Real Women. Real Stories.: Recent Episodes
Real Women. Real Stories.
Thanks for your support of Season 3: Real Women, Real Stories. We hope you feel as inspired have been by these amazing women. Stay tuned for Season 4, coming soon.
Bethany experienced two huge losses at once when she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer during her first pregnancy: a complete hysterectomy and the death of her unborn daughter, Hallie. Here's how she channeled her inner power to help her grieve, and created something positive in Hallie's memory, The Hallie Strong Foundation.
When 3-time cancer survivor Sonia Su received an anonymous care package during her chemo treatment, it completely changed her life. Learn what was in that inspiring package and how she's paying it forward with her non-profit, Kits to Heart.
When Dianne couldn't find a natural wig during her chemo treatment, she decided to take matters into her own hands and start a company to help other women like her. That's how Coils to Locs was founded. Listen to her inspiring story, and how her cancer journey turned her into an entrepreneur.
Christine had a unique perspective when she was diagnosed with cancer: she had been working as an oncology nurse since she got her license. On this episode, Christine shares how becoming a cancer patient informs her nursing practice, and how she hopes her book, Both Sides of the Bedside, will help doctors and other health care professionals have more empathy in their treatment.
From Stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis to remission for 8 years, Elise shares her amazing journey in honor of Pancreatic Cancer Month. Listen to how she learned of her diagnosis and why she believes it's so important for women to advocate for themselves and their health.
When Asha was diagnosed with breast cancer, she found solace through fitness. Here's her inspiring story, and how she became a spokesperson for the Target mastectomy swimwear line.
Just two months after winning Olympic gold in cross country skiing, Kikkan Randall was diagnosed with breast cancer. How did she use what she learned from training for five Olympic games to help her on her cancer journey? Listen to her inspiring story and see how being a part of a team was the catalyst for healing.
When AnnMarie was diagnosed with breast cancer, she started a blog so that her family could stay attuned to her treatment and healing journey. But when people from all over the world started reading it, she realized she could do more with her platform. That's how Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer was born. Listen to AnnMarie's inspiring story, and learn how a pretty pair of pink stilettos helped her get through her treatment.
When Sonya starting losing her hair during cancer treatment, she found herself experiencing pain when wearing wigs. So she decided to make her own head wraps that were comfortable and stylish, which is now her thriving business, StyleEsteem. On this episode, she shares her inspiring story of how her entrepreneurial spirit was nourished during her cancer healing process.
Jenna was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer at a very young age, which led her to start a blog so she could share her experiences with her friends and family. As it grew in popularity, Jenna felt drawn to do more, which is how her foundation Twist Out Cancer was born.
Remember the I Love Boobies saying that became popular a few years ago? That all started thanks to Shaney Jo, founder of Keep a Breast Foundation, which is dedicated to helping spread breast cancer awareness among young women. Listen to her inspiring story!
When Bianca Muñiz was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer at the age of 11, her life was turned upside down. Then, at 22, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Music has always played an important part of Bianca's life, but now, as a performer, her music has gone beyond supporting her own healing process and touches others too. You can listen to some of Bianca's music on this episode of Real Women Real Stories.
When Pamela's sister Louisa was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, they both became instant advocates, which led them to found T. E. A. L. What started as one walk has become a non-profit serving women with ovarian cancer and their families, while helping to spread the word about the signs and symptoms and advocating for an effective screening.
When Shannon couldn't find an ovarian cancer community to connect with after her diagnosis at a young age, she decided to start her own. That's how Teal Diva was born. All month, we'll be sharing the stories of amazing ovarian cancer survivors (and their allies). Shannon's story is the first in this inspiring series.
Diagnosed with breast cancer at just 27, Dana's life in the fast lane of the fashion world came to a screeching halt. But her experience inspired her to use her talent and passion to help other survivors, which is how her lingerie company AnaOno was born. She has dedicated her life to inspiring other women, and reminding them to "feel the beauty, feel like you."
When Sylvia's idol, and then, Aunt died of breast cancer, she decided to dedicate her life as an ally to the underserved Black breast cancer community, from writing a book to showcasing amazing images of breast cancer survivors at museums, even starting her own publishing company. See how being touched by cancer as a family member can inspire someone to support the community.
What started as just another visit to an aesthetician turned into 2nd degree burns and an idea for a product for Suzanna Sinatra. But when she was diagnosed with cancer, Suzanne realized her invention, Private Packs, could help a whole lot more women.
Marquina was a busy mom when she got devastating news: a breast cancer diagnosis. But what she did next, tapping into her background in competitive air guitaring, helped her (and many other women) get through treatment. Now, she is sharing stories of other survivors in her new book, Tough.
Get ready for Season 3 of Real Women, Real Stories, featuring all new women, with all new inspiring stories! Here's a little taste of what to expect from this new season. Make sure to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. New episodes launch next week.
With parents who were substance abusers, Geri Lynn found inspiration in their journey and her own healing, propelling her into a career as a mental health professional. Today, she provides services for underserved populations, and has written her first book Mainlining Philly: Survival, Hope, and Resisting Drug Addiction.
LaTanya’s mother wasn’t able to take her many places when she was a child. That’s part of what motivated her to start her non-profit LaTanya & TheYouth of Englewood, a safe haven for many children in her community. She provides after-school and summer camp services to low-income youth, working tireless daily to give them what she did not have as a child. Her story will inspire you.
When she finally got health insurance coverage at her new job, Tamika had no idea how it would spiral into a cancer diagnosis. But thanks to a doctor who encouraged her to see her OB-GYN and get a Pap-smear, Tamika was able to quickly get treatment for this often deadly disease. On this episode, she shares her journey from TV producer to a sought-after speaker, advocate, and mentor. And why she founded her non-profit, Cervivor.
Even though Raven Magwood is in her early 20s, she has accomplished so many amazing things in her life. From gymnastics champion to book author to non-profit founder, Raven is determined to inspire others to reach their full potential. On this episode, Raven shares how her hard work has helped her attain success, with a message that inspires others.
After her breast cancer diagnosis, Dee Burrell’s career focus took a huge shift. From motivational speaking and life coaching, to book author and breast cancer advocate, she spends her time spreading a positive message we can all benefit from. Follow her amazing journey, and learn more about what she’s doing now in today’s episode.
Scharmaine went from living in the projects with her grandmother, to earning a doctorate in nursing. Her hard work, dedication, and ingenuity helped Hurricane Katrina victims during their time of need. On this episode, Scharmaine shares how she rallied in her darkest times to keep going, and how she's using her platform to help inspire young girls to become advanced nurse practitioners through her Nola the Nurse children's book series.
When the pandemic hit, Barbara had to close her restaurant, Barbara's on the Bay, a small restaurant in a little town on the Chesapeake Bay. As she waits for the re-opening, she and a few other local chefs have been cooking donated food and delivering it to seniors in her community.
For our 50th episode, we're celebrating Mother's Day! We're joined by previous guests Crissy, Terra, Jessica, Mika, and Jen as they share the challenges they've faced and the silver linings they've found while parenting through a pandemic
When the pandemic hit, Kelly transitioned her Movement Source Pilates business online to continue to support her community. But she wanted to do more, which is how she started two special classes that are free to health care and frontline workers.
When the pandemic hit, Alison's portrait photography business game to a halt. But when she discovered the #FrontStepsProject, she decided to join the movement and take photos of families in her neighborhood safely on their front steps, with donations accepted to her charity of choice, Covenant House.
After a tragedy struck her at a young age, Crissy made it her mission to live for today. Her own journey with coaching led her to become one herself, and now, with her coaching business and podcast Suburban Warrior, she works with women like her, to help them reignite a passion for their careers and their lives.
When the pandemic hit, Barbara's business closed, but soon after, she was asked by her brother to make masks. Since then, she's transformed her business, Barb's Custom Alterations, and now makes masks for frontline works and friends and family who need them most, all for donations only.
When Dayna was laid off during the Coronavirus pandemic, she decided she wanted to do something to help the frontline workers like her mother, a hospital worker, and her husband, a police officer. What started as a simple request for donations to help send pizzas became a Facebook Group that's raised over $7,000 to provide meals and support small businesses
Loren and the team at Local Smoke BBQ have seen their business drop 40% since the Coronavirus pandemic, and the next few months look even more grim. But even so, she decided to give back to her community, and support the hard work her local hospital workers are doing with a give-back and match initiative.
Carlee is an expert helping professionals who feel overworked or overwhelmed, but her journey started when she experienced childhood trauma, which led to her own journey of overworking and then, burnout. Now she runs The Stress Less Company, which is dedicated to helping professionals around the country reduce stress through coaching.
Grace’s love of animals turned into activism. She founded Finding Shelter Animal Rescue to help save and place animals from puppy mills. Listen to how she started her journey into saving animals and educating others to do the same.
Connect with other women through free online classes and workshops, and support women who have lost their jobs due to the Coronavirus outbreak. From yoga to kitchen organization, and a whole lot more, take a free class daily with one of our instructors, then support them through their Venmo "virtual tip jar" account. You'll enjoy the camaraderie of our sisterhood, and support the tribe of women who need it most right now. All proceeds go directly to these women.
Visit GNIOnline.com to sign up.
After her experience with post partum depression and OCD, Terra decided to try the mindfulness techniques she had used with her clients on herself. Now, she runs Mindful Mamas , a website and new app, that helps make mindfulness practice more accessible to all.
Amanda's journey to self-care was not an easy one. Working too many long hours and putting others first gravely affected her health, her finances, and her family. Now, on her podcast and on stage, she speaks about the importance of radical self care.
Scharmaine went from living in the projects with her grandmother, to earning a doctorate in nursing. Her hard work, dedication, and ingenuity helped Hurricane Katrina victims during their time of need. On this episode, Scharmaine shares how she rallied in her darkest times to keep going, and how she's using her platform to help inspire young girls to become advanced nurse practitioners through her Nola the Nurse children's book series.
After her breast cancer diagnosis, Dee Burrell's career focus took a huge shift. From motivational speaking and life coaching, to book author and breast cancer advocate, she spends her time spreading a positive message we can all benefit from. Follow her amazing journey, and learn more about what she's doing now in today's episode.
Beth worked for years as an editor and director of independent films, commercials, and music videos. But then in 2017, she was diagnosed with stage IV Ovarian Cancer. In this episode, she shares how her life took a turn after her diagnosis, and how it influenced her newly published memoir, Why Didn't I Notice Her Before.
After experiencing the stillbirth of her son, Jesse, in November of 2000, Sarah Slack decided to reach out to other grieving families who experience the loss of a child. On this episode, she shares how she processed the grief, and what she hopes to accomplish with her non-profit, The TEARS Foundation.
A life of tragedy did not stop Carol Jean Wilson. She has turned her grief into power, and is spreading the word on how others can Prove Them Wrong, the title of her new book. She shares her incredible story of survival on this week's episode.
Even though Raven Magwood is in her early 20s, she has accomplished so many amazing things in her life. From gymnastics champion to book author to non-profit founder, Raven is determined to inspire others to reach their full potential. On this episode, Raven shares how her hard work has helped her attain success, with a message that inspires others.
A simple shopping trip to get new bras changed Dana's life forever. When she learned that women experiencing homelessness desperately needed bras and sanitary products, she made a call to her Facebook friends which has turned into the global NGO I Support The Girls. On this episode, Dana talks about how it all began, and how you can get involved in helping this important cause.
When Liz's father passed away, she dealt with her grief through running. Since then, Liz has been inspired to run 30 marathons in 30 countries before she turns 30, and in doing so, raise $100,000 for charities around the world. On this episode, she shares her inspiring story, and how she's hoping her Run to Reach project impacts women all around the world.
Lydia was living a fast-paced life as an attorney in Chicago when she got the news: Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. What she discovered through her treatment and recovery surprised her. On this episode, she talks about surviving survivorship, what it means to truly thrive in your life, and the message in her new book, Wait, It Gets Worse.
When she finally got health insurance coverage at her new job, Tamika had no idea how it would spiral into a cancer diagnosis. But thanks to a doctor who encouraged her to see her OB-GYN and get a Pap-smear, Tamika was able to quickly get treatment for this often deadly disease. On this episode, she shares her journey from TV producer to a sought-after speaker, advocate, and mentor. And why she founded her non-profit, Cervivor.
Evelyn and Cathy were busy leaders in their fields of finance and journalism, respectively. So how did they end up founding Ratatouille and Company, a catering company that trains and employs female immigrants and refugees? On this episode, you'll hear their inspiring story, and learn how they are empowering this community of women, and helping them thrive.
As a survivor and thriver of human trafficking, Jessa now spends her time helping prevent this from happening to others. Through her education as a mental health counselor, and her non-profit BridgeHope, Jessa works tirelessly to battle this crime that is rampant in the United States. On this episode, she shares her incredible story, as well as what we all need to know (and how we can help).
Shannon Miller is best known for her amazing performances in both the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, but what you might not know about her is that she's an ovarian cancer survivor. On this episode, she shares her story - what happened after the Olympics, and how her cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery changed her.
Kelly turned the tragedy of losing her son, an active-duty soldier, into a wide-reaching good. On this episode, Kelly shares what inspired her to found My Warrior’s Place, a non-profit that serves Veterans, Military Service Members, First Responders and Gold Star Families.
Sandra always had a passion for helping youth. After returning home from a mission trip, Sandra heard some horrific news. It was at that point she and her family decided to sell everything to buy a property that is now known as Purpose Farm, a place where children in need get support through working with animals.
Maggie was pursuing her dream as a young professional dancer when she got devastating news: a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. Today, she uses her popular social media platform @BaldBallerina to help educate young people about MBC.
Faced with abuse, sexual assault, and the recent death of her husband, Tracey turned her pain into a healing practice, by helping others as a crisis counselor and life coach. On this episode she shares the indescribable challenges she has faced and overcome, as well as how she is working to help other women like her, though her Daring Woman website and podcast.
After tragedy struck close to home after September 11, Megan felt a pull to do more to help her own families and others like her. As a way to connect with others, and encourage others to do the same, she founded her non-profit, HeartWorks . On this episode, she shares the story of how she was able to heal her pain by helping others heal theirs.
LaTanya’s mother wasn’t able to take her many places when she was a child. That’s part of what motivated her to start her non-profit LaTanya & TheYouth of Englewood, a safe haven for many children in her community. She provides after-school and summer camp services to low-income youth, working tireless daily to give them what she did not have as a child. Her story will inspire you.
Mika was an athlete her entire life, eating healthy and exercising the recommended amount. But then she started feeling chest pains while she was running, which her doctor just chalked up to stress and anxiety. Her EKGs were normal and she was in her 30s. The pain kept happening, until it got so bad on her birthday hike that she was insistent that she see a cardiologist. Turns out, Mika was right to be worried. On this episode, we share Mika’s amazing survivor story that inspired her to start her fitness company Goomi Group.
When Kristine Deer lost her job in 2009, she wasn’t sure what to do. A friend encouraged her to try hot yoga, and after her first class she was hooked. What followed was inspiration that fueled invention, leading Kristine down an exciting path as an entrepreneur with a big heart. On this episode, you’ll hear how Kristine grew her company K-Deer from her own garage, to a brand that celebs are photographed in.
When Virgie was a little girl, she felt happy and comfortable in her body. But as she encountered kids at school, she learned to be ashamed of her body. For twenty years she dieted and put off truly living her life: she’d wear the bathing suit later. Travel later. Live her life, later. Then, as a grad student, she discovered the discipline of fat studies, and began conducting research and interviews with fat women, which opened her eyes to the cultural implications of fat and body shaming. And then, she attended a conference that changed her life. On this episode, Virgie shares how that one moment inspired her to become a sought-after speaker on body positivity, and author of four books, including her upcoming book Flawless: Radical Body Positivity for Girls of Color.
Krizell’s life changed when she turned 13 and her parents got divorced. It was only then she discovered that the father she had known her whole life wasn’t actually her biological father. She struggled through high school, until she was required to pick between nursing and welding as an after-school program. It was the only way she could graduate from high school. Her first day at nursing assistant school changed her life. She had found her calling, and went on to get her LVN and RN licenses. But even after landing her dream job, she still felt depressed. On this episode, we share how Krizell found her way out of the darkness, and used her journey to inspire other women on her site Everyday Women.
The day after Jen got home with her infant son she started to feel symptoms of post partum depression, but it wasn’t until her mom intervened that she knew what was going on. Sadly, Jen’s experience is not uncommon; millions of women experience symptoms of a maternal mental health disorder but go undiagnosed and untreated. With that in mind, Jen decided to start her community, Motherhood Understood, to help remind other women out there that they’re not alone. She now reaches thousands of women every single day with her message of empathy and support.
When Megs met Beverly at a tutoring session, she didn’t realize it would be the start of a complete career change. But when she learned that Beverly had never had a birthday party, she felt compelled to do something. So, she applied for a grant from Scholastic, and much to her surprise, she won. Since then, her non-profit Beverly’s Birthdays has hosted birthday parties for thousands of kids, as well as provided support and essentials for homeless and low income families. Through the simple concept of a birthday party, Megs has changed the lives of thousands of families who just needed someone to acknowledge that they mattered on their very special day.
Both Aliza Sherman and Dr. June Chin suffered from chronic pain, sleep issues, and other ailments, with no real relief in sight. That’s when they both decided to research Cannabis and CBD as a possible remedy. The amazing effects they experienced personally led them to pen a new book Cannibis and CBD for Health and Wellness which is a helpful guide to everything you want to know about this topic. On this episode, they answer common questions about CBD and Cannabis, and share how their own challenges led to their expertise.
Jessica Ashley was pretty sure she’d always stay married, but after finding herself in a police station looking for her husband, she realized that might not be how her story ended. Through her divorce and life as a single parent, Jessica took the lessons she learned along the way and decided to channel them into a new career: divorce coach. On this episode, we chat with Jessica about the challenges she faced, and how she helps other women get through them, both as a coach and on her site, Single Mom Nation.
After Lysne Tait read an article in Huffington Post about low income and homeless women not having access to products, she and her friend decided to host a breakfast to raise money to help purchase them for a local organization. When 100 people responded, she realized there was a great need and interest, which she turned into her non-profit Helping Women Period. They provide menstrual products for over 100 charities in the mid-Michigan area. On this episode, she shares startling facts, along with ways people can get more involved in helping in their own community.
You might know Heidi Ganahl as the founder of Camp Bow Wow, a $100 million dollar leader the pet and franchise industry. But what you might not know is that she overcame struggles early in her career that could have sent her path in a different direction. On this episode, Heidi shares her inspiring story, and gives advice to budding young entrepreneurs. Plus, get a sneak peek into SheFactor , her new book and app that’s aimed at empowering young women.
It’s been 7 years since Brittney Hogan’s husband Hunter was killed in Afghanistan in the line of duty. She struggled with the devastating loss, and turned to alcohol to cope. At the prompting of a friend, she started running, and realized that fitness became her therapy. She started designing inspiring t-shirts, then turned her passion into a 503(c) non-profit. When you purchase t-shirts and workout gear at Virago Fitness, the proceeds help provide free fitness therapy classes to people like her who were struggling and need it most.
What happens when you get to the ER, only to discover that what you’re suffering from is something no one in the hospital has ever encountered? That’s what happened to Aimee Haller Follis, wife and mother of 3, who nearly died from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare infection that is usually associated with tampon use. On this episode, Aimee shares the harrowing story of her TSS diagnosis and recovery, with the hopes to help spread awareness about this rare but deadly disease.
Jaime’s journey with migraine began as a toddler with abdominal migraine, then as a wife and mother with chronic intractable migraine. She’s learned to turn her pain into empowerment as the author of The Migraine Diva and a Migraine Patient Advocacy Coordinator with Global Healthy Living Foundation. Through her advocacy work and blog, Jaime’s mission is to make a very invisible disease visible to the rest of the world and validate the real pain of millions. On this episode, she shares how she turned her migraine pain into advocacy, and how she manages her daily life with this pervasive disease.
At the age of 25, Iomikoe Johnson Woods was diagnosed with vitiligo, an auto-immune disorder than turns darker skin white. After 12 years of struggling with her diagnosis and covering her skin with heavy make-up, Iomikoe tapped into her inner strength and turned her challenge into a body positive mission. She is now a sought-after model, actress, and book author. On this episode, she shares how she overcame the challenge of looking different in a world that is so outer-focused, and how she is working to change the definition of beauty.
Links:
Iomikoe on Instagram
Dr. Arabia Mollette was born and raised in the South Bronx, NYC and always wanted to be a doctor. But it wasn’t until she encountered tragic losses in her life that she realized what kind of doctor she wanted to be. Through hard work, determination, and inspiration from an author with a similar background, she completed her medical degree and now works as an ER Physician in Brooklyn, NY. On this episode, we hear Arabia’s triumphant story firsthand, and learn more about how she is giving back to the community that helped support her.
Links from the show:
Dr. Arabia Mollette’s podcast: The Visit
Andi Buchanan was living her busy life as a New York Times bestselling author and mom of two when her life took a dramatic turn. One bad cough turned into months of bad headaches and doctor’s visits with no answers. Finally, she discovered that she had been suffering from something called a Spontaneous Spinal CSF Leak. On this episode, Andi shares the story of her diagnosis and recovery, as well as how she coped with the daily challenges CSF Leak patients experience, all of which she turned into an award-winning memoir The Beginning of Everything.
Margit Detweiler was a busy media executive (President of Gyrate Media) and founder of TueNight.com, an online community of over-40 women, when she discovered she had ovarian cancer on a fluke. As she managed the shift from her on-the-go lifestyle, she documented her experience in a Webby-nominated column Ovarian Rhapsody as a way to process the experience, and give women like her a resource that she couldn’t find when she was looking. She shares the story of how she discovered her cancer, her journey through treatment, and the advice she has for women like her, and their friends and family.
Links from our show:
Gyrate Media
Ovarian Rhapsody
TueNight.com
Tammi Leader Fuller went from being an award-winning TV producer to following her passion at the young age of 53. Her experience at summer camp growing up stuck with her, so much so that she had always dreamed about starting an experience just like it, but for adults. That’s how Campowerment was born, and since its inception, she’s reached thousands of women with her message of support, inspiration and play. But then, just last year, tragedy hit when her business was devastated by the Malibu Fires. She’s now focused on rebuilding her business, and shares how she’s powered through the many challenges along the way, and what she has planned for the future of Campowerment.
Links from our show:
Campowerment
Pat San Pedro was a busy four-time Emmy-award winning television producer whose life came to a screeching halt when she heard the news: you have breast cancer. It was the same disease that took her mom 20 years earlier. However, from the moment of diagnosis, Pat saw her cancer as an opportunity…something that was brought to her life for a reason. She documented her journey, which became an award-winning documentary, wrote a book The Cancer Dancer, and founded Positively Pat, a health and wellness community, along with global cancer support group for women called "Link of Hope Sistas.” She encourages audiences to live a positive and purposeful life with a connection to Spirit, so it can bring forth happiness, balance, harmony and fulfillment at work and in their personal lives.
Links from our show:
The Cancer Dancer
Positively Pat
Link of Hope Sistas
When Shelly Fisher was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, she fought it like a warrior. Quietly with strength. She let her closest friends know after she had surgery by writing them all an email.
Eight years later, when Shelly was told she had a different cancer, she again kept it to herself.
Why? Because she needed time to process the information alone. Working things out in her own mind even though she knew she had a great support system.
One day when she felt down, an empowering mantra went through her head. So she went to a jeweler and had them make her a necklace with three words on it. One Tough Bitch.
On this episode of the One Tough Bitch podcast, we talk to our founder Shelly Fisher, who has taken her own experience as a two-time cancer survivor and turned it into a lifestyle brand and online community movement to help other women access their own inner OTB.
Links from our show:
The necklace that inspired it all.
Shelly’s book (along with co-author Jennifer Jones) Breaking Sad
The OTB Sisterhood Facebook Group