Community Good with Marney Andes

In this final episode of Community Good, Marney is joined by Karen Olson, founder and CEO emeritus of Family Promise. This national organization has helped over one million people experiencing homelessness. Karen shares how a single act of noticing—a moment of connection with a woman on the street—sparked a lifetime of advocacy, leadership, and impact.

Together, Marney and Karen explore how values-driven work shapes not only our legacy but also how we navigate each season of life. They discuss the evolution of Family Promise, the challenges of nonprofit leadership, and what it looks like to stay grounded in compassion in a world that often pulls us away from it.

As the closing chapter of Community Good, this episode serves as a powerful reminder of how doing good in your community begins with paying attention, following through, and trusting that one small act can truly change everything.

More about Karen Olson:

Karen Olson is the founder and CEO emeritus of Family Promise, a nonprofit organization that began with a single local initiative and evolved into a national movement to support families experiencing homelessness. Under her leadership, the organization expanded to over 200 affiliates nationwide, mobilizing more than 200,000 volunteers annually.

Karen is also a writer, speaker, and lifelong advocate whose reflections on faith, community, and service have helped inspire people to lead with purpose and compassion. Her work has earned her numerous national awards and recognition, but she remains grounded in the belief that real change always begins with small, intentional acts.

Today, she continues to write and speak on topics of leadership, personal transformation, and aligning your actions with your deepest values.

www.karenolsonauthor.com

Facebook: Karen Olson Author

Instagram: @karen.olson.author

Connect with Marney:

Insta: @shelives.intentionally

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

In this episode of Community Good, Marney Andes shares the 'should storm' concept that women face, exploring societal, familial, and self-imposed expectations. She shares personal anecdotes about aging and beauty standards, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and community support. Through the lens of her Bloom workshop, Marney encourages listeners to observe their mindsets and challenge the 'shoulds' that limit them. The conversation culminates in discussing the top five 'shoulds' women encounter, advocating for a shift in perspective and action towards empowerment and authenticity.

Main Topics

00:00 The Power of Connection

05:59 Breaking Cycles in Career Development

11:58 The Journey into Recruiting

18:10 Challenging Traditional Hiring Practices

23:58 Redefining Career Mindsets

31:32 The Power of Specialization

39:00 Making Choices and Taking Action

49:51 Redefining Community and Support for Women

Connect with Marney:

Insta: @shelives.intentionally

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

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In this episode of Community Good, Marney Andes and Sylvia Torres explore breaking traditional career cycles, counterculture recruiting, and the power of community support—especially for women. Sylvia shares her journey into recruiting, highlighting the importance of challenging conventional hiring practices and recognizing new opportunities. Together, they discuss the freedom of portfolio careers, the value of specialization, and the courage to pursue diverse career paths. This episode is a call to action for redefining success, embracing passions, and taking bold steps toward an intentional, fulfilling professional life.

Main Topics

00:00 The Power of Connection

05:59 Breaking Cycles in Career Development

11:58 The Journey into Recruiting

18:10 Challenging Traditional Hiring Practices

23:58 Redefining Career Mindsets

31:32 The Power of Specialization

39:00 Making Choices and Taking Action

49:51 Redefining Community and Support for Women

More about Sylvia Torres:

Sylvia Torres is the kind of person who turns “what if” into “why not?” Her journey began as a teen mom with big dreams and a fearless determination to discover her path. Fast-forward to today: Sylvia founded Switchboard, a boutique hiring agency that connects small businesses and startups with the talent they need to thrive. But she’s not just a recruiter—she’s a career strategist, writer, and coach for bold women pursuing non-traditional ways of making a living.

Through her publications, Where to Start and Girl Friday, Sylvia shares practical job search wisdom and unfiltered stories about taking risks, embracing quirks, and crafting a life outside the lines. Known for her nontraditional approach to work and life, she inspires others to rethink what’s possible and take charge of their narratives. Whether she’s on stage speaking, coaching, or penning her next piece, Sylvia is a storyteller at heart—one who helps people turn ambition into action.

Websites: https://substack.com/@sylviatorres

Connect with Marney:

Insta: @shelives.intentionally

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

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In this episode of Community Good, Marney Andes and Christina Joymon dive into the intersection of clarity, values, and action as they discuss the unique journeys of women navigating male-dominated fields. Christina shares her career evolution from engineering to entrepreneurship, illustrating how aligning decisions with personal values fosters fulfillment and success. The conversation uncovers the challenges women face in the workplace, including cultural inclusion and the need for a supportive community.

Christina highlights her experience building empathy-driven communities, the power of shared stories, and the role of self-discovery in empowering the next generation of women. They also explore the importance of self-care, quiet reflection, and cultivating strong partnerships to thrive in personal and professional spaces. Together, they emphasize how women can proactively navigate complexities and take decisive action to create supportive, inclusive environments for diverse backgrounds.

Main Topics

00:00 Introduction to Clarity and Career Paths

04:51 Christina's Journey: From Engineering to Entrepreneurship

08:29 Finding Clarity: Aligning Values with Decisions

16:22 Navigating Challenges: Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Field

20:54 Empowerment and Self-Discovery: Knowing Your Worth

26:33 Cultural Inclusion: Bridging Gaps Through Community Engagement

28:27 Building Community Through Shared Experiences

30:39 Taking Action: The Power of Decisiveness

34:19 The Importance of Self-Care and Quiet Time

39:04 Navigating Relationships: The Need for Partnership

46:08 Understanding Values in Relationships

More about Christina Joymon:

Christina Joymon is a trailblazer in engineering and entrepreneurship. With a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from Drexel University and a Master’s in Systems Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, she broke barriers as the first Asian woman to serve as President of the IEEE at her university. Christina’s career spans prestigious engineering roles, including her work as a Systems Engineer and Project Manager at BAE Systems, where she earned multiple accolades for innovation and leadership.

As the Founder of XIA Capital, Christina has spent over a decade helping others launch tech innovations with a focus on Artificial Intelligence and sustainability. Her passion for inspiring others extends beyond STEM—she’s also an award-winning novelist whose debut, Royal Planet, explores meaningful topics like colorism, adoption, and self-worth through an engaging, symbolic narrative.

A sought-after speaker, Christina has keynoted conferences like LeadHERship, championing equity and inclusion in STEM. When she’s not driving innovation, Christina enjoys running, family adventures, and fostering a spirit of curiosity and connection in everything she does.

Insta: @christina.joymon

Websites: www.christinaj.com

Connect with Marney:

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

Insta: @shelives.intentionally

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In this episode of Community Good, Marney Andes and Bree Johnson discuss how women can heal from workplace harm, set boundaries, and find empowerment beyond the limitations of traditional employment law through community and self-discovery. Bree shares her transformative journey from a successful legal career to founding a company focused on healing workplace culture. She discusses the limitations of traditional employment law in addressing workplace harm and introduces the concept of 'work wounds,' characterized by bullying, bad behavior, and feelings of betrayal. Bree emphasizes the importance of empowerment through setting boundaries and self-discovery while addressing the systemic challenges women face in the workplace. The conversation concludes with a focus on the significance of community as a source of healing and support.

Main Topics

00:00 Journey of Resilience and Transformation

04:56 The Limitations of Traditional Employment Law

09:56 Understanding Work Wounds: The Three B's

15:02 Empowerment and Redefining Work Relationships

19:59 Healing Work Wounds: A Framework for Change

25:05 Navigating Systemic Challenges in the Workplace

34:28 Transforming Individual Well-Being into Systemic Change

37:33 Navigating Workplace Wellness: Individual Choices and Organizational Culture

38:45 Setting Boundaries for Personal and Professional Growth

40:12 Self-Discovery Through Personality Insights

42:30 The Heart of Community: Connection and Support

More about Bree Johnson:

Bree Johnson is a changemaker who founded Executive Unschool, built on the premise that leadership is an inside job. Executive Unschool delivers cutting-edge executive leadership, well-being, and mindfulness programs for companies and teams.

Having served as a COO and employment law attorney, Bree Johnson discovered that her worth in work wasn’t working. This personal journey led her to a new path, where she now assists leaders in overcoming professional setbacks and work wounds to reveal their authentic leadership. Her podcast, The Untamed Mind, delves into well-being, work culture, and conscious leadership.

Insta: @breejohnsonofficial

Websites: www.executiveunschool.com |www.bree-johnson.com

Connect with Marney:

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

https://www.instagram.com/marneyandes

https://www.facebook.com/marneyandesauthor

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In this episode of Community Good, Marney Andes, and Allison Jackson explore the evolution of wellness journeys, focusing on the transition from competitive fitness to holistic well-being. They discuss the importance of self-compassion, the role of play in adult life, and the societal pressures that often prevent women from prioritizing their joy and fun. The dialogue emphasizes mindfulness as a tool for enhancing daily experiences and managing stress while addressing the guilt that often accompanies self-care. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to embrace their unique wellness journeys and find joy.

Main Topics

00:00 Introduction to Wellness Journeys

04:20 Transitioning from Competition to Wellness

10:30 The Importance of Play and Fun

18:29 Overcoming Guilt and Societal Expectations

24:28 Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life

30:44 Creating Boundaries for Self-Care

More about Allison Jackson:

After hitting 50, Allison quickly realized that all aspects of her definition of wellness would need to shift. From marathoner to competitive pro bodybuilder to yogi and sound healer, Allison will take you along her journey as she learns what it means to have a “healthy lifestyle” in this new era.  

As a speaker for women's retreats, trade organizations, and corporate groups, she aims to help burned-out corporate professionals prioritize their wellness through mindfulness, nutrition, and movement. She’s also a certified meditation instructor, nutrition coach, personal trainer, yoga instructor, and sound healer.

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

https://www.allisonjacksonfitness.com/

Connect with Marney:

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

https://www.instagram.com/marneyandes

https://www.facebook.com/marneyandesauthor

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In this episode of Community Good, Marney Andes and Julie Applegate explore the benefits and barriers of women in community. The benefits include increased psychological well-being, improved sense of belonging and self-efficacy, and enhanced personal and professional development. The barriers include fear of judgment and vulnerability, internalized misogyny and competition, lack of trust or previous negative experiences, and time constraints and competing responsibilities. Marney and Julie share personal experiences and discuss the importance of women supporting each other's growth. The conversation ends with a call to action to reach out to another woman, celebrate and support each other, and prioritize self-care.

Main Topics

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

00:29 The Benefits of Women in Community

09:01 Barriers to Women Seeking Support in Community

17:05 Supporting Women's Growth and Development

23:26 Taking Small Steps to Build Community

30:36 Conclusion and Call to Action

Connect with Marney:

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

https://www.instagram.com/marneyandes

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Marney and Julie Applegate discuss the 'should storm' concept and how it affects women.

Main Topics

00:00 Introduction

02:27 Defining the Should Storm

14:40 The Cost of Internalizing Shoulds

26:46 Questioning and Reframing Shoulds

31:44 Releasing Shoulds and Seeking Support

33:44 Creating a Community that Challenges Societal Norms

Connect with Marney:

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

https://www.instagram.com/marneyandes

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Dani Holliday, current Mrs. Colorado 2023, is a trailblazer in many ways. Aside from her title-winning persona, she carries abundant wisdom forged from the life experiences that shaped her into the strong role model she is today. In her conversation with Marney, Dani pulls back the curtain to reveal her unique story through heartbreak and healing. In her youth, Dani’s first love was competitive gymnastics. When she suffered a series of life-altering injuries, she made the difficult decision to give up her dream of becoming a college gymnast. Spiraling from chronic pain and her severed identity, Dani became dependent on opioids. Her highly functioning addiction took her on a journey of self-discovery that changed her life.

Falling in love with her now husband and becoming a bonus mom was the turning point Dani needed to deal with her opioid dependency. Utilizing therapy and self-reflection, she was able to free herself from the grip of opioids. Now she uses various platforms to share her story in hopes of helping others experiencing similar struggles. Building a non-traditional family has only strengthened her resolve to set appropriate boundaries and live in alignment with her authentic self.  Dani is now an advocate for those struggling with infertility as she draws from her own journey with IVF. While earning the title of Mrs. Colorado boosted her reach, Dani’s mission to support women extends far beyond her platform as a pageant competitor. 

Main Topics

Marney finds her platform in the pageant world (04:30)

The woman behind the title of Mrs. Colorado (08:40)

Dani Holliday beyond her public persona (11:44)

Dani’s early life as a competitive gymnast (13:15)

Multiple surgeries led to an opioid addiction (18:50)

Becoming a bonus parent inspired her sobriety (21:45)

Uncovering core wounds through counseling (24:45)

Support for opioid dependents (28:20)

Using personal struggle as inspiration for others (31:40)

Dani’s journey with infertility and non-traditional family life (34:30)

Parenting a multiracial child (41:00)

Episode Links

https://mrscolorado.com/mrscolorado

Connect with Dani:

https://www.instagram.com/mrs_colorado_2023

https://www.facebook.com/daniellemuss

Connect with Marney:

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

https://www.instagram.com/marneyandes

https://www.facebook.com/marneyandesauthor

https://www.tiktok.com/@marneyandeslessons

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Marney pauses to reflect on the lessons she’s learning and practicing and to thank listeners for walking this journey alongside her. In a relatively short span of time, she published a book, left her job in executive leadership, and started a podcast. Investing time and energy into building new platforms is a deeply rewarding experience. Marney is now taking the time to reflect back on her process and glean valuable lessons from her successes and mistakes. Much in alignment with the theme of her book, she believes we all have wisdom inside us from our life experiences. Harnessing that wisdom as a resource for building the next phase of life requires stillness and honesty. In pushing herself to new growth edges, Marney announces a new direction for her podcast. She will continue sharing her own and other people’s stories, but now she wants to dive deeper into even more impactful territory. After a short hiatus with the podcast, she’ll be back with a fresh name and laser-sharp focus on asking hard questions and exploring truths. 

Main Topics

Marney reflects on her book Start With the Give-Me Shots (00:30)

Her reasons for starting her podcast (02:30)

The shift from a corporate job to running her own consulting business (04:00)

New direction for diving deep with the podcast (06:15)

Episode Links

https://www.marneyandes.com/the-book

Connect with Marney:

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

https://www.instagram.com/marneyandes

https://www.facebook.com/marneyandesauthor

https://www.tiktok.com/@marneyandeslessons

Listen, rate, and subscribe!