Shows
SAYge Real StoriesFemale Founder Series: Melissa Bernstein on What Can Lie Behind the Curtain of SuccessMelissa Bernstein is the cofounder of Melissa & Doug, the billion-dollar toy company she built from her parents’ garage. But behind the bright products was a hidden darkness. Melissa spent decades battling existential despair—until she finally came out as her true self. She then built her newest venture Lifelines to help others do the same. In this episode, she shares how creativity, purpose, and radical self-acceptance changed everything.Our new story sharing platform SAYge Link is now live in beta! Join using special invite code: FEMALEFOUNDER2025-05-1039 minSAYge Real StoriesFemale Founder Series: Beyond the Breaking Point: Lenore Kantor’s Path to Growth WarriorAfter 20 years in corporate marketing and a pivotal role taking a fintech company public, Lenore Kantor hit a wall. What followed was not just a leap into entrepreneurship, but a full reorientation of how she works, who she serves, and how she lives. Now the founder of Growth Warrior, a SAYge Pro coach, and author of “So What Do You Do?” Lenore helps leaders evolve by aligning their inner clarity with outer action. In this episode, she shares how she went from overbuilt to intentional, from burned out to boundaried — and why less, when it’s aligned, is so often more.2025-04-2331 minSAYge Real StoriesScaling Success: Lessons from Tech Founder Zhenni WuZhenni Wu, co-founder and go-to-market leader at Puppygraph, brings the wisdom of navigating her fourth startup to the conversation. With a background at Apple, Baidu, and multiple early-stage ventures, Zhenni shares her expertise on building the right team, leveraging strategic hiring, and fostering support networks. Alongside additional growth hacking tips, Zhenni also offers insightful advice on balancing the entrepreneurial hustle with self-care.Check out Puppygraph: https://www.puppygraph.comConnect with Zhenni and new founders each week at www.saygelink.com/substack2025-04-1741 min
SAYge Real StoriesFemale Founder Series: Yiqi Wu's Journey from Meta to MetadataAfter scaling products to billions of users at Meta and Reddit, Yiqi Wu left the big platform world behind to build something of big value — a tool that helps founders decode the 'data behind the data', helping brands understand what really drives growth. As the founder of Aimerce, a data intelligence tool for Shopify brands, Yiqi shares how talking to customers, advisors, and peers has powered her pivots, reduced her stress, and fueled organic growth. Her story is a powerful reminder to female founders: you don’t have to figure it out alone, and often, the right conversation at the...2025-04-0632 minSAYge Real StoriesFemale Founder Series: Elmira Bayrasli on a Mission to get Women into the ConversationWhat if success isn’t about immediate wins, but about learning to trust the process—especially when the results aren’t visible yet? We sit down with Elmira Bayrasli, co-founder of Interruptrr - a platform and newsletter providing a stage for women to be heard. After years in foreign policy, that brought from being a presidential appointee under Madeleine Albright to spearheading media communication strategies for The Organization for Security & Cooperation in Europe, she saw a recurring pattern: women weren’t just being left out; they weren’t being invited in. She built the platform that she needed, one that amplifie...2025-03-1929 minSAYge Real StoriesFemale Founder Series: Eliza Blank's Journey from Unscalable to UnstoppableEliza Blank is the founder and CEO of The Sill, the company that turned houseplants into a modern lifestyle essential and built a multi-million dollar, category-defining brand. But bringing her vision to life wasn’t straightforward.In this episode, Eliza shares the unfiltered reality of starting and scaling The Sill—from the uncertainty of taking the leap, to seeking validation from a cofounder and customers, to navigating the challenges of funding and growth. She reflects on the early struggles of an unscalable model, scaling through an evolving retail landscape, and raising capital while becoming a mother. Her story is...2025-02-2636 minSAYge Real StoriesFemale Founder Series: Luann Daniel on Founding an Impactful Non-Profit and the Art of AskingLuAnn Daniel is the founder and executive director of Women Rock, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women facing breast cancer. After three decades of experience in diagnostic imaging, she witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of late-stage diagnoses, especially among women who lacked access to early detection. But it was the loss of her close friend, Susan Hicks, to breast cancer that gave her the final push to do something. In 2010, she transformed her grief into purpose, launchingWomen Rock, Inc. to provide financial assistance, education, and emotional support to women in need. Luanne shares her journey of building a n...2025-02-1128 minSAYge Real StoriesFemale Founder Series: HR Tech Founders Danika Khong & Elizabeth Wu on Fixing Hiring Gaps with SeismicDanika Khong and Elizabeth Wu are the co-founders of Seismic, an HR tech platform transforming skills-based hiring for STEM professionals. Frustrated by the disconnect between academia and industry, they built a solution to empower job seekers to find better career paths and companies to have a better talent pipeline. With backgrounds in research and biotech, they turned their real world experiences in the problem space into a scalable business, securing over $1M in funding through investments and an NIH grant.Beyond building an innovative hiring platform, Danika and Elizabeth have also mastered the art of co-founder partnerships—lev...2025-02-0439 minSAYge Real StoriesFemale Founder Series: Juliette Blake on Pivoting to Empower the Next Generation of GirlsJuliette Blake is the founder of Moxies, a gamified social platform designed to help girls build digital literacy and confidence in a safe online environment. A two-time founder and mom of three, Juliette launched her first business, Miss O and Friends, in high school and grew it into a globally recognized brand for girls. She shares her candid journey of pivoting during the pandemic, navigating challenges of fundraising as a non-technical female founder, sifting through good (and bad) advice and balancing founder life as a mom of three. Her insights offer invaluable lessons on resilience and steadfast purpose. Whether...2025-01-2839 minSAYge Real StoriesFemale Founder Series: Founder Tara Gilvar on Navigating Change and Inspiring GrowthTara Gilvar, founder of Believe, Inspire, Grow (B.I.G), turned a single email into a global women’s network with chapters spanning the East Coast and Europe . After leaving her 25-year corporate career to focus on family, Tara redefined her purpose and built an organization that helps women rediscover their ambitions and create fulfilling personal and professional lives. In this episode, she shares her journey of reinvention, the challenges of balancing passion with business goals, and the lessons she’s learned as a female entrepreneur.Connect with Erica and meet other incredible female founders by subscribing to S...2025-01-1334 minSAYge Real StoriesFemale Founder Series: Crafting a Business That Grows with Heart with Luxury Baby Brand Owner Karen HelburnKaren Helburn is founder and owner of Just Hatched, a luxury baby boutique specializing in retail and corporate baby gifting, based in Guilford, Connecticut. Karen has grown her business from modest beginnings at her kitchen table to a thriving operation with a global shipping program. Karen started Just Hatched in response to a personal need when her newborn developed allergies to traditional fabrics. This challenge inspired her to source and sell organic, chemical-free baby products long before they were mainstream. She began with grassroots efforts like "Tupperware-style" home parties, building her customer base step by step. Karen...2025-01-0630 minSAYge Real StoriesFemale Founder Series: FoodTech Founder Erica Tuggle on Growing with Intention and BalanceErica Tuggle is the founder and CEO of Livin (formerly CooKonnect), a platform that bridges busy professionals with personal chefs, creating healthier home-cooked meals. Erica’s journey to entrepreneurship was sparked by her own challenges as a working mom and her drive to create solutions for families navigating similar struggles.With over a decade of leadership at global brands like Coca-Cola, General Mills, and American Express, Erica’s professional expertise provided a strong foundation for her pivot to entrepreneurship. She successfully raised over $1M in funding to date, proving the ability to take an idea from concept to ma...2025-01-0631 minSAYge Real StoriesFemale Founder Series: Tackling Everest with Tech Founder Mia UmanosMia Umana is the founder of Clickvoyant, an AI-powered analytics firm revolutionizing how mid-sized e-commerce businesses access and use marketing data. A first-time founder with over 15 years in marketing analytics, Mia has scaled her company to $40K in monthly recurring revenue while redefining limiting beliefs about what’s possible in business and motherhood. Her candid insights on resilience, grit, and the importance of embracing failure as part of the journey are invaluable for entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty.Connect with Mia and meet other incredible founders. www.saygelink.substack.comKey Takeaways Emotional we...2024-12-3039 minSAYge Real StoriesFemale Founder Series: Defying Limits with founder Karen Humphries SallickKaren Humphries Sallick is the CEO and co-founder of Contacts411, a platform that provides high quality, privacy compliant contact updating and enhancement for small businesses. After 35 years leading top brands like Burberry and Saks, Karen transitioned from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship to create flexible, impactful solutions for businesses. Her story of resilience, from pioneering remote and flexible work cultures to building a company while battling stage four cancer, exemplifies adaptability and unshakeable determination.Connect with Karen and meet other incredible founders. www.saygelink.substack.com Creating a supportive work environment...2024-12-3044 minSAYge Real StoriesFemale Founder Series: Building Support with Community Founder Inbal ClaudioInbal Claudio is a serial entrepreneur and creator of Like-Minded Collective, championing female entrepreneurs through community and collaboration. Drawing from her own journey, she highlights the power of hiring the right support and seeking help when needed. By focusing on authentic relationships and intentional support, Inbal offers insight on cultivating a community around you that inspires growth and mutual success.Connect with Inbal and hear new founder stories each week: www.saygelink.com/substack2024-12-1230 minSAYge Real StoriesThe Power of Vulnerability: Rebekah Bastian’s JourneyIn this episode, Rebekah Bastian opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her path from VP at Zillow to founder of OwnTrail. She shares how embracing her own vulnerability and taking the leap into the unknown helped her build not just a company, but a personal movement centered on authenticity. After navigating the challenges of scaling her startup and its eventual sale to Teal, Rebekah reflects on the lessons learned and how they’ve led to her exciting new role leading product and marketing at Glowforge, helping people make creations with 3-D laser printers. Through the highs and lo...2024-12-0238 minSAYge Real StoriesBuilding Wisdom: Two Founders Are Redefining Aging in PlaceWe sat down with co-founders Cathy Minter and Dawn Newsome of Wisdom, a groundbreaking company focused on empowering older adults to age with dignity and independence. Cathy and Dawn share their journey of leaving high-powered corporate careers to pursue a mission-driven startup born from their own caregiving experiences. They dive into the challenges of starting a business in midlife, navigating risk, building a collaborative company culture, and staying true to their vision. Their story is a testament to the power of resilience, partnership, and learning through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Whether you're a seasoned founder or dreaming...2024-12-0132 minSAYge Real StoriesEd Tech Founder Margo Jordan on Leadership and Building OpportunitiesMargo Jordan, founder and CEO of venture backed ed-tech platform Enrichly, shares her inspiring journey from finance to entrepreneurship, driven by her mission to improve self-esteem in children and adolescents. Margo discusses the transition from a brick-and-mortar self-esteem learning center to a thriving digital platform, offering insights on diversifying your customer base, following your intuition, and learning from failure. As a solo founder, she emphasizes the importance of setting healthy boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and building a support network to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Tune in for lessons and heartfelt reflections on balancing purpose, growth, and well-being in business.2024-11-2532 minSAYge Real StoriesHumanity in Healthcare: Linda Acevedo on Founding Futura Egg Donation
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Linda Acevedo, founder of Futura Egg Donation, as she shares her mission and help forge deeply personal connections between egg donors and intended parents. Linda reflects on the highs and lows of being a solo founder, the challenges of balancing work with personal life, and the critical role of compassion in building her business. From the power of word-of-mouth growth to the significance of support networks among women entrepreneurs, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the emotional rewards of her work and the lessons learned along the way. Perfect for founders, dreamers...2024-11-2429 minSAYge Real StoriesDemetra Mallios Navigates the Rollercoaster of Creating a Gamified Health Education CompanyDemetra Mallios, the CEO and founder of Puberry, shares her journey of creating an interactive and gamified EdTech puberty platform. Inspired by the lack of comprehensive health education and the stigma surrounding puberty, Demetra aims to provide a holistic solution for youth, parents, and teachers by offering medically verified health education. She discusses the challenges of getting an early team, overcoming stigma, raising funding and navigating the hard journey of starting something from nothing.
More about Demetra's company here:
Sign-up for 1-month free of Puberry: https://forms.gle/w3NiCHmFAyXGnneY9
www.puberry.org
Subscribe to receive our SAYge Real...2024-11-1839 minSAYge Real StoriesImpact Founder Joy Hoover on Empowering Women and Building MovementsIn this SAYge Real Founder epidsode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Joy Hoover, a powerhouse entrepreneur who has transformed her personal experiences into a mission to revolutionize the personal safety industry. Joy's journey began with witnessing firsthand the widespread issue of abuse and assault against women through her work with sex trafficking victims as well as a violent tragedy very close to home. Determined to make a difference, she channeled her pain into creating innovative solutions that empower and protect against sexual violence. Joy shares how her life's trials have shaped her path to becoming a...2024-11-1833 minSAYge Real StoriesMelissa Bowley's Journey Scaling her Women's Health Tech PlatformMelissa Bowley, CEO and founder of Flourish Care, shares her journey of setting out to revolutionize maternal healthcare. Inspired by her own experience as a mother, Melissa recognized the gaps in the healthcare system and the lack of support for mothers. She discovered the benefits of doula care and the impact it can have on outcomes. Melissa started Momunity, a platform that connected mothers with various support services, but eventually focused solely on doula care. She worked towards getting doula care reimbursed by insurance companies and Medicaid, and now Flourish Care offers doula care services and is expanding to...2024-11-1134 minSAYge Real StoriesFrom Building Startups to Backing Them: Shruti Shah's Insightful JourneyIn this episode of SAYge Real Founder Stories, Shruti Shah shares her journey from being a founder of MoveLoot to becoming a partner at Symphonic Capital. She discusses the challenges and wins she faced as a female entrepreneur, including the experience of Y Combinator, the impact it had on her business early on, and the lessons learned from navigating growth and venture capital fundraising. Shruti emphasizes some important lessons learned that she now imparts on founders that she supports through her Venture Fund Symphonic Capital. Importantly, trusting one's gut and the vital need for self-reflection in leadership. She also...2024-11-1134 minSAYge Real StoriesThe Alchemy of Grief: Creating Ripples of Beauty and HopeIn this deeply moving episode, we explore the life of Stacy Allwein, a real estate leader from Frederick, Maryland, who has faced unimaginable tragedies with extraordinary resilience.
Stacy's story begins with the sudden loss of her younger brother in a car accident, a pivotal moment that shaped her into a lifelong caretaker. Her journey through grief continued with the losses of another brother to a drug overdose, a mother to dementia and her husband to pancreatic cancer. Each loss tested her, yet she transformed her grief into initiatives that not only honored her loved ones but also...2024-08-0240 minSAYge Real StoriesLeading from Scars: A woman's mission to help end violence and trafficking.In this episode of SAYge Real Stories, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Joy Hoover, a powerhouse entrepreneur who has transformed her personal experiences into a mission to revolutionize the personal safety industry. Joy's journey began with witnessing firsthand the widespread issue of abuse and assault against women through her work with sex trafficking victims as well as a violent tragedy very close to home. Determined to make a difference, she channeled her pain into creating innovative solutions that empower and protect against sexual violence. Joy shares how her life's trials have shaped her path to becoming...2024-07-1233 minSAYge Real StoriesRedefining Life Without Children: Creating a New Optimism with Jessica BraffJessica Braff is a careered marketing and brand strategy consultant who faced the adversity of not having the children she always wanted. She is now channeling her own grief into a new purpose driven path, helping other women find peace and acceptance in a life without the children they always wanted.
When navigating this experience herself, she found herself having feelings of grief that she didn’t understand until she happened to find a society dedicated to those who did not, or could not, achieve this life dream. Her mission now is to help other woman who have grieved in...2024-06-1641 minSAYge Real StoriesOvercoming the Self-fulfilling Prophecy of Self-Doubt with Gina FicoSometimes our biggest hurdle is the voice of self-doubt in our head. In this episode of SAYge Real Stories, Gina Fico, a lifelong resident of New Jersey and owner of Bayrock Digital Marketing, shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt and fear of failure. Gina opens up about her struggles with low self-esteem and the paralysis it caused in her life, leading to a poor state of mental health. Reflecting on a period where she felt like a stereotypical lazy adult, Gina describes her turning point when she decided to break free from that narrative. She recounts how the silver...2024-06-1520 minSAYge Real StoriesA Journey to Somatic Empowerment and Ancestral Wisdom: Embracing our Inner WitchWelcome to a special episode of SAYge Real Stories. This week, we're diving into the transformative journey of Lindsay Dickes, a trained trauma psychotherapist and clinical social worker turned somatic empowerment coach and self-identified nervous system “witch”. Lindsay works to guide kind, sensitive, and wise women to live deeply purposeful and present lives in their bodies, embracing their inherent power and wisdom. She landed on this work after a journey that began in the mental health and nonprofit sectors, where she often found herself questioning her intuition and feeling locked within the traditional cognitive healing paths. Through exploring and reconnecting with...2024-06-0145 minSAYge Real StoriesChoosing Fearless: Two SAYges share their incredible journeys of overcoming"Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure." Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist. The message is timeless. There can be many obstacles women face when trying to follow their dreams. In this recorded SAYge Real Stories event, we hear from Vi and Georgiana, two women who had much to overcome but were unwavering and courageous in following their personal legends.
Georgiana Danet’s story starts with eating rock-hard bread and rotten tomatoes from a trash bin and being kicked out to the street multiple times by landlords for practicing yoga in a communi...2024-04-1729 minSAYge Real StoriesLove, Loss and Lessons: Profound Wisdom from a Cancer Victim’s WifeDelve into the poignant and inspiring story told by Jackie Nicoll, a remarkable woman who has faced the unfathomable challenge of being a caregiver for her late husband, Jamie, as he battled metastatic prostate cancer. Jackie, a 55-year-old mother of two grown children, had her life take an unexpected turn when Jamie was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the young age of 47. Despite the devastating prognosis, Jackie, Jamie, and their two children, Josh and Julia, embarked on a tumultuous journey filled with hope, resilience, and unwavering love.
As Jackie shares her intimate narrative, listeners will be transported into the h...2024-04-1355 minSAYge Real StoriesAging GracefullySpecial thanks to three incredible SAYges Debra Banks, Rose Maloney and Sandy Dressler who shared how the choices they made led them to a life of fulfillment and knowing that "Aging Gracefully" has little to do with vanity and more to do with pausing to listen (and breathe!), following our hearts and making choices to live a life that makes us feel good inside and out.
Check out Debra Bank's organization to help you age fabulously better called My Fab Circle, take a look HERE.
Rose Maloney has an...2024-03-3055 minSAYge Real StoriesSpecial Needs, Special Strength: A journey to a new normal as a divorced mother of two special childrenMotherhood is often described as a challenging endeavor, yet the complexities are further heightened for mothers of children with special needs. Imagine the daunting task of raising not just one, but two special needs children - and as a single parent. In this episode, Karinna Hogan graciously invites listeners to embark on her journey, navigating the intricate emotional and practical hurdles presented by this reality. With each of her daughters bearing two distinct special needs diagnoses - one grappling with a rare genetic disorder and the other with autism - Karinna vulnerably delves into tumultuous emotions after each consecutive di...2024-02-0451 minSAYge Real StoriesMothering Special Needs Children: How Two Moms Found Support and Laughter with Karen Phillips and Midsieka CostelliBeing a mother is undeniably challenging, and caring for special needs children takes it to a whole new level. In this special episode of Real Stories: SAYges in our Backyard, we meet Karen Philips and Midsieka Costelli, two Connecticut moms who have formed a strong bond and found invaluable support in each other on this unique motherhood journey. Karen is a devoted mother to a 14-year-old son with severe Autism, requiring close supervision almost around the clock. Midsieka's 17-year-old daughter has multiple disabilities, including physical, intellectual, visual, and hearing impairments.
Despite the immense challenges they face, Karen...2024-01-2220 minSAYge Real StoriesMothering Special Needs Children: How Two Moms Found Support and Laughter with Karen Phillips and Midsieka CostelliBeing a mother is undeniably challenging, and caring for special needs children takes it to a whole new level. In this special episode of Real Stories: SAYges in our Backyard, we meet Karen Philips and Midsieka Costelli, two Connecticut moms who have formed a strong bond and found invaluable support in each other on this unique motherhood journey. Karen is a devoted mother to a 14-year-old son with severe Autism, requiring close supervision almost around the clock. Midsieka's 17-year-old daughter has multiple disabilities, including physical, intellectual, visual, and hearing impairments.
Despite the immense challenges they face, Karen...2024-01-2120 min
SAYge Real StoriesDespair Behind Picture Perfect Success: A Story of Self-Acceptance with Melissa BernsteinOur guest Melissa Bernstein shows us that even the most successful individuals have struggles we often don’t see behind the glowing spotlight. These real, sometimes stigmatizing issues, trials and tribulations are what characterize us. They are also what connect us on a human level, showing us that “we are all the same”, as Melissa states. Melissa is an entrepreneur, creative, and working mother of six. In 1988, she and her husband co-founded Melissa & Doug Toys out of their parents' garage, and in the years that followed, built Melissa & Doug into a Billion dollar brand. She estimates that she has c...2024-01-1341 minSAYge Real StoriesDespair Behind the Curtains: A Story of Self-Acceptance with Melissa BernsteinOur guest Melissa Bernstein shows us that even the most successful individuals have struggles we often don’t see behind the glowing spotlight. These real, sometimes stigmatizing issues, trials and tribulations are what characterize us. They are also what connect us on a human level, showing us that “we are all the same”, as Melissa states.
Melissa is an entrepreneur, creative, and working mother of six. In 1988, she and her husband co-founded Melissa & Doug Toys out of their parents' garage, and in the years that followed, built Melissa & Doug into a Billion dollar brand. She estimates that she has conceived more than...2024-01-1341 min
SAYge Real Stories"Picture Perfect": Dr. Rikki's Wake Up Call and Path to Finding a Deeply Fulfilled LifeIn this episode we speak with Dr. Rikki, a remarkable woman who dared to take a leap of faith and completely transform her life after a breast cancer scare. Despite having a seemingly perfect life as a doctor, mother, and wife, Rikki realized that she was utterly unfulfilled. Driven by a deep desire for authenticity and depth, she embarked on a profound journey where she awakened intimate spiritual and sexual parts of herself hidden away. Through this journey she not only rediscovered herself but also found the courage to live in her truth. Rikki is now living her...2024-01-0435 minSAYge Real Stories"Picture Perfect": Dr. Rikki's Wake Up Call and Path to Finding a Deeply Fulfilled LifeIn this episode we speak with Dr. Rikki, a remarkable woman who dared to take a leap of faith and completely transform her life after a breast cancer scare. Despite having a seemingly perfect life as a doctor, mother, and wife, Rikki realized that she was utterly unfulfilled. Driven by a deep desire for authenticity and depth, she embarked on a profound journey where she awakened intimate spiritual and sexual parts of herself hidden away. Through this journey she not only rediscovered herself but also found the courage to live in her truth.
Rikki is now living her...2024-01-0435 min
SAYge Real StoriesCracking the Code of Human Connection: The Superpowers Within our Uniquely Diverse Qualities with Jennifer K. HillWelcome to a special episode of our podcast, where we had the pleasure of hosting Jennifer K. Hill, a brilliant evolutionary leader, speaker, podcast host, author, and entrepreneur. Jennifer's journey towards personal growth and transformation is truly inspiring.After exiting her first company in 2018, Jennifer embarked on a new venture, building her software company, OptiMatch. Through OptiMatch, she has managed to crack the code of human connection, revolutionizing the way we understand and foster interpersonal relationships. In this episode, we dive deep into Jennifer's personal struggles and how they became catalysts for profound change. Sh...2023-12-1443 minSAYge Real StoriesCracking Human Connection: The Superpowers Within our Uniquely Diverse Qualities with Jennifer K. HillWelcome to a special episode of our podcast, where we had the pleasure of hosting Jennifer K. Hill, a brilliant evolutionary leader, speaker, podcast host, author, and entrepreneur. Jennifer's journey towards personal growth and transformation is truly inspiring.
After exiting her first company in 2018, Jennifer embarked on a new venture, building her software company, OptiMatch. Through OptiMatch, she has managed to crack the code of human connection, revolutionizing the way we understand and foster interpersonal relationships. In this episode, we dive deep into Jennifer's personal struggles and how they became catalysts for profound change. Sh...2023-12-1443 minSAYge Real StoriesDancing with Cancer: Transforming Through Adversity with Kathy McafeeIn this SAYge Real Stories episode I sat down with Kathy Mcafee, an accomplished author, renowned speaker, entrepreneur, business leader and coach. Perhaps her greatest defining success however is being an ovarian cancer survivor. This powerful Real Stories conversation takes us through her emotional journey from diagnosis to acceptance and then to thriving toward survival. As expected when faced with your mortality, the journey changed Kathy in profound ways. “Cancer taught me a lot, mostly that I couldn’t control everything that happened to me - but I could shape my experience. Meeting and spending time with my mortality helped m...2023-12-0137 min
SAYge Real StoriesDancing with Cancer: Transforming Through Adversity with Kathy McafeeIn this SAYge Real Stories episode I sat down with Kathy Mcafee, an accomplished author, renowned speaker, entrepreneur, business leader and coach. Perhaps her greatest defining success however is being an ovarian cancer survivor. This powerful Real Stories conversation takes us through her emotional journey from diagnosis to acceptance and then to thriving toward survival. As expected when faced with your mortality, the journey changed Kathy in profound ways. “Cancer taught me a lot, mostly that I couldn’t control everything that happened to me - but I could shape my experience. Meeting and spending time with my mortality helped m...2023-12-0137 min
SAYge Real StoriesRooted: A Journey of Mental Illness, Anorexia, Miscarriage and the Healing Power of Self-LoveMelissa Spratt's story is equals parts tumultuous and incredible, right on par with real life. Melissa starts by sharing her journey through mental illness, low self-esteem and anorexia as a girl and young adult. Her story then winds through periods of solid ground and happy days upheaved by new obstacles including a heartbreaking miscarriage and being a new mom in the face of extreme isolation during the height of the pandemic. Through it all, Melissa found and honed lessons on how to navigate life's bumps without losing your footing. She found peace in self-love and solace in...2023-12-0138 minSAYge Real StoriesRooted: A Journey of Mental Illness, Anorexia, Miscarriage and the Healing Power of Self-LoveMelissa Spratt's story is equals parts tumultuous and incredible, right on par with real life. Melissa starts by sharing her journey through mental illness, low self-esteem and anorexia as a girl and young adult. Her story then winds through periods of solid ground and happy days upheaved by new obstacles including a heartbreaking miscarriage and being a new mom in the face of extreme isolation during the height of the pandemic.
Through it all, Melissa found and honed lessons on how to navigate life's bumps without losing your footing. She found peace in self-love and solace in...2023-12-0138 min
SAYge Real StoriesDivorced, not Devoiced (Part 2) with Audre RickardIn this 2 part-recorded live audience SAYge Real Stories we heard from two incredible women who have come through the other side of divorce and are now helping other women be empowered and less stigmatized as they navigate their way through it. In this Part 2 episode, Audre Rickard shares her contrasting journey to Rachel's (Part 1). Audre had a less peaceful divorce experience that forced her to learn some important lessons, including the great importance of self-compassion. Audre lacked of a much needed type of support during her struggle through her separation, one that comes from women that understand...2023-11-1321 minSAYge Real StoriesDivorced, not Devoiced (Part 2) with Audre RickardIn this 2 part-recorded live audience SAYge Real Stories we heard from two incredible women who have come through the other side of divorce and are now helping other women be empowered and less stigmatized as they navigate their way through it.
In this Part 2 episode, Audre Rickard shares her contrasting journey to Rachel's (Part 1). Audre had a less peaceful divorce experience that forced her to learn some important lessons, including the great importance of self-compassion. Audre lacked of a much needed type of support during her struggle through her separation, one that comes from women that understand...2023-11-1321 min
SAYge Real StoriesDivorced, not Devoiced (Part 1) with Rachel LaurenIn this SAYge Real Stories Podcast 2 part series, we hear from two incredible women who have come through the other side of divorce and are now helping other women be empowered and less stigmatized as they navigate their way through it. In this part 1 episode, Rachel Lauren shares her bold choice to have a choice in not only her decision not to stay in her marriage, but also in how she and her partner would separate and (co)parent their children through it.2023-10-2712 minSAYge Real StoriesDivorced, not Devoiced (Part 1) with Rachel LaurenIn this SAYge Real Stories Podcast 2 part series, we hear from two incredible women who have come through the other side of divorce and are now helping other women be empowered and less stigmatized as they navigate their way through it. In this part 1 episode, Rachel Lauren shares her bold choice to have a choice in not only her decision not to stay in her marriage, but also in how she and her partner would separate and (co)parent their children through it.2023-10-2712 min
SAYge Real StoriesChoices Become Us with Kayla Lafi & Lisa Valdes RomeroWhen Kayla Lafi's mental health hit rock bottom, she made a mindful choice to “give life a try”. She obtained a new lease on life and realized a beautiful freedom. She has now built a community as a mental health advocate, sharing the wisdom she learned through her struggles and tools she continues to use as a certified holistic life coach.Lisa Valdes Romero was an intimidated Cuban child trying to learn english and adapt. She found a way to express herself through dance, which was a turning point. Though it was difficult, she made a courageous choice to stay st...2023-10-2728 min
SAYge Real StoriesChoices Become Us with Kayla Lafi & Lisa Valdes Romero
When Kayla Lafi's mental health hit rock bottom, she made a mindful choice to “give life a try”. She obtained a new lease on life and realized a beautiful freedom. She has now built a community as a mental health advocate, sharing the wisdom she learned through her struggles and tools she continues to use as a certified holistic life coach.
Lisa Valdes Romero was an intimidated Cuban child trying to learn english and adapt. She found a way to express herself through dance, which was a turning point. Though it was difficult, she made a courageous choice to stay st...2023-10-2728 min
SAYge Real StoriesTurning Pain into Power with Mauri KonnellMauri Konnell's journey starts as a 13-year old girl, hospitalized for an eating disorder but who had the foresight to know she wanted to one day get through her battles so that she could help other girls thrive. Though the ensuing years brought more trials and tribulations including anxiety/depression, substance abuse and codependancy - that is exactly what she did. She is accomplishing her mission, working tirelessly to help empower girls, giving them skills and tools to “train our confidence muscles like we train our biceps”. Mauri uses the lessons learned from her difficulties to now help and empowe...2023-10-2720 minSAYge Real StoriesTurning Pain into Power with Mauri KonnellMauri Konnell's journey starts as a 13-year old girl, hospitalized for an eating disorder but who had the foresight to know she wanted to one day get through her battles so that she could help other girls thrive. Though the ensuing years brought more trials and tribulations including anxiety/depression, substance abuse and codependancy - that is exactly what she did. She is accomplishing her mission, working tirelessly to help empower girls, giving them skills and tools to “train our confidence muscles like we train our biceps”. Mauri uses the lessons learned from her difficulties to now help and empowe...2023-10-2720 minSAYge Real StoriesResilience and Reinventing Yourself with Melinda Bristol & Mary GervaisHave you ever come to a point in your life where you needed a complete life makeover, an overhaul? These two SAYge women have been there. Melinda George Bristol and Mary Gervais tell their unique journeys which share an incredible display of resilience and moving forward despite adversity. Take a moment in your day to be inspired by their path to reinventing their lives... and themselves in the process!
Coming together to hear stories and discuss the lessons learned as a community through this podcast series is an important part of what we are...2023-10-2731 min
SAYge Real StoriesResilience and Reinventing Yourself with Melinda Bristol & Mary GervaisHave you ever come to a point in your life where you needed a complete life makeover, an overhaul? These two SAYge women have been there. Melinda George Bristol and Mary Gervais tell their unique journeys which share an incredible display of resilience and moving forward despite adversity. Take a moment in your day to be inspired by their path to reinventing their lives... and themselves in the process!Coming together to hear stories and discuss the lessons learned as a community through this podcast series is an important part of what we are...2023-10-2731 minSAYge Real StoriesAdoption Story: Finding Birth Parents and Yourself with Judith BarronIn this SAYge Real Stories podcast episode, Judith Barron bravely shares her intricate emotional journey of searching for and finding her biological parents. Listen to her story unfold as powerful learnings and a new self discovery reveals itself. Sometimes you look for answers and find you had them within you the whole time.2023-10-2736 min
SAYge Real StoriesAdoption Story: Finding Birth Parents and Yourself with Judith BarronIn this SAYge Real Stories podcast episode, Judith Barron bravely shares her intricate emotional journey of searching for and finding her biological parents. Listen to her story unfold as powerful learnings and a new self discovery reveals itself. Sometimes you look for answers and find you had them within you the whole time.2023-10-2736 min
Long Island Women in Tech PodcastLinda Nedell: Saving HeartsLinda Nedell is a Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant and founder of SAYge Link, an emotional support platform connecting women on shared experiences. Learn how Linda is saving hearts, physically and emotionally with her work.
Connect with SAYge Link and Linda:
https://www.saygelink.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sayge-link/
linda@saygelink.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-nedell-mha-pa-c-93482744/
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liwomenintech/support2020-06-0921 min