What happens when strong women choose to lead themselves first? In this episode, we get real about sobriety, recovery, and the courage it takes to build a life that’s both joyful and intentional.
In this powerful conversation, several women open up about their personal journeys through sobriety and recovery from alcoholism. They share candid reflections on the challenges of staying sober in a social world, the joy of celebrating milestones, and the importance of community. The group dives into the power of mocktails, boundaries, and storytelling—reminding us that sobriety isn’t about what you lose, but what you find on the other side.
Key Takeaways:
Sobriety isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom and clarity.
Sharing your recovery story can help someone else start theirs.
Mocktails and sober celebrations are redefining what fun looks like.
Strong support systems are the foundation of lasting sobriety.
Community and connection make recovery sustainable and joyful.
Everyday women are using AI to get their time, confidence, and creativity back — here’s how.
In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Coralyn, Jessica, and Jamie dive into the world of artificial intelligence with AI Strategy expert Maria Antonieta Cruz, — what it is, what it’s not, and how women can use it to their advantage. They share real-life stories, debunk myths, and reveal how AI can make everyday life easier — from meal planning and workouts to writing emails and building confidence at work. The hosts explore the ethical side of AI and why diverse female voices are critical in shaping its future. This episode will leave you inspired to get curious, start small, and see AI as a tool for empowerment and growth.
Grief changes you—but it doesn’t have to define you.
In this heartfelt episode of Lead Like a Girl, the hosts and guests share deeply personal stories of loss—of loved ones, jobs, and dreams—and how they found healing through reflection, community, and hope. They explore how grief evolves over time and what it means to honor both pain and love in the process.
Takeaways
Grief is a reflection of deep love.
Everyone’s grief journey is unique and personal.
Support, movement, and reflection can bring healing and hope.
What if the fastest way to lift an entire community wasn’t through policy or power—but by empowering the women within it?
In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Coralyn, Jamie, and Jessica are joined by special guest Allison Musser, who’s traveled the world and seen firsthand how building relationships across cultures can shift perspectives and spark real understanding.
Together, the girls dive into Melinda Gates’ The Moment of Lift—exploring stories of women breaking barriers, the importance of listening before leading, and what it really means to use our privilege for good. With honest reflection and heartfelt conversation, they unpack why empowering women isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smartest investment we can make in the future of our families, communities, and world.
The single most important investment we can make is in women's empowerment.
Women are often overlooked in their talents and contributions.
Cultural understanding is crucial in empowering women.
Empathy and listening are key to effective support.
Women need champions to help them succeed.
Privilege comes with responsibility to uplift others.
Personal stories can inspire and motivate change.
Choice is a powerful aspect of empowerment.
We must understand what people actually need to help them.
Empowering women benefits entire communities and economies.
What if the very thing you’re avoiding is the key to your next level of growth?
In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Coralyn, Jessica, and Jamie dig into the power of discomfort — why leaning into the hard, awkward, or uncertain moments can actually build our strength, confidence, and resilience. From personal stories about taking on uncomfortable challenges to insights on how stress and recovery drive growth, this conversation is a reminder that the good stuff often starts right outside your comfort zone.
Together, they explore how modern life’s “creature comforts” can quietly dull our edge — and how small, intentional steps toward discomfort can reawaken our courage, grit, and adaptability.
Takeaways
Embracing discomfort is essential for personal growth.
Stress plus recovery equals growth.
Start taking small steps towards discomfort today.
Discipline is key to overcoming challenges.
Humans evolved for survival in an uncomfortable world.
Personal experiences with discomfort can lead to resilience.
It’s important to challenge ourselves intentionally.
Creature comforts can hinder our ability to handle life’s challenges.
Growth often comes from facing hard situations head-on.
Taking small steps can lead to significant change over time.
What if small talk isn’t “small” at all?
Just be curious. In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jamie, Jessica, and Coralyn dive into the everyday conversations we often overlook but that actually shape trust, connection, and even our happiness. From awkward elevator moments to the power of a simple “I love your tattoo,” we share real stories, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on how small talk can open big doors.
You’ll hear why curiosity is the secret sauce to building relationships, how to move beyond surface-level chatter, and why embracing the awkward can actually make you more confident. Whether you’re networking, meeting a neighbor, or navigating a digital world full of quick comments and likes—this conversation will help you master the art of small talk in a way that feels natural, genuine, and impactful.
Takeaways
Small talk can enhance health and happiness.
Building trust starts with small conversations.
Curiosity about others can lead to deeper connections.
Awkward small talk experiences are common and relatable.
Small talk is a learned skill that can be developed.
People appreciate genuine compliments and interest.
Overcoming the fear of small talk can lead to growth.
Engaging in small talk can improve mood and belonging.
Using social media cues can facilitate small talk.
Practicing small talk can strengthen professional settings.
What happens when the strong ones finally admit they’re not okay?
In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, we open up about mental health in real, raw ways—sharing our own stories, the weight of current events, and how we find moments of joy even when life feels heavy. From the power of music and movies to the relief that comes when you serve others, this conversation is both honest and hopeful. Together, we unpack what it means to check in with ourselves, show up for our people, and build a community where it’s safe to be vulnerable.
You’ll hear how we navigate sensitive topics with love and respect, the simple practices that help us stay grounded, and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is say, “I’m not okay.”
Takeaways
It's okay to say you're not okay sometimes.
Finding joy amidst challenges is essential.
Music and movies can uplift our spirits.
Serving others can help alleviate personal struggles.
Conversations about sensitive topics require love and respect.
Surrounding yourself with diverse perspectives is important.
Mental health checks should be a regular practice.
It's okay to step away from the news for mental clarity.
Building a supportive community is crucial for well-being.
Listening more than speaking can lead to understanding.
What would make a woman with years of education, a leadership role, and a career she fought hard for suddenly say, “I’m done”?
In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, we dig into a Time magazine article highlighting why so many women are walking away—burned out from the “second shift” (working all day, then running the entire household at night), buried in childcare struggles, and worn down by the impossible pressure to do it all.
We also sit down with Rachel Leachman—former Director of Development at Generate Hope, now a stay-at-home mom—as she shares her raw and honest story about stepping away from the workforce. Rachel opens up about the “why” behind her decision, the freedom she’s found, and why it’s not only okay to change paths, but absolutely necessary for some seasons of life. And, changing your mind is always OK!
We also touch on the quiet but very real role women play in caring for aging parents, and how self-care and asking for help are key to surviving it all.
Rachel’s journey is proof that success doesn’t have just one definition—and sometimes the bravest choice is the one that puts your own peace and family first.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
Why women are leaving the workforce in record numbers
Rachel’s transition from Development Director to full-time mom—and what she’s learned along the way
Why kids just want their mom to be happy, no matter her career path
The pressures of balancing childcare, work, and caring for aging parents
How asking for help and prioritizing self-care creates real balance
Let’s be real—most of us are exhausted, hungry, and one bad “what’s for dinner?” away from losing it.
In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, we’re talking food, travel, and the life-changing magic of meal prep. We swap hilarious travel stories (including the meals that didn’t quite land), dig into why comfort foods hit us so hard, and share how family recipes connect us across generations. Then we get practical: simple meal prep strategies that actually save time, cut stress, and keep your week running smoother. This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making food work for your real life, with more laughter and less overwhelm.
Takeaways
Meal prep saves time, money, and your sanity.
Travel changes the way we see and love food.
Comfort foods carry powerful emotional connections.
Planning meals can reduce decision fatigue during busy weeks.
Cooking together builds connection and family memories.
Prepping ahead makes it easier to eat healthy without overthinking it.
Pre-packaged shortcuts are not cheating—they’re smart.
Mixing up your meals keeps it fun and avoids burnout.
Sharing recipes is one of the simplest ways to build community.
Are you leaving money on the table without even realizing it? In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, we dive into the world of salary negotiation and the unique challenges women face in asking for what they’re worth. From real stories to practical strategies, we break down the myths around money conversations and share how confidence, preparation, and research can change the outcome of your career trajectory. This is the conversation every woman needs before her next job offer.
Takeaways
Too many women accept offers without negotiating, which fuels the pay gap.
Knowing your worth is non-negotiable—research salary ranges before the conversation.
Negotiation often leads to bigger bumps than standard annual raises.
Recruiters ask about expectations to understand how you value yourself.
Confidence and clarity are key to getting the offer you deserve.
Expressing gratitude after the interview can reinforce your value.
Why is it so easy to replay our painful stories—and so hard to let them go?
In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jamie, Jessica, and Coralyn dive into the complicated reality of past trauma, forgiveness, and what it really takes to move forward. From the way we cling to old narratives, to the challenge of celebrating growth instead of bonding over pain, this conversation is both raw and empowering.
The hosts explore why forgiveness is a two-part process (forgiving others and ourselves), how journaling and therapy can help rewrite our stories, and why joy is most often found in small, ordinary moments. You’ll hear insights on setting boundaries with your past, reclaiming your narrative, and finally stepping into freedom.
You’ll learn:
Why we stay attached to painful stories that no longer serve us
How forgiveness can unlock healing and growth
The surprising role of journaling and therapy in rewriting your narrative
Why people bond over trauma but struggle to celebrate success
How to find joy in ordinary, everyday moments
Why acknowledging pain matters—but doesn’t have to define you
Keywords: forgiveness, healing, trauma recovery, personal growth, journaling therapy, rewriting your story, women empowerment, self-forgiveness, moving forward, resilience, mental health, emotional healing, celebrate growth
Why do we always feel so freakin' tired—even when we get enough sleep!?
In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Coralyn, Jamie, and Jessica dig deep into the science and stories behind fatigue. From dopamine burnout and hormonal shifts to sugar crashes and dehydration, they uncover what’s really draining your energy and how to fight back.
You’ll hear practical, doable tips for boosting energy, plus real-life experiences that remind us we’re not alone in the struggle. Whether it’s sunlight, hydration, movement, or even guilt-free naps, this conversation will leave you with tools to recharge both mentally and physically.
Fatigue is both mental and physical, and you need to address both.
Dopamine burnout from constant distractions can increase exhaustion.
Hormonal changes play a big role in women’s energy levels.
Sugar spikes and crashes directly affect fatigue.
Hydration and sunlight are essential energy boosters.
Short bursts of movement can instantly refresh your body.
Social connections and friendships provide psychological energy.
Napping can be restorative—ditch the guilt.
Self-awareness is the first step to managing fatigue.
Taking proactive steps helps prevent chronic tiredness.
What happens when you refuse to wait for the “perfect time” to chase your dream?
In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, host Jessica sits down with Caleb Cowden—the podcast’s very first male guest—to talk about the grit, strategy, and mindset it takes to grow a business while keeping a full-time corporate career. Caleb shares his own entrepreneurial journey, from launching ventures to advising business owners on how to prepare for their best possible exit.
The conversation dives into the power of intentionality, why risk is inevitable, and the unique challenges women face in entrepreneurship. You’ll hear practical tips on building a team you can trust, balancing your time between a side hustle and a day job, and tracking key metrics like EBITDA to ensure you’re steering your business toward success.
If you’ve ever wondered how to define success on your own terms—or how to turn preparedness into opportunity—this is your blueprint.
You’ll learn:
Why entrepreneurs can’t afford to wait for the “perfect” moment to start
How to balance corporate work with side hustle growth
The crucial role of building a strong, aligned team
Why women entrepreneurs face different challenges—and how to navigate them
The financial numbers every business owner should track
How risk and failure shape long-term success
Why your network defines your trajectory
What’s holding women back from getting ahead at work? It’s not just the glass ceiling—it’s silence.
In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, we’re talking about why self-advocacy is no longer optional. Coralyn, Jamie, and Jessica get real about confidence, rejection, the gender pay gap, and why telling your own story isn’t arrogance—it’s strategy. From building your “brag file” to leveraging allies at work, we explore how women can speak up, own their accomplishments, and advocate for the leadership roles they deserve.
You’ll hear powerful stories, personal wins, and honest truths about what it takes to rise in a world where we’re still fighting for equal seats—and equal pay.
Takeaways
Women remain underrepresented in leadership across industries.
The gender pay gap is real—and it’s not closing fast enough.
You don’t get what you deserve; you get what you ask for.
Confidence often has to be built through action, not waiting.
Storytelling is a tool for recognition and growth.
Keeping a “brag file” helps document your wins and silence your doubts.
Allies can amplify your voice—but you still need to speak.
Being brave in your career benefits more than just you.
Ever walk into a room and feel someone’s energy before they even speak?
In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jamie, Jessica, and Coralyn explore the often-unspoken power of energy—how we carry it, how it’s received, and how it shapes every room we enter. Through honest stories and practical wisdom, they unpack the emotional ripple effects of our presence, both in personal relationships and professional settings. From recovering after a bad mood to the long-term impact of our emotional legacy, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to lead, love, and live with more intention.
Takeaways
The energy you bring into a room matters.
Being intentional about your energy can shift the atmosphere.
Personal experiences shape how we perceive and project energy.
Balancing different energies in relationships is crucial.
Faking it until you make it can help overcome negative moods.
Compliments can significantly impact someone's day.
Authenticity is key in managing others' experiences.
Self-awareness is essential in leadership.
Your emotional legacy is what you leave behind.
How you want people to feel should guide your actions.
What if the key to your peace… is simply letting go?
In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Coralyn, Jamie, and Jessica dive into Mel Robbins’ viral concept from her book Let Them—and why it’s changing the way women approach relationships, boundaries, and self-worth. From heartbreaks to heated work dynamics, they explore what happens when we stop trying to control others and start taking radical responsibility for our own emotional growth.
This isn’t just about relationships—it’s about freedom.
With raw stories, big laughs, and powerful truths, this conversation invites you to release the pressure, embrace your authenticity, and choose peace over perfection.
Top Takeaways:
Empowerment often starts with letting go, not holding on.
Mel Robbins’ Let Them is a wake-up call for emotional boundaries and self-awareness.
You can't control others—only how you show up.
Let them ghost you. Let them criticize. Let them shine. Let them go.
Personal growth thrives when you stop managing other people’s expectations.
Boundaries are an act of self-respect, not rejection.
Your energy is better spent growing than pleasing.
Keywords: empowerment, women, Mel Robbins, Let Them, personal growth, relationships, self-discovery, emotional intelligence, resilience, boundaries
Can Women Really Be Friends at Work? Breaking the Rivalry Mindset
What if the biggest barrier to female leadership isn’t the glass ceiling — but each other?
In this honest and empowering episode of Lead Like a Girl, the hosts dive into the complex dynamics of female rivalry versus camaraderie in the workplace. Through raw personal stories and hard truths, they unpack how a scarcity mindset and unspoken competition between women can hold us all back—and what it looks like when we replace it with support, mentorship, and real connection.
From unexpected support that changed the game to rivalries that revealed deeper insecurities, this conversation is full of practical insights for any woman navigating professional relationships.
Takeaways:
– Female rivalry is real—and often unspoken—but it doesn't have to define us.
– Scarcity mindset fuels unnecessary competition among women.
– Personal stories can help decode the roots of workplace tension.
– Support and mentorship are powerful tools for growth and healing.
– Camaraderie isn’t just nice—it’s necessary for leadership success.
– Confidence, not comparison, is the real competitive edge.
Is your training actually building leaders—or just checking boxes?
In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jamie, Jessica, and Coralyn dive deep into the heart of effective training, coaching, and mentorship. They share personal stories of what works (and what flops) when trying to develop people—whether in the office, on the field, or in life. From the importance of building trust and setting clear expectations to the power of adaptability and purpose-driven instruction, this conversation is a must for anyone leading a team.
You’ll walk away with practical takeaways and a reminder: the best leaders are always coaching—with compassion, clarity, and consistency.
🔑 Takeaways
– Effective coaching starts with trust and clarity.
– Train the person, not just for the task or the numbers.
– Demonstrate first, then delegate.
– Clear goals + consistent follow-up = confident teams.
– Don’t skip the basics—foundation beats flash.
Why do so many strong, capable women still feel the need to say “sorry” all the time?
In this episode, we unpack the everyday habit of over-apologizing—and how it's quietly chipping away at your confidence and credibility. From real-life “say this, not that” swaps to powerful mindset shifts, we’re diving into the language that holds us back and how to reframe it to show up as the leader you already are. This conversation is both a call-in and a call-out—to speak clearly, stand tall, and stop shrinking ourselves to make others comfortable.Takeaways:– Over-apologizing weakens your message and presence.– Women often say "sorry" to seem polite, but it can come off as insecure.– Leadership starts with confident, clear communication.– Assertiveness and kindness are not opposites—you can do both.– “Taking up space” is a leadership skill, not something to be ashamed of.– Say what you mean, and stop over-explaining your worth.– Accountability doesn’t require constant apology—it requires honesty.– Replacing apology language with empowered phrasing builds trust.– The words you choose shape how you're perceived.– Let’s support each other in ditching the default “sorry” and speaking with strength.
When dads show up — or don’t — daughters carry those stories into every part of life.In this powerful episode of Lead Like a Girl, we open up about the complicated, beautiful, and sometimes painful realities of father-daughter relationships. Through personal stories and honest reflection, we explore how our experiences with our fathers — whether present, absent, or somewhere in between — have shaped our self-esteem, our romantic choices, and our view of men.
From divorce and co-parenting challenges to the deep need for forgiveness and healing, this conversation gets real about the emotional impact fathers have on their daughters’ lives. We talk about the generational cycles that can be broken, the responsibility fathers hold, and the support moms can give to nurture these crucial bonds.
If you’ve ever wrestled with your relationship with your dad—or if you’re a parent navigating this with your own kids—you’ll find truth, hope, and healing here.
The impact of father-daughter relationships on future romantic choices
How fathers shape daughters' self-esteem and trust in men
Co-parenting and divorce: protecting kids from generational damage
Honest conversations about absent or inconsistent fathers
Forgiveness as a powerful tool for personal healing
The vital role moms play in supporting father-daughter relationships
Breaking family cycles and choosing a different future
Why daughters need their fathers just as much as sons do
It's never too late to repair and rebuild the relationship