Picture this: a young girl wearing neon tights and wild hairstyles confidently walks through the halls of her middle school, undeterred by the whispers of doubt around her. 

What gives her such boldness? 

It’s the unwavering belief of her single mother, a woman who taught her to embrace individuality and chase her passions. 

That girl grew up to become Devin Vander Voort–an art advisor, content creator, and host of Art World Up Close. 

In this week’s episode, Amy chats with Devon to uncover the pivotal moments, lessons, and relationships that shaped her journey. Devon offers inspiring anecdotes and practical advice for young women striving to lead. Whether you're a middle schooler exploring your identity, or a college student seeking mentors, Devon’s story is packed with relatable insights and actionable advice.

Key Topics Discussed: 

• How Devon’s mom fostered her individuality by encouraging her to embrace self-expression, no matter how unconventional

• Devon shares how cultural discovery can be a deeply personal and creative journey 

• Practical tips for finding mentors 

• How exploring interests in small ways can lead to transformative opportunities

• The importance of leveraging community resources to explore your passions and grow your skills 

Connect with Devon here!

Instagram: @deveyss

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

Imagine discovering a passion that helps you find clarity amid chaos, builds resilience during life’s toughest moments, and unlocks confidence you never knew you had. 

That’s exactly what happened to Kelsey Hunt, a South African student and competitive archer who overcame financial struggles and self-doubt to achieve her dreams. 

In this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Kelsey, where she shares her journey of self-funding her education, balancing multiple responsibilities, and discovering a love for competitive archery. Through resilience, time management, and embracing her unique path, Kelsey’s story offers a blueprint for tackling challenges with confidence and grit. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

• How prioritizing what matters to you will lead to long-term success

• Kelsey shares how stepping out of her comfort zone led to finding a de-stressing passion that became a source of confidence and community

• Methods to help tackle overwhelming schedules 

• The importance of finding activities that bring joy to help maintain balance and prevent burnout

Kelsey’s story is proof that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to incredible opportunities and personal growth. 

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

What does it take to overcome life’s toughest challenges while chasing your dreams? 

 Imagine balancing Olympic-level training with a devastating cancer diagnosis–or spending years on the sidelines, told you’ll never make the team, yet refusing to give up.  

Karlie Kisha did all of this and more.  

In this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Karlie Kisha–Olympic field hockey player, cancer survivor, and passionate mentor for young women. From her small-town roots in Pennsylvania to the global stage, Karlie shares how she turned setbacks into stepping stones and why embracing resilience, self-awareness, and teamwork can transform not only your life but those around you.  

Key Topics Discussed:

• Karlie shares how she overcame the emotional and physical challenges of a cancer diagnosis while preparing for the Olympics, emphasizing the power of mental toughness and self-belief

• How fostering teamwork and mutual growth creates a winning environment

• The value of perseverance in the face of adversity

• How involvement in diverse activities–sports, hobbies, or clubs–helps build resilience and versatility

Karlie’s story is not just about winning medals but about redefining leadership, perseverance, and self-belief. Whether you’re a college student navigating challenges, or an aspiring leader looking for inspiration, Karlie’s journey offers a roadmap to greatness!

Connect with Karlie here!

Instagram: @karlie_kisha

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

Have you ever felt like you’d found “your people,” only to realize they weren’t the right fit after all? 

Or struggled to recover after being iced out by a group of friends? 

In this week’s episode, Amy and Jillian Spaeder–an actress, singer, writer, and director–explore the ups and downs of friendships, the signs of healthy versus toxic relationships, and the importance of maintaining your independence. Jillian offers a behind-the-scenes look at her artistic journey, the lessons she’s learned about connecting with others, and tips for finding “your people” in every stage of life. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

• How authentic friendships take time and effort

• How to identify red flags like gossip, one-sided effort, and lack of support

• Mutual respect and actions over words are key indicators of genuine friendships

• The importance of balancing friendships, personal goals, and self-growth to thrive as a leader 

This episode is a must-listen if you are someone who wants to embrace leadership, foster meaningful connections, and build resilience. 

Connect with Jillian here!

Instagram: @jillianshaespaeder

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

What happens when your dream path takes you to unexpected destinations? 

In this week’s episode, Amy connects with Kaelyn Grace Apple–a Yale PhD candidate, content creator, and former professional equestrian–to explore the art of finding your path. Kaelyn shares her inspiring story of transitioning from the world of competitive horseback riding to academia, revealing how resilience, grit, and adaptability shaped her journey.  Designed for young women striving to lead authentic and balanced lives, this conversation is filled with practical advice on discovering your passions, managing stress, and redefining success on your own terms.

Key Topics Discussed: 

• How committing to a path, even temporarily, can uncover new interests

• Knowing when to pivot in your career or education 

• Structuring an “ideal week” to balance commitments and self-care

• Staying intentional and purposeful with your time 

Join us for a powerful conversation that will inspire you to embrace change, overcome self-doubt, and create a life fueled by purpose and perseverance.

Connect with Kaelyn here!

Instagram: @kaelyngraceapple

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

Have you ever been standing at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take, yet knowing deep down that the way forward is through courage and self-discovery? 

In this week’s episode, Amy is joined by Damini Parkhi, exploring the transformative power of vulnerability, acceptance, and self-awareness. Damini shares her personal journey as an adoptee, recounting her experiences of navigating identity and cultural differences while building emotional resilience. Together, they unravel the complexities of identity, belonging, and relationships, offering practical tools for young girls who aspire to lead with courage and authenticity.

Key Topics Discussed: 

• The challenges of being abandoned as a newborn and the emotional impact of closed adoption systems

• Strategies for managing the uncertainties and emotional struggles adoptees face

• The importance of building mental strength to handle constant transitions and emotional shifts 

• How patience and understanding play a pivotal role in nurturing relationships

Whether you’re managing friendships, exploring leadership roles, or learning to prioritize self-care, this episode has something for you. 

Connect with Damini here!

Instagram: @damini_parkhi

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

How do you balance independence with guidance and find resilience in every challenge? 

In this week’s episode, Amy talks with Raena Worley, a University of Kentucky gymnast, about navigating these questions on her journey to becoming a young female leader. Growing up with a strong role model in her mother, Raena reflects on the impact of homeschooling, learning from family dynamics, and the importance of developing her own style of quiet yet effective leadership. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Embrace the process of balancing independence with guidance, recognizing the value of support while building confidence in your own choices

• Leadership is not about being the loudest; it’s about showing up, even when it is hard

• The importance of empathy and understanding in family relationships, particularly during periods of change and growth

• How leaders are shaped by how they navigate hard days

• How small acts and a positive attitude can inspire those around you more than you realize 

Tune in to be inspired by Raena’s journey and learn how young leaders can navigate challenges and make choices that lead to their dreams.

Connect with Raena here!

Instagram: @raeworles23

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

As a young adult, balancing society’s expectations while feeling the weight of your future resting on the decisions you’re making right now can feel overwhelming. 

In this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Leah Leverich to dive into what it truly means to prepare for the future with confidence. Leah, a recent high school graduate and social media manager, shares her journey of exploring career paths, gaining financial literacy, and building confidence in her unique path, a journey she hopes will inspire other young women navigating their own choices. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

• The benefits of exploring options early through job shadowing, internships, and part-time work to discover your strengths and weaknesses

• Leah recounts her decision to pursue a career instead of the expected college path, embracing entrepreneurship and financial independence, and encouraging others to stay true to themselves, even when it’s different from the crowd

• Practical tips for building a secure financial foundation through budgeting basics, saving in high-yield accounts, and starting early with investments like IRAs 

• How a straightforward approach to budgeting is essential for transitioning to adult life with confidence

• The challenges of feeling left out and the importance of creating a support system through networking, local events, and like-minded events 

Join us on this journey toward confident, informed decision-making–wherever your path may lead!

Connect with Leah Leverich here!

Instagram: @decisiondaypodcast @leahleverichh

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

In a world where female athletes are often expected to “push through” the pain and stress, Maddie Williams challenges young women to embrace mental health as a crucial part of their journey. 

In this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Maddie, a dedicated D1 gymnast and mental health advocate, to uncover the hidden challenges that female athletes face. From struggling with performance anxiety in middle school to finding strength in therapy during college, Maddie shares her journey of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of mental wellness in sports. This heartfelt discussion sheds light on how Maddie built her own mental health toolkit, filled with visualization techniques, positive self-talk, and breathing exercises, which have helped her navigate both athletic pressures and academic pursuits. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

• The importance of viewing mental health as essential to overall well-being, especially for athletes who often feel pressure to “stay tough”

• Maddie’s personal experience with anxiety and how reaching out for guidance has been a vital part of her resilience

• Practical strategies for managing stress and staying grounded 

• The unique challenges of being an individual competitor within a team sport, and the balance between personal growth and team responsibilities

Maddie’s journey serves as a reminder that mental health support is a personal journey, and it’s okay to take time finding the right method and person to confide in. 

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

A $500 budget, a love for thrifting, and a lot of heart. 

That’s all Elle Nicole had when she first started flipping vintage finds on Instagram as a high schooler, building what would become a vibrant brand, Elle Nicole. 

In this week’s episode, Amy and Elle dive into the journey from humble beginnings to a thriving business, sharing how she embraced change, expanded her product lines, and turned passion into purpose. Through trial and error and creative determination, Elle evolved her brand into a vibrant, retro-inspired business. She opens up about starting with a small budget, teaching herself design basics on Canva, and navigating the complexities of scaling her business as demand grew. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

• How Elle’s passion for thrifting led to her business idea

• The creative process of designing and producing with minimal funds

• Why Elle transitioned from apparel to accessories and stationery

• Embracing trial and error and letting the business evolve organically

• Practical insights on setting up a business with limited tools, like Canva and Shopify

Tune in to learn how resourcefulness, resilience, and willingness to adapt helped Elle thrive in a competitive industry. And remember–sometimes, all it takes is a small budget and a big passion to launch something extraordinary. 

Connect with Elle Nicole here!

Instagram: @shopellenicole @ellenicolewholesale @smallbizgirltalk

TikTok: @shopellenicoleofficial 

Spotify: Small Biz Girl Talk

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website