GEM. She recently made international headlines when she wore her glasses on air for her daughter...we discussed how that unexpectedly became a movement and her INSPIRING journey to self-love and success. We appreciate you so much Tanja!
FRESH off of this week’s episode of the Christmas Cookie Challenge on the Food Network, Tykemia Carman talks to us about her experience in the competition and how she landed on the network. We also talked about the birth of her wildly successful business, Crave Dessert Studio, and the next steps in her beautiful journey. Y’all we laughed, cried and laughed some more...
Do you want to know how to get clear on your purpose and align yourself with your goals? Redefine your relationship with stress? Take up space and show up empowered and confident? This is the episode for you! Thank you Stephanie Simpson for an amazing interview with so many life-changing nuggets. 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨!
Public Relations guru, super-mom, influencer and business owner...Lauren Malloy is the sister-friend/advisor that every woman needs in her life. In this episode, Lauren talks about balance, business and blooming.
From successful engineer to owner of Central New York’s most popular sustainable fashion boutique, Caeresa Richardson is living her wildest dreams. In this episode, Caeresa teaches us how a leap of faith can launch you into your life’s purpose! She also drops a lot of gems for new business owners.
Listen now on: - SoundCloud - iTunes - YouTube - Stitcher - GooglePlay - Facebook - Spotify
From a television news reporter to co-founder and CEO of one of the nation’s most popular dating apps for dog lovers and dog owners - Leigh D’Angelo is the true DEFINITION of #GOALS. She’s a professor, communications guru and also has an exciting partnership with NASA!
Her journey teaches us that a dream + a well-designed plan + persistence = SUCCESS.
We are so thrilled to launch Season 3 with Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, speaker and advocate...Dion Lim! In this episode we talk about making your moment, finding your AUTHENTIC voice and walking in your purpose!
It’s our last episode for Season 2! We recap all the amazing things that have happened in the past year and highlight the words of wisdom we received from our phenomenal guests! Season 3 is loading!
When you think of the phrase “for the culture,” you immediately think of Vanessa Campbell and Victoria Coit and all the work they are doing in Central New York. They are the driving forces behind Cuse Culture - a boutique PR Agency based in Syracuse and a powerful force that creates necessary and diverse spaces in the community. They have some AMAZING ventures ahead that left us INSPIRED y’all.
This week Iris’ GOAL-friend, Nina Purhenn, brought some inspirational gems and a little spoken word to The Ladies’ Room. Nina is the girlfriend who will always encourage you to achieve your goals - mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally. She’s a nurse by day and a fitness instructor, CEO (of The GoalLine) and poet by night.
She puts the ‘Bea’ in Boss Lady. Bea Arthur (Yes, that’s her REAL name!) is the founder and CEO of The Difference. As a licensed mental health counselor, she wants to make therapy accessible to everyone, everywhere. In this episode, Bea is unfiltered and unapologetic when it comes to being herself. ⚠️: There is some strong language in this episode!
Learn more about Be a: She puts the ‘Bea’ in Boss Lady. Bea Arthur (Yes, that’s her REAL name!) is the founder and CEO of The Difference. As a licensed mental health counselor, she wants to make therapy accessible to everyone, everywhere. In this episode, Bea is unfiltered and unapologetic when it comes to being herself. ⚠️: There is some strong language in this episode!
Learn more about Bea: She puts the ‘Bea’ in Boss Lady. Bea Arthur (Yes, that’s her REAL name!) is the founder and CEO of The Difference. As a licensed mental health counselor, she wants to make therapy accessible to everyone, everywhere. In this episode, Bea is unfiltered and unapologetic when it comes to being herself. ⚠️: There is some strong language in this episode!
She puts the ‘Bea’ in Boss Lady. Bea Arthur (Yes, that’s her REAL name!) is the founder and CEO of The Difference. As a licensed mental health counselor, she wants to make therapy accessible to everyone, everywhere. In this episode, Bea is unfiltered and unapologetic when it comes to being herself. ⚠️: There is some strong language in this episode!
Learn more about Bea: http://beaarthurtherapy.com
This special guest brought a lot of sunshine (and laughs) to The Ladies’ Room! Janice Dean is a Senior Meteorologist at Fox News Channel. During this episode, she opens up about living with Multiple Sclerosis, the ups and downs of her career in television and how she balances life as a working mom, author and so much more. Regardless of the season, the forecast for her life is ‘Mostly Sunny’ - which is the name of her memoir. You can’t help but feel better after being in her presence!
We are still in awe of our time with Ms. Susan L. Taylor. She is an ICON and one of the most influential women in journalism and fashion. She served as editor-in-chief of Essence Magazine for 27 years and now she is the Founder & CEO of the National CARES Mentoring Movement (such a powerful organization that’s doing amazing work).
We recently met her at a women’s empowerment event and she shared her unconventional journey to success. Her life story, wisdom and grace has literally changed our lives. She is one of the most genuine and authentic spirits you will ever meet.
Jill Murphy is the co-owner of Mission Fitness. She gained national attention when her client, Ronnie Brower, lost more than 450 lbs. She and her husband introduced their clients to the Ketogenic diet years before it became the trend it is today. She's so much more than a personal trainer though, her passion for healthy living is transforming her clients mentally, emotionally and physically, helping them achieve goals they never thought possible!
May is Lupus Awareness Month and our latest episode shines a spotlight on one of our biggest inspirations: Alana Hughes! She is an amazing personal trainer, educator, motivational speaker and a LUPUS WARRIOR! We felt like we were sitting in a session with a life coach when she visited The Ladies' Room. Her beautiful spirit and transparency is truly transformational!
Andrea Fairweather is an international TRAILBLAZER! You see her work everyday on Good Morning America as well as television and film. She is a celebrity makeup artist with more than 25 years of experience and she is the CEO of Fairweather Faces Inc. She dropped so many gems when she visited The Ladies' Room, giving advice on business, entrepreneurship and success.
Kate Welshofer is a journalist (she’s been in the game more than 20 years and currently works at WGRZ), producer, YouTuber, content creator and just an all around amazing (and nice and FUN) woman!
In this episode of The Ladies’ Room, she talks about her journey from being a news producer, reporter and anchor to creating her own lane which led to a TV show! If you want to learn how to create a space that will guide you to your life’s purpose - this is a must listen!
Tamar is a POWERHOUSE on and off the stage. She's performed on stages across the country, singing, dancing AND acting (her role as "Effie" in Dreamgirls in one of our personal favs). Her journey to success was not easy though. She visited The Ladies' Room to share her story, talk about current projects and some EXCITING news about her future. Onward Queen!
From Kuwait to Chicago to New York - Jennifer travels around the world sharing her emotional and remarkable journey of becoming a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.
She visited The Ladies’ Room and told us how she turned her pain into purpose by opening The Center for Creative Arts & Healing in Syracuse, a safe haven where people can incorporate art in their lives to help them heal. We were truly inspired!
Fearless Queens’ founders Tommi and Darien visit The Ladies’ Room ahead of the annual Queens Brunch on September 22nd!This was such a real, raw and transparent conversation about what it means to be a Fearless Queen and how the event will be LIFE-CHANGING.
So it’s been about six months since we started The Ladies’ Room. In that time we’ve had some AMAZING guests and connected with a lot of great people. In this episode, we get candid about our beautiful, but (very) challenging journey over the past six months and the inspiring lessons we’ve learned along the way! Thanks for listening!
Over the summer, we had the privilege of sitting down with one of our favorite GMA (Good Morning America) correspondents, Linsey Davis! She opened up about her career, breaking MAJOR stories and her INSPIRING children’s book. Tune in to hear her phenomenal story and you’ll understand why she’s #GOALS for us and so many journalists around the country!
DJ Bella J is one of the dopest female DJs on the East Coast! She stopped by The Ladies’ Room to talk about entering a male-dominated industry and how she is able to appeal to ALL demographics (clubs, bar mitzvahs, high-end soirées...you name it).
Her journey is an inspiration for any #bossbabe. Thanks for sharing your story Queen.
Danielle Mercuri, is the owner of one of the most popular breakfast spots in Central New York, Rise N Shine Diner. She creates hip, unique and what she calls “weird” dishes like the Big Daddy Pancake (check out @RiseNShineDiner on Instagram).
When Danielle started the restaurant, she was living in a hotel with her daughters....one of her lowest points in life. In this episode, hear how she managed to rise and shine in work and life!!
She’s an award-winning journalist who has successfully conquered the world of broadcast, print and digital journalism.
In this visit to The Ladies’ Room, Farah talks about her life before news, including her career as a top college athlete and her cancer diagnosis.
She talks about everything from helping launch a successful magazine to hosting her own show and how those experiences got her to where she is today!
Natasha Alford is a journalist, host, content creator and someone who is making MAJOR waves in the industry.
As Deputy Editor of The Grio, she reports on the most critical news and issues shaping society and culture.
Natasha visited The Ladies’ Room and told us about her unconventional journey to success (A MUST LISTEN) and what’s next!
Award-winning Broadway actress and singer Valisia Lekae is a POWERHOUSE! When she walks into a room, you immediately know that a STAR has arrived. Her portrayal of Diana Ross in "Motown The Musical" (she spent two years developing the role with Berry Gordy and Charles Randolph White) garnered praise from around the world. But in 2013, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, just days after her Grammy nomination. Valisia walks us through her beautiful journey on and off-stage, leaving us with laughs, a few tears and the strength to conquer whatever lies ahead.
Photo: Antonio Navas www.ValisiaLeKae.com
She’s a three-time Emmy Award winning journalist and currently works as a contributor for the Dr. Oz Show. She is also best-selling author, fitness guru, mother, wife and fellow podcaster.
Mara Schiavocampo is #GOALS for journalists around the country (including us!). She sat down with us in The Ladies’ Room to discuss her career including working on The Oprah Winfrey Show, balancing family and career and her future.
She is one of the most gracious and inspiring people you’ll meet. Enjoy and listen!
Katherine Switzer is a RUNNING ICON. We will say it again...A RUNNING ICON to people across the world. She was the first woman to officially run in the Boston marathon in 1967 and the historic photos (which are on our social media pages) showed Switzer being by a race official who grabbed her shoulder, flung her back, screaming, “Get the hell out of my race and give me those numbers!”
Switzer recounts the experience and tells us how she became a runner and has continued running after 70!
In this episode, television personality Kaylea Nixon visits The Ladies’ Room! She talks about everything from why she left her job as a morning lifestyle show co-host to her love for all things home and good living (think HGTV). She’s a wife, community advocate, realtor, mom, fur mom to five rescue dogs and all around beautiful person. How does she do it all? Find out in The Ladies’ Room!
To follow what Kaylea is up to visit: www.nixonpack.com
Dr. Juhanna Rogers, is one of eight African-American women who gained international attention as the “Great 8”. This group of eight women made history when they completed their doctoral degrees in education simultaneously at Indiana University. Like never before, she shares her inspirational journey that has transformed lives of women across the world.
Connect with her on https://juhannarogers.com
On this episode, we sit down with the legendary Jackie Robinson. She paved the way for women of color in television news in Syracuse, New York and beyond. From a feature in Jet Magazine comparing her to the baseball great with the same name, to breaking down color and gender barriers in journalism - we take a journey through her life and career as a successful television news anchor.
Supermodel Emme has graced the cover of magazines and walked down runways. As a full figured model, she showed beauty is defined by a particular size. She plays many more roles including being a body activist, author, brand spokesperson and mom. Hear more from her in The Ladies' Room.
Connect with Emme Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: @SupermodelEmme https://www.emmestyle.com
As journalists, Iris and Jennifer ask people questions for a living. Now they're answering their own questions. You'll learn a little more about them and how this podcast, The Ladies' Room came to be.
Connect with them on social media: Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @OnAirTLR