Let's be friends! In this powerful episode of Women in the Arena, we're honored to host Antonia "Tuni" Deignan author of Underwater Daughter. Tuni shares her incredible journey of survival, transformation, and healing through art. Together, we delve into her story of overcoming childhood trauma, finding strength through vulnerability, and the thera…

Let's be friends! Could your daily routine use a touch of tranquility? Kavita Sahai, a leader in holistic wellness, joins us to share her inspiring journey from high-stakes defense and private equity to grounding practices rooted in Ayurveda and soul care. In this episode, we delve into the harmonious world of mind, body, and spirit wellness, explo…

Let's be friends! Ever wondered why the path to success in education is often rugged and winding? Join us in this enlightening episode as Neha Gupta, the visionary founder of College Shortcuts, shares her remarkable journey from a youthful tutor to a leading education influencer. Discover how she's reshaping how students identify their passions and…

Let's be friends! Ever wonder how to transform self-doubt into self-love? Join me as Michele Phillips, the transformative voice behind Key Performance, uncovers the secret pathways to personal empowerment. Our conversation is a deep dive into the role of 'wise selfishness' and why prioritizing your wellbeing isn't just beneficial—it's essential. Mi…

Let's be friends! Have you ever sensed an invisible weight anchoring you to a hidden past? My guest, trauma and triggers expert Laurel Wiers, and I traverse the landscape of trauma's pervasive grip on our lives, shedding light on its insidious origins and the revolutionary therapies offering hope. From the overlooked incidents of childhood to the m…

Let's be friends! Discover the inspiring story of Raquel Borras, founder of Raq the Boat, on this week's episode of the Women in the Arena Podcast. Raquel shares her journey from a childhood overshadowed by the urge to please, to emerging as a beacon of hope, empowering youth through her transformative platform. In this episode, she reveals how Raq…

Let's be friends! Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a lackluster office into a hub of excitement for the workweek ahead? Join us as corporate culture visionary April Whitson, formerly of Amazon and other industry giants, shares her inspiring journey and invaluable insights into building a workplace that buzzes with inclusivity and fulfil…

Let's be friends! From the bustling lines of a Taco Bell to the strategic helm of KFC, Monica Rothgery's story is as flavorful as the meals her teams have served up. On our latest podcast, we sit down with this luminary of the fast-food world, who shares her ascent to becoming KFC's first woman COO and Yum Brands' inaugural LGBTQ C-suite leader. He…

Let's be friends! Discover the untapped potential of an inclusive economy as Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield, a leading voice on workplace equality, joins us to explore the deep-seated issues of racial and gender disparities in professional environments. Despite the influx of billions into diversity programs, the climb up the corporate ladder remains ste…

Let's be friends! Join the captivating January Donovan, a woman who's not only nurturing a family of ten, but also reshaping the narrative on women's self-worth through her innovative coaching and entrepreneurial spirit. In our latest episode, we engage in an enriching conversation that peels back the layers of society's 'poisonous P's' and their i…

Let's be friends! Embark on a profound journey with Lauren Cunningham, a fearless soul who took the leap from the structured world of accounting into the healing embrace of health and wellness. Her story isn't just about change; it's about transformation through adversity, fueled by the challenges of Crohn's disease and a steadfast commitment to ho…

Let's be friends! Discover the transformative power of financial clarity and empowerment as we navigate the journey from corporate finance to entrepreneurial success with finance guru Kendra James Anderson. Our conversation reveals how diving into the world of money management can lead to peace of mind, especially for women founders who often grapp…

Let's be friends! Have you ever felt hostage to your own emotions, trapped in patterns you can't seem to break? Dr. Andrea Vitz, emotional sobriety expert and founder of Level-Headed Doc LLC, joins us to share her transformative insights on escaping the grip of emotional addictions. Her unique perspective on emotional intelligence paves the way for…

Let's be friends! Have you ever stood at the crossroads of despair and found a path that leads to radiance and prosperity? 🌟 Lia Valencia Key's story is a beacon of such transformation. From the depths of poverty and homelessness, she rose to become a best-selling jewelry designer on QVC, embodying the truth that our beginnings do not dictate our e…

Let's be friends! Imagine enduring the unthinkable and emerging not just unbroken, but triumphant. This week, Megan Camille joins me to recount a tale of transformation that proves the tenacious nature of the human spirit. Once ensnared in the clutches of sex trafficking, Megan's narrative is a profound testament to her resilience, as she recounts …

Let's be friends! Ever felt like you're on autopilot, stuck in the grind while your dreams collect dust on the shelf? Dr. Sherrie Gilbert, a beacon of inspiration and senior lecturer at Auburn University, joins us to shake us awake with her story of reigniting passions and rewriting the script of life. Together, we unearth the seeds of ambition tha…

Let's be friends! Are the whispers of doubt and self-critique holding you captive? Break free as we sit down with Joanna Kleinman, the mastermind behind the groundbreaking Mind Method, and learn how to silence that inner critic once and for all. This episode peels back the layers of the subconscious mind, revealing how our automated thoughts shape …

Let's be friends! Have you ever felt that your home could do more for your spirit than just exist as a shelter? We're joined by Paula Agudelo, a sacred interior designer who believes that the right environment can harmonize our feminine embodiment and spiritual growth. Together, we explore how spaces can be transformed to not only soothe the eye bu…

Let's be friends! Get ready to embark on a journey with me and Dr. Shivani Gupta, an Ayurvedic specialist with a passion for integrating Western and Eastern medicine. This episode offers you a powerful opportunity to explore the world of health from a unique perspective. Dr. Gupta shares the secrets behind her successful company, Fusionary Formulas…

Let's be friends! Want to uncover the transformative power of gratitude? Step into our gratitude journey helmed by Serena Gallegos, an esteemed yoga teacher, hypnotherapist, and energy healer. Serena skillfully guides us through an enlightening meditation, employing sound to induce a deep sense of relaxation and energy rejuvenation. To fully immers…

Let's be friends! Can you imagine forging an iron will and becoming an advocate after going through child abuse and domestic violence? Our guest today, Natalie Baird King, an accomplished family law attorney and survivor, has done just that. Drawing on the strength she found in her trauma, Natalie now helps others navigate through their own experie…

Let's be friends! Imagine tapping into the power of your money mindset to transform your financial future. That’s precisely what you’ll uncover in our enlightening conversation with financial guru and author Jean Lynn. Jean’s insights range from the impact of early money memories on our financial behaviors to breaking away from scarcity mindsets an…

Let's be friends! Ever wondered how a beacon of hope is born? This week's episode uncovers the inspiring journey of Shirley Buck, a woman who overcame the trauma of an abusive childhood to become a mentor, coach, and soon-to-be author. Her story is one of resilience, a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. As she shares the…

Let's be friends! Life is like an ever-evolving book, with chapters that provide us a chance to define who we are. But are we truly harnessing the potential that each page offers? Join me, as I have an enlightening conversation with Bomi Anise, an international corporate attorney and transformative expert, about how to unlock the inherent brillianc…

Let's be friends! Ever meet a bright child lagging behind academically and wondered why? Well, our guest today, Tina Kramer, will blow your mind with her revolutionary approach towards understanding these intelligent but struggling learners. A former traditional classroom teacher turned inventor, Tina shares her journey from teaching in Hong Kong t…

Let's be friends! Have you ever felt like you're wearing the "Superwoman Cape," trying to manage your career, while caring for your kids and aging parents, without any time left for yourself? Join me, as I chat with Stacey Luces, the remarkable founder of Evolution Executive Coaching and author of 'We Rise in Power Amplifying Women of Color and The…

Let's be friends! What would you do if you found yourself trapped in a cycle of domestic violence? In this week's episode, we were honored to have Symone Fairchild, a screenwriter, actor, director, executive producer, and founder of Eye on DV, join us to share her incredible story of survival and advocacy. Symone opened up about her experiences wit…

Let's be friends! Can you believe it's been three years since Women in the Arena first began? To celebrate this milestone, I decided to shake things up and step into the hot seat myself! My dear friend and serial entrepreneur, LaWanna Bradford, takes the reins as she grills me on the origins of our show's name, the lessons I've learned, and how emb…

Let's be friends! Have you ever felt like you're drowning in the noise of life's challenges and expectations? Join us as we welcome the incredible Dr. Sariya Saabye, who shares her powerful story of overcoming struggles as a high performer and finding clarity through minimalism. This inspiring episode reminds us that we are not alone in our feeling…

Let's be friends! What if you could transform your passion for social media into a thriving business at just 24 years old? In today's episode, we talk to the incredible Audrey Buchanan, who did exactly that. Audrey shares her journey of taking a leap of faith, quitting her job, and starting her own social media marketing business at a young age. Sh…

Let's be friends! What if mastering emotional intelligence (EQ) could be the secret to achieving career success? Join us as we discuss this fascinating topic with Charis Loveland, a data scientist and AI technology expert who has honed her EQ skills to thrive in her career and personal life. Through her experiences at prestigious institutions like …

Let's be friends! Susannah Cahalan is a well-known author, journalist, and advocate for mental health awareness. Her book "Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness" chronicles her own experience with a rare autoimmune disease that attacked her brain and caused a range of symptoms including seizures, hallucinations, and memory loss. On this week's show we…

Let's be friends! Join us for an enlightening and insightful conversation on the podcast as we dive into the realm of instinctual trauma response with Pamela Bonilla, a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Certified Instinctual Trauma Response Therapist. With a Masters' of Science in Professional Counseling and a specialization in Child a…

Let's be friends! In today's episode I am joined by Leora Ruzin, CMB, AMP, Founder and Owner of Ruzin Creative, LLC, as we delve into the topic of imposter syndrome. Leora is a lending executive with extensive experience in mortgage production, compliance, secondary marketing, underwriting and back-office operations. She is also a passionate advoca…

Let's be friends! As a guitarist, Jennifer Batten has left an indelible mark on the music industry through her dynamic and innovative performances. With an impressive career spanning over four decades, Batten has worked alongside some of the most iconic musicians of our time, including Michael Jackson and Jeff Beck. For ten years, Batten toured the…

Let's be friends! Meet Dr. Derashay Zorn, a remarkable woman who overcame incredible odds to achieve her dreams. At just 22 years old, she was a single mother of three young children with only an 8th-grade education. Despite the challenges she faced, she refused to let her circumstances define her. Determined to create a better life for herself and…

Let's be friends! This week we get a rare and intimate look into the life of Julia Gordon, Commissioner of HUD, advocate and world changer. I speak to Julia about how she has defined her career on her terms, identifying what matters most and not compromising on those things she holds precious. We speak about her journey, the insecurities she feels …

Let's be friends! Today I get to catch up with my friend Sarah and find out what she's been up to since the last time she was on the show. Side note; if you missed that episode, I'll paste it here. Go check it out if you want to learn how to walk in heels without pain: https://womeninthearena.net/episodes/unburden-yourself-from-other-peoples-expect…

Let's be friends! Have you found your voice? Not the voice you think you need to be, not the labels you wear and not who you have assimilated to be...but who you were born to be? If you haven't, then this week's guest can be your guide. Dethra Giles is a four time TEDx speaker, a Top 100 HR Influencer and CEO of ExecuPrep. But her purpose in life t…

Let's be friends! Amy Birks has always felt that she here to do more; more life, more joy and more fulfillment. In order to get that, she faced her greatest fears and took a risk on herself. She has created an award winning business that teaches other people to get more of what they want out of life. As Amy says, "there is more to life to working h…

Let's be friends! Katanya Smith is a lawyer, advocate, published author, entrepreneur, and a former corporate executive. After almost 20 years in the financial services sector, including seven plus years in various senior leadership and executive roles, Katanya became one of the many Black women who joined the Great Resignation. Katanya is quick to…

Let's be friends! Jenn was like many of us- on the career fast track to climb the corporate ladder. Then at 26 a life changing event occurred that forced her to rethink everything- she had a massive stroke that caused her to have to relearn everything she knew. Today I speak with her about that event and how it changed her life's focus and what's r…

Let's be friends! Sarah Olea makes things happen. She connects people to the right opportunities at the right time to create magic. She makes it look easy...but it is anything but. Fueled with the pride of the ability of making something out of nothing, she drove everything she had- her business, finances, relationships, health- to the breaking poi…

Let's be friends! How many of you have felt drained by your life, your job and everything in it? Did everything feel joyless at that point, although everyone around you thought you had it all? What if everything you worked for wasn't what you wanted at all? What would happen if you just stopped and quit? That's exactly what this week's guest did. N…

Let's be friends! Elizabeth Rowe is a lot of things, talented, intelligent, performer and an unexpected social justice advocate. As the principle flutist with the Boston Symphony, she performs at the highest levels all over the world; however, she was not paid the same as her male counterparts. Elizabeth made the gut wrenching decision to file a la…

Let's be friends! Kara Forney is a successful business executive, entrepreneur, founder of The Bump.com and mother of two boys. As a mother, she realized that her experience as a "boy mom" didn't always fit in societies' narrative. In 2022, fueled by her desire to shed light on all of the varying experiences of raising boys, she created and publish…

Let's be friends! Laurel Mintz didn't start out as a disruptor. She did what many of us have done; she did the things that were expected. Laurel attended one of the most prestigious law schools in the country...and hated it. She didn't really want to be an attorney, but had no idea what else to do. Then fate stepped in. Her father became ill and La…

Let's be friends! What role do you play in your life? Are you stuck in the drama triangle? Do you feel as if your life does not look like what you want? If you answered yes to any of these question and want to be the Queen Bee in your life, then join Kimberly and I as we talk about: Being stuck in the drama triangle and playing either the hero, vic…

Let's be friends! Dr. Duana Welch believes that relationships, especially the right ones, are too important to leave up to chance. Approaching your love life with a proven scientific method is much more likely to have a successful outcome. Dr. Welch has written the book with this approach; Love Factually, 10 Proven Steps from I Wish to I Do. This w…

Let's be friends! When I met Sherea, I knew I was meeting a rare person. She is intelligent, kind and goes out of her way to see those that others would prefer to ignore. As Sherea says, she takes care of those that make us feel uncomfortable; those that been systematically marginalized over generations and have had the game rigged against them. Sh…