Audacity Rising

Dr. Melanie Shoffner is a professor of English Education at James Madison University in Virginia, and she is yet another guest who has been called bossy a time or two. While growing up in North Carolina, she discovered her love of different people and places through her love of literature. It made her feel different then, but has shaped who is today. Although she is in the educational realm, this episode focuses on traveling, being a woman in the workplace, and becoming an independent thinker. The three of us discuss how women are natural caretakers and how this can cause issue with also being bold and confident. She explores what it means to be an audacious woman with poise and insight. This conversation and story will make you think, and maybe make you want to jump on a plane to a new place!

Andrea Hunley is smart, poised, confident, positive and is in her 7th year as principal in the Indianapolis Public School system. Her story isn’t just about inspiring her students each every day (although, she does), but she also opens up about how her particular upbringing has shaped her as a woman, leader, and a black woman. As a multiracial, adopted, and freaking amazing woman, Andrea has a unique perspective which has allowed her to be an incredible mom, educator, wife, and leader. And although she has an incredibly important job, she knows that you must take allow yourself time to do things that your love outside of your job. She will leave you in awe as she discusses her different experiences and accomplishments, but she will also inspire you to love yourself a little more and go for the gold—whatever that may be for you!

Puno is the creator of People Map which is an Instagram tool that allows users to engage efficiently and genuinely with people in this digital world. She work in advertising and gaming and has transitioned into a life as a “slashy” where she can combine multiple creative talents and ideas. We discuss genuine engagement, business creation, and motivations for taking the leap. Puno shares her struggle with worrying, how that impedes productivity and how she was able to navigate that natural tendency. She also shares how to turn your passion into your main career and is honest about the time this could take. It is a well-rounded episode that allows Puno to beautifully share her story and give some great insight!

Traveling is a passion the fuels our souls and we know that it can spark something in all of you. Listen as we explore traveling in this minisode with just us. We discuss our summer plans and how to lean into the relaxing moments that we grab during this time. As you listen, ask yourself what's stopping you from taking your next adventure.

Paul Fishman is a self love coach, podcast host and dance party lover. About 10 years ago, Paul woke up and realized that he was far from being the person he was meant to be. He decided on that day to say yes to him. Paul was able to turn his own pain into purpose (as he likes to say) and uses his lively and beautiful presence to better his clients. Paul shares what being a self love coach really means, how you can love yourself more, and what actions you can take to start living your truth. Listen in and take these 45 minutes to invest more in yourself!

Shannon Brasovan is a Chief Yoga Officer who found her passion for yoga through trials and fires in life. From anger issues to body issues, Shannon shares about her journey to finding peace and love with herself. She began Practice Indie Yoga, and has been leading it for the past five years. She's also the co-owner of Naptown Fitness, and is a regular yogi-inspirer in Indy. Her outlook on yoga isn't your stereotypical outlook; it is extremely inclusive and open-minded. We laugh a ton in this episode because that is just who Shannon is and how she approaches life. Enjoy this episode that explores yoga, spirituality, body image and so much more.

In this minisode we explore different dos and don'ts for women in the workplace. We discuss what things women should think about when supporting new women into their career field and the flip of that. Women going into a new job: what things should you think about? We discuss it all here in this quick chat with Carrie and Taryn.

Monica Dderhammer is the owner of Hoosier Trainer in Brownsburg, IN. After working at a gym for 8 years, Monica found herself in the perfect situation to open a gym. During episode 40, Monica discusses opening a business, her own body image struggles, and doing all of this as a wife and mother. Her honesty and transparency comes through so well as she tells her story of being a gym owner, fitness instructor and personal trainer. Monica also gives sound advice on beginning your fitness journey and shares some interesting "feedback" that she has received along the way. Enjoy!

Episode 39 continues from episode 38 with Lindsey Elliott-Goff. We really focus on how the loss of her father has impacted her life past the initial grieving that occurred right after his death. Lindsey continues to be raw and real about the lessons and struggles that come from losing a parent. She shares how this loss influenced her to take the leap and create Work It Girl Indy, her awesome platform that shares stories of women around Indy.

Let’s Be Frank is a little bit different of an episode for Audacity Rising. While our guests get raw and real about their struggles, this episode solely focuses on a woman who lost her father in her mid-20s. The title is in honor of Lindsey Elliott-Goff’s father, Frank Elliott, and the episode is super frank and up front about grief. Lindsey tells us about what this means in her marriage, work life, and just life in general. We know that women are struggling and surviving in the everyday moments of life, and this is just that. Lindsey is the epitome or strength, authenticity, and vulnerability. We are honored to share her story.