Let's be friends! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1177217/open_sms]

A profound loss can either break us or transform us. For Kerryn Vaughan, the death of her sister became the catalyst that changed everything.

Kerryn's story begins with a self-described "rock and roll life" focused entirely on herself, until her sister's cancer diagnosis and subsequent death shattered her world. Standing on stage at a cancer fundraiser years later, Kerryn experienced a life-altering revelation: "I realized I had this incredible power within me to make a difference to other people's lives." This awakening launched her on a humanitarian path that continues to create ripples of change across continents.

With refreshing candor and humor, Kerryn shares the remarkable journey that led her to write "Magnificent Kids," a book showcasing extraordinary children making global impact—like Daniel, who despite cerebral palsy travels through jungles to protect orangutans, and Jack, who at 15 developed an affordable test strip for pancreatic cancer. These stories inspired Kerryn to found One Planet Classrooms, initially conceived as a cultural exchange program that evolved into something far more profound.

What began as a simple plan to connect Australian and African classrooms transformed when Kerryn discovered the harsh realities facing Ugandan schoolgirls. Learning that girls missed school because they had to fetch contaminated water or lacked sanitary supplies—often leading to abuse, early marriage, or worse—Kerryn pivoted her organization to address these fundamental needs. Through solar power installation, clean water access, and student sponsorships, One Planet Classrooms literally saved lives.

Kerryn's humanitarian work expanded further with Girls with Hammers, a movement empowering women to embrace their authentic selves. As she reflects on these experiences, Kerryn offers this powerful takeaway: we don't need to have everything figured out to make a difference. Sometimes, the most impactful journeys begin with simply raising your hand and saying, "I'll do it."

Ready to make your own impact? Kerryn's story proves that even our "failures" can lead to extraordinary positive change when we keep showing up and taking that next step. What difference could you make today?

https://www.kerrynvaughan.com/

You Don't Have to Be Ready, Just Willing with Kerryn Vaughan 

Let's be friends! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1177217/open_sms]

Storytelling has the power to bridge divides in ways direct confrontation cannot. In this captivating conversation with author Corinne Cavanaugh, we explore how fiction creates safe spaces to navigate controversial topics and what it truly means to be an audacious woman.

Corinne shares the genesis of her debut novel "An Audacious Woman," describing it as "a mashup between modern-day Bridgerton and Sex and the City." The book revolves around Eleanor Beaufort, a wealthy matriarch who feels trapped by her family legacy despite inheriting a $70 million mansion. Through Eleanor's journey, readers glimpse moments of boldness that inspire reflection on their own abandoned audacity—those times before the weight of adult responsibility settled in.

What makes this conversation particularly compelling is Corinne's personal transformation. With a Harvard master's degree and successful marketing career, she made the bold choice to pursue fiction writing. Her methodical approach—creating a 5-7 AM writing routine before work and learning from established authors—offers a blueprint for anyone wondering how to pursue their passions alongside existing commitments. Her advice? "Be bold faster. If you've got this inkling, this one idea you've been meaning to do, don't wait."

Beyond literary pursuits, our discussion ventures into provocative territory as Corinne challenges the current culture of division. Drawing from her background studying democratization, she advocates for bringing difficult conversations back to the dinner table. "The public needs to be able to feel comfortable talking about these things," she explains, noting that her novel demonstrates how vulnerability and listening can lead to understanding.

Whether you're contemplating a major life change, seeking permission to prioritize yourself, or simply wanting an engaging read, Corinne's insights will leave you contemplating what audacity might look like in your own life. After all, as she reminds us: "We've got one ride. Might as well go and chase them."

https://corinnecavanaugh.com/home-corinne-cavanaugh/

What If Your Gilded Cage Was Actually a Doorway? with Corinne Cavanaugh 

Let's be friends! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1177217/open_sms]

When menopause hits, it can feel like you're losing your mind. The symptoms—from anxiety and brain fog to crawly skin sensations and sleep disturbances—often arrive without warning and can disrupt every aspect of life. But as UK menopause expert Emma Seville explains, these experiences aren't signs of weakness; they're natural biological responses to changing hormone levels that affect 51% of the world's population.

Our conversation peels back the layers of shame and confusion surrounding this life transition, offering a refreshingly honest look at what happens during perimenopause and menopause. Emma walks us through the science of how declining progesterone affects GABA levels in the brain, triggering anxiety, while fluctuating estrogen creates the perfect storm for mood swings. She explains why these hormonal shifts impact everything from sleep quality to muscle mass, brain function to gut health.

What makes this discussion truly valuable are the practical, accessible solutions Emma shares. Morning sunlight exposure for better sleep. Strength training to counter muscle loss. Walking with female friends to naturally lower cortisol levels. The beauty of these approaches? Most cost nothing and require minimal time investment, yet deliver significant benefits for managing symptoms and protecting long-term health.

We also tackle the workplace challenges menopausal women face. While some UK companies have implemented formal menopause policies, many women worldwide struggle silently, often contemplating leaving careers they've built over decades. Emma offers strategies for having these difficult conversations with employers and colleagues, emphasizing that education and openness benefit everyone.

Whether you're currently experiencing symptoms, approaching this life stage, or simply want to better understand what the women in your life might be going through, this episode provides a roadmap for navigating menopause with greater ease and confidence. Ready to transform this challenging transition into an opportunity for growth? Listen now and discover how to reclaim your power during menopause.

https://www.yourmenopausetoolkit.com/

https://substack.com/@emmaseville?r=1phz4j&utm_medium=ios

https://www.instagram.com/yourmenopausetoolkit/profilecard/?igsh=MTZzZHo4c3duMTJrZg%3D%3D

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourmenopausetoolk?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

You're Not Losing it, You're In Menopause with Emma Seville 

Let's be friends! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1177217/open_sms]

Lizbeth Meredith's life reads like a thriller, but it's her real journey from domestic abuse survivor to international child recovery advocate that makes this conversation so powerful. After escaping an abusive marriage with her two young daughters, Lizbeth faced the unimaginable when her ex-husband abducted the children during a visit and fled overseas. What followed was a two-year international battle that tested every fiber of her being.

With remarkable candor, Lizbeth reveals how she navigated contradictory advice from government agencies, survived on minimal resources, and maintained hope when everything seemed lost. "I scheduled my worry," she explains, describing the disciplined emotional management that kept her functioning through the ordeal. When finally reunited with her daughters, she faced new challenges – they no longer spoke English and carried deep trauma from their experience.

The heart of Lizbeth's story isn't just about survival but transformation. Her professional work as a domestic violence advocate evolved into becoming a trauma-informed care trainer, fundamentally changing how she understood her daughters' behaviors and her own parenting approach. A powerful breakthrough came when her adult daughter experienced a mental health crisis that brought Lizbeth to a new level of understanding about trauma's lasting impact.

Today, Lizbeth's memoir "Pieces of Me: Rescuing My Kidnapped Daughters" has become a Lifetime movie ("Stolen by Their Father"), and through her speaking and podcast "Persistence U with Lizbeth," she helps others increase resilience by "taming trauma through storytelling." Her message resonates beyond those who've experienced similar traumas – she reminds us that setbacks don't define us but can refine us, turning our most difficult experiences into sources of strength and connection.

Visit https://lameredith.com/ to connect with Lizbeth and discover how your own challenges might become the foundation for unexpected strength and purpose.



You Can Survive This: A Story of Advocacy, Resilience & Hope with Lizbeth Meredith  

Let's be friends! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1177217/open_sms]

What happens when your identity is stripped away by a visa system designed to make you dependent? This is the reality for hundreds of thousands of immigrant women who arrive in America as accomplished professionals only to discover they're legally prohibited from working.

Varuni  Sinha, author of the groundbreaking memoir "Golden Handcuffs and Immigrants' Pursuit of Happiness," takes us on her harrowing journey from successful advertising executive and academic in India to a woman battling depression and alcoholism in New York City. As the first South Asian woman to write openly about the H4 visa experience, she exposes how immigration laws have silently devastated careers and mental health since 1990.

Her transformation began on the streets of New York, walking her dog through neighborhoods where strangers would inexplicably share their deepest secrets. These encounters—which she documented as "strangers on the street"—became her first step toward healing. The profound moment came when several men risked their lives to save her runaway dog from traffic, prompting her to reassess everything she'd been through as an immigrant.

Drawing inspiration from Richard Phillips, who maintained his humanity during 46 years of wrongful imprisonment by creating watercolor paintings, Varuni channeled her pain into creativity. Despite facing pregnancy loss and her mother-in-law's terminal illness during COVID, she completed her manuscript—a testament to resilience that readers from all backgrounds have found deeply relatable.

Varuni's message transcends the immigrant experience: we all have our own "golden handcuffs," situations that feel imprisoning but contain the seeds of our transformation. "We all fall down," she reminds us, "only to learn how to build ourselves back again, brick by brick." Her story isn't just about survival—it's about emerging from darkness with a more beautiful understanding of what it means to be human.

https://varuni-sinha.squarespace.com/about-me

When your visa limits who you can become, resilience becomes your superpower with Varuni Sinha

Let's be friends! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1177217/open_sms]

Dive into the world of financial literacy as we chat with Stephanie Carchia, a financial advisor-turned-real estate agent who shares invaluable insights on managing money effectively. In this engaging episode, we explore how financial conversations are often sidelined and the impact they have, especially on women's confidence in their financial decisions. Stephanie discusses her transformative journey from the hedge fund industry to helping individuals navigate their financial futures, emphasizing accessibility and demystifying money.

You will discover the importance of conducting annual financial reviews, understanding the necessity of having legal documents in place, and the critical role of life insurance. We decode the intimidating aspects of money management into digestible pieces that empower individuals to take charge. Stephanie encourages everyone to challenge their fears and build awareness about financial health. 

With practical tips and motivational advice, this episode equips you to transform your relationship with money. Tune in to learn the first steps you can take to start managing your finances better. Don't forget to join the conversation by sharing your financial goals and experiences! You can seize control of your financial future starting today!

sc@screalestategrp.cpm

@stephsellssocal 



Money Matters Made Simple with Stephanie Carchia

Let's be friends! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1177217/open_sms]

Rediscovering Humanity in Business with Amy Anderson

🌟 What can a turtle teach us about teamwork? Dive into this captivating conversation with Amy Anderson, co-founder of Wild Coffee Marketing, as she shares her transformative journey from working with iconic brands like Calvin Klein to building her own values-driven company. Amy’s story is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and creating a thriving workplace culture that values people over profits.

🧠 Key Takeaways from Amy’s Insightful Leadership Journey:

 * 🐢 Teamwork Lessons from a Turtle: Learn the surprising parallels between nature and team dynamics.
 * 🛠️ Building Workplace Belonging: Discover how workplace satisfaction directly impacts personal fulfillment.
 * 🤝 The Humanity Factor: Why understanding individual motivations is the key to fostering trust and collaboration.

💻 Mastering Remote Work: Amy’s Innovative Strategies

 * 🎭 "Mullet Meetings" & On-Camera Culture: Injecting humor and adaptability into virtual team management.
 * 🌟 Psychological Safety: How creating a supportive environment helps Gen Z thrive at work.
 * 🗣️ Icebreakers & Real-Time Feedback: Tools to transform team dynamics and foster genuine connections.

🔑 Why You’ll Love This Episode:
Amy’s holistic approach to leadership and teamwork goes beyond traditional strategies. By recognizing the humanity in every team member and valuing diverse interests, she shows how to build connections that inspire loyalty, creativity, and growth.

🎧 Tune in now to unlock the magic of belonging in the workplace!

👉 Connect with Amy Anderson
Explore more about Amy and her values-driven marketing company, Wild Coffee Marketing. Let’s continue the conversation and elevate workplace culture together!

https://wildcoffeemarketing.com/

From Iconic Brands to Values-Driven Leadership: Amy Anderson's Story

Let's be friends! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1177217/open_sms]

Mark your calendars for March 12th! Women in the Arena returns with an explosive Season 8 that promises to transform how you approach your professional and personal development journey.

As your host, I'm bringing you unprecedented access to the most influential female leaders of our time who are ready to pull back the curtain on their success. These powerful women will share unfiltered truths, strategic insights, and hard-won wisdom that you simply won't hear anywhere else. We're diving deep into what it truly takes to level up in every role women play—from the boardroom to community leadership and beyond.

This season centers on two powerful principles that have guided my own path: discovering your authentic value and creating a ripple effect by helping other women rise alongside you. Each episode creates a space where ambition meets community, where confidence isn't confused with ego, and where every listener is welcomed into our arena of growth and possibility.

The anthem for this season says it perfectly: "Watch me shine." It's not about outshining others—it's about stepping fully into your power and illuminating the path for those following in your footsteps. Whether you're looking to make your next big career move, start a business venture, or simply find your voice in spaces where women have traditionally been sidelined, these conversations will equip you with actionable strategies and the mindset shifts needed to succeed.

Ready to shine brighter than ever before? Subscribe now, share with the women in your circle who need to hear these messages, and join our community as we continue building a world where women don't just participate—we lead, we thrive, and we transform every arena we enter.

Thank you for all of your support.

If you like what you hear, please go check out more episodes at https://womeninthearena.net/

Want to connect with me? You can click the "let's be friends" link and send me a message!

***Last thing- This is my WISH LIST of interviews:

• Joan Jett
• Dolly Parton
• Viola Davis
• Ina Garten

Maybe you can help a girl out...***



Women Rising...Season 8 Trailer of Women in the Arena Podcast

Let's be friends! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1177217/open_sms]

🎙 Breaking the Silence: Why Working Moms Need to Support Each Other in Corporate America

In this vulnerable episode, Audra dives deep with Corporate Recovery Specialist, Caren Cooper, to uncover the often hidden and challenging experiences faced by working mothers in corporate America. Caren, who transitioned from corporate life to entrepreneurship, shares her journey through the relentless pressures of "doing it all"—balancing career and motherhood without a support system. Together, they explore why it’s crucial for women to unite, share their stories, and lift each other up in a world that often leaves working moms feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Highlights include:

🌟 The Reality of Corporate Pressures: Unpacking how hustle culture and societal expectations impact working moms
👩‍👧 Balancing Motherhood & Career: The push-and-pull between career ambitions and the guilt of not being “enough” at home
💬 The Power of Community: The importance of connecting, supporting, and speaking honestly with each other
💪 Permission to Be Real: Giving yourself grace and releasing the pressure to “do it all” perfectly

This episode is a rallying cry for working moms to shed societal expectations, embrace their identities, and lean on each other. It’s a must-listen for those seeking connection, authenticity, and a community that understands the unique journey of being a working mom in today’s world.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carencooper/

Thank you for all of your support.

If you like what you hear, please go check out more episodes at https://womeninthearena.net/

Want to connect with me? You can click the "let's be friends" link and send me a message!

***Last thing- This is my WISH LIST of interviews:

• Joan Jett
• Dolly Parton
• Viola Davis
• Ina Garten

Maybe you can help a girl out...***



Go check out all of our episodes on our website at: https://womeninthearena.net/

If you'd like to connect, reach out to me at audra@womeninthearena.net

***One last thing...I have an interview wish list because a girl's gotta dream

 * Viola Davis
 * Dolly Parton
 * Ina Garten
 * Joan Jett

Maybe one of you can help me out!

Thank you all for supporting this show and all Women in the Arena!

Beyond the Hustle: A Real Conversation for Working Moms with Caren Cooper

Let's be friends! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1177217/open_sms]

🚀 Never Too Old, Never Too Late: Heidi Love’s Inspiring Journey of Chasing a 40-Year-Old Dream!

What happens when you decide it’s never too late to chase the dreams you had as a teenager? Heidi Love is proof that no matter your age, your past, or how wild your dreams may seem, it’s never too crazy to reignite your passion and go for it!

Join us in this powerful conversation as Heidi shares her remarkable journey of transformation, where a teenage dream to visit the Bay of Virgins in French Polynesia was pushed aside for decades—only to be reignited later in life. 
🌟 After a career, a marriage, and motherhood, Heidi decided to follow the call of her youthful passion, setting sail on the adventure of a lifetime.

🎯 Key Moments from Heidi’s Story:

 * ✨ Rekindling a Dream at Any Age: Heidi’s pursuit of her childhood dream proves that it's never too late to go after what truly excites you.
 * 👩‍🎓 Balancing Life’s Challenges: Learn how Heidi balanced motherhood, a career, and a marine biology degree while pursuing her passion.
 * ⚡ Facing Past Trauma on the High Seas: Feel the intensity as Heidi battles PTSD during extreme lightning storms, but refuses to let her past hold her back.
 * 🌸 Learning from a Matrilineal Society: Discover the powerful lessons of gratitude, presence, and self-acceptance she learned from the Cunayala people, and how it shifted her worldview.
 * 💦 Taking the Leap: Heidi’s life-changing dive into the Pacific Ocean was more than a swim—it was a plunge into healing, courage, and reclaiming her story.

No dream is too old or too wild to chase. Heidi’s journey reminds us that it’s never too late to reignite the spark inside and pursue the dreams that set our souls on fire. 🎧 Listen to her story and be inspired to chase your own dreams—no matter where you are in life.

🌍 Visit https://www.heidiloveauthor.com/ to connect with Heidi and learn more about her journey of resilience, healing, and adventure.

Thank you for all of your support.

If you like what you hear, please go check out more episodes at https://womeninthearena.net/

Want to connect with me? You can click the "let's be friends" link and send me a message!

***Last thing- This is my WISH LIST of interviews:

• Joan Jett
• Dolly Parton
• Viola Davis
• Ina Garten

Maybe you can help a girl out...***



Go check out all of our episodes on our website at: https://womeninthearena.net/

If you'd like to connect, reach out to me at audra@womeninthearena.net

***One last thing...I have an interview wish list because a girl's gotta dream

 * Viola Davis
 * Dolly Parton
 * Ina Garten
 * Joan Jett

Maybe one of you can help me out!

Thank you all for supporting this show and all Women in the Arena!

Revive the Fire: How Heidi Love Defied the Odds to Follow Her Wildest Dream

Women in the Arena is the celebration of everyday women living extraordinary lives in plain sight. We seek to inspire, encourage and challenge you to reach for the great heights you're made for.

Women in the Arena

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Women in the Arena is the celebration of everyday women living extraordinary lives in plain sight.  

Audra Agen

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