BAM - Badass Moms

In this episode, hosts Lori and Jenny sit down with Michelle Jolene for an inspiring conversation about rewriting your story at any stage of life.

Michelle opens up about her extraordinary journey—moving to Russia with her husband, raising her children abroad, and returning to the U.S., where she embraced midlife reinvention, discovered her true sexuality, and chose to live authentically. 

Michelle dives into navigating life’s biggest transitions, from empty nesting and facing loss to writing a book, traveling, and pursuing new passions. 

Packed with heart, courage, and real talk, Michelle’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to break expectations and claim your next chapter.

Contact:
Michelle Jolene
https://www.emptynestrebellion.com/

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In this episode, Lori and Jenny discuss Jenny's personal, 17-year journey with breast implants, tracing everything from her initial decision in her 30s to her choice to ultimately have them removed. 

The conversation delves into the physical and emotional aspects of plastic surgery, examining how body image, second opinions, and trusting one's surgeon play critical roles in the decision-making process. 

Jenny reflects on her recovery and what it was like living with implants for nearly two decades, before sharing her experience with implant removal and the subsequent transition toward deeper body acceptance and self-image. 

Ultimately, the episode highlights the importance of aligning medical and body modification decisions with personal values, recognizing that choices about one's body are deeply personal and naturally evolve over time.

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In this episode, Melissa Knowles shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, transitioning from a personal trainer to a high-level Vice President in the tech space.

She dives deep into the evolution of her leadership style, the power of vulnerability, and the realities of balancing a demanding career with motherhood.

From navigating business failures and company layoffs to celebrating major tech acquisitions, Melissa offers a masterclass in resilience, persistent networking, and finding purpose through adversity. She also opens up about women’s health and the importance of self-care.

Contact:
linkedin.com/in/melissa-knowles-26335b90

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In this episode of BAM - Bad Ass Moms, we dive deep into women’s health, empowerment, and transitions with guest Becca Borden. Transitioning from a successful career in corporate HR to becoming a dedicated menopause coach, Becca shares her personal and professional journey navigating the often-misunderstood phases of perimenopause and menopause.

The conversation breaks down actionable, science-backed health strategies that every woman needs to thrive as she ages. From the foundational role of sleep and targeted nutritional adjustments to the transformative power of strength training, 

Becca provides a roadmap for women to reclaim their vitality. Additionally, the episode addresses the crucial, yet frequently overlooked, need for better communication and structural support for women navigating menopause within the corporate workplace.

Contact
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccaborden/
https://hotstuffcoaching.com/about-menopause-coaching

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What happens when you trade the security of a classroom for the unpredictability of entrepreneurship? In this episode, Lori and Jenny sit down with LaVonna Roth, a former educator turned entrepreneur, to explore her inspiring journey of personal and professional transformation.

LaVonna breaks down her signature SHINE framework (Self, Heart, Inspire, Navigate), a powerful blueprint designed to help leaders unlock emotional intelligence, embrace vulnerability, and build unstoppable organizations rooted in authentic relationships. Drawing on a brilliant firefly analogy—where synchronizing strengths drastically increases collective success—she shares how shining together can transform both lives and business cultures.

From the logistics and mindset shifts of relocating her life to navigating the delicate dance of family dynamics, guilt, and self-care as an entrepreneur, LaVonna opens up about the real, raw moments that shape a leader. 

Whether you are looking to scale your business, step into your own power, or find balance amid the chaos, this conversation is a masterclass in leading with heart and leaning into your unique story.

Connect
Website
https://www.igniteyourshine.com/

Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavonnaroth/

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/igniteyourshinenow/

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Ever wondered what it would actually look like to pack up your family and move to Europe for a year?
 
In this episode of BAM, we sit down with my dear friend, neighbor, and Bad Ass Mom, Kelsey Bennett. We go behind the scenes of her family’s life-changing move to Spain—from the initial "what if" to the reality of navigating a new culture and language with kids in tow.

Beyond the travel adventures, Kelsey shares her professional heart as a counselor and the inspiration behind her course, Becoming Mama. We dive into:

• The logistics and emotional "scary parts" of a massive career and lifestyle pivot.
• What living abroad teaches you about parenting and community.
• How to embrace the "Big Life" by doing the hard things first.

Whether you’re dreaming of your own international escape or just need a push to step out of your comfort zone, this conversation is packed with the inspiration you need to make your next big move.

Connect with Kelsey
https://fullbloomcounseling.com/team/kelsey-bennett/
https://stephaniemaywilson.com/becomingmama

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In this episode, we explore the transformative journey of Shawn Brokemond, who walked away from a stable teaching career to follow her passion for adventure and fitness. Shawn opens up about the "tipping point" that led her to quit her 9-to-5 and how she navigated the challenges of building a business from the ground up. By blending her love for nature with a unique coaching philosophy that values real-world experience over simple certifications, she has created a powerful platform that empowers women to reclaim their health and live more boldly.

The conversation delves into the deep connection between movement and mental health, highlighting how outdoor training can serve as a vital tool for overcoming trauma and building lasting confidence. Shawn shares personal stories of facing her own fears—from the adrenaline of high-stakes adventures to the unexpected nerves of public speaking—while offering practical advice for anyone looking to step out of their comfort zone.

 It is an inspiring look at the intersection of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the relentless pursuit of a life lived without limits.

Contact Shawn

https://www.sportadven.com/

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In this episode, we’re joined by executive coach, leadership facilitator, and author Melissa Churchard Hannon. Melissa has spent more than three decades helping teams and leaders build stronger cultures, improve collaboration, and lead with intention.

She shares her journey from experiential education and corporate team development to becoming a trusted coach for leaders navigating complex workplaces. We also dive into her new book, Unscripted: How Women Holding It All Together at Home, at Work, and Inside Can Start Choosing Themselves Again, where Melissa explores the hidden “scripts” many of us follow without realizing it—and how those expectations shape our careers, relationships, and sense of self.

Together, we talk about leadership, burnout, workplace culture, and the importance of challenging the assumptions that keep us stuck. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about choosing alignment over autopilot and redefining what success really looks like.

Contact Melissa

https://melissachannon.com/

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Shawnta Hooks discusses her journey from a corporate career in financial services to becoming a mindfulness advocate and entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in leadership, stress management, and personal growth. 

Shawnta shares practical tips for integrating mindfulness into daily life, the significance of presence in parenting, and how to cultivate a mindful workplace culture. The discussion also touches on the challenges of navigating disruption and the need for self-care in today's overstimulated world.

Contact
https://www.shawntahooks.com/

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In this engaging conversation, Madeleine Pollak shares her journey from the media industry to executive coaching, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, collaboration, and personal growth. 

She discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career, the emotional toll of documentary production, and the significance of addressing bullying in children. 

As an empty nester, Madeleine reflects on the transition to this new phase of life, the power of coaching in the workplace, and the joy of pursuing new hobbies and passions. Her insights offer valuable advice for parents and professionals alike.

Contact

https://pollakproductionsconsulting.com/

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